Hope transforms pessimism into optimism

Hope transforms pessimism into optimism. Hope is invincible. Hope changes everything. It changes winter into summer, darkness into dawn, descent into ascent, barrenness into creativity, agony into joy. Hope is the sun. It is light. It is passion. It is the fundamental force for life's blossoming.

The times

The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end. At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self. I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.


This sense of fulfillment and joy is the crystallization of all the effort-each drop of sweat, each tear-expended to reach that moment. Life's inherent creativity, its dynamic vitality, is brought to the surface only through the strenuous exertions of a life of consistent action.


Such a way of life will meet with storms and heavy rains, times of seeming defeat. But the creative essence of life is never crushed or vanquished by such things. It is sustained by knowledge of the brilliant rainbow whose bright arch will eventually stretch across the inner expanse of your being.


Indulgence and indolence produce nothing creative. Complaints and evasions reflect a cowardly spirit; they corrupt and undermine life's natural creative thrust. When life is denuded of the will to struggle creatively, it sinks into a state of hellish destructiveness directed at all that lives.


Never for an instant forget the effort to renew your life, to build yourself anew. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway of life itself. This is not an easy task. Indeed, it may be the most severely challenging struggle there is. For opening the door to your own life is in the end more difficult than opening the door to all the mysteries of the universe.


But to do so is to vindicate your existence as human beings. Even more, it is the mode of existence that is authentically attuned to the innermost truths of life itself; it makes us worthy of the gift of life.


There is no way of life more desolate or more pitiful than one of ignorance of the fundamental joy that issues from the struggle to generate and regenerate one's own life from within. To be human is much more than the mere biological facts of standing erect and exercising reason and intelligence. The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.


The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to color the lives of all people.


As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life's native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.

The institutions of human society

The institutions of human society treat us as parts of a machine. They assign us ranks and place considerable pressure upon us to fulfill defined roles. We need something to help us restore our lost and distorted humanity. Each of us has feelings that have been suppressed and have built up inside. There is a voiceless cry resting in the depths of our souls, waiting for expression. Art gives the soul's feelings voice and form.

Culture is an elevated expression of the inner voice

Culture is an elevated expression of the inner voice which the different peoples of the Earth have heard in the depths of their being, a voice which conveys the vibrant compassion and wisdom of the cosmic life. For different cultures to engage in interaction is to catalyze each other's souls and foster mutual understanding.

If you summon your courage to challenge something, you'll never be left with regret

If you summon your courage to challenge something, you'll never be left with regret. How sad it is to spend your life wishing, "If only I'd had a little more courage." Whatever the outcome may be, the important thing is to step forward on the path that you believe is right.

It takes courage to become happy

It takes courage to become happy -- courage to remain true to one's convictions, courage not to be defeated by one's weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering.

Don't We All

One evening I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to finish work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money.

There are times when you feel generous, but there are times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of the "Don't want to be bothered" times! "Hope he doesn't ask me for money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop and he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very nice car," he said. He was ragged, but had an air of dignity around him. I said "Thanks," and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside said, "Ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say yes, but I held true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great accomplishments. I expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke three words that shook me, "Don't we all?" he said. I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that!

You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse of something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you, through a torn world can see.

Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum and then said, "Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

i'm using:
Canon EOS 5D
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James Whitcomb Riley say's

"It doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke.
For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke,
let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away,
then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say."
James Whitcomb Riley

NIKON D80
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Wisdom

Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense - we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives - basically it comes down to your attitude. We can have a positive attitude towards life, or a negative attitude. We can focus on the good or we can focus on the bad. Keeping a positive mental attitude is one of the keys to success.

NIKON D3
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The Royal Navy

The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore known as the Senior Service). From the mid-18th century until well into the 20th century, it was the most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant world power from 1815 until the early 1940s. In World War II, the Royal Navy operated almost 900 ships. During the Cold War, it was transformed into a primarily anti-submarine force, hunting for Soviet submarines, mostly active in the GIUK gap. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, its role for the 21st century has returned to focus on global expeditionary operations.

The Royal Navy is the second-largest navy of the NATO alliance, in terms of the combined displacement, approx. 400,000 tonnes (900,000 tonnes including RFA ships) of its fleet, after the United States Navy. There are currently 88 commissioned ships in the Royal Navy (110 with RFA ships), including aircraft carriers, a helicopter carrier, landing platform docks, ballistic missile submarines, nuclear fleet submarines, guided missile destroyers, frigates, mine counter-measures and patrol vessels. There are also the support of 22 vessels of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Royal Navy's ability to project power globally is considered second only to the U.S. Navy. The Royal Navy maintains the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons.

The Royal Navy is a constituent component of the Naval Service, which also comprises the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve. The Royal Navy numbers 37,500 people of whom approximately 6,000 are in the Royal Marines.

Legendary sea monsters

* The Aspidochelone, a giant turtle or whale that appeared to be an island, and lured sailors to their doom
* Capricorn, Babylonian Water-Goat, in the Zodiac
* Charybdis of Homer, a monstrous whirlpool that sucked any ship nearby
* Cirein-cròin
* Coinchenn, from whose bone the Gae Bulg is made in Celtic mythology
* Curruid, the sea monster who killed the Coinchenn
* Hydra, Greece
* Iku-Turso
* Jörmungandr, the Norse Midgard Serpent.
* Kraken
* Leviathan
* Loch Ness Monster
* Proteus
* Scylla of Homer, a six-headed serpentine that devoured six men from each ship that passed by
* Sirens of Homer
* The Rainbow Fish
* Tiamat
* The constellation Cetus
* Yacumama, South America

Ultimately

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality.

Best Ever

i'm using:

NIKON D3
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Aperture:	f 2.8
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ISO Speed:	200

Fishing

Fishing is an ancient practice that dates back at least to the Paleolithic period which began about 40,000 years ago. Archaeology features such as shell middens, discarded fish bones and cave paintings show that sea foods were important for survival and consumed in significant quantities. During this period, most people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and were, of necessity, constantly on the move. However, where there are early examples of permanent settlements (though not necessarily permanently occupied) such as those at Lepenski Vir, they are almost always associated with fishing as a major source of food.
Egyptians bringing in fish, and splitting for salting.

The ancient river Nile was full of fish; fresh and dried fish were a staple food for much of the population. The Egyptians had implements and methods for fishing and these are illustrated in tomb scenes, drawings, and papyrus documents. Some representations hint at fishing being pursued as a pastime. In India, the Pandyas, a classical Dravidian Tamil kingdom, were known for the pearl fishery as early as the 1st century BC. Their seaport Tuticorin was known for deep sea pearl fishing.

The paravas, a Tamil caste centred in Tuticorin, developed a rich community because of their pearl trade, navigation knowledge and fisheries. Fishing scenes are rarely represented in ancient Greek culture, a reflection of the low social status of fishing. However, Oppian of Corycus, a Greek author wrote a major treatise on sea fishing, the Halieulica or Halieutika, composed between 177 and 180. This is the earliest such work to have survived to the modern day. Pictorial evidence of Roman fishing comes from mosaics. The Greco-Roman sea god Neptune is depicted as wielding a fishing trident. The Moche people of ancient Peru depicted fisherman in their ceramics.

One of the world’s longest trading histories is the trade of dry cod from the Lofoten area of Norway to the southern parts of Europe, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The trade in cod started during the Viking period or before, has been going on for more than 1000 years and is still important.

Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal at Kuala Terengganu

The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The mosque is located at Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man. The mosque was constructed between 2006 and 2008. It was officially opened on 8 February 2008 by 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

Steel and glass are being used for the construction of this mosque. This is the first smart mosque which has been equipped with IT facilities and WiFi coverage, thus enable tourist and IT users to access all the servicess that being offered by the mosque administration.

Tourism in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to centuries of rich cultural history, spanning multiple nationalities and religions, making it one of Asia's premier travel destinations. In the countrysides and rainforests, ancient traditions and wildlife are preserved, while urban Malaysia showcases shopping, culture and cuisine to travelers in thoroughly modern settings, and its world-famous beaches and resorts offer perfect holiday getaways.

The Malaysian Peninsula was home to many Chinese and Indian trading outposts for centuries before Islam was brought to the country by Arabian merchants in the 11th century. The adoption of Islam gave Malaysia a national identity, and the Islamic world joined India and China as Malaysia's foremost cultural and economic partners. After centuries of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch and English, the peninsula's states gained independence in 1957. Subsequent states joining the federation in 1963 and formed the country of Malaysia as it exists today.

Today, Malaysia combines the best of East Asian economic development with centuries of rich cultural history, spanning multiple nationalities and religions. In the countrysides and rainforests, ancient traditions and wildlife are preserved, while urban Malaysia showcases culture and cuisine to newcomers in thoroughly modern settings.

Visit our Experiences pages to learn more about specific regions of the country, as well as everything Malaysia has to offer visitors.

TRAVEL TIPS

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Here are some general travel tips to help you prepare for your trip.

• As a rule, tipping isn't practiced in Malaysia. While tips may be accepted at some upper-tier resorts and hotels, tipping taxi drivers or waiters is not common or expected.
• Tap water should not be drunk - bottled water is cheap and readily available almost everywhere.
• Be sure to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen. See our health tips section for more details.
• Malaysian electrical outlets utilise the same three flat-pronged plugs as Britain and operate at 240v/50Hz. You'll need to bring a converter to charge/power your electronics.
• All prices displayed will be in ringgit (RM). While the term "dollar" is still occasionally used as an English translation of "ringgit" (the ringgit was officially called the dollar before 1975 and may still be casually referred to as such), do not be fooled by any claims that prices are displayed in American or Australian dollars.
• Shoes should always be removed before entering homes as a guest.
• Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants in Malaysia, although diners should be aware of belacan (or "belachan"), a shrimp paste which is used in many dishes throughout the country
  
  Dishes with "no meat" may still contain animal ingredients in sauces. Restaurants which serve Indian and mamak food may offer the best choices. See Veggie Malaysia for more tips and vegetarian restaurant listings.
• Bootlegged clothing, accessories and electronic media are quite common at markets. While gray market buying and selling is tolerated in Malaysia, do not be duped into thinking that you are purchasing authentic, licensed merchandise.
• Social mores are more conservative in Eastern Malaysia. Conspicuous consumption of alcohol and immodest clothing may be frowned upon, especially in more remote and rural areas.
• Being an Islamic country, homosexuality is still a taboo subject in Malaysia. Gay travelers are advised to consult Utopia Asia for more information.
• Drug trafficking can be punishable by death in Malaysia. Don't even think about it.

Michael Jackson in Memory

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

12:11 AM CDT on Friday, June 26, 2009 Michael Jackson, 50, died Thursday in Los Angeles as sensationally as he lived, as famous as a human being can get. He was a child Motown sensation who grew into a moonwalking megastar, the self-anointed King of Pop who sold 750 million records throughout his career and enjoyed worldwide adoration. But with that came the world’s relentless curiosity, and Jackson came to be regarded as one of show business’s legendary oddities, hopping from one public relations crisis to another.

Michael Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills, Calif. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him. “It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known,” his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

In the end there were two sides to the record: The tabloid caricature and the singer that his fans will always treasure. There were those whose devotion knew no bounds, who visited the gates of his private ranch north of Santa Barbara, Calif., arriving at Neverland on pilgrimages from Europe and Asia, and who were among the first to flock to UCLA Medical Center as news of his death spread Thursday. Those were the same kind of fans who camped out at the Santa Barbara Superior Courthouse, to show their support during his 2005 trial. They released doves and wept when he was acquitted.

Then there was the other kind of fan, who preferred to keep memories of the singer locked firmly in his 1980s prime: Today’s young adults all have memories of being toddlers and grade-schoolers who moonwalked. Even hard rockers will easily confess to the first album they ever bought: Thriller. “I am just devastated,” said Bridgette Cooper, 44, of Mitchellville, Md., who was driving her children to math tutoring when her 12-year-old got the news by text. “I don’t ever remember not loving him. … Even through the turmoil and the public spectacle, I still loved him and his music.”
Michael Jackson’s death set off an instant media frenzy befitting the later chapters of his stardom. Web sites began reporting that the singer had been taken to the hospital. Soon, streets in the neighborhoods around the hospital were closed and crowds of onlookers formed, much as they did wherever the singer had appeared. Soon, they were dancing and playing Jackson’s music. “No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow,” Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend had sent him. “It’s like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died.”

A star is born Jackson’s career began as a family business in Gary, Ind. As the Jackson 5, the group moved in comparably short time from local talent contests to national stardom. Two years later, when Michael was 12, the Jackson 5 had four No. 1 hits, including the Grammy-winning “ABC,” (which won a Grammy Award as best pop song) “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.” At 15, his voice broke, giving him a range from soprano to tenor. Michael and his brothers continued performing as the Jacksons, and in 1978 Michael sang and danced as the Scarecrow in the film The Wiz , an all-black remake of The Wizard of Oz. Quincy Jones, who produced The Wiz’s soundtrack, agreed to produce Jackson’s next solo album. Their first collaboration, Off the Wall (1979), sold 9 million copies and had four Top 10 hits. In 1982, Jackson released his next, Thriller, which was also produced by Jones. It became an instant phenomenon, selling more than 40 million copies and yielding seven Top 10 hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the title track.

In his 30s, Michael Jackson started to become more enigma than entertainer. He straightened his hair and nose, beginning a process of self-reconstruction that ultimately reached bizarre lengths. In time, Jackson’s skin turned from brown to a pale, ghostly white, his nose shrank from repeated plastic surgery, and his frame remained painfully gaunt. He wore outlandish costumes in public, spoke in an airy, high-pitched whisper.

His world devolved into a series of tabloid headlines that reported rumors or facts about everything from his curious pet ownership to the plastic surgeries that drastically changed him. He built a private playland, the sprawling Neverland, replete with an amusement park and zoo, to which he invited scores of underprivileged children. He was accused of abusing a child in the 1990s (a case which was settled out of court in 1994 for a reported amount between $15 million and $24 million).

Many misfortunes Jackson’s life seemed to play out as a metaphor on the delusions and cruelty of fame. He was unlucky in the art of public relations, and sometimes he was just unlucky, as when pyrotechnics set his hair on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. Other misfortunes he seemed to bring on himself – and theories about his behavior were never in short supply.

People loved to think they had cracked the mystery of Michael: He wanted his face to resemble Liz Taylor’s. He hated his appearance because his father and brothers used to tease him. He was repressed, he was asexual, he was an addict, he was a pervert, he was from outer space, he was a genius, he was stupid, he was insane. The truth was never known, and Jackson recoiled from media scrutiny and largely thwarted the assistance of image experts. The hits didn’t keep coming, but the headlines did: In November 2002, Jackson appeared to dangle his infant son over a Berlin hotel balcony while greeting fans and paparazzi below, which brought outrage.

Michael Jackson was planning to appear in a sold-out series of concerts in London next month that would have run until March. Promoters of the concerts had recently said that the singer had passed a physical examination to assuage any doubts he was ready for a comeback.