Researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, looked at one hundred and one people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and who had decided to undergo gastric bypass – Roux-en-Y. The aim was to discover which people with diabetes would benefit most from the procedure. Their results were reported on in the journal Obesity Surgery in February of 2019.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves making a stomach pouch from a small portion of the stomach. It is then attached to the small intestine, therefore bypassing a large section of the stomach and duodenum.

After the gastric or stomach bypass was performed, 71 or 70.3 percent, achieved remission, having…

• HbA1c levels of less than 6.5 percent,
• fasting blood sugars of less than 100 mg/dL, and
• not needing oral antidiabetic medications for at least one year.

The following characteristics were seen in those who went into remission…

• HbA1c reading less than 7.5 percent,
• a history of having Type 2 diabetes for less than 9.5 years,
• a C-peptide reading greater than 1.2 ng/mL, and were
• not being treated with insulin.

HbA1c is a measure of the sugar in hemoglobin, the molecule that moves oxygen in the red blood cells. Each red blood cell carries about 500,000 hemoglobin molecules. Red blood cells last about 120 days, so measuring the HbA1c gives us a report card of blood sugar levels over the previous 3 to 4 months…

• normal HbA1c levels range from 4 to 5.6 percent.
• in prediabetes, the gray area in which people are prone to develop full-blown Type 2 diabetes, HbA1c readings range from 5.7 to 6.4 percent.
• an HbA1c of 6.5 or higher indicates Type 2 diabetes.

C-peptide, a small chain of amino acids, is released when insulin is produced. Measuring it in the blood or urine gives the physician an idea of how well the beta cells in the pancreas are functioning. If the pancreas slows down and produces less insulin, then insulin can be added to oral medications. According to the study, if stomach bypass surgery is to be performed, it should be done during the first decade, and when the pancreas is still producing a good supply of insulin.

When stomach bypass surgery has been carried out, the recovering patient must follow a dietary plan to make the new digestive process work. The Mayo Clinic in the United States recommends…

• drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day, between meals,
• eating and drinking slowly,
• eating lean, high-protein, low-sugar foods,
• avoiding alcohol,
• limiting caffeine,
• taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements, and
• chewing food thoroughly.

Wearing a thick coat to protect against the autumn chill while standing outside Beijing’s busiest jewelry store, Yang Cuiyan, a 41-year-old housekeeper from Anhui province, clasps a gold necklace she paid 10,000 yuan for ($1,640), or five months’ wages. She is another reason China is poised to topple India as the world’s top consumer of gold even as investors worldwide desert the yellow metal.

“I don’t know anything about the stock market and I don’t have enough money to buy property, so I figured gold is the safest choice,” she said. “I can put it on when I go back home to show everyone that I’m doing well.”

Buy gold bullion:

Yang journeyed 650-mile from her rural home (1,000-kilometer) to the Chinese capital to shop and visit relatives. Ms. yang is one of the growing legions of middle-aged Chinese women, respectfully called ‘aunties’, who bought gold jewelry and gold coins this year, 2013, adding support to the gold market while it’s shunned by many professional investors who began deserting the metal as a store of value in early 2013.

The world’s second-largest economy is gold bullion! Bullion consumption in 2013 surged 29 percent to a record 1,000 metric tons, according to the estimates from traders, analysts, and gold producers in China surveyed by Bloomberg News.

That demand may ease up 2.4 percent in 2014 from this peak which points to purchases greater than any other nation and more than the U.S., Europe and the Middle East “combined.”

Buy gold bullion: In the 12 months to September, 2013, China’s demand for gold jewelry, bars and coins rose 30 percent to 996.3 tons while usage in India gained 24 percent to 977.6 tons, almost “1,000 Tons” each for just 12 months! Wow, that is a whopping record for one year’s purchases according to the London-based World Gold Council. No. 1 country for gold purchases for calendar 2012 was India once again.

“In China, you look around and see very few places to put your money,” said Duan Shihua, a partner at Shanghai Leading Investment Management Co. “With the share market down and the government nudging people away from real estate, gold will remain a favored choice.”

Another “Driver of Gold” are the Gold-Laden Brides in India. ‘Everyday’ in India, there are thousands of brides getting married and it is traditional societal etiquette to give “Gold jewelry” as a gift as it is so highly prized there. India and China are alike in this issue which is another “Driver” under the demand for [more Gold].

Slam Dunk:

After a 14 percent [drop] in gold prices in two days in April, 2013, images in the Chinese media of ‘aunties’ clearing shelves in gold shops illustrates a demand for gold bullion that defies the views of the biggest banks in the West and underscores the limited investment choices in China. The world’s most successful investor, Warren Buffett, said the metal has no appeal to him, and the Goldman Sachs Group Inc. commodities research chief, Jeffrey Currie, who correctly forecast the rout this year, on Oct. 8 called it a “slam dunk” sell for 2014.

Gold Price Forecasts:

Bullion is 34 percent below the record set in 2011 and on course for its first annual [loss] since 2000 after falling 24 percent to $1,276.64 an ounce in London this year. The GSCI gauge of Standard & Poor’s of 24 commodities [fell] 5 percent since the end of December, 2013 and the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bond Index [lost] 2.1 percent. While the MSCI All-Country World Index of equities surged 18 percent over the same period, the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 3.4 percent.

According to the median of estimates from the 10 most-accurate precious metals analysts tracked by Bloomberg in a survey published last month, Bullion will average $1,175 in the third quarter of next year. Prices were last at that level in 2010. Goldman expects prices at $1,050 by the end of 2014.

While urban per capita disposable income rose 9.5 percent, China’s rural per capita cash income in the first nine months jumped by 12.5 percent from a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics shows. The Chinese economy grew 7.6 percent this year, 2013, and forecast to grow 7.4 percent in 2014, according to the median of estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Worldwide, China ranks fourth for people with $1 million or more in investable assets, after their number of high-net-worth individuals in the country rose 14 percent to 643,000 in 2013, according to a report by Cap Gemini SA and Royal Bank of Canada. The U.S. ranks first for the most millionaires, followed by Japan and Germany.

There are many exceptional women in this day and age; some demonstrative remarkable gifts in leadership, while others are more adept at handling fledgling companies and thinking up new business ideas and making these grow into a profitable venture. Still there are women who excel in male-dominated fields such as sports while gracefully attending to matters of the home, raising children while traveling the world and reaching for their dreams at the same time. Many of these exceptional women demonstrate an uncanny experience in their relevant fields, but it's quite rare to find a woman who excels in several seemingly conflicting and highly demanding endeavors.

However, there are always exceptions. Jane McKellar is one of these.

Ms. McKellar is best known for her achievements in the field of business – but she is definitely more than just a bold and innovative businesswoman. So who is the real Jane McKellar?

She is a loving mother and daughter. Ms. McKellar is mother to two young ladies, both of whom were born in Australia. Despite her busy schedule, Ms McKellar manages to still spend time with her kids, dote on them, while at the same sharing with them the very same philosophies that have made her successful in life. She is also the daughter of late Scottish singer Kenneth McKellar; she founded the Kenneth McKellar Memorial Scholarship at Paisley Abbey, Scotland in honor of her father's name.

She is an athlete. Ms McKellar is part Scottish, and one of her most significant contributions to the country involves her love of the sport rugby: she helped in the foundation of the first women's rugby team in Scotland. In addition to encouraging ladies in Scotland to engage in sports, she is also a passionate triathlete and has participated in the World Triathlon Championships; she competed in Budapest for Team USA in 2010 and was qualified for the Beijing tournament in 2011.

She is businesswoman and consultant. As mentioned earlier, Ms McKellar is best known for her stellar career in business. She is credited for the largest and most successful product launch in the history of Australia and has helped numerous big-name companies, such as Elizabeth Arden, regaining their status in the market. She has an exceptional skill in leading a business turnaround – many businesses, both big and small, owe their current success to Ms McKellar's highly effective marketing strategies.

She is a leader. All these achievements would not have been possible had it not been for Ms McKellar's gift for leadership . Using philosophies gained from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", she has motivated employees and fellow business leaders to take a more active position not just in business, but also in life.

So who again is the real Jane McKellar? She is all these-mother, daughter, sportswoman, business consultant, leader – and more.

It used to be that sports was just for so-called jocks that did not do well in school. The 2008 Beijing Olympics athletes show that is not true.

The Olympic Charter states: Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. So Olympism focuses itself on education for the athletes and as a model and example for others to emulate. The following US athletes represent only a handful of the many Olympic athletes with outstanding educational credentials and as exceptional role models. 

Amy Rodriguez, Soccer: was a member of the honor roll in High School and a Model United Nations Delegate

David Berkoff, Swimming: a Harvard senior with a 3.0 grade-point average in anthropology

Shawn Johnson, Gymnastics: finished her sophomore year of high school a few weeks ago with a straight A average.

Anna Tunnicliffe, Olympic Sailing: Graduated from college with a 3.73 grade-point average, a double major in accounting and decision sciences and a minor in music performance.

Javier Molina, Boxing: student at John Glenn High School has all honors classes and a 3.8 grade point average

Sanya Richards, Track and Field: Member of the National Honor society, ending her high school academic career with a 4.0 grade point average. In 2002 she was named National High School Female Athlete of the Year, USA Track and Field Youth Athlete of the Year and Track and Field News Women’s Prep Athlete of the Year. Sanya attended the University of Texas where she studied Engineering

Jason Rogers, Fencing: Was a Brentwood Scholar with a +3.6 Grade Point Average during grades nine through 12…Won the Bank of America Math and Science Award, which is awarded to the top all-around math/science student during his/her senior year…Graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Ohio State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology..Was a Rhodes Scholarship Finalist in 2005…Was named a first team All-American three times while at Ohio State; also was a three-time bronze medalist…Was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor, the top academic/athletic honor for Ohio State graduating seniors…Was named a two-time Academic All-American

Nancilea Foster, Diving: Two-time Academic All-American and three-time Academic All-Big Ten

Rachel Dawson, Field Hockey: Graduated with distinction in December of 2007 Majored in business at UNC, earning Deans List honors

Eric Shanteau, Swimming: Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll

Natalie Coughlin, Swimming: Graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with a psychology degree and carried a 3.5 grade-point average

James Blake, tennis:  Attended Harvard University

Jamie Beyerle, Team USA Shooting, is a member of the National Honor Society

Bernard Lagat has earned two degrees from Washington State University in Pullman; one in management information systems (2000) and one in decision science (2001)

Over thousands of years, Chinese people have used a special kind of stone to treat diseases, by applying them to specific body parts. These small stones, for therapeutic purposes, is called Bianshi (Bian Stone). They are generally used as an instrument similar to acupuncture needles.

"Bian stone is really a unique tool to treat back & neck pain of white collar workers" said Dr. Xie from the Acupuncture Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. Bian Stone therapy used to be an original form of acupuncture, which utilize "Bian Stone" to perform treatment, instead of using needles. These stones are made of precious materials found in the coast of Shan Dong, China.

How can a stone help alleviate pain? This special stone can generate infra-red effect and ultrasound pulse (3698 times per rubbing on human skin), and thus has been applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital for various soft tissues injuries, especially, cervical spondylosis, acute or chronic lower back pain, as well as skin disorders. As far as traditional Chinese medicine is concerned, any disease can be caused by the imbalance of human body. Bian Stone therapy is effective in regulating Qi, blood, Yin and Yang; opening collateral channels; dispelling rheumatism and clearing away heat and thus tranquilizing the mind.

The therapy is usually started with a warm up TCM massage to open up the meridian of body, followed by a series of Bian Stone treatment with pre-heated bian stone. This therapy can be applied with other traditional Chinese Medicine therapy, such as Acupuncture, or Cupping to achieve the optimal effect on cervical vertebra disease. At the beginning, apply the stone therapy once a day. After alleviating the pain, apply 2-3 times a week or even 1-2 times a week. The stone therapy does help treat back & neck pain to improve life quality.

Dr. Xie pointed out that back & neck pain is the external manifestation of internal imbalances. According to the TCM theory, stone therapy aims at achieving the root cause and thus achieving both internal and external balance. It is good for the overall body health, not only treating the back & neck pain.

Other than back and neck, Bian Stone therapy is also beneficial for relieving muscular aches and stiffness, detoxifying and stimulating circulation of blood and lymph, correcting digestive disorders and inducing a deep feeling of relaxation. In short, Bian Sone therapy is a totally safe, non-invasive therapy, which can improve our circulation effectively and therefore, accelerating healing and rehabilitation.

Mali — Home to Four World Heritage Sites!

Wildlife

Did you know- After decades of isolation, particularly from 1960 to 1992, Mali is trying to consolidate its tourist industry. Since the mid-1990s, the La Boucle du Baolé Nature Reserve has become one of the nation’s greatest tourist attractions, alongside other regional wonders like Djenné and Timbuktu. With one of the most beautiful landscapes in Mali, this nature reserve is home to much of the country’s biodiversity. Nowadays, thousands of tourists come to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and several reptiles. In the meantime, it is haven for birdwatchers.

Geography

Did you know- Mali is a landlocked country located in the interior of West Africa.This country covers 479,000 square miles (1, 248,574 square kilometers). Curiously, it is surrounded by seven French-speaking nations: Mauritania (dictatorship) and Algeria (a multiparty democracy) to the north, Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta), Cote d’Ivoire (once named Ivory Coast) and Guinea (a military dictatorship) to the south, Niger (second-poorest nation in the world) to the east and Senegal (one of Africa’s most stable democracies since the 1960s) to the west. Mali is a land of plains, valleys, plateaus, deserts and rain forests. The Niger and the Senegal are Mali’s chief rivers. Bamako is the capital and largest city.

National Wonders

Did you know- Curiously, this vast nation has four World Heritage Sites:

-Old Towns of Djenné

-Timbuktu

-Cliff of Bandiaga

-Tomb of Askia

Ancient History

Did you know- Present-day Mali was the ancestral home of the Mali Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa in the 15th century.

Basketball

Did you know- After winning the African Tournament, the national women’s team, inspired by Hamchètou Maiga, finished 12th at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. Before becoming Olympic athlete, she had played in the United States.

Economy

Did you know- On the economic side, Mali is one of the Continent’s leading cotton producers; cotton is a key export.

Soccer

Did you know- Soccer has always been popular in the country. The sport was introduced by the French. Frederic Konoute, who holds dual Malian-French citizenship, is one of the country’s most prominent soccer players.

Democracy

Did you know- Like most of sub-Saharan Africa, Malihas not had a democratic government until 1992. That year,a new Constitution was established with the aim of achieving a parliamentary democracy in the country. After 15 years, Mali has become one of the best democratic societiesin the Third World. It also has a good human rights record. For this reason, among many others, Mali has won praise from some international organizations in the world. Historically, the country had two dictatorships. By the early 1960s, a pro-Chinese dictatorshipwas established by the country’s ruler Modibo Keita, who ruled Mali for eight years (1960-68). Then, this regime was replaced by a pro-Soviet dictatorship until 1991. Subsequently, Mali’s ruler Amadou Toumani Toure was one of the leaders of the 1992 constitution, the backbone of democracy in the nation. That year, Alpha Oumar Konarè, a champion of the free market, won the first polls to be held in Mali and marked the end of almost 42 years of anti-democratic rule. Less than three years after his election, Mali became a new country. In the meantime, it saw investment in construction, agriculture, tourism and mining.

Diplomatic Relations

Did you know- Since the mid-1990s, the modern state of Mali has close relations with France, English-speaking West Africa, China, and the United States of America. On September 28, 1960, it joined the United Nations.

Cinematography

Did you know- Mali is home to Souleymane Cisse, a well-known film director in West Africa. Among his movies are: “Work” (1978), “Wind” (1982), and “Light” (1984-87), as well as “Time” (1995), and “Tell Me Who You Are” (2009).

Did you know…

London will host the 2012 Olympic Volleyball Tournament. A maximum of 12 teams will participate in the event. The United Kingdom and Brazil -2008 Olympic gold medal- have qualified for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Curiously, Great Britain has never competed in the Pre-Olympics, World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games. Great Britain did not qualify for the European Championships in 2007.

The People’s Republic of China, Brazil and Russia are the favorites for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. China won the gold medal at the Girls’ Under- 18 World Volleyball Championships in Mexico in 2007.

The United States hopes to win its first world title in 2009. With Lang Ping as coach -a former Chinese volleyball player who had taken part in the 1982 World Cup and 1984 Olympics- the U.S. women’s volleyball team trains very hard for the 2009 World Cup in Tokyo (Japan).

From 1962 to 1967, Japan dominated the international tournaments and players from that Asian country won two World Championships.

Venezuela qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics through the South American Pre-Olympic in Lima, Peru. For the first time, Venezuela defeated Peru 3-2 ( 22-25, 27-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12). Curiously, Venezuela has never participated in the World Championships or Olympic Games. In 1982, Venezuela finished 5th place at the Central American & Caribbean Games…

Russia has got seven world championships ( USSR ‘ 52, France ‘ 56, Brazil ‘ 60, Bulgaria ‘ 70, Uruguay ‘ 73, China ‘ 90, Japan ‘ 06 ) and four Olympic titles (Mexico ‘ 68, West Germany ‘ 72, USSR ‘ 80, South Korea ‘ 88).

In 1980, South Korea -one of the world’s best volleyball teams- did not send a team to the Pre-Olympics in Bulgaria. Why ? Between 1948 and 1987, South Korea -an anti-Communist state in the 20th century- did not establish formal diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. The tournament was part of the Olympic qualification system for the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.

Algeria -which won the gold medal at the 2007 Pan African Games- is the first Arab team to participate in the Olympic Games (Beijing 2008).

From 1952 to 1973, China did not compete in the World Championships ( Moscow ‘ 52, Paris ‘ 56, Rio ‘ 60, Moscow ‘ 62, Tokyo ‘ 67, Sofia ‘ 70 ) and Asian Games ( Jakarta ‘ 62, Bangkok ‘ 66, Bangkok ‘ 70 ). Why ? Because the People’s Republic of China was not member of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball ( FIVB ). In 1974, China became an official member of the FIVB. This nation made its international debut at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran (Iran). Three weeeks later, China competed in the World Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the preliminary round, China lost two matches: Poland (3-1) and Japan (3-0/ 1972 Olympic champion).The People’s Republic of China finished in 14th place -among 24 nations- at the 1974 FIVB World Championships. In the 1980s, China became the first country to win 5 of 8 major volleyball tournaments:

1980: China boycotted the Moscow Olympics

1981: Japan World Cup-1st place

1982: Peru World Championships-1st place

1984: Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games-1st place

1985: Japan World Cup-1st place

1986: Czechoslovakia World Championships-1st place

1988: South Korea Olympic Games-3rd place

1989: Japan World Cup- 3rd place

South Korea won the FIVB U-20 World Championship in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1977. Korea beat China for the gold medal. For the first time, three volleyball teams from Asia competed in the finals (Korea, China and Japan).

Massachusetts (United States) is the birthplace of volleyball…

The Romanian women’s volleyball squad won the gold medal at the 1980 World Olympic Qualification in Varna (Bulgaria). Final standings:

1.Romania

2.Bulgaria

3.Brazil

4.North Korea

5.Hungary

6.Mexico

Like many former Soviet-bloc nations, Ukraine was one of the last members of the FIVB. Surprisingly, Ukraine won the silver medal at the 1993 World Youth Championships in South America.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea / North Korea -which won the Olympic bronze medal in Munich in 1972- did not want to compete in the World Championships in 1974. The team also did not participate in the Asian Cup in Melbourne (Australia) in 1975.

Mexico hosted the 2007 Girl’s Youth World Championships. There were 16 teams: Mexico, Serbia, South Korea, Belarus, Brazil, Japan, Puerto Rico, Germany, Italy, Russia, Dominican Republic, Peru, China, USA, Tunisia and Turkey.

Nigeria became the first black African team to qualify for the FIVB World Cup in 1982. On September 14, Peru -1979 Pan American silver medalist- upset Nigeria -African champion- in the opener of the World Cup. The score was 15-0, 15-0,15-0.

Volleyball is one of the most popular Olympic sports in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, North Korea and the People’s Republic of China.

The United States won the gold medal at the 1981 NORCECA Tournament. The U.S. women’s volleyball team won the international tournament after losing in the final three times in a row ( 1975, 1977, 1979 ).

In the 1980s, Maria Salgado Barroso (Brazilian volleyball player) played in the Japanese Volleyball League.

Minorka Marisela Mercado Carrero was one of the “most beautiful volleyball players” in the world. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she played for Venezuela. Minorka represented her country at the 1989 World Youth Cup in Lima, Peru. On September 3, 1993 she became the second sportswoman elected Miss Venezuela. Minorka was discovered by Osmel Sousa -Director of Miss Universe Venezuela. Under the direction of Osmel, she was second runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in 1994…

The German Democratic Republic / East Germany -Olympic silver medalist in 1980- did not compete at the FIVB Women’s World Cup in Peru in 1982.

The first Women’s Volleyball World Cup was in Moscow ( USSR / Russia) in 1952.

The U.S. women’s volleyball team has not won the World Championships.

Many have expressed an interest in my sharing this immensely eye-opening experience. The purpose is provide a basis for reflection on our own assumptions and appreciation for how we learn so much form walking with people of different cultures. I know you will find many helpful ways to apply these observations and principles to your own settings.

This Ezine series provides 4 Lessons about Change.

If you think the world at large is experiencing change quickly, the pace of change in China over the past 10-20 years is unmatched. In order to capture the scope of the rapid change, consider these quick points:

• Construction has been so rapid and sustained that for 5 years almost 25% of the world’s construction cranes are at work in Shanghai.
• Beijing’s population was 15.38 million in 2005, 15.81 million in 2006 and 16.33 million in 2007, and June 2009 it is 17 million.
• 25% of Beijing’s population are immigrants- foreigners and villagers.
• In 1987 there were about 150 high-rise buildings in Shanghai. In 2009, it is estimated that even while construction is continuing rapidly, there are over 3,000 high-rises.

Breaking the Mold. Sometimes traditional society (even 8000 years worth) can be poised for rapid change contrary to the theories and books, they can welcome change. This has been one of the most amazing observations for me during the trip. Most societies, organizations, even individuals are not willing to change, but here I encountered a whole community poised, ready, and eager for change. I had never seen anything like it. They are seeking to understand how to adapt better to change, and how to help their workers make the shift successfully as well.

Seeking Views from Outsiders. What’s more, the Chinese community surprised me even more by seeking advice diligently from outsiders. Even progressive societies usually seek advice and direction from their own society and culture; it is not easy to reach outside for direction. The eagerness to admit the need to learn, collaborate and work together was inspiring.

Considering Different Teaching Approaches. In the sessions with the students and faculty, I presented in a different format than the traditional. I stretched the usual lecture style to be modestly more dynamic, interactive with the participants and upbeat. This effort of contextualizing my style was surprising successful. I was surprised that students and faculty responded to this approach, they remarked on the manner, the content and my excitement. Even this particular higher education community is ready for the change in teaching.

Do Not Be Lulled into Complacency. Even in the midst of this unparalleled experience of progressive thought and excitement, one cannot be lulled into thinking the old guard will not fight change. Even in the midst of vast and rapid change, those who hold the unbending traditions of the ancestors as gospel will emerge ready for battle from time to time.

ACTION POINTS

How are you coping with change in your life? Do you readily embrace new opportunities? Or do you fight against it until you no longer have a choice? If so, what do you gain with this approach? Based upon the responsiveness to change above, how can you be more open to change today: in your personal life, professionally? How about regarding change for yourself, family or organization?

Consider, count the cost, but sometimes you just need to step out of the comfort zone!

As a time-honored and solemn imperial garden with elegant environment, Temple of Earth is located east of Waida Avenue, Anadingmen, Dongcheng District of Beijing, where the main attractions include Square Water Altar, the Bell Tower, Holy Horse Hall, Earth God Worship House, Fast Palace and Slaughter House and Holy Storehouse.

As a place for Emperors to offer sacrifices to God of Earth in the Ming and the Qing dynasties, Square Water Altar is surrounded by a square-shaped ditch, which was initially built in the 9th year of Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming dynasty, and it was reconstructed in the 15th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing dynasty with the original yellow glazed bricks on the surface of the altar replaced by light gray slabstones. The present altar was re-constructed in 1982 according to the Qing-style when it was in reign of Emperor Qianlong. The Temple of Earth is square-shaped with the outer layer and the inner layer, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophical idea of “Round Heaven and Square Earth.”

Initially built in 1530, the Bell Tower is roofed by green glazed tiles, and it consists of three side by side rooms with 12 meters in its total width, which was demolished in 1965 owing to long being out of repair, and it was rebuilt in 2000 by following its style when it was in the Ming dynasty. The Bell is 2.58 meters in height, 1.56 meters in diameter and 2,324 tons in weight, on whose body is inscribed the characters saying “Made in the Reign of Ming Emperor Jiajing”, and the sound of the bell is sonorous and can be heard from miles away.

Roofed by green glazed tiles and covering an are of 19.55 meters in width and 7.5 meters in depth, the Holy Horse Hal was firstly built in 1530 with five side-by-side rooms of the same size, which was renovated thoroughly in 1999 and takes a new look now.

Firstly built in the 9th year (1530) of Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming dynasty, the Earth God Worship House is the place for enshrining the spiritual tablets of God of Earth and the other side Gods, and it has functioned as a room for storing cultural relics of Temple of Earth since 1986.

The Fast Palace was built 1530 as a place for the emperors’ fasting prior to the ceremony for offering sacrifices to God of Earth, where Emperor Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong and Jiaqing of the Qing dynasty once lived. Facing east, the main architecture in the palace is made up of Southern Hall, Northern Hall and Western Hall.

The Slaughter House is where the animals such as pigs and cows were slaughtered before the sacrificial ritual day in the Ming and the Qing dynasties.

In addition, a number of gardens are built in the Temple of Earth Scenic Area, including Chinese Rose Garden, Peony Garden and Collecting Flower Garden, adding much luster to your Beijing travel.

Flights to Stuttgart make a journey to this German city easy and comfortable. The numerous flights connecting Stuttgart with all major cities of the world are operated by various airlines. Stuttgart, the sixth largest city of Germany, is popular as a tourist destination of the country. Visitors to this city find flights to Stuttgart the easiest way of accessing the city.

The Stuttgart International Airport serves the city and its adjoining areas. The flights arriving and departing to and from the city utilize the facilities and services available at this airport.

Some of the airlines flying to Stuttgart are as follows:

Cheap flights to Stuttgart guarantees a comfortable journey to this city at reasonable rates. The cheap flights to Stuttgart connect the city with all parts of Germany as well as to all places on the globe.

Some of the places linked to Stuttgart via cheap flights are as follows:

Some cheap flights to Stuttgart include flights from places such as Budapest at £63.06, Barcelona at £66.17, Birmingham at £73.45, Athens International at £90.20, London at £174.10, Lisbon at £145.52 and so on. All rates are subject to change.

Visitors are advised to book flights to Stuttgart beforehand. Though flights are available aplenty, it is always better to book ahead. Flights to Stuttgart can be booked online and this added advantage makes flying to the city hassle free and the easiest mode of visiting this German city.