How to Stream and Downlod Movies

First you will need the Followings Freewares:

Firefox

http://www.filehippo.com/download_firefox

The Web is all about innovation, and Firefox sets the pace with dozens of new features to deliver a faster, more secure and customizable Web browsing experience for all.
User Experience. The enhancements to Firefox provide the best possible browsing experience on the Web. The new Firefox smart location bar, affectionately known as the "Awesome Bar," learns as people use it, adapting to user preferences and offering better fitting matches over time.
Performance. Firefox is built on top of the powerful new Gecko platform, resulting in a safer, easier to use and more personal product.
Security. Firefox raises the bar for security. The new malware and phishing protection helps protect from viruses, worms, trojans and spyware to keep people safe on the Web.
Customization. Everyone uses the Web differently, and Firefox lets users customize their browser with more than 5,000 add-ons.

Firefox Addon

Video DownloadHelper

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper/?src=cb-dl-users

The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites.
This works also for audio and picture galleries.

DownThemAll

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/downthemall/?src=cb-dl-users

The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!

Download Statusbar

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/download-statusbar/?src=cb-dl-users

View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.

VLC Media Player

http://www.filehippo.com/download_vlc_32/


VLC media player is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols without external codec or program.
It can also be used as a server to stream in unicast or multicast in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.
VLC can play:

• MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 / DivX files from a hard disk, a CD-ROM drive, and so on
• DVDs, VCDs, and Audio CDs
• From satellite cards (DVB-S)
• Several types of network streams: UDP/RTP Unicast, UDP/RTP Multicast, HTTP, RTSP, MMS, etc.
• From acquisition or encoding cards (on GNU/Linux and Windows only)

Format Factory

http://www.filehippo.com/download_format_factory/

Format Factory is a free audio, video and photo converter that supports a large range of formats for encoding and ripping. You can convert either single files or entire folders from one format to another. Presets for portable devices make it easy to create audio and video files that can play on your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, iPod or Blackberry. Format Factory lets you rip your favorite DVDs and Music CDs to create a copy of your films and songs on your local hard disk or any portable storage drive. If your media files are corrupted, Format Factory can help to repair them. While converting pictures, Format Factory allows rotation and zoom as well as adding of tags and watermarks. The program also comes with an AV Mux tool.

• Video formats: MPG, WMV, 3GP, FLV, SWF, MP4, AVI, ...
• Audio formats: WAV, WMA, OGG, MP3, AAC, AMR, ...
• Image formats: PNG, JPG, TIF, ICO, BMP, GIF, TGA, ...

Then you need to go to Viooz Website using Firefox:

Viooz

http://viooz.co/

Select the Movie you want and Start Streaming it Online.

Right Click on the Browser outside the Video Window and Select DownloadHelper > Media > Flv File.

This will start the Download of Flv Format File to the Folder you select (the Default Folder is Users > dwhelper).

From the All in One Sidebar and Download Status Bar on Firefox you will be able to see the Size and Duration of the Download. Depend on your Internet Speed it will usually take about 30 Minutes to One Hour. (For example My Fibre Boardband is 100 Mbps so 100 divided by 8 will be 12.5 MB per Minutes, it will take about 56 Minutes to download 700 MB Flv Format File)

You can now view the Flv Format File with VLC Media Player or you can convert the Flv File into MP4 using Format Factory.

This can be done on other Video Websites like YouTube, Daily Motion and Xin MSN, but the Microsoft SilverLight must be disable for Xin MSN.

You can also Stream and Download Movie using PPTV or QVod using Android TV Box.

Freewares

FileHippo

http://www.filehippo.com/

FileHippo is a very good Website with a lot of Freewares for Download.

 Google Chrome

http://www.filehippo.com/download_google_chrome/

Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier.
One box for everything
Type in the address bar and get suggestions for both search and web pages.
Thumbnails of your top sites
Access your favorite pages instantly with lightning speed from any new tab.
Incognito mode
Don't want pages you visit to show up in your web history? Choose incognito mode for private browsing.
Safe browsing
Google Chrome warns you if you're about to visit a suspected phishing, malware or otherwise unsafe website.


Firefox

http://www.filehippo.com/download_firefox

The Web is all about innovation, and Firefox sets the pace with dozens of new features to deliver a faster, more secure and customizable Web browsing experience for all.
User Experience. The enhancements to Firefox provide the best possible browsing experience on the Web. The new Firefox smart location bar, affectionately known as the "Awesome Bar," learns as people use it, adapting to user preferences and offering better fitting matches over time.
Performance. Firefox is built on top of the powerful new Gecko platform, resulting in a safer, easier to use and more personal product.
Security. Firefox raises the bar for security. The new malware and phishing protection helps protect from viruses, worms, trojans and spyware to keep people safe on the Web.
Customization. Everyone uses the Web differently, and Firefox lets users customize their browser with more than 5,000 add-ons.

Firefox Addon

uBlock Origin
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/

An efficient blocker: easy on memory and CPU footprint, and yet can load and enforce thousands more filters than other popular blockers out there.

Adblock Plus

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/?src=cb-dl-users

Annoyed by adverts? Troubled by tracking? Bothered by banners? Install Adblock Plus now to regain control of the internet and change the way that you view the web.

Video DownloadHelper

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper/?src=cb-dl-users

The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites.
This works also for audio and picture galleries.

DownThemAll

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/downthemall/?src=cb-dl-users

The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!

Download Statusbar

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/download-statusbar/?src=cb-dl-users

View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.

FastestFox

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/fastestfox-browse-faster/?src=cb-dl-users

Save time by speeding up repetitive tasks. Get faster, parallelized downloads, see definitions, auto-load the next page, improve searching, and more. FastestFox will dramatically enhance your productivity!

All in One Sidebar

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/all-in-one-sidebar/?src=cb-dl-users

AiOS lets you open various windows as sidebar panels, and quickly switch between them. So it put an end to the window chaos! In addition to bookmarks and history it opens dialogues such as downloads, add-ons and more in the sidebar.

Noia 4

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noia-4/?src=ss

Noia 4 -the successor of Noia 2 eXtreme- offers many skin types, easy Personas usage and many settings inside 'Noia 4 theme manager'.


Avira AntiVir Personal

http://www.filehippo.com/download_antivir/

Avira AntiVir Personal - FREE Antivirus is a reliable free antivirus solution, that constantly and rapidly scans your computer for malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, hoaxes, worms, dialers etc. Monitors every action executed by the user or the operating system and reacts promptly when a malicious program is detected.

• Detects and removes more than 150,000 viruses
• Always among the winners of comparison test featured in computer journals
• The resident Virus Guard serves to monitor file movements automatically, e.g. downloading of data from the internet
• Scanning and repair of macro viruses
• Protection against previously unknown macro viruses
• Protection against trojans, worms, backdoors, jokes and other harmful programs
• AntiVir protection against viruses, worms and Trojans
• AntiDialer protection against expensive dialers
• AntiRootkit protection against hidden rootkits
• AntiPhishing protection against phishing
• AntiSpyware protection against spyware and adware
• NetbookSupport for laptops with low resolution
• QuickRemoval eliminates viruses at the push of a button
• Easy operation
• Internet-Update Wizard for easy updating
• Protection against previously unknown boot record viruses and master boot record viruses  

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

http://filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to detect. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start.
Key Features:

• Light speed quick scanning.
• Ability to perform full scans for all drives.
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Protection Module. (requires registration)
• Database updates released daily.
• Quarantine to hold threats and restore them at your convenience.
• Ignore list for both the scanner and Protection Module.
• Settings to enhance your Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware performance.
• A small list of extra utilities to help remove malware manually.
• Multi-lingual support.
• Works together with other anti-malware utilities.
• Command line support for quick scanning.

Spybot - Search & Destroy

http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/

Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies.
If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware.
Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.
Spybot-S&D can also clean usage tracks, an interesting function if you share your computer with other users and don't want them to see what you have been working on. And for professional users, Spybot-S&D allows you to fix some registry inconsistencies and extended reports.

Spyware Blaster

http://www.filehippo.com/download_spywareblaster/

Spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and dialers are some of the fastest-growing threats on the Internet today. By simply browsing to a web page, you could find your computer to be the brand-new host of one of these unwanted fiends!
The most important step you can take is to secure your system. And SpywareBlaster is the most powerful protection program available.

• Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
• Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
• Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.

SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.

WinPatrol

http://www.filehippo.com/download_winpatrol/

WinPatrol alerts you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. As a multipurpose support utility, WinPatrol replaces multiple system utilities with its enhanced functionality.
WinPatrol was the pioneer in using a heuristic behavioral approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. Traditional security programs scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. WinPatrol takes snapshots of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that occur without your knowledge.
You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others prepare to update their definition/signature data files.

VLC Media Player

http://filehippo.com/download_vlc_media_player/64/


VLC media player is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols without external codec or program.
It can also be used as a server to stream in unicast or multicast in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.
VLC can play:

• MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 / DivX files from a hard disk, a CD-ROM drive, and so on
• DVDs, VCDs, and Audio CDs
• From satellite cards (DVB-S)
• Several types of network streams: UDP/RTP Unicast, UDP/RTP Multicast, HTTP, RTSP, MMS, etc.
• From acquisition or encoding cards (on GNU/Linux and Windows only)

Format Factory

http://www.filehippo.com/download_format_factory/

Format Factory is a free audio, video and photo converter that supports a large range of formats for encoding and ripping. You can convert either single files or entire folders from one format to another. Presets for portable devices make it easy to create audio and video files that can play on your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, iPod or Blackberry. Format Factory lets you rip your favorite DVDs and Music CDs to create a copy of your films and songs on your local hard disk or any portable storage drive. If your media files are corrupted, Format Factory can help to repair them. While converting pictures, Format Factory allows rotation and zoom as well as adding of tags and watermarks. The program also comes with an AV Mux tool.

• Video formats: MPG, WMV, 3GP, FLV, SWF, MP4, AVI, ...
• Audio formats: WAV, WMA, OGG, MP3, AAC, AMR, ...
• Image formats: PNG, JPG, TIF, ICO, BMP, GIF, TGA, ...

CCleaner

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!

Smart Defrag

http://filehippo.com/download_smart_defrag/

Smart Defrag provides you with you reliable disk defragmentation that gives you better PC performance with optimized hard drives.
Smart Defrag is a free, light, and stable disk defragment tool, which will give your hard drives faster file loading and outstandingly better disk performance. The latest version of Smart Defrag (5) now has improved SSD tools. Running these will significantly improve the access speed of your SSDs. This in turn, will preserve the life of the drive.
Key features include:

• Simple and easy to understand interface.
• Relatively lightweight.
• Feature rich.
• Language support.
• SSD Trim functionality.
• Gaming defrag.

If you are a gamer, then Smart Defrag is right up your alley. Smart Defrag also has a useful tool

WinRAR

http://www.filehippo.com/download_winrar/

WinRAR is an archiving utility that completely supports RAR and ZIP archives and is able to unpack CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ, ACE, UUE, BZ2, JAR, ISO, 7Z, Z archives. It consistently makes smaller archives than the competition, saving disk space and transmission costs.
WinRAR offers a graphic interactive interface utilizing mouse and menus as well as the command line interface. WinRAR is easier to use than many other archivers with the inclusion of a special "Wizard" mode which allows instant access to the basic archiving functions through a simple question and answer procedure.
WinRAR offers you the benefit of industry strength archive encryption using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a key of 128 bits. It supports files and archives up to 8,589 billion gigabytes in size. It also offers the ability to create selfextracting and Multivan archives. With recovery record and recovery volumes, you can reconstruct even physically damaged archives.

FastStone Image Viewer

http://www.filehippo.com/download_faststone_image_viewer/ 

FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments.
Its innovative but intuitive full-screen mode provides quick access to EXIF information, thumbnail browser and major functionalities via hidden toolbars that pop up when your mouse touches the four edges of the screen.
Other features include a high quality magnifier and a musical slideshow with 150+ transitional effects, as well as lossless JPEG transitions, drop shadow effects, image annotation, scanner support, histogram and much more.
It supports all major graphic formats:

• BMP
• JPEG
• JPEG 2000
• animated GIF
• PNG
• PCX
• TIFF
• WMF
• ICO
• TGA

It also supports popular digital camera RAW formats:

• CRW
• CR2
• NEF
• PEF
• RAF
• MRW
• ORF
• SRF
• DNG

FastStone Photo Resizer

http://www.faststone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm 

FastStone Photo Resizer is an image converter and renaming tool that intends to enable users to convert, rename, resize, crop, rotate, change color depth, add text and watermarks to images in a quick and easy batch mode. Drag and Drop mouse operation is well supported.

• Convert and Rename images in batch mode
  
• Support JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, TIFF and JPEG2000
  
• Resize, crop, change color depth, apply color effects, add text, watermark and border effects
  
• Rename images with sequential number
  
• Search and replace texts in the file names
  
• Preview conversion and renaming
  
• Support folder/non-folder structure
  
• Load and save settings
  
• And much more...

Beijing Tour 2012

Brought the 5 Days 4 Night Luxurious Emperor Beijing Tour Package by Gloree Tours & Travels at $398 per person from Deal Web Site, the Airport Tax for Air China Flight is additional $320 per person. Tip for Tour Guide at $6 per day for 5 days is $30, so the whole package cost about $748 per person. The tour package include Air China Flight with 5 Stars Hotel Stay and All Meals, it is consider a very good deal as we only have to pay for the Flight Ticket where the 5 Stars Hotel Stay and Meals are basically sponsored by the Specialty Shop which we have to stay for about 60 to 90 Minutes.

Day 1 Saturday 10th Nov 2012

We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on Saturday 10th Nov 2012 at 0715 hrs and take off at 0930 hrs for Beijing. We arrived at Beijing Airport at about 1545 hrs, by the time we clear the Custom and found our Tour Guide Miss Han it is already 1630 hrs. We immediately board the Van which can accommodate 13 persons and set off for Dinner.

We had our Dinner at Dalian Seafood Restaurant, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Dice, Stir Fry Pork and Vegetable. We proceed to Shijingshan HNA Hotel right after dinner and Check In to Room 838 and 839 right after Dinner and rest for the Night.

Day 2 Sunday 11th Nov 2012


Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue at Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府）

We went to the Super Market nearby after Breakfast and brought Three Set of Winter Glove and Hat at RMB 150 (S$30) for my Mother, Aunt and Wife. The Tour Guide fetch us at the Hotel at 1100 hrs and set off for Lunch. We have our Lunch at Chong Qin Steam Boat Restaurant, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Slice, Stir Fry Pork, Steam Egg and Vegetables.

We proceed to Solana Shopping Centre （蓝色海湾） right after Lunch. As we have to wait for another Group who will join our Tour Tomorrow we decided to hold our Actual Tour Itinerary until they have join us.

We decided to visit Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府）as part of the Additional Tour since we do not have any plan for the afternoon. The Entrance Fee is actually RMB 80 (S$16) per Person but we pay RMB 90 (S$18) for the Transportation and Tour Guide. I brought 40 x Amulet for RMB 600 (S$120) and 20 x Card for RMB 600 ($120) as Souvenirs for Friends and Relatives.

Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府） is related to a Legend, it was once the Mansion of He Shen （何伸） an Eunuch who was well like by the Qian Long （乾隆） Emperor and Promoted Nine Rank and become the Right Hand Man of the Emperor. He was a Greedy person and have accumulated a lot of Wealth and Treasures from his Post over the Years. There are Three Wonders and One Treasure in his Mansion, the Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue, the Treasure Collecting Pond （聚宝盆）, the Nine Thousands Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Blessings and the Number One Blessing （天下第一福） in the World.

The Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue is form by nature erosion and he brought it back from Jiangnan （江南） when he accompany the Emperor for Tour. It immediately bear him a Son which he have long for and it really resemblance a Women Carrying a Child which look like the Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） which give Blessing to Child Birth.
The Treasure Collecting Pond （聚宝盆） is design in the Shape of a Gold Ingot （元宝）, the Money Trees are Plant around the Pond. The fallen leaves will collect in the Pond which signify Money falling into it. It is greatly related to the Feng Shui of Ancient Chinese Tradition.

There are Nine Thousands Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Wooden Bat （蝠） Craving on the Building in the Mansion, Bat was believe to be direct representation of Blessings （福） in Chinese Wordings. The Number One Blessing in the World Hidden in the Stone Forest （石林） located at the Stomach of the Water Dragon （水龙） complete the Figure to Ten Thousands （万福）.

The Number One Blessing （天下第一福） in the World is a Manuscript written by Kang Xi （康熙） Emperor when his Mother is suffering from Sickness due to Old Age. As the Emperor is believe to be the Son of Heaven （天子）, he bear the direct responsibility to Pray for Blessing （祈福） for the Mother Health. He mediated for Three Days and created this Manuscript which actually bring Good Health to his Mother according to the Legend.

The Manuscript represent five worldly desires with one word other than Many Blessing （多福）, it also represent Many Child （多子）, Many Talent （多才） or Wealth （多财）, Many Land （多田）, Many Longevity （多寿）. As Kang Xi （康熙） Emperor only created Three Pieces of Manuscript in his whole life, this Manuscript had been classified as the Number One National Treasure by the National Leaders and National Culture Department.

We proceed for Dinner after that, and have Stir Fry Chicken, Stir Fry Pork and Vegetables. We return to our Hotel after Dinner and rest for the Night.

Day 3 Monday 12th Nov 2012


Forbidden City （故宫）

We set off for National Theater at 0700 hrs right after our Breakfast, Mr Kwok and his Family of four had join us for the Tour for the Next Three Days. The National Theater is some how very similar to the Esplanade Theater in Singapore. We proceed to visit Tian An Men Square （天安门） and Forbidden City （故宫） after that, due to the 18th National Parliament we have to go through very tight security check before we can enter into the Premise.

The Ancient Chinese Feng Shui Belief was included in Most of the Buildings in China especially Beijing the Capital which originate from Ming Dynasty until now. The North was represented by the Water Element Blue Tortoise which is the Position for Elder in the Family, the East was represented by the Wood Element Green Dragon which is the Position for Son in the Family, the West was represented by the Gold Element White Tiger (this was Earth Element in Korean Culture) which is the Position for Daughter (Thousand Gold Girl) and finally the South was represented by the Fire Element Red Phoenix which is the Position for Servant (this can also be Women as Phoenix are usually related to Women).

The Water Dragon run from West to East where the Head is located at Central South Sea （中南海） Headquarter (The Office for National Leader). The Earth Dragon （土龙） run from North to South which is the Central Line which divide the Beijing City, all the Major Building Locations are aligned to this Central Line including the Forbidden City （故宫）, the Heaven Temple （天坛）, Ming Emperor Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） and even the Recent Year 2008 Bird Nest （鸟巢） and Water Cube （水立方） Olympic Stadium.

We have Lunch after our visit at Forbidden City （故宫）, and have Peking Duck, Stir Fry Chicken, Pork Rib, Steam Fish, Fried Prawn, Fried Egg, Duck Soup and Vegetables. We visit the Tea Shop right after our dinner and was taught on knowledge of Tea as our Previous Jiangnan （江南） Tour.


Pagoda at Heaven Temple （天坛）

We visit the Heaven Temple （天坛） after Lunch, it is the Temple where the Emperor Pray for Blessing from Heaven （祭天）. It had a Centre Stone at the Three Level Platform which most believe a person can hear the Sound from Heaven and Hell when standing directly on it. It had also a Echo Wall （回音墙） which you can hear three repeat echo when you shout standing at the middle of it. The Pagoda is build completely out of Wood and all the structure were joint without any Nails.

We have our Dinner at Cantonese Restaurant after that, and have Curry Chicken, Stir Fry Fish, Sweet Sour Pork, Pork Patties, Fried Egg and Vegetables. We went to watch an Golden Sand Myth （神秘金沙） Acrobat Show after Dinner and went back to Hotel and rest for the night.

Day 4 Tuesday 13th Nov 2012


Great Wall Certificate

We visit Jade Factory after our Breakfast and was taught on knowledge of Jade as our Previous Jiangnan （江南） Tour. The only additional Knowledge is that the Jade Bracelet should be worn on the Left Hand as it is Closest to the Heart (this is similar to Wedding Ring Culture).

We visit Great Wall （长城） after that, my wife only complete half the Journey while my Mother and Aunt only waited below. I have to do one and a half journey as Mr Kwok and his two sons lost their way, as you can guess the additional half journey is done together with the Tour Guide out of Good Will to help locate them. I got a Certificate for RMB 30 (S$6) with Photo of My Wife and Myself on it.

We have Lunch after that, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Slice, Stir Fry Chicken, Pork Knuckle Peanut Soup, Fish Ball Soup, Winter Melon Soup, Braised Tou Fu (Bean Curb) and Vegetables. Mrs Kwok decided to treat my family to the Additional Tour of Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） at RMB 35 (S$7) per person in appreciation of my help to find her family.


Ming Emperor Statue at Thirteen Tomb （十三陵）

The Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） of the Ming Emperor are build at a Feng Shui Location with Longevity Mountain on the North, Green Dragon Mountain to the East, White Tiger Mountain to the West and Red Phoenix Plain to the South. The Red Army Leader Mao Zhe Dong （毛泽东） had decided to build a Dam during the Culture Revolution （文化大革命） in 1949 to stop the Water Dragon （水龙） from flowing through the Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） to his advantage as he fortune is lack of the Water Element. So the Head of the Water Dragon （水龙） had been alter to be in Central South Sea （中南海） Headquarter (The Office for National Leader) instead of Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） during the Mao Era.

There is a Gate of Hell where only the Emperor Coffin and the Carrier can past through, we have to Stomp our feet (Left for Guy, Right for Girl) three time and wipe off the dust on our body and shout “We are back” when we return from the Tomb Visit to prevent any bad fortune from following us.

We went for Tibet （西藏） Foot Massage after that, and the Specialist try very hard to convince us to buy Tibetan Medicine by demonstrating Qi Gong （气功） (Ancient Chinese Martial Art Energy Power). My mother and my aunt decided to buy the Herbal Satchel for Soaking Feet after much persuasion.

We went to Wang Fu Jin Walking Street （王府井步行街） after that, we have various Local Food at Dong Hua Men Eatery Street （东华门小吃街） which is located there. We have our Dinner there too and have Crispy Duck, Fried Fish, Stir Fry Pork, Meat Ball, Braised Tou Fu (Bean Curb) and Vegetables. We ask the Tour Guide to arrange for the Legend of Gong Fu Show （功夫传奇） at the Red Theater （红馆） at RMB 280 (S$56) per person. We went for Night Tour of Chang An Street before we return to Hotel and rest for the night.

Day 5 Wednesday 14th Nov 2012


Pagoda at Summer Palace （颐和园）

We visit the Silk Factory after Breakfast and was taught on knowledge of Silk as our Previous Jiangnan Tour. They have 6th Generation Silk Products which kind of remind me of the relationship of Apple iPhone Generation. I brought a Panda Soft for my Nephew at RMB 480 (S$96). I realise that the same thing sold for RMB 240 (S$48) at the Panda House at the Zoo and RMB 180 (S$180) on the Street.

We visit Summer Palace （颐和园）after that, the Kun Ming Lake （昆明湖） is Shape of the Peach （寿桃） which signify Longevity Sea （寿海） and the Ten Thousand Longevity Mountain （万寿山） is Shape of a Bat （蝠） which signify Blessing Mountain （福山）. The Dragon （龙） was Suppress by the Phoenix （风） in the Summer Palace as the Ci Xi Dowager Empress wish to hold Power and refuse to let the Son Emperor Rule. There was Dragon Statue which stretch out the Claw signify the Emperor Begging for things and the Phoenix is located at the center to signify it Authority over the Dragon.


Giant Panda （大熊猫） at Zoo

We went to visit the Panda House at the Zoo after that, most of the Giant Panda （大熊猫） and Small Panda （小熊猫） were lazy and were taking their afternoon nap. There are also Golden Monkey （金丝猴） there which appear much more active as compare to the Pandas.

We have our Lunch at Thai Village Restaurant, and have Fried Fish, Fried Prawn, Crispy Chicken, Sesame Ball and Vegetables. We visit the Jewellery Shop which is located there, and was taught on knowledge of Jewellery as our Previous Jiangnan Tour. The only additional Knowledge is they demonstrate the Refractive Index of the Precious Stone by the Laser. The Boss actually try to convince us into buying Jewellery by giving us a Gift of Jade Pendant and Generous Discount of RMB 12800 (S$2560) Ruby Ring at the Price of RMB 200 (S$40). I brought a Ruby Necklace at RMB 660 (S$132) as a gift for my mother.


Pan Gu （盘古） IBM Tower Shape Like a Dragon （龙）

We went to visit the Year 2008 Bird Nest （鸟巢） and Water Cube （故宫） Olympic Stadium nearby after that. The Bird Nest Stadium were build to match the International Conference Centre which Shape like the Phoenix （凤） when view from the Top, while the Water Cube （水立方） Stadium were build to match the Pan Gu （盘古） IBM Tower which is Shape like a Dragon （盘古） (as Chinese believe Water will provide Energy for Dragon to Soar the Sky).


Willow Tree at Shi Cha Hai Bar Street

We went to Shi Cha Hai Bar Street （什刹海酒吧一条街） after that and watch the Old Beijing Movement Acrobat Show （老北京动起来） there. Visitor are welcome to give Tips of RMB 10 (S$2) to RMB 20 (S$4) after the Performance and I decided to give RMB 20 (S$4) as I can see they really put in a lot of effort into the Performance.

We have Dinner after that, and have Crispy Duck, Steam Fish, Chicken, Fried and Steam Dumpling, Fried Egg and Vegetables. We went to Silk Street Shopping Centre （秀水街） after that, where I realised the Pricing there were to Slaughter Tourist when the same Panda Soft Toy I brought for RMB 480 (S$96) were selling at RMB 580 (S$116) there. Even Android Tablet which selling at Shenzhen （深圳） at RMB 500 (S$100) were selling there at RMB 1000 (S$200). The worst is when I went to ask about a Micro Fiber Blanket which is selling in Singapore at S$30 (RMB 150), to my surprise they actually ask for RMB 750 (S$150) from the start and finally lower down the pricing to RMB 250 (S$50) after much Bargain.

We arrive at Beijing Airport at 2000 hrs and take off at 2330 hrs for Singapore. We arrived at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at about 0600 hrs, by the time we clear the Custom, brought some Duty Free and get our Check In Baggage it is already 0700 hrs. We decided to have Breakfast at Starbucks Cafe before we proceed back home.

Jiang Nan Tour 2012

Brought the 5 Days 4 Night Romantic Luxurious Shang Hai Tour Package by Gloree Tours & Travels at $238 per person from Deal Web Site, the Airport Tax for Singapore Airline Flight is additional $380 per person. Tip for Tour Guide at $6 per day for 5 days is $30, so the whole package cost about $648 per person. The tour package include Singapore Airline Flight with 5 Stars Hotel Stay and most of the Meals, it is consider a very good deal as we only have to pay for the Flight Ticket where the 5 Stars Hotel Stay and Meals are basically sponsored by the Speciality Shop which we have to stay for about 60 to 90 Minutes.

Day 1 Saturday 22nd Sep 2012: Shang Hai and Su Zhou

We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on Friday 21st Sep 2012 at 2230 hrs and take off at 0115 hrs for Shang Hai. We arrived at Shang Hai Pu Dong Airport at about 0635 hrs, by the time we clear the Custom and found our Tour Guide Miss Zhu it is already 0715 hrs. By the time all the 16 people gather at the Bus which can accommodate 55 persons and set off is already 0730 hrs.


My Mum Making Sushi at Suntori Japanese Restaurant at East South East Culture Centre

Our first stop is East South East Culture Centre at Shang Hai, we arrive there at about 0900 hrs. We have Sushi Making Lesson and watch some Dance Performance there. We left at about 1100 hrs and have Duck Noodle at RMB 5 each ($1) for Lunch at nearby Eatery. We set off again at about 1200 hrs for Su Zhou.


Famous Combination Word by Tang Bo Hu which mean Every Day Can See Talent (Money).

The next Attraction is Tang Bo Hu Mansion at Su Zhou, Tang Bo Hu is one of the four Talented Scholar in Jiang Nan he is famous for many Painting and Poetry. I brought a Folded Fan with his Famous Poetry printed on it for RMB 20 ($4).

We check in at Su Zhou Days Inn Room 317 and 315 at about 1430 hrs, have a short afternoon nap and gather again at Hotel Lobby at 1630 hrs. We have Steam Fish and Meat Ball for Dinner at Local Restaurant at 1700 hrs. We visit Yuan Rong Times Square Shopping Mall at 1830 hrs to see the Biggest LED Display and return back to our Hotel at 1930 hrs and rest for the night.

Day 2 Sunday 23rd Sep 2012: Su Zhou and Wu Xi

We woke up at about 0700 hrs and have our Breakfast at 0730 hrs at the Hotel, we gather at the Hotel Lobby and set off at 0800 hrs. The first stop in the morning is Silk Factory and we arrive there at about 0900 hrs. Silk is a very good Material for Blanket as it can withstand Moisture, it remain cool in Summer and warm in Winter. Real Silk is different from Polyester, when burn with fire it will give off White Smoke and extinguish within seconds. I brought Leopard Spot Design Bed Linen Set at RMB 4480 ($896), Silk Blanket and Mattress Protector Set RMB 1470 ($294), it came with 4 x Silk Pillow and 2 x Silk Scarf Free, My Grand Aunt brought (Kid Size Silk Blanket and Mattress Protector Set for my coming Nephew at RMB 720 ($144). We also brought 6 x Silk Scarf at RMB 50 ($10) from the Tour Guide and get one Silk Scarf free.


Ling Shan Buddha

We have Pork Knuckle and Fried Prawn for Lunch at Local Restaurant by the River at about 1100 hrs, we set off for Wu Xi at about 1200 hrs. We arrive at Ling Shan Buddha at about 1400 hrs, the Tour Tram of RMB 25 ($5) was provided by the Tour Agency Free when we purchase the Additional Tour Package at RMB 500 ($100). We left at 1700 hrs

We have Pork Rib and Steam Fish for Dinner at Local Restaurant at 1800 hrs and arrive at Wan Da Shopping Mall at 1900 hrs. We left the Shopping Mall at 2000 hrs and check in at Wu Xi Ramada Hotel Room 8008 and 8010 at 2100 hrs.

Day 3 Monday 24th Sep 2012: Wu Xi and Hang Zhou

We woke up at 0630 hrs and have our Breakfast at the Hotel at 0700 hrs, we gather at the Hotel Lobby at 0730 hrs and set off for Pearl Factory. We arrive at Pearl Factory at about 0830 hrs. Pearl come in different Colour, the most common one are White and Pink, Fresh Water Pearl got Purple and the very rare Black while Salt Water Pearl have very Rare Golden. Real Pearl can be determine by grinding it against Glass, no matter what the Pearl Colour is, the Powder will always remain White. Pearl Powder can be consume for Health or apply to skin for Beauty. Pearl is of no value if it is not Round and less than 8 mm in diameter, the most Rare one are at least 10 mm or more in diameter. My Grand Aunt Brought a Golden Pearl Necklace at RMB 8800 ($1760) and Golden Pearl Ring at RMB 5000 ($1000)


Li Lake Garden

We arrive at a Li Lake Garden at 1030 hrs which is built in remembrance of Fan Li and Xi Shi which is one of the Four Famous Beauty. Yue and Wu have been in War for many years, Yue Emperor Gou Jian was captured by Wu and have to taste Wu Emperor Shit to diagnose his sickness to gain his trust. He also taste the bitter gallbladder of snake every night to remind himself of the humiliation and seeking for a chance to revenge. He was finally release back to his country after three years and his advisor Fan Li suggest training a female spy which is Xi Shi to destroy Wu. Xi Shi manage to win Wu Emperor Heart and talk him into killing his most capable General. As Wu become weaken, Yue manage to conquer and take over most of the land.

But Yue Emperor grew weary of Fan Li and Xi Shi and want to kill them, the Lover escape to this Lake and live a seclude life until they die. As Fan Li have invented the weighing system and help to improve the Local Economy by teaching the people how to Fish, Plant and Trade while Xi Shi teach them how to Weave, the Local decided to use this Lake to remember them.

We left the Lake Park at about 1100 hrs and our next stop is Purple Sand Teapot Museum. We arrive there at about 1200 hrs and were taught on how to differentiate Real Purple Sand Teapot from the Fake one from the Sound Crystal Clear when knock and Feel Rough on the Surface , it also have a very good Absorbing Properties where it is able to dry up fast and can give back Tea Taste after some use without Tea Leave as the Favour is absorb into the Material. As Purple Sand can only be found in Yi Xing Quarry and unable to regenerate itself, it had become a very rare material for making Teapot. The most common one is Purple or Red in colour while there are also the Yellow and the Most Rare Green. My Mum brought 6 x Purple Sand Tea Cup at RMB 5 ($1) each.


Old Canal River Boat Tour

We have Pork Rib and Steam Fish for Lunch at a Restaurant near to the Tea Pot Museum at about 1300 hrs. We set off at about 1400 hrs for our first Additional Tour Package of Old Canal River Boat Tour arrive there at about 1430 hrs. The Boat Tour actually cost about RMB 100 ($20) each but we have to pay the Tour Agency RMB 150 ($30) each for the Tour Guide and Transport. It was like the River Boat Tour in Boat Quay and Clarke Quay in Singapore only the Building is more Traditional Chinese Style in Ancient China.

We brought 5 x Biscuit from the Tour Guide at RMB 20 ($4) each and get one Free. We finish our Boat Tour at about 1600 hrs and set off for Hang Zhou. The travelling time to Hang Zhou is about three and a half hours and we have the Famous Beggar Chicken and Dong Bo Pork for Dinner at Hang Zhou at 1930 hrs. We went to West Lake Night Spot at 2030 hrs and check in to Hang Zhou Heng Jing Holiday Hotel Room 520 and 521 at 2200 hrs.

Day 4 Tuesday 25th Sep 2012: Hang Zhou and Shang Hai


West Lake Boat Tour

We woke up at 0630 hrs and have our Breakfast at the Hotel at 0700 hrs, we gather at the Hotel Lobby at 0730 hrs and set off for West Lake Boat Tour. We arrive there at 0830 hrs and take the Boat Tour with visit to another Lake Garden. The West Lake is related to the Legend of White Snake as she is held captive by the Monk in the Lei Feng Pagoda located there. There is Three Lamp with Five Holes at the Centre of the Lake where they will light up at Night on Moon Cake Festival which will simulate a Reflection which create an illusion of many Moons. My Grand Aunt brought 8 x Scarf at RMB 10 ($2) each at the Lake Garden near to the West Lake.

Our next stop is Long Jing Tea Village, we arrive there at about 1000 hrs. The Tea Village belong to the Mei Family and most of them are with the Surname of Mei. We are shown how the Tea can absorb all the Toxin from the Rice which is contaminated by Iodine and explain on the benefit of drinking Green Tea. The Tea should not be brew with Boiling Water but with Warm Water at about 80 Degree Celsius which is left to cool for about three to five minutes after boiling.

We have Steam Fish and Pork Rib for Lunch at 1130 hrs at a Local Restaurant nearby the Tea Village. We set off for Shang Hai at 1230 hrs and arrive at Pu Er Tea Shop in Shang Hai at 1600 hrs. Pu Er is Red Tea from Yun Nan, it can be brew with Boiling Water and its favour become better with age. It also have good benefit for Health and it took few hundred years to grow into a mature tree. We are also introduce to the Tian Qi Flower which the First Year is White and Second Year is Yellow which only can cook as dish, the Third Year it will become Green which can be use to brew Tea.

There is a Story of a Wood Chopper who accidentally injure a Monkey in the forest, he realise the Monkey wound recover very fast within a few days. So he decided to injure the Monkey again and follow it, he saw the Monkey using the Leaf of Tian Qi Plant to dress the wound and that led to the Discovery of one of the Greatest Chinese Herbal Medicine in History. The Root is usually grind into powder and use for treating wound, the Famous Yun Nan White Powder is actually made from that. It also help to thin down the blood to prevent Stroke and Heart Attack, which is similar to the American taking Aspirin but without the side effect. I brought a Big Can of Tian Qi Flower at RMB 600 ($120) and it come with Small Can of Tian Qi Flower and a Box of Flower Fruit Tea Free

We have Steam Fish and Sweet Sour Pork for Dinner at Thai Culture Village at 1830 hrs. We went for our Additional Tour Package of Shang Hai Circus Show at 1930 hrs. The show actually cost RMB 160 ($38) each but we have to pay the Tour Agency RMB 350 ($70) each for the Tour Guide and Transport again.


Night View from The Bund

We went to the Shang Hai Night Spot Xin Tian Di at 2130 hrs and The Huang Pu Park and The Bund at 2230 hrs. We have to pay the Tour Guide a Tips of $30 each for $6 per person per day and Luggage Transfer RMB 40 ($8) each at RMB 10 ($2) per luggage per night. We check in at Shang Hai Rhea Hotel Room 2332 and 2331 at 2330 hrs.

Day 5 Wednesday 26th Sep 2012: Shang Hai

We woke up at 0630 hrs and have our Breakfast at the Hotel at 0700 hrs, we gather at the Hotel Lobby at 0730 hrs and set off for Tong Ren Chinese Medicine Hall. We were explain about the Basic of Chinese Medicine, where the Five Organ is related to the Five Elements. Liver is Wood, Heart is Fire, Stomach is Earth, Lung is Metal, Kidney is Water. With this concept we will be able to understand how each organ actually affect each other and there by affect our body.

The Master of the Chinese Medicine Hall actually choose Me and My Wife for diagnose, and speak to us about My Fatty Liver Problem and My Wife Cold Womb Problem. He actually claim that he had the correct medicine for both of us which is only available there and cost a few thousand RMB. When I told him that I will need a second opinion and reconsider his offer, he became very work up and start to throw temper at me. I calmly state my observation on him as his lip is black from excessive smoking and his eyes were red from lack of sleep and heat trap in the body. The discussion did not go as well as I thought and my wife blame me for making fun of Chinese Medicine.

Our next stop is Jade Factory and we arrive there at 1000 hrs, the Boss Son came to explain to us about how to differentiate Real Jade and Emerald from Fake one. My Wife start to take revenge by revealing all the answer before he could speak. We became like Martial Art Expert of the Ancient China smashing the Sign Board of every Martial Art Hall as we go. It is like the Return of the Condor Hero all over again.

Jade and Emerald have very good Heat Absorbing Properties, Real One can be determine by trying to burn Hair or Plastic Bag wrap around it. The Hair or Plastic Bag will never get burnt if it is wrap around the Real One, and the Plastic been the more reliable test for it. Jade have a Hardness Index of 4.5 while Emerald have a Hardness Index of 7.5, to differentiate between Jade and Emerald is by try whether it can cause any scratch on Glass which have a Hardness Index of 5.5. Of course Emerald will scratch Glass while Jade will not base on the different Hardness Index. Jade and Emerald value is determine by its clarity and colour, the longer it is been wear the clearer it become and Bright Green and Purple got more value then Yellow and White.


Yu Yuan Shopping Street

We have Xiao Long Bao and Steam Prawn for Lunch at Yu Yuan Shopping Street at 1230 hrs. We visit the Cheng Huang Temple there at 1330 hrs and go Free and Easy for our Shopping Spree there. I bring My Family to the Forth Sign Road where things are cheaper, we brought three packet of Fried Dumplings at RMB 5 ($1) each, 500 g of Chest Nut RMB 20 ($4), 10 x Silk Scarf at RMB 10 ($2) with One Free, 500 g of Cherry at RMB 20 ($4).

We arrive at Nan Jing Road Shopping Street at 1500 hrs, I help Uncle Chia to search for some Chinese Medicine along the street and he was very grateful to me even though we did not manage to get what he want. We took Maglev Train to Airport at 1700 hrs which cost RMB 40 ($10) each which come Free with our Additional Tour Package. Our Flight was delay and we finally fly back from Shang Hai at 2000 hrs and arrive back n Singapore on Thursday 27th Sep 2012 at 0130 hrs.

Hainan Wedding Tradition

Praying Mantis - My Guardian for the Night

My Nose start Bleeding the Moment We arrived at the Village, it was mainly due to the Hot Weather. There is an Old Wives Tale where eating of Rotten Banana Soak in Water for few day will Cure My Nose Bleed. I would not dare to try that cause I am very sure my Ass will start to Bleed for at least a few days if I do.


Wedding Tradition

According to Hainan Tradition the Bride had to stay at Her Home for at least Three Days before Married to the Groom. She will also had to Remain at the Groom House for Three Days before She Return to Her Parent House. The Bride Parent will Buy Home Appliances for Downy.


Hen

Me and My Wife had to finish the Old Hen all by Ourselves so that We will Conceive a Child according Their Old Wife Tales. So We Decide to Try another Made In China again but this time is at a Totally Different Environment. It is kind of Exciting as We had to do it without Locked Door and Closed Window and We had to do it as Quietly as possible so as not to Disturb Other nearby.


Pepper

Pineapple take One Year to Grow, Pepper take Three Years while Rubber and Lychee take Eight Years. The Children's here did not have much Things to Play with, just some Wooden Sticks and Stones. By making some Paper Airplane for Them is enough to make Them Happy and keep Them Entertain for few days. I became the Famous Paper Airplane Uncle in the Village.

Sentosa Adventure

I have Brought the Deal Voucher at Deal Website at $356 for Two, the Package include the Followings:

One Night Accommodation at Choice of Five Star Hotel in Resorts World (Worth $464):

Festive Hotel (Deluxe Room or Deluxe Family Room Two Adults and Two Children)

Hard Rock Hotel (Deluxe Room Two Adults)

Hotel Michael (Deluxe Room Two Adults)

Cine Blast (Worth $36) and Desperados (Worth $28)

Choice of:

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Bird Feeding, High Tea (Worth $48)

Or Unlimited Sky Ride (Worth $28)

I have decided to Choose Festival Hotel for my Stay as the Theme is more Appealing, and I have decided to Choose Butterfly Park Package instead of Sky Ride as the Activities are more Interesting.

Bird Feeding

We reach there at around 1100hrs and decided to go for Butterfly Park for our First Activity, the Bird Feeding that came with the Package is Worth $6 and the High Tea (Slice Pizza $4 and Canned Drink $2 at Sarprino Pizza) is Worth $12. I additionally Brought Two Photos at $20.

We went for Desperados 4D Shoot Out and Extreme 4D Log Ride at about 1200 hrs, I score 252 Points at Desperados Shoot Out which make me Top Shooter for that Round. We had Lunch at Malaysia Food Street having Bah Kut Teh Set ($6.50) and Char Kway Teow ($5).

Deluxe Family King Room

We Check In to Deluxe Family King Room (35m3 Floor Area) 225 at Festival Hotel at about 1330 hrs and decided to Wash Up and Take an Afternoon Nap.

Beach Swimming Pool at Hard Rock Hotel

We went to see the Famous Hard Rock Hotel at around 1830 hrs and went to Fiesta Brazilian Restaurant for Our BBQ Buffet Dinner ($136). We went for a Night Walk at Merlion Pavilion and went back to our Hotel Room and Rest for the Night at around 2100 hrs.

We woke up at about 0900 hrs the Next Day, Wash Up and went to MacDonald near the Beach for Breakfast at about 1000 hrs. We had Filet O Fish and Big Breakfast Meal ($10.70). We went back to our Hotel Room at 1100 hrs to Pack Up and Check Out of the Hotel at 1200 hrs.

Thirteen Freaky Facts About Friday the Thirteen

Does Friday the 13th freak you out? If so, hold on to your rabbit's foot extra tight, because there are three of these supposedly unlucky dates in 2012, and today (April 13) is one of them.

1. This year is a special one for Friday the 13ths: There are three of them: Jan. 13, April 13 and July 13. The freaky thing? The dates fall exactly 13 weeks apart. That hasn't happened since 1984.

2. If that scares you, you may have paraskavedekatriaphobia (also known as friggatriskaidekaphobia). Those are the scientific terms for fear of Friday the 13th. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

3. It's not clear when or why Friday the 13th became associated with bad luck. The association may be biblical, given that the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus. His crucifixion was the next day, apparently a Friday. Or maybe 13 suffers from coming after the more-pleasing number 12, which gets to number the months, the days of Christmas and even the eggs in a dozen. (There are also 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus.)

4. Whatever the reason, fear of 13 has spread far and wide: Hotels and hospitals often skip the 13th floor, and even airports quietly omit gate 13 sometimes.

5. The next year in which we'll have three Friday the 13ths is 2015. They'll fall in February, March and November.

6. If you think your Friday the 13th is likely to be bad, be glad you aren't a 14th-century Knight Templar. On Oct. 13, 1307, officers of King Philip IV of France raided the homes of thousands of these Crusades warriors, imprisoning them on charges of illegal activities. Though the charges weren't proven, more than a hundred died of terrible torture, according to "Tales of the Knights Templar" (Warner Books, 1995).

7. Fittingly, director of psychological thrillers Alfred Hitchcock was born on the 13th — Friday, Aug. 13, 1999, would have been his 100th birthday. Perhaps aptly titled "Number 13," a film that was supposed to be Hitchcock's directorial debut never made it past the first few scenes and was shut down due to financial problems. He allegedly said the film wasn't very interesting. (Meanwhile, Fidel Castro was born on Friday the 13th, in August 1926.)

8. Why does the Friday the 13th superstition stick so firmly in our minds? According to Thomas Gilovich, who chairs the department of psychology at Cornell University, our brains are almost too good at making associations.

"If anything bad happens to you on Friday the 13th, the two will be forever associated in your mind, and all those uneventful days in which the 13th fell on a Friday will be ignored," Gilovich said in a statement.

9. For pagans, 13 is actually a lucky number. It corresponds with the number of full moons in a year.

10. President Franklin D. Roosevelt is said to have avoided travel on the 13th day of any month, and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and President Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

11. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12." Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

12. Stock broker and author Thomas W. Lawson, in his 1907 novel "Friday the Thirteenth," wrote of a stockbroker's attempts to take down Wall Street on the unluckiest day of the month. Reportedly, stock brokers after this were as unlikely to buy or sell stocks on this unlucky day as they were to walk under a ladder, according to accounts of a 1925 New York Times article.

13. This fear of Friday the 13th can be serious business, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C., which, among other things, offers therapy to help people overcome their fear of the freaky friday. Their estimates suggest hundreds of millions of dollars, up to $900 million are lost due to people's fear of flying or doing the business as usual that day, though that number isn't backed up with other estimates.