Paris Half Marathon - 2 Mar 2008

My trip to Paris was magnificent. The city was just so charming and artistic. St Germain at the left bank where I stayed was just fabulous. One got the feel of a quotidian Paris neighborhood, where real Parisians lived in. I must say one thing, even the average Joe or I should say, average Arnaud was better-looking than the average-John you see here in London. Best thing, they were not superficially done-up like those you see in Avenue Des Champs-Elysées.

Here's some views from my hotel room: Sully St Germain at rue de Ecoles.





The night before the race, despite the light drizzling, I roamed around the city with a friend. One of the many shots - outside the Lourve,



Sunday, 2 March 2008 was the race day. I woke up 7.30am and took heaps of isotonic drinks and the high-energy snacks bar that I bought the night before at Au Vieux Camper. I could not believe my luck for at least five of these AVC shops were scattering around my hotel. My immediate supply for sport food.

By 9am, I took the metro from Chatelet on the right bank to the last station: Chateau de Vincennes on the yellow line. It was quite an amazing sight as the metro slowly got packed with runners every station it stopped till the last two stations. It seemed like the whole town was running the race! It is a great spirit to see that these city folks are so involved with such activities.



While walking to the main area to collect my bib ...



After all the struggling through the sea of people to the end of the hall to collect my bib,


these two frail but enthusiastic volunteers behind the counter insisted that I must show them my passport as an identity verification! I was like, GREAT! After all the hassle of coming to Paris and rushing a race, I could forget the one item that could make or break this: my passport! Brilliant, Jacque!! Like a chicken and a duck, we tried to explain to one another. But I was persistent that they gave me the bib in whatever limited French I got: 'we', 'non' and exaggerated body gestures. Finally they gave in and reluctantly passed me the bib, in spite of the clear rule indicated in the official letter (in ENGLISH) I brought with me to show them for collecting the bib! They smiled and waved when I took a picture of them. They must be thinking what a ignorant Chinese girl!



What can I say? I was relieved and elated that I would have my chip for official time recording and of course a running number bib to formalize the race!





A glimpse of the race point: Start and end point



Towards the start point, getting ready for the race ...



I guess maybe I was running late in the morning and had to rush for my bibs. Although I started the race with high spirit, I was not in a great form. I was not sure why or what, maybe I didn't hydrate myself well enough the last few days, maybe I forgot my vitamins throughout this trip, maybe I drank some alcohol during the last two nights, or maybe i was just all alone on this. My mind was playing tricks on me. Just 3 miles (6-7Km) into the race, I was ready to give up. I even talked myself into taking a toilet break at one of the brasserie along the way! It was not necessary at all! Sigh! I pressed on.

At the Km 9 mark, a dear friend, Alex came to support me. He managed to capture some quick glimpses of me near Chatelet (where I caught the train in the morning).





Then a few miles into the race, again I was very close in giving up. This time my ITB hurt a little, but mostly it was the bottom of my right foot that ached the most. Yape, a newfound injury! Irresistably, my mind just used that as an excuse to steal as much short walk as I could. Reason being, "I am in pain." I was indeed, but I knew I could endure that level of pain! Believe me, I has experienced some of it during training runs last week.

Somewhere along the way, my body started to feel weird. I was very uncomfortable with my outfit. I tried to disregard it, thinking this must be one of my mind tricks again. But after some self-motivating talk, it still didn't feel right! I zipped down my UnderArmor top. Suddenly, it felt breezy. My head was not aching as much. Then I took off my cap ... then my gloves. Instantaneously, it couldn't have felt more comfortable. Then it occurred to me that I was hyperthermic ... all this while! Now I understand what it means to be overdressed for a run. I used to tell my fellow runners I am that SE Asian that never get used to the cold. Guess I am no different, as I would still get overheated too.

By then, I was so sure that my time would be off by at least 10-15 mins from usual 10 mins-per-mile. But when I reached the 16 km(= 10miles), I checked my timer for the first time. It was 1:31:00. Ok, I was actually on time. I thought to myself, I might just be able to make it under 1:50:00 if I kept on running for the next 20 mins. And I tried. During the last 15 mins I felt like both my feet was on fire (literally), but it kinda masked the pain I had at the sole too. I ignored the ITB pain near my knee and sprinted on. At the 18-km, I was exhausted, this time, my body was failing me, not my mind. My mind was ready to attempt the sub 1:50. I started to walk, when an old French man (in his sixties) patted me on my lower back and encouraged me in French. I answered with hesitation,"We". Immediately, he replied in English," Throw that bottle and run!" He continued on with French, which con possibly mean pick up your speed, we are nearing the end of the race!

Then I just kept on running, possibly 5 mins per km till the end of race. I was out ... I didn't feel that I could run anymore. Obviously the sight of the medal was just rewarding.





I was disappointed with myself on how I performed at the beginning of the race. I could have done better. If only I stayed more positive, I think I would have made it under 2 hours at least. My official time is 2:00:14. My overall ranking is 12358 out of 18642, while my category (Seniors Femme) ranking is 907 out of 2338.

Guess what? I was so forgetful that I left my medal in the hotel. Hopefully the receptionist would send it to me as he said he would.

I need to train harder if I want to be sub 4:30 for the full marathon in April. It is week 11 btw. This week training is 6 miles on Tues, steady 10 miles on Thurs and slow 18 miles on Sun. Pray for me!

All ready for Paris this Sun.

I am so psych about Paris this Sun. I have booked for the flight two weeks ago and would be traveling with Air France.

My race number is 24480, and the race is starting at 10.00am at Esplanade du Château de Vincennes. It ends there too. The route is pretty ok, not the nicest part of town. I would need to be there early to get my bib. French authorities are more 'kiasu' than the Singaporeans! Before they can give the bib to you, you would need to show them a medical certificate that you would fit enough to run the half, so that you won't sue them if you happen to collapse and die during the race!

Mostlikely I would meet up with Sandra, a friend of a friend from Singapore. Of course as usual I would be doing the tourisy stuff on the remaining of the tiem. It is my first time to Paris! Guess that's why I am so excited about it.

Well, wish me luck!




--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: airfrance-internet-uk@email.airfrance.fr
Date: 15 Feb 2008 15:00
Subject: Your Air France Internet booking confirmation


THANK YOU FOR BOOKING WITH AIR FRANCE!
Please find your flight details below.
If you have booked an electronic ticket, you will receive a separate itinerary e-mail with your electronic ticket number.
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Book your TRAVEL EXTRAS on airfrance.co.uk
For extra savings and no stress make advanced bookings on car rental, hotel, sight-seeing tours & activities and airport car parking. Travel insurance is also available on airfrance.co.uk.
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Trip Plan for:
Kueh Jacqueline

Reservation Number:
Total fare for flight reservations: 111.20 GBP including tax
( total price shown is inclusive of 1 GBP service charge)


Flight reservations:

Flight: AF2671
From: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Departing: 29 February 2008 08:45

To: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Arriving: 29 February 2008 11:00


Status: Confirmed


Flight: AF1670
From: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Departing: 3 March 2008 13:00

To: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Arriving: 3 March 2008 13:15


Status: Confirmed

Down with Sore Throat

I guess last week stress from work and home is taking a toll on my body. To de-stress I ended up training harder in the gym. Hence, the sore throat!! We just got to listen to our body!!

I would take it easy this week and probably just do my Thursday easy run and Sunday long run.

Yesterday run was magnificent by the way! The view is just spectacular, ending at Westminster where Abbey and London Eye is. But as it was sunny, it was packed with tourists. We ended at 12.5-mile mark. Pretty good. Though my ITB was troubling me since mile 4, I kept on. Now I understand the difference between pain and sore, like how the trainers talk about. It hurt a lil, but it was bearable.

We will be doing this route again this week, probably start a few mile before Tower Hill to increase the mileage.

Massive resting this week!

After a long pause ...

Indelible pictures of the baby orang utans in the sylvan settings that Borneo can truly offer has never failed to pull me back to my goal of raising ££. Running on my 2nd year of PhD, the experimental work is demanding a whole lot more time and efforts from me than I thought.

Of course, this volunteering program has still very much in my agenda, but ineffectual attempts to rally fund-raising partners has not been helpful. But I am still trying. I have contacted the next restaurateur: Shiok at Tottemham Court Road, very near my work place. Singapore/Malaysia cuisine spread in their menu looks good and tastes good too!! It is a great setting for buffet and socializing and even a corner jazz jamming (if Grace is still interested!) But Kenny, the manager is slow (or more like never) in getting back to me, after every discussion. So far, we have managed to negotiate the proceed percentage and the menu for the night. Now it is his turn to propose this to the owners. I have to run in a few times just to get a follow-up " I will contact my investors about this idea!" But I will just keep on trying.

Well, not everything is on the gloomy side. Training for the London Marathon is great fun. After Cardiff Half, I continued my training a month later, with a regular weekend run. It got more frequent when I was back home and Singapore during the year-end holiday. I practically run short half hour everyday. Well I was on holiday and there is nothing better to do but to drink and eat, so might as well incorporate some training. Good way to get rid of the overnight calories from the booze.

Since coming back to London at mid Jan and after recovered from my severe flu, I have been training heavily as it leads up the marathon. I basically got my training program from SmartCoach. Essentially, I train on Tues & Thurs (short, tempo or easy or speedwork run) and Sundays are my long runs. This Sun, I would be running 13.1 miles, with Lau. We would be doing the last half of the London Marathon. It is my first time running the route, so I spent this afternoon just planning it out. It is looking great.

Otherwise I ran with Sarah and co on previous sundays. Sarah, Lindsay and co are from All Souls too. Sarah is super enthusiastic about this first London Flora of hers. She would even remember each mile mark on the route that she planned out. Total efficiency! It is really helpful as in long runs it is easy to fall into the mode of aimlessness. Mile marks gives you a sense of accomplishment and an aim going forward. Hope I can do the same for this Sun with Lau.

Unfortunately, I have this injury: ITB syndrome. Iliotibial Band, which surfaced two weeks again. Since then I have seen a physio-therapist that practises chinese medicine (so I did acupunture, though I am not very comfortable with needles), bought a new pairs of trainers and went for a injury clinic to get professional help on preventive measures and strengthening exercises. I have joined the gym, Bannatynes near my work place for cross-training work to reduce impact on my ITB. I can exercise on the cross-trainer machine and best of all, swim!

ITB occurs because of the weak glut (butts) muscle, that causes the ITB to compensate for it. It ends up rubbing against the quads and shin bones.

So what is coming up next? Well my Paris Half Marathon!

I have booked my flight to Paris for this coming 29 Feb to 3 Mar. Might meet up with a friend (Fabian)'s super marathon friend, Sandra. Sandra is aiming for sub three and half for next year marathon! She did her Paris last year at sub 3:45. WoW! Impression ya. But she sounded really nice over the email.

Unfortunately, as usual, Mehri my housemate backed out on me last minute. I was upset as I wouldn't have anyone there to support me at the end of the race. But hey a girl got to do what she got to do!

My hotel: Hotel Sully Saint Germain, Latin Quarter hotel with medieval Parisian theme, is at the great St Germain Well at least the hotel is nice and welcoming, something for me to celebrate with!

Well, do keep on coming back for more postings. I would be more diligent in updating this blog, now that the marathon is nearing.

I have 8 weeks more to go. Wishing me well!

Marathon Training: Signed up for Paris Half Marathon

---- Félicitations ! ---

Vous êtes inscrit(e), au Semi-Marathon de Paris du dimanche 2 mars 2008.

Inscription pour :
Nom : KUEH
Prénom : Jacqueline
Montant : 26.00 Euros
Dossard : 24480

Vous devez maintenant compléter votre inscription en envoyant votre certificat médical (ou copie de licence 2008) à A.S.O. Athlétisme - 2 rue Rouget de Lisle - TSA 61100 - 92137 Issy Les Moulineaux Cedex.
N'oubliez pas de mentionner votre numéro de dossard.

En janvier, vous recevrez votre confirmation d'inscription indiquant la marche à suivre pour récupérer votre dossard, au Parc Floral de Paris.



You are now registered for the Paris Half-Marathon that will take place on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008.

Registration for :
Name : KUEH
First name : Jacqueline
Amount : 26.00 Euros
Bib number : 24480

You have to send your medical certificate to A.S.O. Athlétisme - 2 rue Rouget de Lisle - TSA 61100 - 92137 Issy Les Moulineaux Cedex - France.
Don't forget to mention your bib number on this document.

In January, you will be receiving a registration confirmation with the necessary instructions on how to pick up your bib at the Parc Floral.

Flora London Marathon 2008 Ballot Results

I WON the ballot to run the 2008 Flora London Marathon next coming April 13! It is like winning the lottery, which has never happened in my life until now! First-timer luck, as how Sie Lau put it. Unfortunately, Lau didn't have much luck this time round.

The marathon organizer sent a paper acceptance form to congratulate those who won the ballot. My running number is # 014909.

This means I can raise fund for my own charity! Whatever support that I will be getting for this 42.2km pledge will go directly to this program.

Many of you would have know, for a year now, even though it was a great idea to use my 2007 resolution to run a full marathon as a medium to raise fund for my Sepilok volunteer program, journey has not been smooth or easy. First, I cant accept any corporate sponsorship for my volunteer program, which made it a lot harder to raise money. Then an alternative plan was to get on one of this big marathon race (higher recognition), raise enough for the cheapest charity (still a high £1700) and then subsequent fund would then go to my volunteer program. But most charities would not want me to run for them as they would want all the donations to go to their charities instead of sharing it with my charity.

But now, with this successful ballot entry to London Marathon 2008, all the proceeds can go to my Sepilok program! This translates to a step closer in reaching my £3,000 target (without airfare) and sooner to join the baby orang utans in Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.

I cant be more happy! Elated is the word!

Well, just want to give you guys a head-up to look out for my charity social event(s) or emails leading to this marathon. Do come and support for my cause: Conservation of the Orang Utans in Borneo ya.

Now routine running would have so much more meaning. Wish me luck for my training!

Yet to get all the pictures ...

Unfortunately, my internet at home is down and the camerawomen have been busy travelling. Once my internet is up and Heidi and Novi pass me the photos, I've more photos up. Thanks Bonnie for your share of photos.

Cardiff Marathon - Outstanding performance for Everyone!

... Runners and Supporters! Our 2-hour Saturday morning Hype Park runs for the past few months paid off. Of course not to mention, Lau's superb organizational skills that got all of us down to Cardiff for the weekend retreat before the race.

We have
# Seng and supporter Bonnie
# Lau and Jacque with Eu-Gene as our sneezing and flem-congested supporter... oh still as sweet and sexy (FYI, I am paid to write the latter) as ever! But it's commitment la!
# Rina with her ever beautiful and zealous Novi and Heidi supporting! Of course most importantly, they are the ones with CAMERA!
# Lipeng and supporter Hui Leong aka HL, that feeds with me with all the last-min fast facts about the run and Cardiff!
# Sisse and Kobe, with Sissie's family that resides in Cardiff supporting

But most importantly, to Nicola, Lau's cardiff mate, that put us up at her newly renovated apartment on Saturday night! Nicola, you are such a darling! *Pple, her place is gorgeous and not too mentioned, immaculate and comfy!*

(pictures are coming soon!)

Here's the official time for all the runners (with a new additional: Seng, Eu-Gene's cousin, Bonnie's other half! ;) ). Time is by RaceAhead.net.

At a glimpse,

Seng 1:47:10
Lau 1:49:45
Jacque 2:01:17
Rina 2:15:17
Kobe 2:34:52
Lipeng 2:35:44
Sissie 2:56:20

It was a great morning to run. Temperature ranged 10 C - 12 C with slight breezy, well afterall we were in much smaller island by the coastline of Wales. Ground was damped from the drizzling the night before. Of course the night before, all of us went to the highly recommended Woods Bar and Brasserie for our pre-run (but really it was actually the pre-opera menu, which some of us just went after dinner and totally fall in love with it, right Heidi?) celebration. For the rest of us did the less cultured like England v France Semi-Final Rugby World Cup after dinner! All I can say, France should have won!

Sorry side-tracked! Back to the morning. Cant be better, well only with both Rina and I safety-pinless and my hamstring aching to a irritating level that you just cant ignore and Lau's verrucas. It was no time to pull out now, both Lau and I (independantly) think. We have to do it!! And we did it anyway.

The route stretched from the city central to the bay area, back to the city central, passing many historical landmarks and modern architectual buildings, as significant to the developing Cardiff. The last stretch included running by the Bute park and of course the ever so magnificent Cardiff castle where we finished!

Lau thought he would have clocked a better time, if it was not for the inflammation. For me, it was the cobblestones towards the finishing line that caused so much imbalance and discomfort that it slowed me down by 1 min and 17 secs. Seng concurred with me. For Rina, it was predominantly thanks and (no-thanks) to the BO of the surrounding runners that pushed her to finish the race in her record time! *Please take all this para with a pinch of salt ya* Still to my opinion, it was easy breezy for Rina, like it was any of our Saturday morning run! I was limping with massive muscle tightening and aching after the run and so was Lau. She was the one gracefully hopping with joy that she finished in the awe-struck timing!

Unfortunately, we was not able to wait till all the runners finished as we only had two hours to go back to Nicola to change and lunch before we raced off for our bus back to London.

It was a awesome outing and accomplishment! Thanks to all that organized and went. I sure enjoyed myself!

At the starting line

Next race: London Marathon 2008, the ballot results would be out by end of this month!

Pledge for Cardiff Half Marathon

Runners for the marathon:
Lau, Sissie and Kobe, Rina, Lipeng and Ulugange

Total Mileage:
(21.1 km X 6) 126.6 km

Donors to date:
Allyssia Yeung - £20 for 10 km
N - £25 for 10km
Tien Truong - £50 for 20km
Mabel Chan - £30 for 10km
Dex Khor - £11 for Ulugange's mileage: 21.1km

(Remaining mileage: 55.5 km)

Pictures from Jungle Jam II

Finally, here'r the pictures from our Jungle Jam 2 in Melaka on August 31, 2007. All the photos were creatively captured and everyone couldn't have looked any better! This short photo video indeed enthralled the jazzy moody and the chill-out atmosphere of the night!

Here it goes ...



Of course the key people that made this event happened:

Sie Lau, organizer/fund-raiser



Grace, jazz guru



Gary, that played the bongos, djembe AND guitar!



Adam, the pianist and Melaka's chief cook



Shan, that owns Melaka!



...together with Andre Walker



I would like to send my personal thanks to all of these people: Big sweet smile! Ulu Gange (organizer/fund-raiser/social butterfly)



Of course there is a monumental picture of all ...


Andre, Ulu Gange, Phil Briscoe (Councillor) and Grace Dee.

Hopefully this picture would bring in more donation once it is published in the local paper in Blackwall & Cubitt Town (near the docklands) where Phil represents.

Pledge for Cardiff Half Marathon

Beside social events, currently I am also raising money for my Sepilok Orang Utan volunteering program through our team of runners, running in Cardiff Half Marathon on 14 October 2007. Donors can pledge his/her donation on the certain mileages out of the total mileage (going to be) attempted (by all the runners) on this marathon.

Runners for the marathon:
Lau, Sissie and Kobe, Rina, Arvind, Lipeng and Ulugange

Total Mileage:
(21.1 km X 7) 147.7 km

Donors:
Allyssia - £20 for 5 km (Remaining mileage: 142.7 km)
.
.
.
.

If you are interested or anyone that you think might be interested in donating for this cause, please feel free to drop me an email at ulugange@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to meet up to explain in details on how it works.

What a blast on Friday at Melaka ... again!

Just wanna thank all that show up at Melaka on this past Friday! For the Jungle jam veterans, a zillion thanks for bringing your friends to the event. For those that I met for the first time, it is great to have met you on Friday. I cant be more grateful for all the generous contribution! The event won't have been a success without the presence and support of these wonderful people!

Turnout was great as there was plenty of new faces, not forgetting the faithful supporters! The buffet spread was splendid, service was efficient and tip-toped! Most importantly jazz was incomparable! Awesome can only modest word to describe it! Despite a cold and mild fever, Grace was still able to pull it off without a hint of huskiness. Gerry and Adam was smooth with the instruments, as if they were born with it!

As usual, Lau was our cameraman, busily taking pictures of all our guests that night. All the pictures are posted up on Facebook. But I would be posting some here in the next couple of days.

But the culmination of the event is when Andre introduced me to the Councillor Phil Briscoe to gain support from the local council on this event, in term of publicity and hopefully donations! We even took a picture! (I'll post it up soon!)

It was a exhilarating feeling, organizing such event. I really enjoyed mingling and socializing with the guests, advocating about Orang Utan conservation. It is rewarding too, when I get feedback from many that think greatly of such conservation. It only inspires me to be more zealous about my future fund-raising effort!

Tonite at Melaka!

Yet again, our social event for raising fund for the Sepilok Orang Utan is on again and it would be on Malaysian National Day! This coming Sunday! I know all of you cant wait for another installation of this event! So Lau, Grace and I have pulled force together and here we are!

This time the jazz band is gonna be fluidy ... brillant and most importantly soulful!

So do come on down and join for a night of indulgence in Malaysian cuisine, culture and most importantly 'saving' one of the most beautiful creation that nature can offer us: Orang Utan!*

*Whatever you spend that night on food and drinks that night will contribute to the fund-raising.


So don't wait you can RSVP with me at jacqueline.kueh@gmail.com or look us up in FAcebook: Jungle Jam Part 2 Melaka 31 August 2007 9pm

Details below:

Date: Friday 31 August 2007

Venue: Melaka, 27 Ropemaker's Field, London, E14 8BXMap

Tel: 020 7536 9256 (restaurant)
0783 656 0998

Nearest station: WestFerry DLR

Time: 9pm till late

Food: Malaysian/Indonesia buffet and drinks

Email your guestlist to: jacqueline.kueh@gmail.com

See you all that night,
Ulu gange

Runners for Cardiff Half Marathon - One and only - Sie Lau!

Sie Lau

*Lau, Arvind and Ulu gange

This is my fifth half marathon in Cardiff. I aim to complete the race in a better time than my personal best of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It’s also great to see some other coming along too this year. I am confident the team will collectively raise significant sum for Jacqueline’s Sepilok Orang Utan Volunteering Program. So dig deep and sponsor us.

SIE LAU

Runners for Cardiff Half Marathon - Rina , Arvind & LiPeng

Rina Ng


Rina and her dearest supporters: (left to right) Heidi, Novi and Rina.

Run the race with Endurance
Finally decided to sign up for the half marathon in Cardiff. Feeling a bit uneasy at the beginning, Had a blackout during the training and taken by the Ambulance…oh well, that was once upon a time and Now…. Felt so much better and fully committed to complete the race with Endurance. Will be huffing and puffing all the way to the finish line. Peace Out!

RINA


ARvind Kannan


*Arvind is the one in purple in the picture.

This is my first half marathon effort in the U.K but I feel energized by my super enthusiastic team mates. If the wind and the weather favor me,I shall complete my run in record time. Although completing this would be a challenge in itself, it feels good that there is a cause behind it. Say a little prayer for me :)

-A-

Lipeng Law

Joined the race so I did not have to join a gym...This is my first run in Europe so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll keep running!

LIPENG

Runners for Cardiff Half Marathon - Sisse & Kobe

Sissie & Kobe Chan


It’s been a year since we got married & we thought we’d set ourselves a challenge by doing the half marathon in Cardiff!! We’re not really the sporty type – but we will do our best to try and finish it!! It’ll really be a big achievement for us both!!

SISSE & KOBE

“Go Go Go… run, run, run… must persevere!”
“I can do everything through Him
who gives me strength!”
Philippians 4:13

News: Sepilok as Top Rainforest Centre

The Star - Nation News
Thursday August 9, 2007

Sepilok set to become top rainforest centre

KOTA KINABALU: Sepilok, known worldwide as a premier orang utan conservation area, will consolidate its place in the world map once Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opens the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to open the centre, some 30km from Sabah's coastal town of Sandakan, on the first day of his two-day visit to the state from tomorrow.

Located within the 4,500ha Sepilok-Kabili forest reserve, the RM6.7mil centre would, among others, enable visitors to experience a walk within a rainforest and its canopy.

Its director, Datuk Sam Mannan, said the centre demonstrated the importance of the department’s efforts in managing forests for society's benefits.

“It also showcases the department’s continued relevance despite declining timber production from natural forests,” he said yesterday.

Mannan said visitors to the centre would experience the diversity of plants in the rainforest through its Discovery Garden.

He said those arriving at the centre would go through the visitor building which will house an exhibition focusing on forest biology interpretation and biodiversity.

Jungle Jam Part 2 Melaka - Malaysia National Day

Jungle Jam Part 2 Melaka 31 August 2007 9pm

Do visit the Facebook event link.

This is yet again our 2nd event for raising fund for the orang utan in Sepilok, basically sponsoring me to go to Sepilok to volunteer for 2 months, where 85% of the ££ donated is for the maintenance of the husbandry and adoption of 2 baby orang utans.

It would be something similar than before, but we would be doing it in conjunction with Malaysian National Day.

Petronas is legendary for its heart-warming and poignant national (merdeka0 advertisement. My personal favorite is this


This year, I think Petronas comes out with a voting poll to elect the favorite among all.

Here they are.

Advertisment 1: It's my fav from above
Advertisment 2: Forward Looking

Advertisement 3: Wasp stinging experience & Circumcision!! hehehe ok ok ... Value of Friendship


Advertisement 4:See the world through our Youth


Advertisement 5: A variant of the 4th Advertisement


Advertisement 6: Our Identity


Advertisement 7: Can what today's work be the foundation of our future plan?

This is why Orang Utans is worth saving from extinction!

Orang-utan communication is like charades

* 00:01 02 August 2007
* NewScientist.com news service
* Rowan Hooper

Gina gestured for the banana. When Erica offered her a stick of celery instead, single mother Gina, 42, impatiently gestured again. When Erica held up the banana, Gina clapped. She's better behaved than Theodora, a feisty teenager who throws sand when she is misunderstood.

Gina and Theodora are orang-utans, two of six females that have now been found to communicate with gestures in the same way as people do when playing the game charades. Erica Cartmill and Richard Byrne at the University of St Andrews, UK, presented the apes with one tasty and one not-so-tasty food item that could only be reached with human help.

As in charades, when the orang-utans' signals were completely misunderstood, they broadened the range of signals used and avoided the one that had "failed". When they were partially understood – when they were offered celery instead of a banana, for example – they narrowed down the range of signals used and repeated them.
Subtle distinctions

"The different communication strategies employed by the orang-utans in our study demonstrated that our subjects were acting on the mental state of the experimenter," says Cartmill, who designed the experiment to study whether the animals could modify their communication when misunderstood.

The animals showed that they went beyond a "he understands me" versus a "he doesn't understand me" dichotomy, to include more subtle distinctions in knowledge states.

In terms of a theory of mind – the ability to attribute different mental states to others – it's similar to what you would see in young humans, Cartmill says. "Young children do use both persistence and elaboration when they are misunderstood, but may employ slightly different strategies."

The charades strategy used by the orang-utans is a powerful way of selecting effective signals and getting at a specific meaning she says.

Sequences of charade-like behaviour have so far only been observed in zoos, but Cartmill says she expects wild orang-utans to possess the same communication abilities.

"A system for achieving common understanding more quickly by adjusting your communication to how well your recipient understands you would be particularly useful in a semi-solitary species," she says

Cartmill and Byrne tested an adult male, but he was not responsive. Orang-utans have the greatest sex differences of all the apes, so it may not be surprising to see differences in communication behaviour between them, says Cartmill.

Journal reference: Current Biology (DOI: 10.1016/jcub.2007.06.069).

Entry For Flora London Marathon Ballot 2008

I have signed today for the balloting exercise for London Marathon 2008. So has Lau.

Fingers crossed that we will get it, so that we can raise fund for the Sepilok Orang Utan.



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Flora London Marathon
Date: 05-Aug-2007 22:35
Subject: Entry into the Flora London Marathon 2008
To:

Dear Ulu Gange,
Thank you for registering to enter the Flora London Marathon 2008 ballot.
Please come back on Friday 30th November to see if you were successful in the online ballot.
If you need to contact the organisers please quote the reference number 109745 and call 0207 90 20 200

Please do not enter via the postal system as this will cause your entry to be made void

Have you considered running for charity? Why not run for one of the charities listed on our site?

Don't forget you can start your training now. If you need any help, why not click here for your training guide.
http://london-marathon.co.uk/site/?pageID=2&article=148

Thank you.

Regards,
The Flora London Marathon 2008 Team.