While I waited until the last minute to make my New Year's Eve plans, China is wasting no time to prepare for its lunar New Year celebrations. The year of the Ox begins on Jan. 26; but before that red lanterns must be hung, festival posters bought, and money trees lit. In Japan, which also follows the Chinese zodiac, investors are also preparing for some losses next year: research shows that Ox years have brought tough times for Japanese stocks. But back to China — check out these pictures to see the scenic steps necessary for a proper Chinese New Year celebration!
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Low gas prices mean economic hardship and instability in oil-producing countries — like Nigeria, Russia, Iran, Kuwait, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico — who use oil revenue to fund education, health care, or to create jobs. In addition, without the pain at the pump, we give less priority to conservation, public transportation, and developing alternative energy sources. Continued dependence on increasingly unstable oil countries could be the high price of low gas prices!
Many of you are making personal resolutions for 2009 such as losing weight, exercising more, or quitting smoking. Now is also a great time to think about your significant other and the changes you'd like to make in your relationship. I'm not talking about how you'd like to see your partner change — like you wish he'd stop leaving dirty underwear on the bathroom floor — I'm talking about a change you'd like to make as a couple. Maybe you want to have more morning sex, or you'd like to finally move in together; whatever it is, every relationship can benefit and become stronger from a little change, so share your thoughts below.
I met a guy that I really liked before Christmas. It's been a while since I've felt a connection with someone, but I wasn't sure if he felt the same way. He went home to visit family for the holidays and I didn't hear from him for over a week, and I had no clue when he was coming home.
Since we hadn't had "the talk," I wasn't sure what the "rules" were while he was away — would it be considered cheating if I went out with someone else? Was he seeing other people back home? etc. There was no one else I was interested in, but on New Year's Eve, I ran into an ex-fling and we ended up ringing in the New Year together, so to speak.
The next morning when I checked my phone, the guy I was seeing had texted me, wishing me a happy New Year, telling me how much he missed me, and that he would be back that day to "see his girl that he told his entire family about." I was so happy to read his text, but I immediately felt guilty about being with someone else while he waited for me. I don't plan on telling him about my NYE affair, but can I be forgiven for keeping a secret from him in the beginning of our relationship?
Submit your own Sunday Confessionals here and see if you are forgiven!
NY Man Demands Estranged Wife Pay Him For Kidney — A Long Island surgeon embroiled in a nearly four-year divorce proceeding wants his estranged wife to return the kidney he donated to her, although he says he'll settle for $1.5 million in compensation.
Masked Man Waits in Line to Rob Bank — Wearing a ski mask, a 24-year-old man waited in line before he robbed an Ohio bank. Police arrested him after a brief car chase, explaining that bank robbers don't usually wait in line.
Policeman Attacked Using Own Patrol Car — An Australian outback policeman was pelted with rocks and beer bottles and his stolen patrol car was used to try and run him down.
PETA Asks Spearfish High School to Change Name to Sea Kitten High School — A PETA spokesperson says that children should be taught to refer to fish as "sea kittens" to show that fish are individuals just like cats and dogs. The animal rights groups thinks a name change could mean fewer fish killed for food or sport.
After Three-Hour Standoff Outside Shed, Police Find No One Inside — Salt Lake City police officers were in a three-hour standoff with themselves. After a woman said a man was in the shed with a gun, officers secured the area, and evacuated neighbors. Despite the tipster's suspicions, they eventually found nobody inside the shed.
I didn't realize people ate squirrel, much less wanted its flavor approximation on a potato chip. Shows how much I know! British crisps-maker Walker's just came out with its squirrel-flavored potato chips (Cajun flavored, to be exact, whatever that means). It's actually vegetarian, it just tastes like squirrel. But will it satisfy this lady?
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