Category — Our Dear Histories

Qi (ch’i) is a very important fundamental concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While literally, “qi” is translated to mean “air,” “breath,” or “gas,” it’s true meaning goes deeper.  Qi refers to the energy found flowing within and around us.  In our human bodies, it is believed that Qi’s flow keeps us healthy and happy. While the flow of Qi in our bodies does much more, following are three important atributes of Qi: it helps to activate growth within our bodies, it has a warming action which keeps our bodies’ temperatures appropriate, and finally it has defending actions inside our bodies. When our Qi is imbalanced, we might not feel good, we might be sick, or we might just feel a bit off.  Stagnated Qi–Qi that needs to be moved around within our bodies– may be helped with massage or acupuncture. The meditative breathing practice that keeps Qi balanced is called Qigong (ch’i kung). Balance found with in structures is called Feng Shui (fung SHWAY). Mainly according to traditional Chinese culture, it’s important for our Qi to remain balanced in our bodies and around our surroundings.

The Bookworm has three locations in China: Beijing, Chengdu, and Suzhou.  Each location is special and always cozy.  The Bookworm offers a loaning library and new books for purchase plus a cafe with delicious food and drinks to enjoy.  Wi-Fi is available in all locations for patrons and members.  It’s quite easy to become a member–either individual or family, and the cost to start up is 200-500 RMB depending on 6 monthy or year long membership for individuals or families.  The loaning library is quite extensive (16,000 titles!) with a list of the library’s subjects found within the site.  Not only does The Bookworm offers Beijing (also Chengu and Suzhou) a loaning library in a cafe atmosphere, but it also provides Beijing with an extraordinary literary festival during the month of March in all three locations. Follow the map below to find yourself enjoying a read, meal, and coffee at The Bookworm in Beijing.

David Schwartz is a very mathematically and scientifically inclined author. He takes complicated mathematical facts and turns them into a fascinating story making the information easy to understand.  He also takes information that he’s always wondered about–even since from childhood–and turns it into something understandable for his readers.  For example in his very famous book, How Much is a Million? the reader receives an accurate and visual explanation of exactly what a million looks like.  Being able to visualize mathematical concepts helps to understand the facts.

Math facts are not Mr. Schwartz’ only specialty. He also writes interesting books about science.  For example his two books If Dogs were Dinasours and If You Hopped Like a Frog were inspired by scientific questions the author had as a kid.–and most will be able to relate.  These two books pose some very logical explanations to “what if” queries.

At the International School of Beijing, we will be very lucky on March 19th.  Mr. David Schwartz is coming to our school! He will present his assemblies to grades kindergarten through fifth all day long.  This author will also be available after school from 3:30-4:30 to sign his books–which will be for sale all day on March 19th by a local distributor.  David Schwartz will definitely be one author we never forget!