The artful sport of China

JIANZI 

When people think of sports in China, they often envision table tennis, badminton or martial arts. However, there is a captivating and lesser-known sport that has been played for centuries--- Jianzi or Chinese shuttlecock kicking. This traditional game combines skill, agility and creativity, making it a thrilling activity for participants and a fascinating spectacle for onlookers. 

What is Jianzi?

Jianzi (pronounced "jee-an-zuh") is a sport that involves the feet and other parts of the body, except the hands, to keep a heavy shuttlecock airborne. The game is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, during the Han dynasty and has evolved from a simple pastime into a competitive sport with dedicated athletes and tournaments. 

The shuttlecock itself is unique, often consisting of feathers attached to a heavy base. This design allows for a slow, graceful flight that players can control with an impressive precision. 

How is Jianzi played?

Jianzi can be played both recreationally and competitively. Informal games may involve a group of friends trying to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible, while more structured matches include rules and scoring systems similar to those of volleyball or badminton. Competitive Jianzi is usually played on a court with a net, where two teams face off to score points by sending the shuttlecock over the net using acrobatic kicks and well-practiced maneuvers.

Why should you try Jianzi?

Jianzi isn’t just a sport; it’s a testament to co-ordination and ingenuity. It encourages players to build agility, balance and leg strength, making it an excellent addition to any training routine. Unlike many sports that require specialised equipment or facilities, Jianzi only requires a small space and a shuttlecock, making it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. 

Beyond the physical benefits, Jianzi carries with a cultural significance, offering insight into the communal and artistic spirit of Chinese society. It fosters teamwork, perseverance and the joy of playful competition. 

Where can you watch or play Jianzi?

While Jianzi might not be the mainstream in many countries, there are international organisations and clubs dedicated to the sport. Videos showcasing professional Jianzi players are also available online, displaying jaw-dropping performances that blend elements of martial arts, dance and football. 

For those eager to try Jianzi, all it takes is a few friends, an open space and a shuttlecock. High school students in particular may find it a fun and engaging way to enhance fitness and build community through friendly matches. 

So, next time you’re looking for a new sport to learn or share it with friends, consider giving Jianzi a go. You may find yourself mastering spins and kicks while becoming a part of a centuries-old tradition that's as enriching as it is exciting. 

From Greek Mythology

 THE TALE OF ATALANTA AND HIPPOMENES

 

In ancient Greece, there was a swift and fearless young woman named Atalanta. She was raised in the wild by a bear and became an outstanding hunter, known for her amazing speed. Her fame spread widely, and many people came to challenge her in a footrace.

Confident in her skills, Atalanta made a daring declaration: “I will marry anyone who can outrun me in a race. But those who lose will face a penalty.” Her rules were strict, but many were eager to try, drawn by her beauty and the excitement of the challenge.

One day, a young man named Hippomenes watched Atalanta while she raced. He was amazed by her speed and grace. “How can anyone be so fast?” he wondered aloud.

Hearing this, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, appeared before him. “You admire Atalanta, don’t you?” she asked. Hippomenes nodded, and Aphrodite handed him three golden apples. 

“Use these in the race. They are no ordinary apples; they are gifts from the Gods.”

Hippomenes accepted the challenge. As the race began, Atalanta took off with incredible speed. But Hippomenes had a plan. He threw one of the golden apples off the track.

Atalanta, drawn to the golden glow of the apple, veered off course to pick it up, giving Hippomenes a chance to get ahead. But she quickly caught up. Again, Hippomenes threw a second apple, and again, Atalanta was briefly distracted.

As they neared the finish line, Hippomenes threw the final apple. Atalanta hesitated, caught between the race and the beautiful apple. This brief pause allowed Hippomenes to cross the finish line first.

Breathless, Atalanta walked up to him. “You have won the race and my heart,” she said, smiling. “But how did you beat me?”

Hippomenes showed her the last piece of the golden apple. “It was Aphrodite’s divine gift that helped me. But it wasn’t just about winning. I admire your strength and spirit.”

The two, brought together by the race and respect for each other, eventually married and began new adventures together.

Moral of the Story: The story of Atalanta and the footrace teaches us that sometimes wit and cleverness can overcome sheer strength.

Do you know

WHY DOES ONE GET MOTION SICKNESS?

Motion sickness experienced by some while moving in a vehicle, results from a defence mechanism in the brain aiming to keep us safe. The balance-maintaining parts of the brain receive inputs from what we see and what we feel. In a moving car, our eyes signal to the brain that we are stationary, creating a sensory conflict as the brain senses the car’s motion. This mismatch triggers nausea as the brain perceives a potential issue. To alleviate this, fixate on a steady point in the distance, like the horizon, to minimize visual disruptions. Opening windows for fresh air can also help mitigate motion sickness. These simple strategies can ease discomfort and enhance travel experiences.

A short moral story

 THE FOOLISH OLD FROG

Once upon a time, there was an old frog which was called the Foolish Old Frog. His most prominent character trait was his extremely low intelligence. He had difficulty with just about everything. He always acted in a silly manner that made everyone laugh at him. They considered him a moron and a worthless creature.

Despite his low intelligence, the frog was very kind-hearted, as he often went out of his way to help others, even if he was sometimes oblivious to their problems. He was generous and compassionate.

One day, the king decided to hold a quiz competition among the top five smartest animals. He called all the animals in the kingdom and asked them to select five contestants known for their intelligence.

The Wise Dolphin was the first contestant selected for the competition. The second was the Smart Chimpanzee. The third was the Intelligent Wolf. The fourth was the Brilliant Squirrel.

Now, some animals wanted to mock and ridicule the old frog, so they chose him as the fifth contestant. They all laughed at him heartlessly and began to mumur,

"He is such a fool! He is an old fool! He will never be able to answer the question correctly! He will be humiliated! Hahaha!"

When the five contestants were ready, the king came up and promised that whichever animal won the quiz would be given a huge sum of money as a prize. An amount that could change their life forever.

At that moment, he asked the question,

"Which mammal is known to have the most powerful bite in the world?"

All the contestants became terribly confused. For several minutes, none was able to get the correct answer. They tried and tried, but all to no avail. Just then, the old frog screamed,

"Hippopotamus!"

The king smiled broadly and exclaimed,

"Wow... correct! You won the quiz!"

The animals were surprised and could not believe it. They suddenly felt ashamed of looking down on the old frog. They felt so guilty that they asked for his forgiveness.

Later on, an animal approached the old frog and asked,

"Tell me, how did you know the correct answer to the quiz question?"

He answered,

"I didn't know the answer. It was just luck. I noticed the hippopotamus was eating my cake, so I screamed his name for him to stop."

MORAL LESSON:

Don't mock or look down on anyone for whatever they are. You may think you've seen it all, but luck and chance are capable of changing a person's life forever!

Animals are the best companions

THE UNSPOKEN BOND

 

There’s a reason why people say animals are the best companions. Their love is pure, their loyalty unmatched, and their ability to connect with us on an emotional level is beyond explanation. Pets don’t need words to communicate; their presence alone can be the comfort we didn’t know we needed.

A wagging tail when you come home, a soft purr when you’re feeling low, or even the quiet nudge of a nose—these small moments remind us of the unconditional love animals offer. They don’t care about your status, mistakes, or past. To them, you are their world, and that’s a connection few humans can replicate.

Animals teach us to live in the moment. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s failures or stress about tomorrow’s uncertainties. They find joy in the simplest things—a walk, a belly rub, or a sunny spot to nap in. In a world that often feels too chaotic, they remind us to slow down and appreciate the here and now.

But the bond goes deeper. Studies show that spending time with pets can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve mental health. They become our confidants, our therapists, and our cheerleaders, all rolled into one. For many, a pet isn’t “just an animal”—they’re family.

Even wild animals have a way of connecting with us. Watching birds soar or dolphins dance in the ocean can evoke awe and remind us of the beauty and harmony in nature. These moments ground us and make us feel part of something bigger.

And when we lose them, the pain is real. The grief of losing a pet or a beloved animal companion is as profound as losing a dear friend. But even in their absence, they leave behind lessons about love, loyalty, and living authentically.

Animals are mirrors of our best selves—kind, forgiving, and full of heart. They don’t ask for much, just love and care, yet they give us so much in return. In their presence, we find a love that’s uncomplicated, unjudged, and unending.

So cherish those moments, whether it’s the playful antics of a puppy, the quiet companionship of a cat, or even the gentle hum of nature around you. Animals remind us of the beauty of connection, one that goes beyond words, transcending species, and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

Do you know

 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POPCORN AND PUFFED RICE?

POPCORN 

You can pop corn with any heat source, but to puff rice you also need a pressure chamber. Popcorn is the only grain that can be ‘puffed’ at home because it has the right moisture content – 14 per cent – and a fragile hull. When the temperature of the kernel reaches 100 degrees Celsius, water starts to boil inside the starchy cells of the endosperm, causing them to expand. At 175 degrees Celsius, the superheated starchy material explodes through the hull of the kernel and instantly cools to form a chewy bubble. Grains of rice don’t contain enough moisture to pop under normal conditions. Instead, the rice must be heated in a pressure chamber at up to 14 kilograms per square centimetre. When the chamber is opened, the sudden change in pressure and volume causes the hot starch cells in the rice to expand rapidly, bursting through and puffing up like popcorn.

PUFFED RICE 

Famous structure

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in the Australian city of Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, finally opening in 1973 after a long gestation starting with his competition-winning design in 1957. Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. 

The Sydney Opera House is situated on Bonnelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and neighboured by the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera Australia,  The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

Other facilities: The building also houses a recording studio, cafes, restaurants and bars and retail outlets. Guided tours are available to the public, including a frequent tour of the front-of-house spaces, and a daily backstage tour which takes visitors backstage to see areas normally reserved for performers and crew members.