10 taufan paling ganas dalam sejarah dunia

10. Taufan Vera (1959) -190 mph (305 km/h)

Taufan Vera (Taufan Isewan) yang melanda Jepun pada 20 September dan berlangsung selama sembilan hari telah membantut pertumbuhan ekonomi Jepun yang ketika itu masih dalam pemulihan selepas perang dunia kedua. Kerosakan ini dianggarkan bernilai AS$600 juta dan membunuh 5,098 orang. Ketika inilah sistem bantuan dan pengurusan bencana Jepun mula ditubuhkan.

9. Taufan Allen (1980) -305 km/h

Taufan Allen yang melanda Caribbean, timur dan utara Mexico, dan selatan Texas pada Ogos 1980
telah menyebabkan kerosakan bernilai AS$3.6 bilion dan mengorbankan seramai 290 orang. Taufan ini berlangsung selama 11 hari dan membawa angin kencang sehingga 190 mph (305 km/h). Allen juga menghasilkan beberapa tornado dan ombak setingga 12 kaki di sepanjang pantai Texas.

8. Taufan Tip (1979) -305 km/h (190 mph)

Taufan Tip, dikenali di Filipina sebagai Taufan Warling, terbentuk ketika musim monsun pada 4 Oktober berhampiran Pohnpei dan membawa angin maximum 305 km/h (190 mph) selepas melalui Guam. Tip, yang mampu bertahan selama 20 hari, menjejaskan beberapa kawasan termasuk di Filipina, Korea, Jepun, China, Russia dan Alaska. Ia menyebabkan 13 terbunuh dan mencederakan 68 anggota marin di kem Fiji di Jepun manakala di tempat lain 42 kematian akibat banjir dan 44 terbunuh atau hilang disebabkan kapal karam. Jumlah kerugian akibat taufan ini dianggarkan sebanyak berjuta-juta dolar.

7. Taufan Joan (1959) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Joan pada mulanya dikelaskan sebagai ribut tropika apabila terbentuk di Pasifik Barat pada 25 Ogos sebelum membawa angin kencang sehingga 314 km/h (195 mph) pada 29hb ketika menghampiri Taiwan. Joan menyebabkan banjir besar dan membunuh kira-kira 11 orang serta menimbulkan kerugian sebanyak AS$3 juta dalam sektor pertanian. Kerosakan harta benda juga teruk, dengan 3,308 rumah dimusnahkan dan di China sekurang-kurangnya 3 orang terbunuh dan 57 cedera. Taufan ini bertahan selama enam hari.

6. Taufan Kit (Emang) (1966) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Kit mula terbentuk pada 20 Jun berhampiran Negeri Chuuk di Micronesia dan berakhir pada 29 Jun selepas membadai Jepun. Kit (Emang) mencetuskan kejadian tanah runtuh dan banjir yang buruk. Sebanyak 433 daripada kira-kira 128,000 rumah yang terjejas telah musnah dan sekurang-kurangnya 64 orang terbunuh manalaka 19 disenaraikan hilang.

5. Taufan Meranti (2016) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Meranti, dikenali di Filipina sebagai Taufan Ferdie, telah membadai tiga negara iaitu Filipina, Taiwan dan China. Meranti mula terbentuk pada 8 September di pulau Guam dan bertahan selama sembilan hari. Pada 13 September taufan ini mencapai angin maximum selaju 195 mph (315 km/h) dan mengundang kerugian sebanyak AS$4.8 bilion serta mengorbankan sekurang-kurangnya 47 orang.

4. Taufan Ida (1958) -325 km/h (200 mph)

Taufan Ida, juga dikenali sebagai Taufan Kanogawa, terbentuk di Pacifik Barat berhampiran Guam pada 20 September dan berlangsung selama 10 hari. Ia membawa hujan lebat di selatan Jepun sehingga menyebabkan 1,900 kejadian tanah runtuh. Kerugian dianggarkan sebanyak AS$50 juta dan kematian sekurang-kurangnya 1,269 orang. Ida mencapai angin maximum 325 km/h (200 mph).

3. Taufan Violet (1961) -335 km/h (205 mph)

Pembentukan taufan Violet pada mulanya dikesan di barat daya pulau Marcus di Pasifik pada 2 Oktober. Lima hari kemudian Violet mencapai kelajuan maximum sehingga 205 mph (335 km/h) ketika bergerak ke arah Jepun dan bertahan selama 8 hari. Bagaimanapun kerosakan dan kematian akibat taufan ini masih tidak jelas.


2. Taufan Patricia (2015) -345 km/h

Taufan Patricia pada mulanya terbentuk berhampiran Teluk Tehuantepec, selatan Mexico, pada 20 Oktober 2015 sebelum mencapai angin selaju 345 k/mh (215 mph). Taufan ini menyebabkan kerugian sebanyak AS$450 juta tetapi hanya mengorbankan 6-8 orang sahaja. Patricia berakhir selepas empat hari membadai.

1. Taufan Nancy (1961) -345 km/h

Taufan Nancy adalah siklon tropika paling kuat yang pernah dicatatkan di dunia. Ia menyebabkan kerosakan bernilai AS$500 juta dan membunuh sekurang-kurangnya 191 serta mencederakan beribu-ribu orang di Jepun pada September 1961. Nancy bertahan selama 15 hari dan membawa angin maximum 215 mph (345 km/h).

Ketua dadah Mexico 'El Chapo' disumbat semula ke dalam penjara

Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, ketua dadah Mexico yang melepaskan diri pada 11 Julai 2015 ditangkap semula dan dimasukkan ke penjara keselamatan maksimum selepas satu operasi ketenteraan pada awal Jumaat bersamaan dengan 8 Januari 2016.

Guzman yang ditangkap di bandar Los Mochis dekat pantai, tidak jauh dari negeri asalnya di Sinaloa, susulan serbuan marin yang turut mengorbankan lapan suspek geng.

“Guzman Loera akan dibawa kembali ke penjara Altiplano yang terletak 90 kilometer (55 batu) ke barat ibu negara Mexico,” kata Ketua Peguam Arely Gomez memberitahu pemberita sebelum Guzman dibawa menaiki helikopter bersama ketua pengawal keselamatannya yang diberkas bersama dalam operasi itu.

Pada 11 Julai, 17 bulan selepas penjara keselamatan maksimum, Guzman melepaskan diri melalui lubang dalam bilik mandinya, menggunakan motosikal yang diletakkan di landasan dan bergerak sejauh 1.5 kilometer melalui terowong itu secara bebas.

Pendedahan terperinci mengenai siasatan berbulan-bulan lamanya yang menjurus kepada penahanan Guzman, mendedahkan dia juga pernah menghubungi penerbit dengan harapan mahu membuat filem biografi dirinya, dan mengelak penangkapan pada Oktober apabila marin memutuskan tidak melepaskan tembakan kerana dia melarikan diri bersama seorang perempuan.

Pemburuan yang berakhir di sebuah rumah di Los Mochis, yang pihak berkuasa pantau pada bulan Disember, kata Gomez. Pergerakan yang luar biasa berjaya dikesan, mengesahkan bahawa Guzman berada di sana.

Marin disambut dengan tembakan apabila mereka memasuki dalam tempat itu menyebabkan lima suspek mati dan seorang tentera cedera.

Guzman dan ketua keselamatannya, sementara itu, melarikan diri melalui sistem perparitan di bandar ini, tetapi marin menjangkakan langkah itu, kata Gomez. (Guzman menggunakan taktik melarikan diri yang sama di bandar berhampiran di Culiacan pada tahun 2014).

Kedua-duanya keluar dari lurang dan mencuri kereta, tetapi mereka telah ditangkap di jalan dan dibawa ke sebuah motel, kata Gomez. Enam lagi ditahan dalam operasi itu.

Penangkapan Guzman, 58, akan menjadi kelegaan untuk Presiden Enrique Pena Nieto, yang pentadbiran beliau mendapat tamparan apabila Guzman meloloskan diri daripada sebuah penjara keselamatan maksimum pada 11 Julai.

“Misi dicapai: Kami mendapat dia,” Pena Nieto menulis dalam Twitter.

Gambar yang diedarkan di media Mexico menunjukkan dia dengan kesan kotor di baju tanpa lengan, digari dan duduk di atas katil.

Satu lagi gambar menunjukkan dia di tempat duduk belakang kereta memegang dagunya dengan satu tangan sambil duduk bersebelahan dengan seorang lelaki berbaju.

Peguam Negara AS, Loretta Lynch memuji penangkapan itu sebagai "tamparan" kepada kartel dadah Sinaloa, dan berkata bahawa dia kini perlu menjawab bagi jenayah yang didakwa beliau, yang telah menyebabkan keganasan yang ketara, penderitaan dan rasuah di pelbagai benua.

Soalan kini beralih kepada sama ada Mexico akan mengekstradisi Guzman ke Amerika Syarikat selepas menimbulkan idea itu sebelumnya.

Pejabat Peguam Negara Mexico ini memperoleh waran ekstradisi pada bulan September, tetapi peguam Guzman memenangi injunksi yang boleh melambatkan proses.

“Persoalan besar bukannya sama Guzman akan diekstradisi tetapi bila,” kata Alejandro Hope, seorang pakar keselamatan dan bekas pegawai perisikan Mexico. “Saya tidak fikir bahawa kerajaan Mexico mahu menghadapi risiko kejadian melarikan diri dari yang lain.”

Lebih daripada sedozen penjara dan pegawai-pegawai polis persekutuan telah ditangkap atas tuduhan membantu Guzman melarikan diri, bersama-sama dengan beberapa rakan-tuan dadah yang bekerja dari luar untuk membina terowong.

Peristiwa penting hubungan Taiwan-China sejak tahun 1949

Para pemimpin Taiwan dan China bertemu Sabtu (07/11/15) buat kali pertama sejak kedua-dua pihak putus hubungan pada tahun 1949 selepas perang saudara.

Berikut adalah kronologi tarikh penting dalam hubungan mereka:

Tahun 1949: Komunis Moa Zedong mengambil alih kuasa di Beijing selepas mengalahkan nasionalis Chiang Kai-shek Kuomintang (KMT), yang melarikan diri ke Taiwan dan menubuhkan kerajaan mereka sendiri, sehingga putus hubungan dengan tanah besar China.

1950-an: Amerika Syarikat menghantar sebuah armada di Selat Taiwan untuk melindungi sekutunya dari serangan mungkin dengan Komunis China. Perang dapat dielakkan beberapa kali.

1971: Beijing mengambil alih kerusi China di Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu, yang sebelum ini dipegang oleh Taipei.

1979: Amerika Syarikat menubuhkan hubungan diplomatik dengan China tetapi juga bertekad untuk mempertahankan Taiwan.

1987: Penduduk Taiwan dibenarkan untuk melawat China, yang membawa peningkatan dalam perdagangan.

1991: Taiwan mengangkat perintah darurat, secara sepihak menamatkan perang dengan China.

1993: Rundingan langsung kali pertama antara kedua-dua pihak diadakan di Singapura.

1995: Beijing menggantung rundingan peringkat tinggi kerana membantah lawatan presiden Taiwan Lee Teng-hui ke Amerika Syarikat.

1996: China menguji peluru berpandu ke Taiwan untuk menghalang pengundian pertama dalam pilihan raya presiden secara demokrasi di pulau itu, yang membuahkan kemenangan besar kepada Lee Teng-hui.

2000: KMT kehilangan kuasa buat kali pertama dalam pilihan raya yang dimenangi oleh Chen Shui-bian dari Parti Demokratik Progresif yang pro-kemerdekaan.

2001-05: Hubungan perdagangan antara Taiwan dan China bertambah baik, pertama melalui laut dan kemudian melalui udara.

2004: Chen dipilih semula sebagai presiden.

2005: Beijing menerima pakai undang-undang yang menjadikan pemisahan oleh Taiwan tidak sah, di bawah risiko tindakan ketenteraan.

2008: Taiwan dan China meneruskan rundingan peringkat tinggi, digantungkan sejak 1995, selepas

pemimpin KMT, Ma Ying-jeou dipilih sebagai presiden pada satu majlis mesra Beijing.

2010: Taipei dan Beijing menandatangani satu Perjanjian Rangka Kerja Kerjasama Ekonomi, dokumen yang penting antara kedua-kedua belah pihak.

2014: Beijing dan Taipei mengadakan perbincangan pertama kerajaan dengan kerajaan sejak mereka putus hubungan pada tahun 1949.

‘El Chapo’ lari penjara menerusi terowong bawah tanah

Ketua dadah Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman hilang dalam penjara didapati melarikan diri menerusi terowong bawah tanah di bawah ruang tempat mandi dalam selnya telah memaksa pasukan keselamatan Mexico melancarkan pemburuan besar-besaran.

Gerakan memburu besar-besaran itu dilancarkan selepas Guzman dikesan hilang pada malam 11 Julai 2015 dari penjara keselamatan maksimum yang terletak 90 kilometer ke barat Bandar Mexico, juga usaha melarikan diri Guzman yang kedua dalam 14 tahun.

Pendakwa raya telah menyoal siasat 30 kakitangan penjara termasuk warden hinggalah kakitangan biasa, kata pejabat pendakwa raya sambil mengesyaki ia kemungkinan kerja ‘orang dalam’.

Ketua kartel dadah Sinaloa itu yang ada pengaruh sehingga global, dipenjara selama 17 bulan selepas ditangkap semula pada Februari 2014.

Selepas Guzman hilang dari dikesan kamera keselamatan, pengawal penjara menemui satu lubang dengan kedalaman 10 meter (33 kaki) di bawah ruang tempat mandi dengan satu tangga, kata Suruhanjaya Keselamatan Nasional Monte Alejandro Rubido.

Ia menuju ke terowong sepanjang 1.5 kilometer dengan sistem ventilasi dan ruang pencahayaan yang dilihat dikorek dengan bantuan kelengkapan dan perkasan pengangkutan untuk menggali lubang itu.

Terowong setinggi 1.7 meter dan 80 sentimeter lebar, memuncak di dalam sebuah bangunan bata kelabu di atas bukit yang dikelilingi oleh padang rumput di tengah negeri Mexico.

Pejabat pendakwa raya menerbitkan satu video memaparkan lubang berkenaan di dalam sebuah rumah atas lantai yang ditutup. Satu katil dan dapur wujud dalam bangunan itu yang menunjukkan ada yang pernah tinggal di dalamnya.

Ketika penyiasat cuba merungkai lebih mendalam mengenai cara Guzman melarikan diri, polis dan tentera juga melakukan pemeriksaan ke atas kereta dan trak di jalan raya sekitarnya.

“Jika dia tidak ditangkap dalam tempoh 48 jam, Guzman akan mengawal semula kartel Sinaloa,” kata Mike Vigil, seorang pesara dari DEA (Penguatkuasaan Dadah Amerika Syarikat) yang pernah memimpin operasi antarabangsa.

“Jika dia dapat kembali ke Sinaloa, iaitu negeri tempat asalnya dan berjaya melalui kawasan pergunungan di sana, memang sukar menangkapnya semula kerana dia mendapat perlindungan dari penduduk kampung setempat.”

Beberapa negeri termasuk Sinaloa mula melakukan pemeriksaan jalan raya. Negeri Puebla berkata pihak berkuasanya menggunakan teknologi X-ray di pondok tol untuk memantau kenderaan lalu lalang.

Tentera di Guatelama telah melancar operasi khas di sempadan dengan Mexico. Ia negara tempat Guzman ditangkap pada 1993.

Cubaan Guzman melepaskan diri pertama kali pada 2001 semasa memintas anggota keselamatan dengan bersembunyi di tempat penghantaran pakaian di negeri barat di Jalisco.

Marin bagaimanapun menangkap semula Guzman pada Februari 2014 dalam serbuan subuh di sebuah kondo di Mazatlan, sebuah resort Pasifik di Sinaloa, dengan bantuan DEA.

Dia sejak itu dipenjara di Altiplano yang turut memenjara beberapa individu yang terkenal dengan dadah ditangkap semasa pentadbiran Presiden Enrique Pena Nieto.

- Dibantu dari dalam? -

“El Chapo pastinya merancang perkara itu semasa dalam penjara dan ada sokongan besar luar dan dalam untuk melarikan diri,” kata Raul Benitez Manaut, seorang pakar keselamatan dari Universiti Autonomi Nasional Mexico.

“Pastinya wujud penyelewengan di dalam dan luar penjara,” katanya.

Pihak berkuasa sudah menyiasat mengenai satu lawatan ‘luar biasa’ ke atas Guzman pada Mac apabila seorang wanita berjaya menemuinya menggunakan identiti palsu untuk memasuki penjara.

Usaha melarikan diri itu dianggap cabaran kepada Pena Nieto yang membayangi lawatannya ke Perancis.

Kerajaan pimpinan Pena Nieto yang mendapat pujian kerana menangkap individu penting kartel-kartel dadah termasuk Guzman yang disifatkan antara yang paling berpengaruh ditangkap dan mendapat jolokan nama ‘El Chapo’ yang bermaksud ‘Si Pendek’.

Ketua Pendakwa Raya AS Loretta Lynch berkongsi kebimbangan dengan tindakan Guzman melarikan diri
dan menawarkan bantuan untuk menangkapnya semula.

- Tawaran lumayan -

Amerika Syarikat pernah menawarkan ganjaran sebanyak AS$5 juta (RM18.94 juta) sebelum penahannya pada 2014, sementara Chicago, sebuah destinasi popular bagi narkotik Sinaloa, mengisytiharkan dia “Musuh Awam Nombor Satu”.

Dia juga pernah tersenarai dalam senarai bilionair majalah Forbes – telah berkahwin dengan ratu cantik berusia 18 tahun iaitu Emma Coronel pada 2007 dan dipercayai memiliki 10 cahaya mata dengan beberapa wanita.

Pembunuhan beramai-ramai Srebrenica: Tokoh utama didakwa jenayah perang

Lebih daripada satu dekad, Tribunal Jenayah Antarabangsa bagi bekas Yugoslavia telah mendakwa 20 suspek yang melakukan jenayah pada bulan Julai 1995 di Srebrenica. Semua telah ditangkap dan dibawa ke The Hague.

Semua mereka, 14 telah didapati bersalah, satu dibebaskan, dan tiga masih dalam perbicaraan (sehingga artikel ini ditulis).

Hampir 8,000 lelaki dewasa dan kanak-kanak Islam dibunuh selepas wilayah timur Bosnia telah ditakluki oleh tentera Serb Bosnia pada pertengahan bulan Julai 1995.

Mayat-mayat mangsa dibuang ke dalam sebuah kubur besar dalam pembunuhan beramai-ramai di Eropah yang paling teruk sejak Perang Dunia ll. Ia juga merupakan salah satu kekejaman tiga tahun perang saudara Bosnia, hingga mengorbankan 100,000 nyawa dan memindahkan 2.2 juta orang.

Antara tokoh utama telah dihukum:

- Zdravko Tolimir -

Dianggap sebagai orang kanan komander pasukan Serb Bosnia Ratko Mladic, Tolimir telah dihukum penjara seumur hidup pada April 2015. Bekas ketua perisikan dan keselamatan itu telah didapati bersalah atas pembunuhan beramai-ramai dan jenayah lain.

- Radislav Krstic -

Jeneral Serb Bosnia mengetuai serangan terhadap Srebrenica dan merupakan suspek pertama yang disabitkan atas penghapusan bangsa. Dihukum 35 tahun penjara, kesnya telah diangkat selepas rayuan pada bulan April 2004.

- Popovic dan lain-lain -

ICTY pada bulan Januari 2015 telah mengesahkan dua orang dihukum mati iaitu Vujadin Popovic dan Ljubisa Beara, dua pegawai kanan dalam tentera Serb Bosnia disabit melakukan pembunuhan beramai-ramai. Empat yang lain dijatuhi hukuman penjara 13 dan 35 tahun. Tertuduh yang ketujuh, Milan Gvero, kemudiannya meninggal dunia selepas disabitkan.

- Vidoje Blagojevic dan Dragan Jokic -

Seorang pegawai kanan dalam tentera Serb Bosnia, Blagojevic dijatuhi hukuman penjara 15 tahun dan Jokic menerima hukuman penjara sembilan tahun kerana jenayah perang dan jenayah terhadap kemanusiaan.

Perbicaraan masih dijalankan:

Perbicaraan mengenai pembunuhan, jenayah perang dan jenayah terhadap kemanusiaan dilakukan pemimpin Serb Bosnia Radovan Karadzic dan panglima tentera Ratko Mladic, yang mengarah tentera Serb Bosnia di Srebrenica, kini masih dibicara di ICTY.

- Radovan Karadzic -

Menghadapi 11 tuduhan, termasuk salah satu penghapusan bangsa Srebrenica, Karadzic gagal membuat rayuan dalam kes itu jadi satu pengakuan tidak bersalah dibuat bagi pihaknya. Menutup hujah dalam kes tersebut pada bulan Oktober 2014, satu penghakiman dijangka pada bulan Disember tahun ini (2015).

- Ratko Mladic -

Pembela Mladic telah berusaha sejak Mei tahun lalu, tetapi pihak pendakwaan baru-baru ini dibenarkan untuk menambah lebih banyak bukti-bukti ke atas kes itu selepas penemuan sebuah kubur besar yang baharu. Mladic menghadapi tuduhan sama dengan Karadzic. Penghakiman dijangka pada bulan November 2017.

- Jovica Stanisic dan Franko Simatovic -

Stanisic, yang pernah menjadi orang kuat ketua perisikan Serbia Slobodan Milosevic dan rakannya Simatovic kedua-duanya telah dibebaskan. Pihak pendakwaan merayu keputusan itu.

Pembebasan:

- Momcilo Perisic -

Bekas ketua tentera Yugoslavia telah dibebaskan atas rayuan pada bulan Februari 2013. Beliau dituduh terlibat dalam beberapa hal antaranya “membantu dan bersubahat” dengan tentera Serb Bosnia menindas dan membunuh umat Islam di Srebrenica.

Perisic pada mulanya dijatuhi hukuman 25 tahun penjara, tetapi rayuan ICTY memutuskan bahawa ia tidak dibuktikan “mempunyai sebarang keraguan munasabah” yang mengatakan Perisic telah membantu tentera Serb Bosnia melakukan jenayah.

Meninggal dunia semasa perbicaraan:

- Slobodan Milosevic -

Bekas presiden Yugoslavia dan orang kuat Serbia meninggal dunia dalam tahanan pada Mac 2006, menghadapi dakwaan melakukan pembunuhan beramai-ramai sebagai penghapusan bangsa, jenayah perang dan jenayah terhadap kemanusiaan. Kes terhadap beliau telah digugurkan.

Trauma menanti gempa

Pemandangan Gunung Kinabalu selepas gempa.

SALAH SATU daripada kejadian gempa bumi yang dahsyat pernah menimpa Bandaraya San Francisco, California, Amerika Syarikat pada 17 Oktober 1989 jam 5:04 petang. Gempa dengan kekuatan 6.9 skala Richter itu berlangsung selama 15 saat dan mengorbankan seramai 63 orang. Manakala, 3,757 mengalami kecederaan, dan 8,000 hingga 12,000 orang kehilangan tempat tinggal. Jumlah kemusnahan direkodkan sehingga mencecah US$6 bilion.

Gempa ini telah dikesan berpusat di dalam kawasan Taman Hutan Rekreasi Nisene Marks berhampiran puncak Loma Prieta, di kawasan pergunungan Santa Cruz. Oleh itu, gempa ini lebih dikenali dengan nama Loma Prieta Earthquake. Ianya juga turut dikenali sebagai San Francisco-Oakland Earthquake disebabkan oleh kadar kemusnahan yang teruk dan kemalangan jiwa yang agak tinggi pada Bandaraya San Francisco dan Oakland.

Apa yang menarik ialah beberapa bulan sebelum itu, iaitu pada Jun 1988 dan Ogos 1989, beberapa
siri gegaran (dianggap sederhana) telah direkodkan. Masing-masing dengan kekuatan 5.3 magnitud dan 5.4 magnitud. Ironinya, kejadian gempa itu berlaku di pusat gempa, Loma Prieta, yang terletak 100 km di selatan San Francisco. Akan tetapi impak yang sangat tinggi berlaku di Bandaraya San Francisco. Hal ini demikian kerana berlakunya rekahan sesar atau dikenali sebagai seismic gap pada sesar San Andreas.

Jalan rosak menyukarkan operasi menyelamat.

Kejadian gempa ini telah memberi inspirasi kepada penerbitan filem box office “San Andreas” yang baru sahaja beberapa hari menggegarkan pawagam Kota Kinabalu, sebelum gegaran Gempa Kinabalu menghadirkan trauma kepada penduduk negeri Sabah, khususnya mereka yang tinggal dalam daerah di persekitaran Gunung Kinabalu, dan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.

Sehingga setakat artikel ini ditulis, berlaku dua kejadian gempa yang sangat mengelirukan, dan menakutkan, iaitu pada 5 dan 13 Jun 2015. “Mengelirukan” kerana hampir kesemua yang merasai gegaran gempa ini merupakan pengalaman kali pertama mereka. Berdasarkan pengalaman rakan-rakan, pelbagai sangkaan di buat ketika gempa pertama berlaku. Seorang sahabat menyangkakan tangki rumahnya seperti mahu roboh.

Ada juga yang menyangkakan ada tiang rumah yang akan patah. Seorang rakan yang ketika itu berada di dalam kenderaan berkata, seperti ada orang melanggar belakang keretanya. Seorang pakcik yang sedang bekerja di kebun menceritakan bagaimana ia menyangka bahawa penyakit darah tingginya menyerang beliau kembali walhal selalu juga dia makan ubat darah tinggi, dirasanya kepalanya pening dan dilihatnya dunia bergegar. “Menakutkan” apabila realiti sebenar diketahui selepas itu. Sabah dilanda gempa dan pusatnya pula ialah Gunung Kinabalu, gunung tertinggi di Asia Tenggara. Trauma meningkat bila menyedari bahawa pusat gempa adalah di Gunung Kinabalu.

Gempa pertama berlaku pada 5 Jun 2015 dengan kekuatan magnitud 5.9 skala Richter pada sekitar anggaran masa di antara jam 7:11 dan jam 7:12 minit pagi. Ianya berlaku tatkala orang ramai sedang bersiap sedia ke tempat kerja. Bagi mereka yang masih berada di rumah, mereka akan lebih terkesan daripada mereka yang sedang berada dalam kenderaan ke tempat kerja.

Kejadian kedua berlaku pada 13 Jun 2015 dengan 5.0 skala Richter pada jam 2:29 pagi. Gempa yang pertama berlaku lebih lama dari yang kedua. Gempa pertama telah menyebabkan sejumlah pendaki dan Malim Gunung terkorban. Orang ramai yang merasai gegaran gempa dilanda kebingungan dan mengikuti dengan hati yang berdebar setiap perkembangan mengenai gempa selepas itu.

Seorang ibu dari Ranau menceritakan bagaimana keadaan mereka pada masa itu seperti duit syiling yang digoncang dalam tabung, sedikit histeria memanggil anak-anaknya yang lain bagi mempastikan mereka selamat. Dalam tempoh seminggu itu sebelum gempa kedua itu, isu gempa menjadi topik terhangat.

Ini menyebabkan trauma khususnya bagi mereka yang tinggal di kawasan berhampiran pusat gempa mengalami rasa trauma. Apatah lagi dengan berlakunya beberapa siri gegaran kecil selepas gegaran pertama. Kejadian gempa kali kedua walaupun tidak menyebabkan kematian dan kemusnahan sudah cukup untuk membuatkan rasa trauma berlarutan.

Secara keseluruhannya, orang ramai tidak menyangka kejadian gempa berpusat di Gunung Kinabalu itu boleh berlaku. Semasa ditanya mengenai impak gempa, Prof Dr Felix Tongkul, Pakar Geologi UMS, menerangkan bahawa impak bencana atau pun gegaran itu akan lebih tertumpu ke arah Pantai Barat Sabah.

Abbie Intang salah seorang malim Gunung Kinabalu.

Sebab itulah gegaran yang kuat turut dirasai oleh mereka yang tinggal dalam kawasan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu. Selepas beberapa siri gempa yang kecil, orang ramai sekali lagi dikejutkan oleh gempa kedua yang tidak kurang hebatnya. Ini adalah disebabkan ianya berlaku ketika orang ramai sedang tidur di rumah. Gegaran telah menyebabkan sebahagian besar orang ramai terjaga dari tidur mereka. Persoalannya, adakah gempa kedua ini memberi indikasi bahawa akan berlaku suatu susulan gempa yang lebih dahsyat lagi dalam masa terdekat? Atau pun ianya menunjukkan bahawa gempa akan berakhir tidak lama lagi disebabkan oleh kekuatannya yang bersifat menurun? Berdasarkan kepada temubual-temubual yang dilakukan kepada pakar-pakar, kejadian gempa bumi adalah suatu yang sukar untuk diramal. Ia berlaku tanpa diduga. Hatta, mesin yang canggih pun sukar untuk meramalnya, kecuali disaat akhir.

Berdasarkan kepada apa yang berlaku dan kerisauan yang dihadirkan oleh gempa, maka aspek trauma yang melanda masyarakat dari gempa Gunung Kinabalu ini perlu dilakukakan dengan segera oleh pihak-pihak yang berwajib. Hal ini adalah kerana jika tidak ditangani ianya akan memberi kesan negatif kepada produktiviti dan keharmonian hidup masyarakat.

Trauma gempa boleh menimbulkan stress disorder yang sangat membimbangkan. Prof Madya Dr Balan, Pensyarah UMS, menyebut dalam tulisannya mengenai Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) bahawa trauma terjadi kesan daripada pengalaman terdedah secara mengalami atau menyaksikan sendiri suatu peristiwa yang sangat meresahkan diri yang berlaku di masa lalu.

Antara jalan yang rosak teruk.

Dalam hubungan ini, bagi mengurangkan tekanan dari bencana gempa, mekanisma atau pendekatan yang perlu dilakukan ialah bagaimana mengurus trauma yang berdasarkan kepada persepsi suatu perkara yang lebih dahsyat akan berlaku di masa hadapan dalam masa yang terdekat.

Gempa juga turut disusuli dengan kejadian tanah runtuh yang telah mengeruhkan punca air serta menghalang penyaluran air bersih. Akibatnya, sebahagian dari kawasan perkampungan di Ranau dan sekitar Gunung Kinabalu terputus bekalan air bersih.

Pada ketika itu, trauma yang dirasai semakin menggunung. Mujurlah semangat prihatin rakyat Malaysia sangat tinggi. Bantuan air mineral segera dihantar oleh pelbagai perkumpulan masyarakat, organisasi dan individu. Bantuan pakaian dan makanan turut didermakan oleh masyarakat prihatin kepada mereka yang terjejas teruk oleh tragedi gempa. Usaha ini sebenarnya mampu mengurangkan trauma yang dialami.

Ketika berkongsi mengenai tragedi gempa, Prof Dr Felix Tongkul selaku Pengarah Pusat Penyelidikan dan Inovasi Universiti Malaysia Sabah mengajak agar semua ahli akademik UMS untuk dapat memainkan peranan untuk melakukan penyelidikan yang relevan dengan bidang masing-masing bagi membantu mengelak berlakunya tragedi gempa di masa depan atau sekurang-kurangnya penyelidikan mereka itu kelak boleh mengurangkan impak dan kesan trauma seandainya gempa berulang lagi. “Sabah adalah lab terbesar di Malaysia. Penyelidik UMS perlu berada paling terkehadapan dalam kejadian gempa ini (membuat penyelidikan).”

Rumah penduduk Ranau yang terjejas akibat tanah runtuh.

Berdasarkan pengalaman Loma Prieta Earthquake, trauma menanti gempa itu mungkin suatu yang perlu diberi perhatian serius oleh pihak-pihak tertentu. Ini adalah kerana, selain membina semula bangunan atau premis yang rosak teruk, usaha menghidupkan semula semangat dan iltizam khususnya mereka yang terkesan teruk oleh gempa ini perlu dilakukan.

Selebihnya, ialah setiap anggota masyarakat itu sentiasa mengukuhkan kerohanian mereka berdoa agar bumi Sabah yang aman sejahtera ini terus dilindungi oleh Tuhan yang Maha Kuasa. Sikap saling hormat menghormati perlu disuburkan bukan sahaja kepada sesama makhluk, bahkan juga kepada alam semula jadi kurniaan Tuhan yang bersifat sementara ini.

Oleh Jakaria Dasan

Kontroversi sengit novel kedua Harper Lee

Seminggu selepas HarperCollins mengejutkan dunia sastera dengan berita bahawa novelis Harper Lee yang berumur 88 tahun itu akan menerbitkan novel kedua, telah mencetuskan kontroversi sengit.

Lebih daripada setengah abad selepas mendapat kejayaan dari buku beliau berjudul “To Kill a Mockingbird,” kedua-dua peminat dan penulis bangga dan terkejut mendengar bahawa Lee telah menerbitkan novel yang lain.

Mereka lebih terkejut apabila mengetahui bahawa ia merupakan manuskrip yang hilang ditulis 60 tahun lalu selepas seorang penyunting beritahu kepada novelis muda agar menyusun semula buku itu menjadi “Mockingbird.”

“Go Set a Watchman,” disiapkan pada pertengahan 1950-an, mempunyai ramai watak-watak sama seperti “Mockingbird” dan telah ditemui di antara kertas beliau oleh peguam Tonja Carter.

Tetapi adakah Lee, yang mengalami strok pada tahun 2007 dan kerap sekali mengatakan beliau tidak akan menerbitkan sebuah novel lagi, gembira tentang manuskrip itu, yang sudah lama hilang, akan memberi kejayaan?

Ia juga diketahui umum bahawa Lee tidak mempunyai penglihatan yang baik dan pekak. Beliau mula tinggal di rumah penjagaan sejak tahun 2007.

Blog gosip Gawker memetik Carter sebagai berkata bahawa kliennya kadang-kadang menandatangani sesuatu yang “beliau tidak faham.”

Khabar angin tersebar dan Carter mempertahankan, memberitahu The New York Times bahawa beliau telah dimanipulasi terhadap dakwaan yang mengatakan Lee “sangat marah dan dihina".

“Beliau seorang wanita yang sangat kuat, berdikari dan jujur harus menikmati penemuan novel beliau yang sudah lama hilang,” Carter beritahu akhbar itu melalui e-mel dan mesej teks.

“Sebaliknya, beliau terpaksa mempertahankan kredibiliti sendiri dan membuat keputusan.”

Carter telah mengeluarkan kenyataan awal memberitahu peminat bahawa Lee “gembira seperti neraka” tentang buku yang baru tersebut

Media AS berminat tentang cerita itu, memetik rakan-rakan dan penyokong Lee sebagai saksi mengenai keadaan dan sifat jujur beliau, atau menimbulkan keraguan dan spekulasi.

Lee, yang jarang bercakap dengan media, berkata melalui HarperCollins, bahawa beliau “merendah diri dan kagum” tentang menuskrip yang diterbitkan selepas bertahun-tahun hilang.

Dynasties in Chinese History

Qingbai wares 11th – 14th Centuries (Yuan Dynasty)

White wares with carved and incised decorations have been produced from the beginning of the Tang Dynasty however it was only during the Yuan Dynasty ( 11th – 14th Century ) That large quantities of white wares were produced .

The Dehua kilns produced ware of chalky texture with creamy glaze , usually mould formed with impressed and moulded decorations of Lotus Petals and vegetal scrolls for the South East Market .

The body however , still showed a slight bluish tinge due to the presence of minute quantities of iron oxide. This ware was named Qingbai ( Ch’ing Pai) or “ Clear White” Finished Qingbai porcelains were both plain and decorated with either incised or molded designs.

Yuan Dynasty (11th – 14th Century ) bowl with Lotus petal pattern .

Greenwares or celadons 13th – 15th Centuries (southern Song Dynasty ( 1128 -1279)

These green wares or also known ( Lung Ch’uan) were produced in large quantities and fired at high temperatures.

The glaze is fade green to opaque grayish green or grayish blue. The shade of the green depended on the temperature and the rate of reduction during the firing .

Deliberate attempts were made by the potters to produce a glaze to resemble Jade which has always been highly favored in Asia.

In the middle of the of the 13th century , new decorative technique of sprig moulding was developed using designs such as a pair of fish, Peonies and dragons pursuing a flaming pearls were used.

The production of greenwares began to decline from the middle of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) .

Jarlets with narrow mouths and moulded decoration of floral sprays on the upper half of the body and lotus petals on the bottom half .( Late Song Dynasty -13th century )

Beaker with Handles. ( Late Song Dynasty -13th century )

Foliated dish with carved peony. Light green glaze ( Early Ming Dynastu – 14th -15th Centuries)

Under Glaze Blue and White Wares – ( 13th – 20th Centuries)

Yuan , Ming and Qing Dynasties.

It is believed that blue and white ceramics were being made in China as early as the Tang Dynasty, it was not until Kublai Khan had unified China and established the Yuan Dynasty in the late 13th century(1279) that foreign trade in blue & white begun to flourish .

The method of under glaze painting technique provided a new way for the potters to express their artistic talent . In the late Ming dynasty , they started to paint new designs such as children at play ,scholars, animals, birds and flowers in natural surroundings .

The development of the Ceramic industry in China reached its peak during the Ming period. It was at this time that the Europeans established trade with China and Chinese ceramics became popular in Europe, Japan, the middle East and South East Asia.

Overglaze enameled wares (15th – 19th Centuries)

Overglazing enamelling first began to be practiced during the 15th century . During this period , different glaze colours such as red , yellow , turquoise , aubergine purpul and black was developed .

Unlike underglaze Cobalt blue which is absorved by the unfired clay body , red or black enamels painted on a fired body could be wiped off by the artist if a mistake was made .

During the reign of “Wan-Li” in the 17th century and when the government of China was breaking down , potters were forced to look for new markets for their wares.It was at this time that the Japanese, portuguse , Dutch & British arrived into China and the potters made wares with specific designs for each market .

These designs were alien to the Chinese and some examples are the “ Kraak ware “ made for the Dutch & South East Asian Markets, the transitional ware and the large Swatow dishes and plates.

Production ofthese wares continued till the 19th Century , when it was over-shadowed b the industrial revolution in Europe in the 19th century .

Thai Ceramics ( Sukhothai & Sawankhlok wares)
13th – 16th centuries.

The production of glazed ceramics in Thailand began in the Kingdom of Sukhothai in the mid 13th century .

At first the of this glazed stoneware was not of good quality as the clay used was not well purified and the firing techniques were not always successful . These wares were usually decorated in the Underglaze painted iron technique and common motifs include classic scroll ,floral sprays and the fish medallion.

At he same period , Thai potters were also inspired by the longquan celadons and they bagen to produce another type of ware known as Sawankhalok which were technically superior . Many of these items had carved or incised designs and were covered in a glassy thick glage. The colour ranged from translucent sea green to an opaque turquoise –blue. Production of these wares continued from the 14th into he early part of the 16th century .

Covered boxes - Both lid & body decorated with Vegetal scrolls.

Sawankhalok , 14 – 15th century.

Islamic Ceramics (16th -19th Centuries)

Wares with Islamic motifs were made in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-906) , but the earliest pieces made for export began during the Yuan Dynasty ( mid 14th Century ). The production of Islamic wares reached its height during the reign of Cheng-te( 1506-1521) who was a Muslim . These wares were intended for the Muslim market in West Asia as the designs were derived from Persian & Arab inscriptions and quotations from the Al-Quarn. Some of these were exported to Muslim states in Asia , notably Indonesia & Malaysia.

With the industrial revolution in Europe and the coming of the European traders to South East Asia , the Europeans started to manufacture ceramics with Islamic motifs to capture the Muslim Market in the region .

Japanese Ceramics (18th -19th Century)

The Japanese ceramics were brought by the Dutch from ports in Japan to Batavia before being shipped back to Europe . Some of these items found their war to Borneo and the surrounding islands. In the Sabah museum the displays are mainly small vases , bowls and plates of the Kakiemon and Imari style. ( 18th & 19th Centuries). These pieces are not commonly found in Sabah .

European Wares (19th-20th Century)

Dutch , German, English manufactures created ceramic plates and bowls for export to the colonies in South East Asia. They tried to compete with the Chinese ceramics which were flooding the markets .

Commonly found in Sabah are blue & white Plates with floral designs , from ( England & Scotland ) and also the very colourful plates , saucers and bowls from “Maastricht” in Holland . They also included Islamic motifs on their ceramics.

Text by David de la Harpe

Victoria Falls on the Zambezi

Zambezi River Victoria Falls.

Many consider the Victoria Falls to be one of the most exhilarating national attractions in the world. The Zambezi River cascading over 100 metres down the Victoria Falls into the Zambezi Gorge creates what is known to the local as the ‘roaring thunder’.

For decades, the falls have lured tourists from around the globe. Initially, they came in boats after reports from explorer David Livingstone were received from the wilds of Africa. The railway arrived in the falls in 1904 and they became more accessible to intrepid travellers.

Animals at waterhole Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

After the Second World War, well-heeled tourists flew in on planes that landed on the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls was then one of the overnight stops on an eight-day flight with Imperial Airways (now British Airways) from London to Johannesburg and return.

Today, tourists flock here by any means they can to witness both the fury and exhilaration of one nature’s most fascinating sights. A new airport terminal under construction will enable even more international flights and tourists.

Aerial Victoria Falls Zimbabwe.

The falls delineate the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia with both countries linked by a rail and pedestrian bridge and it’s possible to walk the two kilometres between both. However, one of the most exciting ways to venture across the border is on the nostalgic Victoria Falls Steam Co train which does the journey from its Zimbabwe base in historic carriages pulled by an old steam train.

Flight of the Angels

Bridge across Zambezi River Victoria Falls.

To better appreciate this amazing sight, every conceivable method of viewing and experiencing the falls and mighty river are available. Victoria Falls township has become Africa’s water and air sports capital with the small shopping centre lined with those selling bungee jumping (from the bridge), whitewater rafting, flights, canoeing and kayaking as well as wildlife tours into neighbouring game reserves.

The best views of the falls from the ground are from within Victoria Falls Park and Rainforest Reserve where pockets of rainforest are surrounding by dry scrubby forest. The tracks are well-marked but slippery as they’re constantly saturated from the spray from the waterfall. There are several fenced off areas where visitors can feel the energy of the water cascading to the turbulent pools below. It’s a noisy, sometimes scary and humbling experience.

Rainbow over Victoria Falls.

An aerial view is an even better way to appreciate the falls and the Zambezi River. From a photographer's viewpoint, a helicopter flight with ‘Flight of the Angels’ operated by Zambezi Helicopters is the best way. These 13-minute flights leave constantly all day long and do a figure-eight flight so that all passengers get to experience the view close up.

Perhaps the most sedate way of enjoying the mighty Zambezi River is to sit back and relax on sunset cruise. Around dusk boats full with tourists and fully stocked with chilled Zambezi beer, make the journey known as the ‘booze cruise’.

Safari Accommodation

Most visitors travel to Zimbabwe to experience its amazing wildlife, natural beauty and vast national parks. Guests at the deluxe Victoria Falls Safari Lodge can luxuriate using its excellent facilities while admiring the wildlife that congregates around a nearby waterhole. The lodge offers superb accommodation and all rooms have covered verandahs that overlook and provide access to the animals feeding on the savannah plains. Bona Restaurant is located onsite to offer a cultural and dining experience featuring wild meats.

Elephant Hills Golf Course designed by Gary Player is close by. Golfers will enjoy a round of golf here while they negotiate warthogs, impala and even crocodiles (it is best to consider your ball lost if it falls in or around the edge of the lakes on the course).

Victoria Falls sign Railway station.

Zimbabwe has many spectacular wildlife reserves, exclusive game lodges and the mystical archaeological ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Two of the most exciting places to see wildlife are in bush camps such as Kanga Camp in Mana Pools National Park and Somalisa in Hwange National Park. The term ‘camp’ shouldn’t be considered a place to rough it as the small number of tented accommodation operated by African Bush Camps is luxuriously appointed on the interior. The real bonus is that the tents and restaurant overlook waterholes where animals come to drink and where guests can dine and sleep safely within metres of truly wild animals.

Tour operator, Asia to Africa can plan every step of the way and provide access to the finest camps, the best guides and the most convenient transport to Zimbabwe and around Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls are Zimbabwe’s premier contribution to the world’s great attractions. A visit to Zimbabwe without experiencing Victoria Falls would be to miss out on one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders.

Steam train crossing bridge Victoria Falls.

Getting There:

There are no direct flights between Malaysia and Zimbabwe but Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies from Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg, South Africa (via Dubai) and then onto Victoria Falls on the brand new low fare carrier FlyAfrica.com (www.flyafrica.com). Another alternative is to fly on Emirates via Dubai, to Lusaka (Zambia), Harare and then to Victoria Falls on a domestic carrier. The exciting news is that Emirates is contemplating direct flights from Dubai to Victoria Falls next year when the new airport in Victoria Falls is completed. Emirates flies from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai and then four times daily from Dubai to Johannesburg using state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The Emirates experience across all cabins includes award-winning service from the airline’s multi-national flight attendants, access to up to 1,800 channels of films, TV shows, music and games through the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system.

Where to Stay:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com).

Where to Dine:

The Boma Restaurant – Place of Eating, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Contacts: 
For more information on the vast array of wildlife encounters and national parks tours in Zimbabwe contact Asia to Africa (www.a2asafaris.com) which offers specialised tours to African countries such as Zimbabwe. Experience the falls with the Victoria Falls Steam Train Co (www.steamtraincompany.com) and Zambezi Helicopters (www.zambezihelicopters.com).

Text and photos by David Bowden

Albany: ANZACS and Beyond

Greens Pool near Denmark Western Australia panorama.

The Gap and Natural Bridge Albany.

This weekend in the far southwest of Western Australia many Australians will spend a reflective few days thinking about the centenary of the first Australian troops setting sail from here for the battlefields of World War 1. These troops, along with those from New Zealand comprised the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that became known as the ANZACS.

Exactly 100 years ago, some 30,000 ANZAC troops set sail from King George Sound near Albany in the southwest of the state. For many, this was the last time they would see their homeland as many died on the battlefields of Europe. Their brave deeds have not been forgotten with an estimated 70,000 visitors including the Australian Prime Minister visiting the town and the remembrance ceremony. The ANZAC tradition lives on in the way many contemporary Australians view life today. Prime Minister Tony Abbott will unveil the $A10 million Anzac Centre at the Albany Heritage Park on the summit of Mount Clarence overlooking the ocean just out of the town centre.

The new centre adjoins the ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial which was relocated to Albany from where it was originally erected in Egypt. The decision was made to move it after it was damaged and it now serves as a reminder of the link between Albany and the ANZACs. It was here in 1914 that 38 Australian and New Zealand ships that transported the troops and their horses to Gallipoli in Turkey departed for Australia’s entry into World War 1.

Whales, Wine and Wilderness

ANZAC Memorial Albany.

Albany will return to normal after the ANZAC celebrations to become a very relaxing destination for holidaying Malaysians. Apart from stunning coastal scenery there is a range of exciting activities to do in a town that was once famous as a whaling station settlement.

Discovery Bay was once home to Australia’s last whaling station called Cheynes Beach Whaling Station that now operates as Whale World (www. discoverybay.com.au). Visitors come here to see the well-preserved whaling station and to learn all about the industry and the species that were once hunted. During the whale season, it’s possible to see whales breaching the surface of the Southern Ocean. The centre’s interactive displays and adjoining native Australian botanic gardens (the area has 3,000 flowering wildflowers) and fauna enclosures ensure that there is enough here to entertain visitors for at least half a day.

Torndirrup National Park is home to the Gap Natural Bridge. Albany’s coastal landscape is dominated by the orange-coloured granite rocks with the national park being the best place to admire the natural beauty of the coastline. Weathering processes have sculptured these rocks into a dramatic natural arch with waves crashing and spraying skyward in the form of blowhole.

Former whaling boat Albany.

The Old Marron Farm is a great family venue where visitors could easily spend half a day. There are extensive grassy areas for a picnic but don’t miss out on Western Australia’s unique marron crustaceans which are raised on the farm. A handful of other animals live on the farm including Australian emus and dingoes. Adventurers will enjoy the chance to learn how to manipulate a Segway along the bushland trails here. Owner, Karl Rost will teach you all there is to know about riding a Segway and you’ll soon be enjoying the thrill of discovering on wheels the Australian bushland.

Albany Farmers Market is conducted every Saturday morning from 8am to noon in Collie Street Albany and the bargains and fresh produce will impress all visitors. Another special treat awaits at the Great Southern Distilling Company (www.distillery.com.au) which makes a variety of spirits including Limeburners single malt whiskies. Whisky production throughout Australia has made whisky connoisseurs sit up and pay attention especially with labels such as Tiger Snake Sour Mash Whiskey. Head north out of town to Mt Barker and the Porongurup region to discover some of Australia’s finest Riesling and Pinot Noir wines.

On another way out of town, heading westerly towards Walpole, it is worth deviating off the road to
Greens Pool to take in the dramatic southern coastline with its deserted beaches and the crisp turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean. Reflect upon the fact that this is quite possibly the end of known civilisation with the next stop being the vast Antarctic wilderness. Suck in the fresh air and rejoice in the best that the southwest of Western Australia has to offer.

Sperm Whale skeleton Whale World Albany.

Getting There and About 

The good news for Sabahans is that Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com) now flies direct between Kota Kinabalu and Perth the Western Australian capital. Using its state of the art Boeing 737-800 aircraft passengers enjoy five hours of fine food, beverages and entertainment. Think big when it comes to this part of Australia (Western Australia is way bigger than the whole of Sabah) and getting around, especially down to Albany and the southwest, requires a rental car. Hire a Budget car (www.budget.com) from Perth International Airport and take a leisurely five-hour drive to Albany. Drive the circle route from Perth to Albany and along the coast to Denmark and then inland to Pemberton and Margaret River before heading back to Perth via Busselton, Bunbury and Mandurah for an enjoyable week-long holiday.

Where to Stay

Plaque Albany where ANZAC troops departed for WW1.

The finest establishment in Albany is the very welcoming Dog Rock Motel (www.dogrockmotel.com). The rooms are recently refurbished with superb facilities for a country town and the management is very friendly and helpful and happy to point tourists to all the attractions. Stay here and enjoy the fantastic cuisine served in its Lime 303 Restaurant (make a reservation as it is hugely popular).

Dining Out

Food and wine lovers will enjoy dining at Lime 303 in the Dog Rock Motel and in sampling a superb wine list and creative dishes such as nori and coconut battered prawns with wakami salad and ponzu dipping sauce. Order a delicious marron (freshwater crayfish) platter at the Old Marron Farm (www.albanymarronfarm.com.au).

Contacts Tourism Western Australia (www.westernaustralia.com).

Text and photos by David Bowden

Practice of bound feet in China

In 1911 the Chinese government banned the tradition of foot-binding, described as a cruel practice for the sake of beauty by body modifications imposed on young girls since 10th century.

Since the ban of the practice, number of women affected by this tradition declined and they are still a few aged of 80 to 90.

Looking back in history, this extreme practice also occured in the traditions in a few other countries in the world.

In general, this tradition was usually practiced by a number of middle and upper class women in China before the 20th century.

At early age of 5 to 8, girls were required to fold four toes under the sole of their feed before being bound.

Cloth was used to bind the feet then sewed for streamlining the folding leg to prevent the toes from growing, thus hampering the growth of the four toes and keep them together with the soles of the feet.

In Chinese culture at that time, the symbol of small feet was considered the beauty of the women. In fact, it was believed to increase sexual passion of the men.

In order to archive the honor in the midst of society, they were willing to face the problem of a broken bone in their feet and the infection that occured during the binding process.

Initially, the toe nails must be cut out, then pushed inside and mixed with various ingredients and
animal blood to soften the skin of the feet.

Afterwards they squeezed back the feet towards the sole till toes were broken. When the shaped was fixed, they tied them with a cloth. The bond would be open every month and washed and tied again to finally harden.

Several witnesses of the cruel practice still exist. They often talk about the question of the pain in order to look beautiful.

Shrinking the women feet was to them like a lotus flower, the more beautiful a women would be.

"Although it looks very uncivilized, but this is the only way for women to find the time matched pair," Jo Farrell said, a photographer who documented the scene in the middle of the shrink female feet operation.

The legs showed gruesome tradition and culture which they must undergo if it was to be seen as a good women.

In fact, this tradition is no different with the beauty today, such as installing the breast implant, injection for whitening skin, sliming, and so on.

John Philip Holland and the Submarine

The Irish inventor John Philip Holland built a model submarine in 1878, followed by a number of failed ones. In 1896 he designed the Holland Type VI submarine. The vessel made use of internal combustion engine power on the surface and electric battery power for submerged operation. Launched on 17 May 1897 at Nixon's Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The United States Navy bought Holland VI on 11 April 1900, becoming the U.SNavy's first commissioned submarine and renamed USS Holland.

Commissioned in June 1900, the French steam and electric Narval employed the now typical
double-hull design, with a pressure hull inside the outer shell. These 200-ton ships had a range of over 100 miles (160 km) underwater. The French submarine Aigrette in 1904 further improved the concept by using a diesel rather than a gasoline engine for surface power. Large numbers of these submarines were built, with 76 completed before 1914.

The Royal Navy commissioned five Holland-class submarines from Vickers, Barrow-in-Furness, under licence from the Holland Torpedo Boat Company during the years 1901 to 1903. Construction of the boats took longer than expected, with the first only read for a diving trial at sea on April 6, 1902. Although the design had been purchased entire from the US company, the actual design had been used was an untested improved version of the original Holland design using a new 180 hp petrol engine.

These types of submarines were first used during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. Due to the blockade at Port Arthur, the Russians sent their submarine submarines to Vladivostok, where by Jan 1, 1905 there were seven boats, enough to create the world's first "operational submarine fleet". The new submarine fleet sent out its first patrol on Feb 14, usually lasting for about 24 hours. The first confrontation with Japanese warships occurred on Apr 29, 1905 when the Russian submarine Som was fired upon by Japanese torpedo boats, but then withdrew.

 World War I

Military submarines first made a significant impact in World War I. Forces such as the U-boats of Germany saw action in the First Battle of the Atlantic, and is often cited among the the reasons for the entry of the United States into the war.

At the very outbreak of war Germany had only 20 submarines immediately available for combat, although these included vessels of the diesel-engined U-19 class with the range (5,000 miles) and speed (eight knots) to operate effectively around for entire British coast. By contrast the Royal Navy had a total of 74 submarines, though of mixed effectiveness. In August 1914, a flotilla of ten U-boats sailed from their base in Heligoland to attack Royal navy warships in the North Sea in the first submarine war patrol in history.

The U-boats' ability to function as practical war machines relied on new tactics, their numbers, and submarine technologies such as combination diesel-electric power system developed in the preceding years. More submersibles than true submarines, U-boats operated primarily on the surface using regular engines, submerging occasionally to attack under battery power. They were roughly triangular in cross-section, with a distinct keel to control rolling while surfaced, and a distinct bow. During World War I more than 5,000 allied ships were sunk by U-boats.

 World War II

During World War II, Germany used submarines to devastating effect in the School Battle of the Atlantic, where it attempted to cut Britain's supply routes by sinking more merchant ships than Britain could replace. (Shipping was vital to supply Britain's population with food, industry with ray material, and armed forces with fuel and armaments.) While U-boats destroyed a significant number of ships, the strategy ultimately failed. Although the U-boats had been updated in the interwar years, the major innovation was improved communications, encrypted using the famous Enigma cipher machine. This allowed for mass-attack tactics (Rudeltaktik, commonly known as "wolfpack"), but was also ultimately the U-boats' downfall. By the end of the war, almost 3,000 Allied ships (175 warships, 2,825 merchantmen) were sunk by U-boats.

The Untold Story - Larry Page

Larry Page is the founder of Google Inc. and also an American computer scientist. When he was still young, he began to show his interest in the fields of technology, business and innovation.

During his further studies in computer science at Stanford University, Page has often met with Sergey Brin in order to ask him for help creating a Google page. In 1998, Page and Brin launched Google company to compete with Yahoo which had been founded in 1994.

Ever since its launch, Google has becomes one of the most famous search engines with an average of six billion consumers.

His early life

Page was born on March 26, 1973 in East Lansing, Michigan. His father, Carl Page, is a pioneer in the field of science and artificial intelligence, while his mother, Gloria, is a professor of computer science at the University of Michigan.

He received his early education in Okemos Monterssori School on 1975 and 1979 before graduating from high school in East Lansing High School in 1991.

Page has succeeded in obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan and then has earned a Master of Computer Science from Stanford University.

When in the pre-graduate, he created  an a ink jet printer that made ​​of Lego blocks. He was also a member of the famous invention solar car with Maize & Blue in 1993.

When he continued to study Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Page began to explore global network system and understood the link structure.

Getting into the business world

In 1998, Page and Brin established Google company and they also served as co-chair for about three years.

However, they agreed to themselves in appointing a software engineer, Eric Schmidt as Chairman and CEO of Google in 2001.

In 2004, Google launched the social networking site Orkut and introduced Google Desktop Search.

Shortly after, Page and Brin started to earn massive fund by the way of the Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The year 2005 was the golden age of Google for having invented Google Maps, Blogger Mobile, Google Reader and iGoogle.

About two years later, Google signed an agreement of partnership with China Mobile and Salesforce.com.

The agreement aimed to provide free education to students in Kenya and Rwanda through Google Apps.

In 2008, Google has have launched Google Sites, a new version of Google Earth and Google Health, but the service was discontinued after three years owing to failure in getting response.

Struggling with voice box paralysis

In May last year (2013), Page revealed that his voice box had suffered paralysis after a nerve in the left of his chest voice experiencing the same problem in 1999.

According to Page, he has been suffering the problem for 14 years, and the doctors are still unable to identify the real cause.

However, in last October, the problem that Page was suffering was identified as an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Today, he still trying to find a cure of the illness.