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Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Cambodia sees more than 50% drop in dengue cases

via Khmer NZ News Media

PHNOM PENH, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Dengue fever cases this year have more than halved compared to the first six months of 2009, local media reported on Wednesday, citing officials of Health Ministry.

However, health officials warn that more dengue infections are likely during the forthcoming rainy season, which is arriving late.

Seven people died in the first five and a half months of this year, the same toll as last year, but reported infections have decreased in the same period from 2,431 to 1,111, the ministry's dengue control program director Ngan Chantha was quoted by the Cambodia Daily as saying.

"The number has decreased, but we are calling on people to remain careful with the breeding of mosquitoes during the rainy season," Chantha said.

"From the 21st to 22nd week, the jump in cases is quite high," Chantha said, noting there were 242 cases in week 22. "We should be vigilant because July is a highly vulnerable month."

The decrease in dengue fever cases is due to the delayed rainy season, increased public awareness and health care system improvements, said Hai Ra, head of dengue control at Kompong Cham provincial health department.

In the first 21 weeks of this year there were 122 reported cases of dengue with two deaths in Kompong Cham, down from 315 cases with three deaths during the same period last year, Hai Ra was quoted as saying.

Kompong Cham is the second-most affected province after Phnom Penh, followed by kandal and Siem Reap.

Editor: Lin Zhi

DAP News ; Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

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Cambodia and China Expand Business Potential

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 07:27 DAP-NEWS

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, June 9, 2010-“Cambodia and China meet for talks about ASEAN-China Economic Region and Cambodian Market Potential at Naga World Hotel,” According to the statement said on Wednesday.

“Cambodia-China good relations will help to attract and to create more investments in Cambodia; especially, during the last 15 years, China invested 6000 million U.S dollars in hydro-power plant, business, tourism, agriculture, telecommunication, and 1500 km road infrastructure,” the statement added.

The meeting for talks between Cambodian and Chinese leaders will help to further increase more Chinese businesses in Cambodia.

Edited by Mr. Rasmey (Mr. Go for It)

International Seminar of Tourism Transportation of Mekong Countries Will Do in Cambodia

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 05:24 DAP-NEWS/ Tep Piseth

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, June 9, 2010-Cambodia will host the international seminar of land transportation system of Mekong countries in late this month to speed up the regional transportation integration and tourism facilitation crossing borders,” the statement from the tourism ministry of Cambodia said.The participants will come from Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, and Thailand to monitor challenging matters and the cooperation of making easiness travelers and to facilitate the tourists in region to share benefits,” it added. Last year,

Cambodia harvested about 2 million tourists to see here and it increased about 2 per cent. And a foreign tourist from western countries spent about 6-700 US dollars for their stays each time when he or she visited here and that money poured directly to economic blood of poor people through buying local products and transport, and souvenir.

PM Hun Sen Bans Gambling During FIFA World Cup 2010

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 10:08 DAP-NEWS/ Tep Piseth

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, June 9, 2010-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday announced that the local people should not bet money during FIFA World Cup 2001 in South Africa which will be held from June 11- July 11.

He appealed to local people to just clap their hands to congratulate the sport competition but they should not bet money. At the same time, He ordered local police authorities to crack down on the football gambling both open and illegal places and the police should not arrest the football spectators because it will have live broadcasting from the event in the country.

“Please, watch football for the entertainment, He said, adding that previous times, when football tournaments of FIFA World Cup and EU Cup, football team won or lost for the scores but the gamblers in Cambodia lost or won in money.

He highlighted that the largest football gambling industry Cambosix already shut down its business.

Grinding out a living

Photo by: Sovan Philong

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:00 Uong Ratana

Knife-sharpener Eam Say, 68, works on a pair of scissors Monday at the Borei Keila community in central Phnom Penh.

Report cites judicial injustice

Photo by: Pha Lina
Surya Subedi arrives Tuesday at Phnom Penh International Airport.

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:03 Brooke Lewis and Vong Sokheng

MORE than one-third of defendants in Cambodian courts are tried and convicted in absentia, according to a study released this week designed to show what its authors describe as the failure of the judicial system to ensure equality of arms.

The study, published by the Centre for Justice and Reconciliation, catalogs the experiences of 799 defendants in 484 public trials held in five courts: the Municipal, Appeal and Supreme courts in Phnom Penh, as well as the provincial courts in Kandal and Battambang.

“In a criminal case, the prosecutor is the government and has all the resources of the state to bring a case against a defendant who may not even understand the charges against them,” said Daravuth Seng, the CJR’s international co-director of justice programmes.

The report states that in order to “balance this inequality”, judicial officials must place a higher premium on equality of arms, a legal principle that encompasses the right to be tried in person, the right to defence counsel and the right to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

At the Appeal Court, 69 percent of defendants included in the study were tried in absentia. The problem at the appeal level was also documented in a study released last month by the rights group Licadho, which found that hundreds of prisoners nationwide are being denied their right to appeal due to a lack of infrastructure and an inefficient bureaucracy.

The CJR report states that witnesses were examined by judges in only 18 percent of trials monitored, and that only 6 percent of trials were conducted with both victims and witnesses present.

Figures for the total number of defendants tried without counsel are not given in the report, but 94 percent of the 467 defendants facing felony charges – those who would be subjected to the most serious punishments – were represented by counsel.

Although this is a large proportion, the report calls for court officials to ensure that all defendants are informed of their right to counsel, and that free representation is provided to people who cannot afford it.

“International standards require that 100 percent of defendants are represented by counsel, should they choose to have representation,” Daravuth Seng said.

Of the defendants tried in absentia, only 43 percent were represented by defence counsel, a figure that the report says underscores “the glaring abuse of the equality of arms principle, because there was no one to challenge the prosecution’s assertions”.

Sea Tong, inspector of court affairs at the Justice Ministry, on Tuesday acknowledged that prisoners are often unable to attend their own appeals.

“It is difficult for us. We lack the budget, and some prisons are too far from the court. Therefore, the transportation is a problem for us,” he said.

Tith Sothea, a member of the Press and Quick Reaction Unit at the Council of Ministers, also said that some improvements need to be made to the judicial system, but that the government has clear strategies in place to enact them.

“We are in the process of making judicial system and court reforms, and we respect the independence of the court and decisions of the court,” he said.

“We believe that every trial proceeds in accordance with all aspects of the law.”

The release of the report coincides with a visit from Surya Prasad Subedi, the UN’s special human rights rapporteur to Cambodia, who is set to assess the judicial system during his third mission here.

Im Sophea, CJR’s national co-director of reconciliation programmes, said the report was not released to coincide with Subedi’s visit, but described the timing as a “fortunate coincidence”.

“We will meet him tomorrow, and we will present the report and discuss these issues,” he said.

Subedi is scheduled to meet with King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen as well as civil society representatives and judicial officials before leaving Cambodia next Thursday.

Russei Keo project raises fears

Photo by: Pha Lina
A mechanic works on a vehicle at a garage along National Road 6 that has been forced to cede land to the highway expansion project underway in the background on Tuesday. City officials met Tuesday to discuss the specifics of the project.

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:03 Khouth Sophakchakrya

Authorities say as many as 236 families could lose land to highway expansion

CITY officials met Tuesday to discuss the construction of a 2.5-metre median strip that will be built as part of plans to expand National Road 6, as residents living close to the road accused them of failing to address concerns that they they will lose their homes to the project.

Suong Sothan, a resident of Keanklaing village in Russei Keo district’s Chruoy Changvar commune, said villagers would volunteer to move as long as authorities provide them with 5-by-12-metre plots of land in Meanchey district’s Stung Meanchey commune, or pay US$8,500 in cash compensation.

Sueng Phun, a village representative, said: “We do not object to the road-expansion project, but we want the authorities to provide us with decent compensation.”

The US$143,199 project, which is intended to ease traffic jams on a 4-kilometre stretch running from the Cambodian-Japanese Friendship Bridge to a new Ministry of Health building, will expand the road from a width of 25 metres to 60 metres, including a 3-metre-wide pavement on each side and a 2.5-metre median strip.

Russei Keo district governor Khlaing Huot said that at the Tuesday meeting officials had talked about ways to beautify the median strip with a garden as well as other aspects of the project, but declined to elaborate.

He did note, though, that officials had not broached the subject of relocation or compensation for families that stand to be affected by the project.
Photo by: Pha Lina
Steamroller driver Eang Ly, 50, leads a tipper lorry to the National Road 6 expansion site on Tuesday.

“We know the road-expansion project will impact many homes of residents who live on or near the sidewalk. We are still considering the people’s request to only expand the road by 27.5 metres and also considering relocation options,” he said.

A May 25 letter signed by National Assembly President Heng Samrin urged local officials to consider scaling back the road expansion in response to a request from 100 families who fear they will lose their homes if current plans go ahead.

Chruoy Changvar commune authorities now say that as many as 236 families could be affected by the project. Meas Rachana, a secretary to Chrouy Changvar commune chief Pich Saroeun, said that around 88 families are set to lose their entire homes to the project, and that 148 families would lose part of their land.

Chan Soveth, a senior investigator for the rights group Adhoc, said the authorities should find a resolution for the residents and make sure they have new homes before the development project moves ahead.

Soldiers fire shots near Thai border

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:03 Thet Sambath and Sebastian Strangio

CAMBODIAN and Thai troops exchanged warning shots along the border in Oddar Meanchey province’s Trapaing Prasat district on Tuesday morning after a “misunderstanding” emerged between the two sides, government and military officials said.

Touch Ra, deputy chief of the Thailand-Cambodia Relations Office at the Chom international border gate, said troops from both sides let off short bursts of small-arms fire along the border in Chhouk Ron commune at around 9:45am.

“There was a clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers this morning when they were patrolling,” he said. “The situation is now normal after commanders at the site of the fighting talked to each other by phone.”

He added that no soldiers from either side were injured in the incident.

Chhum Socheat, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said that the clash – which lasted for about six minutes – began when a group of around 10 patrolling Cambodian soldiers met a group of Thai mixed forces, including forestry officers, police and soldiers.

“We supposed they were illegal and they supposed we were illegal, and then the clash occurred,” he said.

An earlier exchange of fire in Oddar Meanchey province took place on April 19, when troops traded shots in two brief skirmishes in Samrong district.

According to one Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) officer stationed at the border, Cambodian soldiers opened fire on Tuesday after they saw Thai soldiers patrolling inside a prohibited area.

“They fired in the air in order to frighten them and make them return to their base,” said the officer, who declined to be named.

Sao Socheat, the deputy commander of Military Region 4, said Thai commanders apologised afterwards.

But Colonel Veerachon Sukondhadhpatipak, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army, said he was informed Monday that the Thais fired warning shots when they saw Cambodian soldiers illegally removing timber from the Thai side of the border.

“They found that logs were burned, and this made them upset, and they released their anger and frustration by shooting in the air,” he said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong denied that allegation, saying the incident was the result of a misunderstanding between the two sides.

He added that it would have little effect on the already frosty relations between Cambodia and Thailand. “The problem has been solved by the commanders at the border. The situation is normal now,” he said.

Meanwhile, RCAF commanders stationed along the border in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces began military training sessions Monday designed to prepare them for Thai encroachments, military officials said.

Yim Phim, commander of RCAF Brigade 8, said Tuesday that he is attending the training sessions, which will take place in Preah Vihear’s Choam Ksan district and last for 35 days.

“We all have decades of experience in fighting, but we need to exchange experience with other people to strengthen our ability,” he said. RCAF officers stationed in Military Region 4 are attending the training, along with officers stationed along the border in Preah Vihear province, Yim Phim added.

Second union warns of strike

Photo by: Heng Chivoan
International Labour Day last month. On Tuesday, he said he had yet to hear back from the government concerning demands made at the rally

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:03 Tep Nimol and Mom Kunthear

ANOTHER major union is threatening to strike if its wage demands are not met, a labour leader said Tuesday, joining a garment sector union that has already warned it is considering a three-day walkout.

Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA) and head of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), said he has yet to receive a response to demands made more than a month ago during a Labour Day rally.

At the rally, he asked for reduced work hours for the members of both bodies, a boost to monthly teacher salaries and the creation of a labour court for workers.

“We have not received a response from government officials until now.... If there is no solution for us, then a strike will happen in the very near future,” Rong Chhun said Tuesday, though he declined to give a date for any potential action.

The labour leader said he sent a letter yesterday morning to Prime Minister Hun Sen, reiterating his demands.

“We have not received a response from the authorities more than one month after we raised the issue,” he said. “So I have to send a letter to remind them.”

Rong Chhun’s warning comes as the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTU) continues to threaten a strike in an effort to advance its own minimum-wage demands. Both the FTU and CITA fall under the umbrella of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions.

The FTU is demanding a 40 percent increase in the monthly minimum wage for its roughly 86,000 members, who work predominantly in the garment sector.

Union president Chea Mony said Tuesday that he is waiting for an official response from employers before asking the Interior Ministry to approve a strike.

Oum Mean, a Labour Ministry secretary of state, said both unions should engage in negotiations before resorting to strikes.

He also cautioned the workers to temper their expectations.

“We want them to get higher wages, but we don’t know how much they will get,” he said.

Garment sector workers and employers have previously agreed to renegotiate minimum monthly wages by the end of the year. Ken Loo, secretary general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, said the FTU should wait to see what the negotiations produce before threatening labour action.

“The mechanisms are in place for proper negotiations,” Loo said, adding that a strike at this point “would go beyond the framework that was set for minimum wage negotiations.”

At this stage, none of the parties in the garment sector have set a specific date to begin negotiations.

Draft union law is sent out for consultations

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Mom Kunther and Tep Nimol

A WORKING group charged with creating Cambodia’s first-ever law on trade unions has sent a draft to worker and employee representatives, asking for their recommendations in the hope that the legislation can be adopted early next year.

Oum Mean, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Labour, said the initial draft was completed last week.

“We sent the draft law to the factory and worker representatives, in order for them to discuss among themselves whether they agree with the law or not,” he said.

The parties now have roughly one and a half months to examine the draft law and formulate recommendations on how to improve it. Oum Mean said the draft legislation is designed to build on the existing Labour Law, expanding regulations concerning the roles and rights of unions and employers.

“This law is important for the protection of both workers and employers,” he said.

Cambodian Confederation of Unions President Rong Chhun said he thought the draft targeted unions while protecting employers and the government.

“I think that some articles in the law seem to pressure union leaders. This law does not guarantee freedom to the union leaders,” he said.

Rong Chhun took particular issue with provisions requiring unions to file financial reports, including both income and expenses, with the government every year. Unions face the revocation of their statuses if they fail to comply.

Chuon Momthol, president of the Cambodian Union Federation, had higher praise for the draft law. He said “70 to 80 percent” of it was positive, though he expressed concern that transitional requirements could force existing unions to reapply for union status when the new law comes into effect.

Sandra D’Amico, vice president of the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA), said her group believes articles on collective bargaining in the draft law need to be further refined or clarified.

But she said the law’s creation would be a positive development, especially if more stringent regulations help to consolidate Cambodia’s many unions. Labour Ministry statistics, she said, show there are at least 1,725 trade unions across the country.

“The law will hopefully encourage a responsible and accountable union movement, which will result in a healthier trade union movement,” she said.

Logging raids net no charges in PVihear

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Chrann Chamroeun and Cameron Wells

MORE than 20 raids stemming from a crackdown on illegal logging this year have led to zero prosecutions thus far in Preah Vihear province, the director of the provincial court said Tuesday.

Sao Savuth added, however, that court officials have no plans to follow the lead of their counterparts in Ratanakkiri province, who on Monday said they would soon ask Forestry Department officials why complaints had not been filed in connection with roughly 45 raids carried out there.

In January, Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered a crackdown on illegal logging that has led to a spate of raids and confiscations in provinces across the country, though observers have criticised the lack of related prosecutions.

Sao Savuth said Tuesday that investigations connected with raids in his province were ongoing, though he declined to provide a specific number.

“Almost all of the cases sent to court contained only evidence,” he said. “No illegal wood sellers or government and forestry officials have been arrested.”

Meanwhile, Sok Leang, deputy director of the Siem Reap provincial court, said he knew of only five illegal logging raids conducted in that province this year.

He said these had led to some investigations of officials and wood vendors, and that summonses for “relevant people” had been issued, but declined to elaborate further.

“We have summoned relevant people and will keep on interrogating them in connection with forestry crimes,” he said.

Im Sophan, chief prosecutor at the provincial court in Mondulkiri, declined to comment at all on whether arrests or prosecutions had been carried out in connection with illegal logging raids, describing the issue as an “internal affair” of the court.

Several observers on Tuesday expressed concern that the crackdown on illegal logging would have little lasting effect if perpetrators were not held accountable for flouting the law.

Tep Bunnarith, executive director of the Culture and Environment Preservation Association, said Tuesday that he believes not enough action has been taken by law enforcement to target individuals.

“The actions taken are not enough, unless the government dares to arrest both officials and wood sellers,” he said. “The government should have a monitoring system and information-sharing system for the public and observers to see how much the [crackdown] is being enforced.”

He added that confiscated wood should not be sold or put up for auction, but instead donated to “local communities”.

“Any logs confiscated should be provided to local communities for housing or school construction, or other infrastructure. If they are sold, the money should be used for social funding or community development programs,” he said.

Sam Rainsy Party spokesman Yim Sovann said he was not optimistic that prosecutions would occur. “It is impunity,” he said. “They are never brought to justice.”

But Bunra Seng, country director of Conservation International, said the crackdown had been somewhat effective even in the absence of prosecutions.

“Especially in my area, Koh Kong, it’s very quiet,” he said. “Compared to 2009, it is very quiet. I want the crackdown to continue.”

‘Jungle girl’ not raped: doctors

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Mom Kunthear

DOCTORS at Ratanakkiri provincial referral hospital have quashed speculation that Rochom P’nhieng, Cambodia’s “jungle girl”, was raped before she fell into a dugout toilet, where she was discovered by a neighbour last Friday.

Sal Lou, who says he is Rochom P’nhieng’s father, said Tuesday that, after performing tests, doctors had ruled out his previous suspicion that she was sexually assaulted before being thrown into the latrine.

“The doctor told me that my daughter is fine, so we can leave hospital,” he said. “My daughter really wants to leave the hospital because she does not like to stay there.”

Hing Phan Sakunthea, the director of the hospital, said Tuesday that Rochom P’nhieng had suffered no serious injuries during her latest ordeal.

“She does not have a big problem with her health; she just has itches on her skin,” he said, but added that he would continue to monitor her health.

Rochom P’nhieng, believed to be 29 years old, was discovered in the wilds of Ratanakkiri in January 2007 and taken in by a family that says she is a daughter who went missing in 1989 while herding buffalo.

Last month, Rochom P’nhieng shed her clothes and fled from her family’s home into the forest for the third time since 2007, before turning up in the toilet.

Sal Lou said his family would try to keep a close eye on Rochom P’nhieng, but he was concerned about what might happen when they leave the house for work.

Chhay Thy, provincial monitor for the rights group Adhoc, questioned whether the family could ensure her safety and expressed doubts about the health checks she received. “The doctors just saw the outside of her body where they saw the itch and small wound, and allowed her to go back home,” he said.

He said the circumstances of her case remain suspicious due to the small size of the hole she fell into, and vowed to continue his own investigations.

Graft body gets two appointees

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Kim Yuthana

TWO former Constitutional Council members were picked to sit on a new body designed to oversee the government’s anticorruption drive Tuesday.

The National Assembly and the Senate each made selections to fill one of 11 positions on the National Anticorruption Commission, which was created after the passage of the long-delayed Anticorruption Law this year.

The National Assembly chose former Constitutional Council member Top Sam. Out of 106 parliamentarians who turned out to vote, 83 voted in favour of Top Sam, 13 voted against, two abstained, and another eight votes were voided, National Assembly President Heng Samrin said.

The Senate also chose a former member of the Constitutional Council as its representative, with 45 of 53 senators present choosing Prak Sok, said Chea Son, a Cambodian People’s Party lawmaker. Prak Sok is also a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party’s central committee.

Other institutions, including the Supreme Council of the Magistracy, are expected to choose candidates to fill the remaining positions on the commission.

Asked to elaborate on his plans in his new role, Top Sam noted that he was just one of several members on the new body.

“We hope that all members will work together to ... move forward for the elimination of corruption in Cambodia,” he said.

But opposition Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Yim Sovann said he had no confidence that the new body would be able to curb graft.

“As most CPP members are corrupt and as most components of the [National Anticorruption Commission] ... are also from the CPP, the political willingness to reduce and eliminate corruption in Cambodia will not be successful,” he said.

Court rejects request for border panel

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Meas Sokchea

THE Court of Appeal on Tuesday upheld a ruling rejecting a request by the lawyer for self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy to form an independent, bipartisan committee to investigate claims of Vietnamese border encroachment, lawyers said.

Choung Choungy, the lawyer for the Sam Rainsy Party president, submitted the request in April at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, where his client is facing charges of falsifying public documents and spreading disinformation in connection with a dispute concerning encroachment allegations in Svay Rieng province.

In January, Sam Rainsy was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for his involvement in an October stunt in which he assisted residents of Svay Rieng’s Chantrea district in uprooting border posts. The charges at the municipal court stem from press conferences held after the verdict, when, speaking by video link, he presented what he described as additional evidence of encroachment. If convicted, he faces up to 18 more years in prison.

Choung Choungy asked for the creation of an independent committee including representatives of the opposition as well as of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

The request was rejected on May 19, with the Municipal Court noting that the government already has a committee dealing with border issues.

Appeal Court Judge Nhoung Thul declined to comment on Tuesday’s hearing, which was closed to the public. But both Choung Choungy and government lawyer Ky Tech said the Municipal Court’s decision had been upheld.

“The Appeal Court has decided not to allow the formation of this committee, like the first court did,” Ky Tech said.

He added that investigating judges at the Municipal Court were only empowered to assess complaints brought by prosecutors, not to form committees.

Choung Choungy blasted the decision, and asserted that the government’s border committee was biased against his client.

“I would like to say that the government’s border committee places more of a burden on my client,” he said. “I requested to form a mixed committee that would be neutral and that would have participation from my client’s party.”

Municipal Court prosecutor Sok Roeun said Tuesday that the case against Sam Rainsy was still being investigated.

Sand dredgers back in Koh Kong

Photo by: Matt jacobson
A barge laden with sand plies the Koh Pao River upstream from Koh Kong town last November. Dredging operations have allegedly increased in the province after a downturn last year.

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Vong Sokheng

Ships have reportedly bolstered operations in area, and there are also concerns on the Mekong

SAND-DREDGERS have resumed large-scale operations in Koh Kong province’s salt-water estuaries since June 2 after a drop-off in dredging activities as a result of a sand-export ban last year, local fishermen said Tuesday.

Matt Sen, a 47-year-old fisherman from Village 4 in Smach Meanchey district’s Dong Tung commune, said Tuesday that about 10 transport ships are now waiting in the ocean to transport sand offshore.

He added that fishermen were using around 8 litres of gasoline per day in order to access deepwater areas where the fish are still plentiful, and blamed the dredgers for fish declines in shallow areas.

“I don’t know about the environmental impact. I only know that when there are sand-dredging companies in the sea there are no fish,” he said.

Last month, London-based watchdog Global Witness released a report on Cambodia’s sand trade that said that up to 796,000 tonnes of sand was being removed from Koh Kong each month.

The group estimates that the annual value of these shipments is US$28.7 million in Cambodia and $248 million once the sand reaches Singapore, and that the trade is being conducted with little regard for international standards or local laws.

Last month, fishermen and local officials told the Post that dredging – including one large-scale operation run jointly by Hong Kong’s Winton Enterprises and the local LYP Group – had stopped in the area following the sand-export ban, which was announced by Prime Minister Hun Sen in May and July of last year.

Pech Siyon, director of the Koh Kong provincial Department of Industry, Mines and Energy, also said last month that only one company, Udom Seima Trading, was dredging in the area. He added that the LYP/Winton operation had shut down pending the renewal of its sand-export licence.

When contacted Tuesday, he denied the fishermen’s claims that dredging had increased, saying the situation remained unchanged.

“I have no information about whether the company will have its licence for export renewed or not, but the sand-dredging companies are still operating as normal,” he said.

Fresh dredging concerns have also been raised by villagers living along the Mekong River in Kandal province’s Khsach Kandal district.

On Sunday, around 200 villagers from Chong Koh village protested against operations that they say are eroding riverbanks and threatening farmland.

Khsach Kandal Governor Kong Sophon said an unnamed sand company had received a dredging licence from the government, but that some of its operations had been undertaken in areas where dredging was not permitted

“Our local authorities, village representatives and the company will meet tomorrow to resolve the complaints filed by the villagers,” he said.

Govt warns of MDG failure in maternal car

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Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:02 Brooke Lewis

WOMEN’S Affairs Minister Ing Kantha Phavi is set to tell a global conference on maternal health that Cambodia is not on track to meet its Millennium Development Goal for lowering the maternal death rate.

She will also call for more action on the part of “global leaders” and donors to address the problem, according to a copy of a prepared speech posted on the conference’s website.

Her remarks, prepared for a forum of health and finance ministers from more than 30 countries with high maternal mortality rates at the Women Deliver 2010 conference in Washington, notes that Cambodia is falling behind its neighbours in ensuring safe deliveries.

The national MDG calls for the maternal mortality rate to be reduced to 140 deaths for every 100,000 live births by 2015.

“With a maternal mortality ratio of 461, Cambodia ranks among the highest in the region, and we are not likely to reach our goal,” she states.

The conference, billed by its organisers as the largest ever conference on maternal health, bringing together 3,500 participants from 140 countries, began Monday and ends today.

In her statement, Ing Kantha Phavi cites factors contributing to Cambodia’s high maternal mortality rate, including the limited availability of emergency obstetric care, newborn care, services to ensure the safe termination of pregnancies, midwives and infrastructure.

“The benefits are clear,” she says of heightened attention to the issue. “Keeping women healthy and educated has human rights benefits for women, as well as education, health, nutritional, and social benefits for their children. Society as a whole benefits.”

Chan Theary, executive director of the Reproductive and Child Health Alliance, said she hopes the conference will help focus action from donors and other partners on the issue of maternal mortality.

“I think we need to have a concrete plan and implement this plan,” she said, and added that increased funding is also required.

However she said she is optimistic that the MDG for maternal mortality can still be reached.

“I think right now the government is giving this issue more attention, and that if donors, government and other partners all work together, we can achieve this goal,” she said.

Artefacts unearthed at Bayon temple

Photo by: Rann Reuy
Archaeologists point to images detailing artefacts discovered at Bayon temple on Monday, the first day of a twice-yearly conservation meeting in Siem Reap.

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:01 Rann Reuy

Archaeologists from Cambodia and Japan have recovered an assortment of nearly 1,000 items

Siem Reap Province

CAMBODIAN and Japanese archaeologists have since January unearthed about 1,000 artefacts buried beneath Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, according to a report released Tuesday during a conference concerning conservation efforts in the Angkor Wat temple complex.

The findings include pieces of gold, hardware, tools and religious relics, according to the report, released as part of the 19th Technical Committee meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor, which concludes today.

Kou Vet, chief of the archaeological unit for Japan-Apsara Safeguarding Angkor, said in a statement that his team had also discovered ceramics thought to have been imported from Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

“Because the excavation survey is still being conducted, our data is insufficient to draw the final conclusion” when it comes to each item’s age, he said, and added that the artefacts would be taken to Japan for further testing.

Heng Kamsan, deputy director of the Archaeology and Prehistory Department at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said Tuesday that the recent work at Bayon had been more fruitful than an excavation of the northern gallery conducted in 1994.

“At that time, we did not know whether our excavation techniques were good enough or if we had dug deep enough to find anything,” he said. The ongoing excavation work, he said, represents a “peak success”.

The creation of the ICC, co-chaired by France and Japan, was one of the conditions for the approval of Angkor Wat as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.

Programming on Monday, the first day of the twice-yearly meeting, included a tour of Angkor Thom organised by the Apsara Authority designed to showcase the contributions of Cambodian architects and archaeologists.

The agenda for today includes presentations on efforts to advance sustainable development at the site.

Global Index: Kingdom drops in peace rating

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:01 Cameron Wells

Global Index

Cambodia has fallen six places in this year’s Global Peace Index, coming in at No 111 out of 149 countries. Hill and Knowlton, a UK-based research firm that produced the rankings on behalf of the Institute for Economics and Peace, said in a statement released Tuesday that the drop was attributed to a “significant jump” in the homicide rate and in military expenditures. The index assigns each country a score of 1 to 5 – with 1 being the best – in 23 separate categories, including perceived criminality, access to weapons and number of ongoing conflicts. Cambodia was given a mean score of 2.252. By contrast, New Zealand topped the rankings for the second consecutive year with a score of 1.202. Alexander Breedon, a junior account executive with Hill and Knowlton, said the homicide score was “based on a homicide rate per 100,000 people”. “In 2009, Cambodia received the best possible score of 1. In 2010, Cambodia scored a 4,” he said. Cambodia fared better overall than Myanmar and Thailand, but worse than Vietnam and Laos.

Education key to commerce

Photo by: Sovan Philong
A village teacher conducts a class last week in Neak Leung in Prey Veng province. Experts say that better educational opportunities, particularly those focusing on vocational skills, could help Cambodia overcome a skills shortage and foster greater economic development.

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:01 Jeremy Mullins

Analysts say a skills shortage has slowed further development in the Kingdom

CAMBODIA is experiencing a skills and talent shortage hindering further development, experts say, agreeing with international assessments that education could be better tailored to meet employers’ needs.

Calling it a “global crisis in education”, World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia participants said in a release that education was not meeting employers' demands in countries around the world.

“Nation-building is about developing our human resources. The people are the most important. But in human resource development, we are falling behind,” forum participant and Lippo Group of Indonesia chief executive officer James Riady said, according to a release.

USAID Cambodia Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise chief of party Curtis Hundley said extending domestic value-added manufacturing will require increasing training for technical vocations.

“Garments are the main export industry in Cambodia. All production for garments could be in Cambodia – buttons, zippers, fabric could all be manufactured here, but right now the industry is all CMT: cuts, make and trim.”

The domestic business environment can be very difficult, and it is often hard to attract investment, he said. A supply of Cambodian technical experts and effective middle and upper management would help draw more manufacturing, not just in the garment industry, he added.

Cambodia faces a number of challenges in order to solve a domestic shortage of skills and talent, HR Inc Cambodia general manager Sandra D’Amico wrote in an email.

“Our biggest challenge is the lack of labour market information systems and links between industry and education institutions to ensure education meets the needs of industry.”

Coordination between different educators could also be improved, she said. “Technical vocational training (TVET) and Higher education need to compliment each other, not compete with each other.”

Standardisation of accreditation, and better marketing of educational possibilities would also help address the shortages, she said. “At the end of the day, people need a job.”

D’Amico recommended focusing on technical training to develop skills in the economy, and improving information dissemination as to opportunities to help bridge the education gap.

“There are too many university graduates that are doing jobs suitable for technical vocational training graduates.”

Despite warning that a crisis in education is under way, World Economic Forum panelists said that East Asia nations have reason for optimism.

“You have talented and motivated people who excel. But what do we do to unlock that potential?” Viet Thai International Joint Stock Company chief executive officer David Thai said, according to a WEF release. The WEF on East Asia was held June 6 and 7 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cambodian Skills Development Centre (CASDEC) Director Tep Mona said one domestic attraction to foreign investors is the inexpensive labour available domestically.

She said 80 percent of middle and upper management at the Kingdom’s garment factories are foreign expatriates, and that foreigners have greatly assisted in developing the sector with their knowledge, but that it is time to develop domestic employees capable of doing the job.

“Low labour costs, if combined with the right skills, could make the industry very competitive,” she said, and added that such a combination could entice other industries to enter the domestic market.

“If we have skilled people who can do the job, factories will stay longer.”

The present education system produces plenty of graduates of higher education, but could better address the needs of industry, she said.

To develop middle management capable of working in the garment sector or other industries, CASDEC has begun offering a certificate program for management.

The domestic skills and talent shortage creates challenges for businesses operating in the Kingdom, Sandra D’Amico said.

The deficiency results in "a big need for employers to do on-the-job training as well as invest in training and building their own workforces”.

Global crisis slashes Kingdom’s tax revenue

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:01 Nguon Sovan

THE Kingdom’s tax revenue dropped over 8 percent last year because of the impact of the financial crisis on customs revenue, a senior Ministry of Economy and Finance official said Tuesday.

A total of US$1 billion was collected by the state in 2009, an 8.25 percent decrease from the $1.09 billion that flowed to its coffers the previous year.

Ministry of Economy and Finance secretary of state Hang Chuon Naron said revenue at the Department of Customs and Excise had decreased, but that more money was collected by the ministry’s Tax Department last year.

“During 2009, the year of the financial crisis, tax revenues increased slightly while customs revenue dropped around 10 percent, as the nation’s GDP growth declined from 10.3 percent in 2007 to 0.1 percent last year.”

The Customs Department generated 13.32 percent less revenue, collecting $640.2 million last year from $738.6 million a year earlier. However, domestic tax receipts increased 2.78 percent to $362.2 million in 2009, up from $352.4 million the year previous, the figures showed.

Still, tax-collection trends were positive, Hang Choun Naron said at a seminar on training assessments for the Ministry of Finance. He said government revenues grew an average of 26 percent annually since the launch of public finance reform in 2005.

“The growth in revenues has gradually increased the government’s reserves in the National Bank of Cambodia to $700 million,” he said. “We have reformed from a state of budget deficit to having lots of cash in hand.”

Overall government expenditure was anticipated to be $2 billion in 2010, up from $1.8 billion last year.

He said he expects tax receipts to increase this year as the economy improves and the government implements several new taxes.

“To meet increasing expenditure, the government has placed a 100 percent tax on luxurious motor vehicles over 12 horsepower. It has also begun a new tax on all land assets, whether or not they have buildings, except land used for agriculture.”

Cambodia Institute for Development Study president Kang Chandararot said customs revenue clearly declined last year.

“As we all know, foreign trade and investments in Cambodia declined last year due to the impact of the crisis, so when imports-exports activities went down, customs and excise collection declined as well,” he said.

He added that domestic tax collection has more room to increase government revenues.

“Internal tax collection will continue to grow if officials strengthen their collection efforts and push more businesses to pay tax, as some of them now try to evade it,” he said.

Pen Simon, director general of the Customs Department and Sim Eang, Tax Department director general, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Police Blotter: 9 Jun 2010

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:00 Phak Seangly

An intergenerational family conflict in Siem Reap province has ended in the death of a 44-year-old man, allegedly at the hands of his 26-year-old crossbow-wielding son. Police said the attack happened Sunday, when the two men were drinking together. The suspect asked his young son to bring him a cigarette. The son refused, police said, and his willfulness enraged the suspect, who allegedly started beating the boy on the spot. The 44-year-old man objected to this and began beating on his son-in-law. In response, the son-in-law grabbed a crossbow and allegedly shot the victim in the chest.

A 49-year-old man in Kandal province has been arrested on suspicion of attacking his wife with a cleaver. Police say the man asked his wife to make him lunch. She obliged, preparing a delightful spread featuring fried pork and fresh vegetables. But the man, who was drunk, demanded fried prahok. The woman refused to make another dish and started hitting her husband. He, in turn, began destroying their property, then grabbed a cleaver and allegedly struck his wife twice in the head.

Two high school students in Kandal province have been arrested for jumping on each other, chasing each other around and whipping each other with belts. The bizarre incident happened Saturday, and police said they did not know what prompted it. The two students, aged 17 and 18, were released after their parents signed a contract promising to rein in their unruly progeny. Police warned that the students would be punished if caught abusing each other again.

Police in Poipet town have arrested three girls accused of trying to steal earrings from a child. The girls, aged 14, 15, and 16, were arrested after a woman complained that she saw them trying to snatch earrings from her 6-year-old daughter. The girls allegedly confessed, and admitted to stealing earrings from children in two other provinces. They have been sent to court.

Garment exports improve in first five months of 2010

Photo by: Tracey Shelton
Commerce Ministry statistics show garment exports through May rose 11 percent over last year’s figures.

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:01 May Kunmakara

Commerce Ministry credits int’l recovery, internal measures

CAMBODIA’S garment and textile exports rose over 11 percent in the first five months of 2010 year on year, statistics show. Officials said the growth was spurred by a recovery in foreign purchasing power as global markets continued recovering from the financial crisis.

The Kingdom exported US$1.062 billion in garments during the period, an 11.43 increase over $953 million in exports January to May 2009, according to figures obtained from the Ministry of Commerce.

Sector growth was the result of recovering economies in foreign countries and government attempts to link suppliers with foreign buyers, MoC foreign trade director general Sok Sopheak said.

“As suppliers, we should clearly understand the needs of buyers, and must commit to fulfilling orders in a timely fashion.”

He added that internal restructuring of bureaucratic procedures helped boost month-on-month orders.

“We have made it more convenient for garment suppliers by cutting down on unnecessary procedures and paperwork,” he said. “This is the internal factor for growing exports, and the external factor is the recovery of the global economy.”

Cambodia Institute for Development Study president Kang Chandararot said several garment factories had previously gone bankrupt and withdrawn their investment, benefiting remaining investors.

“Many garment factories who survived the low demand caused by the crisis last year are now strong and competitive as the sector recovers, but those who ran away lost their chance to turn a profit.”

Garment Manufacturers’ Association in Cambodia president Ken Loo said the recovery of the global economy led to a surge in consumption.

“The first five months of this year were better than last year because of the improved global economy.”

However, he added that it is too early to predict progress to the year’s end. “Of course, it looks good,” he said. “We are recovering, but we have to wait and see whether the global economy continues recovering, because US employment levels are still not very good.”

The global impact of the Greek sovereign debt crisis also concerns him, he said.

“If economic recovery is hindered by [the Greek crisis], it will affect the global economy, not just Cambodia. We depend on international consumers to purchase our garments – if these countries don’t buy, we don’t have orders.”

Garment exports to the US increased nearly 8 percent to $643.4 million from $594.4 million, according to the statistics. Shipments to the European Union increased 10.4 percent, to $247.6 million during the first five months, from $224.3 million for the same period in 2009, and exports to other foreign markets rose 26.5 percent to $171 million from $135.2 million.

May also experienced growth in garment exports of nearly 27 percent compared with the month last year, reaching $216.4 million from $170.8 in 2009.

Kang Chandararot predicted the sector would continue to improve.

“I believe that the garment industry improves the nation’s economy as global economic conditions return to normal.”

Exploring new markets would diversify the garment industry and lead to the improvement of regional trade, he said.

“We won’t rely on only the US and EU.”

Cambodian garment and textile exports dropped 15.83 percent in 2009 to $2.658 billion, from $3.158 billion a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Central bank to make third dollar sell-off to stabilise falling riel

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:00 Nguon Sovan

Today’s sale follows $4 million in dollar auctions last month that have yet to raise the value of riel markedly against the United States currency.

THE National Bank of Cambodia’s (NBC) third attempt to stabilise the declining riel is under way as the second of three US$1 million currency buys takes place today.

A total of $3 million was to be auctioned off to purchase riel in separate lots Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week, an NBC statement signed by deputy director general Nguon Sokha released Monday said.

This is the third intervention by the NBC to stabilise the riel after its first package of $4 million auctioned late last month and the second $3 million last week failed to stop the riel’s continued decline.

Bidding for Monday’s $1 million lot saw nine money changers participate. The winning bid of 4,232 riels per dollar was won by a money changer based in Phnom Penh’s Olympic Market, said a central bank official requesting anonymity.

The depreciation of the domestic currency is not unique to Cambodia, as the US dollar has strengthened against many foreign currencies, including the euro, Cambodia Institute for Development Study president Kang Chandararot said Tuesday.

“It’s good the NBC releases US currency to appreciate the riel,” he said. “The riel will likely rise as euro currency recovers in value.”

He estimated there is $500 million worth of riels in circulation in Cambodia, and said the currency’s decline is also due to a drop in trade and investments denominated in dollars.

The riel had depreciated 1.74 percent by Tuesday, to 4,263 per US dollar from 4,190 in mid-April, according to Ministry of Commerce daily statistics.

This week’s three separate $1 million auctions take place at the NBC’s Phnom Penh headquarters on Norodom Boulevard. Commercial banks, licenced money changers and companies are able to bid, according to the NBC’s statement.

The euro has depreciated 15 percent against the US dollar since May, trading at $1.19 Tuesday from $1.40 per euro early last month.

Reththy Group factory set to start producing bricks and roof tiles

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:00 Chun Sophal

Joint venture with unknown Vietnamese partner is expected to produce up to 80 million bricks per year, most of which will be sent to Vietnam

Mong Reththy Group will officially open its US$5 million brick and roof tile factory – a joint venture with an unnamed Vietnamese company – in Preah Sihanouk province next week.

Company president Mong Reththy told the Post on Tuesday that operations are expected to begin on June 18, and that the charcoal energy-operated facility could produce up to 80 million bricks per year, primarily for export to neighbouring Vietnam.

“We hope that this yard will be able to produce better-quality brick and roof tiles to supply domestic demand as well as export markets than facilities operated by hand, using wood as the energy source,” he said.

Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy industry department Director General Meng Saktheara said producing tiles locally is important in making the Kingdom less dependant on imported construction materials.

He said imported materials account for nearly 40 to 50 percent of brick and roof tiles currently used in Cambodia, although he acknowledged exact figures are difficult to obtain because of a substantial unofficial trade in such materials.

“I think that the establishment of the yard will help increase our ability to supply local and international markets, increase income for the national economy and maintain trade stability for our country,” Meng Saktheara said.

Late last year the Mong Reththty Group signed with a Vietnamese company to invest $5 million to build the brick and roof tile yard on 15 hectares in the Cheung Kor commune, Prey Nub district, Preah Sihanouk province.

Mong Reththy refused Tuesday to name the company’s Vietnamese partner.

“I think that it is not necessary for us to discuss our partner’s share at the moment,” he said.

The Khaou Chuly Group announced last month that it had also invested $5 million in a roof tile factory in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district that it expects to produce up to 10 million tiles per year.

New car assembly plant to go online this year

via Khmer NZ News Media

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:00 Soeun Say

Chinese-owned Khmer First Car Factory to build heavy vehicles and trucks for multiple makers

The government has approved a car assembly factory to be built in the Kingdom this year, according to an official at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME).

MIME department of industrial affairs Deputy Director Hort Pheng told the Post on Monday that a Chinese-owned factory – called the Khmer First Car Factory Co – had been approved to be built in Chom Chao commune for large-vehicle assembly.

“The company is yet to begin construction and operate car assembly, but it will start this year,” he said. “It is currently preparing the assembly equipment to be installed in the factory before production can begin.”

The company is not linked to a specific brand, but will assemble cars from various makers, specialising in large vehicles such as pickups, minibuses and trucks between 1.5 tonnes and 4 tonnes, said Hort Pheng.

He added that the plant expects to assemble between 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles each year.

Chinese investor Yao Chang Sheng is the registered owner of the Khmer First Car Factory Co, according to documents filed with the government.

Hort Pheng said the company’s capital investment topped US$3 million, and the factory would be built on a 14,600-square-metre block in Kbal Damrey village in Dangkor district – about 10 kilometres southwest of Phnom Penh.

“Now, we are seeing many investors interested in coming to Cambodia because of the good policies of the government and political stability. It makes them more confident to invest in our country – if not, why would they come to invest here?” he said.

Company representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce director general Nguon Meng Tech said the car assembly factory would be good for the country, as it would help create jobs for Cambodians and help the economy.

“We hope that the company’s investment will help develop Cambodia’s economy better,” Meng Tech said.

A Koh Kong-based car assembly plant owned by South Korea’s Hyundai distributor KH Motors in a joint venture with Cambodia’s Ly Young Phat Group, is still under construction and also slated to open by the end of the year.


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Khrista Jarvis Team | 1034 VIA DI SALERNO, PLEASANTON, CA 94566
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Open House: Jun 24, 2017 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Remarks: Gorgeous single story custom home in Ruby Hill with pool.
Open House: Jun 25, 2017 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Remarks: Gorgeous single story custom home in Ruby Hill with pool.

1034 Via Di Salerno

Beds: 4
Baths: 3 | 1
Sq. Ft.: 3,761
Type: Single Family Home
Listing #40785643
This gorgeous single-story home is elegant and inviting in Ruby Hill. High ceilings and extensive custom millwork throughout. Generously-sized rooms. Custom details. Awash in natural light. Formal entry has travertine flooring, overlooks the formal dining room & the formal living room. The entry and adjoining rooms have gorgeous crown molding and wainscoting. Home features new custom cabinetry in gourmet kitchen to the master bath and more. Kitchen includes a center island and newer stainless-steel appliances. Large private master opens to backyard. Marble master bath, large walk-in closet. Office. 1 en suite bedroom and 2 bedrooms share hall bath. Hardwood floors. Plantation shutters. Large private backyard with pool, spa and plenty of room to play. Leased solar. 3 car garage. Move right in. Pleasanton schools. Open Sat and Sun 1-4 6/24 and 6/25.
Property Features
Location Information
County: Alameda
Neighborhood: RUBY HILL
Area: Pleasanton
Cross Street: Vantini
Interior Features
Rooms: Family Room, Formal Dining Room, Kitchen/Family Combo, Office, Storage
Master Bathroom Description: Solid Surface, Stall Shower, Tub
Other Bathrooms Description: Shower Over Tub, Stall Shower, Tile
Kitchen Description: Breakfast Nook, Counter - Stone, Dishwasher, Double Oven, Garbage Disposal, Gas Range/Cooktop, Island, Microwave, Oven Built-in, Pantry, Refrigerator, Updated Kitchen, Wet Bar
Has Fireplace: yes
Number of Fireplaces: 2
Fireplace Description: Family Room, Gas Starter, Living Room
Heating: Forced Air 2 Zns or More
Cooling: Central 2 Or 2+ Zones A/C
Floors: Hardwood Floors, Stone (Marble, Slate etc., Wall to Wall Carpeting
Laundry: In Laundry Room
Additional Equipment: Central Vacuum, Fire Sprinklers, Garage Door Opener, Security Alarm - Leased, Water Filter System, Water Heater Gas, Window Coverings, Other
Exterior Features
Style: French Country
Stories: One Story
Exterior: Stucco
Roof: Tile
Possession: COE
Water / Sewer: Sewer System - Public, Water - Public
Parking Description: Attached Garage
Has Garage: yes
Garage Spaces: 3
Yard: Back Yard, Fenced, Front Yard, Garden/Play, Patio, Sprinklers Automatic, Sprinklers Back, Sprinklers Front
Has a Pool: yes
Pool Description: Gunite, In Ground
Lot Description: Level, Premium Lot
Lot Size in Acres: 0.52
Lot Size in Sq. Ft.: 22, 655
Is One Story: yes
School District: Pleasanton (925) 462-5500
Additional Information
Property Type: SFR
Property SubType: Detached
Year Built: 1999
Status: Active
Fees Include: Management Fee, Reserves, Security/Gate Fee
Home Owners Association: Y
HOA Fee: 215
HOA Frequency: Monthly
HOA Amenities: Greenbelt, Playground, Pool, Security Gate, Tennis Court(s), Other
On The Market Since: 06/15/2017

$ per month
Year Fixed. % Interest Rate.
Principal + Interest: $
Monthly Tax: $
Monthly Insurance: $
Interest Rate
Down Payment
List Price:
Based on a fully amortized fixed rate loan. Ask your agent for the tax rates in your area. Insurance estimate is based on an average cost, your final premium cost will be determined by the type of coverage you select. This program only provides an estimate.
Seller's Representative:
Donna Garrison
Venture Sotheby's Intl Rlty
Bay East ©2017. CCAR ©2017. BridgeMLS ©2017. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS, or CCAR MLS, or BridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website. This information is intended for the personal use of consumers, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Bridge-CCAR-Bay East data last updated at June 23, 2017 9:39 PM PT

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Search Directory

Eye Level - Taman Maluri, Cheras

22A, Jalan Jejaka 7, Taman Maluri
Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 55100
019-663 3XXX
Show Number
019-663 3819

Send Email

Eye Level is based on an educational principle where students learn at their own pace. When a teacher understands the learning needs of a student, the teaching becomes most effective.

Eye Level is an educational enrichment program developed in Korea about 40 years ago and now has over 2.5 million children enrolled worldwide. We are the leading provider of supplemental education in the areas of Math and English.

We believe children will success if they are guided from their level of competence, Eye Level.

Subjects Offered :

  • Math
  • English
  • Happy Talk

Opening Times :

Tuesday and Thursday - 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Saturday - 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM


text:
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

2007 Booktrust Award

It's award season again! We're ramping things up behind the scenes for The Cybils (more information early next week), and shortlists for other awards abound.

Richard Lea reports for the Guardian on the 2007 Booktrust teenage fiction award. Here is the shortlist:
  • Here Lies Arthur, by Philip Reeve
  • Just in Case, by Meg Rosoff (this is one that gets better with time, in my opinion)
  • The Penalty, by Mal Peet
  • The Medici Seal, by Theresa Breslin
  • Leaving Poppy, by Kate Cann (have any of you read this one?)
  • My Swordhand is Singing, by Marcus Sedgwick

Let the races begin!


text:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

In the news recently about kids and medical research on psych meds

As the concerned father of a 'bipolar child' who is now 17- and not doing too well- some recent news disturbs me...
A world-renowned Harvard child psychiatrist whose work has helped fuel an explosion in the use of powerful antipsychotic medicines in children earned at least $1.6 million in consulting fees from drug makers from 2000 to 2007 but for years did not report much of this income to university officials, according to information given Congressional investigators [what would happen to ME or you if we didn't report even 2 thousand bucks in income or consulting fees ?!? Something just doesn't seem right here. Spiro Agnew resigned the VP slot under Nixon for much less of an IRS affront- as I recall.]
By failing to report income, the psychiatrist, Dr. Joseph Biederman, and a colleague in the psychiatry department at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Timothy E. Wilens, may have violated federal and university research rules designed to police potential conflicts of interest, according to Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa. Some of their research is financed by government grants.
NY Times

The University of Cincinnati will increase scrutiny on a psychiatry professor for not reporting all of the hundreds of thousands of dollars in corporate research money she received from a pharmaceutical giant during the last decade.
Melissa DelBello now has to review all of of her interactions with companies with her department chairman, UC vice president of research Sandra Degen said Friday.
DelBello's teaching and research haven't been restricted, but the fact that she didn't tell the university about some of her outside income has been detailed in her personnel file.
link to news source

Brown University in Rhode Island- [Professor] Keller has gained notoriety for authoring a controversial clinical study of the antidepressant drug paroxetine - marketed as Paxil in the United States - which concluded that the drug was safe and effective in adolescents. Keller and some of the study's co-authors have been accused by doctors, lawyers and journalists of having the 2001 study ghostwritten, earning large sums of money from Paxil's maker, GlaxoSmithKline. In addition, some say the researchers manipulated and suppressed data - including those showing increased suicidal tendencies in children taking the drug.Island
link to news source

According to [Senator] Grassley's research, Dr. Wagner, who is on the faculty at UTMB in Galveston, was paid more than $160,000 from GlaxoSmithKline between 2000 and 2005, though she reported just $600 to the university. In 2000 and 2001, she worked on a major study on the company's drug Paxil research that has been widely criticized for over-promoting positive findings while downplaying heightened suicidal thoughts and behavior in adolescents.
link to news source

1 comment:

  1. Another comment for you! Your story is amazing, and you need to tell it! Biederman needs to be in jail.

    On my blog, I have written for 2 years about the "evolution of a diagnosis" and Biederman.

Comments moderated. I havn't gotten 'many' comments yet on this blog to this point. Further fol-de-rol on this as necessary !


text:
Kamis, 28 Januari 2016

A Finnish / Danish style blend in a Helsinki home

Good morning, London calling! (how much do I love saying that? It's so great to be home for a couple of days!). Earlier this week I got a lovely surprise in my mail box courtesy of Finnish interior designer/ stylist Laura Seppänen - with details of her latest styling project - a 52 metre square, two room apartment in the heart of Helsinki. The apartment is lovely and fresh thanks to it's predominantly white scheme and has been inspired by Danish design. The furnishings include a mix of Scandinavian design, vintage items and soft textiles for a warm and cosy feel. Look out for the pretty hints of blue too!

Interior stylist: Laura Seppänen. Photographer: Pauliina Salonen

What a lovely space - clean and fresh yet warm and homely.

Get the look: Cove print, Kitchen - Kvik, coffee tables - Zuiver, Brass wall lamp - Menu, Carpets by Anno, Marshall speakers, M print, source vintage chopping boards here. This solid marble mortar and pestle is similar.  Le sac papier.

I've featured a few of Laura's fab projects here in the passed, including this Finnish home in charcoals and a Helsinki penthouse (absolutely love this one).

You can also keep up to date with Laura's latest projects on Facebook and Instagram. Photographer Pauliina also captured these nude and white interior images for Asun magazine. What a talented creative duo!

I'm off to meet my sister and two month old niece this afternoon (and their labradoodle)...what a treat, so excited! But the main reason I'm here is to meet my book publisher tomorrow. So.much.to.do. I'll try to stop by with a post tomorrow, but I apologise in advance if I run out of time!

Have a lovely day!

Rabu, 27 Januari 2016

A dramatic Stockholm space in dark colours

Just when we thought house sale styling in Sweden had reached it's creative limits, along comes a new kid on the block - in the form of Stockholm based 1 Street, and the bar is raised yet another notch! We're talking steaming bowls of soup with freshly baked bread, seasonal vegetables and even an obedient (and extremely cute) doggy. If these aren't enough to persuade you however, this elegant Stockholm space also features high ceilings, dramatic dark walls, vintage and antique pieces, the odd designer item and quirky art. Be still my beating heart!

1 street,
Wow! I understand dark interiors aren't for everyone, and I'm not sure I'd have all these dark walls in my own home but I can certainly appreciate them from afar - beautiful. What's your take?

Get the look: try the farrow & ball dark range for similar paint colours. Classic Wegner wishbone chairs, source a vintage chopping boards here, Marshall speaker (I've got this in my home and love it!). Kilim cushions, vintage industrial table lamps, charcoal linen bedding.

More interiors with a dark expression include this Swedish home, a sophisticated space in shades of green and grey, and this fabulous French home.

A couple of other links from around the web today:

6 ways to make your own platform bed with IKEA items...

Love the wallpaper in this children's room also seen here. It's the fab Forêt noire wallpaper designed by Nathalie Lété.

It's raining in Malmö today - not snowing, raining. Humph! Time for some comfort food. I'm thinking creamy garlic herb mushroom spaghetti, or date night pasta with mushrooms and goats cheese.....yum!

Right, London bound to meet my wonderful publisher....exciting!

Have a lovely day!

Selasa, 26 Januari 2016

A calm swedish home in grey and white

When it's cold outside, the allure of staying indoors and padding around in slippers drinking tea all day is just so appealing, don't you think?! This lovely home in Gothenburg is like a calm oasis in the heart of the city - and with that vast kakelugn (masonry oven), a perfect cocoon from the snow outside the window too! Let's take a tour...

Photography: Anders Bergstedt. Styling: Stilorum. Entrance.

What a perfect home. Loving the original wood floors, large windows and high ceilings. But also the quirky touches - like the 'hand key-holder' in the hallway! (Areaware sells all kinds of hands like this including a hand dock, hand hook, and even a bestow hand!).

Other items I know and love: SINNERLIG pendant lamp, this watercolour / auqarelle wall hanging is similar (also seen in this home), keep an eye out here for a bumling light in brass, white linen bedding, cactus I print, children's bed, hektar lamp.

Does anyone know where the wooden chair and pendant lamp in the bedroom are from? I'd love to know!

I'm gearing up for a quick trip to London tomorrow to meet my publisher (my booklaunches in just two weeks - so exciting!). I can't wait to see my little niece again too, I miss those baby cheeks! I'm also looking forward to a great curry (one of the things I miss most about London is great Indian take-aways!).

Last week I mentioned I was listening to Swedish singer Melissa Horn and I had a flood of e-mails asking for more tips.  So, today's tip is Norwegian singer / songwriter Ane Brun - I could listen to her everyday!

Have a lovely day!

Senin, 25 Januari 2016

A charming home in less than 20 square metres

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend? Keeping it real on a Monday with this teeny weeny bungalow in Berkeley, California. I mean really teeny weeny. Less than 200 square feet (18 square metres) teeny weeny. In fact it's so small that when Rebekah Carey suggested moving in to what was effectively her Grandmother's 1905 garage her boyfriend Alex McNall thought she was joking. But he soon started to see the potential and the pair set about transforming it from scratch. The result is cosy, comfy and most of all practical. And what's more, not a single new building material was used in the renovation. It just goes to show you don't need a lot of space and a big budget to create a wonderful home. Let's take a tour...

Photography Ashley Kelemen. Domino Magazine. Interior design / styling: Rebekah Carey

Love the white panelled walls combined with the rustic wood beams - so charming!
Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look with smart space-saving solutions such as a folding dining table, vintage chairs (which you could also hang on the wall) and a leather butterfly chair (love this), as well as a bench that also doubles as storage space (try kallax with branäs from IKEA). Use the full height of the room - and place items you seldom use out of the way on high shelves. This fab black leather mid-century stool is similar to the one seen (love the distressed look).

You can read more about this lovely home and details about the renovation over at Domino Magazine.

If you're looking for more small space inspiration today you might want to block your calendar for a few hours, put your phone on silence, pour a coffee (doesn't that sound nice?!) and browse this archive for Scandinavian studio apartments and the world's smallest luxury home - remember that one?!

Have a great start to the week!


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Sunday, August 7, 2011

30 days of Get Your Art On

I took part in Traci Bunkers 30 Days Of Get Your Art On.  You can check out her blog HERE.
I did good on the art part, but the posting art, not so much.  At one point I was getting all stressed about how behind I was and finally figured out how that was working against me.  The point was to spend time making art each day and I was doing it for me.  So I gave up on worrying about scanning or photographing and posting.
I really got into the habit of making art every day.  Made me remember how much I like to do art.  It's my comfort zone.  Makes me happy.  And we all need all of the "do things that make me happy" thing, right?
I like doing art, I like thinking about the art I did before I go to sleep at night, and I like waking up in the morning and going into the art room to look at what I did yesterday.  And Getting My Art On everyday gives me a chance at all those.  So I thank Traci for getting me on track with that.  And hope that any time in the future I get slack about being creative I challenge myself to another 30 days to get the habit back!
Here's a few journal pages I did during my 30 days:
This was done with craft acrylics, dye inks, stencils, punchinella, and rubber stamps.  The circles were stamped with bottle lids.  The word were printed on ledger paper and cut out and glued down with acrylic matte medium.
This background is craft acrylic paint and then punchinella and pigment ink over that.  The owl was drawn with Inktense Pencils.  The whites of the eye were done with white watercolor crayon.  The owl was outlined with a black water-based Sharpie paint marker.
This was done on a watercolor wash green background.  I wanted to play with some new Crayola Slick Sticks .  They are so creamy and smooth and colors blend very nice.  I used them for the circle background.  I used a rubber stamp and black dye ink for top and bottom borders.  The Peace sign was something I had leftover from another project.  It's a watercolor background and lines are drawn with a Sharpie. The blue along the right edge is a piece from a wooden fan that was coming apart.  It was natural wood color but I colored it with the blue Crayola slick stick and glued it down.  Page looks kinda groovy, huh?

I have alot more to share, several projects are for swaps and I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone by showing them yet.  A few others I need to scan or photograph (I'm really bad about getting around to that!)

Thanks again to Traci Bunkers for inspiring me to Get My Art On!!!

Hope you are all having a creative weekend!

  1. LOVE the pages! The ledger paper is a great touch. I'm enjoying the Slick Sticks too.

  2. Fantastic! I really love the first one; the nature-themed piece - awesome. Love the owl and I've never drawn with Inktense pencils and I have them - you've inspired me! Wonderful art pieces of yours to view - thank you! xxoo

    PS The mail art, below, is a riot! Love it!


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Tuesday, 15 July 2008

PHEW-and some freebies

Goodness, what a crazy last few days! With the store crashing, then moving it, getting everything up and running, sale, and having to move the store AGAIN- lol, well you get the picture! lol. Bunny you are a star and have a will of IRON! I would have been in one of those white coats that sort of buckle up the wrong way- YUP, those ones! lol. Thanks so much for just hanging in there- you can breathe and SLEEP NOW!

And my dear friend Deon arrived a mid the chaos- BUT, I was told to go and enjoy myself by my friend Bunny Wunny ( whom I phoned on Friday night  too, just to see if she was alive - yup, but I'm sure she now thinks all South African's are slightly COOKOOOOOO - hahahahahahaha.) I had had a few brandy's with good ol Deon at lunch- which turned into night time - and we only got home just before 9pm! Yeah, it was a GOOD lunch! lol

Deon, his brother and Dad all arrived at 8am the next morning to watch the rugby match- ARRRRRRRKK, PEOPLE, how can you do that to a girl who has just woken up with a HEADACHE, DRY MOUTH and has hair that looks like she stuck her head in the dishwasher and then let the cat play in it-KWIM?- Thank goodness it's like having family here, so I spent the morning in my PJ's getting ragged by the men about just how *beautiful* I look in the morning- bwahahahahaha.

They still had the GUTS to have a champagne breakfast- I had the breakfast yes, but UHUM- NOOOOOO thank you, Juice was just fine for me! And about 4 cups of coffee-lol Everyone went for afternoon snoozes on Saturday -PHEW! We had a brunch again just before Deon left in his BRAND NEW CAR on Sunday lunch time! The bugger, he had bought a new car too- and had come to collect it. We have now made plans to meet half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth next month ( for Waynie's Bday) for a weekend. So looking forward to that! Looks like with Dee in Cape Town we will see more of him than I thought and will be having weekends away- its GOOD!

I took the day off yesterday to just spend some *me repair* time, and feel good and rested today. YAY!

OOOH- and the girls have been BUSY- ( sort of made me feel guilty yesterday- but I know I needed it too ;-P)

Montana Softlysweet2

Renee did this stunning LO using my new Softly Sweet kit-

Livia sent me this beauty! Just look at that cute face!!

nessa glasses (600 x 600)

Silvia sent me this very COOL Lo of her daughter! AWESOME LO girl!

She ALSO made a stunning cluster frame FREEBIE for you all- it's on her blog now

Grab it HERE, and don't forget to leave her some love too ;-)

Maimi Beach RS

This LO is from Jazzy, who at the moment is setting up her blog too! WOOOHOOOOO, go Jazzy.

And Beth has made us a freebie for today too! It's this Gorgeous QP

Go check it out HERE,

THANKS BETH and SILVIA!! WOOOHOOOOO, I was spoilt today!

Until tomorrow, sending loves and hugs Kim.

Silvia said...

Hey Sweety...I was wondering where you have been yesterday...Im glad you had a good time with Deon eventhough it sounds like a major hangover weekend to me...lol...Im glad you like the frame and lo I made for ya...

Sending big hugs and kisses your way

Amy W. said...

Glad you had a good time. I hate that I keep going MIA lately and miss out on you and what's going on. But between it being summer vaca here and still going to school full time. Waaaaah! I miss my Kimmie and Brab! Boo-hoo! Glad you all got the shop up and running. Love the new kit BTW. Giant hugs!

Jazzy said...

Good for you Kimmy for taking some me time..after the weekend you needed it for sure..I tell you folks Bunny, Kim and all the great designers at DSO worked their butts off this weekend to make the sale a success and to keep us on line..I being the newby of the bunch, didnt quiet know what was going on but I got tired just watching from behind the lines..Bunny goes above and beyond to make DSO the great site it is...Thanks to all of you..and Kim..LOL I think Ive done it again..blogged in your comments..I have mine up but so far not posted on it..I think Im a bit afraid and dont know what to say...but Im going to give it a try later on..thanks for the beautiful freebies today cant wait to grab them..

Luisa said...

Beautiful freebie, Thanks and so good that you take a little 'me' time, Thanks for post my layout, your kit is gorgeous!

verabear said...

That sounds like a FUN weekend :)

Mrs. Miles said...

I'm so glad you and Deon had lunch,
You bee-hayved yourselves,
Did not drink a bunch,
It was better just to munch,
So your head doesn't crunch..
gotta run, my hunny just came home...

Mrs. Miles said...

ok, that was not a proper how-dee-doo, but my hunny was comin' in the door and HE DID THE SHOPPING, so I was rushing to help him put stuff away... I love it when he grocery shops, he buys all the things I would THINK I'd like, but would figure we could not afford, haha.

so thats why i ran away on ya. I'll return, never fear.

carjazi said...

Poppin in to say hello and see what's goin on in your side of the digiworld. Sounds like you've been having a wonderful time. Lovin what your girls are doing. I've been playin with some of your stuff too. Love to have you stop by and check it out.

Have a great one!


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Thursday, July 22, 2010

BFF Convention Gift

Here is a BFF Becky Gift that I made to share with her at Convention. She hates when I surprise her every morning with a gift, so if you see her today, dont tell her, cause she IS getting one everyday! It is make with the I (heart) hearts stamp set and it consists of 3 1/2 by 5 1/2 single sided note cards.

Have you gone shopping yet? Place a $25 or more order on my Stampin' Up site before the end of the month and I will send you a gift from Convention....

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Sunday, August 5, 2012

Convention Highlights

Rhonda, Becky, Diana, and Marlene and myself.....The AZ bunch....

Becky designed some of the display samples, so it was fun seeing her name on the board

Becky won a PRIZE PATROL.....another convention surprise!

Diana Gibbs said...

I love you and miss you, and so does Toby.

Hugs and licks, you can decide who gives you what.

Rhonda Morgan said...

Oh girlfriend, you are making me miss you even more! So happy we got a little time together! Hugs!!!


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A penny saved is ridiculous.

A penny saved is ridiculous.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Get stirred

I enjoyed J.A. Konrath's Shaken, the previous Jack Daniels thriller just fine, but was glad to get back to more traditional (that is, not multiple timeline-oriented) storytelling this time out with Stirred, its immersive, epic follow-up.  Stirred does throw us one curve ball, however: this time Konrath teams up with fellow thriller writer Blake Crouch to deliver this ambitious, stirring (sorry, couldn't resist) story.

And stir you up this book will likely do. I mean, c'mon: the main antagonist is essentially a serial killer and a James Bond villain rolled into one, and- as if that isn't enough- you also get a handful of supporting serial killer characters who were strong enough to be the main villains in past stories individually produced by Stirred co-authors Konrath and Crouch.

And why am I comparing the central killer to a James Bond villain? Because he uses his vast resources to buy a small corner of a dilapidated city and convert it to his version of Dante's Inferno, complete with writhing, tortured souls (previously captured from a tour bus!), who are chained to everything. Then he goes after the people he really wants to torture, namely Jack Daniels and her friends- and drops them into that booby-trapped, deadly world, for his own amusement. Crazy stuff.

And get this: Amid all the horror (and there's a lot of it) you still get this series' usual big laughs, clever banter, and touching character moments, to help break up all the torture, murders, and dismemberments. Oh, and how's this for another distraction from the dark doings: Jack Daniels spends the whole novel about to give birth! Which, come to think of it, functions as both a distraction from the horror and an underscoring of it. After all, would you want the kicking baby in your belly to be born in a dungeon full of corpses?

And about the co-author thing: Blake Crouch must write a lot like J.A. Konrath, and have many of the same obsessions and thematic interests, because this two-author book isn't schizo at all. It just feels like the latest J.A. Konrath Jack Daniels thriller, just bigger, better, and more intense.

I was skeptical when Crouch and Konrath decided to combine their characters and situations into one universe, thinking it was a problematic, self-indulgent idea probably generated from too many beers at a mystery writers convention. But this final (for now) Jack Daniels book, where Konrath's heroes meet Crouch's baddies really turned out to be intense, moving, page-turning fun.

Who would have thought Kindle time could be so cool?

Stirred is available on Kindle for $3.99, or is free to borrow by Amazon Prime members.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Across rue Charonne

DJ Neil Armstrong X Jeff Staple: 'Across rue de Charonne' from R+I creative on Vimeo.

This is pretty cool, Jeff Staple and Dj Neil Armstrong get together for a chat but they do it right down the street from me. As you may know Jeff Staples is big in the streetwear world and Neil Armstrong is a big time DJ so even though the sound isn't great in the clip it's a pretty interesting conversation.

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This article, Death Mask, is still being created by KingKatanova, he apologizes for the inconvenience.
Template:Non CanonThe Death Mask , or the Mask of Death, as it is sometimes known, is a powerful mask found on Terfall. It is worn by Baron Deathmask, also known as Peter Eldon.

History Edit

It seems to be that the Death Mask was originally an unenchanted mask owned by a great and powerful wielder of necromantic energy-either a reaper or a necromancer. It was just an ordinary mask but then was enfused with death energy and then given to Peter Eldon when he was reanimated into a death guardian towards the end of the Bone War. The necromancer who reanimated Eldon was given it as a gift and he carried it, in the hope of making one of his death guardians stronger. When Peter killed this necromancer he found the mask in a bag of loot and the mask proved to be a powerful item. Baron Deathmask would then go on to be known for this iconic mask.

Appearance Edit

The mask has been described by several accounts, though most of them are unclear. The fact is that most people who ever do see the Baron's mask end up dying in combat with the death guardian. Only a small percentage have survived to tell the tale.

The mask is described by most accounts as being white with no symbols or art on it, with a thick green glow of death energy surrounding it. It is very much like that of a Guy Falwkes mask, but without the details. The second type of account is where some people have said that the mask is black, revealing that it is very dark. As shown on the photo on Baron Deathmask's page, this might be connected to a helmet or the helmet itself maybe the mask. It is uncertain, but it is most likely the mask is white.

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Road Trip to the Gobi Desert with Google Glass

Since 1990, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History have traveled to Mongolia's vast Gobi Desert each summer in search of fossils, continuing a tradition of Museum expeditions to the region that began in the 1920s. In 1993, Musuem researchers working with Mongolian scientists uncovered one of the richest fossil beds ever found: Ukhaa Tolgod. The site produced hundreds of dinosaur, lizard, and mammal fossils from the Cretaceous period.

Last summer, a team led by the Museum's Provost of Science Mike Novacek and Paleontology Division Chair Mark Norell headed to the Gobi for the joint American Museum of Natural History/Mongolian Academy of Sciences expedition. The group included Aki Watanabe, one of Mark Norell's students at the Museum's Richard Gilder Graduate School, who was recently chosen as a beta-tester for Google Glass and who recorded video on Glass throughout the trip.

Travel with the team to the heart of the Gobi Desert in the first video of this series, as Watanabe shows some of the sights of the Gobi.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Get out The Kitchen Blog!

Get out The Kitchen Blog! no hair updates but there will be some next month. New shades will be here for the summer but right now I'm focusing on getting #summertimefine LOL you can check me out on that blog for more updates.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

ME: Wal-Mart Rant!

As the old adage says "You get what you pay for!" and more times now than ever, every time I walk into Wal-Mart that's how Im feeling. We all know the quality of service and customer service is terrible, the stores are rarely cleaned, there are 20 something registers but for some strange reason only 4 are usually open but thats not my real issue. My issue is that I used to be able to run in and run out fairly quick and the prices were just about guaranteed to be the lowest among the other comparable stores in my area. BUT lately? I've been noticing a strange trend that maybe most customers don't notice, if they don't go there as much as I do. Wal-mart has slowly but surely been increasing their prices on namebrand stuff! The main reason I shop at Wal-Mart (other than the fact that I can get hair color, bananas, nail polish, and  a steak in one spot) is for the prices. Plain and simple. Now Im noticing that Wally World is now coming out with their own brands of foods under this Great Value name and raising the prices on similiar items. This morning I woke up craving bacon and pancakes but guess what? I didn't have bacon. So I decided to walk across the street to Wal-mart before the babe woke up to get this 3.99 bacon, only to my dismay to see 5.89 and the Great Value brand for 3.89. Wal-Mart do you think you really are on the same level as Oscar Meyer? I think not! I've tried you before again and again AND the quality is consistently horrible! So I grabbed the OM bacon and made a vow to start shopping at other stores instead of consistently giving my money to Wal-mart almost exclusively. This aint a marriage. They don't even treat their employees right! Despite being the #1 retailer in the US with the #2 competition millions of dollars away, but that's is another story for a different day. But yeah thats how I started my day. Now that I got that out Im going to step off my soapbox now and mmh go back to enjoying my Saturday.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

What Have I Been Doing?

.........................................................well I've been losing weight. Yep. Making the number on the scale go dooowwwnnnnn LOL. If you follow me on Twitter than you've seen my #TurboFire (which is crazy!) post so you knew this, right? But since I've been on this getting #summertimefine / health kick I haven't been focusing on what's going on with my hair. But as with all things, when I eat better, everything gets better, which includes my hair. Its thriving, growing longer, stronger, and right now its getting on my nerves (#realtalk). I've never grown my hair for length...ok Im one point I was trying to have hair down to my bootay but as soon as it would touch my neck, I would get annoyed, and ended up in somebodys chair waiting for a cut. Now that my hair is natural if I had it cut it would just be a mini fro aka TWA and I can't do ish with that. Everytime I see a short, haired, permed girl I want to go back to the creamy crack then I start getting *flashbacks* about the awkward stage of growing my hair out, the every other week waiting in the salon for hours, the dryness of my scalp but I digress Im losing weight! Wasn't sure if I should start another blog or not just to talk about weight loss and my healthy eating or sharing some healthy recipes but I already have one TOO many blogs so Im still thinking. My blog names are taken by people who are not even using it. Sux! Anyway thats what I've been doing. Oh yeah Im going back to being fully red head for the summer! After going back and forth for months (to which I have 4 inch roots) and cutting 2-3 inches off in December Im redyeing my hair. Just out of plain boredom. Plus Im going to BK in the summer and I want something new...again =p Alright so yeah thats what I've been doing.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Lazy Natural

So it's been almost 2 years since I've been natural and Im kinda sad to admit that I still haven't mastered my hair yet. I mean I try different styles sometimes but mainly its been all about the fro. Which of course leads to a ridiculous amount of tangling and major detangling solo party but its the easiest style for me, the lazy natural. I've been trying to overcome it and try braids and wigs but I always come back to old faithful, my fro.

..yes I take bathroom pics with silly faces (I also wear glasses =p ) ..

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Long Time No See.

I need to start blogging more but life is so busy. Lots of changes! Im changing my body, mind, working on the soul. Hope all is well with you. Goodnight.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Something I used to have before corporate america beat it and bitch slapped it out of me, through layoffs, office politics, pay freezes, low pay. As Denzel Washington says in 'Training Day', "you disloyal motherfuckers!" is my attitude when it comes to corporate America right now. I used to be creative, friendly, loyal, and most importantly DRIVEN! Now I'm yearning to feel that way again, before I was tossed into the world of corporate america, before I worked two jobs to survive, before college, before I was tainted by office politics and backstabbing. Almost 4 years later I NEED to find another job and get a fresh start. I want to feel driven again!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

ME: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Its Satuday and I spent much of the day in the house...bored...tired...YouTubing. Can't remember what I was searching for but I ended up on Pineapple Upside Down Cake videos. **SN**When Im hungry I will look at cooking and baking shows instead of actually getting up to cook, I know its lazy, and illogical**End SN** but I think that's what led me to spending close to an hour watching those vids. One after another, even more delicious than the next, they had me dreaming about of all things Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which isn't my favorite cake but it brings back memories of my grandmother making them and having them served up at family get togethers. Yes, my family uses food to celebrate EVERYTHING! So most of my childhood memories kinda circle around food. So after dreaming about this cake all day,I finally left the house! To get some pineapples make "the cake" I had been dreaming about since I woke up close to 12 pm. I had already had most of the ingredients at home so I figured why not? So below is the result of a lazy Saturday and YouTube courtesy of this All recipe. I originally was suppose to make this one but I forgot to pick up milk since I don't keep the regular milk in my house due to my lactose intolerancy. Yeah FML. Ironically enough Im on a diet going through a lifestyle change and working on being healthier.

Not bad for a first timer, eh?


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Waste gassification plan for former paper mill

Kirkwood Homes Investments held a public consultation in Kintore Public Hall yesterday, to show their plans for expansion of the commercial use on the former paper mill site north of Kintore. The site concerned is bounded on the east by the River Don and on the west by the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line. Read More...
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