Olympic Games 2008

Intellectual Property Protection In China by Jakedanger

If imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then the Chinese can be very sincere flatterers indeed. But if you prefer prosperity over flattery it would be wise to take precautions against losing your shirt (or at least the rights to it) in one of the world’s most dangerous IP jungles. It isn’t that the legal regime is deficient – it’s enforcement that’s lacking. For the present at least, China is a net importer of intellectual property. A relatively lawless IP environment is advantageous to China’s short-term interests, just as a strictly enforced IP environment suits the interests of net IP exporters such as the United States. This issue has been constant irritant in relations between China and Western nations, as well as Japan. Nevertheless, China’s enforcement of intellectual property has steadily improved in recent years.

Protecting intellectual property (IP) in China requires a multi-pronged strategy including registration, workplace security, employee contracts, commercial contracts and enforcement.

Registrations

China’s IP registration regimes are more or less consistent with international standards.

Trademarks - are protected on a first-to-file basis, with an exception for well-known trademarks. Do not rely on the “well-known” exception, however (unless you are Coca-Cola), because whether a particular trademark is “well-known” or not is a time-consuming argument that keeps IP lawyers in business all over the world. If a trademark uses words, the Chinese language equivalent should also be registered.

China has adopted the international Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement, and has also adopted the international registration regime under the Madrid system.

FIE Business Names – must be in Chinese and registered with the local Administration of Industry and Commerce before an application to set up a Foreign Invested Enterprise can be submitted (see this site’s Company Startup Guide for details on company name registration). Since China does not have a national register of business names, registrations are valid only within a particular locality (and an FIE business name cannot be registered in any location except its location of establishment). Trademark registrations offer better protection in this respect.

Patents & Designs - are protected on a first-to-file basis. China is a member of the Paris Convention, so filings in a member country within applicable time limits can also gain priority in China. More ominously, compulsory licenses may be granted (i) to qualified enterprises if the owner of the patent fails to license the patent on reasonable terms, and (ii) in the event of a national emergency. Because of this, many foreign companies do not register patents for sensitive technology in China. See Technology Transfers and Licensing for related information.

Copyrights - Copyrighted material may be registered with the China National Copyright Administration. As in the United States, copyrights are not granted on a first-to-file basis. Registration does serves as useful evidence of ownership of a copyrighted work, but it is not a legal precondition to enforcement.

Software – is considered copyrighted material and may be registered with the China National Copyright Administration. Registration requires the filing of source code (with some code blacked out). As a consequence, many foreign companies refuse to register their software in China.

Domain Names - are protected on a “first-to-file” basis. A foreign company
must have an FIE or Representative Office in order to register a “.cn” domain name in China.

Workplace Security

It is strongly advised to create a “plumbing” system to control IP leakage in the workplace.

IT systems and any hard copies of IP should be kept in an access-restricted, secure location.

Confidential information should be distributed on a strict “need to know” basis.

Confidential material should be marked “Confidential Information” in Chinese in anticipation of possible litigation in Chinese courts.

Employees

Independently investigate the reputation and trustworthiness of applicants for sensitive positions during the recruitment process.

Labor contracts should be prepared carefully. You should consider including the following in all labor contracts:

Confidentiality obligations

Non-compete clauses - Post-termination non-competition clauses should be limited to a reasonable geographic area and time limit. Compensation is also required to be paid during the period of non-competition.

Assignment – Although China recognizes the work-for-hire principle, the labor contract should clearly assign ownership of intellectual property created in the course of employment; otherwise IP rights may prove practically impossible to enforce against an employee who creates an IP-related work for hire.

Product Selection

Despite the additional tax breaks and incentives available, think carefully before manufacturing products that require new and sensitive technology in China. Components requiring new and sensitive technology may be imported into China in a secure manner for integration with the rest of the product.

Commercial Contracts

Since many commercial arrangements, even sourcing materials and components, can necessitate an exchange of intellectual property, adequate protections should be included in the contracts and associated documentation.

Administrative Enforcement Action

Various government organs have the power to take administrative action against IP infringers:

National Copyright Administration - The NCA is the “big gun” of the Chinese IP enforcement arsenal and is endowed with broad enforcement powers. They may order cessation of the infringing activities, confiscate illegal income, confiscate and destroy illegal copies, and impose fines.

State Administration of Industry and Commerce - The SAIC and its local AICs have a reputation for efficient trademark enforcement action, including investigations and raids. The SAIC also handles disputes regarding business names, registered trademarks, trade secrets, and passing off activities.

Customs - may confiscate products that infringe trademarks, copyrights and patents.

China Patent Office - may help with patent enforcement through investigation, mediation and raids.

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine - may get involved if product quality and health issues are at issue.

Administrative enforcement is a relatively inexpensive and efficient alternative to litigation, and it is easier to win a conviction.

Litigation

If administrative action fails to bring the desired result, litigation may have to be resorted to. Chinese courts can issue injunctions and award damages, although in practice their enforcement powers are typically weaker than in Western nations.

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal liability, including imprisonment, can be imposed for IP violations, although successful prosecutions are rare. Financial thresholds that must be met before criminal liability can be assessed can be difficult to prove. These thresholds include:

RMB50,000 turnover for knowingly selling goods with counterfeit registered trademarks

RMB50,000 turnover or RMB30,000 profits if trademarks are applied to goods without authorization

International Enforcement

Products that infringe intellectual property rights can be interdicted by customs at the destination port. It is also possible to seize the overseas assets of infringers located in China.

Technology Transfers and Licensing

Foreign investors often license technology and intellectual property such as trademarks, patents, copyrighted material and trademarks to the FIEs they invest in. A foreign party may also license technology to unaffiliated Chinese companies, such as in manufacturing or management contracts. Unlike joint venture contracts, licensing contracts can be governed by foreign law.

Proper licensing will help the foreign party control its technology and secure the payment of royalties (registration is required for the latter). Only the brave, however, will dare to license sensitive technology to an entity which the foreign party does not control.

Technology transfers are understandably less common than licensing and are usually used as part of the foreign investor’s contribution of technology to a Foreign Invested Enterprise as Registered Capital.

Technology Restrictions

Chinese foreign trade law recognizes three categories of technology: Permitted, Restricted, and Prohibited. These are contained in a catalogue that lists specific technologies.

Permitted technology is simply technology which has not been classified as Restricted or Prohibited.

Restricted technology may not be imported without a license, and is generally related to the chemical, petrochemical, biochemical, biological, and petroleum refining industries.

Prohibited Technology is technology that is considered to endanger national security, the public interest, or public morals by placing people’s lives or health at risk or destroying the environment.

Paperwork

A license for restricted technology must be approved by and registered with the Commission of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (COFTEC). COFTEC will adjudicate a license application within 30 days. Licensing contracts for Restricted technology are effective only after COFTEC issues the corresponding Technology Import License.

Prohibited technology may not be brought into China.

Certain types of Permitted technology, while not subject to licensing requirements, are still subject to filing with COFTEC.

Technology transfers relating to certain major projects must be registered with and approved by the Ministry of Commerce. Trademark licenses must be filed with the
China Trademark Office within three months of execution in order to remit royalties out of China. Foreign trademarks must be recorded at the China Trademark Office in order to remit royalties out of China. Trademark recordation takes about a year and a half.

Improvements

A foreign company may not prohibit a licensee from improving the licensed
Technology, and these improvements become the property of the improver.

Technology as FIE Capital Contributions

Technology may be contributed as part of an FIE’s Registered Capital; however, the FIE will then become the owner of the technology and the foreign contributor will have to license the technology from the FIE if it wants to use it.

Technology contributed as capital is required to be appraised upon importation and should also be appraised by the Ministry of Commerce or the relevant local COFTEC as soon as the FIE is approved.

Since the Company Law requires 30% of the Registered Capital of an FIE to be contributed in currency (20% of the initial installment of Registered Capital), it follows that alternative forms of contribution, including technology, cannot total more than 70% and 80%, respectively.

David Carnes is licensed to practice law in California. He speaks and reads Mandarin Chinese and has several years experience working with Chinese law firms and Sino-American joint ventures. His website is called China Legal Bulletin.

Article Source: Altrana.com

The Mission Of The China Europe International Business School by

With a mission to support the countrys economic development, the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) aims to further its citizens integration into the global market. They are targeting to prepare highly- competent and continentally- oriented individuals who will be working in its own environment but still adapting to the driving forces of the outside world.

China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) was established on November 8, 1994 in Shanghai. It is specifically located in Pudong that also holds office in Beijing and Shenzhen. It is also a non- stock, non- profit joint venture founded under the agreement between European Commission and Ministry on Foreign Trade & Cooperation.

Receiving pecuniary support from the Municipal Government of Shanghai and the European Union, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) partners are Shanghai Jiaotong University and European Foundation for Management Development. Both makes the institution a center of excellence in business management education as well as research within Asia.

Not only has it earned excellent reputation as the prime professional management institution in its country, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) is also one of the highest- ranking in the Asian- Pacific Region. Each year, it has close to a hundred visiting faculty that provides a genuine multinational education and superb research atmosphere.

CEIBS grants further studies in Business Administration be it Masters or Executive
* Its Masters curriculum has been cited as the number one in Asia for three consecutive years. Full- time course to be taken in 18 months, it is taught in English and designed for the young people with career inspiration, managerial potential and international orientation that will equip them to take the corporate challenges in the future.

Currently, it has a network of over 4, 000 alumni with an elite population of about 300 from over 20 nations.
* Its Executive curriculum is said to be the gymnasium of the mind. They believe that the best manner to understand domestic commerce culture is through immersion. Financial Times magazine even ranked them among the worlds top 50 EMBA programs for half a decade already. It has continually attracted an increasing number of emigrants across Europe and America. Their classes commence every March with about 60 persons in a single class.

For those who are interested to enroll, candidates should have a bachelors degree or above. They should also have a minimum of eight years working experience including five years in a managerial level. The written examination should be complied first and those who can pass will attend to the scheduled interview.

For more articles and information or to view a selection of business articles and information and ecommerce articles and information visit Articles.net.au - Your source for free Articles, Information and Website Content.

Article Source: Altrana.com

China Cups and Country by Steve Thomas

China has perhaps one of the most beautiful, most historic and most immense cultures in the world. China is home to almost 1.5 billion people with an almost equal distribution of males and females. The political affiliation of China has caused a lot of pressure from other countries. China is one of the last communist countries. Land and water mass totals nearly 10 million square kilometres, China is almost as large as the United States.

The history associated with China is rich and filled with knowledge. Being such an old civilization, China has am enormous number of citizens. This large number of people has resulted in a story involving population control that the world has watched unfold. China has a one-child policy. Only one child per family is allowed to those falling under China citizenship. This controversial policy has made China into one of the oldest nations in the world: China has a huge, growing population of people over the age of 70.

The majority of the income of China is made through the exportation of goods to other countries. Only a small number of Chinese citizens are actual farmers. Over the centuries, China has depleted a majority of the country natural resources. In addition, China has a growing pollution problem and suffers from the deterioration of the surrounding environment. This problem is exaggerated by the exponential growth of the population when compounded with the exponential degradation of the soil. This is one of the reasons for the poverty limit being over 10%.

In 1733, in another part of the world, Josiah Spode was born into a pauper’s life. His father taught him a trade that would serve him well after his father’s death when Josiah Spode was only 6 years old. However, this death only seemed to inspire the young Spode. Spode became an apprentice to one of the most reputable potters of that day. There, Spode would stay until his 21st birthday. Shortly after, Spode would start his own business. Perhaps the greatest legacy Spode left for the world today was his discovery of the recipe for Fine Bone China.

Today, England still remains the leader in Fine Bona China. With traditional family recipes being passed from one generation to the next, England offers sophistication and superb quality to all the Fine Bone China it produces. The Fine Bone China produced offers a dignified excellence to the purchaser. Even today Fine Bone China manufacturers pride themselves in bringing us simply the best of what England has to offer in collectibles and tableware.

As is obvious, China is a word that brings forth images of true beauty and true grace. Whether you consider the country or creation of tableware and collectibles, China is a marvellous example of human spirit and fulfilment. Whether you choose to explore a possible vacation of the beautifully, exotic China or if you choose to decorate your home and dinner table with the best china in the world, China will forever hold special meaning to our spirit.

Steve Thomas writes about China and maintains a China resource website at www.chinaa.co.uk

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

Old Shanghai’s Top 5 by Louis Zhang

One thing visitors like you want to visit when you arrive in Shanghai is the old and historical monuments of Shanghai. This is what distinguishes Shanghai from any other metropole city in the world; it kept a big part of history with it. There are a couple of different places to visit and to help you maximise your time in Shanghai, I’ve come up with a top 5 of those places. Feel free to visit more if you have time!

Jade Buddha Temple

Also known as the Yu Fo Temple, this is the most famous buddhist temple in Shanghai. Located on An Yuan Road, this temple was rebuilt in 1928 and his a great place to go whether you are a buddhist or not, the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere adds a kind of richness to our busy modern society. It may look old and not attractive from the outside but don’t let that fool you, inside you will find two gorgeous white jade Buddha statues. One of the statue is a fascinating 2 meters high, 1,000 kilograms seated Buddha while the other one is a 1 meter long reclined Buddha.

Yu Yuan Garden & Bazaar

The most beautiful place in all of Shanghai is located at the heart of the city. If you were looking for old arechitectural buildings in Shanghai this is probably where you will find it. The garden itself has over 40 beautiful scenic spots for you to see. Since it’s a popular tourist attraction, you will find that there are a lot of restaurants and small shops nearby. You should take a look when you have time, the best dumpling restaurant is in that area.

Long Hua Pagoda & Long Hua Temple

Both of them are located in the Long Hua park on Long Hua road. The Long Hua temple is the biggest temple in Shanghai so if you want to see what’s a big temple like you should visit there. A pagoda is an octagonal shaped tower and the Long Hua Pagoda is the only one left in Shanghai. This seven stories pagoda is going to amaze you when you see it. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public because of security purposes.

Qi Bao Ancient Town

Ever wondered what a water town looked like? Qi Bao is the only place left in the city of Shanghai. This small and peaceful town is really great because unlike most water towns in china, this one is not long in distance and there’s no rush of crowds. What will you find? Most of it of course are magnificent old Chinese style buildings and the Qi Bao temple. Others activities such as the Qi Bao crickets, shadow play and snacks will tempt you even more.

Former Residence of Sun Yat-Sen

This is the residence of a deceased politician. Seems boring? Not exactly as this is the residence of one of the most important politicians in Chinese history. Sun Yat-Sen was the founder of the Republic of China and the main contributor to Chinese modern history. If you like to learn about historic events, by walking through his doors, you will see how this great man led his life as nothing was touched in his house after his death.

For more tips and details about visiting Shanghai, China, be sure to visit Louis Zhang’s Cool Shanghai Guide - a cool guide to planning and having a great time in Shanghai.

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

The Legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day by Jane Roseen

Chinese Valentine’s Day is on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Month on the Chinese calendar, which falls on August 4th this year. Legend has it that the seventh daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, a weaving maid, fell in love and married a cowherd. They were so much in love that they forgot everything else in their lives and didn’t complete their farming and weaving duties, which angered the Jade Emperor. He exiled them to opposite banks of the River (Milky Way),and only allows them to meet each other once a year on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month. This legend has been handed down for nearly two millennia. The Chinese people believe that the star, Vega, east of the Milky Way, is Zhi Nu, and that Altair, on the western side of the Milky Way is Niu Lang waiting for his wife. The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the only Chinese festival devoted to love in the lunar calendar. Chinese Valentine’s Day traditions abound and this special day is celebrated differently depending on the Chinese province.

Some of the many traditions include Chinese girls preparing fruits, melons, and incense as offerings to Zhi Nu, the weaving maiden, praying to acquire high skills in needlecraft, as well as hoping to find satisfactory husbands. Girls place sewing needles on water. If the needle doesn’t sink, it’s a sign of the girl’s maturity and intelligence and she is ready and eligible to find a husband.

People in some Chinese provinces believe that decorating the horns of oxen with flowers will save them from catastrophe. Another tradition is for women to wash their hair to make it look fresh and shining.

On Chinese Valentine’s Day, young lovers go to the temple of the Matchmaker and pray for their love and happiness, and their possible marriage in China.

In the evening, people sit outside to observe the stars. On this night, Vega and Altair are closer together than at any other time of year. Chinese grannies say that if you stand under a grapevine, you can probably overhear what Zhi Nu and Niu Lang are saying to one another.

Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets, an international gourmet chocolate shop. Harmony Sweets’ mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives, as well as corporate gift giving. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets and personalized chocolates are also available.

Website: http://www.harmonysweets.com

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

Shanghai — Shopping Paradise by Louis Zhang

Can’t wait to shop in Shanghai? Well then, which are the best places to shop in this consumption-crazy city in China?

Shanghai is well known for some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find among major cities in China. When visiting Shanghai you’lll surely pass through the city’s two major commercial streets — upscale Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) and bustling Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road).

But there’s a lot more to shopping than these two obvious places. Indeed, you’ll find streets big and small full of shopping centres. You’ll be able to plan a full day of shopping if that’s what you want. Even if you don’t really feel like shopping you should still visit them. (I know you’re a guy but you’re already in Shanghai, right?)

Shopping in Shanghai is an experience you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopping fanatic, there are various shopping malls selling anything from high-priced luxury goods to stylish and affordable casuals and traditional Chinese handicrafts.

I should mention that as I’m writing this article, the infamous Xiang Yang Market has already been closed down. Some of you out there reading this will have fond memories of highly-charged bargaining sessions with fake goods vendors who speak six different languages.

Here are a few shopping highlights in Shanghai, starting with Nanjing Xi Lu…

Shanghai’s Plaza 66
Where: 55 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Lu

Plaza 66 is crystalline proof of Shanghai’s diligent obsession with consumption. Arguably, it’s the fanciest shpping mall in Shanghai, with a frosty demeanor to match.

Whether you’re looking for Prada for pret-a-porter, Waterford for cystal, Bose or Bang and Olufsen for sound, Plaza 66 has over 100 famous brands.

With its dazzling array of designer brands, this place is perfect for the nouveau riche with money to burn. There isn’t another shopping mall as luxurious as this one in Shanghai.

A five-minutes walk from the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Plaza 66 has a cafe in the atrium and a few restuarants perched on the fifth floor.

Shanghai’s Citic Plaza
Where: 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Plaza 66

A bright, gleaming five-storey mall offering a varied mix of clothing labels, Citic Plaza is a five-minutes walk from the Shimen Yi Lu metro station.

From high-end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Chloe and Kenzo to the more affordable casuals from Tough and Esprit, this is a mall with more reasonable prices.

Whether you’re wealthy or light on budget, this place is perfect for anyone with an eye for fashion.

Feeling hungry after all that shopping? No worries there.

Every floor of the mall offers a restaurant — from McDonald’s (you’re not going to eat at McDonald’s in China, are you?) in the basement to super buffet Golden Jaguar (unlimited sashimi and Pacific oysters) on the third floor to chic Sichuan restuarant China Moon (puts your local Chinatown Sichuan restuarant to shame) on the fourth.

By the way, there’s also a convenience store and English-Chinese language bookstore in case you’re looking for mineral water or maps.

Shanghai’s Westgate Mall
Where: 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Citic Plaza

A smart, well-organized shopping haven, offering up a range of trendy shops from Burberry, Givenchy and Versace to Chinese label Zuczug. The Westgate Mall is perfect for mall lovers with cash to spend who fancy a change from their usual hang out.

Also a couple of minutes walk from Shimen Yi Lu metro station, the Westgate malls offers a Studio City Cinema (with super sound system), Watson’s, a small supermarket in the basement, Marie France sliming clinic and an Isetan Department store ( a major Japanese chain) accessible on every floor.

And much, much more…

As I mentioned before, Nanjing Xi Lu and Huaihai Lu are the most prominent shopping streets in Shanghai but they’re not the only ones. These are the modern shopping malls and they’ll give you a good idea of how things have changed in China over the last 20 years.

Other Shopping…

If you go on older streets like Dongtai Lu you’ll find classical hand-made items. This handicraft market offers a variety of classical items like Chinese ceramics, jade, bronze, wood articles, paintings, and calligraphic works. You can also get your tools there if you are an artist yourself or plan to be.

More of an intellectual shopping street, Fuzhou Lu boasts a vast collection of bookstores in Shanghai. Not only does it offer over thirty bookstores but also has some of the oldest bookstores (some over 100 years old) in Shanghai.

Shopping in Shanghai is probably the most time-consuming activity in Shanghai whether for visitors or locals. With big shopping malls on the more popular streets to small boutiques or specific markets on smaller streets, Shanghai is where shopping fanatics will find their Paradise.

I’m a foreigner who traveled to Shanghai and realized it is hard to have a great time in Shanghai when you are not well-informed. That is why I decided to come up with a complete online guide with the latest information and tips on having a great time in Shanghai, whether you’re traveling to Shanghai or living in the city.

For complete details about shopping in Shanghai and traveling to Shanghai, China, be sure to visit Louis Zhang’s Cool Shanghai Guide — a guide to planning and having a great time in Shanghai.

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

China property investment where there are planes there is money by Nicholas Marr

Copyright 2006 Nicholas Marr

The Chinese real estate industry is about to boom .Foreign investors are encouraged to invest in China and are protected by law. The costs associated with buying property in China are low at only 4.5%, much lower than many European countries .Personal assets and properties are recognised and protected by new Chinese law

China economic growth

The fastest growing economy in the World with GDP growth at 9% p.a. for 21 years. (World Bank)

Incomes in urban China are up an average of 8% a year since 1998. (Business Week)

The government is committed to maintain just above but no less than 7% GDP growth p.a. till 2020.

Foreign Direct Investment increases at 26% p.a. for last 14 years. (US-China Business Council).

Host of 2008 Olympic Game, 2010 World Expo, and many more international events.

Experienced overseas property buyers all know the positive benefits a new airport can have on a region. Some analysts state that property prices can rise by as much as 25% when a location becomes more accessible. Imagine as an investor how you would feel buying property in an emerging market that has poor communications. The news of the construction or expansion of the airports would have you jumping for joy. That is exactly what is taking place in China today.

China is about to make property investors very happy people. According to the China Aviation Administration China (CAAC) Chinese airports handled 240 million passengers in 2004. This is a rise of 38.8% from the previous year. The CAAC estimate that by 2010 Chinas airports will handle 500 million passengers. China airports are set to handle this rise in capacity with a series of expansion projects already underway. Beijing Capital International Airport is expanding with a third passenger terminal. The brand new terminal will be finished before the 2008 Olympics and will be able to handle 60 million passengers. Baiyun International Airport has already received the Chinese expansion treatment. Shanghai’s Pudong airport is receiving a second terminal with more planned in the future. The Xianyang International Airport in Shaanxi has ambitious plans for a new runway and terminal.

China investment property

Those who are considering investment in the region must surely view these infrastructure improvements in a positive light. The Chinese real estate industry is about to boom. Foreign investors are encouraged to invest in China and are protected by law. The costs associated with buying property in China are low at only 4.5%, much lower than many European countries. Personal assets and properties are recognised and protected by new Chinese law.

So where’s there are planes there is money!

Nicholas Marr is clearly an observer of life and front row spectator of the events in the overseas property market. A lifetime property investor his UK based company Marr International owns one of the fastest growing overseas property websites in Europe. What ever the subject they will always be informative and will hold your interest. Bravo to freedom of speech. His company runs http://www.homesgofast.com

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Basic Understanding by Evelyn Lim

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healing from China. While TCM is regarded as an alternative medicine system in the West, in China and other Asian countries, it is practiced widely by the locals. Medical practitioners are trained in the diagnostic and healing techniques with centuries of tradition and philosophy. Like naturopathy, TCM is holistic. It considers all aspects of the person including physical, nutritional, emotional, mental and spiritual for diagnosis.

TCM is based on the balance of opposing elements (the yin and yang) in the body, as well as their harmony with the environment around it. The two main forces of yin and yang combine to form the “qi” (pronounced as “chee”) or universal life force. When qi is in harmony, health is not only enhanced but also the capacity for fufilment, happiness and well being. Disease and illness arise from imbalances of yin and yang that block the proper flow of qi. Therapies to treat disease are aimed at restoring the balance and unblocking the flow to restore health.

TCM is primarily non-invasive. TCM treatments include the use of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, meditation, Chinese massage therapy, mental and physical disciplines such as Tai Chi and Qigong and nutritional therapy. Practitioners will attempt to realign the body’s balance using a combination of treatments before suggesting surgery by a Western Doctor.

Most research into the effectiveness of TCM has been conducted on acupuncture. Although it has been difficult to conclusively prove the benefits of acupunture, the results of large-scale studies are sufficiently convincing enough for FDA to consider the tradition “promising” and worthy of further study.

In addition, it has been proven that many herbs used in Chinese medicine have therapeutic benefits. For instance, ginseng and Echinacea are both powerful herbs with strong medicinal actions. More recently, there has been some acknowledgement that Chinese massage therapies do help to manipulate muscles, nerves and tendons.

There are many criticisms of TCM as a form of healing. Most TCM methodologies have no research basis and remain largely unproven. Also, some of the TCM beliefs have been mixed with Eastern mythology. For instance, tiger penis is used as an energy supplement as tigers are considered energetic animals. Whether it really helps to boost energy levels remain unsubstantiated by proper research. Most of the Chinese herbs are also not regulated. This makes it more important to consult with a reputable and reliable TCM practitioner.

However, aside from the criticisms, there is much merit in the philosophy of TCM. healing. If more research can be done into TCM, then the mythology can be separated from the facts and perhaps, more people will embrace TCM more readily as a form of healing.

Evelyn Lim owns a health and wellness article directory site. Her site has a growing database of health articles on more than 100 topics such as alternative healing, disease and fitness. Check out
http://www.HealthandWellnessCentral.com Now!

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

Fishing in China by Nicky Pilkington

A fishing vacation is never complete without fishing in the waters of Hong Kong, China. You may explore the fishing realms that the region has to offer. Hong Kong has once been known as an excellent port for fishing enthusiasts. Hong Kong will offer you the kind of fishing that you will never forget.

People may be after the food, shopping and the tourist spots of the region. But for people who are into fishing, Hong Kong can give more than what is expected of it as a city. To fish in Hong Kong is very exciting. You will be able to learn and experience the methods of fishing they have in Hong Kong.

Since it is surrounded by an ocean, this explains why most people fish in saltwater in Hong Kong. Targeting a fish is very simple. The ocean and the harbors are very accessible. You can fish in the harbors of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong or the Hong Kong Island.

In Hong Kong, saltwater fishing is done everywhere in the surrounding ocean. There has never been a scarcity of fish in this region. You will find fish everywhere in the water. Tourists who come to fish can also visit Stanley, which is near Hong Kong. Stanley will be perfect for you if you are someone who wants peace, enjoy fishing quietly and away from the city life.

The Lamma Island and Sai Kung peninsula and are also spots recommended by local Anglers. These two places still have the features offered by a traditional fishing village. They also provide people with charter boats.

The Anglers in Hong Kong use the same saltwater fishing techniques that are used in the US. You can use your own techniques even if it’s deep sea fishing or surf fishing. Many people also use bloodworms or shrimps to catch fish.

Hong Kong, also provides fresh water fishing. Carp, Big Head Tilapia, and Edible Goldfish are the types of fish that you will catch in these water reservoirs. Tourists, however, have a difficulty trying the Freshwater fishing since they still need to supply a license to fish in Hong Kong.

Going to Hong Kong to fish does not require much planning for a fishing trip. You will be able to track down easily the hot spots of Hong Kong where you can enjoy fishing. Hong Kong is surrounded by water, which means that fishing is everywhere. You will be surprised that in a matter of hours, you are able to catch a bucketful of pan-sized fish!

Find out more about fishing including sea fishing and fly fishing at About fishing

Article Source: Add-Articles.com

How-Will-Chinas-Energy-Needs-Affect-the-US by Alanna Vitucci

The Awakening of Beijing.

In his recent article The Integration of Giants Into the Global Economy, Gary Saxonhouse argues that China’s needs could create “potentially destabilizing demands for energy products.” Growth of such demand could easily cause the price of a barrel of crude oil to increase beyond its current rate of over $60 – which is triple its average cost during the 1990s.

Continued energy price spikes could well send shockwaves throughout the US economy, as the average consumer is not immune to ever-increasing hikes at the pump – especially given American demand for gas-guzzling SUVs over the past decade. Nor is the country’s public transportation infrastructure as progressive and developed as Europe’s – and able to accommodate a fundamental shift in our commuting model.

Oil – the Economic Snowball

What we learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is that when supplies tighten and demand remains the same, the price of a gallon of gasoline is sure to rise. And, as increased gas prices eat up more of consumers’ wages, there is less disposable income for other goods. When the higher cost of home heating oil is factored into the equation, it becomes a double whammy. This is the beginning of a downward economic spiral.

As companies across the country see a drop in consumer spending, their own performance declines correspondingly. Nor are consumers the only demographic impacted by higher gasoline prices. In the United States a significant amount of consumer goods are transported long distances by highway, rail and airfreight. Increases in these transportation costs in turn drive the cost of consumer goods up. The net result is that the average American has less money to spend, and the price of items is more expensive.

As the effect snowballs, many retail and production companies’ performance would begin to suffer. Forcing them to cut their expenses in order to meet earnings expectations, the most fluid of which is labor. And on it goes.

Energy Independence Is the Solution

During President Bush’s 2006 State of the Union address, he spoke of our need to limit foreign oil requirements. However, drilling in ANWAR and prospecting other sources of fossil fuels in the lower 48, is not the solution. A tremendous amount of research as been conducted over the past several decades on alternative fuel sources such as hydro, wind and bio fuels. The momentum to integrate these technologies has stalled though, given the tremendous sway that traditional energy companies and Detroit have in Washington. They have positioned these opportunities as economically unviable and destructive to the American economy. The argument can be made though that by developing and mainstreaming these solutions, we can gain a greater measure of energy independence as well as grow our economy by selling these solutions to developing nations across the world who lack natural reserves of fossil fuels and the economic where-with-all to purchase their energy supplies on the open market.

Alanna Vitucci is a contributing author to
Kilowattage.com; an alternative energy
blog and directory that is part of the Got-Zip
Site Network.

Alanna is also the President of Cactus Blossom Communications, a full-service
marketing communications firm located in Ft. McDowell, Arizona. She can be
contacted via her Off the Grid column on Kilowattage.com.

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