Environment

There were on occasions of having to run a programme. First there was a facility on the zoo on pan-endemic outbreak just like in Africa. And as well a facility for disease control. It would’ve been interesting to know that if there was any sub-control station across the country, there would always be a substitution for education within a literate society. Kevin, a spokesman in California used to say, that if you want conservation to win you must have research and more research to be done. And conservation not only meaning as in wildlife or flora. But also, in the preservation of culture. Across the trade of culture, there are traditions and rituals of habits and attitude. What we need is a character. What actually does research do? They look at history and geography. And they give out information for data regulation. What is it that we need to do with data? We can run an analysis on them, or besides that statistics such as for ration or distribution assessments. Some budget criteria such as predicting the market value. Or withholding accounts. A market deal is not the only trade that we have. Housing development and building infrastructures are two things that we can find is common. Such as the past president of United States Nixon, that mentions about a developing market which comes into the fiscal trade. What better trade can we deal when it comes to buying land in a predemptive market for a limited market such as the tourism. I think we will base this on ethical ground. Such as what is the cost of commodity of land, in debut of a commodity on natural resources. Should we be talking about commodity when the ethical ground of applause should be on where on principle that drove this trade to begin with. Reagan, after Nixon started of many scientists that the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson of the bias consequence of pollution and the use of pesticides as the cause of pollution. It was so hazard that it brought people to question its use of a population that holds up farmer and disease. Thereby, withstanding on many law of grounds. That some chemical that wasn’t known to be lethal such as DDT were banned. DDT is the sort of chemical that was used in Cambodia and Vietnam to kill malaria mosquitoes. Therefore, some alternative were found for prevention. In what sort of way, has environmentalism took place. There was Arne Neiss, which was the very person in Norway who was against whaling. Up to this day, have we seen modern change in the attitude of people towards the environment? Environment is not against progress and development of a change of mental state. It wouldn’t have changed your lifestyle. But how do we accommodate lifestyle in everyday life as a society.

Litter free

When was it the time, for any of our ministers to “turun padang” especially when it comes to visiting restaurants and coffee shops alike. It’s not as though it never happened before. But it does appear interesting if a minister declares a debut with its people and have a people action with a cover photo of the minister and restaurant owner on its picture. Perhaps also a kind photograph of the meal he/she had. Last week was very wonderful. I had an open night session with Jaco and his friends. We were out drinking at el Centro, when we were approached by some tourists whom we call friends. They kindly introduced themselves, and begin to talk their experience while visiting Sabah. Kathie was the owner of El Centro. And she politely re-enacted a game of cards. In which it was a quiz which had so many questions in them, that we had to take turns to answer them about history and geography. About the tourists that came to visit. One of them, who came from Holland said that it was very expensive to climb the mountain. I said, “if it was true, you would like to try and reckon at the Sabah Tourism centre” and ask for a price list or an itinerary programme that you would like to participate. She was almost sure that she paid, about RM 500 altogether to climb the mountain. I answered that’s absurd. If it takes that amount by chance to cost you to climb the mountain. I think that the cost would’ve gone to paying a trust fund or a conservation fund. In that they were paying staffs who were working on research, or basic salaries of the porter on one trip. Or it could’ve been splurged to the economic cost of volunteers who was doing re-construction there or in paying overheads. Then there was this Scottish man that was really going jiggy. He had to return back to UK the next day. When he began saying that he paid an expenditure fee to learn Scuba diving. He promised that day, that once when he got back to take his instructor course he will take me diving for free. He was really proud of himself. He said, he’s been around Sabah as a marine biologist. And that he said, he could not really express himself more of his passion. Jaco began saying, “Well yeah. You have to consider about money first and your education. Look at Sheena, money is what makes the world go round”. He said there is full of possibilities in life. And he was convinced of himself that a full dedication and passion was what had led him to be doing what he is doing right now. Perhaps what convinced himself, was a love for life. And then Jaco, began explaining. There’s a lot of dirt in Sabah. It takes a lot of process into recycling garbage. I disagreed with him. Saying, why do you need sweepers. Is it because it takes an honest job to do it. Or is it that there is always income to make you love your job? What actually makes a man dedicated to his work, was basically what I wanted for him to say. Or was it, what makes him a man? It literally falls into a subjective question such as everyday question of the liturgy put in place, as to how do you belong. I know, it’s very complicated to throw the trash. Once I’ve been to Cardiff, I went to a seminar of talk that was talking about City Town Planning. They said by next week, we will change our garbage bin into three coloured bins. And we will distribute plastics in green for recycling purpose. But the question that rose, who will be assorting those rubbish into the bin with green plastics? So in the morning after meeting my landlord and watching him renovating the lower basement, I went to watch the truck that brought about 2 men to come collect the garbage. It was a really small truck. Regarding the small street that had brought them there. And there was trash bins below our apartment. What’s strange about Sabah, is that we don’t actually own any bins. Besides seeing them scattered everywhere. The street and pavement are always litter free. And I wondered to myself. Is it because it was the habit through success education and awareness programme that promoted a free litter zone? And as well, of the idea of putting your sweet wrappers into your pocket? But of course besides that, there were employed sweepers to keep the street clean. As well, those that comes to collect your parking ticket.

Buayan

The Crocker Range is part of the jurisdiction of Sabah Parks. First you have the Kinabalu National Park. And the second, the Crocker Range National Park. It expands from Tambunan, Keningau right down to Tenom. Covering also around areas in Kimanis but not up to Beaufort, as that’s where the coast line is. The Crocker range hosts a number of species of plants and animals. And is home to primates such as gibbons and macaques. There is a number species of hornbills found in Keningau. And a number species of frogs is also found in this area. The highest point of elevation in which could be transverse by road is 1,900 m a.s.l. This is where the altitude changes to cover a different type of vegetation known as sub-montane areas. Host to many ferns and nepenthes, the area is deep with lush forests and many terrains of rivers where fish are aplenty. There are several human settlements along the line of this range. The main part of human activity which is usually not accustomed to local activities are catching fish known as a house-hold consumption only. As this area, was reserved for protection. Known to be full of wild territories unknown to man, it holds up a reservoir of water as a catchment area and many tributaries of river. The Crocker Range also is an area where a couple of residents live such as Buayan, Terian and Lungmanis. The area expands to a reservoir of scientific knowledge, and is fully recognised by the local as a protection site. With that, boundaries have been restricted to these residences in which activities are in par to conservation needs. Thus with that, energy has been fulfilled. As well, schools and other homes.

Yellowstone

The Yellowstone river, at the edge of the valley. The moon walk is not left on one, but two not three. On sagging soil, on threesome burrows. On mudstone, on the Yellowstone river. Three layers, of not on fours. The etching part is not left on all. There was a bit of marrow on that wall. If left for a barrel, a boulder, a falter letter. Two moon rats across the vineyards. If not skipping, stuck between two hedges. Not a garden, but a stow. Waiting and see for a grassland meadow. There I come I see, A crimson if not for thee, Of layers drought if not for lee, Two men stuck in the middle. So if may I ask, what foresaw, If not I thee the law, Of not so privileged, Not for draught, Of one man need of one.

World Orangutan Day

Happy World Orangutan Day! My cousin had just got back from Bali after a Honeymoon spent there with her husband. I wanted to gather an occasion of the party held. But found it inappropriate however it corresponding to the decided programme. Although found it amusing, how the so-called programme of the World Orangutan Day orientates to the so called party event, so much more for the location that the both had gone to. However, I decide it's about time that I frame the poster that I have in my room for any other events coming soon. And take a picture with that, with a recent letter which I sent hopefully corresponding to an inaugural theme to look fo sponsors or at least donations such as passing the hat. To look at a brighter side, I am happy to say, that my books are now available on a resourceful wood source. I have found out that my papers are published from a reliable wood source, coming from trees that had been planted to produce papers. Rather than papers which had been produced from timber wood. This is good, because based on this account I had come to notice that the wood source coming from a locally produced market not only help initiate the industry but perhaps to say, that it is farmed and not harvested from thick jungle forest. To reveal the industry would be killing the goose chase. Find out more on the next event. From the author, Sheena James

ITune's hotel..

It was Christmas, and we went to the lounge at 1Borneo ITune's. It was my first time, being present there. We went as a family including all the ladies. There were Regina, Reena's bestfriend and her family as well mine and Reena's friend Jaco. After she parked her car, we waited at the foyer for them to arrive. We took several pictures at the Christmas tree then decided to head up. My first time being to a lounge except during for weddings and other stuff. We decided to walk into the room where a buffet was served. There were minor collection of items, but I preferably had some desserts. So I started of with chicken/lamb syrup. And after then several more French toast and bread. There were also juices and pudding. Jaco was eating his custards. Apparently, he was interested in mushrooms. Everybody had their fill. Reena was talking to Regina, and she was smiling. I was given books. And I had my shoes on. And there were aunt Euphrasia and the other ladies on their choices as well. I had three books when I opened them. All of them were about curious investigations. So it took me awhile to really understand. But apparently, I didn't had anything to offer in return. Except that we had fun. I was sitting, and I could see the ferries wheel going at the background. We were at the aloft. And you could see people below and having seamstress loitering at one of the condos we see here. So there were other barricades and other streets, all within one light. But it was Christmas, and it was colourful. So he was in his black suit, as he always conjourned. And we were all in fabrics, this morning it was breakfast and I couldn't help to wonder what could be more colourful. When what I saw was them girls in charades, and a road that was near a town ready to be built.

Orangutans at Greater Danum

The orang-utan was selected as a flagship species for conservation in Malaysia, and is therefore an ambassador for the protection of habitat and other wildlife. Since the past 40 years, this species has been thoroughly studied in Sumatra and Borneo including Sabah. John MacKinnon was the first field worker to have done complete observation on orangutans in the wild in 1968. Followed by Birute Gladikas at Tanjung Puting, Horr at Lokan-Kinabatangan, Rijksen at Ketambe and Rodman at Kutai more or less around the same time. These areas differ in many ways in types of habitat and orang-utan composition. Populations at Ketambe and Tanjung Puting held confiscated orang-utans while the rehabilitation centre initiated by Barbara Harrisson in 1965 for orangutans released at Sepilok are at semi-wild state. In 1998, the Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Prject was established, resulting from the collaboration between Hutan, a French NGO and the Sabah Wildlife Department. A research station was set up in Sukau, Kinabatangan and has employed 30 trained local staffs to do collection of observation data, faecal sampling for genetic work and density counts around the state of Sabah. Faunal survey was also part of the work genre, including commuunity work such as awareness programme, wise alternative use of natural resources and a community based tourism model project and homestay programmes, as well as appointed game wardens, and wildlife control unit for improvement of social economics along with the protection of wildlife.

I dreamt of Africa

The Angels That Came was named because of the people who were involved in this project. Its aim is popularizing Science and is a dedication to the people who spent most of their lives in conserving nature and its species. It's a mixture of romance with particular interest on the subject of orangutan where the ecology of the animal is being discussed stipulated with the knowledge of physics. The motive of this book is to promote the concept of evolution and findings on biomass. The book is a mix of Indian mythology and touches a deep aspect of culture in North Borneo where orangutans are found. The book also enlightens the reader by telling a bit of history, culture and socio-economic status as pragmatic as possible. The orangutan is recognized as a protected species and is prioritized as an emblem for tourism and nature conservation. Hopefully, this book succeeds in educating society on its existence and act as an introduction to this beautiful world of ape and people co-existing together.

From a Kalimantan boy

But not today (By Agung) I shall grow old perhaps but not today. Not while my hopes are young, my spirits strong. My vision clear, because life has a way. Of smoothing out the wrinkles with a song. I shall grow old perhaps, but not today. Not while my dreams, remaining a shining shield. My faith a lance, and neath a sky of Grey. My colours wave uppon the battlefield. I shall grow old perhaps, but today. Not while this pen can write upon a page. And memories turn winter into May. Shall this stout heart be brought in terms By age. I shall grow old, perhaps but not today. And scorning Time who would enlist my tears. I stand convinced there is a better way. Of occupying Time all the coming years. I shall grow old, perhaps but not today. In my own style and in my own sweet time. No night so dark here does not fall a ray. Of light along the pathway that I climb. Just say of me, when my last hour slips. Like one bright leaf so softly rest among the other.. Life was Summer to the heart. One who died believing he was young.

Photochemical

After the industrial revolution, many factories are booming ever since. In the eagerness to cope with the modern phase, human tends to forget the adverse impacts caused by these increasing factories. Factories are the main source of air pollution. Air pollution consists of gases, liquids or solids present in the atmosphere in high level enough to harm humans, animals, plants and materials. Chemistry There are many air pollutants that exist as the result of human activities but according to Raven, Berg and Johnson (1995) there are only six main ones. This includes particulate nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons and ozone. Air pollutants can also be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary air pollutants are harmful chemicals that enter directly into the atmosphere. The major ones arecarbon dioxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfure dioxide, particulate and hydrocarbons. Secondary air pollutants are harmful chemicals that form other substances that have been released into the atmosphere. Ozone and sulfure trioxide are secondary pollutants because both are formed by chemial reactions that take place in the atmosphere. The top three source of toxic air pollutants are the chemical industry, the metal industry and paper industry. Particulate matter consists of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the atmosphere. Solid particulate matter is referred as dust whereas liquid suspensions are called mist. Particulate includes soil, soot, lead, asbestos and sulfuric acid droplets. Coarse dust particle, larger than micrometers in diameter, settles quickly and causes trouble only near their source. Smaller dust particles travel farther and are referred to as aerosols that remain suspended in the air for a long period of time. Aerosols reflect the sun’s heat and prevent it from reaching the Earth thus reducing visibility. Particle less than 2 or 3 micrometers in size can penetrate into the lungs that may result in respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, and chronic lung disease. Particle matter corrodes metals, erodes buildings and sculpture when the air is humid, and soil clothing and draperies. Nitrogen oxides are gases produced by chemical interactions between nitrogen and oxygen. They consist of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrogen oxides inhibit plant growth and are involved in photochemical smog, acid deposition and global warming. Sulfur oxides are produced by sulfur and oxygen. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless and non-flammable gas with a strong, irritating odor. When sulfur dioxide reacts with oxygen in the air, sulfur trioxide (SO3), a secondary pollutant is formed. Sulfur trioxide in turn reacts with water to form another secondary pollutant, sulfuric acid. Sulfur oxides form acid rain which corrodes metals and damage building structures. Sulfuric acid and sulfate salts damage plants and irritate the respiratory tract of animals and humans. Carbon oxides are gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas is poisonous. It may reduce the blood’s ability a transport oxygen by combining with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin. Carbon monoxide can also cause dizziness, headaches, and slow driving reactions thus increase traffic accidents. Carbon dioxide is also colourless and odorless. It traps heat in the atmosphere which can cause global climate to change. Hydrocarbons are a diverse group of organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon. Some hydrocarbons are straight or branched chains, and some are cyclic (form rings); the simplest form is methane (CH4). The smaller hydrocarbons are gaseous at room temperature; methane for example, is a colourless and odorless gas that is the principle component of natural gas. Medium-sized hydrocarbons are liquids at room temperature, although many are volatile, or evaporate easily. The largest hydrocarbons are in solid form in room temperature. All hydrocarbons are involbed in the production of photochemical smog except methane. Methane is involved in global climate change. Besides that, benzopyrene, the most potent hydrocarbon can cause lung cancer. Ozone (O3) is considered a pollutant in one part and an essential component in another. In the stratosphere, oxygen reacts with ultraviolet radiation from penetrating to the Earth’s surface. Unlike stratospheric ozone, tropospheric ozone is a human-made air pollutant. Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant that forms when sunlight catalyzes a reaction between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Ozone damage plants and contribute to the forest decline and is also involved in global climate change. Social relevance Photochemical smog

Photochemical smog is a brownish haze formed by chemical reactions involving sunlight and is absorbed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The highly energised molecule (NO2*) then decomposes or photolyzes into nitrogen oxide (NO) and atomic oxygen (O). The latter reacts with molecular oxygen (O2) to form ozone (O3). If no energy-absorbing molecule (M) is present, the ozone will rapidly decompose. With a 3r4d body (M) present, a stable ozone molecule is formed. If nitric oxide is present, it reacts with the ozone to form more NO2 and a molecule of oxygen. These reactions are shown by the following chemical equations: NO2 + hv NO2* NO2* NO + O O + O2 + M O3 + M O3 + NO NO2 + O2 Some atomic oxygen, ozone and nitrogen can react with hydrocarbons to produce a variety of products such as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). PAN is one of the photochemical smog’s most harmful component. There are also several negative impacts associated with photochemical smog. Photochemical smog can damage plant. A shiny, oily effect that appeared on the leaf’s lower surface developed into a glaze and turned silver is attributed to smog. Besides that, the cost of smog damage to vegetable production in the United States is approximately $10 million per year. Ozone could also damage the palisade layers of the top leaf and appears as flecking or stippling on broad leaves as streaks on the leaves of cereal crops, and as browning on the tip of pine needles. Flecking of tobacco leaves reduces their value particularly as cigar wrappers. Ozone has also caused the destruction of many acres of ponderosa pine in the San Bernadino Mountains. Whereas PAN iinjury appears as bronzing, silvering and glazing on lower leaf surfaces. Another subject that may be affected by photochemial smog is human. Formaldehyde acrolein, and PAN are the contributors to eye irritation. Ozone is a broncho-pulmonary irritant, which affects mucous lining of the lungs, which may lead to breathing problems such as bronchitis and emphysema. Annual deaths in the United States caused by photochemical smog is estimated to be 7000 – 180000. On top of that, this smog may also have an impact on materials. Ozone can cause cracking of stretched rubber. It can also attack the celulose in textiles, reducing the strength of such items. In addition, oxidants may cause fading of fabrics and polyster. Erosion of exterior painted surfaces due to attack on organic binder in the paint also occurs. The atmosphere has also been affected by photochemical smog. Visibility has in many cases been reduced prior to photochemical smog. In 1982, an incident once happen where MAS has to cancel all flights to due to the haze. Acid deposition Acid deposition is a type of air pollution that includes acid, which falls from the atmosphere to the Eath as precipitation or dry acidic particles. When sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water, they form acids. This is called precipitation and it incldues acid rain, acid snow and acid fog. Dry deposition includes the direct updatake of gases such as SO2 and Nox by vegetation, soil and water surfaces plus the gravitational setting of particulate aerosols. Acid deposition has been proven to have adverse effects on plants, marine life, food chain, man-made structure and human. Global warming Carbon dioxide and certain other gases including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and tropospheric ozone (O3) are accumulating in the atmosphere as th result of human activities. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased from about 280 parts per million approximately 200 years ago (before the Industrial Revolution began) to 360 per million today. Global warming occurs because these gasees prevent infrare radiation to dissipate into space from the Earth thus causing the atmosphere to warm. Some of the heat is also transferred to the ocean and raises their temperature as well. As the atmosphere and ocean warm, the overall temmperature of the Earth rises. Because carbon dioxide and other gases trap the sun’s radiation as glass does in a greenhouse, global warming produced in this manner is known as the greenhouse effect.

Jaco

I'm cleaning the house right now with my mom. Quite litteraly I'm not doing anything at the moment after having fun with my family during X'mas and the New Year. I've actually spoken a lot in between time running a discourse for my second book. We actually have a guest staying at our house by the name Jaco. And he works with the marine company. Returning back to Africa by next week. My mom on the other hand brought a friend from Saudi. Both for just a short visit in our guest room. My mother's friend as well my sister's friend kind of enjoyed their stay over here. Having visited the whole of Sabah with Rina's Mitsubishi car. I gave them my book for the Christmas and she on the other hand gave me a scarf. Jaco gave me some chocolates. I on the other hand gave many presents which I hope could further expand to the rest of the clan. I made quiche and Portuguese desserts enjoyed by the older folks. Our celebration of New Year were celebrated by bathing in cold water and pouring water over our heads. Thank you for buying my book. From a Christmas well spent. From the author Sheena James.