To continue with Chinese pronunciation…

1. Consonants

There are 24 consonants in pinyin which are pronounced a lot like in English.

b, p, m, f, d, t, n, l, g, k, ng, h, j, q, x, zh, ch, sh, r, z, c, s, y, w

Chinese pronunciation of Consonants

b as in boy

p as in pine

m as in mother

f as in food

d as in dig

t as in talk

n as in none

l as in loud

g as in good

k as in kid

ng as in song

h as in hot

j as in jeep

q like “ch” in cheat

x like a sound between the “s” in see and the “sh” in she

zh like “dg” in sludge

ch as in children

sh as in shake

r as in raw

z like “ds” in words

c like “ts” in eats

s as in son

y as in Yao Ming

w as in we

2. Vowels

There are 6 simple vowels.

a, o, e, i, u,

Chinese pronunciation of Vowels

a as in mama

o as in drop

e as in earn

I as in sit

U as in look

like the u in the French rue

3. Vowel Combinations

In Chinese pronunciation, basic vowels can form vowel combinations with each other or with a nasal consonant.

Chinese pronunciation of Vowel Combinations

- ai like eye

- an sounds like “ah” with an emphatic “n” at the end (NOT like “an” in can)

- ang sounds like “ah” with a soft “ng” (NOT like “ang” in hang)

- ao is like “ao” in Tao

- ei is like “ay” in bay

- en is like “u” in sun

- eng is like “ung” in sung

- er like “ur” in purse

- ia is like ya

- iang is like young

- ie is like yeah

- iu is like the “ou” in you

- ian like yen

- iao is like “eow” in meow

- in as in “in” in gin

- ing as in “ing” in sing

- iong is like pinyin “yong”

- ong is like “ong” in kong

- ou is like “ow” in low

- ua is like “ua” in guava

- uan like one

- uang like “oo” + ang

- ui is like way

- un is like “wou” in would and ending in “n” sound (woon)

- uo sounds like “wo” as in wall

- uai is like why

- ua is like “wa”

- an like yuan and written without two dots

- e is like “yue” (“we” in “wet”)

Now, I know you’re going to ask…

Get the rules and tips of using pinyin at http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/chinese-pronunciation.html

Is it me or am I the only one who was oblivious to the auto transport industry before 5 years ago? It appears to me that there are auto transport companies popping up all over the US, seemingly overnight. Where was this industry 10 years ago. In fact, I only first heard the term ‘auto transport’ about 5 years ago. There are a few reasons for this phenomenon. Not surprisingly, this has to do with the internet. What most people don’t understand about the web is that it has spawned entire new cottage industries that just weren’t all that big a decade ago. The auto transport business is a prime example of an industry like that has been rapidly tranformed (or ‘put on steroids,’ as a lot of my more colorful friends would say) by the web. Here are the two reasons why auto transport has taken off.

1)Ebay. Did you know that Ebay Motors is now the largest used car dealership in the world. Yes, Ebay sells more cars than anyone else on the planet. And Ebay wasn’t formed that long ago (late 90s if I’m correct). Well, chances are that if you want to buy a car, it probably isn’t going to be located anywhere near your present location. And your car has to get to the new owner somehow. That’s where auto transport companies come in. Ebay has been a shot in the arm to the auto transport industry. Now, when you buy a car, these companies arrange the vehicle to be delivered to you. Ebay is the one single company that has had a massive effect on the auto transport industry.

2)Increased mobility and price comparison ability. Besides Ebay, there are tons of other small car dealers and auto lots all around the country who have websites. They list their inventory and people from around the country (even around the world) can peruse the merchandise. If you like a car in Dallas and you happen to live in Philadelphia, you can have it shipped to you through an auto transport company.

The web has revolutionized many industries, auto transport being one of them. Learn all about auto transport and how to save on the fees by getting informed. Like anything, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it.

Linda Harrison is author of “Saving Money on Auto Transport Costs.” Grab your free copy at http://www.yourautotransport.com

Windsor Castle is said to be the largest occupied castles around right now and the eldest in continuous occupation (in excess of 900 years). It’s one of Queen Elizabeth’s three royal residences, & is repeatedly beloved to be her outright most liked home. The Royal colours soars over the Round Tower of Windsor Castle at anytime Queen Elizabeth 2 is in residence – conversely, at other periods, the Union Jack flag flutters in its place.

Samuel Pepys mentioned the Castle to be “the most romantic castle on the planet.” That was believed in sixteen sixty six & the equivalent has been said today.

Windsor Castle Rich History:

The launch of Windsor can be found lying in the early 7th century Saxon village of Windlesora, where the existing day village of Old Windsor can be located. The town of Windsor is generally recognised as “New Windsor” – the phrase “new” being referenced in a strictly loose sense! For a special family day out, visit Windsor Castle UK today.

Windsor Castle was at the beginning assembled by the distinguished William the Conqueror, as a result of his attack of England in ten-sixty-six. The original construction was put up from wood with earth walls. The Castle held a clear tactical location on a steep hill just above the River Thames, and was part of a collection of fortresses in the region the City, with the Tower of London, one whole days hike away, at its heart.

The Palace was reconstructed in stone, and increased in importance over the following years. Henry 2nd created the Round Tower and the original stone outer wall. After the English Civil War, the Castle’s primary function became that of a royal palace. Windsor Castle has stayed almost totally unaffected from the start of the 19th century, apart from the reconstruction work following the terrible fire in 1992.

Join both of people’s favorite interests and what you’ll get is a phenomenon titled a sportsbook wagering web location. Well, what could believably be more resourceful… Imagine a large assembly of friends rooting for their home players, and regularly bets will be announced accompanying the rumpus. Keen to get a share of the exhilaration, on-lookers typically essay to envisage who will prevail the approaching tournament. In the end, this turns into a congenial and friendly tournament titled sportsbook wagering web location.

Alright, it may well seem to be dependency forming nevertheless sportsbook gambling is essentially just an entertainment and to team up with fellow sports admirers. Here, you’ll be able to wager a a petty budget of wherewithal and nevertheless enjoy yourself. Furthermore, here are many basic guidelines and details to get you going sportsbook gambling. If you want to place any bet, you’d be well advised to check out a sportsbook wagering web location, i.e. a place which admits sportsbook wagering web location. In the United States, we currently have four states where people can go for sportsbook gambling in a legal manner, but beyond legality you may attempt it practically anywhere as long as you find a bookie and you are of age. Among the sporting contests you’ll have a choice of wagering on are professional conterminous with college basketball + college level football, professional baseball, professional hockey, conterminous with bets on both horse and dog racing. Customers might choose to risk money on the comprehensive result of a contest or game, on what round the opponent will go under, and even whether a tossed coin in a contest or game lands heads or tails.

Preds sign F Tootoo to 2-year extension

The bookies will bank on statistics to aid you determine which players you feel is most likely will prevail. First off, there’s the likelihood, in other words leverage tallied to the weaker contestor that is assumed to lose by a set number points. This constitutes the sportsbook company’s formal formula of organizing disinterested antes for a sportsbook. Thus we could bet on a contestor that is assumed to lose and and nevertheless make money on that bet as long as the contestor is defeated by a set number of points. Expectably, there are multifarious varieties of antes: parlays, straight, over/unders, i.e. lays on the total number of points gained in the contest by both parties, teasers, &c., the straight bets being the general favorite in sportsbook gambling.

So, why don’t you simply have a shot at it and have a lot of fun at one fell swoop… Simply be sure that you won’t get gripped and use up your total retirement fund on a crotchet! Because could be you will catch yourself being sorry till the end of your life!

We all feel the need to work out and stay fit. Many of us are obese or even overweight and often have no choice but to work out a couple of hours in the day in order to meet health experts prescribed exercise limits and most importantly to stay fit and in shape! Many of us have a habit of visiting the gym regularly, so we know what elliptical machines exactly mean for our work outs! These low impact fitness devices offer great cardiovascular workouts and exercise various body muscles including lower body muscles. These elliptical machines also feature dual action arm poles and even add an upper body workout to bring to the users a complete body workout and this is elliptical machines for cardiac in action. This elliptical training beats running and can do some serious wonders to the body…

Elliptical training for fitness is pretty much essential. These are low impact fitness devices which basically target to provide a great cardiovascular workout while exercising the upper and lower body muscles as well.
Elliptical machines also known as elliptical trainers or even cross trainers bring together the exercising motions of various pieces of home based fitness equipment. The word ‘elliptical’ comes from the oblong pattern made by the paddles when in motion; this motion delivering exercise is a part of the treadmill, part stair climber, part exercise cycle and even part ski machine, all combined into one.

About twenty years ago I was in between jobs and a friend of mine invited me to come to work with him and his dad at their family owned furniture store. Their family had come to this country as refugees from Cuba under Castro’s regime. They were most generous and kind and took me in as one of the family. It was a great time.

About a century earlier things were a little different in Cuba.

It was the age of prolific inventor Thomas Edison of New Jersey, Mark Twain of Missouri and later Connecticut. A school teacher turned lawyer from Canton, Ohio was President.

Its no secret that some of the most powerful people in the country were not politicians but used their influence to sway American foreign policy.

William Randolph Heart’s New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World newspapers published sensational articles lashing out against the execution of Cuban rebel Adolfo Rodrguez by a Spanish firing squad, in a graphic article, “Death of Rodrguez.”

As usual there was world unrest. Nothing new there. In the spirit of our own American revolution, common folks around the world were seeking freedom and liberty from oppressive governments.

At the turn of the 20th century, the unrest was not in the Middle East but ninety short miles off the coast of Florida in the Spanish colony of Cuba. Simultaneously, half way around the world, the Philippine islands were in a struggle to free itself from Spanish domination.

About the same time, some Cubans living in New York City were busy planning for a revolution to free their island. In a less than brilliant strategy, the Spanish military with government approval decided to put as many as 300,000 Cuban civilians into concentration camps to “protect” them from the rebels.

The result was a failure and huge disaster with starvation and disease killing hundreds.

The New York newspapers continued to roll out inflammatory articles and sensational headlines that pointed fingers at the President for not responding to the human degradation.

Beloved author and newsman Richard Harding Davis, resigned from Hearst’s New York Journal in disgust for their altering an article he had written to make it more vehement.

On January 24th, 1898 President William McKinley authorized the US battleship, USS Maine to sail from Key West and park itself in Havana Harbor. The ship fell victim to a terrorist attack that killed 532 men. The blast rocked the city so much that windows were blown out and telephone lined destroyed.

In less that three weeks Congress passed a vote for 50 million dollars to strengthen the military.

By April, the United Stated had declared war on Spain. So began the Spanish American War also known as the 100 Day War. Shorter than Lyndon Johnson’s Viet Nam but longer than Reagan’s Grenada.

The US fleet sailed for Havana to blockade Cuban ports. By May the Army prepared for an attack on the island. By June the Marines had landed at Guantnamo.

Former Secretary of War, Teddy Roosevelt led his Rough Riders from Tampa to success at Santiago de Cuba. Admiral Dewey proceeds to sink the entire Spanish fleet stationed in the Caribbean.

Negotiations were made in Paris to end the war.
U.S. General Leonard Wood was named military governor of Santiago de Cuba. This is where Clara Barton of the Red Cross cared for wounded soldiers.

In this whole deal, the United States got Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines and Hawaii. Talk about power negotiating. Although we did shell out twenty million dollars for the Philippines.

Were it not for outspoken members of the American Anti-Imperialist League, we probably would have 51 stars on our flag and the Philippines would be an American state. Leaders included Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain.

War finally ended in the Philippines, with more than 4,200 U.S. soldiers killed.

What is interesting is that things haven’t changed that much in a lot of ways. New York City newspapers still blast the President and question his decisions. There are still inflammatory headlines that try to sway public opinion.

Politicians still love to sound off as if they were really impassioned about something. Grabbing a convenient sound bite for the 6 o’clock news here, a headline there.

There are still plenty of social and political commentators like Rush and Imus, although perhaps only Will Rogers in another generation could match the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain. Much of today’s bantor is just a lot of noise.

Government is still accused of doing too little too late, balancing caution with zeal. There are still sides to take, fingers to point blame.

People still go about their daily business of work, eat and sleep, providing for their family.

So what?

How do you engage in history, have your say, stake your claim, make a difference?

Is life just to make a living and blandly watch the years roll by? Or is there a positive cause worth fighting for anymore?

I was asked to march in an anti-war parade back in the 1960’s in Boston. Got to watch Ted Kennedy give a speech on the Boston Common to about 50,000 or so.

Some dude from another campus came through our dorm trying to recruit students who were laying around their dorm room bored. I didn’t take him up on the offer. Thought the whole thing seemed like some guys wanting to get their picture in the paper, show off or otherwise feel important.

For me, my self importance came from within. Sure, I was young and nave, but something told me I didn’t need to participate in that way.

We can all be a voice for something. Rick Warren’s best seller book, The Purpose Driven Life points that out.

The choice comes when you decide to either whine and moan and complain about the way things are, or step up to the plate to hit a homerun for something positive, noble, bold, courageous, important, life-changing. If you are looking to become truly happy, this is it.

Interested?

About the author: David Henning is the President of the Freshstart Company, LLC and has over thirty years experience as a radio talk show host, radio and television copywriter, newspaper editor and public speaker. Dave is a freelance copywriter and has authored hundreds of articles about helping people get a fresh start in life. For free fresh start tips go to http://freshstartstore.com
For a free CD that includes a copy of the 30 Day Mental Fast, go to http://afreshstartnow.com

Our children are the most important people in our lives. When we have to work, and cannot care for them ourselves, we need to be able to trust the people we hire to take care of our precious ones. This is when you need to find the best nanny agencies. Many people struggle with the thought of a stranger taking care of their children. Parents put an ad in the paper, or ask friends for advice. But what about nanny agencies?

Parents interview the prospective nanny, and ask all of the right questions, but there is still the nagging feeling that they may not be totally honest. There is no way of knowing for sure. That is when a nanny agencies can be of assistance. Nanny agencies can offer more of a thorough screening process than event the most diligent parent can.

These nanny agencies are temp-to-hire agencies specially developed for nannies. Each applicant is screened; every aspect of his or her life is an open book. Nanny agencies do an extensive criminal background check complete with fingerprints, the employment history and check all references very carefully to rule out any possible threat to a child. Even though the agency screens each applicant, it is in the best interest of your child or children to check out the references for your self. Ask for prior clients and meet face to face with them. Write down all of the questions you want to ask. Often, when you have an actual face-to-face meeting, you are nervous and forget what you wanted to ask. When a parent decides to hire nanny agencies, there are a few things they need to take into consideration.

First of all ask questions. These people will be taking care of your children, ask as many question as it takes until you feel comfortable with the prospective nanny agency.

One of the first questions that should be asked is how long the nanny agency has been in business. It is not necessarily a bad thing to be a new agency, but with an established agency references can be furnished and the nanny agency itself will have some type of reputation. Ask what the placement success rate is. Experts estimate that placing six to eight nannies per month is a good ratio, as long as it is not the same nanny being placed.

The question of the rates and fees of the nanny agencies is important. No one wants to think that they cannot afford the best for their children, but in today’s economy, it is impossible not to take this into consideration. It is counter productive to hire a nanny one month, and not be able to pay for it the next.

The advantages to using nanny agencies are many. But there are also disadvantages. One such disadvantage is the monthly payments. These payments can sometimes be thousands of dollars. If a nanny agency claims have low rates, be very wary. An excellent agency that has an excellent reputation can and does charge a very high fee. You are paying for the expertise of the nannies that are within the agency.

Au Pairs and Nannies: Looking after the welfare of your child.

The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once the holidays are over. Worst of all, most of them never lose this extra weight. Over the years, few pounds gained over the holidays here and there add up to 10, 20, 30 pounds of excess fat!

To avoid falling into the holiday fat trap, follow these simple tips:

1. Don’t deprive yourself. Munching on a green salad while everyone is feasting on turkey and stuffing is just not worth it. You will end up miserable, and chances are you’ll binge at home or on the next party. Depriving yourself once is likely to cause you to eat everything in sight the next day to “compensate” for your suffering.

2. Don’t stuff yourself. You are not a turkey, after all! Remember, this is not the last time in your life that you can eat.

3. Eat a small meal several hours before the party. This will prevent you from being too hungry when faced with abundant menu. When you are not starving, you can think with your brain, and not with your stomach.

4. Eat slowly. It takes our body about 20 minutes to realize that we are full. Also, the slower you eat, the less food you’ll eat as opposed to eating fast in the same amount of time.

5. Be aware of what you are eating. It’s easy to get carried away in conversation, and eat way too much before you know it. Don’t automatically go for more helpings while you are talking to someone.

6. If you are cooking the food, prepare healthier versions of traditional dishes. Don’t go too far by trying to completely cut out the fat. Just make some slight changes such as mashing potatoes with low-fat milk, adding less butter to the food, and serving more salads and veggies. Or make the stuffing in a casserole dish outside of turkey, so it does not soak up the extra fat.

7. Deal with the food-pushing hosts by complimenting them. When they try to force more food on you, smile. Say how much you love their food, but unfortunately you are so full, you can’t get in another bite. And that you’ll be delighted if they gave you some of this food to take home, if there is anything left after the party!

8. Choose the turkey breast meat, since it has fewer calories then dark meat. Also, most of the fat in a turkey is contained in the skin. So, if you can, don’t eat the skin. Skinless turkey breast is actually a healthy choice. But go easy on a fat-laden gravy!

9. Eat small amounts of various foods, as opposed to large portions of few foods. Sampling everything on the menu will leave you more satisfied since you’ve tried everything there is. But remember, moderation is key.

10. Eat that dessert. The trick here is to eat a small piece of it. This way you can have your cake and eat it too!

About The Author

Melanie Mendelson is the author of Practical Weight Loss – the healthy way to lose weight and keep it off. Visit Melanie’s site at http://www.practical-weight-loss.com

For those who live away from their families, the hardest part of the distance is the lack of communication and the feeling of being out of touch with their families. Trying to call home as cheap as possible is just a part of daily life for these people. Whether they are Americans in another country or immigrants living in America, “phoning home” is more than just an idea from “ET”.

1. Find a phone card that is dedicated to the country in which the phone call is being placed to. These phone cards tend to be less expensive and offer a better minute to dollar ratio that other phone cards. These phone cards are also often written in the native language of that country which makes it easy for the user to use.

2. If using a phone card that is dedicated to several countries, ensure that the minute to dollar ratio is good. There are many phone cards that use different connection rates per country that can limit the value of the phone card. There are also many phone cards that use different dollar to minute ratios, which can also limit the value of the card. This limiting value can decrease the amount of time one talks to his or her family while charging a higher rate for the card itself.

3. See if the card is rechargeable. There are often great rates and deals to be had by cards that are rechargeable. If this is the case, sending the extra money on buying a rechargeable phone card can save infinite money later.

By following these three simple tips for using phone cards to make cheap international long distance calls, one can stay in touch with their family for less money, which means more phone calls and connection in the end.

Happy communicating!

The American economy is sucking a lot of money out of consumers’ pockets due to high gas prices and the general increase in every other consumer good from food to clothing that is associated with high oil prices. However, there is good news on the horizon, and that is that auto insurance rates are being reduced. Despite this reduction, there are several things you should keep in mind when shopping for car insurance to ensure you receive the best rate and coverage for you and your vehicle.

Tip #1 Shop Around
There are so many different auto insurers out there you might think it difficult to find the best insurance at the lowest prices. However, don’t despair because all you have to do is shop around. The easiest way to do this is to go online and search all your favorite car insurers in order to receive a fast and free online quote. Then, you can simply compare the services and prices of the insurers and make the best choice for you. Spending a little time on research might save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance.

Tip #2 Look for the Discounts
You may not have known this, but many auto insurers provide discounts to drivers for good driving behavior and other reasons as well. So, ask about the discounts available through various insurance providers and consider how many you would qualify for. More than likely if you qualify for one or two then your rates could easily drop several hundred dollars per year.

Tip #3 Maintain Your Credit
Unbeknownst to you, your credit score affects your car insurance rate. As a result, you should be sure to maintain your credit score as high as possible in order to not only receive the benefits of good credit, but also to pay lower car insurance premiums. It is really worthwhile, and something you will benefit from economically.

These tips are great ways for you as a consumer to take your car insurance needs into your own hands and find the best provider with the lowest rates and most coverage. When you start doing the research, you will be amazed how much money you can save as well as how many more benefits you can receive. Go ahead and start saving on your auto insurance today, there is no reason to wait.

“It is time that we the people stand up and declare we will not be overtaken by the car dealers, but rather we will take the car dealers by storm. Researching the cars is not enough; we need a way to research the dealers themselves.” – Dennis James

At www.cardealercheck.com you can read independent car dealer reviews written by car buyers for car buyers.