Gawai & Keamatan, Tuak, Tapai and Lihing

It's end of May and June soon will come. This time of the year, traditionally marked the end of harvesting season and the Dayaks will celebrate the good luck of getting good harvest with a celebration called Gawai. It will be held in the beginning of June every year and now it has come again. What so significant of Gawai celebration? Well if you asked me, all I can think of is the Tuak hehehe. For some people, the spirit of celebrating Gawai is already in the air and I'm sure that by now many people already went back to their village or longhouse or some still on the road. 

While in Sabah, they will celebrating "Pesta Kaamatan". I guess the concept is almost the same as Gawai and I know they also got something like Tuak but they called it Tapai or "Kinomol" (I hope I'm right there hehe, can't really remember already) and something called "Lihing". I don't know the different because for me be it Tuak, Tapai or Lihing they're taste the same (Tuak and Tapai made of rice and also called rice wine while I guess Lihing is the same also) the different is the intensity of dizzy effect :p they caused hehehe or shall be said the "strength" of alcohol effect or maybe the contains of alcohol they have. For me personally, Lihing is stronger than Tapai while Tuak's "strength" varies depending on how the brewers want it to be, should it be strong and "harsh" (I hope that's the right word), mild, sweet and strong or sweet and less alcohol :p  but the process of Tuak, Tapai and Lihing all the same, through fermentation. Tuak also can be made of fruit like pineapple and apple and I've heard Tapai also can be made out of fruit as well. Whatever it is I hope all those that will be drinking this festive time do "enjoy your BOOZE JUICE responsibly" hehehe

Anyway, To all my Dayak Friends and readers and to all of you that will celebrate Gawai:

"Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai" 

oooooooooooooohaaaaaaaaaaa

image from: marahman.wordpress.com

To all my Sabahan friends and readers and all those celebrating Kaamatan:

"Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan"

image from: rymza.blogdrive.com

... and Happy Holiday to all...

Another Promises? Can they fulfil it all?

I read some interesting things inside one of the local newspaper yesterday and a few really caught my intentions. But one that really stuck inside my mind up till this morning. So I would really want to express few of my questions on this things because all this "expectations" and "promises" shows that they want to try to resolve some old issues which have been around for so many years (but still failed to be resolved) and have been raise over and over again by various sides. A big ambition I would say. So here are what they expect if "they were to govern Sarawak" as said by the newly-elected MP.

1. All Sarawakians aged above 60 years old will be given at least RM400 annually for what they said to be as token of appreciation for their contributions to the state.

Will this be given to all Sarawakians? Or given according to their income level? Including those rural people also?

2. An annual allocation of RM80 million from State Budget will be allocated to eradicate poverty.

What is the NEW mechanism to "deliver" this allocation? 

3. All schools, regardless of background will be given allocations based on their needs like what was being practiced in Penang, Selangor and Kelantan.

Define "needs". All schools in Sarawak especially in deep rural area have a lots of needs which might include rebuilding everything and building what was missing and importantly they in need of necessities like electricity. All those will be covered?

... and the next will be more interesting

If they were to take over Federal Government they expect to:

1. Give Sarawak 20% in oil royalties from Petronas, 15% more that the current 5%.

From overall oil production or only from those extracted from Sarawak? How about other oil companies that have operation in Sarawak?

2. All NCR land will be surveyed and titled (communal and individual) issued and those leases that have been expired will be renewed unconditionally..

3.Serious attention to flood problems

4. Long-term investment in human capital and infrstructure

5. WiFi will be provided free of charge

In rural areas as well? If it does cover rural areas, please provide constant electricity first.  Hope it will not be in urban areas only.

Realistically, most of those above (or maybe all) has never been promised before. I would not say that all of those were way too ambitious, maybe there ways to do it. But we have been "showered" with a lot of promises before and sometimes (or maybe most of the time) promises will become promises and in the end nothing resolved. I think many of us are sick off promises and one statement if they were serious about those things above (and of course if they take over) seriously "Walk The Talk" don't just talk and then go catch mosquitoes.

Anyway, those are all expectations or more like an ambitions though. In reality, there are more critical issues in Sarawak such as environmental and timber industries. So what should they do now? Don't enjoy the winning for too long and don't dream too much for the time being. Looking forward is good but don't neglect what's in front of your eyes. If change that you're talking about, seriously "change" first.

I'm not so much into politics kind of things but if politics can really effecting our life I think I have my right to express anything about it. If you asked me about what's my opinion on today's political scenarios, honestly I'm sick of it all. I do still believe that politic should not involving religions because religions is not for us to championed others. Also political party should not be of a "personal interest". I'm also not supporting any sides but I do hope for better living.

Well, the final question is what do you think?

p/s: This is the first time I heard about awards in political party regarding their performance in their campaign.. Hmmm...

Surfacing.. Pissed off mode!

I'm really pissed off today. I don't mind people judge me minimally (simply because I can't stop them) but I really hate those who feel like they know everything about me and what I do (while they didn't even understand anything) and make wrong judgement of me especially things that I didn't do. No need to do that, judge yourself before you judge others, we all ain't perfect, don't be too quick to jump to conclusion, you might hurt them. Anyway, I don't want to say too much, afraid if I get carried away things will get really "bad". Let one of my favorite songs spit the word out... (trying to be calm)...

Note: This songs contain explicit language and if any of you didn't like it don't ever press the play button, (if you watch it you might say things like "what the hell he said" or "this song hurt my hearing" so don't watch it) do watch Charice video in the previous post instead. Don't get me wrong, this song is only to express my pissed off mood (at least by doing this I will not go on rage) and no intention to reflect it to all of you (accept for those pissed me). Don't hate me for this!

Anyway for those new to this song, this group called Slipknot and this song called Surfacing (released back in 1999).

p/s: Don't judge me because of this song as this is one of my favourites and I growing up hearing it.

Like a Pyramid...

Remember Charice? The one that sang the song "Note to God" in Oprah. Well if you still wonder who this girl is and want to listen to that song, click HERE. Well she have move forward with the recent debut album, the songs called PYRAMID. I guess a lot of you guys have heard this song over the radio or maybe watch it on TV. So for the your pleasure and to kick start your Sunday, watch it here :) enjoyyyyy...

The studio version.

The Official Video.

Meat Grinder.. Thinking about eating mee?

Last week I watched this movie which was I thought another horror movie from Thailand but it doesn't seems to be horror to me though got a "child ghost" but not scary at all. The "scary" part is the fact that those people become cannibal without they themselves know. Don't believe me? Imagine this: you're out looking for something to eat and you craving for soupy mee and you found a small shop with a lot of customers, you asked one customer "what's so good here?" that customer said "the mee is superbly delicious" and you want to try it and so you did. There will be two ending to you, first you'll wake up finding yourself inside a tank with half reddish water and beneath you were a lot of hands, legs and heads, yes human body parts and you scream, then secondly you probably go back home with full stomach and happy with how the mee had taste and recommending it to others. You come back for more and in the end you found out that the meat you eat inside the mee is actually err... can guess? or you found out that you have just joining the cannibal society. Still don't get me? Find the DVD and watch it :p

Well in my honest view, this movie is rather a sadistic and tragic than horror. And not to mention gross and disgusting hehehe. For some people maybe hard to keep the sense of puking down when watching this movie :p But it's a good entertainment when you're sick of watching love movie, comedy or even Justin Bieber's videos myahahaha. A good change of taste in entertaining your eyes and stomach I must say ;p and also got "hot" scene blended with cruel scene too. But actually the story is about a lady having a very sadistic and horrific life experiences which leading her to a mentally ill and psychotic kind of life and doing some disgusting things to live and support her life, it is also about revenge and hatred. I guess that explain a bit about it.

I feel funny writing this post as I wanted to give the views of what actually happen in that movie but to do that it will require an over 100 pages novel hehehe. So I guess this trailer will explain some more.. enjoyyyy...

p/s: For another review of this movie click HERE and you might find a way to get it there :p

Some funny cartoons I came across LOL!!

Does this means "don't sleep with bloggers" wakakaka

Remember people don't do full-time online shopping :p

If your company offer a "paid vacation" do think twice myahahaha

Don't worry this is just mouse's vengeful imagination :p

Now I know why chicken is the most eaten meat in the world hahaha

... and this happened yesterday, I dunno if it's funny or not but I know I didn't laugh seeing this yesterday....

..Enjoy and Cheers..

I'm BALD for Go Bald, yay!!

Sunday 16th May 2010, the Go Bald event finally took place. They've targeted 300 people to be shaved this year and over 400 turn up and get their head shaved. More than targeted, congrats and salute to all Bald-ers. The event was so "happening" and attracting a big crowd and I couldn't believe it myself when I saw so many people have sign up for the balding event. Looking at the number, indeed it is balder than ever :) What amazed me so much is that more than 20 from those who sign up is women/female (if my count is right) and even got one whole family going bald and what could be more meaningful than seeing some kids also get their head shaved. All in all this event is great and a blast! It has really makes me feel proud as a Sarawakian and as an imperfect human  :)

All the big crowds

First line up to get shaved

Big salutes to all younger bald-ers :)

Photo taken by Lz

These two look alike, twins maybe :) anyway both of you are rockzz..

Photo taken by Lz

One of the youngest bald-ers, you rockzz too bro being bold really need to start from the youngest possible :p

Photo taken by Lz

Wonder if I go Bald or not?

Here I am, exclusively exposed hahaha oooppss is this me?
I don't think so, owhh this is my twins la hahaha

Photos taken by Lz

Thanks Go Bald for this nice t-shirts :)

Photo taken by Lz

Sarawak Bloggers rockzzz at Go Bald yeah!!!

Apart from supporting this event, I also get to meet some fellow bloggers like those in the photo above as well as author of cyrildason.com and annna.net and maybe many more but didn't really get to bump into them.

Anyway, for the record, I'm proud to be one of those people who support this event and the best ever reason for me to shave my head :) For whatever it is, this event has been a blast and something that is not only a charity but far more meaningful than that. 

To all those who supports and contribute to this campaign in any and every ways, May God bless us all...

Hope: Neutral News Channels/Slots

Today I was asking myself, Why all news slot in national Tv channels saying all good things about one side only and saying every single little bad things about the opposites? It seems that all those news slots are not balance and fair. I'm not supporting any political sides but overtime I felt they really bias nowadays I'm kind of sick of it all (even make me feel want to throw up). I don't know if those news slot are used by specific political party to campaign and delivering their propaganda but the news are leaning only to one side. If this is keeping on, then our people mind will be affected or already affected in three ways:

1. They will be narrow minded, non-diverse thinking and even "single" minded

2. They will hate the praised side and become extreme against that side. (this could lead to the arising of extremists group)

3. There will exist a group with neutral or confused mind which is one of the reason young voters didn't want to vote.

I really want to know why this is happening and if it's related to the ethical matters, rules and regulations and even laws, might sounds reasonable, because I don't think anybody want to be put their life at "stakes" if saying bad things about the "praised side" if you know what I mean. Or even to get better business, cause if not then money won't came in as the other side has no "stable" income to pay big to the channels to praised them.

Maybe this is to differentiate the "good" side and the bad side and like other imbalance things in this world, the bad side will always become bad and the good will always be better. But we should taking into account on the fact that people's mind can change no matter how deep they're influenced, eventually they will change. I don't think all people can stand when only one side were praised and lifted all the time. Like eating the same things every meal every day, everyone can stand that? Yes, those who gained something from it can stand it all. The worst things can happen is that when people are sick of all that they will switch to the other side. They even can be confused by all that and they might not show it but what if they don't want to vote in elections or even register as voters because they don't know which side to choose.

We all know that the influence of the mass media can be very effective be it negatively or positively. I still strongly believe that, all news slots should be fair in their delivery (though it's hard to talk fairness and justice nowadays), we all know we human never perfect. So I don't think there's only one side that does good and the other side has never done any good (maybe they does not do good but do the good side always perfectly done everything right?)

I didn't mean to condemn anybody but as a normal citizens I have the right to give my thoughts and opinions when I felt confused or in question of something. Most people in our country still can't afford satellite Tv service and definitely they can only watch the national tv channels and this shows that all those channels is the best medium to deliver news and updates. That's why they have to be very fair and balance, maybe the government tv channels have their own objectives in delivering government's updates but the private national tv channels should not tied up to any sides and the best news slots/channels of all is when it is NEUTRAL.

Anyway I know I couldn't asked for more, besides I'm just a small normal citizen. I can only hope that there will be a neutral news slots or channels in our country (though seems like impossible) so that we will have better opportunity to compare and have better judgments on which is good and bad. Cheers and peace...


p/s: correct me if anything I wrote is wrong hehehe

Tasty... but Deadly!!

Again, a colleague sending me an article about health concern. Maybe this issues have been arise before but this will be a reminder for us all. Read on..

 

Tasty but deadly
They come in a tasty blend of sweet, sour and salty. They can also be deadly.
Yes, craving for that piece of dried sour plum can kill you, albeit slowly.
Many types of dried fruits imported from China, Taiwan and other Asian
countries have been found to contain high levels of lead. The Government banned 18 important brands of dried fruits found
to have lead content of between 0.11 and 30.3 parts per million (ppm) or
milligram (mg)/kilogramme (kg).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said only dried fruit products other
than these brands would be allowed to be sold in the country.

"Under Regulation 38 of the Food Regulations 1985, the level of lead accepted
is two parts per million. Action will be taken if the lead content exceeds the
amount," he said.
Those who distribute food products deemed to be harmful to health can be
charged under Section 13(1) of the Food Act 1983. They can also be fined up to
RM100,000 or jailed up to maximum of 10 years or both if found guilty.
Liow said the ministry would ensure that the brands of banned dried fruit do not
enter the country.
Lead is a metal that can be absorbed into the body over time.
Excess consumption, especially by the young, can lead to serious health
problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning
deficiencies.

Lead also poses risks to pregnant women and infants.
Malaysia’s move to bar the 18 brands of dried fruits comes in the wake of last
Friday’s move by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)
advisory against eating dried fruits imported from Asia.
Testing results in Texas found that dried plums and products containing dried
plums contained lead as much as 300 times the acceptable level.
The FDA doe not have lead limits specifically for prunes, but the Centre for
Disease Control and Prevention has advised avoiding consumption of any
amount of lead.
The warning, however, did not apply to prunes from the US.

Dried fruit from east Asia on Level 5 alert

Like the name, suckers huh hehe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How far this things is right? I don't know but I know those things have not much nutrients hehe. Better eat the real fruit though.

To Mom With Love... a son's heart say..

I don't know about other people but for me my mom is the best. Not that she's perfect (she's also a human) but throughout my life she seems to do more sacrifice. As a son I'm the most stubborn, disobedient and many more bad attitude and not to mention the most rebellious in the family. Back when I was a kid my mom was so fierce and most of the time I was beaten and slaps and many more "violence" ways to react to me when I do bad things. I didn't blame her because it's her job as a mom and one thing for sure it didn't leave any scars :p

Throughout my life she's have been very supportive in whatever I do, be it in education or sport (contrary to my dad). And one thing I know she never stops praying for my success in life. The reason why I said she had sacrifice so much is because seems that sometimes or maybe most of the time she's "alone" in doing and handling family matters. Plus ever since I know how to understand things, my mum have been a very very patient and strong person especially dealing with my dad who has hard time to lead the family. One thing for sure that I know she's really a soft person in heart as most of the time she didn't want to hurt anybody though those anybody might have hurt her badly.

My mom has never disappoint me in almost everything, be it when I asked money (during study time hehe) or other things. Accept that, because I spent most of my life growing up far away from home and only be at home for maybe a month or two in a year (totaled up hehehe), I was not really understood by her as she didn't know when I'm mad and still scolded me when I teased my sisters like I'm a little kid. I noticed when I finished my study she still not accepting me as grown up teenager and still treating me like I'm younger but along the way after that she learned that I'm grown up now and she need not to worry too much and gave herself some confident that I carry myself well already.

One thing for sure, my mom is the one person I could never betrayed or hate. She's the best ever and there could never be somebody like her. As today is the mother's day, I would like to say greatest appreciation to my mom and thank you so much. In God's will I will try my best to play my role as a son and may God bless my mom and all moms in the world....

Banana for life!!

A colleague sent me this and I found it's interesting hehehe for being one of those people who love banana, this is a relieve for me ;p

 

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.  He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain..  

Read on: 

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!! 
This is interesting.. 
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again. 

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. 

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. 

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. 

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. 

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. 

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. 

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. 

angovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. 
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. 

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness 

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with       the inside of a banana skin.. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. 

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. 

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. 

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. 

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan. 

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. 

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. 

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! 

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape! 
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!" 

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS 
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe....polish with dry cloth.. Amazing fruit !!! 

Saloi goes to cinema? How?

Saloi the movie, the first ever Dayak Iban movie will make its debut screening schedule at May 8 2010. The news of this movie has been spread since last few month and it seems that the movie is ready for its premier. Since I was a kid, the story of "apai Saloi" has been a popular folklore. If according to what I've heard ever since I "know" apai Saloi, his story is about a clumsy old man who always make mistake in almost everything he do. Most of the time he thinks he was smart but what he did never are and always make things worst. All that make his story so funny.

But as stated by some news and blog, this movie will not pictured the story of apai Saloi but his son (of course) Saloi. I dunno much about this Saloi but some says in this movie he tries to live his life in the city which make him encounter a lot of hardship and cultural shocks. That will make his journey full of funny things I guess and I hope it will.

What I'm hoping for is that this movie will be a great motivation and an inspiration for other movie makers to do many more movies depicting life of Sarawak's people. I still remember while I was still in high school Mr. Os has tried to promote Sarawak movie through few of his VCD movies done wholly in Sarawak starting with a movie called Os anak Tarzan done mostly in Iban language (he really did learned to speak Iban and Sarawak Malays and his accent add to the funny elements :p ) then some more movies done in Sarawak Malays language. But sadly all those movie he done is not screened in the cinema and produce only in VCD.

Anyway, we will just have to wait for that movie to be premiered and we'll see how's the movie goers' reaction and support will be. One thing that I hope for is that, people will come and see this movie and give any feedback so that Sarawak's initiatives to venture into the silver screen world will not be jeopardized and for sure all those feedback if accepted by movie makers as a challenge; will improve our local's movie quality. As for me, I won't expect this movies to be as high standards and won't compared it to the Malaysian movies or international as they say the cost is about RM200k and only took 15 days to wrap up. But I'd rather expecting this movie to be on its own standard with its own uniqueness and identity, the Sarawak identity, Sarawak's uniqueness and goes by the Sarawak style! If this movie is successful, surely we will see more of Sarawak's made movie on the screen in the future. So SUPPORT OUR LOCALS people :p

Here's the trailer of the movie:

More news on this movie HERE and HERE and HERE
Official website www.saloithemovie.com