Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
You probably need some help from these scents

#1 Rosemary For better memory.



#2 Jasmine So that you'll be less stressed. 



#3 Citrus To fight stress and tiredness.



#4 Lavender To calm you down.



#5 Peppermint To help you concentrate.





People Who Don't Drink Alcohol Are More Likely To Die Young


newly released study shows that regular drinkers are less likely to die prematurely than people who have never indulged in alcohol. You read that right: Time reports that abstaining from alcohol altogether can lead to a shorter life than consistent, moderate drinking.

Surprised? The tightly controlled study, which looked at individuals between ages 55 and 65, spanned a 20-year period and accounted for variables ranging from socioeconomic status to level of physical activity. Led by psychologist Charles Holahan of the University of Texas at Austin, it found that mortality rates were highest for those who had never had a sip, lower for heavy drinkers, and lowest for moderate drinkers who enjoyed one to three drinks per day.

Of the 1,824 study participants, only 41 percent of the moderate drinkers died prematurely compared to a whopping 69 percent of the nondrinkers. Meanwhile, the heavy drinkers fared better than those who abstained, with a 60 percent mortality rate. Despite the increased risks for cirrhosis and several types of cancer, not to mention dependency, accidents, and poor judgment associated with heavy drinking, those who imbibe are less likely to die than people who stay dry.

A possible explanation for this is that alcohol can be a great social lubricant, and strong social networks are essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Nondrinkers have been shown to demonstrate greater signs of depression than their carousing counterparts, and in addition to the potential heart health and circulation benefits of moderate drinking (especially red wine), it also increases sociability.

While it’s always important to drink responsibly, this is one study that warrants raising a glass.

Uruguay's Senate legalises marijuana


Uruguay has become the first nation to legalise the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana after the country's Senate gave final approval to the legislation.

After a long debate on Tuesday, 16 of 29 senators voted in favour of the law championed by President Jose Mujica.

The legislation is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation.

Backers of the law, some smoking joints, gathered near Congress holding green balloons, Jamaican flags in homage to singer-songwriter Bob Marley and a sign saying: "Cultivating freedom, Uruguay grows."

Cannabis consumers will be able to buy a maximum of 40 grams each month from licensed pharmacies as long as they are Uruguayan residents over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases.

When the law is implemented in mid-April, Uruguayans will be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, or as much as 480 grams, and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year.

Registered drug users should be able to start buying marijuana over the counter from licensed pharmacies in April.

New In Town : THE ROOF


The Roof is a premium integrated dining and entertainment hub offering patrons the ultimate experience with star attraction in the Klang Valley.

With Asia’s first and only luxury bar nestled on top of an infinity grassed helipad, it provides an unprecedented panoramic 360-degree view of the city and greater Klang Valley – offering customers a breathtaking and spectacular city skyline at night as they chill and relax.

With over 50,000 square feet of dining, entertainment and event space, The Roof houses five distinct outlets designed to cater to a broad spectrum of customers with each outlet promising a unique and classy experience. 






More Info :

Matta Fair : Sept 2012



Matta Fair September 2012, will be another fabulous travel fair in Malaysia that provides surprises and exciting travel package deals for travellers. Matta Fair 2012 is expected to be one of the biggest travel fairs of its kind anywhere, so agents, tourists and merchandise sellers should make it a point to attend this special event.


This marks the twenty-first year the fair has been in operation and each year tends to exceed the previous year in terms of turnout and opportunities. Next year’s event is expected to be no exception as many people from around the world are planning to be there.

The event will definitely become a must-visit event for both young and old to grab their best travel deals.

Date: 7th – 9th September 2012 (Friday - Sunday)

Time: 10.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

Venue: Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Frequency: Twice per year



Exhibits Category:
Adventure Tours
Beach & Coast Tours
City Break Tours
Club Med Tours
Cultural & Historical Tours
Diving & Water Sports Tours
Escorted Tours
Family Tours
Festivals & Events Tours
Free & Easy Tours
Guided Tours
Honeymoon Tours
Independent Tours
Muslim Tours
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Rail Tours
Relaxing Retreats Tours
River Cruises
Shopping Tours
Skiing & Winter Sports Tours
Theme Parks Tours
Water World
Etc


Floria 2012

Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival


FLORIA is located on a 15 hectares land along the Waterfront, Precinct 2, Putrajaya. It is located near the National Registration Department or Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara building.

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The exhibition of more than 100 varieties of Bougainvillea flowers in various forms like topiary, bonsai, cultivars in different colours, dwarf and climbers to adorn the garden, meadow & general area.

More than 200 daily activities, entertainment, edutainment, workshops, demonstrations and plantation will be held during the nine days of FLORIA 2012. Some of the activities include the Marching Brass Band, Cheer Leader, Basking & Music Parade and fireworks display. Australian Youth Band (AYB) marching brass band from Melbourne will be making special appearances on 1st July (Sunday) and 5th July (Thursday) 2012.

Three Bougainvillea competition will be held, which the categories are pots Bougainvillea with the most cultivars in a tree (minimum of 5 cultivars), the most attractive Bougainvillea and the most colourful Bougainvillea.

Nature Photography and Watercolour Competitions will also be organised in conjunction with the festival (2 categories, adult and children).

There will be gardens, floral arrangement and other competitions for the participants of Putrajaya FLORIA 2012.

Flower Galore
A display or flowers specifically bougainvilleas will dominate the showground in areas such as the Entrance Statement, Floral Alley, Floral Avenue, Floral Arch, Floral Meadow, Kiddy Play Area and Therapy Garden.

Showcase Gardens
Another main attraction of the show will be the Showcase Gardens featuring landscape architects and designers from Malaysia and abroad. The type of garden showcase comprises of entries from the organiser, corporate players, NGO, universities and schools. There are also Theme Gardens like "My Backyard Garden", "Grower Display Gardens" and "Courtyard Gardens".

Floral Pavilion
One of the main attraction of FLORIA 2012 will be the indoor Floral Pavilion with the concept of "5-Year Celebration of FLORIA" with various designs and arrangements using bougainvillea and the previous FLORIA theme flower (Hibiscus, Orchids, Heliconia, Rose).

Garden Bazaar
Get the best deal for gardening products, garden furniture, tools and plants at the garden retail area.

Exhibitions by Associations and Garden Talks
The involvement of associations or growers will include the Orchid Association, Bonsai, Bougainvillea Growers Association as well as Annuals, Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Cactus, herbs / vegetables, Topiary, bromeliad and aquatic plants.

Laman Seni – "Art Square"
Once again Laman Seni will be another attraction for those who love art, craft and paintings. The exhibition and retail lots will sell art and craft inspired by plants, landscape and nature. Daily art and craft activities will be held at the designated booths.

International Entries
The international entries will be among the highlights with the showcase of exceptional designs from renowned landscape and floral designers from around the world.

Nature Photography & Watercolour Competitions
For both adults and children, the competition focuses on the most creative submissions of gardens and flowers that are showcased at FLORIA. The submission will be presented in the form of photos or paintings with the theme : Bougainvillea - Enduring Beauty.
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Venue :
 Waterfront, Precinct 2, Putrajaya

Theme :
Bougainvillea - Enduring Beauty 

Date :
30th June 2012 - 8th July 2012

Opening Hours :
9am - 10pm weekdays 
9am - 12pm weekend

More Info :
http://www.ppj.gov.my/putrajayafloria/floria.html 
http://www.ppj.gov.my/putrajayafloria/download/Floria2012-Jadual_Aktiviti_Program.pdf


Langkawi Reggae sun splash 2012


Coming in from the Cold is planning to organise a Reggae Sunsplash Concert in Langkawi. Reggae Bands from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia & the Phillipines besides our local acts will be invited. 

They might also bring in International Reggae Stars to perform as well. Your support will make this event come true...

There is Facebook page to find out how many people will support them if they Organise A Reggae Sunsplash Concert in Langkawi.

The more Likes they get the more closer to see this first time of it's kind concert become a reality.
Let's Make It Real people.



Malaysian GOV the land thief

Desecration of Orang Asli graves is another blow to the ancestral land rights of the Orang Laut of Seletar



Indigenous peoples all over the world have their way of life threatened by rapid development.

The Orang Asli laut of Johor's southern coastline are particularly under threat because the state is pushing for direct foreign investments to spur its economic growth. Property development is an important ingredient of the economic cocktail.

But economic development doesn't come without costs, and the Orang Asli laut and their livelihood are paying a heavy price for development they do not want.


Desecration of two Orang Laut of Seletar burial sites, in Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Tenom, near Johor Bahru. These sites are located within the Iskandar Malaysia development area, which is under the purview of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (“IRDA”), a Malaysian Government statutory body. This is yet another blow to the ancestral land rights of, and respect for, the Orang Asli.


As a traditional fishing community, the Orang Laut of Seletar have historically occupied the coastal mangrove areas of Johore as their ancestral lands. This area is the subject of continuing encroachment by the Johore state government and occupation by entities, including IRDA, as it is now prime land amidst rapid development. Through the years, the Orang Laut have consistently maintained that the areas they occupy and forage (both on land and sea) are customary ancestral areas. The authorities have paid scant regard to their claims. As such, these Orang Laut have lost much of their land and their livelihood has been seriously diminished, if not completely wiped out, through decimation of the mangrove swamps and pollution of the coastal seas. Many of these Orang Laut live in abject poverty amidst thriving development on their lands, from which they do not benefit. Government agencies like the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli have failed the Orang Laut of Seletar.


In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, a sizeable area of burial grounds shared by the Orang Laut of Seletar communities of Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon, were reported to have been desecrated and destroyed by contractors purportedly under the purview of IRDA. Police reports were quickly lodged, appeals were sent to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (“SUHAKAM”), and work has been temporarily halted.


The Orang Asli, like any other community in Malaysia, are important members of our society. Their numbers may not be large, but they represent a heritage-rich link with the early peoples of Peninsular Malaysia which, once destroyed, would be lost forever. It is incumbent upon the Malaysian Government to protect and safeguard their way of life. Development goals for Iskandar Malaysia must be carried out in a socially-sustainable and caring manner, and with the utmost respect for the rights of the Orang Asli. These are principles that the Malaysian Government agreed to when it voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”) in 2007. The Malaysian Government also voted in favour of the concept of “free, prior and informed consent” of the indigenous peoples on any policies or projects that may affect their livelihood.


For the Orang Laut of Seletar who live within Iskandar Malaysia, there was every reason for them to expect a new model of governance in respect of Orang Asli rights over customary areas. The Prime Minister himself said, in his capacity as Co-Chairperson of IRDA, “The development in Iskandar Malaysia is geared towards being inclusive and sustainable, providing a multitude of prospects for growth and prosperity to be enjoyed by all stakeholders.”1 The Malaysian Bar urges the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government to do the honourable thing and give effect to the UNDRIP principles and the words in this quote, in a real and meaningful way.

Indeed, the incidents involving Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon are by no means isolated affairs. There appears to be a systemic pattern of rampant encroachment of Orang Asli-occupied areas throughout Malaysia, both in the peninsula as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The continuous violation of the land rights of the Orang Asli is a breach of their fundamental liberties. It has to stop.

The Malaysian Bar calls upon the federal and state governments to immediately observe a moratorium on proposed development on lands and other areas claimed by indigenous peoples, pending the completion of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia currently being undertaken by SUHAKAM. Once its report is ready by September 2012, the full scale of the issue can be properly understood and appropriately addressed, in an inclusive, and environmentally- and socially-sustainable, manner.

The Malaysian Bar will continue to support Orang Asli communities by holding various programmes geared towards legal empowerment. We have called for lawyers to provide pro bono services to the Orang Asli, and are actively advocating for their voices to be heard. We have also launched a defence fund to assist in defraying the costs of litigation, where necessary.

The BLEEDING tree "Sangre de grado"





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Family : Euphorbiaceae
Genus : Croton
Species : lechleri, salutaris, palanostigma
Synonyms : Croton draco
Common Names : Sangre de grado, dragon’s blood, drago, sangue de drago, sangue de agua
Part Used : Bark, resin/sap
Herbal Properties and actions:

Main Actions:
  • heals wounds
  • stops bleeding
  • kills bacteria/germs/fungi/viruses
  • relieves diarrhea
  • reduce inflammation
  • relieves itching
Other Actions:
  • kills cancer cells
  • prevents tumor growth
  • stops mutations
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Sangre de grado is a large tree that grows from 20–30 m high in the upper Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Although tall, the trunk is usually less than 30 cm in diameter and is covered by smooth, mottled bark. It has large, heart-shaped, bright-green leaves and unique, greenish-white flowers on long stalks. Its Peruvian name, sangre de grado, means “blood of the dragon” (in Spanish). In Ecuador, it’s named sangre de drago (which means “dragon’s blood” as well). When the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red, sappy resin oozes out as if the tree is bleeding—earning this local name. The genus Croton is a large one, with 750 species of trees and shrubs distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. Crotons are rich in active alkaloids, and several species are well-known medicinal plants used as purgatives and tonics.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES
Sangre de grado's red sap or latex (and also its bark) has a long history of indigenous use in the rainforest and in South America. The earliest written reference dates its use to the 1600s, when Spanish naturalist and explorer P. Bernabé Cobo found that the curative power of the sap was widely known throughout the indigenous tribes of Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. For centuries, the sap has been painted on wounds to staunch bleeding, to accelerate healing, and to seal and protect injuries from infection. The sap dries quickly and forms a barrier, much like a "second skin." It is used externally by indigenous tribes and local people in Peru for wounds, fractures, and hemorrhoids, internally for intestinal and stomach ulcers, and as a douche for vaginal discharge. Other indigenous uses include treating intestinal fevers and inflamed or infected gums, in vaginal baths before and after childbirth, for hemorrhaging after childbirth, and for skin disorders.

Sangre de grado resin and bark are used in traditional medicine in South America today in much the same manner as indigenous ones. In Peruvian herbal medicine it is recommended for hemorrhaging, as an antiseptic vaginal douche and, topically, for healing wounds. It is also used internally for ulcers in the mouth, throat, intestines and stomach; as an antiviral for upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses and HIV; internally and externally for cancer and, topically, for skin disorders, insect bites and stings. In Brazilian traditional medicine the sap currently is used for wounds, hemorrhaging, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and as a general tonic.
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plsz read the previous post at the bottom titled Maran Marathandavar temple, which relates to the bleeding tree ...