Noah's Ark In Hong Kong

At least they'll never be flooded! Billionaire brothers build 450ft long life-size replica of Noah's Ark 

 

Having been built, according to the Bible, thousands of years ago, Noah's Ark has only ever existed in peoples' imaginations.
But now a group of architects who pondered what the Biblical vessel looked like have turned their dreams into reality by constructing a Noah's Ark replica, complete with animals. 

Thomas, Walter and Raymond's land-bound Ark certainly has dimensions on a Biblical scale, measuring a massive 450ft long and 75ft wide. 

The tourists go in two-by-two: The Noah's Ark Theme Park, complete with fibreglass animals, sits in front of the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong

 

Biblical scale: The Ark in Hong Kong measures 450ft long and 75ft wide

 

Water sight: The Ark also boasts less authentic Biblical touches such as double-glazed windows and a fine dining restaurant

 

The billionaire brothers who built the Ark in Hong Kong claim it is the only full-scale version in the world

 

And the imaginative trio even attempted to give the giant boat an air of authenticity by placing 67 pairs of animals at the entrance, just like the pairs of creatures saved from the Great Flood by Noah in the Bible tale.
The creationist-inspired vessel forms part of a theme park near Hong Kong which was inspired by a young girl's scrawled drawing of the mammoth boat. 

Architects appear to have used some artistic licence in parts of the Ark - for instance including double-glazed windows, a fine dining restaurant and luxurious bedrooms. 

Inside, real-life exotic animals can be found - including a nautilus, a toucan and reams of fish. 

 

All lit up: The Ark shines under Hong Kong's lights as a fibreglass giraffe stands guard near the entrance

 

Authentic: Various fibreglass animals stand outside the Ark to mimmick the Bible tale where Noah took creatures on board the vessel

 

The Noah's Ark Theme Park is now run by Christian organisations, who use it to promote peace and unity.
Matthew Pine, manager of Noah's Ark Theme Park, said: 'They had a vision to do something remarkable, something outstanding.
'They came up with many ideas. Some of them were really outrageous. 

'But then they came across this girl's drawing, and knew it would be something do-able that captured imaginations.
'So they hired architects and engineers to create the replica Noah's Ark.' 

 

Food for thought: The Ark also includes a sophisticated-looking restaurant as one of its on-board attractions

 

Food for thought: The Ark also includes a sophisticated-looking restaurant as one of its on-board attractions

 

Bed for the night: Guests on board Noah's Ark can also stay on the Biblical vessel in one of its luxurious hotel-style rooms

 

Land-bound: The Hong Kong-based Noah's Ark theme park was built in 2009 and is popular among tourists

 

Matthew added: 'The reason we chose that moment in the Bible's story is because this is the message we want to bring to Hong Kong, to China, to the world. 

'In our lives we always face floods, we will face trials, we will face difficulties. 

'Hopefully Noah's Ark will inspire people to pass through those troubles as Noah did in his day.'
The Ark opened in May 2009, 17 years after plans were first mooted for the enormous structure. 

It is just one of a number of real-life Noah's Arks - including one built by a Dutchman that contains pairs of living animals.

Lion Shows Her Soft Nature

Cliffhanger! Lion cub saved by mum in dramatic scenes caught on camera as he cries out pitifully for help
By Paul Thompson

Clinging on for dear life to the side of a vertical cliff, the tiny lion cub cries out pitifully for help.

His mother arrives at the edge of the precipice with three other lionesses and a male. The females start to clamber down together but turn back daunted by the sheer drop.

Eventually one single factor determines which of them will risk her life to save the youngster – motherly love.
The drama begins: The mother arrives at the edge of the cliff as her son cries out for rescue after being trapped when he slipped

On the brink: Four lionesses look over the edge before aborting their rescue mission because of the sheer drop

Slowly, agonisingly, the big cat edges her way down towards her terrified son, using her powerful claws to grip the crumbling cliff side.

One slip from her and both animals could end up dead at the bottom of the ravine.

Just as the exhausted cub seems about to fall, his mother circles beneath him and he is snatched up in her jaws. 

She then begins the equally perilous journey back to the top. 
Minutes later, they arrive and she gives the frightened creature a consoling lick on the head.

The dramatic rescue, captured by wildlife photographer Jean-Francois Largot, was played out in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve. 

Despite the presence of wardens to deter poachers, day-to-day life for the lions is not without its dangers … as the cub learned the hard way.


Rescue mission: The mother inches her way down the cliff face to rescue the terrified cub before locking him in her jaws and making her way back up the cliff face

Motherly love: The mother gives her son a lick to say that all is well in the pride following the drama

Adult Joke: The Beard

A married man was visiting his "girlfriend" when she requested that he shave his beard. "Oh James, I like your beard, but I would really love to see your handsome face."
  
James replied, "My wife loves this beard, I couldn't possibly do it, she would kill me!

 "Oh please?" the girlfriend asked again, in a sexy little voice..
  
 "Oh really, I can't," he replies..."My wife loves this beard!

 The girlfriend asked once more, and he sighs and finally gives in.

 

That night James crawls into bed with his wife while she was sleeping.
  
The wife is awakened somewhat, feels his face and replies "Oh Michael, you shouldn't be here, my husband will be home soon!"

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