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CONTACT: M. SILVER ASSOCIATES

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Patrick Kwan

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Aik Wye Ng

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCKY 2006 AHEAD FOR “YEAR OF THE DOG” CELEBRITIES

CHINATOWN NYC MAY HELP SOLVE LUNAR NEW YEAR WOES

Chinese Astrological Predictions for Madonna, George W. Bush, Jennifer Lopez, and More

NEW YORK, NY – December 20, 2005 - Mariah Carey, Bill Clinton, Sharon Stone, and others born under the Dog sign in the Chinese zodiac (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, and 1994) may want to clear their schedules in 2006 for a trip to Chinatown New York City. According to Chinese fortune tellers and feng shui masters, the upcoming Lunar New Year on January 29, 2006 will be a tough year full of changes in marriage, family, health, and career for all those born under the sign of the Dog. Thankfully, remedies to mitigate the Year of the Dog’s bite can easily be found in the vibrant Manhattan community of Chinatown NYC.

Traveling to celebratory environments such as Chinatown NYC’s 2006 Lunar New Year festivities and stocking up on feng shui items from Chinatown’s gift shops are exactly what expert Chinese astrologers prescribe. It is recommended to place wind chimes by the front door, a music box in the kitchen, a rabbit-shaped figurine in the bedroom, and other auspicious items that can offset any misfortune. They can be found in the following gift shops in Chinatown NYC:

o Aba Supergift – 26 Canal Street

o Canal Gift & Varieties – 261 Canal Street

o Orient Gift & Products – 96 Bayard Street

o Specialty of Jade & Fengshui – 234-238 Canal Street, Store #110

The Dog is one of the twelve animals represented in the Chinese zodiac, with each animal possessing different traits. Those born in the years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, and 1994 can probably identify with the Dog’s key characteristics – loyalty, honesty, and leadership. Dog people make excellent jurists, investigators, personnel directors, and entertainers. They are industrious and perceptive and lead in business and in academics. Dog people are highly independent and are able to handle people when it is necessary. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Some other famous dog people include musicians Cher, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley; actresses Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Brigitte Bardot, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dakota Fanning; actors Sylvester Stallone, Ethan Hawke, and Matt Damon; and politicians Ralph Nader and First Lady, Laura Bush.

The following are key characteristics of the other 11 animals in the Chinese zodiac:

o Rat (Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996) – Perfectionists, hardworking and goal oriented.

o Ox (Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997) – People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, easy-going and tend to inspire confidence in others.

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o Tiger (Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) – Sensitive and courageous individuals, given to deep thinking.

o Rabbit (Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) – Articulate, talented, and ambitious.

o Dragon (Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) - Healthy, energetic, honest, people who inspire confidence and trust.

o Snake (Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) - People born in the Year of the Snake possess great wisdom, are determined in whatever they do and are very passionate about their causes.

o Horse (Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) - Cheerful, perceptive, wise and very independent people.

o Ram (Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003) - People born in the Year of Ram possess tremendous talent for the arts and are gentle and compassionate.

o Monkey - (Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) - Intelligent, flexible individuals who are remarkably inventive and original, solving the most difficult of problems with ease.

o Rooster – (Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) - conscientious, efficient, honorable, intelligent, meticulous, and methodical.

o Pig - (Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007) - People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous, have tremendous fortitude and great honesty.

The following are highlights of Lunar New Year events and celebrations in Chinatown NYC that can help usher in the 2006 Year of the Dog with a great start:

o 3rd Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Flower Market, January 27 & 28, 2006

Time: Friday, January 27, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Saturday, January 28th, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: Columbus Park (Mulberry Street between Bayard and Worth Streets)

Visitors can participate in this time-honored tradition with the Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA) and the United East Athletics Association’s (UEAA) Third Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Flower Market. In Chinese communities around the world, going to the market to purchase flowers is a popular way of ushering in the Lunar New Year because flowers bring luck and prosperity in the New Year. Particular flowers such as the peony, peach blossom, kumquat tree, camellia, and narcissus are favored for their auspicious symbolic meanings. For more information please call MoCA at 212-619-4785 or visit moca-.

o Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Demonstration & Ceremony, January 29, 2006

Time: Sunday, January 29, 12:00 PM

Location: Intersection of Mott and Bayard Streets

Organized by the Better Chinatown Society, the customary tradition of a firecracker detonation will take place on the actual day of the Lunar New Year to ward off evil spirits for the coming year. Attendance and participation is expected by local politicians and community leaders.

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Following the ceremonies, a main stage (at the intersection of Mott and Bayard Streets) will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers. In addition, a dozen lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes will perform along Chinatown’s main streets, including Mott Street, the Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street and Pell Street.

o Seventh Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival, February 5, 2006

Time: Sunday, February 5, 1:00 PM

Location: Intersection of Mott and Bayard Streets

Organized by the Better Chinatown Society, this main event features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and processions by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade beginning at Mott Street and proceeding through practically every street in Chinatown, and finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3:00 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists.

For continuously updated information on Lunar New Year activities in Chinatown, please visit .

About Chinatown New York City

Chinatown New York City, combines authentic Asian-American culture with the energy and influence of the most exciting city in the world. With over 500 restaurants, numerous Asian bakeries and tea houses, jewelry shops, arts and antique stores, an active nightlife and dozens of cultural attractions and landmarks, Chinatown stands as a world within a city. Whether dining, shopping, or strolling down the charming, narrow streets, visitors to Chinatown New York City, will find virtually limitless opportunities for new experiences and added insight.

Located on the east side of Lower Manhattan, Chinatown New York City, is the largest in the United States. The neighborhood has been growing steadily since the mid-1800s, and today stands as a vibrant community offering the opportunity to enjoy and explore Asian-American culture. Chinatown New York City is easily accessible via many New York City MTA subways and buses, as well as several convenient area parking garages. For more information, visit .

Note to editors: NYC & Company, the city's official tourism marketing organization, is a private, membership-based non-profit dedicated to building New York City's economy and positive image through tourism and convention development, major events and the marketing of the city on a worldwide basis.

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