Kota Belud

At after that, Elaine and I went around Wisma. We went straight to Kwasa to get her Sports equipment. Upon reaching Donggongon, we checked our mail again. I was rpetty desperate hoping to hear something from Lindley. I went to Kota Belud that Saturday (12.08.2000). We reached there at 4 pm. We left quite late because we had a problem with the bus. I was surprised to know, that there is a resthouse. Last year,  students from Sains Sekitaran stayed there. As for the guys, they stayed at the community hall. We slept at one of the houses. The name of the place we stayed is called, Kg. Tambatuon. We cook before we do our field work which started at 5 am. I noticed how cool and fresh the air was. I especially love the weather which was always a bit cloudy. From that Kampong, what’s special about it is that a very pointy hill can be seen and also the back of mount Kinabalu. The saddening thing is that the natural trees on the hills were replaced with rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) instead. The road to our accommodation are covered with water on several spots. I loved to splash my feet on these small stream of water. There was one spot though that the strong smell of fertilizer can be smelt on the way. That’s the exact smell that I noticed at Ranau.

I noticed how my ecology lecturers, Pn. Norma and Pn. Kartini are very mundane people. Although they don’t know what a Gaia theory is. Carlo knows what it was and they were very intrigued by it. I gave the reader’s digest book which contains an article about it to Pn. Kartini yesterday. I did that sincerely because I love sharing some of my findings and not merely for show. What’s funny was that night when Pn. Norma admitted of not knowing it, explain of how the theory might be about the earth will die someday. I finally knew, that it is the great that makes you great too.

I haven’t be able to deal with my bashfulness yet but there is a sight of improvement, I noticed. Without realizing I somehow want to show others of how much I know. When people asked for my guidance especially in asking questions, I’d like to teach them at a very mundane manner. I’m afraid of making someone stupid. Sometimes I do it, but that was not my intention. I just don’t know, how to make someone comfortable. I noticed though that there are many that allows arrogance to make way for ignorance. Most students are like that, they too want to show how smart they are.

We had a barbeque that night at the resthouse, with other Sains Sekitaran student aswell. I ate Maggie mee instead. Most people already knew, that I was a Vegetarian. I didn’t like that though. I fear of being judged, that I am being as I am just because I wanted to be different.

In the morning, we took the bus to 6 more stations along the same river, which collectively make 9 stations all together. The river doesn’t look so nice as the initial part which we studied. I noticed how the air change too.

I reached home, at 10.30 pm thanks to Dennis who drove me to Tuavon with his motorbike. Met him while he was having dinner with Cassianus. 

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.

Xlibris Coorporation

My book, Angels That Came was written based on the facts of orang-utans and some pragmatic issues I found about the socio-economy of the welfare State of Sabah. But because I embedded some stories of ingenuine Indian myth and how it applies to my result, I thus predictably put the whole story line into the category of non-fiction. But basically what it tells about, is the story of my life as a researcher and through my eyes of how I see the world of apes and the community I work with. I also integrate some story background about my family, which quite anecdotely tells a context about genetics and how it applies to the result which I am conducing. There were some dedications that I'd like to make but I quite commitedly said it should addressed to my friend Agung, as it narrates a story about provincial economic situation that confronts oil palm, the animal, people and reputation. Which bears into meaning of labeling and image. To read a synopsis of my book, please go to http://www.sheenajames.com

  How I came to publish this book? I saw an advertisement in the internet commercialised by Xlibris Corporation. And I ask myself, would I want to write a book. I already have a draft in hand which I had long before thought that I should be an author. So this gave me the opportunity to establish myself into this career. I asked my mom if she could lend me some money in order to materialise this project which she said yes. And so I was on my path to this enroute vision of myself owning my very personal book. This book enriches the mind in the world of basic mathematics, admaths, physics, chemistry and the mysterious reknown body knowledge of biology and the world of evolution. It is a small book which congregates many daily facets of life and as we know it how do we apply to ourselves as we work ourselves way out within the bonds of animals and it's stake.

  Hopefully, I will write again a book that promotes tourism from my diary and experience as a traveler around the state as a youth. And in addition, a book that simply narrates my findings on the behaviour of orang-utans explicitly told from my observation in the field. That will take another time for some wealthy vantage point of exploration and report.

Sheena James.

Charity

I have always wanted to do an education programme. Which is why I thought that doing a PhD will be good for me to spread awareness as well do a research. I don't know where could I find money for this. That would be a next step to this question. I need the money to buy genetic kits for the purpose of assessing population linkage.

About the topic of charity. I have so far, written to my publisher of giving my profits and as well to give discounts to two main charity works. I am in particular interested in the Orangutan Land Trust and the redape.org. The redape project us under United Nations Environmental Programme. I hope to see the dissemination of my book throughout Africa and Asia if this succeeds.

This is because my book, called Angels That Came will educate students about maths, biology, physics and chemistry all in one written in a comprehensive story of understanding. As well the come about of evolution which I partnered with my Dutch professor who I collaborated with in his project in the university.

I am after all, am asked to update about my book in my very own web-site. But my publisher is yet to give me that link. I am also waiting to accept my full package of sales and marketing strategy to promote my book.

I hope to get a head start once I begin to distribute the press release to book-stores and newspapers. I already have one journalist friend committed of writing an interview story about myself as an author.

By book is now out in the Amazon.com, and bn.com. To read the excerpt of my book, go to Xlibris.com.

Sheena James

I dreamt of Africa: Angels That Came

www.xlibris.com

Angels That Came

I have submitted my manuscript for publishing, a book entitled Angels That Came. It's in the process of review and that will take an amount of time to finish. At the mean time, I hope that my book will be out in May as my mother comes back from Saudi that way we could do a celebration here on it's opening.

Since, the layout of the book doesn't permit more wordings than it should. I insert the full elaboration of my background and summary of the book in this blog.

The Angels That Came was named so because of so many people who were involved in this project. It is with the aim of popularising Science and a dedication to the people who spent most of their lives in conserving nature and its species. Thus 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. It is with hope that the motive of this book is to promote the concept of evolution and findings on biomass. The book is an incredible mix of Indian mythology and touches a deep aspect of culture life in North Borneo where orangutans are found. Not many people know of its conservation status in this interior part of the world. Therefore, this book also enlightens the reader by telling a bit of history, culture and socio-economic status as pragmatic as possible. The orangutan is recognised as a protected species and is prioritised 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.

Sheena James is a local born of Sigh heritage in the island of Borneo. Her grandmother’s father used to sell tobacco during colonial times and is known by priests as the sigup man or a man who sell cigarettes. In this book you will see, intertwined are some twist of enigmatic portrayal of how the natives live in this part of Malaysian Borneo. Some of them were purposely exaggerated to give it a bit of spice. But far from truth, they encover a little about the racial mix of people living this day as a democratic country. Part of this project was funded by her mother who is working in the Middle East which would not have materialised without her full support. Sheena graduated in Conservation Biology with Second Upper Class and was given a full scholarship by Darwin Initiative to continue a course of molecular ecology in Cardiff, Wales. She graduated Master’s in Science in 2007. She worked with the Habitat for Humanity assisting volunteers from Dubai in 2010. Basically, she spent part of her education career and field work on orang-utans and met many people from all walks of life which she collaborate with. And this book tells that story. She has one sister and one brother and two nephews from each of them whom she loves dearly. Her father is somewhere in Sabah who unfortunately was divorced to her mother. Perhaps there will be blessings in disguise. Her grandmother has 10 children.    

It will take a couple of time, before the book is out. So stay tune on my progresses. I will keep you updated by writing in my blog. At the mean time, here is the preview on its content. The book cover on how it looks like once it's published will be available in the internet soon. 

Hope you'll buy it.. I hope to use the proceeds for an education programme and disseminate the book to a wider audience so that to learn more about Science and Technology. With enough money, I'm able to publish more books and the cycle goes around. 

I dreamt of Africa: Trip to Danum

http://www.searrp.org/research.cfm

http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/species_main/orang_utan/projects/

Think Out of the Box

I haven't been able to publish my book entitled Angels That Came as I wanted. Not that I couldn't because I had plans to turn it into an education programme. It's a good read I should say, mainly fiction and at the same time, turning it into a piece for further examination on Science.

My latest activities are posting some news about the environment in Facebook. That is how I keep myself occupied by acting into volunteerism. I think other people should enact the same way, it gives you recent updates about the world and at the same time you know how the environment works. There are two types of genuine contribution that you could do as an organisation which are social responsibility and environmental responsibility. You contribute as a whole giant superorganism by having your existence matters and to take effect into your surroundings. The environment is a natural commodity and it is expressed in energy. What you do to others could lead to happen to you. Which is why we need to spread such positive impact to the earth. If people are happy, you give good product and service. Which is why I highlight on the important role of social responsibility. It derives from human capital and complacency as well to compel towards change.

I am enduring here as a sitting duck! Which bears any meaning as being to resilient. Lol! Laziness is said to be the devils lair. Think out the box, the world is an expression of intelligence! It's essential that we all learn to analyse, put it simply in order to learn to adapt. But guided with a firm grasp on knowledge and critical thinking.. Hey, you don't wanna be paranoid. Living in a world that doesn't require too much thinking would be completely a bliss. I've explained about the role of a sentient being, what more could I speak of the sentinel. Which comes into my second approach towards the complacency of a sentinel. He looks out with wary eyes, that man who turns out to be the guardian. Enough cliche, I'm coming into what does it take to measure antagonists! It's the same sort of thing that brings you to square one, you approach the intruder. It's like saying you're an initiator and I'm a recipient, but what takes you out of the square is the demand for order. So I request the former. That being said.

Put it simply, in order for humanity to dislodge. You need regulation in society. But what right is that to approach is a good question. We approach with responsibility, moral and ethics. The constitution is damn right a good watch house. It gives any meaning to helping the helpless and avoid criminalisation. The good order we call the law. Within reasonably of a doubt, we come into the question about necessary limiting grounds and withing certain standards of appeal. All comes down to property rights, civil rights constitution and avoiding victimisation. In America, you have something such as the first and second amendments. This is the right for all civilians, and cannot be simply taken for granted as Obama once said. It is not a privilege. I don't know what it means by that, but perhaps it has a higher meaning to what it means by granted a right but not to be taken lightly?

Our dreams are what we make of it. Serving all constitutions, society has the right to shape iteself. And it progress into the bottoms up approach channeled by the top down approach, which is the law. How do we strike balance? I am very interested into the notion of sustainability, that thing which can support us. If we could find means for economic resolution and the intermedience of culture, we would know the final repertoire. The world is created in so much diversity, that it requires deep respect for preservation. There are so many things to choose from. But the attire that needs establishment, is strict discipline because it bears any meaning to preservation. What is that, we are trying to preserve? Is it individuality, racial contest, certain elites? Or mainly resources. That's a big bonus! I think modesty and honesty signalling will always champion the role. Because we become flexible. There is no moderate signs to inflation or disregularity. Think of a good book, what will incite your interest foremost? I think something appealing such as humankind and to go forward.

The economic model as planned by our ministry is one good example. It gives us security and it navigates us for an access to Science and Technoloy. The readiness to an institution and community fascilitation. This is what we need at the moment.

From the author,
Sheena James

What it takes to grow up

To date, I have attended officially, 3 times reunion. Once at Hildy's place, then at our old hangouts at Dragon coffee shop in Donggongon and a third, at Shangri La's hotel to round up Michaelians from the Science and Arts stream.
I am still in very close contact with friends I befriended since high school. One is already a teacher at Kinarut, Papar and the other is an environmental engineer working in a Danish company for water and environment.
I was first interested in Science when I was 15 years old. I figured if it wasn’t because of cikgu Sybil I wouldn’t have gotten where I am now. There was a Science Camp which she gotten me to get involved. I was surprised considering that I got a C for that subject, but I didn’t want to skip that chance of going to Ranau and have the honour to represent my school. So I made a promise to myself that I shouldn’t let my friends and teacher down. So I studied hard and made sure also that I really understood and was interested as well. Bit of the chapter that got me psyche was especially the astronomy part, I found out what a cool guy must Isaac Newton have been. Anyways at the end, I couldn’t get to go to Ranau as how much hoped for. They found a replacement for me because instead I had to attend to a Science competition between Papar and Penampang, and I got a trophy for that one since I got all answers correct except for one question. And thus, St. Michael became a home-coming champion. The next year, because Maths and Science are perquisite to get accepted into the Science stream, I get to learn new things in detail i.e. Chemistry, Physics and Biology as well as Ad-maths. These subjects will become important as you enter university regardless of what class you took during high school. The reason is because these will be the knowledge you’ll see around you i.e. back labels of shampoo, as well to understand prescribed medicines, and getting acquainted to the world around you. Another year of Science took us to Kudat to experience the sun eclipse. It was beautiful! I brought my brother along and it was a trip that was arranged by us all. One of my class-mate took with him a binocular and he was smart enough to have figured the use of it instead of looking only at birds. By holding a piece of white paper underneath the eye piece of the bino with the condenser adjusted facing the sun, the image of the sun eclipse gets superimpose to the white paper. With this method, we’d able to watch the sun slowly shadowed by the moon. Soon after everywhere around us turns darker, birds began to chirp and some flew across the sky as if heading home. They were certainly noisy, looking confused about what time it was that moment. I was active also in sports but that was only at the end of my high school days. I played hockey for my school and district although there wasn’t much of a competition that time, also basketball for my school which I was really interested and good at and still now am. I tried doing walkathon and was selected to represent my school first and then to district level. We had to train everyday in Penampang stadium then the competition at Likas. I was very scared there were many people; I was disappointed in the end because that didn’t give me a good placing. Apart from that, I also got my trainings in Red Cross: doing volunteer works, stand-bys for sport days, active in marching competitions, as well trained as a march commandant.
After finishing form 5 which was in 1996, I was admitted for pre-university at AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation) in Pusat Persediaan ITM Shah Alam, taking Bioscience as my major in 1997. I received monetary support for my education from Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA). So subjects accounted for in this course were Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer C++, and English writing, reading as well as listening skills. It was interesting getting to study in the Peninsular although just for one year. I get to scout around malls nearby as well as in K.L. Visited a friend who is doing her matriculation at Kelana Jaya and I still remember how long we stayed up late at Sunway Pyramid trying out a popular video arcade there during the weekend. Movie-watching was very much the activity I had, as well as shopping for house hold products and for more food and, maybe a little bit of tit-bits for the family at home in Sabah. A favourite spot was at Carrefour, a French invested market. Students go to St. Francis Xavier to pray and Subang Parade to watch a movie by commuter. But we didn’t go out much often as we also need to save money to sustain us until the end of the month. Facilities at I.T.M. were fully equipped and we spent our lab times over here as well for literature work. I was amazed by the university computer system as our matric card provided us a registered number that allows us to chat with other students. I did two assignments as an introductory course to research. One is about the Kadazan funeral rites which requires me to do interviews back at Sabah and visit the Archive. The other was about the adverse effects of pollution. It was here that I had access to all the books I’d like to read especially on the environment. I played a little bit of basketball with newly acquainted friends but later gave up when I sprained my ankle. During the times of the depreciation ringgit in 1998, there was a call from the government to educate students supposed to go abroad within the country itself. However I never forgotten the skills I acquired from this institute as it had introduced me to research more of an integrative kind. Later as I was still interested in Bioscience, I applied for a place at the University Malaysia Sabah with the aim of taking Conservation Biology as my Degree. I was still supported by JPA but my scholarship was converted to loan upon my choice of subject. However the money spent on my education at AUSMAT was considered as an award. In order to find a placement in the University Malaysia Sabah, I had to undergo still a pre-university course assigned by the same institute. Because I had already spent a year in the Peninsular, there would be no use to spend another year. So a bit of exploration and a sense of adventure allowed me to survive in this perceived secluded environment. The school was literally surrounded by oil palms and the air had a particular smell. This was my first time staying in a boarding school and we had to still wear school uniforms as we did back in high school which was rather a bit embarrassing for some of us. On Thursday, we had to wear something in purple and we had prep class which means revising after the actual morning lessons. We spent the evening either cleaning this or that or doing recreation. I remembered how I used to jog every evening either that or play basketball by myself at the basketball court next to the dining hall. For those who had money, they can either spend money on buying kueh usually complemented with makcik’s special sambal which she had once forbidden me to sneak away although just a few for some unknown reasons or ice-cream at night before bed. We always have milo or donuts before bed, anyways for those that do not. Cross country event gave us the opportunity to rendezvous with the surrounding locale. We get to see small houses and even get acquainted with lembus as people were watching us pass by. The little drizzle made the event more memorable. What was difficult having to live in the hostel was the water problem. We had to each carry a bucket full of water from the wash room to our very own dormitory else, other people would steal it. We had to do this every evening. Washing would require us to queue up and take turns. Even the name of our school was spelt wrong, waiting near the school’s window as we had our first sight of the vehicle to transport this precious water resource, written on the blue truck as what we could make of it was something that spelled magrikurasi. The first semester of the same year we had our exams at UMS campus Tuaran, and we were lucky to have this opportunity as this quarter is no longer valid for use. This was also the same time when I dislocated my finger again when playing basketball but I came out lucky as I happened to turn out the best in my class. Looking at the record score of results, I was known among secondary students as kakak yang berbadan sasa as they remembered me as someone who used to jog circling the school compound everyday. The second semester also of the same year, I did not get through as ok as I expected. But the average for both semesters combined paved me a way to the real university. I manage to get by after just one year as required by JPA in order to oblige to full scholarship for 3 years of study. Next thing I knew I was already in Labuan for orientation week. Justifiable by my results I was suggested to take Information Technology not exactly as what I imagined. It was a beautiful place, right at the end of the island and secluded from noise of the city. Ideal for total concentration. The university for business and mass media, was fully equipped with facilities for higher learning including a room for music, and a cinematic auditorium for projections. Computers were complemented with microphones for communications through the web. For recreational purpose, there is also a big lawn to play games. The university was also located beside a beach. It was said that the building was meant for economic trade in Labuan but corporates probably thought that a university would bring more benefits or even profitable. As soon as my orientation ended, I decided to return to Sabah and re-apply for Conservation Biology, which was what I wanted and what I wanted to be. After writing letters and meeting both deans of the School for Science and Technology, and School for Information Technology I was finally accepted to undertake this course. There were not many universities offering this course that time. So far as I know, only UKM and probably University Putra had something similar. Sabah would also be a great place to start since we have the resource here. In fulfilment for a degree in Conservation Biology I had to take other courses as well including economics, foreign language (provided that SPM result for English is a distinction, you may also take Spanish, French, and Japanese for 2 years of study) and other electives i.e. political science, creative thinking, history and reformation in Malaysia and Sabah Dance (or in malay I think better described, Tarian Sabah). This assignment was pretty much meaningful to me as not only was I able to meet the Lundayeh for the very first time in my life, but also I was able to record music so ancient and also very rare played by one man who is a teacher as well which requires skills that only him possess (really, I’m not kidding!). As so told, this music was revived again when an old man fortunate that he is still living today was able to make the Sakapi, a wooden musical instrument played by the Lundayeh now at the Sabah’s Cultural Festival. You might be amazed also by what this village is named perhaps because of such rarity; as such kampong baru jumpa.
At the end of the day, I was grateful I took all of these subjects because I realised that I had turned out to be a thinking person rather than spoon fed. Everything made sense now and I could construct my own opinions as well in literacy. I enjoyed Mandarin because my teacher was dedicated and he really tried making us really interested. We get to go to a party at Rasa Ria at the same time graded for our contribution to the success of that party. It was grand and there were performances made, at the same time very important guests were present. At the end of my education, I think that I did pretty ok, I got second class upper and I had to experience myself the turmoil of everyday life i.e. finding out the next day that there had been a recent re-scheduling for SPSS and therefore had to repeat the same course the next semester, the unnecessary regulations of having to meet every one lecturer personally, of having to overcome fears of presenting to hundreds of students and also at the same time get them to participate as well to agree with your strong convicted opinion, lack of sleep (of course this is usually quite related to being last minute revisions), once jump from a bus when I overslept the second time (at least the first, I ended up in Telipok the second was a jump, I literally landed on both my knees and hands!) etc. There had been several field trips which I enjoyed very much to Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, and Beaufort. Having acquainted some friends had also given me the opportunity to visit their home towns in Sandakan, Labuan and Kota Marudu.
Because I had done a one month volunteer work in the Kinabatangan for the Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Project (KOCP), I decided that I liked the place and had a go with research on orang-utans. I was exploring on several aspects to affect orang-utan sociality, and at the same time get introduced to primatology that wasn’t included in my major. As usual I had to make several trips from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, and attend some work-shops for comprehension on the subject as well of the economy of the area.
Because of the subject’s relevance I was able to pursue to my Masters and because there was a fund made available by the Darwin Initiatives from the U.K. This fund is especially for the survivorship of the species as orang-utans are rare and they attract tourists for money as well as investors. I started my research in November 2002 soonest after graduating. It has been the 3rd year now since I haven’t finished quite yet. This course requires me to conduct field-work, lab works, literature work, field trips, training, publications and team work. My research gives particular interest as it combines molecular work as well as inference from behavioural observations. In the end I hope to do some publications made compulsory by the university and I’m expecting to discuss on the sociality of the orang-utans which is again interesting because orang-utans are naturally solitary and resemble close to humans in some ways. Did you know that orang-utans share 96.4% of its genes with humans? The rest is what makes an orang-utan an orang-utan a separate unique entity. Apart from that I propose also that orang-utans could perhaps act as indicators to habitat quality. Thus I need to know what actually really defines habitat quality. I get to drive boats, get to know the community better and how they are able to help build themselves, recognise individual orang-utans and catalogue what they eat, learn more about genetic as well computer applications. I especially like trekking in the forest especially when it rains although maybe a little bit. You can hear the storm coming when you hear something that sounds like a train from far then reaches your way in a sudden rush. The area records one of the most birds found in the State, 10 species of primates, and the longest river in Sabah just second after sg. Rajang. Standing below a large bridge in Bukit Garam, I just couldn’t believe that this is the same bridge I once cross 4 years ago when travelling by coach to Lahad Datu which once also became a routine in 1998/1999 when I was doing my pre-university. For my MSc. I had to cross a suspension bridge exactly at the occurrence of a big flood in order to get myself back to Kinabatangan for field-work!

Authored by Ms. Sheena James
December 2005/Christmas and New Year Season

Plan

At this moment, I'm waiting for a purview on the inception of a job as a consultant. I don't know if I would be accepted to take up this job but if not, I should pursue to my PhD. I have registered myself for a vacancy as a Research Officer with the Forestry Department and it could secure me a lifetime investment. Anyway, where choice to lead me in my future is left uncertain.

I have talked to Marc about my desire to publish a book. There are several a few to mention. But this book is a must. It's for budding young scientists. And it entails my experience as I convene other biologists alike in their course towards conservation and research. Yes, in my path I have found romanticism that had impact me severely. I wrote about history more like a myth but conjecture a social perspective of what population growth means. There is also some critic worth appraisal. And so many more to squeeze into a tiny book. I'm thinking of publishing it for profit (funding). But I do need a job. I see myself as serving into education. But I couldn't dis-attach myself from research. God only knows how long was that before. Blaspheme of me for saying this. But my professor, Dr. Menno told me that it is the same as in all scientists to persevere with their work. In that they run consecutive publications from their previous work. Which means that, we continue to discover.

Which leads me.. Through my correspondence with a friend. In my decision of conducting a PhD. I found out more investigative results from my data. Well it's their data, but I've contributed much effort in the field and dealing with management standards. Coming back to the issue, the graph and numerics had come to reconstruct a result that shows about mass and the implication of velocity and time. By substituting parameters, we could easily transform some hypothetical formula to the other in understanding our conclusion. Some basic role it has on conservation is that orangutans in Danum might be more frugivory. We can see this by detecting the shift of frugivory eating to folivory. This shift will determine mass. And it would come as the observed result. The expected result from my thinking comes from a formula already known to mankind but may be applicable in this research with contribution to data from the field. Of course, for this hunch to be rectified, a test needs to be conducted. I've already set straight some notes as a continuation from my previous MSc. I'm hoping to publish them soon as soon as I get a word from my affiliate.