13 Ways To Stay Positive

1. Ground Yourself. The most common reason why people think their lives suck is that they are not living their own lives. Look deeply into whether you are acting to please others - to please family, friends, and society. Realize that you need to get to know who you are and what your needs are, and make the choices to follow your own path. To know these things, a path of meditation and inner exploration is invaluable. This also comes to aid if you lose interest in things. 
2. Look on the inside. What are some qualities you have that you like about yourself? Are you funny? Are you intelligent? Are you sincere? Are you generous? What do you have pride in? Try focusing on the positive things in your life. You may be having a positive influence on others even when you think you're useless.
3. Prove those negative thoughts wrong. "Life isn't about finding who you are, it's about creating yourself" When you find yourself in a bad mood, you could think of the negative things such as, "I'm dumb and annoying", "I'm better off dead", "I'm ugly, I wish I looked different", etc. Even though it's not true. Change your mind. Look for your good features, think about the ones that you know love you, look on your greater side. Realize that nobody's life is easy and that there will always be ups and downs, and moments of low self esteem. Don't automatically assume that nobody cares. Every person matters to someone. You're alive for a reason.
4. Appreciate what you see. Look in the mirror. Find some beautiful things about yourself.... Do you have nice skin? nice nails? beautiful eyes? full lips? Find stuff that appeals to you. When you can't change something, change your attitude towards it!
5. It's all how you look at it. Jealous of the people with 'amazing' lives? They chose to be that way! Remember, there are people living in mansions who are miserable and people living on the street who are perfectly happy. It's all on how you look at it.
6. Determine how your life could be better. What can you do to make your life better? What do you desire to do? How do you want to feel? Make a few reachable goals and your own strategies. The first step is usually the hardest - getting help or admitting you need it.
7. Sometimes it's just luck. A lot of things in life are just luck. Where you were born, whether you had a kind loving family or an abusive one where your mind or even your life is in danger, whether you belong in your community or were born into an out-group by religion, race, etc., whether your family was rich or poor are all random things. It's what you do with it that matters. Remember that there is something epic and heroic in rising from harsh circumstances to do something well. Just surviving a rough situation and coming out of it with a heart is a triumph, a story that could move people long after you lived. That matters.
   • Sometimes situations that look good from the outside, like a wealthy but emotionally abusive family can inspire both misery and jealousy from others. Accept that's the situation. Remember that your life is your own and its direction is your choice. You don't have to be who other people tell you that you are, whether that's Future Criminals of America or Ruthless Cut-Throat Capitalist. You can change your life by choosing the direction that matters to you and pursuing it one small step at a time.
8. Get motivated. What motivates you? What gives you energy to go on everyday? Music? Love? Family? A 1km run? God? Your attitude? Your pet? Friends? School? Give yourself a boost by focusing on what is important to you personally.
9. Remember that some things can pass with time. There will be a tomorrow. There will be a next week. There will be a next month and perhaps by then, things will have changed for the better. If you are underage in a bad situation you have a definite release date after which your life is your own, all the things you could do to better it will come into reach even if they're difficult.
10. Reminisce. Whenever you feel like the future is 'hopeless', think about happy memories. It will help make you feel better and remind you that in the future, there will be good things, too. Think about all the good things you've experienced, felt, and achieved, and consider how many more good things could be waiting ahead. There will be many great moments in your life - don't let a few obstacles get in the way. If you don't have any happy memories, this is relative - don't judge them by things other people think of as "happy memories." Think of the moments it wasn't as bad, even if those were only in solitude.
11. Don't stop yourself from feeling the joy. It's okay to step back once in awhile and just enjoy the moment. Even in tough situations - it's important to smile and laugh here and there. Don't restrict yourself from doing things you love because they're "not important" or because you think you'll be criticized for doing them. Let yourself enjoy life even if you're not at the best place you could be. You only live once - make the best of it.
12. Develop a gratitude journal. It's pretty simple. At the end of every day, write down five things that have made you happy or appreciative that day -- not necessarily big things, even small ones count. For example: nice weather, being praised by my boss for getting an urgent errand done, my playful dog, kids and hubby kissing me goodbye before they went to school/work, a hilarious joke a mate shared, etc.
13. If you feel persistently sad, unmotivated, anxious, hopeless or fearful, seek professional help. You may be suffering from a mood disorder or nutritional deficit which could be contributing to your situation. Chronic physical pain can cause these symptoms too, if an aspirin lifts your mood then go to a pain clinic. Remember there is always somebody there who wants to help you. You are valuable!

Source: wikiHow

Plenitude Penang Dragonboat Festival 2012

Date: 30 June & 1 July 2012

Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Venue: Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang 

The popular Plenitude Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is back for the 32^nd time in Penang from 30 June to 1 July this year. This year, 14 international teams from South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Thailand, Philippines and New Zealand have confirmed their participation, as well as 13 Malaysian teams.

The public is welcome to witness the race at the beautiful Teluk Bahang Dam. Rapid Penang busses travelling to Batu Feringgi will extend their route up to the dam from 8.00am to 6.00pm during these two days. For those who visit, they need not worry about food as they will be able to purchase meals at the site using food-coupons which will be sold by the organiser during the event. Those who purchase a minimum of RM10 worth of coupons will be entitled to enter in the lucky draw and stand a chance to win a Grand Prize of a cruise to Phuket worth RM 4500, hotel stays, 50 Swork sunglasses worth RM799 and more!

For those who wish to participate, an entry fee of RM120 for 12 racers and RM180 for 22 racers per team will be charged for each event. 

In conjunction with the festival, a photography competition will also be held for shutterbugs. Those with the best photos of the race will be awarded with RM800 for first prize, RM500 for second prize and RM300 for third prize. The photo submission date will be by 15 July 2012. 

For participants of the race, a workshop will be held on 29 June, from 10am to 6pm at Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel and later at Teluk Bahang Dam. An expert coach from Philippines will be conducting the workshop to discuss rowing techniques, followed by a Water Safety Awareness Course by a qualified trainer. Each participant team can send two representatives to attend the workshop.

For participation or more information about the festival, please contact 04-650 5136, 012-483 0448 or email secretary@penangdragonboat.gov.my . Visit our website for more details: www.penangdragonboat.gov.my. 

This event is fully supported by the Penang State Government and is an affiliated event of the International Dragon Boat Federation.

Berth at ferry terminal to be rebuilt

AFTER being out of use for more than six months, the unstable berth at the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in Weld Quay will be rebuilt starting next month at a cost of RM2.15mil.

Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transport Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had appointed a contractor to carry out the work which was scheduled to be completed in six months’ time.

“The old berth which is more than 30 years old will be dug out and the contractor will lay new foundation,” he said after a site inspection at the terminal on Monday.

Lim said he went to the ferry terminal for inspection after a complaint by email was sent to the Penang Chief Minister’s office.

“We received several complaints like the air ventilation at the passenger’s waiting area at the ferry terminal was not good as the fans were not working.

“Part of the ceiling has also broken and it leaks when there’s heavy rain. Cleanliness is also an issue as rubbish can be seen scattered on the floor,” he said.

He added that the sender also complained of long waiting time for the ferries to arrive.

“The waiting time should be around 15 minutes,” he said.

PPSB operation coordinator Jamil Mordipi, who was also present during the inspection, said the administration would look into fixing the facilities.

Lim said PPSB had suffered losses even though the ferry service was widely utilised by the public.

“Last year, PPSB spent RM16.5mil to subsidise the service and in 2010, PPSB suffered losses of RM15.6mil.

“The main factors for the losses are the high fuel price and maintenance for the ferries,” he said.

He said PPSB had written to the Federal Government to request for fuel subsidy.

“But the government doesn’t allow subsidy for PPSB as transportation by sea does not qualify for subsidy. Only transportation by river qualifies for subsidy,” he said.

Source: The Star

Chalets On Water For Penang

PENANG will see its first hotel with water chalets opening soon in Teluk Kumbar.

State Tourism Development and Culture committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said that the hotel with water chalets was among three new hotels that will be opening in the near future.

“The other two hotels will be located in George Town and Bayan Baru,” he said.

He said that tourism was increasing in the state and the hotels were being built to meet the demand.

“We have been aggressively promoting Penang food and culture in other countries and the results are showing with the increased number of tourists in the state,” he said.

He said the most number of tourists coming to Penang were from Indonesia followed by Singapore, China, Japan, United States of America, Taiwan, Australia and Thai- land.

“With the opening of these new hotels, we expect to see a higher increase in tourists,” he said.

Source: The Star

Explore Everything Apple - Switch World

Date: 31st May to 3rd June 2012

Time: 10am to 10pm

Venue: Gurney Plaza, Penang

The premier iPod, iPhone, iPad and Mac lifestyle event in Malaysia is back!

Switch World 2012 will be held at the Gurney Plaza Centre Concourse from 31st May to 3rd June 2012. It is organized by CG Computers Sdn Bhd, the Apple Premium Reseller in Malaysia.

The four-day event promises to be the largest single gathering of lifestyle conscious people, business owners, and iPod, iPhone, iPad and Mac enthusiasts in years. There are plenty of informative content with the latest innovations and cool iPhone related and 3rd party designs from more than 20 brands.

Switch World offers consumers an unprecedented opportunity to learn from the industry experts and see the coolest and latest products in the iPod and Mac marketplace all under one roof. The focus of the Switch World 2012 will be on modern consumer digital lifestyle.

For inquiries and information please call 04-656 2591

Source: Visit Penang

Acrobatic Drama From China - Journey To The West

Time: 7.00pm

Date: Saturday, 2 June 2012

Venue: PISA Indoor Stadium

The highly-acclaimed acrobatic drama “Journey to the West”, one of China’s greatest literary classics will be brought to life in an acrobatic drama in Penang at the PISA Indoor Stadium on 2 June 2012. 

“Journey to the West” is based on one of China’s literary classics, which tells the tale of the monk Xuanzang who travelled to India in search of Buddhist sutras, accompanied by the irreverent and capable Monkey King known as Sun Wu Kong, and two other disciples – Pigsy and Sandy. They had to overcome various obstacles and battle numerous demons along the way before reaching their destination. 

The Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China brings this tale to life through an acrobatic drama which has won over 100 awards at national and international competitions. “Journey to the West” was named one of China’s Best Ten Masterpieces of Performing Arts for 2007 – 2009 and bagged the 12^th China Wenhua Grand Award 2007.

The acrobatic drama “Journey to the West” has enjoyed resounding success when it was performed in Wuhan, Beijing, Nanjing, Changsha, Qingdao, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and Germany.

To watch the show, one can make a contribution of:
RM200.00: and receive 1 complimentary VIP seat
RM150.00: and receive 1 complimentary charitable seat
RM80.00: and receive 1 complimentary ordinary seat
 

Contributions collected will be donated to Chung Ling Private High School and EDEN Handicap Service Centre. This event is organised by Charlie Brown Café Malaysia and KQY Intelligence Inc. Limited (HK), and endorsed by the Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture. It is supported by Persatuan Keselamatan Sukarela Pulai, Real Productions, Exabytes Malaysia and FTG Media.

For more information, please contact 012-409 1117, 016-412 5528 or 012-401 9798, or email enquiry@charliebrowncafe.com.my . You can also visit their website at www.journey2west.easy.my

Source: Visit Penang

Plan Your Next Trip!

 Riomaggiore - Cinque Terre, Italy

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens - Lisse,Holland

Son Doong Cave - Vietnam

Tunnel of Love in Kleven - Ukraine  

Terraced Rice Field - Yunnan, China

Salt Desert of Uyuni - Bolivia

Sagano Bamboo Grove - Japan

Pamukkale Travertine Pools - Turkey

Cenotes - Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Skogarfoss Waterfall - Iceland

Palominito Island - Puerto Rico

Isle of Skye - Scotland

Dunn's River Falls - Jamaica

Sea Caves - Benagil, Portugal

Capilano Suspension Bridge - Vancouver,  

British Columbia

Lucca - Italy

Ilhéu da Vila - Portugal

San Marco - Venice, Italy

Thor's Well - Cape Perpetua, Oregon , Usa

Maldives 

Lake Powell - Utah, Usa

Six Senses Yao Noi - Thailand

Portillo Ski Resort - Chile

Lofoten - Norway

El Escorial, Madrid - Spain 

Free Thosai Outside Deputy Inspector-General's House

B Nantha Kumar | May 16, 2012

An Indian NGO claims that it wants to promote the heritage dish and denies that it has anything to do with the burger protest outside S Ambiga's house. 

KUALA LUMPUR: Fancy a free thosai breakfast this Sunday?

If you do, then head down to Ampang as a coalition of 20 Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are planning to set up a thosai stall in front of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar’s residence on May 20.

Urging the public to attend the event, the movement dubbed WargaAMAN, said the stall would provide free thosai to all this Sunday, starting 10am, at Jalan 2/7G, Taman Bukit Teratai, Ampang.

WargaAMAN secretary S Barathidasan claimed that the event had “no connection” with the burger stall set up by some traders in front of Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga’s house last week.

Last Thursday, a group of burger sellers staged a protest in front of Ambiga’s house by distributing 200 burgers.

Organised by an NGO called Malaysia Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Alliance (Ikhlas), they set up the stall to show their displeasure over the April 28 Bersih rally, which Ikhlas claimed had disrupted their livelihood.

The NGO alleged that burger stall owners had suffered losses amounting to RM200,000 due to the rally, concentrated in certain parts of the federal capital.

Subsequently, Khalid, when asked why the police did not act against the burger stall owners, had replied that it was not wrong to sit in front of anyone’s house provided they did not disturb the occupants of the dwelling.

The DIG had said that there was nothing wrong with protesting outside a person’s house as long as the occupants are not disturbed.

“What offence? If you want to sit in front of her (Ambiga’s) house without disrupting other people, there is no offence.

“As long as they don’t commit any offence such as trespassing on private property, we will not take action,” Khalid had told a press conference in reference to the “burger protest.”

WargaAMAN, however, is firm that the event in front of Khalid’s house this Sunday would not be a protest but more of a thosai promotional event.

“We plan to promote thosai… Malaysians seems to have forgotten about the dish which had been classified as a heritage food by the Malaysian Heritage Department. “So, the event will be more of an awareness campaign… it is more to introduce the dish than a protest,” added Barathidasan.

Apart from a free thosai meal, the public would also be taught how to make good thosai.

“Since Khalid had said what he said, we chose his house. This is the assurance he gave. Moreover he is the number two cop in the country… it would be very safe outside his house,” he quipped.

‘Licence to grill’

In a related development, another NGO condemned the vulgar aerobic exercise staged outside Ambiga’s house.

Persatuan Kebajikan, Sosial Gemilang Puchong president V Rameshwaran said he was apalled that ex-servicemen could stoop so low.

“This is disgraceful, these men are supposed to be role models for the younger generation. It is a shame that they chose to behave in such a crude manner.

“It is acts like these that upset the public and turn Malaysia into a laughing stock. It will also make the people angrier with Barisan Nasional,” he told FMT.

Rameshwaran said Ambiga was defending the constitutional rights of Malaysians, including that of the ex-servicemen who staged the lewd protest.

As for the police’s justification for not acting against the “burger” protest, he suggested that stall owners whose premises were demolished by DBKL should set up stalls outside the houses of the mayor and Khalid.

“This is wonderful news. Now everyone has the ‘licence to grill’ outside anyone’s house, including that of the mayor, police chief, prime minister and ministers,” he said.

Source: Free Malaysia Today

8 Principles Towards A Healthy Lifestyle

Nutrition

Science has proven that diseases and diet are closely related: the food you eat greatly affects your lifespan. Hence, a healthy body depends on a good diet. Coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, over-stress and obesity are the result of a poor diet. It has also proven that meat, fish and fowl are not the best foods because they contain saturated fat, cholesterol, carcinogenic substances, viruses of tuberculosis and malignant tumours. Diseased animals are even slaughtered for sale. Similarly certain refined foods such as white rice, wheat flour, sugar and salt, can also lead to numerous health problems. Instead, whole-wheat bread, unpolished rice, beans, cereals, nuts, and a variety of vegetables and fruits, are more than enough to supply the nutrients needed by the body.

Exercise

Our body needs exercise. Lack of exercise will result in aches and illnesses. Exercise promotes better blood circulation. Blood cannot circulate well in a sedentary condition. As a result, the renewal of blood is impeded. Through exercise, waste substances in the body are well eliminated. What would happen if one does not exercise? All the waste substances in the body will accumulate. This greatly burdens the excretory organs and results in illnesses. Regular exercise adds energy, strengthens your muscles and bones, beautifies your complexion, relieves tension, and gives you self-confidence. Besides, it also effectively controls our body weight, helps digestion and prevents constipation, relieves depression and finally decreases the risk of heart disease and cancer. Exercise is not an option. It is essential for the maintenance of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Water

75% of the human body comprises of water. Pure clean water is God's gift to the healthy as well as to the sick. A wise use of water enhances health. Water is very important to the human body, both internally and externally. We should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. If we are to trace the pathway of water in our body, we would find that it carries away the toxins in the blood that circulate in our kidneys. God created us with skin so that the toxins in our organs are brought to the surface of our skin. There are many other uses of water such as using hydrotherapy for pain relief. It is also used to build the immune system to fight diseases.

Sunshine

Life cannot exist without the sun. All living things depend on the life-giving sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the body to promote hormones. 15 minutes of sunshine on the face and arms each morning promotes the function of the liver, enhances the healing of wounds, helps the body produces Vitamin D and regulates the cholesterol in the body. Sunlight kills germs. So, we should daily open our windows and doors of our homes to receive the healing properties of the sun.

Temperance

It means abstaining from everything which is harmful to the body, taking only those that are beneficial in the appropriate quantity. Science has proven that certain things are harmful to our body. These include the following:

1) Smoking: it causes lung cancer and emphysema.

2) Drinking: Alcohol kills brain cells, jeopardises the respiratory system, causes the hardening of the liver and depletes vitamin B stored in the body.

3) Coffee, coke and tea: these substances contain caffeine which harms our hearts and brains.

4) Meat: pork, beef, prawn, crab, cuttlefish, snake, dog, rabbit, etc. are the sources of diseases.

Air

When there is a lack of air, the brain is the first to be affected. You will become less alert, irritated and angered easily. Open up the windows to breathe in fresh air, go outdoor to enjoy a pleasant morning walk and avoid passive smoking. If you live in an air polluted city, visit the country side, seaside and mountains during weekends and holidays. You will feel exhilarated while enjoying the fresh air out there.

Rest

Our organs need time to rest and to recover. 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night helps to recharge our body's strength and vigour. Rest does not always mean complete inactivity. It can be a change of pace, from vigorous physical work to recreational activities; from desk job to exercise in the fresh air. Schedule a regular resting hour for your body.

Trust In God

Good health is associated with proper mental health. Negative feelings such as apprehension, resentment, hate, envy, selfishness, anxiety and remorse do cause frustration, dissatisfaction and loneliness in one's life. Doctors have yet to find medicine that can overcome these peace destroyers. However, there is one way to escape from these negative emotions; it is "when a person finds his Creator". Through knowing Him, your desires are satisfied and you will find peace and joy in your life.

Speed Control

Clever speed control in Israel

See these photos... Especially the last one!

How's this for high-speed control?

When drivers pass by, they almost stop completely due to the holes and to avoid car damages.

This is a strategy currently used in Israel as a high-speed control..

It is more economical than using cameras, radar, police officers, etc.

Very clever…..

Especially when they move them around every day!

Discover Penang Hill’s Panoramic Night View!

Want to get escape the hustle and bustle in town? With an elevation of more than 2,000 ft above sea level, Penang Hill offers the best panorama of George Town and other conurbations on the east coast of Penang.

You can now enjoy a special half price entrance rate from 6.00pm-9.00pm. This special rate is valid from Mondays to Fridays only and the promotion ends on the 31^st of May 2012.

This May, many exciting activities awaits visitors. This includes “Snazzy Fire Show”, every Saturday Night at 8.00 pm.

Every last Sunday of the month visitors can enjoy Live Music at Sunset, from 6.00 pm onwards. There is also a special Snake Show during the coming school holidays from25^th-31^st of May 2012, at 11.00am and 4.00pm.

For more information please call Penang Hill Corporation Hot Line  +6-04 828 8880

Source: Visit Penang

Mother's Day Celebration

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. In Malaysia and many parts of the world, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. As usual, one can find special Mother’s Day discounts and promotion from various hotels, restaurants and shopping outlets all over Penang. Below are some special promotions: 1) Gurney Plaza: My Mum is an Angel Date: 12th & 13th May 2012 Special rebates, gifts and activities. 2) Queensbay Mall (Ground Floor, North Zone) Date: 12th & 13th May 2012 Time: 12pm-6pm Present a receipt with minimum purchase of RM50 in a single receipt to receive a complimentary photo session, and stand a chance to win a Diamond Pendant here at Queensbay Mall. 3) Park Royal’s Special Tribute to All Mothers Date: 13th May 2012 (12 Noon to 3.00pm) Price: RM88++ per person Great activities are also in store , including an exciting lucky draw and a fun Mother Daughter Lookalike in Groovy Retro Style Contest and Mother Daughter Look-Alike Contest. For reservations please call +604 886 2225 4) Ixora Hotel Butterworth- Mum’s Day Lunch at the Straits Café & Lounge Date:13th May 2012( 12 Noon to 3.00pm) Price: RM 52++ (adult) Call 04-382 8888 for more information and reservations 5) E&o Hotel Georgetown – Afternoon Tea Date: 12th & 13th May (2.00pm-5.00pm) Price: RM58 ++ per person Call 04-222 2000 for inquiries and reservations. Source: Visit Penang