@shrew: ya seems they are not very prompt with replying on email....also it is so close to Chinese new year, i don't think anyone will now pick up ur call now...ur best bet is to call and check on tuesday.....as for references, i think it is better to get it done through the manner suggested by them as u can never be sure if ur emailed reference will actually get attached to ur overall admission dossier.
Also i think they should be fine with a couple of days of delay as 1st and 2nd feb are weekends . Any processing should take place on 3rd or 4th only