Pierre and Joan Delva Share a Glimpse of their Life and Journey in New Book

“The Biography of a New Canadian Family” offers a fascinating look into modern medical history and how it converged with the authors’ lives.

Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
In “The Biography of a New Canadian Family: Volume II”, author Pierre L. Delva and his wife Joan Campbell-Delva once again shares an insightful glimpse into the field of modern medicine as it converged with their own personal and professional lives. This book is a continuation of a collaborative work aimed to trace and remember the journey that became the key to unlocking the worthy positions and legacy that the authors have now.
From Europe to America, this biography takes into account the life models that helped shape the course of the couple’s journey. It is also revelatory of how the Delvas placed utmost importance on their families and society and how these two helped fomented their growth as individuals and as a family. More than a journal that chronicles the events of the past, this work is an infusion of the many elements (from the historical to the philosophical) that make and shape the life of the intellect. The following quote by Winston Churchill captures in essence the significance of the Delvas’ work: “The longer you look back, the further you can look forward.” In writing this account of their life and times, the authors have not only paid a literary homage to the people, events and life models that honed them but also bridged the past to the present and, finally, the present to the future.
“The Biography of a New Canadian Family: Volume II” captures the essence of the human spirit and how it strives to remain strong amidst uncertainty and change. The Delvas’ book also offers a fascinating depiction of modern medical history as it relates to changes and developments relevant to the field and, most important of all, as it has been perceived and experienced by the authors themselves.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author

Pierre Delva was mostly educated by a dying father, a Belgian GP in East London, UK. Acquired several specialty certificates in Canada, then asked to create a new department for teaching new doctors Family Medicine in the second largest school in the country, L’Université de Montreal.
The Biography of a New Canadian Family * by Pierre L. Delva and Joan Campbell-Delva

Volume II

Publication Date: 10/18/2012

Trade Paperback; $19.99; 297 pages; 978-1-4691-6038-2

Trade Hardback; $29.99; 297pages; 978-1-4691-6039-9
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

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Historian Reviews Southern General’s Record, Revises it via New Critical Study

In ‘John Bell Hood: Extracting Truth From History,’ author Thomas J. Brown has written an important work on a formidable but misrepresented Confederate general.

Spreckles, CA (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
Does the Battle of Gettysburg represent the turning point of the American Civil War, or did that occur elsewhere? As the United States celebrates the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Civil War, many people across America remain unaware of anything but the rote details. Thomas J. Brown has written a book to remedy these misconceptions. John Bell Hood: Extracting Truth From History discusses a controversial and often criticized Southern general and brings to the forefront the importance of the western theater in the Civil War.
In connection with the Southern defeat, Lost Cause advocates, those great pro-Confederacy propagandists, found convenient scapegoats to blame. One of these is Confederate General John Bell Hood. The thesis that is the basis for this book contends that the Lost Cause is wrong and Hood’s historical treatment has been unjust. Standard critical works of John Bell Hood over the years have tended to characterize him as rash, overaggressive, and lacking in strategic imagination. For such prejudiced historians, Hood appears as old-fashioned and limited logistically to the frontal assault. These accounts mainly stress Hood’s negative aspects as a general and tend to center around the Battles of Franklin and Nashville. This book, by analyzing each battle that Hood commanded as a leader of the Army of Tennessee, reveals him as a bold, imaginative, and complex leader. He was arguably a capable brigade and division commander in the Confederate States Army (CSA), but historians tend to blame him for the decisive defeats in Atlanta and the Franklin-Nashville campaign. This book revises that view convincingly while also exploring the historical treatment of his Union counterpart General George Henry Thomas.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author

Thomas J. Brown was born in Oakland, CA on April 10, 1950. He was an accomplished athlete, historian, teacher, and coach. Tom loved learning and returned to college at San Jose State University in 2002, where he pursued a Masters Degree in U.S. History. He completed his thesis project on Confederate General John Bell Hood in 2011, and the opus was nominated as Thesis of the Year. Tom was an active member of the Monterey Scottish Society, the American Civil War Association, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He was proud to claim General George Henry Thomas as his link to the association. In addition to his historical pursuits, Tom was a passionate rider of a Harley Davidson Road King, a lover of all animals, and a wonderful husband, son, and brother. He passed away of prostate cancer on November 14, 2011.

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Allen Cookson’s New Book Integrates Economics and Science in Analyzing Human Ecological Predicament

Allen Cookson’s New Book Integrates Economics and Science in Analyzing Human Ecological Predicament
Allen Cookson relates the fundamental physical and ecological principles to Economics.

(PRWEB) January 10, 2013
Looming over humanity are impending ecological crises. If they occur, the present global financial crisis will be seen in hindsight as a relatively minor inconvenience, but an ignored warning of worse things to come. Cookson brings to bear in support of his arguments the weight of evidence provided by generations of scientists and economists. Readers will find searching examination of the reasons for our addiction to unsustainable economic growth, and ways of overcoming it without undue discomfort.
Prosperity, Poverty or Extinction written by Allen Cookson, relates in an unprecedented way, fundamental physical and ecological principles to economics so that the detachment of current economic practices from physical reality becomes obvious. Sustainable alternative economic models are proposed in this book and almost all the material is derived from the work of great minds of the past and the present. References will enable readers to check things they have doubts about, including current controversies.
This book is aimed at the educated layman and the student. Its eclecticism will ensure even academics find ideas that are new to them. It includes some technical details that will be of interest to readers with strengths relevant to them. Mathematical or technical bits can be skipped over without losing the thread.
Prosperity, Poverty or Extinction is for intelligent, educated lay people, students and academics. Readers with interest in biology, chemistry, economics, demography, education, engineering, farming, geography, politics, physics, psychology, religion, and other subjects will find the book widens their mental horizons by linking these subjects. The author hopes that it will empower them in directly or indirectly influencing policy makers to bring about positive changes.
For more information on this book, log on to http://www.Xlibris.co.nz.
About the Author

New Zealander Allen Cookson spent most of his life as a secondary school science teacher. A family discussion about the state of the world, and the poor prospects for future generations, led to a challenge from his son to do something about the present unsustainable practices. As it appeared to the author that flawed economics was a major factor impeding essential changes, he embarked upon and completed an economics degree. This enabled him to integrate economics and science in this book’s analysis of the human ecological predicament. His wide interests include conservation and tramping in New Zealand’s mountain country.

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The "Dig Into Yamhill Valley” Campaign Offers Visitors a New Way to Experience Oregon Wine Country

DIG Into Yamhill Valley features once-in-a-lifetime experiences hosted by wineries, restaurants, and other local businesses, in addition to discounts on accommodation and activities to round out any Oregon wine country vacation. With a different theme each month, there's plenty of ways to experience the valley where imagination still takes flight and you’re never too old to stay and play.

Yamhill Valley, Oregon (PRWEB) January 08, 2013
Travel Yamhill Valley has launched the “DIG Into Yamhill Valley” Campaign, offering visitors a wide selection of new ways to experience Oregon's Wine Country. The DIG Campaign (http://www.digourvalley.com) features once-in-a-lifetime experiences hosted by wineries, restaurants, and other local businesses, in addition to discounts on accommodation, dining and activities to round out a visit to Yamhill Valley. Once travelers find their ideal vacation components, they can click on direct links to providers for reservations.
Yamhill Valley is home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-renowned vineyards, fine dining, unique historic districts, hot air ballooning and other recreational opportunities. Located in the heart of Oregon's Wine Country, the Yamhill Valley is easily accessible and filled with opportunity for families, couples and individual travelers.
Giving guests everything they need for a fun-filled vacation, the DIG Campaign will focus on a different theme each month:
JANUARY: Epicurean Excursion

Take advantage of the valley’s agricultural riches with unique dining options that pair local ingredients with world class wines.
FEBRUARY: Oenophile’s Outing

If rubbing elbows with the winemaker and relaxing in a cozy tasting room sounds like heaven to you, then plan your escape to Yamhill Valley Wine Country in February.
MARCH: Family Foray

Spring Break! Round up the kids and prepare for fun: waterslides, space museums, biking trails, and unique historical districts wait for you in Yamhill Valley.
APRIL: Agricultural Adventure

Spring is breaking through the damp, Oregon ground to reveal all her glory in a million shades of green! What a perfect time to dig in and find a new path to adventure.
Comprised of a collection of small towns, Yamhill Valley is brimming with opportunities to experience the good life. Yamhill Valley is authentic Oregon: a place where the good life is cultivated every day, where world-class wineries dot the verdant rolling hills and roadside farm stands intersect with bicycle paths… where historic main streets meet urban-style bistros… where imagination still takes flight and you’re never too old to stay and play.
Travel Yamhill Valley is a private, not-for-profit membership organization of business and professional people whose mission is to develop regional tourism in the Yamhill Valley. Some of Travel Yamhill Valley members are directly involved in tourism, including wineries, lodging providers, restaurants and attractions, while others are more indirectly involved, such as general merchants, service providers, banks and realtors. Travel Yamhill Valley is almost entirely volunteer driven.

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Turning Point for Reviving New England’s Historic Mills: The Architectural Team Celebrates 30 Year Milestone ofAward-Winning Adaptive Reuse of Boston Chocolate Factory

Beginning in 1983 with construction of the Baker Chocolate Factory Apartments, the firm has shown how to preserve the region's industrial heritage through adaptive reuse of New England’s historic mills, hospitals, schools and office buildings into sustainable, livable communities.

BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) January 08, 2013
This year, The Architectural Team will celebrate a 30-year milestone for one of the firm’s signature specialties: the master planning and conversion of defunct historic mills and factories into vibrant new destination places for people to live, work and play. The occasion is the 30th anniversary of new multifamily housing at the award-winning Baker Chocolate Factory, which over the decades saw the conversion of eight abandoned mill buildings into a thriving – even trendy – multigenerational, mixed-income development.
Since the firm’s founding 42 years ago, The Architectural Team’s design and master planning has led scores of mill conversions in the Northeast helping to revitalize neighborhoods, preserve American architectural heritage, and revive what were, in many cases, decaying urban environments. Today, these historic factories have become the cornerstones of bold master plans, new affordable housing, and high-performance, sustainable architecture.
The notable milestone in 2013 – one that also epitomizes the firm’s successes with mill conversions – marks how 30 years ago the Baker Chocolate Factory campus in Boston’s Dorchester Lower Mills area broke ground on Phase One of its decades-long renovation. Its transformation began in earnest in 1983 with the late Bob Keuhn, Keen Development Corp – a visionary for historic rehabilitation, affordable housing and community development —when 143 mixed-income apartments opened to the public. After its completion, President Ronald Reagan honored The Architectural Team for its work on the historic factory reuse, bestowing the 1988 National Historic Preservation Award to the architects. Over the next few decades, Baker Chocolate Factory grew to encompass three phases of master planning and adaptive reuse to convert its centuries-old building and factory facilities into live/work artist lofts, affordable rentals, an assisted-living facility (ALF) and market-rate apartments developed by Beacon Development Company and WinnDevelopment.
Revitalizing a neighborhood
With sprawling courtyards and access to the adjacent Neponset River, the development has become a catalyst for new businesses and active street life in Dorchester Lower Mills, which began to suffer declining prominence and creeping urban blight in 1965. That year, production of Baker's Chocolate moved to Delaware, leaving the site subject to decay and vandalism. Yet, nearly a half century later, the neighborhood is enjoying the reinvented property as a memorable, attractive and safe place to live, shop and visit – a renaissance largely due to the conversion of the Baker Chocolate Mill 14-acre site.
“Reflecting on our firm’s four decades-plus of historic restoration and adaptive reuse provides us with a unique opportunity to examine the lessons learned, and apply them moving forward to other buildings and sites,” says Robert J. Verrier, FAIA, managing principal of The Architectural Team. “One of our firm’s primary goals is to help a new generation of young professionals develop the expertise, skill sets, collaborative mindset and creativity needed to design new uses for these amazing historic structures – and develop them in thoughtful, sustainable and innovative ways. With that, we can delight our clients and help these communities celebrate the legacy of their industrial past through the new uses.”
With more than 150 historic adaptive-reuse developments designed by the firm, The Architectural Team is nationally renowned and respected for its urban revitalization strategies, its deep knowledge of materials, expertise in recognizing the opportunities and anticipating the challenges inherent in adaptive reuse, and methods for successful historic building preservation. “These projects aren’t just about preserving our past,” Verrier adds. “Our planning and architecture firm is – in the words of the futurist David Zach – all about ‘designing useful things that connect us into life in this world, and designing good tomorrows.’”
After 30 years of opening its brick walls and cobblestone walks to the neighbors – many of whom had family members who worked at the factory – the Baker Chocolate redevelopment is regarded as a national model for other gateway cities like Boston with evolving industrial bases. The techniques that transformed the facilities into highly desirable homes and real estate for residents, businesses and others are being emulated in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere along the East Coast. Case studies of the firm’s earliest mill conversions include the first U.S. power-loom textile mill, Francis Cabot Lowell Mill in Waltham, Mass., now a senior housing community.
Projects like these reveal important lessons for stakeholders with economic development interests, including:

    Multiple strategies for blended federal and state historic tax-credit financing;
    Enlisting key allies including developers, preservationists and nonprofits;
    Novel building techniques that make adaptive reuse projects easier;
    Engendering community and local agency support; and
    Accelerated paths to LEED certification.
Since the Baker Chocolate Factory was first converted to apartments three decades ago, the remaining historic factory structures have been restored and adapted in three phases to adding senior housing, artist work/live lofts, and both affordable and market-rate housing. In 2010, the firm completed the conversion of its final phase with The Watermill Lofts at Lower Mills — formerly the factory’s boiler room and now home to 17 loft-style apartments. This final conversion phase earned the 2011 Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance.
150 historic conversions, thousands of affordable units
Over the years, hundreds of industrial-era mills in New England have been spared the wrecking ball, thanks to savvy developers and master planning and design firms like The Architectural Team, at the vanguard of this trend. The firm’s four decades of over 150 historic conversions have seen not only the completion of three phases of Dorchester's Baker Chocolate Factory, but also more recent developments to include The Apartments at Boott Mills (Lowell, MA), Loft Five50 (Lawrence, MA), Linwood Mill (Northbridge, Mass.), Canal Lofts (Worcester, Mass.), Curtain Lofts (Fall River, Mass.), the LEED Silver Certified Bourne Mill (Tiverton, R.I.) and Rice Silk Mill (Pittsfield, Mass.).

From pr eserving sturdy stone foundations, intricate masonry walls, and massive wood timbers, the architectural and historic character of these buildings has been restored and maintained while also creating vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.
These projects are the epitome of true sustainability, saving energy and conserving resources while simultaneously preserving a community’s historic fabric,” says Michael Binette, AIA, a partner at The Architectural Team. “We employ, as part of each building’s rehabilitation program, state-of-the-art green design techniques and technologies to create a healthy space and to help ensure high-level performance and contribution to the community well into the future. The lessons learned at Baker Chocolate transcend historic preservation techniques and instead present new ideas about improving the quality of life for residents by providing innovative affordable housing and attracting new businesses to the neighborhood.”
“It’s a catalyst for positive change,” Binette adds. “And in the process, we’ve helped secure the legacy of the mill’s architecture with a unique mix of uses.”

The Architectural Team’s broad portfolio of historic conversions includes a range of unique building types that have been converted to new use: former trolley car barns, U.S. Navy joinery buildings, schools, hospitals and police stations, to name just a few. By utilizing a combination of subsidies, federal and state low-income housing (LIHTC) and historic tax credits (HTC), developers are able to continue transforming communities while preserving America’s architectural heritage for future generations.
Currently, the firm is working on numerous historic adaptive-reuse developments including Cliftex Mills in New Bedford, Mass., which has been applauded by Governor Deval Patrick as a project that is “revitalizing our gateway cities, and providing a much needed boost in terms of jobs, economic development, and affordable housing.”
###
PRESS CONTACT: For information, photographs and interviews,

contact Chris Sullivan at 914.462.2096 or chris@ccsullivan.com.
About The Architectural Team, Inc.

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Performing and Recording Artist Aleksandra Maslovaric Acquires Violin From Los Angeles Violinmaker Benning

Renowned Los Angeles-based violin virtuoso Aleksandra Maslovaric, has acquired a master violin crafted by luthier Eric Benning. The violin, made by Benning in 2009 after a celebrated Stradivarius model, will be used to record the violinist's next recording of classical works written by women composers.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 08, 2013
Concert violinist Aleksandra Maslovaric, an artist well-known for her performances and recordings of compositions written by women composers, has recently acquired a violin crafted by master violinmaker Eric Benning. Benning Violins is a distinguished violin shop that has been offering sales of fine violins, violas and cellos, crafted by past and present masters, to the music scene of Los Angeles since 1953.
Benning, whose shop long maintained the violins of Jascha Heifetz, considered by many to be the violinist of the century, is used to premier players, concert performers and recording artists purchasing the fine instruments he crafts. But he admits that there was something special about this particular acquisition.
"Aleksandra has been a client for over a decade and I know her to be a highly discerning musician," said Benning. "It's that much more of an honor that she selected my violin to record her new album."
Maslovaric has performed concerts and recitals throughout North America, Europe and in her native Serbia, appearing regularly on stage, television and radio broadcasts, and has been recognized by critics for her virtuosic technique. A large part of her repertoire consists of compositions written by noted though unrecognized female composers such as Emilie Mayer of Germany, Italian composer Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen and American composer Beth Anderson.
The violin acquired by Maslovaric was crafted by Benning in 2009 on a Stradivarius pattern. It's a stunning instrument," said Benning. "There's something very special about it in that I used an antiqued varnish, which makes the sound rich and warm and clear. It is resonant and powerful."
Aleksandra Maslovaric began carving her niche in 2000 by performing and recording classical works composed by women after she, herself, began composing music. Her passion for these compositions allowed her to uncover many works by women long overdue for recognition by performing her own musicology research. Her debut album, "Feminae in Musica", was released in 2009 and continues to receive airplay on classical radio stations worldwide. Her new CD will be recorded this year and released in 2014.
"I admire what Aleksandra is trying to accomplish," states Benning. "It's important work and it's courageous work. By bringing this neglected repertoire to light, she is making a huge contribution to music appreciation and musicology as well as challenging what one could argue is male dominance in the Classical music genre. In as much as Aleksandra will be playing my violin, I'm honored to be a part of it."

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Suicide bombers attack Afghan government compound

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan officials say two suicide bombers have attacked a government compound in the country's south, killing a guard and wounding at least 10 others.

The district chief of Spin Boldak said the two militants were targeting a Sunday meeting of local officials at a compound in a district of Kandahar province near the Pakistani border. It was not known if any foreign troops or civilians were at the site.

Mohammad Hashim said the two attackers arrived in a car, killed a guard and entered the facility firing weapons before blowing themselves up along with their vehicle. The compound houses offices of the district chief and district council as well as other government buildings.

Kandahar is one of Afghanistan's most violent provinces.

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Suicide bombers kill 3 at Afghan district compound

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers penetrated a government compound in the country's south Sunday, killing three people, Afghan officials said.
The district chief of Spin Boldak said the two militants were targeting a meeting of local officials at a compound in a district of Kandahar province near the Pakistani border. There were no reports of foreign troops or civilians at the site.
Mohammad Hashim said the two attackers arrived in a car, killed a guard and entered the facility firing weapons before blowing themselves up along with their vehicle. The compound houses offices of the district chief and district council as well as other government buildings.
The spokesman for the governor of Kandahar province, Javeed Saisal, gave the casualties as three dead and at least 15 wounded.
Kandahar is one of Afghanistan's most violent provinces. Spin Boldak district is a major infiltration corridor for Taliban fighters from Pakistan as well as a smuggling route for weapons and narcotics.

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Pakistani officials say US drones kill 9 militants

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (AP) — Suspected American drones fired several missiles into three militant hideouts near the Afghan border on Sunday, killing nine Pakistani Taliban fighters, intelligence officials said.
The strikes targeted the group's hideouts in the South Waziristan tribal region, the three officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. The identity of the killed militants was not immediately known, they said, but two important commanders of the Pakistani Taliban — including the head of a training unit for suicide bombers — may be among them.
Sunday's drone attack was the third suspected U.S. drone strike in five days. One such hit late Wednesday night killed a top Pakistani militant commander, Maulvi Nazir, accused of carrying out deadly attacks against American and other targets across the border in Afghanistan. That attack was followed close on by another strike on Thursday in the North Waziristan tribal area.
Islamabad opposes the use of U.S. drones on its territory, but is believed to have tacitly approved some strikes in past. The drone campaign also infuriates many Pakistanis who see them as a violation of their country's sovereignty. Many Pakistanis complain that innocent civilians have also been killed, something the U.S. rejects.
But an attack like Sunday's may be less likely to anger the Pakistani military and public because it targeted militants believed to have been going after targets in Pakistan and not in neighboring Afghanistan.
The Pakistani intelligence officials said that informants had told them one of the two dead commanders was Wali Muhammad Mahsud, also known as Toofan, who headed a wing of the group that trained suicide bombers. His predecessor, Qari Husain Mehsud, was believed to have been killed in a U.S. missile strike in late 2011.
Mahsud was part of the Pakistani Taliban that have waged a bloody war against the Pakistani state by targeting army, police, government officials, civilians and even religious leaders who wouldn't agree to their interpretation of Islam. The Pakistani Taliban demand that the state should sever ties with the U.S. and amend the constitution to enforce a Sharia based Islamic system in the country.
In December, a Taliban suicide bomber killed a top government minister, Bashir Ahmad Bilour, who came from an anti-militant political party in northwest Pakistan and abducted and beheaded several Pakistani paramilitary troops and tribal police.
The militant commander, Nazir, who was killed last Wednesday was also part of the Taliban but he led a faction that agreed to a cease-fire with the Pakistan military in 2009 and did not attack domestic targets.
As a result, while his death is likely to be seen in Washington as affirmation of the necessity of its controversial drone program, it could cause more friction in already tense relations with Pakistan.
Analysts say Nazir's killing is likely to complicate the Pakistani army's fight against the local and foreign al-Qaida linked militants holed up in the country's tribal region. They say his fighters may turn their guns toward Pakistani troops and may join the Pakistani Taliban's fight against the state.
Still, Nazir outraged many Pakistanis in June when he announced that he would not allow any polio vaccinations in territory under his control until the U.S. stops drone attacks in the region.
Washington wants Pakistan to launch a military operation in North Waziristan, believed to be the last stronghold of many of the militant groups. But Islamabad had been refusing, saying it does not have enough troops and resources to do that.
In absence of such an operation, the U.S. relies more on drone strikes to take out militants. The program has killed a number of top militant commanders including Abu Yahya al-Libi, who was al-Qaida's No. 2 when he was killed in a June strike.

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YEARENDER-Golf-Celtic Tiger and emerging China shine in 2012

LOS ANGELES, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy's dominance on both sides of the Atlantic and the clearest hint yet at the exciting potential in China were the biggest storylines in what may prove to be a truly transformational golfing year in 2012.
The coronation of McIlroy as the game's leading player was confirmed in sensational fashion when the exciting Northern Irishman cruised to his second major title by a record eight shots in the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in August.
Dubbed 'Boy Wonder' in his homeland for the past decade, McIlroy fully justified his other nickname of 'the Celtic Tiger' as he ended the year being showered with virtually every accolade available to him.
He followed in the footsteps of Luke Donald when he became the second player to win the money list titles in both Europe and the United States and he strengthened his position as world number one with an extraordinary run of form.
Long regarded as heir-apparent to Tiger Woods as the game's greatest player, McIlroy has smoothly taken over that role while Woods, despite triumphing three times on the 2012 PGA Tour in a welcome return to winning ways, has had to take a back seat.
The 23-year-old McIlroy is almost certain to be a dominant figure in golf for at least another decade but 14-year-old Chinese Guan Tianlang gave a strong indication of the likely impact from his part of the world well beyond that time frame.
Guan ensured he would become the youngest player ever to compete at the Masters by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last month, tantalising proof of the vast golfing potential in the Chinese market.
The world's most populous nation had celebrated another coup just five months earlier when Shanshan Feng, 22, clinched the LPGA Championship by two shots in Rochester, New York to become the first person from mainland China to win a women's major.
Remarkably, Feng was born just five years after the first golf course was opened in China.
There were several other highlights during 2012 with Bubba Watson producing arguably the shot of the year to win the Masters in a two-way playoff and Ernie Els ending a decade-long drought in the majors to claim his second British Open.
THRUST INTO LIMELIGHT
The belly putter was also thrust into the limelight when Webb Simpson, at the U.S. Open, and Els, at Royal Lytham, joined 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley as the only players to triumph in the majors using a long putter.
That trend, coupled with the growing number of younger golfers opting to anchor putters to their chin, chest or belly, prompted golf's rulemakers last month to propose a ban on the technique which could come into effect by 2016.
However, McIlroy's stellar play around the world gave golf fans their most stirring memories in 2012.
He recorded four wins on the U.S. circuit among 10 top-10s in just 16 starts before ending the season being named the PGA of America Player of the Year, the PGA Tour's Player of the Year and winner of the Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average.
McIlroy clinched the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour's leading money winner, with earnings of $8,047,952, and was delighted to follow that up with the European Tour order of merit with two events remaining.
"Winning a second major already made it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke in becoming number one in both Europe and the States is the icing on the cake after a fabulous season," he said.
Hardly surprisingly, McIlroy finished his 2012 campaign on a triumphant note when he won the European Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship by two shots in Dubai last month.
"I didn't want the year to just tail off, I wanted to end it in real style," he said after spectacularly making birdies on the last five holes to close with a 66.
While the richly talented McIlroy is a gifted shot-maker, left-hander Watson delivered the 'blow' of the year with a miraculous escape from pine straw to win the Masters in a playoff with South African Louis Oosthuizen in April.
On the second extra hole, the long-hitting American ended up well right and deep in the tree line off the tee from where he had a narrow avenue to the green.
STUNNING HOOK
Undaunted, Watson struck a stunning hook off the pine straw with a gap wedge, his ball bending 40 yards in the air to settle 10 feet from the pin before he claimed his first major victory with a two-putt par.
"I got in these trees and hit a crazy shot," said Watson, a self-taught golfer who learned the game by hitting wiffle balls around his house. "I just hooked it up there and somehow it nestled close to the hole."
In June, Watson's good friend and fellow American Simpson clinched his first major title with a nerve-jangling one-shot victory at the U.S. Open after overhauling overnight leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.
The following month, 42-year-old South African Els won the British Open at Royal Lytham by one stroke from Adam Scott after the Australian agonisingly bogeyed the last four holes.
Unquestionably the greatest comeback of the year, and perhaps of all time in golf, came at the Ryder Cup in September when Europe overhauled a deficit of 10-6 going into the final day to beat the United States by 14-1/2 points to 13-1/2.
Inspired by the spirit of the late Seve Ballesteros, Europe sent out their best players early and rode a wave of blue numbers to retain the trophy when Germany's Martin Kaymer defeated Steve Stricker one up.
"Seve will always be present with this team," a teary-eyed European captain Jose Maria Olazabal said of his fellow Spaniard, friend and mentor. "He was a big factor for this event, for the European side."
That same month, South Korean Shin Ji-yai romped to a nine-stroke victory at the Women's British Open at Royal Liverpool in England to complete a stunning Asian sweep of the year's four women's majors.
Shin's compatriot Yoo Sun-young won the Kraft Nabisco Championship in a playoff at Rancho Mirage in April and Choi Na-yeon, also of South Korea, claimed her first major title by four shots at the U.S. Women's Open in Kohler, Wisconsin in July.

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