Are American bad bankers capable of apologizing?

This morning I heard the British bankers are apologizing to the public for what they have screwed up the society with the financial mess they caused.

My husband commented: See? Have you ever seen any American banker apologize for what they've done?

To me I really don't know whether they don't feel shame anymore or they are too shameful?

This is how 2009 will be...

Every so often my husband and I would go shopping in the Rockville area and see that more and more shops and stores are closed due to recession.

Last month the Gaithersburg Borders was closed, so is Sam Woo, a Korean restaurant on Rockville Pike, and a Shell gas station.

Bennigan's chain restaurants were all shut down for chapter 11.

Not mentioning Anne's Linen in our neighborhood and the jewelery shops are facing the difficult situation inevitably.

~ to be continued ~

We are in a world of excess. Never is enough. Now it is time to pay back...

Economic Stimulus Package

Today I read the newspaper The Christian Science Monitor and this caught my attention. The illustration clearly show those sectors the $817 billions distribute to.

I don't know how American government could generate this huge amount of money other than printing more bills in order to rescue this economic crisis but I do understand government must do some remedy to pull up a little bit the worsened economy.

The huge tax cut would benefit most of the Americans in the coming tax season, especially for many unemployed people it is somehow helpful for their temporary cash shortage problem.

As to the world currency, that is such another topic to watch. Will US dollar be depreciated soon? And will gold price be arising continuously as investors' security hedge in such a shaking crisis period?

As to Jim Rogers talking about euro won't be around in 20 years, that is a serious thing to consider for our investment sake...

What else you could recycle to get money back?

Last week we sent an used cell phone to a company called Elecycle Technology International LLC and today we got a $8 check from them.

That is not bad at all. And I cannot stop wondering what else we could recycle to get more money back? :P

Some business is doing something quite silly. They give you a program like "if you pay extra money, we will take your old items for recycle." Obviously that is not what we are looking for.

Anyway, we'll keep on looking..... However, still "reduce" is the best remedy. Don't forget. :D

How to start a new year? You can't miss watching this.

During the New Year Holiday, I noticed that in our community garbage bin was so incredibly full with neighbor's junks.

I believe all the world over consume especially in holiday season. People give gifts out, go shopping, eat more and so generate more garbage.

Some people told me that X'mas trees here will be processed for recycle. And I really cannot believe that saying because I saw people just dump their used X'mas trees in the garbage bin. Recycle? No chance!

2009 won't be a very prosperous year for most of the people when the world economy is going down and more business are closing.

This website provides a 20 minutes story to tell everyone a meaningful story. A story about you and me and the future generations. It is worthy to watch it more than any trashy Hollywood film, if we care.

http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/index.html

Before we buy another iPod or another computer or another useless but fancy items, think before we take out the credit card. Do we really need them or just create some trash later to burden this globe?

New Eve thinking

hmmmm tonight is the last night of year 2008.

Flash back what I have got in this year, I have to be very appreciative.

It is the first year of our marriage and everything is very right. I feel so lucky to have him, a man with wisdom, kind heart and especially sense of humor as my life partner. Though sometimes I spent too much time on my blog and forgot to cook in time, he still thinks no big deal. :P

I have my family visiting me this summer and it has become very unique memories in life. No matter east coast, southwest or west coast, the big nature and city charms all brought us enjoyment and surprises.

Also got luck to know some friends in D.C. area. They are all very nice and each one with different life story and character. We don't know for how long we are able to get together, but the friendship will gonna live for a long long time.

Good bye, year 2008 and you have been very special to me in my life. Wish all the best to my beloved family and friends.

Happy New Eve to all.

My favorite desesrt: Rice Pudding (Arroz con leche)

I usually do not like sweets too much but if you ask me what is my favorite dessert, I would say: Rice pudding ("arroz con leche" in Spanish).

When I traveled to Spain, I always ordered this dessert in restaurants and try it cool. It is a very delicious dessert especially for summer time.

So I checked out recipes on internet and found this one: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001427rice_pudding.php

This afternoon I tried to make it the first time and it really needed some patience to stir the rice continuously, at least for 30 mins. The result was not bad at all and my husband ate the half of it before I put it into the frig. He said it is delicious and very healthy and good for our future kids.

As to my judgment, I think it is too thick and maybe don't need the whole milk but half milk will be good enough with less rice. And though I cooked with the time instructed in the recipe, I feel next time should cook with a bit more time to let rice softer for a better taste.

Well, it is very easy to make and I believe I'll make it very often from now on.