Konihab auh noh dih gumuli po...

Malays are from Borneo - Dusun

2010-07-17T15:44:00.002+07:00

Dr Zafarina studies on genetics showed Malay people migrated from Borneo to Sumatera and then to Peninsula Malaysia. I have attached part of her writings below.

“TRACING THE ORIGIN OF THE MALAY RACE THROUGH THE MORPHOLOGICAL, HISTORICAL, SOCIO-CULTURAL AND GENETIC ANALYSIS

RESEARCH CENTER :
Human Genome Center , School of Health Sciences and Dental School , USM
CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT: Ongoing ( started : Jan 2005 )
RESEARCHERS:
Principle Investigator: Dr. Zafarina Zainuddin
Co-researchers: Dr. Zilfalil Alwi, Prof. Abd. Rani Samsudin, Miss Azlina Ahmad,
Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin, Dr. Liza Sharmini Ahmad Tajudin, Mr.
Hoh Boon Peng, Mr. Mohamad Ros Sidek, Dr. Nizam Abdullah,
Prof. Norazmi Mohd. Nor, Assoc. Prof. Ooi Keat Gin,
Panneerchelvam, Dr. Zainul Ahmad Rajion, Prof. Zainul
F.Zainuddin

INTRODUCTION:
The Malay race inhabits particularly Peninsular Malaysia and portions of adjacent islands of Southeast Asia (SEA), east coast of Sumatra , coast of Borneo and smaller islands between these areas.

They were traced by anthropological evidence from the north-western part of Yunnan , in China .

The proto-Malays were seafaring people, probably from coastal Borneo who expanded into Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia as a result of trading and seafaring activities.

The present day Malays, called Modern Malays of Peninsular Malaysia and coast of the Malay Archipelago are a mixture of different races.

They were described as deutero-Malays, descendants of the proto-Malays mixed with modern Indians, Thai, Arab and Chinese.

The history and the origin of the Malay race have been the subject of much speculation among scholars.

Since the Malays primarily reside within SEA, particularly Peninsular Malaysia, the prehistoric migrations into these regions must be taken into consideration.

Several hypotheses of the SEA migration pattern have been put forward. Preliminary studies using mitochondrial DNA analyses suggested affinity of the Southern Mongoloid in the Modern Malay population of Peninsular Malaysia (Zafarina, 2004).

The term Melayu or Malay‚ was also associated with the Hindu-Buddhist Srivijaya Empire (7th-13 centuries CE) believed to be located in the South-eastern part of Sumatra .

An Arab text dating around 1000 CE observed that travellers bound for China sailed through the sea of Melayu‚ that can be inferred to mean the Straits of Melaka.

On opposite shores of the Straits of Melaka by the 7th century CE or earlier, there were the domicile areas of the Malays, namely Sumatra and the Malay Peninsular.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To compile the genetic profile of the Malay race.
2. To study the history, social and anthropology of the Malay race.
3. To characterise the craniofacial, dental and ocular features of Malay race.
4. To correlate the genetic profile of the Malay race with their craniofacial, dental and
ocular characteristics.
5. To correlate the genetic profile of the Malay race with its history, social and
anthropology.
6. To trace the origin of the Malay race by using the genetic profile, anthropology,
craniofacial, dental and ocular characteristics.

METHODOLOGY:
The research encompasses four parts of studies: The Historical and Socio-cultural Analysis, the Ocular Morphology Analysis, the Craniofacial Morphology Analysis, and the last major part, the Genetic Analysis.

Various types of genetic markers are used in the study of the genetic components of the population.

These markers are autosomal and Y chromosome STR markers, mtDNA, Human Leucocytes Antigen (HLA) and lastly, the SNP genotyping which will be done using the Microarray 50K genechip system.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:
1. The tracing of the origin and the migration pattern of the Malay race.
2. Establishing USM as a part of the member of Pacific Pan-Asian SNP Initiative (PASNPI) organized by Human Genome Organization (HUGO)”

Dr Zafarina studies is one of the most cnclusive evidence of Borneo origins of the Malay race. They are not called Malay in Borneo, but Dusuns or Dayaks.

Dr Zafarina traced the genetic migration of the Dusunic speaking people of Borneo southwards in Borneo and along the way producing other tribes such as the Lun Bawangs, Bidayuhs, Ibans, etc. The Bidayuhs in turn migrated to Sulawesi and found the Bugis people. When the Dayaks or Dusun reached the southern tip of Borneo, they simply crossed over to Jawa and Sumatera.

Scientist has concluded that the Expres Train theory that the Malay race come from Taiwan were now discredited. Scientist found genes found among Polynesians (Hawaii) were not found among the indigenous Taiwanese. This shows the connection is missing.

Instead the theory goes that the Malay people who migrated from Indo China reached the coast of Borneo where the race and language of the Malayo Polynesian incubated. It was from Borneo that people migrated out to Taiwan, the Philippines and the rest of Insular Southeast Asia and the pacifics and the Indian ocean.

The proto Malays of Borneo were once great seafarers, reaching as far away land as Madagascar. Their migration led them to other Islands brought them to Sumatera, Jawa, Sulawesi, and then to the Pacifics Islands.

Incidently, the Malagasy language in Madagascar is closest to Maanyan language of Barito Kalimantan. But Manyan is closest to Dusun Witu of Barito which is alsmot 80% similar to the Dusun language of the Penampang and Papar Sabah dialect.

Dusun is about 30% similar to modern Malay. We know that modern Malay is only 30% indigenous, the rest were derived from or enriched by Sanskrit (Indian language), Arabs (during Islamic influence) and Chinese.

But the 30% indigenous are almost all similar to Dusun language in terms of sound and meanings. The followings are some Dusun/Malay similarity.

Eg mato for mata, tolingo for telinga, todung for hidung, dilah for lidah, siku for siku, longon for lengan, kulit for kulit, tonsi for isi, raha for darah, tulang for tulang, wulu for bulu, pusod for pusat, tuhat for urat, wotis for betis, etc.

Other words, kayu for kayu, watang for batang, roun for daun, bunga for bunga, tuah for buah, etc
others, wulan for bulan, watu for batu, tana for tanah, sawat for sawat (as in pesawat), osin for masin, onsom for masam, po’it for pahit, omis for manis, apui for api, matai for mati, pais for pisau, etc.

Others, iso for sa, duo for dua, apat for empat, limo for lima , onom for enam, etc.

Others, palanuk for pelanduk, buayo for buaya, lipos for lipas, tikus for tikus, tontolu for telur, ulanut for ular, etc

There are hundreds of words that form the indigenous part of the Malay language.

The dusun origins of modern Malay is something to be researched further. The dusunic speaking people are quite widespread. The Bisaya of Sarawak are dusunic people, also the dusuns of Tutung and Belait Brunei. In Barito, Kalimantan, the several dusunic speakers are related to the dusunic language.

Even the Bajau language and most visayan dialects in the Philippines can be traced to the dusunic langauge.

According to Dr Zafarina, the dusuns produce the Bajau people (interesting). This correspond with the legend among Visayans that they came from Borneo.

It is ironic that the dusuns today are not constitutional Malay though scientific evidence now showed the Borneo origins of the Malay language.

The dusuns who populated Borneo did not find great civilization in Borneo. The credit must be given to their descendents who migrated to Sumatera and eventually became Malays through intermarriage with the more culturally advance Indians to form the seeds of the melayur kingdom.

Today it is true being Malay is a pride to many Malaysians. But the Malaysian Constitutional definition does not make them racially Malays. Officially, the word Malay is a religious identity, not a racial identity.

Ironically, the only other people who defined their ethnic identity in terms of religion are the Jewish people.

Even Arabs recognize Arab Christians as Arabs. But in Malaysia, one has to be a Muslim to be a Malay.

The Malaysian constitutional definition excludes Javanese, Filipinos, and other indigenous in Southeast Asia who are malayo polynesian speakers as Malays because they do not fulfil the constitutinal definition.

The Malaysian definition of a Malay reduced the number of ethnic Malay to just 25 million people wolrd wide.

Thus, the Malay history also started only with the advent of islam in the 14th century. Malay did not exist before the advent of Islam.

The term Malay was popularized by western anthropologists based on their readings of Sejarah Melayu, however, distorted.

The term Malay is now very popular, used even by President Gloria Aroyo to identify her Filipino racial heritage. Unfortunately, may be she did not know, but the Malaysian Malays would have disputed her. She does not fulfill the Malaysian Constitutional definition to be a Malay.

Unless Malaysia change its constitution to make Malay a racial identity for Malayo Polynesian people, then the narrow definition would make the term Malay relevant to a small group of people in a sea of 300 million Austronesian Malayo Polynesian speakers.

As of now, to be a Malay is just like to be a Jew, where ethnicity is defined by religious identity.

Taken from:

Dunia Itu

Sea of RED

2010-03-14T08:59:00.002+07:00

It has been almost a year since the 'Black Songkran' and now the 'REDs' are back, this time not just thousands but they are aiming to have at least 1 million. Today is the 'D' day.. tomorrow... ?

Govt likely to enforce state of emergency on top of ISA
By THE NATION
Published on March 14, 2010

The government will likely enforce a state-of-emergency decree today to cope with the escalating security problem in Bangkok after tens of thousands of provincial protesters arrived in the city yesterday.

A state of emergency, which would be on top on the current implementation of the Internal Security Act (ISA), would empower the military to fully take charge of the situation.

Under the ISA, soldiers can only help the police in maintaining law and order.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is expected to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting before the emergency decree is used, according to a senior government source.

Red shirts rallying for "democracy" yesterday threatened a mass march on Abhisit's hold-out if he does not dissolve the House of Representatives by noon today.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathering from across the country at the main rally stage on Rajdamnoen Avenue were prepared to lay siege to the Army's 11th Infantry Regiment on Phaholyothin, where the premier is temporarily billeted and manning a "war room".

Many demonstrators from the Northeast, North and other parts of the country arrived in Bangkok yesterday, with their numbers expected to swell past 100,000 today, said Tawil Pliensri, secretary-general of the National Security Council.

Jatuporn Promphan, a key leader of the anti-government movement, said that at this stage they had no plan to march to Government House, Parliament House or the house of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. Natthawut Saikua, the red-shirt spokesman, said today would see more arrivals from central, eastern and western provinces as well as from around Bangkok.

"We're still confident the count will reach 1 million," he said.

Veera Musikapong, another leader, will address the rally today and deliver an ultimatum for Abhisit to dissolve the House and call a snap election.

"If Abhisit ignores our demand, we'll step up the protest by marching on Bangkok's streets and urge more people to join our campaign for House dissolution," Natthawut said.

The red shirts expect a successful conclusion before the week is out.

"Altogether, we do not plan to stay more than seven days. I guess we could have a victory within four days," Jatuporn said.

Korkaew Pikulthong, another leader, said disbanding the House was the only solution to the current crisis, nothing less.

"If Abhisit resigns, then Chuan Leekpai, chairman of the Democrat Party's advisory council, would likely be his replacement. In this case, we will continue to protest. We want the government to return power to the people via a new election.

"If there are more than 500,000 protesters, I think Abhisit will have to dissolve the House and every party should reach an understanding to accept the outcome of the new poll so that the country can move forward.

"Representatives of all the stakeholders, including General Prem, president of the Privy Council, Abhisit, General Anupong [Paochinda, Army chief], Sonthi Limtongkul [of the yellow-shirt movement] as well as General Chavalit [Yongchaiyudh, chairman of the Pheu Thai Party] and Veera Musikapong and Thaksin Shinawatra should also enter into this agreement," he said.

Police plan to dispatch 3,700 reinforcements to keep law and order during the red shirts' show of force in Bangkok.

Metropolitan Police spokesman Maj-General Piya Uthayo said police estimated some 40,000 red shirts had assembled in Bangkok yesterday, with more to join last night and today.

Authorities would be on guard for any sabotage during the night, he said.

Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said a huge turnout by the red shirts was still not beyond expectations.

Authorities would exercise special care around the protest site, mainly on Rajdamnoen Avenue, and the residences of important figures in order to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

Abhisit expects the build-up of protesters to peak today.

Authorities now will focus on preventing any extreme incidents, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said authorities would use no force as long as the protesters did not break the law.

If they started blocking roads or breaking into government buildings or trashing private property, authorities would disperse the troublemakers, he added.

Missing You

2009-07-21T00:46:00.000+07:00

Missing You
by Kanya

You were on my mind when i woke up this morning
remembering your smile
i guess the next time i'll see your face
will take a little while
i was remembering your arms around me
love the way they always feel warm
with you by my side
i completely feel no harm
i was remembering your voice
makes my heart skip a beat
but without you baby
my whole body's weak
i was remembering our times
the good and the bad
the funny times when you cheered me up
and especially the sad
remembering your eyes
how they always meet mine
remembering all the little things you do
to make my life worthwhile
i was wondering when we'll be together
just us two
i guess i'm missing you more than i usually do

Blessing

2009-07-03T01:59:00.003+07:00

I am happy that just last week and this week I've met wonderful people and made new friends.

I couldn't have ask for more!

Future

2009-07-02T00:27:00.002+07:00

"Future is fear when unknown but JOY when it is clear"

H1N1 (25-06-09)

2009-06-25T22:57:00.000+07:00

Thailand reports 69 new Type-A (H1N1) cases, raising total to 1,054

Public Health Minister Thursday reported 69 new cases of Type-A (H1N1) influenza.

The new cases raised the total cases to 1,054, he said, adding that 1,037 of them have been cured.

He said only 17 patients are still admitted in hospitals.

The Nation June 25, 2009

H1N1

2009-06-24T15:58:00.001+07:00

Numbers of flu cases in Thailand reach 985 Wednesday

Thai Public Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed 86 new cases of the new strain of influenza.

With the new cases, total number of the cases reached 985, the ministry announced. Of the cases, 970 were already recovered while 15 others remained in hospital.

The Nation June 24, 2009

Remember...

2009-04-27T20:31:00.001+07:00

How would you like others to remember you or how would you like to remember others?

Pure Motive

2009-04-27T01:10:00.001+07:00

Lord, teach me to be humble. I aspire to teach as You did-with a pure motive of love. Amen

Black Songkran

2009-04-13T15:10:00.000+07:00

April 13, 2009, the Black Songkran

Thailand faces another black day in politics. Follow the developments as they happen here
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Tension remains very high in the Din Daeng area, with retreating protesters putting up resistance near the Din Daeng flat and holding the community hostage by threatening to blow up a gas truck. Following is our live report. Please refresh the page regularly to see the updates:

1.30am Three bombs are shot to Constitutional Court. One exploded while two did not. Police said the bombs could be M79 type.

4am : Anti-government protesters and military officers are injured as the government has employed a force to disperse the protest near Din Daeng Intersection in Bangkok. Gunshots were heard until 5.30am. Soldiers insisted they fired the shots to the air.

4.30am : Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan says another leader Arisman Pongruangrong had been bailed out.

5.45am : Red Shirt leaders at Government House call for more people to join the rally.

6.00am : Army spokesman says soldiers fired tear gas at Din Daeng Intersection only after protesters threw molotov cocktails at them and tried to hit them with a bus.

6.40am Protesters park 10-wheel gas truck on in-bound Vibhavadi-Rangsit road in Din Daeng Triangle area to prevent soldiers from coming in. Both directions of the road are closed.

Protesters drive truck fuelled by NGV gas into the compound. The truck uses several NGV cylinders and the protesters shouted that the flat residents should leave immediately, prompting speculation that the protesters would explode the gas tanks

7.15am Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva sets up a committee to direct the implementation according to Emergency Decree, authorising the Supreme Commander as the director to fix emergencies and prohibiting blockade of any roads in Bangkok and other effective areas.

7.20am Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panitan Wattanayagorn tells a press conference Monday morning that some protesters were arrested, detained unharmed. Army Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the protesters were detained at "proper place" without elaborating.

7.30am Protesters at the Royal Plaza round up 15 journalists, saying they reported unfairly. The group attempt to attack, forcing journalists to leave.

8am Protesters seize buses and use them to block Si Ayutthaya road. Some burn tyres at nearby intersections.

8.45am Police beef up force from 200 to 300 officers to secure Democrat Party headquarters on speculation that protesters would raid the place. Police later ask reporters and cameramen to move away from the area for fear that they would be injured in a possible clash with protesters.

9.30am Weng Tojirakarn tells protesters to seize four buses and use them to block Orathai Bridge and Misakawan intersections.

9.50am Protesters confront and throw molotov cocktails (bottle bombs) at soldiers around Din Daeng Intersection while (the protesters) retreating to Din Daeng flats.

10am Protesters park an LPG gas truck at King Power Shopping Mall.

11.20am The director of Rajavithi Hospital insists Monday that no protester was killed during the crackdown at the Din Daeng Intersection early Monday.

11.45am Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addresses live on TV, denying death report in the morning. He added that 23 soldiers and 47 protesters were injured. Four soldiers suffered bullet wounds.

He calls on people to cooperate by filing information. He also tells people to be confident that the government is trying to restore order as soon as possible.

12.00pm Protesters burn a bus at Din Daeng Triangle. Gun shots were heard.

12.03pm The gas truck is removed from King Power.

12.10pm Pheu Thai MPs threaten to mobilise more people to join protesters if the government does not stop using weapons, open an urgent joint-meeting among MPs and the Senate.

12.30pm PM's deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn, on TV, ensures foreigners' safety and that the government is gaining control of the situation.

Red Shirt's D Station black out.

12.10pm : soldiers continue to clash with the red-shirted protesters at the entrance to the Din Daeng elevated road. As the lastest, the protesters reportedly tried to drive a bus into the soldiers but the officers counter that with gunshots thus the bus crash into the bridge railing. There was no report yet if anyone was killed.

At 12.15pm, an explosive sound is heard followed by smokes from a public park near the Victory Monument, where there are only the red-shirted protesterd.

While soliders continue to push the protesters out of Din Daeng area towards the Victory Monument direction, the demonstrators set on fire a bus that was parked in the middle of the road.

At 13.00pm, it was reported that soliders manged to take hold of all corners of the Din Daeng triangle and the red-shirted protesters backed towards Rajaparop Road. Twenty people were reported to be injured from the clash there.

13.30 pm: Thick smoke is spotted at the Victory Monument. Red-shirted protesters reportedly set tyres on fire just opposite the Rajvithi Hospital and some protesters also drove a car over a fiberglass police statue near the monument. Police also ask people to get out of the pedestrian bridges around the monument but the skytrain station was not closed yet.

2.30 pm: Din Daeng flat residents and some officers try unsuccessfully to negotiate with red-shirted protesters who parked a gas truck near the flat the community. Gas valve has been secured and the authorities shower water on the truck. Although the protesters claimed the use of the gas truck was only meant as a blockade, there was increasingly fear among the residents about an explosion.

2.45 pm: Tension is very high between flat residents and the protesters. One TV reporter reports seeing protesters beating and chasing some residents.

Taken from The Nation

Colors

2009-04-12T12:54:00.005+07:00

Thailand is very colorful country. First come...

YELLOW

then...

RED

and now...

BLUE

Blue is coming up while the Red color is still very hot hot hot. At this moment, I would not want to be spotted walking around Bangkok or Thailand in Red colored shirt or Blue.

Oh... its Songkran... I guess I just need to have all colors on my shirt and be ready to get wet!

Happy Songkran All

Songkran pictures taken from here

Equipped Teacher

2009-04-01T22:37:00.001+07:00

The world is full of teachers equipped with knowledge, Father. Help me to become a teacher equipped with wisdom. Amen

Kota Kinabalu EARCOS 2009

2009-04-01T22:00:00.002+07:00

I was at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia to attend the East Asia Regional Conference of Oversea School (EARCOS Teachers' conference) from March 26 to 28, 2009.

What I like:
1. The venue - Sutera Harbor - Love it!
2. Accommodation - Beverly Hotel - Nice room, service - Recommended
3. Keynote Speakers - Superb (Alan AtKisson, William Lishman and John Liu)
4. Presenters - Superb

Not so good:
1. Taxi at Kota Kinabalu - They charged us RM 10 for a short distance ride (fare starts at RM 10.00 or Bath 100.00) - Too expensive compared to the Taxi fare in Bangkok (starts at Baht 35.00 or RM 3.50) plus they don't go by meter but one has to bargain and most of the Taxis are quite old and out of shape.
2. My stay was too short… sad

Looking forward for the 8th Annual Teachers' Conference 2010
Where : Manila, Philippines
When : March 25-27, 2010

Wisdom

2009-02-15T23:06:00.002+07:00

Give me wisdom and insight when I encounter learning-challenged students. Give me a strong determination to keep up until we find something that works. Amen

Valentine's Special

2009-02-13T21:19:00.001+07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Solutions

2009-02-13T13:28:00.001+07:00

Help me, Lord, to search for solutions to problems in my classroom and deal with the problems in a way that brings honor to You. Amen

Peaceful sleep

2009-02-06T22:15:00.003+07:00

I guess I am somehow a bit 'baah' today but what it did help me to be happy -a bit. I've just said good bye to Baht 4,785.15 (US$ 136.710 - or RM 491.693 - www.xe dot com - 06-02-2009) to buy a pillow (Baht 3,960.00 after discount - Normal price was Baht 4950.00), a pillowcase (Baht 512.00) and a pillow protector (Baht 556.00). So far this is the most expensive pillow I ever own and I hope it will be with me for years.

One needs to have a very comfortable and peaceful sleep to be able to have a wonderful day the next day, I supposed.

Chaos

2009-02-03T01:38:00.001+07:00

Father, help me on the days when chaos reigns in the classroom. Give me a peaceful heart. Amen

Discipline

2009-02-02T01:18:00.001+07:00

Father, show me how to discipline without derailing my students' self-esteem. Amen

Ho Chi Minh City

2009-01-16T13:50:00.004+07:00

Ch Chi Tunnel

Water Puppet show

Busy

2008-12-16T23:39:00.002+07:00

Been too buys for the past few weeks. Visited Ho Chi Minh city and stayed there for 1 whole week, this week is exam week and there are papers to grade and scores to record. Huhh.. will be back with pictures taken during my Vietnam trip sometime soon... till then...

Overlooked

2008-11-19T00:42:00.001+07:00

Father, help me to reach out daily to those students who are overlooked, overwhelmed, and overcome with cares. They need me most. Amen

Difficult Classroom

2008-10-24T01:10:00.002+07:00

Lord, I seek Your direction in difficult classroom situations. Help me to apply that guidance and find resolution. Amen

Classical Guitar

2008-10-24T01:04:00.003+07:00

I've just bought one of the items on my 'I want' list 2 days ago.

I hope to spend more time with it...

Harsh Words

2008-10-21T00:25:00.002+07:00

Forgive me, Lord, for harsh and hasty words. Protect little hearts from my sharpness and impatience. Amen

The Rose

2008-10-21T00:05:00.003+07:00

Recently addicted to this song(sung by different singers).

What I want..

2008-10-15T22:50:00.003+07:00

I wish I can have...

TAGGED!

2008-10-15T22:21:00.003+07:00

[01] Do you ever wonder what your ex is up to?
Hmm...

[02] Have you ever been given roses?
Years ago

[03] What is your all-time favorite romance movie?
If Only

[04] Had a Long Distance Relationship?
Yea... till now

[05] Do you believe in this saying-What goes around comes around?
Sure

[06] Do you want to get married?
Of Course

[07] How many kids do you want to have?
up to my future wife

[08] What is your favourite colour?
Yellow, Black, White

[09] Who was the last person you held hands with?
can't remember

[10] Do you believe in love at first sight?
I guess....

[11] Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Yea

[12] At what age did you start noticing the opposite gender?
Grade 3

[13] Do you like anyone?
Yea

[14] Do you know someone who likes you?
of course

[15] Do you love anyone?
Yea

[16] Do they know you like/love them?
Yea

[17] Why did you and your most recent ex break up?
Secret

[18] When did you two last speak to one another?
recently

[19] Would you get back together with your ex?
Depends

[20] What comes to your mind when you think of love?
Love

[21] Is there anyone who knows you inside and out?
myself

[22] Tag anyone?
I am not sure about this...

1. Pammiiee
2. Dogoes
3. Kobenzj
4. siapa2 sajalah

Busy

2008-10-06T22:58:00.002+07:00

I'll be back soon... as soon as I am done giving exams and grading.

Oh... I need to be careful when writing on my blog as "an elderly Makcik-wannaBe - well... no need to be wannaBe coz already like Makcik lah" warned us or rather lectured one of my colleague on how to write good blogs and avoid problems... lol.. hehe.. as if I am very important blogger that they will put me in jail or do something to me.. hehe. "Don't want to be 'perasan' like that Auntie lah."

Good day all.

The Tell-Tale Heart - Students work

2008-09-19T22:54:00.003+07:00

Kids these days are very creative and "High-Tech." as well as "High-So (?)" These video clips were done by my students for their Language Arts class (I guess its for their class project).

p/s Kids.. if you happened to be reading this... what about doing something for my Science class?

Life is just like Malaysian Mobile Telecomunication

2008-09-19T10:35:00.004+07:00

Life before marriage is HOTLINK
' You can express yourself '.

During honeymoon is TMTOUCH
' Always get in Touch '.

After Honeymoon is MAXIS
' Wherever you go, your wife's network follows'.

After one year Life is DIGI
' your wife can change your life '.

After 10 years Life is CELCOM
' Subscriber is not reachable '?????????

Got this from a friend who sent it to my email this morning...Enjoy!

Work of my hands...

2008-09-19T00:27:00.005+07:00

O, God, bless the work of my hands. May I make a difference in the life of every young person who comes through the doors of my classroom. Amen

No Farting

2008-09-19T00:27:00.002+07:00

Saw this sticker while traveling in one of the thousands Taxi in Bangkok. I guess the drive must have had bad experiences with passengers farting inside his taxi.

Malaysia Day

2008-09-16T15:40:00.006+07:00

Happy Malaysia Day to all Malaysian!

What do you say about this? Sabah Boleh Bah!

Picture taken from: Thanks!

Charlie bit me...

2008-09-12T20:46:00.004+07:00

I found this to be interesting... have fun watching it!

Charlie... that really hurt!

Have a wonderful and restful weekend!

Pirate Taxy Driver- UMS Student 2

2008-09-12T20:33:00.003+07:00

I hope the 29-years old Hassian @Haslan bin Bajil will be arrested soon. I was trying to find his pictures online but to no avail. I hope those who actually have pictures of 'the monster' will upload it so that people can somehow help the PDRM to trace him.

Fourth man is sought over student's murder

Kota Kinabalu: Police are looking for a fourth man who they believe could complete the probe involving the murder of Universiti Malaysia Sabah final year student Sherliana Gediun.

They are hoping the public could help locate the 29-year-old identified as Hassian @ Haslan bin Bajil (pic), whose last known address was Kg Tandek in Kota Marudu.

Sabah Commissioner of Police, Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, urged the public to contact the police immediately if they had any information on the man's whereabouts.

"We believe the man has gone into hiding," he said after the breaking of fast at Penampang police station. Those with information are advised to contact Tuaran Police Chief, DSP Suhaimi Hj Wiro at 088-791966 or 013-851 0065 or Investigating Officer ASP Mohd Taufik Maidin at 019-830 7272, or the nearest police station.

Three locals in their 20s, one of them believed to be a pirate taxi driver, were roped in less than a week after the decomposed body of the 22-year-old student from Kota Marudu was found at a roadside in Kg Lepasan Norowat, Tuaran on Aug. 28.

The trio's remand is set to expire today (Friday).

Sherliana was last seen by her mother and younger brother who sent her to the Kota Marudu bus terminal, where she took a van, believed to be a pirate vehicle, destined for the capital on Aug 22.

It was believed she was sexually assaulted before being murdered, and her body dumped in Tuaran.

Noor Rashid said police were still waiting for the DNA report, which is likely to take some time, to confirm if she was sexually assaulted.

"We believe she was murdered in TuaranÉher hands were also bound," he said, adding investigations were framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Meanwhile, he said police are still watching closely Sabah's maritime borders in light of the unrest in the southern Philippines, following the failed peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Taken from:
Daily Express
12 September 2008

Pirate Taxi Driver - UMS Student

2008-09-07T16:44:00.004+07:00

Well done PDRM! Those murderers deserve to die but not in peace (I heard this was not their first police case - hope PDRM will not let them go free this time).

3 suspects held over murder of UMS student

Kota Kinabalu: Three local people, one of them a suspected pirate taxi driver, have been detained in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student.

A taskforce specifically formed to investigate the murder made the first arrest in Tuaran on Wednesday, less than a week after the body was found, and subsequently hauled in the rest in Kota Marudu.

Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the suspects, in their 20s, were remanded for four days for investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

He said police were confident of wrapping up the probe. "We are in the process of completing the investigations," he said, Saturday.

He said police believe the decomposed body that was found in Tuaran were the remains of UMS student Sherliana Gediun, but pointed out they were still waiting for a DNA report to confirm her identity.

A final year student at the School of Education and Social Development, Sherliana left home at Kampung Damai in Kota Marudu where she spent her holidays on Aug. 22 but never reached the university.

She was last seen by her mother and younger brother who sent her to the Kota Marudu bus terminal, where she took a van, believed to be a pirate vehicle, destined for the capital.

A pupil made the horrifying find of the badly decomposed body while walking to school at Sulaman in Tuaran on Aug. 28.

In light of the arrests, Noor Rashid has ordered a check on all private and pirate taxi operators Statewide.

"We believe one of the suspects detained is a pirate taxi driver," he said.

It is believed the inspection is intended to ascertain if the drivers, especially those operating pirate taxis, have any criminal records.

Meanwhile, Sabah Officer in-Charge of Crime Investigations (OCCI) SAC II Zainal Abidin Kasim disclosed that a host of personal items belonging to the victim were not found on the body.

"We could not trace the belongings É it would be good if we can find the items to tie them to the case," he said.

He urged the public who had obtained dubious goods, or who have any information on the student's belongings to contact the State police immediately at 088-450222 (General Line).

Taken from:

DAILY EXPRESS NEWS
Sunday, 07 September, 2008

Rest In Peace dear friend...

2008-09-02T17:43:00.005+07:00

Rest in Peace Dear 'Kulong'

Gone yet never forgotten,
Although we are apart,
Your memory lives within us,
Forever in our hearts.

After death comes a farewell
We all know it is sad
Because
It is the last
Opportunity that we will have
To say good bye
To the ones we lost

Aldo Kraas

When He comes, we shall see you again! Amen

State of emergency -Thailand

2008-09-02T16:26:00.002+07:00

"Oh.. its raining... I hope it will continue raining heavily till 6 a.m." That was what I had in mind when I woke up this morning. Usually if it rains heavily for a few hours school will be closed. Thanks to the 'below the sea level' area where I am working at. Hmm... guess what,my wish didn't come true.

I was at the teachers' meeting around 6:30 a.m for the daily teachers' meeting when the Principal for Students Admin. announced that there will be no school tomorrow and parents will be asked to 'pick up' their children right after the last class of the day. Wow... one day off?! yeaaaa... wish came true... in different way. (We may have few days off depending of the situation)

This is all due to the state of emergency imposed in Bangkok by H.E the PM of Thailand. Went online & found a few sites and articles commenting on the situation.

State of Emergency

By Veera Prateepchaikul, Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej imposed a state of emergency in Bangkok on Tuesday morning. It was invoked under the Executive Decree for National Administration under an Emergency Situation. It is to remain in effect until Nov 30.

The order came after serious clashes between protesters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT) that left at least one person killed and about 40 injured.

Under the prime minister’s order, Army Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, in his capacity as deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), has been appointed chairman of a committee for enforcement of the state of emergency and First Army commander Lt-Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha and Police Chief Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan his deputies.

The prime minister also issued another order prohibiting assembly of more than five people, publication of news which may cause panic or distort facts affecting law and order, and use of buildings or vehicles as specified by the army chief. People are subject to be moved out of certain areas as ordered by the army chief.

In a related development, army deputy spokesman, said Gen Anupong, chief enforcer of the emergency decree, would hold an urgent meeting of agencies concerned at the Army Headquarters at 10 am.

Those to attend the meeting include Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kowit Watana, Police Chief Phatcharawat and First Army commander Lt Gen Prayuth.

Clash leaves at least one killed and 40 wounded

Several hundreds of UDDT members moved from Sanam Luang and broke through a police cordon to the intersection at the former army academy. At the time, PAD co-leader Somsak Kosaisuk called at the PAD stage for additional volunteer guards to put up resistance.

The clash between PAD and UDDT members took place 15 minutes after that. The two sides threw water bottles, soda bottles and rocks and used wooden sticks to hit each other in a melee. During the clash, five or six gun shots were heard. Two UDDT members were seriously wounded and rushed to Vajira hospital. No police were seen at the scene during the clash.

After the clash, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, went up the stage and said the UDDT had attacked the PAD, causing a large number of wounded. He called for people around Bangkok including Chon Buri and Nakhon Pathom to come for PAD’s help. Mr Sondhi declared a civil war had started and that the protesters must be prepared to fight with everything they had in hands.

At 2am, Pol Gen Patcharawat, the national police chief, and his deputy Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont, who is acting for the metropolitan police chief, and Metropolitan Police deputy chief Maj-Gen Suchart Muankaew arrived at the scene.

About 500 policemen, each holding only a plastic shield, were then deployed to separate the two sides.

Later at 3am, Pol Maj-Gen Suchart said altogether 22 companies of police had been deployed all over the area to prevent another clash.

The police were later reinforced by four companies of anti-riot soldiers from the First Army.

Dr Peerapong Saichua, deputy director of the Medical Department, said 19 people wounded in the clash, three of them seriously, were admitted to Vajira hospital. One of the seriously wounded identified as Narongsak Kothaisong, 55, died later. He was hit in the head with a hard object.

Three wounded were also admitted to the Bangkok General hospital, five to Ramathibodi hospital, six to Hua Chiew hospital, and one to Mission hospital. Forty ambulances were mobilized from hospitals in Bangkok and nearby provinces to the area.

Pongphet emergency centre reported differently that the protester, a native of Nakhon Ratchasima, who died had a gun shot wound in his chest.

It was latest reported at 5am that altogether 40 people were wounded. Twenty-five were admitted to Vajira, five to Ramathibodi, five to Hua Chiew, one to Mission, two to Bangkok General, one to Rajvithee, and one to Siriraj hospitals. One of the wounded died.

At 3.45am, the situation was still tense. While UDDT members gathered in front of the Army Headquarters, PAD protesters congregated at Makkhawan Rangsan bridge. Between them were anti-riot police and soldiers.

Minor clashes reportedly took place at several spots including at Nang Lerng intersection and in a soi near the Ratchadamnoen boxing stadium. The two sides threw Molotov cocktails at each other.

At the PAD stage, Suriyasai Katasila said in an interview with Thai PBS television station that Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri and Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, alias She Daeng, were sighted among UDDT attackers. Mr Songsak and Maj-Gen Khattiya, however, said they were at the scene to observe the situation.

www.bangkokpost.com

Malaysia 51st National Day!

2008-08-31T15:11:00.006+07:00

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Wait... I am Sabahan, so it should be on Spetember 16.

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan!

Goal

2008-08-25T00:34:00.003+07:00

Help me to reach for the goal of training young minds to think and learn independently. Amen.

Pictures

2008-08-22T23:21:00.006+07:00

Grand Palace, Bangkok

Vintage Car Show

Emporium "High-So" Shopping Mall

Siam Niramit

Central

Bangkok

Bangkok

How to stop people from bugging you about getting married

2008-08-22T22:33:00.002+07:00

This is quite hilarious and I think I should try this out and see if it works or not.

"Old aunts used to come up to me at weddings, poking me in the ribs and cackling, telling me, ‘You’re next.’ They stopped after I started doing the same thing to them at funerals."papajoneh.com

Hanya Ingin Kau Tau

2008-08-17T14:59:00.002+07:00

Dedicated to the one I LOVE...

Sunday Market- Kota Marudu and Family land-Pitas

2008-08-12T15:17:00.005+07:00

Family Land

The Tip of Borneo and Borneo Rungus Longhouse - Kudat

2008-08-12T15:15:00.003+07:00

Borneo Rungus Longhouse

Bangkok-Bandar SriBegawan-Kota Kinabalu

2008-08-12T14:58:00.005+07:00

Home Sweet and Sour Home

2008-07-16T12:03:00.002+07:00

I feel good to be breathing in fresh air and felt so relaxed. I'm loving it here! Will be writing more later... let me enjoy my stay home sweet and sour home.

Proton Neo In BANGKOK

2008-06-28T01:15:00.003+07:00

I was walking home from work when I saw a very familiar car. Could it be the 'Malaysia Boleh' car? As I went nearer, YES its PROTON NEO and its in Bangkok, Thailand. I actually have heard from friends and read reviews about our very own Proton cars from Bangkok Post, but that day was my first time to actually see it with my very own eyes - and it was parked inside the campus of my workplace. I had my camera with me that day, so I started taking pictures of the lovely Proton Neo. I am sure those around me must be wondering why am I taking pictures of that car... the fact is, I am proud to be Malaysian and who wouldn't be happy to see our very own Malaysian Made car in foreign land. I hope the quality of that car is better than what we get at home.

Science & Math Discovery Summer Camp 2008

2008-06-28T00:50:00.004+07:00

Thank God that 2 weeks with the little ones (K-3 kids) went well without any major disaster. I still couldn't believe that I actually survived teaching the little ones. I couldn't have done it without the help of Teacher Amy (She's an expert when comes to teaching the little ones- in fact, she did most of the teaching) and 5 wonderful students assistants (Sam, New, Mil, Sea and Steffy).

I was enjoying the time spent with the little ones but then again its time for them to move to another class (Math). Friday (June 27) was the last day for the little ones in our class. In the next 2 weeks we will have the older kids in our science class. I'm gonna miss the K-3 students. sob.. sob.. lol

Special-needs

2008-06-25T00:00:00.001+07:00

Its a challenge, Father, to work with the special-needs children. Help me to do my best for them. Amen

Strawberry's Lover

2008-06-21T00:52:00.003+07:00

Have a great and restful weekend!

Malay or English?

2008-06-16T21:25:00.001+07:00

Why Malaysian Government insists on using English for math and science?

This is because the whole world uses the language as an information and/or technology language. How dangerous it will be if we try to use Bahasa,
especially in school. See example below:-

Hardware = barangkeras

Software = baranglembut

Joystick = batang gembira

Plug and Play = cucuk dan main

Port = lubang

Server = pelayan

Client = pelanggan

Now, try to translate this:

ENGLISH:

That server gives a plug and play service to the client using either hardware or software joystick. The joystick goes into the port of the client.

Now in BAHASA:

Pelayan itu memberi pelanggannya layanan cucuk dan main dengan menggunakan batang gembira jenis keras atau lembut. Batang gembira itu dimasukkan ke dalam lubang pelanggan.

Its up to you to decide...

Missing Your Forever...

2008-06-09T00:54:00.004+07:00

Valentino a.k.a Bubu dear,

You were so timid when we first met and it took us a while to get used to each others presence. Just when we started to get really close and had fun, I have to say good bye to you with hope that we’ll meet again soon. Since then I’ve started to count days.

In just a matter of few days time I’ll be home… I was very excited to be with you again but then…

All I can say now is… I’ll be missing you forever. RIP my dear Valentino a.k.a. Bubu!

"Somehow I believe in Karma... who ever did it to you... shall get it too"
Therefore, do good and one shall get the same!

May 30 & 31

2008-06-01T03:24:00.002+07:00

May 30

This was something I didn't expect from my kids, most of the time I usually surprised them but then...

May 31

Went out for lunch at Majestic Hotel on the 7th floor with friends. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Self-Proclaimed Expert and friends for the wonderful lunch. I am blessed to have all of you as friends... God Bless!

My Birthday cake by Auntie D.

Stacy AF6 Wins!

2008-05-24T23:03:00.004+07:00

The first Akademi Fantasia winner from Sabah, Land Below the Wind, the first from Borneo Island too. Oppss.. telebih sudah!

Congratulations Stacy and to all Sabahan(Malaysians)!

Dial-up

2008-05-23T22:03:00.008+07:00

I am forced to go back to the stone age of internet.. sad ;( The LAN connection isn't working for the past few days and I guess it will remain this way for a few more days till the IT dept. will figure out how to solve the problem. Till then I have to use dial-up connection.. whahahaha... couldn't do much as its super slow!

Rayong

2008-05-17T15:36:00.004+07:00

I am in the reading room of the hotel (Kantary Bay, Rayong-Hotel and Serviced Apartments)... its quiet and there are only 3 or us in the room busy sending, reading, blogging and so on. No words said.. eyes fixed to the laptop, fingers busy moving... NICE! Love it when the hotel provides free wireless service!

So far the leadership training + retreat went on well and we bonded quite well with the new student council officers and sponsors-old and new (at least for now). Its our free time till 5:30 p.m. before we will go out for our dinner to.. forgot the name but I shall say something about it later.. if I can remember lol.

My room? very specious-front room, kitchen, huge bedroom, lovely bathroom and a very nice study room. I don't mind staying here for days.

View-just nice.

Food-just like the other Thai hotel.

MISC - worth the $$ (Not very expensive)- Happy coz Its FREE for me... yaa its FREE!

Will post the pictures once I am back in Bangkok.

Weekend Retreat

2008-05-15T03:23:00.004+07:00

Friday morning to Sunday evening I'll be away from Bangkok.. yeppiii!

Where to?

RAYONG.

I will go with the newly elected EIS Student Council (SC) and the outgoing officers as well as sponsors from every sections for the leadership retreat.
(if things work out as planned)

Kantary Bay

Wisdom

2008-05-15T03:10:00.003+07:00

Lord, grant me wisdom, strength, and sensitivity to be the teacher You would want me to be. Amen

Anger

2008-05-08T01:13:00.003+07:00

Father, teach me to recognize anger in a student and to be able to defuse anger that may bring that child to harm. Amen

Work at Hand

2008-05-07T00:33:00.003+07:00

Father, Keep my mind and my heart centered on the work at hand-teaching others how to learn. Amen

Pop-Up Baby

2008-05-06T23:07:00.005+07:00

A little boy goes to his father and asked "Daddy, how was I born?"

The father answered: "Well son sooner of later you will find out..."
Anyway... Your Mom and I first chatted in Yahoo chat room. Then I set up a date via friendster messages with your Mom and we met face to face for the first time at a cyber-cafe downtown.
We decided to sneak into a secluded room, where your mother agreed to receive downloads from my powerful hard drive. As I was in the middle of uploading, we discovered that neither your Mom nor I had used a firewall. By then it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared and that’s it, its you.

(got it from a friend who posted it on the Friendster. Bulletin Board)Modified a bit here and there.

Kapalai Island, Sabah East Malaysia

2008-05-06T21:59:00.005+07:00

(Thanks to)

Wanna go for a rewarding holidays?

Try Kapalai Island.

I was randomly reading blogs that I frequently visit when I came across this paradise (at least from the pictures as I am yet to actually experience it). Haya...I am Sabahan but today was my first time to know about Kapalai Island, paradise at home. Thanks to MySabah.com!

People.. let us go "cuti-cuti Malaysia" and count me in provided the time is right.

One step at a time...

2008-05-06T00:10:00.001+07:00

Help me learn patience, remembering that learning takes place one step at a time. Thank You for each small step. Amen

Planting Seeds

2008-05-02T01:23:00.002+07:00

Father, may I never tire of planting seeds of learning in my students' minds that may someday produce abundant growth and a crop of wisdom and knowledge. Amen

Enthusiasm

2008-05-01T00:19:00.003+07:00

Dear Lord God, give me a contagious desire for learning, and may I transmit that enthusiasm to my pupils. Amen

Torchbearer

2008-04-30T00:47:00.000+07:00

Father, make me as a torchbearer, bringing truth and knowledge to the minds of my students. Amen

Light

2008-04-29T01:16:00.004+07:00

Help me to keep such a cheerful outlook on life that it shows in my countenance. Make me a ray of sunshine to students who are starved for light. Amen

Fail

2008-04-28T00:18:00.003+07:00

When I fail, Lord, teach me to turn over my paper and begin again. Help me to teach my young scholars the same approach. Amen

Vintage cars at Central World, Bangkok

2008-04-27T23:18:00.007+07:00

Precious

2008-04-25T01:05:00.003+07:00

Father, when I wonder if what I do is worth anything, remind me how precious each of my students is to You and of what an impact a single day can have in their education. Amen

Consciousness

2008-04-21T00:30:00.003+07:00

Teach me, Lord, to bring to everyone all that I am and all that I do as a consciousness of You. May I be known as a Christian first and a teacher second. Amen

Superman

2008-04-19T03:01:00.003+07:00

I am hooked to this song!

Superman by Five for Fighting

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me

I’m more than a bird...i’m more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It’s not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I’ll never see

It may sound absurd...but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me

Up, up and away...away from me
It’s all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy...or anything...

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
I’m only a man
Looking for a dream

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...

Its not easy to be me

Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

2008-04-18T23:53:00.006+07:00

Grand Palace? Ok. When?

Tomorrow

What time?

9:30 a.m.

Fine with me.

On Wednesday I went to the Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Kaew with 2 or my lovely friends. As soon as we went out of the Taxi a man came to see if we need any help. Ohh… he’s being so kind to tell what we shouldn’t be doing inside and what is not allowed. He pointed to my friend’s sleeveless shirt (not really) and told her that she needs to cover it. That was really nice of him… until when he uttered his next words… “oh the place is close! You can come and visit it later.” As soon as he uttered that magic words, my pigeon sized brain immediately fired-up. I remember reading somewhere about this scheme. Our friendly but crooked friend was trying to use the same method he may have used thousands of time to unsuspecting visitors. My two lovely friends somehow kinda’ started to fall into this crooked but friendly man trap. When one of my friends spoke to him in Thai, he was surprised and kinda’ backed-up a bit but he didn’t give up… I forced myself into the conversation and told my friend that this nice guy is trying to trick us.

* Those who wish to visit Wat Phra Kaew/Grand Palace, do not listen to those nice guys/ladies outside the gate. Just ignore them and walk in. You can get the ticket from the counter inside (Baht 250 for foreigner).

* No short pants and/or sleeveless shirt.

I was able to go in as Thai (free). Perhaps it’s because I’ve been staying in this country for years and I’ve actually considered Bangkok as my home.

Missionary

2008-04-18T23:44:00.005+07:00

I would love to share this story to those who may read my blog. I actually got the link from Aims blog (Thanks).

By Jim Kavanagh
CNN

(CNN) -- A missionary family from Minnesota is glad to be alive and together after surviving a plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the father said Wednesday.

From left: April, Barry, Keith, Marybeth and Andrew Mosier, with Marybeth's mother, Dorothy Burghart.

Barry and Marybeth Mosier were on their way to visit their son Keith, 24, in Kinsangani, Congo, with two younger children when their plane crashed on takeoff Tuesday in Goma. At least 36 people died as the plane plowed through a market and burned. Most of the people who died were on the ground, according to the U.N. mission in DR Congo.
April Mosier, 14, managed to escape quickly, her father said from Goma.
"April raced ahead, and she got to the front of the plane as one of the first people, I think," said Barry Mosier, 53.
The girl encountered a man who was tearing through an opening in the fuselage, Mosier said.
"He was pulling parts of the plane in or pushing them out, trying to make a hole. And she told him -- she speaks Swahili well -- she said, 'We've got to get a hole in this plane, or we're all going to die.' " When the hole was big enough, April tried to dive through it. She made it with a push from the man, and other passengers followed, he said.
Meanwhile, Mosier said, he and his wife were carrying their son Andrew, 3, in the shoving "mass of humanity" trying to escape the burning plane. They got out through the opening in the fuselage. The child's leg was broken in the crush of people, but his parents didn't realize it until later.
April became separated from her parents and was whisked away to a hospital, convinced that her family was dead, her father said.
"Outside the plane, she was wandering around. ... It was total chaos," he said. "People were screaming and yelling because the plane had landed on this market. All of a sudden, out of the blue, all of these people who were just standing there are now dead.
"So there's parts of bodies and people burning and people screaming and yelling, and she was out there by herself."
About 25 minutes later, the Mosiers were reunited at the hospital.
"When we saw each other at the hospital, I can tell you, it was a grand reunion," he said.
The Mosiers, who have been Seventh-day Adventist missionaries in Iringa, Tanzania, for eight years, went to the church office in Goma to let Keith and other loved ones -- including two other grown children in the U.S. -- know that they were all right.
While there, someone noticed that Andrew's leg was swollen, and the Mosiers returned to the hospital. They learned that Andrew's femur was broken near the hip, and he is now in a cast that reaches from his toes to his rib cage, Barry Mosier said.
"He doesn't like it very well, as most 3-year-olds wouldn't," Mosier said.
The family will recuperate in Goma for a few days before deciding whether to resume the trip to Kisangani, where Keith Mosier has been a volunteer missionary for two months, Barry Mosier said.
"But flying here is not a popular thing to talk about just now," he said wryly.
Andrew has made up his mind, his father said.
"He says he doesn't want to ride in airplanes anymore," he said.
Marybeth Mosier, 51, suffered a black eye and bruised ribs, said her husband, who added that he was unhurt.
"We couldn't believe that our family of four could all escape a plane that was crashed and on fire, but by God's mercy, we did," he said.
Mosier said he believes the family made it for a reason.
"I think the Lord has a plan for us, otherwise we wouldn't have survived," he said. "He still has work for us to do."
And that work just might be in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"We actually came here with the idea of seeing if we could move here to Congo, so it's been kind of a rough introduction," Mosier said.
"I think we'll keep praying about that. We know that the safest place in the world to work is where the Lord wants you to work."

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/04/16/congo.crash.survivors/index.html?eref=rss_latest

Emporium

2008-04-13T02:04:00.004+07:00

I didn't know what to do today and it was too hot to do anything anyway so I went to Emporium ('High-So' shopping mall) to cool down a bit (didn't want to use the AC at home - Save $$ bah).

After spending hours at Kinokuniya Book Store, my 'botutung'(stomach) started grumbling for food… of course I can’t just let my stomach grumble for long so I decided to satisfy my hunger at the Food Hall.

(The first 2 pictures were taken from http://www.thaiwebsites.com/emporium_bangkok.asp)

Songkran 2008 (Thai New Year)

2008-04-12T23:42:00.008+07:00

Bangkok is quite quiet today and it will be like this for at least 4 to 5 days as many Bangkokians went home to their hometown or went abroad to spend their Songkran holidays (Thai New Year). I've been living here in Bangkok for quite sometimes now yet this year is my first year to actually spend the songkran holidays in Thailand. I am looking forward for the fun time I will have getting WET, WET, WET, and to have water fight with others (maybe) !!!!!

Happy Songkran! Have fun getting WET, and be SAFE.

(Check this site for more info. on Songkran)
http://sunsite.au.ac.th/thailand/special_event/songkran/
http://www.sriwittayapaknam.ac.th/songkran.html

Old and New Testaments

2008-04-11T13:51:00.000+07:00

Can you imagine yourself to be the Rev. Father or Nun that is sitting at his/her desk grading these papers all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintain his/her composure???

PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IF YOU KNOW THE BIBLE EVEN A LITTLE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS! IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST. KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS .

8. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENT S.

9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA . THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.

18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

April Calendar of Events

2008-04-07T12:05:00.001+07:00

Ken Lee 2

2008-04-07T01:47:00.001+07:00

Slightly better version of 'Ken Lee' (Without you)

EARCOS KL 2008

2008-04-03T22:31:00.002+07:00

KL was not bad after all! I am happy that things went well during the EARCOS conference and I am quite pleased with the presentations and workshops.

(Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok Thailand)

We arrived at Traders Hotel at around 11p.m. and were immediately given our room. I was too tired to do anything after a very long day but was not tired enough to fall asleep right away. I ended up watching movie till 3 a.m. (Haven’t watched TV for a weeks now). Got up at around 6:10 a.m. and it was still dark outside so I decided to continue my sleep before finally getting up and showered at 7 a.m. Breakfast was ‘superb’- Nasi Lemak and so on. ‘aduh monotos makan’. I was surprised to know (see/meet) that one of the Hotel Chef is my friend from the same ‘kampung’ and the same church. It’s a small world after all.. hehe.

(Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur)

We were at the meeting hall by 8:05 a.m. and it went on and on till 5 p.m. As soon as we were free to go, we started to explore KL. We went to Bukit Bintang, Sungai Wang and places around. I didn’t get to buy things as I can get better things and deal in Bangkok plus I don’t want to have excess baggage.

We spent our Saturday at KLCC Park. It’s great to have trees, fountains, birds and places to sit and relax amid the busy city life. I had ‘Laksa Sarawak’ for my lunch after meeting a friend at Suria KLCC. Later in the evening at around 5:00 p.m. we get to go up to the connecting bridge of Petronas Twin Tower.

(Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur)

Our flight was supposed to be at 4 p.m. Thanks to Airasia (www.airasia.com), they’ve canceled their 4 p.m. flight and we were asked to take the 6 p.m. flight. They are known for their expertise in canceling flights, changing the schedule and delaying flights.. hehe.. After all, its just low cost airline.

EARCOS Kuala Lumpur 2008

2008-03-26T01:21:00.002+07:00

Will be away for a few days to attend the EARCOS Teachers' conference at KL.

Jr-Sr Prom

2008-03-23T17:22:00.003+07:00

Have you ever come across a situation where adults trying hard to look young again and teenagers trying to appear as mature as they possibly can?

Students arrived with their prom dates while ‘Educators’ arrived either with their official better-half, rented partner, with friends or alone. I chose to be alone!

I was having hard time recognizing each and every students especially the girls-hmm… they were ladies (for the night).

My beautiful ladies colleagues came dressed either like an artist or ‘Hi-So’. After all ‘prom nite’ is the only night when they can actually spend hours in front for their huge mirror transforming their already pretty face to ‘happily ever after’ fairy tale beauty. I even heard that they spent quite a fortune just to look great. Sure enough, they were able to minus a few years of their actual age! Gentleman, we are just like ‘wine’ as years go by, the better we’ll become ( we do have men trying hard to look younger but its rather hard to actually hide the wrinkles on our faces.. hehe).

I am just thankful I am alive and to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. I am ready to be an ‘old wine’.

Dream cars...

2008-03-22T00:40:00.002+07:00

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

Lexus

Miss Pilipinas 2008 (Janina) VS Miss TEEN USA (South Carolina)

2008-03-20T10:43:00.001+07:00

Truly... Beauty without purpose!

Ken Leee.. Ken leee tulibu dibu doouchoo (Without You)

2008-03-18T21:43:00.003+07:00

Without You by Bulgarian "Mariah Carey" hehe

I wonder if there will be another version of the same song. Classic!

Alien Force Invasion - Dire Day

2008-03-17T22:49:00.007+07:00

I am not in square one! I finally succumb to the alien force-Flu Virus. I've been trying to refuel myself with H2O till I have to visit the comfort room several times just to ease the liquid disposal tank.

Hope I'll be back to square one tomorrow otherwise I will have to request for a restful day, which I hate to do.

Sabah State Cabinet 2008

2008-03-15T15:09:00.002+07:00

15th March, 2008

KOTA KINABALU: Two new faces were appointed to the new State Cabinet sworn in yesterday. But, Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail who previously held the Agriculture and Food Industry portfolio was dropped. The two new ministers are Klias Assemblywoman Datuk Azizah Mond Dun and Karamunting Assemblyman Peter Pang.

Azizah has been appointed Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister while Pang, the Youth and Sports Minister. The Youth and Sports portfolio was previously held by Datuk Liew Yun Fah who did not seek re-election in last weekend’s general election. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the exclusion of Rahim from the Cabinet line-up was a normal thing.

“It is not because he (Rahim) did not do a good job but it is a normal thing which also happens in other states, and there is also a change of members in the Federal Cabinet,” he told reporters at Sri Gaya after the swearing-in of the new Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers at Istana Negeri here yesterday. “We have also appointed a woman elected representative to the Cabinet,” he said, adding that previously the women elected representatives were only Assistant Ministers.
On the appointment of Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun as a Cabinet Minister, Musa said there were requests and suggestions previously from women non-governmental organisations to appoint a woman as a full Minister.

And on why former Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Karim Bujang was not reappointed, the Chief Minister said he declined to be reappointed.
On the addition of Assistant Ministers, he said this was because there were 60 state constituencies and it was also to give them an opportunity to serve more effectively.
“In view of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), many ministries would be very busy carrying out their respective duties. “As such several Ministers have two deputies to assist them,” he said. There are now 18 Assistant Ministers as compared with 14 previously.

The ministries which now have two Assistant Ministers are Finance; Tourism, Culture and Environment; and Local Government and Housing. The Agriculture and Food Industry already had two Assistant Ministers previously. Meanwhile, Datuk Joseph Pairin, Datuk Yahya Hussin and Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah were retained as Deputy Chief Ministers. Pairin who is Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president is also the Rural Development Minister while Yahya and Tan head the Agriculture and Food Industry and Infrastructure Development ministries, respectively.

The other ministers who were also retained are Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor (Local Government and Housing), Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai (Resource Development and IT), Datuk Masidi Manjun (Tourism, Culture and Environment), Datuk Ewon Ebin (Industrial Development) and Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran (Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department).
The new Assistant Ministers are Datuk Musbah Jamli, Datuk Sairin Karno, Donald Mojuntin, Datuk Michael Asang, Datuk Ellron Angin, Herbert Tiimbun Lagadan, Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar and Bolkiah Ismail.

The other Assistant Ministers who were retained are Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Edward Yong, Datuk Edward Khoo, Datuk Radin Malleh, Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur, Datuk Bobbey Suan, Melanie Chia and Datuk Japlin Akim. Some of them were given new portfolios.
All the Ministers and Assistant Ministers received their letters of appointment from Head of State Tun Haji Ahmadshah Abdullah.

Taken from:
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/16784

2008-03-14T23:27:00.001+07:00

Teachers' Grading Day

2008-03-14T22:39:00.003+07:00

Its Teachers' Grading Day! Yahooooo NO SCHOOL but then again..

Today was supposed to be ‘sabai sabai’ day but it turned out to be another busy day as I have to grade exam papers. Last night (rather early morning today) I slept quite early-at around 3 a.m. and forced myself to open my eyes at around 7 am. I was able to do a little bit of work here and there before I ‘hit the sack’ again. I finally got myself out of my cradle at around 11 a.m.

I went to the office with the intention to get my newspapers only to find my self stuck chitchatting with friends. Since I was already in the school campus, I ended up going to the teachers’ IT room to enter grades. I am glad I went to the IT room-I was able to complete 80% of my grading work (I still need to grade 142 students' exam papers-will do it on Saturday evening or Sunday).

TCT

2008-03-12T01:35:00.004+07:00

April 5, 6 and 7 would be the 'D day' for teachers wishing (it's more like no choice) to sit for the test. Since April 5 falls on Saturday, the School Admin. decided not to let us take it this time + when the school called the office of TCT requesting for details, they were not able to provide the needed details (its more like they don't really know what they are doing).

I was also informed by 'so' and 'so' (source from web board) that teachers are thinking of taking this matter to the court as this affects not only foreign teachers but Thai teachers as well. Could this be $$$ (Baht) driven? Is this one way how the TCT collects money (instant $ - Baht 4000 per test). Imagine how much will the TCT earns if all teachers in Thailand sit for the test. I am pretty sure there will be many teachers who will have to take the test again and again.

I am not sure what kind of license will this be as currently we also hold teaching license from the MOE (no teaching permit, not work permit). Haaa... let it be...let it be.. let it be...

* Any instant way(s) how to read, write, and speak Thai? Its part of the test too...... haya.... 'matai lah this!' oh + the history of Thai education.

comfort

2008-03-12T01:32:00.001+07:00

When one of my students is hurting, Lord, show me how to comfort without interfering.

Truth

2008-03-11T00:28:00.003+07:00

Lord, teach me how to speak the truth to students and their parents with grace, in a way that does not offend but instead brings needed change. Amen

The Teachers' council of Thailand

2008-03-10T17:11:00.000+07:00

I've just registered online for the teachers' exam (Teachers' council of Thailand). Apparently foreign teachers need to pass this exam in order to have their teaching license(new rules from MOE- I guess). I am not quite sure if I really need to take the exam as earlier it was announced to us that if one has education degree, he/she will only need to take the culture classes. Hmm... since the school decided to pick 17 teachers for the first batch (sponsored by the school), I will just wait and see what will be the outcome.

When I am dealing with problems inside the classroom, Lord, give me wisdom. Give me courage. Help me to be kind. Amen

Konihab (yesterday)

2008-03-09T18:17:00.000+07:00

Its useless to wish for 'yesterday' therefore, learn from it and move on in life! Yea I am moving on now..