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Culture Name

Alternative Names

Outsiders often mistakenly refer to things Malaysian as simply "Malay," reflecting only one of the ethnic groups in the society. Malaysians refer to their national culture as kebudayaan Malaysia in the national language.

Identification. Within Malaysian society there is a Malay culture, a Chinese culture, an Indian culture, a Eurasian culture, along with the cultures of the indigenous groups of the peninsula and north Borneo. A unified Malaysian culture is something only emerging in the country. The important social distinction in the emergent national culture is between Malay and non-Malay, represented by two groups: the Malay elite that dominates the country's politics, and the largely Chinese middle class whose prosperous lifestyle leads Malaysia's shift to a consumer society. The two groups mostly live in the urban areas of the Malay Peninsula's west coast, and their sometimes competing, sometimes parallel influences shape the shared life of Malaysia's citizens. Sarawak and Sabah, the two Malaysian states located in north Borneo, tend to be less a influential part of the national culture, and their vibrant local cultures are shrouded by the bigger, wealthier peninsular society.

Location and Geography. Malaysia is physically split between west and east, parts united into one country in 1963. Western Malaysia is on the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, and stretches from the Thai border to the island of Singapore. Eastern Malaysia includes the territories of Sabah and Sarawak on the north end of Borneo, separated by the country of Brunei. Peninsular Malaysia is divided into west and east by a central mountain range called the Banjaran Titiwangsa. Most large cities, heavy industry, and immigrant groups are concentrated on the west coast; the east coast is less populated, more agrarian, and demographically more Malay. The federal capital is in the old tinmining center of Kuala Lumpur, located in the middle of the western immigrant belt, but its move to the new Kuala Lumpur suburb of Putra Jaya will soon be complete.

Demography. Malaysia's population comprises twenty-three million people, and throughout its history the territory has been sparsely populated relative to its land area. The government aims for increasing the national population to seventy million by the year 2100. Eighty percent of the population lives on the peninsula. The most important Malaysian demographic statistics are of ethnicity: 60 percent are classified as Malay, 25 percent as of Chinese descent, 10 percent of Indian descent, and 5 percent as others. These population figures have an important place in peninsular history, because Malaysia as a country was created with demography in mind. Malay leaders in the 1930s and 1940s organized their community around the issue of curbing immigration. After independence, Malaysia was created when the Borneo territories with their substantial indigenous populations were added to Malaya as a means of exceeding the great number of Chinese and Indians in the country.

Linguistic Affiliation. Malay became Malaysia's sole national language in 1967 and has been institutionalized with a modest degree of success. The Austronesian language has an illustrious history as a lingua franca throughout the region, though English is also widely spoken because it was the administrative language of the British colonizers. Along with Malay and English other languages are popular: many Chinese Malaysians speak some combination of Cantonese, Hokkien, and/or Mandarin; most Indian Malaysians speak Tamil; and

numerous languages flourish among aboriginal groups in the peninsula, especially in Sarawak and Sabah. The Malaysian government acknowledges this multilingualism through such things as television news broadcasts in Malay, English, Mandarin, and Tamil. Given their country's linguistic heterogeneity, Malaysians are adept at learning languages, and knowing multiple languages is commonplace. Rapid industrialization has sustained the importance of English and solidified it as the language of business.

Symbolism. The selection of official cultural symbols is a source of tension. In such a diverse society, any national emblem risks privileging one group over another. For example, the king is the symbol of the state, as well as a sign of Malay political hegemony. Since ethnic diversity rules out the use of kin or blood metaphors to stand for Malaysia, the society often emphasizes natural symbols, including the sea turtle, the hibiscus flower, and the orangutan. The country's economic products and infrastructure also provide national logos for Malaysia; the national car (Proton), Malaysia Airlines, and the Petronas Towers (the world's tallest buildings) have all come to symbolize modern Malaysia. The government slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" (Malaysia Can!) is meant to encourage even greater accomplishments. A more humble, informal symbol for society is a salad called rojak, a favorite Malaysian snack, whose eclectic mix of ingredients evokes the population's diversity.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. The name Malaysia comes from an old term for the entire Malay archipelago. A geographically truncated Malaysia emerged out of the territories colonized by Britain in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Britain's representatives gained varying degrees of control through agreements with the Malay rulers of the peninsular states, often made by deceit or force. Britain was attracted to the Malay peninsula by its vast reserves of tin, and later found that the rich soil was also highly productive for growing rubber trees. Immigrants from south China and south India came to British Malaya as labor, while the Malay population worked in small holdings and rice cultivation. What was to become East Malaysia had different colonial administrations: Sarawak was governed by a British family, the Brookes (styled as the "White Rajas"), and Sabah was run by the British North Borneo Company. Together the cosmopolitan hub of British interests was Singapore, the central port and center of publishing, commerce, education, and administration. The climactic event in forming Malaysia was the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia from 1942-1945. Japanese rule helped to invigorate a growing anti-colonial movement, which flourished following the British return after the war. When the British attempted to organize their administration of Malaya into one unit to be called the Malayan Union, strong Malay protests to what seemed to usurp their historical claim to the territory forced the British to modify the plan. The other crucial event was the largely Chinese communist rebellion in 1948 that remained strong to the mid-1950s. To address Malay criticisms and to promote counter-insurgency, the British undertook a vast range of nation-building efforts. Local conservatives and radicals alike developed their own attempts to foster unity among the disparate Malayan population. These grew into the Federation of Malaya, which gained independence in 1957. In 1963, with the addition of Singapore and the north Borneo territories, this federation became Malaysia. Difficulties of integrating the predominately Chinese population of Singapore into Malaysia remained, and under Malaysian directive Singapore became an independent republic in 1965.

National Identity. Throughout Malaysia's brief history, the shape of its national identity has been a crucial question: should the national culture be essentially Malay, a hybrid, or separate ethnic entities? The question reflects the tension between the indigenous claims of the Malay population and the cultural and citizenship rights of the immigrant groups. A tentative solution came when the Malay, Chinese, and Indian elites who negotiated independence struck what has been called "the bargain." Their informal deal exchanged Malay political dominance for immigrant citizenship and unfettered economic pursuit. Some provisions of independence were more formal, and the constitution granted several Malay "special rights" concerning land, language, the place of the Malay Rulers, and Islam, based on their indigenous status. Including the Borneo territories and Singapore in Malaysia revealed the fragility of "the bargain." Many Malays remained poor; some Chinese politicians wanted greater political power. These fractures in Malaysian society prompted Singapore's expulsion and produced the watershed of contemporary Malaysian life, the May 1969 urban unrest in Kuala Lumpur. Violence left hundreds dead; parliament was suspended for two years. As a result of this experience the government placed tight curbs on political debate of national cultural issues and began a comprehensive program of affirmative action for the Malay population. This history hangs over all subsequent attempts to encourage official integration of Malaysian society. In the 1990s a government plan to blend the population into a single group called "Bangsa Malaysia" has generated excitement and criticism from different constituencies of the population. Continuing debates demonstrate that Malaysian national identity remains unsettled.

Ethnic Relations. Malaysia's ethnic diversity is both a blessing and a source of stress. The melange makes Malaysia one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, as it helps sustain international relationships with the many societies represented in Malaysia: the Indonesian archipelago, the Islamic world, India, China, and Europe. Malaysians easily exchange ideas and techniques with the rest of the world, and have an influence in global affairs. The same diversity presents seemingly intractable problems of social cohesion, and the threat of ethnic violence adds considerable tension to Malaysian politics.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

Urban and rural divisions are reinforced by ethnic diversity with agricultural areas populated primarily by indigenous Malays and immigrants mostly in cities. Chinese dominance of commerce means that most towns, especially on the west coast of the peninsula, have a central road lined by Chinese shops. Other ethnic features influence geography: a substantial part of the Indian population was brought in to work on the rubber plantations, and many are still on the rural estates; some Chinese, as a part of counter-insurgency, were rounded up into what were called "new villages." A key part of the 1970s affirmative action policy has been to increase the number of Malays living in the urban areas, especially Kuala Lumpur. Governmental use of Malay and Islamic architectural aesthetics in new buildings also adds to the Malay urban presence. Given the tensions of ethnicity, the social use of space carries strong political dimensions. Public gatherings of five or more people require a police permit, and a ban on political rallies successfully limits the appearance of crowds in Malaysia. It is therefore understandable that Malaysians mark a

A house on Langkawi Island. Land ownership is a controversial issue in Malaysia, where indigenous groups are struggling to protect their claims from commercial interests.
A house on Langkawi Island. Land ownership is a controversial issue in Malaysia, where indigenous groups are struggling to protect their claims from commercial interests.
sharp difference between space inside the home and outside the home, with domestic space carefully managed to receive outsiders: even many modest dwellings have a set of chairs for guests in a front room of the house.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. Malaysia's diversity has blessed the country with one of the most exquisite cuisines in the world, and elements of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cooking are both distinct and blended together. Rice and noodles are common to all cuisine; spicy dishes are also favorites. Tropical fruits grow in abundance, and a local favorite is the durian, known by its spiked shell and fermented flesh whose pungent aroma and taste often separates locals from foreigners. Malaysia's affluence means that increasing amounts of meat and processed foods supplement the country's diet, and concerns about the health risks of their high-fat content are prominent in the press. This increased affluence also allows Malaysians to eat outside the home more often; small hawker stalls offer prepared food twenty-four hours a day in urban areas. Malaysia's ethnic diversity is apparent in food prohibitions: Muslims are forbidden to eat pork which is a favorite of the Chinese population; Hindus do not eat beef; some Buddhists are vegetarian. Alcohol consumption also separates non-Muslims from Muslims.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. When Malaysians have guests they tend to be very fastidious about hospitality, and an offer of food is a critical etiquette requirement. Tea or coffee is usually prepared along with small snacks for visitors. These refreshments sit in front of the guest until the host signals for them to be eaten. As a sign of accepting the host's hospitality the guest must at least sip the beverage and taste the food offered. These dynamics occur on a grander scale during a holiday open house. At celebrations marking important ethnic and religious holidays, many Malaysian families host friends and neighbors to visit and eat holiday delicacies. The visits of people from other ethnic groups and religions on these occasions are taken as evidence of Malaysian national amity.

Basic Economy. Malaysia has long been integrated into the global economy. Through the early decades of the twentieth century, the Malay peninsula was a world leader in the production of tin (sparked by the Western demand for canned food) and natural rubber (needed to make automobile tires). The expansion of Malaysia's industrialization heightened its dependence on imports for food and other necessities.

Land Tenure and Property. Land ownership is a controversial issue in Malaysia. Following the rubber boom the British colonial government, eager to placate the Malay population, designated portions of land as Malay reservations. Since this land could only be sold to other Malays, planters and speculators were limited in what they could purchase. Malay reserve land made ethnicity a state concern because land disputes could only be settled with a legal definition of who was considered Malay. These land tenure arrangements are still in effect and are crucial to Malay identity. In fact the Malay claim to political dominance is that they are bumiputera (sons of the soil). Similar struggles exist in east Malaysia, where the land rights of indigenous groups are bitterly disputed with loggers eager to harvest the timber for export. Due to their different colonial heritage, indigenous groups in Sarawak and Sabah have been less successful in maintaining their territorial claims.

Commercial Activities. Basic necessities in Malaysia have fixed prices and, like many developing countries, banking, retail, and other services are tightly regulated. The country's commerce correlates with ethnicity, and government involvement has helped Malays to compete in commercial activities long dominated by ethnic Chinese. Liberalization of business and finance proceeds with these ethnic dynamics in mind.

Major Industries. The boom and bust in primary commodities such as rubber and tin have given Malaysian society a cyclical rhythm tied to fickle external demand. In the 1970s the government began to diversify the economy (helped by an increase in oil exports) and Malaysia is now well on its way to becoming an industrial country. The country has a growing automotive industry, a substantial light-manufacturing sector (textiles, air conditioners, televisions, and VCRs), and an expanding high technology capacity (especially semi-conductors).

Trade. Malaysia's prominent place in the global economy as one of the world's twenty largest trading nations is an important part of its identity as a society. Primary trading partners include Japan, Singapore, and the United States, with Malaysia importing industrial components and exporting finished products. Palm oil, rubber, tropical hardwoods, and petroleum products are important commodities.

Division of Labor. The old ethnic division of labor (Malays in agriculture, Indians in the professions and plantations, and Chinese in mining and commerce) has steadily eroded. In its place, the Malaysian workforce is increasingly divided by class and citizenship. Educated urban professionals fill the offices of large companies in a multi-ethnic blend. Those without educational qualifications work in factories, petty trade, and agricultural small holdings. As much as 20 percent of the workforce is foreign, many from Indonesia and the Philippines, and dominate sectors such as construction work and domestic service.

Social Stratification

Classes and Castes. Class position in Malaysia depends on a combination of political connections, specialized skills, ability in English, and family money. The Malaysian elite, trained in overseas universities, is highly cosmopolitan and continues to grow in dominance as Malaysia's middle class expands. Even with the substantial stratification of society by ethnicity, similar class experiences in business and lifestyle are bridging old barriers.

Symbols of Social Stratification. In Malaysia's market economy, consumption provides the primary symbols of stratification. Newly wealthy Malaysians learn how to consume by following the lead of the Malay royalty and the prosperous business families of Chinese descent. A mobile phone, gold jewelry, and fashionable clothing all indicate one's high rank in the Malaysian social order. Given the striking mobility of Malaysian society, one's vehicle marks class position even more than home ownership. Most Malaysians can distinguish the difference between makes of cars, and access to at least a motor scooter is a requirement for participation in contemporary Malaysian social life. Kuala Lumpur has more motor vehicles than people. Skin color, often indicative of less or more time working in the hot tropical sun, further marks class position. Distinct class differences also appear in speech. Knowledge of English is vital to elevated class status, and a person's fluency in that language indexes their social background.

Political Life

Government. Malaysia's government is nominally headed by the king whose position rotates among the nine hereditary Malay rulers every five years. The king selects the prime minister from the leading coalition in parliament, a body which is further

Beginning in the 1970s, the government has attempted to increase the number of Malays living in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur (above).
Beginning in the 1970s, the government has attempted to increase the number of Malays living in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur (above).
divided into the elected representatives of the Dewan Rakyat and the appointed senators of the Dewan Negara. Since independence Malaysian national elections have been won by a coalition of ethnic-based political parties. Known first as the Alliance, and, following the 1969 unrest, as the National Front, this coalition is itself dominated by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), a party composed of Malay moderates. UMNO rule is aided by the gerrymandered parliamentary districts that over-represent rural Malay constituencies. The UMNO president has always become Malaysia's prime minister, so the two thousand delegates at the biannual UMNO General Assembly are the real electoral force in the country, choosing the party leadership that in turn leads the country.

Leadership and Political Officials. Malaysian political leaders demand a great deal of deference from the public. The Malay term for government, kerajaan, refers to the raja who ruled from the precolonial courts. High-ranking politicians are referred to as yang berhormat (he who is honored), and sustain remarkable resiliency in office. Their longevity is due to the fact that successful politicians are great patrons, with considerable influence over the allocation of social benefits such as scholarships, tenders, and permits. Clients, in return, show deference and give appropriate electoral support. The mainstream press are also among the most consistent and most important boosters of the ruling coalition's politicians. Even with the substantial power of the political elite, corruption remains informal, and one can negotiate the lower levels of the state bureaucracy without paying bribes. However, endless stories circulate of how appropriate payments can oil a sometimes creaky process.

Social Problems and Control. Through its colonial history, British Malaya had one of the largest per capita police forces of all British colonies. Police power increased during the communist rebellion (the "Emergency") begun in 1948, which was fought primarily as a police action. The Emergency also expanded the influence of the police Special Branch intelligence division. Malaysia retains aspects of a police state. Emergency regulations for such things as detention without trial (called the Internal Security Act) remain in use; the police are a federal rather than local institution; and police quarters (especially in more isolated rural areas) still have the bunker-like design necessary for confronting an armed insurgency. Even in urban areas police carry considerable firepower. Officers with M-16s are not a rarity and guards at jewelry shops often have long-barrel shotguns. Criminals tend to be audacious given the fact that possession of an illegal firearm carries a mandatory death sentence. Since the police focus more on protecting commercial than residential property, people in housing estates and rural areas will sometimes apprehend criminals themselves. The most elaborate crime network is composed of Chinese triads who extend back in lineage to the colonial period. Malaysia is close to the opium producing areas of the "Golden Triangle" where Burma, Thailand, and Laos meet. Drug possession carries a mandatory death sentence.

Military Activity. The Malaysian military's most striking characteristic is that, unlike its neighbors, there has never been a military coup in the country. One reason is the important social function of the military to insure Malay political dominance. The highest ranks of the military are composed of ethnic Malays, as are a majority of those who serve under them. The military's controversial role in establishing order following the May 1969 urban rebellion further emphasizes the political function of the institution as one supporting the Malay-dominated ruling coalition. The Malaysian armed forces, though small in number, have been very active in United Nations peace-keeping, including the Congo, Namibia, Somalia, and Bosnia.

Social Welfare and Change Programs

The Malaysian government has promoted rapid social change to integrate a national society from its ethnic divisions. Its grandest program was originally called the New Economic Policy (NEP), implemented between 1971 and 1990 and continued in modified form as the National Development Policy (NDP). Since poverty eradication was an aim of the NEP a considerable amount of energy has gone to social welfare efforts. The consequences of these programs disseminate across the social landscape: home mortgages feature two rates, a lower one for Malays and a higher one for others; university admissions promote Malay enrollment; mundane government functions such as allocating hawker licenses have an ethnic component. But the government has also tried to ethnically integrate Malaysia's wealthy class; therefore many NEP-inspired ethnic preferences have allowed prosperous Malays to accrue even greater wealth. The dream of creating an affluent Malaysia continues in the government's 1991 plan of Vision 2020, which projects that the country will be "fully developed" by the year 2020. This new vision places faith in high technology, including the creation of a "Multi-Media Super Corridor" outside of Kuala Lumpur, as the means for Malaysia to join the ranks of wealthy industrialized countries, and to develop a more unified society.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Through its welfare policies the government jealously guards its stewardship over social issues, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) work under its close surveillance. The state requires that all associations be registered, and failure to register can effectively cripple an organization. NGO life is especially active in urban areas, addressing problems peripheral to the state's priorities of ethnic redistribution and rapid industrialization. Many prominent NGOs are affiliated with religious organizations, and others congregate around issues of the environment, gender and sexuality, worker's rights, and consumers' interests.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. Malaysia's affluence has changed the gender divide in the public sphere of work while maintaining the gendered division

Young people are instructed at an early age to socialize primarily with kin.
Young people are instructed at an early age to socialize primarily with kin.
of labor in the household. Most conspicuous among the new developments are the burgeoning factories that employ legions of women workers on the assembly lines. Domestic labor is a different matter, with cooking and cleaning still deemed to be female responsibilities. In wealthier families where both men and women work outside the home there has been an increase in hiring domestic servants. Since Malaysian women have other opportunities, nearly all of this domestic work goes to female foreign maids.

The Relative Status of Women and Men. Generally men have more power than women in Malaysian society. Male dominance is codified in laws over such things as the guardianship of children. The top politicians, business leaders, and religious practitioners are predominately male. Yet Malaysian society shows considerable suppleness in its gender divisions with prominent women emerging in many different fields. Most of the major political parties have an active women's wing which provides access to political power. Though opportunities for men and women differ by ethnic group and social class, strict gender segregation has not been a part of modern Malaysian life.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. Even with significant changes in marriage practices, weddings reveal the sharp differences in Malaysian society. There are two ways to marry: registering the union with the government; and joining in marriage before a religious authority. Christian Malaysians may marry Buddhists or Hindus answering only to their families and beliefs; Muslim Malaysians who marry non-Muslims risk government sanction unless their partner converts to Islam. Marriage practices emphasize Malaysia's separate ethnic customs. Indians and Chinese undertake divination rites in search of compatibility and auspicious dates, while Malays have elaborate gift exchanges. Malay wedding feasts are often held in the home, and feature a large banquet with several dishes eaten over rice prepared in oil (to say one is going to eat oiled rice means that a wedding is imminent). Many Chinese weddings feature a multiple-course meal in a restaurant or public hall, and most Indian ceremonies include intricate rituals. Since married partners join families as well as individuals, the meeting between prospective in-laws is crucial to the success of the union. For most Malaysians marriage is a crucial step toward adulthood. Although the average age for marriage continues to increase, being single into one's thirties generates concern for families and individuals alike. The social importance of the institution makes interethnic marriage an issue of considerable stress.

Domestic Unit. Malaysian households have undergone a tremendous transformation following the changes in the economy. The shift from agricultural commodities to industrial production has made it difficult for extended families to live together. Yet as family mobility expands, as a result of modern schedules, efforts to maintain kin ties also increase. Improved telecommunications keep distant kin in contact, as does the efficient transportation network. A dramatic example of this occurs on the major holidays when millions return to hometowns for kin reunions.

Inheritance. The critical issue of inheritance is land. With the importance Malays place on land ownership, it is rarely viewed as a commodity for sale, and the numerous empty houses that dot the Malaysian landscape are testament to their absentee-owners unwillingness to sell. Gold is also a valuable inheritance; Malaysians from all groups readily turn extra cash into gold as a form of insurance for the future.

Kin Groups. The crucial kin distinctions in Malaysian culture are between ethnic groups, which tend to limit intermarriage. Among the majority of Malays, kin groups are more horizontal than vertical, meaning that siblings are more important than ancestors. Those considered Malay make appropriate marriage partners; non-Malays do not. These distinctions are somewhat flexible, however, and those that embrace Islam and follow Malay customs are admitted as potential Malay marriage partners. Greater flexibility in kinship practices also appears among immigrant groups amid the fresh possibilities created by diasporic life. A striking example is the Baba community, Chinese who immigrated prior to British rule and intermarried with locals, developing their own hybrid language and cultural style. These dynamics point to the varied kinship arrangements possible between the different ethnic communities in Malaysian society.

Infant Care. Malaysian babies are lavished with considerable care. Most are born in hospitals, though midwives still provide their services in more remote areas. Careful prohibitions are rigidly followed for both the infant and the mother, according to the various cultural customs. New mothers wear special clothes, eat foods to supplement their strength, and refrain from performing tasks that might bring bad luck to their babies. Grandmothers often live with their new grandchildren for the first few months of their new life.

Child Rearing and Education. Malaysian child rearing practices and educational experiences sustain the differences among the population. Most Malaysian children learn the importance of age hierarchy, especially the proper use of titles to address their elders. The family also teaches that kin are the appropriate source of friendly companionship. The frequent presence of siblings and cousins provides familiarity with the extended family and a preferred source of playmates. In turn, many families teach that strangers are a source of suspicion. The school experience reinforces the ethnic differences in the population, since the schools are divided into separate systems with Malay-medium, Mandarin-medium, and Tamil-medium instruction. Yet the schools do provide common experiences, the most important of which is measuring progress by examination, which helps to emphasize mastery of accumulated knowledge as the point of education. Outside of school, adolescents who mix freely with others or spend significant time away from home are considered "social," a disparaging remark that suggests involvement in illicit activity. A good Malaysian child respects

A textile worker creates a batik in Kota Bharu. Outside of northern peninsular Malaysia, batik designs are usually produced in factories.
A textile worker creates a batik in Kota Bharu. Outside of northern peninsular Malaysia, batik designs are usually produced in factories.
hierarchy, stays close to kin, follows past examples, and is demure among strangers. These lessons teach Malaysian children how to fit into a diverse society.

Higher Education. Higher education is a vital part of Malaysian life, though the universities that are the most influential in the society are located outside the country. Hundreds of thousands of students have been educated in Britain, Australia, and the United States; the experience of leaving Malaysia for training abroad is an important rite of passage for many of the elite. Malaysia boasts a growing local university system that supplements the foreign universities. The quality of local faculty, often higher than that of the second- and third-tier foreign universities that many Malaysians attend, is rarely sufficient to offset the cachet of gaining one's degree abroad.

Malaysian society is remarkable due to its openness to diversity. The blunders of an outsider are tolerated, a charming dividend of Malaysia's cosmopolitan heritage. Yet this same diversity can present challenges for Malaysians when interacting in public. Because there is no single dominant cultural paradigm, social sanctions for transgressing the rights of others are reduced. Maintaining public facilities is a source of constant public concern, as is the proper etiquette for driving a motor vehicle. Malaysian sociability instead works through finding points of connection. When Malaysians meet strangers, they seek to fit them into a hierarchy via guesses about one's religion (Muslims use the familiar Arabic greetings only to other Muslims); inquiries into one's organization (as an initial question many Malaysians will ask, "who are you attached to?"); and estimations of age (unknown older men are addressed by the honorific "uncle," women as "auntie" in the appropriate language). Strangers shake hands, and handshaking continues after the first meeting (Malays often raise the hand to their heart after shaking), though it is sometimes frowned upon between men and women. Greetings are always expressed with the right hand, which is the dominant hand in Malaysian life. Since the left hand is used to cleanse the body, it is considered inappropriate for use in receiving gifts, giving money, pointing directions, or passing objects.

Religious Beliefs. Nearly all the world religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are present in Malaysia. Religion correlates strongly with ethnicity, with most Muslims Malay, most Hindus Indian, and most Buddhists Chinese. The presence of such diversity heightens the importance of religious identity, and most Malaysians have a strong sense of how their religious practice differs from that of others (therefore a Malaysian Christian also identifies as a non-Muslim). Religious holidays, especially those celebrated with open houses, further blend the interreligious experience of the population. Tension between religious communities is modest. The government is most concerned with the practices of the Muslim majority, since Islam is the official religion (60 percent of the population is Muslim). Debates form most often over the government's role in religious life, such as whether the state should further promote Islam and Muslim practices (limits on gambling, pork-rearing, availability of alcohol, and the use of state funds for building mosques) or whether greater religious expression for non-Muslims should be allowed.

Religious Practitioners. The government regulates religious policy for Malaysia's Muslims, while the local mosque organizes opportunities for religious instruction and expression. Outside these institutions, Islam has an important part in electoral politics as Malay parties promote their Muslim credentials. Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist clergy often have a presence in Malaysian life through cooperative ventures, and their joint work helps to ameliorate their minority status. Religious missionaries work freely proselytizing to non-Muslims, but evangelists interested in converting Muslims are strictly forbidden by the state.

Rituals and Holy Places. Malaysia's most prominent holy place is the National Mosque, built in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in 1965. Its strategic position emphasizes the country's Islamic identity. Countrywide, the daily call to prayer from the mosques amplifies the rhythm of Islamic rituals in the country, as does the procession of the faithful to fulfill their prayers. Reminders of prayer times are included in television programs and further highlight the centrality of Islam in Malaysia. Important holidays include the birth of the Prophet and the pilgrimage to Mecca, all of which hold a conspicuous place in the media. The month of fasting, Ramadan, includes acts of piety beyond the customary refraining from food and drink during daylight hours and is followed by a great celebration. Non-Muslim religious buildings, practices, and holidays have a smaller public life in Malaysia. Part of this is due to fewer believers in the country, and part is due to public policy which limits the building of churches and temples along with the broadcasting of non-Muslim religious services. The important non-Muslim holidays include Christmas, Deepavali (the Hindu festival of light), and Wesak day (which celebrates the life of the Buddha). The Hindu holiday of Thaipussam merits special attention, because devotees undergo spectacular rites of penance before vast numbers of spectators, most dramatically at the famous Batu Caves, located in the bluffs outside of Kuala Lumpur.

Death and the Afterlife. Malaysians have a strong interest in the metaphysical, and stories about spirits and ghosts whether told in conversation, read in books, or seen on television gain rapt attention. Many of these stories sustain a relationship with people who have passed away, whether as a form of comfort or of fear. Cemeteries, including vast fields of Chinese tombs marked with family characters and Muslim graves with the distinctive twin stones, are sites of mystery. The real estate that surrounds them carries only a modest price due to the reputed dangers of living nearby. Muslim funerals tend to be community events, and an entire neighborhood will gather at the home of the deceased to prepare the body for burial and say the requisite prayers. Corpses are buried soon after death, following Muslim custom, and mourners display a minimum of emotion lest they appear to reject the divine's decision. The ancestor memorials maintained by Chinese clans are a common site in Malaysia, and the familiar small red shrines containing offerings of oranges and joss sticks appear on neighborhood street corners and in the rear of Chinese-owned shops. Faith in the efficacy of the afterlife generates considerable public respect for religious graves and shrines even from non-adherents.

Medicine and Health Care

Malaysia boasts a sophisticated system of modern health care with doctors trained in advanced biomedicine. These services are concentrated in the large cities and radiate out in decreasing availability. Customary practitioners, including Chinese herbalists and Malay healers, supplement the services offered in clinics and hospitals and boast diverse clientele.

Secular Celebrations

Given the large number of local and religious holidays observed in Malaysia, few national secular celebrations fit into the calendar. Two important ones

Farm workers harvesting tea leaves. Ethnic division of labor, in which Malays work almost entirely in agriculture, has eroded in recent years.
Farm workers harvesting tea leaves. Ethnic division of labor, in which Malays work almost entirely in agriculture, has eroded in recent years.
include the king's birthday, and the nation's independence day, 31 August. The strong Malaysian interest in sports makes victories for the national team, especially in badminton, a cause for revelry.

The Arts and the Humanities

Support for the Arts. Public support for the arts is meager. Malaysian society for the past century has been so heavily geared toward economic development that the arts have suffered, and many practitioners of Malaysia's aesthetic traditions mourn the lack of apprentices to carry them on. The possibility exists for a Malaysian arts renaissance amid the country's growing affluence.

Literature. The pre-colonial Malay rulers supported a rich variety of literary figures who produced court chronicles, fables, and legends that form a prominent part of the contemporary Malaysian cultural imagination. Developing a more contemporary national literature has been a struggle because of language, with controversies over whether Malaysian fiction should be composed solely in Malay or in other languages as well. Though adult literacy is nearly 90 percent, the well-read newspapers lament that the national belief in the importance of reading is stronger than the practice.

Graphic Arts. A small but vibrant group of graphic artists are productive in Malaysia. Practitioners of batik, the art of painting textiles with wax followed by dying to bring out the pattern, still work in northern peninsular Malaysia. Batik-inspired designs are often produced in factories on shirts, sarongs, table cloths, or dresses forming an iconic Malaysian aesthetic.

Performance Arts. Artistic performance in Malaysia is limited by the state's controls over public assembly and expression. The requirement that the government approve all scripts effectively limits what might be said in plays, films, and television. The preferred performance genre in Malaysia is popular music, and concerts of the top Malay pop singers have great followings in person and on television. Musical stars from Bombay and Hong Kong also have substantial numbers of very committed fans, whose devotion makes Malaysia an overseas stop on the tours of many performers. The favorite Malaysian entertainment medium is television, as most homes have television sets. Malaysians watch diverse programming: the standard export American fare, Japanese animation, Hong Kong martial arts, Hindi musicals, and Malay drama. The advent of the video cassette and the Internet was made for Malaysia's diverse society, allowing Malaysians to make expressive choices that often defeat the state's censorship.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Given the Malaysian government's considerable support for rapid industrialization, scientific research is high on the list of its priorities. Malaysian universities produce sophisticated research, though they are sapped for funds by the huge expenditure of sending students overseas for their degrees. Malaysian scientists have made substantial contributions in rubber and palm oil research, and this work will likely continue to increase the productivity of these sectors. Government monitoring of social science research increases the risks of critical scholarship though some academicians are quite outspoken and carry considerable prestige in society.

Alwi Bin Sheikh Alhady. Malay Customs and Traditions , 1962.

Amir Muhammad, Kam Raslan, and Sheryll Stothard. Generation: A Collection of Contemporary Malaysian Ideas, 1998.

Andaya, Barbara Watson, and Leonard Y. Andaya. A History of Malaysia, 1982.

Ariffin Omar. Bangsa Melayu: Malay Concepts of Democracy and Community 1945-1950, 1993.

Carsten, Janet. The Heat of the Hearth, 1997.

Chandra Muzaffar. Protector? An Analysis of the Concept and Practice of Loyalty in Leader-Led Relationships within Malay Society, 1979.

Cheah Boon Kheng. Red Star Over Malaya, 1983.

Collins, Elizabeth. Pierced by Murugan's Lance: Ritual, Power, and Moral Redemption Among Malaysian Hindus, 1997.

Crouch, Harold. Government and Society in Malaysia, 1996.

Gomez, Edmund Terence and K. S. Jomo. Malaysia's Political Economy: Politics, Patronage, and Profits, 1997.

Gullick, John. Indigenous Political Systems of Western Malaya, 1958.

Harper, Timothy. The End of Empire and the Making of Modern Malaya, 1999.

Jomo, K. S. A Question of Class: Capital, the State, and Uneven Development in Malaya, 1986.

Kahn, Joel S., and Francis Loh Kok Wah, ed. Fragmented Vision: Culture and Politics in Contemporary Malaysia, 1992.

Kaur, Amarjit. Economic Change in East Malaysia: Sabah and Sarawak Since 1850, 1998.

Khoo Boo Teik. Paradoxes of Mahathirism: An Intellectual Biography of Mahathir Mohamad, 1995.

Kratoska, Paul. The Japanese Occupation of Malaya: A Social and Economic History, 1998.

Loh, Francis K. W. Beyond the Tin Mines: Coolies, Squatters and New Villagers in the Kinta Valley, c. 1880–1980, 1980.

Means, Gordon. Malaysian Politics: The Second Generation, 1991.

Milner, Anthony. The Invention of Politics in Colonial Malaya: Contesting Nationalism and the Expansion of the Public Sphere, 1995.

Mohamed Noordin Sopiee. From Malayan Union to Singapore Separation, 1974.

Nagata, Judith. Malaysian Mosaic: Perspectives from a Poly-Ethnic Society, 1979.

Ong, Aihwa. Spirits of Resistance and Capitalist Discipline: Factory Women in Malaysia, 1987.

Rehman Rashid. A Malaysian Journey, 1993.

Roff, William. The Origins of Malay Nationalism, 1967.

Shamsul, A. B. From British to Bumiputera Rule: Local Politics and Rural Development in Peninsular Malaysia, 1986.

Stenson, Michael. Class, Race, and Colonialism in West Malaysia: The Indian Case, 1980.

Strauch, Judith. Chinese Village Politics in the Malaysian State, 1981.

Sweeney, Amin. A Full Hearing: Orality and Literacy in the Malay World, 1987.

Tan Chee Beng. The Baba of Melaka: Culture and Identity of a Chinese Peranakan Community in Malaysia, 1988.

Winzeler, Robert L., ed. Indigenous Peoples and the State: Politics, Land, and Ethnicity in the Malayan Peninsula and Borneo, 1997.

User Contributions:

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Sep 28, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
this is a good thing about Malaysia becuase it tells how its is done what it is abot. adn every thing this would be my article i would do my hing about becuase there is so much information
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Dec 9, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
will you please include some do's and dont's in malaysian culture next time you feed/upload some information on the net? thats all thanks. Because that's my assignement today. thanks for lending a time reading my mail.
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Jan 10, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
thanks for info it was very interesting to know about the malaysian cutlure. it was soooooo sweet
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Oct 11, 2008 @ 12:00 am
this article helped me so much for my assignment thank keep up
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Aug 11, 2009 @ 12:00 am
I misspelled my email address on my last mail to you. Anyways, keep the site up!.
I am from Armenia and too bad know English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Keep track of time with clocks from mitech trading."

Best regards ;-), Shing.
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Oct 21, 2009 @ 3:03 am
I thought this was a great biography about malaysia.
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Dec 3, 2009 @ 9:09 am
will u please include about road show&carnival in malaysian culture.that's my assignment topic.thank
Dawie Meyer
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Dec 27, 2009 @ 8:08 am
This is an interesting and very informative article on Malaysian culture and customs dinamics. I found the account of facts detailled and accurate. Thankyou for the good work.
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Jan 8, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Well done, really it reveals what malaysia exactly is? i had no idea about malaysian ethnic bt after when i got this article i open ma ayes. thank you
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Feb 2, 2010 @ 10:10 am
The things that is said about Malaysia is all good and fine but it still surprises me why Malaysian do not allow foreigners in their country work and earn their own leaving. do they encourage robbery, fraud, stealing or pilfering since blacks are debar from working in your country, which is not good. if you could give them visa to come over to your country you be able to offer them job.

especially the blacks among you

thanks you and have a blessed time as you consider my request.
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Feb 9, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
excellent article.this article consist purely fact. it is very difficult to found article that not biased like this one..salute to writer
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Apr 6, 2010 @ 9:09 am
This article really helped me with my project. Thanks!
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Jul 12, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
It is nice article and full information cover from every perspectives. Just curious that whether national building in Malaysia is consider as natural or force assimilation. let discuss on this? thanks you
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Aug 7, 2010 @ 10:10 am
Congratulation to this site,all these informations are very useful for me to complete my assingment.Always keep it up!
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Oct 5, 2010 @ 3:03 am
Thank you for such a comprehensive article :) It will help me greatly for my assignment!
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Nov 23, 2010 @ 4:04 am
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Dec 12, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
hi there,

thanks , it really helps in my working paper..
mia lee
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Dec 16, 2010 @ 11:11 am
my teacher want me present about this next class..this is good!
Ibrahim Wasiu
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Dec 24, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
This is a good things to hear,Malaysia culture is a very culture ,very accommodating and peaceful,religious and God conscious.I like to be with malaysian
la dolce
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Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:10 am
can u please include more info about customs in Malaysia? thanx you. :)
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Feb 8, 2011 @ 9:09 am
Nice..Now i really understand about cultural in Malaysia Very well...Thank you for this information..i'm so appreciated
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Feb 15, 2011 @ 10:10 am
Its helps me in my assignment but still needing something else!
i wanted something like (preserving and protecting our own cultural interest, others also will learn to appreciate the cultural interest of other ethnic group in a democratic society.)My assignment topic
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Feb 17, 2011 @ 11:11 am
Malaysian culture is really intresting to learn.Once i have been to Malaysia and i was wondering with the huge roads and th developtments.since am leaning about asia i needs to learn more about the Malay culture,
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Feb 21, 2011 @ 6:18 pm
the article is extremely helpful for my global marketing paper.

it helped me get all the necessary facts that i need to know in my cultural analysis.
thank you so much. it is such a big help. =)
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Mar 5, 2011 @ 4:04 am
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Mar 21, 2011 @ 8:20 pm
is cool to saw this but dint intro for the language in malaysia? mean in more details
jonny drama in asia
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Mar 22, 2011 @ 3:03 am
This is a good place to start to understand a complex place like Malaysia. Especially for teachers of young, english learners in Asia. I'll come back when we introduce other countries. Thanks.
jonny drama in asia
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Mar 22, 2011 @ 3:03 am
This is a good place to start to understand a complex place like Malaysia. Especially for teachers of young, english learners in Asia. I'll come back when we introduce other countries. Thanks.
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Apr 3, 2011 @ 3:15 pm
Thank you for all the information that you provided. It helped me immensely on my research project that I was working on about Malaysia.
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Apr 10, 2011 @ 1:01 am
Hi, I am making reference to your report in an assignment and am wondering in which year this was written?
Thank you
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Apr 14, 2011 @ 11:11 am
Thank you for writing this. I wanted to know more about my mother's homeland, so I'm doing a research project on it. My mother is Chinese Malaysian, though. This article really helps a 5th grader out.
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May 22, 2011 @ 10:22 pm
Hi, Can you please give me some information on family culture of malaysians particularly home life/daily cooking traditions and requirements/activities around the home/number of people living together (extended family etc)

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May 25, 2011 @ 1:01 am
i personally think that this is a balanced article. Good job!
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Jul 11, 2011 @ 7:07 am
This is a very interesting article. I was actually hoping to learn more about the older history of Malaysia, perhaps at the start or even prior of the British Colonialism. One particular interest is one of the Malaysian woman's wedding costume and even the hairdo and head dress is very similar to those of Indonesian's. What's the story?
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Jul 20, 2011 @ 10:22 pm
Thanks...i like it.there so much i didn't know about my country.this also helpful for my assignment.keep it up
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Jul 24, 2011 @ 9:21 pm
I could use this for my research for school. its a good topic to discuss about the culture of malaysian
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Aug 28, 2011 @ 11:23 pm
Thankyou - Found the article fluent to the tongue, informative with credible facts and topic subjects from mind map which never crossed my mind before. Well written to all concerned. Cheers! Stacey
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Aug 30, 2011 @ 3:15 pm
This is really an interesting and good report,
thank you very much
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Sep 13, 2011 @ 9:09 am
thanks for sharing this helped me a lot with my assignment for Social Studies... ;)
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Sep 30, 2011 @ 12:12 pm
Thanks for this very useful site.It helped me a lot in my essay.
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Oct 11, 2011 @ 2:02 am
Remarkable! A very well done research on Malaysia:)
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Oct 12, 2011 @ 6:18 pm
This article is very well , but could u tell me more specific about CULTURE IN MALAYSIA ???thanks very much ... :)
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Nov 4, 2011 @ 11:11 am
I don't believe in Karma, i never believe in after life. Can someone tell me & explain what it's all about?
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Nov 4, 2011 @ 2:14 pm
the body is a temple we're all spritis and the after life is were we go before god
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Nov 9, 2011 @ 3:03 am
wow, this article definitely helps you comprehend Malaysia's cultural complexities in detail .very insightful indeed.
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Nov 14, 2011 @ 2:02 am
This is the best document that can make me success with my assessment, I think it going to have the New with this page.
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Dec 19, 2011 @ 9:09 am
this is the best article n i get more information from this...thanks a lot...
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Jan 15, 2012 @ 10:22 pm
Wow! This is great, this make me to knw more more about malaysia because i will soon be there,thanks for the writter, malaysia is a nice place to be,but what about there sports especally football? can anyone tell me please.
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Jan 17, 2012 @ 3:15 pm
This is a reply to Tosin. Hi Tosin. I think I can give you some insight about sports in Malaysia. Unfortunately, sports is not really considered to be one of the things Malaysians excel at apart from badminton, squash and a few others. The Malaysian football team is still way behind as compared to other Asian countries' football teams but is showing more improvement as day goes by.

You should try the local food when you come to Malaysia :) I hope you'll have a pleasant trip

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Jan 20, 2012 @ 6:06 am
What is the influence of knowing the Malaysian demographics profile to the education in the Philippines?
What is the impact of Malaysia demographics profile to educational system of the philippines?
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Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:09 am
really good and in detail expalnation ,thank you very much for all who contributed to it
anna panugaling
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Feb 21, 2012 @ 1:01 am
very informative, i really appreciate it but one thing i just wanna know over it usual for malaysian country to have an extended family? living together? even four (4) families live together in one household? Please include this in your column site. Thank you and more power!
Mitchell Garland
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Mar 14, 2012 @ 1:01 am
LOVE this website. has lots of information for the report that i had to do.
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Mar 26, 2012 @ 5:17 pm
good information about malaysian culture on this site. thanks.
shah baba
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Apr 1, 2012 @ 7:19 pm
Malaysia is a beautiful country. A few days ago I was there .But I really loved the people living there.I will remember all my life
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Jul 13, 2012 @ 7:07 am
thanks for this page. it give me a lot of information for my interview
shahrier bin islam
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Aug 7, 2012 @ 7:07 am
really i am happy to know about is verry easy to know about a country.
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Aug 21, 2012 @ 1:01 am
i would like to know more about the preparing of the body the rituals of before and after the passing of the person. Thankyou Joanne
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Sep 25, 2012 @ 5:05 am
i love it and i also went to malaysia.malaysia is good country
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Oct 8, 2012 @ 1:01 am
helped me a lot to know about Malaysia. great people are found in malaysia
martin obiende
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Oct 9, 2012 @ 8:08 am
i admired the malaysian kind of good ethnic relationship that exists, their urge for education and research,not to forget the respect for others culture and customs.
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Dec 19, 2012 @ 7:19 pm
The writing is good. However, it does not reflect the ethnicity of the country. The Indians have been left out from the social strata of the country. Perhaps becasue that they form only 8% of the population. However, it is a influentail minority that has contributed much to the culture of the Malays and their "adat's" i.e. cultural practises. The Indians are also politically divided and have influenced political outcomes such as that of Hindraf and the Political Tsunami of 2008. As such some room for their role will give a turuer picture.
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Jan 3, 2013 @ 11:11 am
please tell me that how much people in malaysia in muslim ?hindu ? chinees
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Feb 10, 2013 @ 10:10 am
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Nov 17, 2013 @ 1:13 pm
Thank you for the information! This is a BIG help on my report on this country. Love all the details
!!! :D
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Feb 26, 2014 @ 1:01 am
Thanks to the info and i love all articles in your website..So informative...So true...proud to be Malaysian!
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May 29, 2014 @ 5:05 am
THANKS, GREAT JOB. This article is realy helpful. The presentation was a concret deatils of MALAYSIAN culture.
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Aug 3, 2014 @ 7:19 pm
thanks for the information really really useful site for people who need info about malaysia
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Jan 15, 2015 @ 10:10 am
Its really a great and helpful website for those who want to migrate malaysia.
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Apr 3, 2015 @ 4:04 am
IAM STUDYING 10th STd IN (TN) Trichy ...
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Jun 28, 2015 @ 4:04 am
hey very nice article, awesome language and easy to understand . this helped me a lot in my project. i can't imagine that i got this information so easily . thankyou

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Should You Get an E-Reader?

Should You Get an E-Reader?

By Julie D. Andrews

I’ve never tucked an e-reader under my arm in a dash to the beach. Nor have I carelessly tossed such a sleek device into a weathered beach bag to commingle with oily sunscreen and sullied flip flops. I go to bookstores. I eye illustrated covers on tables and shelves. And to the shore, I carry books and magazines.

With my precious paper reads, the ink smears. The paper tears. I dog-ear pages and underline words. And when the reading is done, the back page flapped shut in exasperated glee, there stands a physical hold-in-my-hand relic of my reading conquest. I later tuck the book with pride into my bookshelf. I know that one day, I will pull it out again. And with a shake of the binding, granules of sand will tumble out to the tune of nostalgia.

But lo and behold, my old-fashioned preference for paper is increasingly rare in our digitized society. The number of people in the U.S. who own a dedicated e-reader is now 20.6 million. By 2012 that number is expected to climb to 28.9 million, according to an eMarketer survey released this May.

So even I, like scads of fellow sentimental book lovers, am considering getting an e-reader. Here are the pros and cons I’ve investigated:

E-reader Pro No. 1: The device holds a lot of novels, books and magazines.  No more lugging around heavy novels; e-readers can house an entire library. The Kindle, Nook or even an iPad can hold 1,500 non-illustrated books!

E-reader Pro No. 2: The next generation of e-readers is now hitting the shelves.

So now may be the best time to plunk down my dollars. The most highly recommended e-readers, according to PC World, are the following:

  • Amazon Kindle (Wi-Fi/3G, 3rd Generation)
  • Amazon Kindle DX (Graphite)
  • Barnes and Noble Nook (Color or not)
  • Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-350

E-reader Con No. 1: Possible destruction by the elements.
Would the convenience of bringing all my e-books to the beach be worth the annoying possibilities of sand invasion or sun damage of the hardware? I’m not so sure. And what if while taking a dip, someone trotted off with my paycheck-won device?

E-reader Con No. 2: Screen-time overload.
I’ve been known to sleep alongside my laptop. My smartphone is ever within reach and I am hunched over at a desk, eyes glued to a computer monitor all day long. Being prompted by books, to carry them somewhere, outdoors, in the fresh air, away from all connected devices? Bliss.

Final E-reader Pro: Portability.
When I consider all the pros and cons, in the end, I definitely can picture myself with an e-reader on the subway, at lounge-away grassy parks, on planes, trains and automobiles.

So it sounds like it’s time to do some comparison shopping. The next big question: Am I Kindle or a Nook kind of girl?

Like this blog?

Photo Credit:

Learn more about secure online living from our sponsor, Webroot

Julie D. Andrews is a New York-based writer and blogger. She covers social media for and, and her articles have appeared on, and Connect with her @julieDandrews.

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Kathy-Ellen Kups, RN

Life With Breast Cancer

Sage advice from a breast cancer survivor

Posted in: Breast Cancer

Prophylactic mastectomy, a serious issue

Published Feb 2, 2007

In my last blog about two boobs or not two boobs, I wasn’t talking about my sister and me. I was introducing a very real issue for many breast cancer survivors and women who fall into the high risk category. Prophylactic mastectomy of both breasts is one of the best ways to reduce the overall risk of breast cancer especially in women who test positive for either BRACI or BRCAII gene mutation. Studies show an overall reduction in risk of 90 percent in women who had dual prophylactic mastectomies and a 95 percent reduction in risk when treatment included an oophrectomy (ovary removal). You can read about this study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology March 15, 2004.

This is significant because women with this gene mutation have between a 60 percent and 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 90. Women in general without either mutation have a 12 percent chance of developing the disease. A strong family history of the disease is the precursor for testing and should encourage further investigation. I also need to point out that breasts are the most diagnosed location of breast cancer; however, breast cancer can develop in breast tissue throughout the chest wall, above the collarbone, the upper abdominal area and in the armpit, which is why it is not a 100 percent reduction in risk.

For those of us that were diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast, prophylactic mastectomy of the other breast reduces the risk of a new breast cancer. It doesn’t affect the risk from the original cancer, however, hormone therapy and oophrectomy is proven to. For me, prophylactic mastectomy during reconstruction was an ideal answer and allowed me to have both breasts reconstructed from the same tissue donation site (my tummy). It is still a difficult decision as we are so aware of what we are giving up with removal of the healthy breast such as sensation and a living body part.

For people like my sister, who have had no diagnosis of breast cancer, the decision is even more complex. There is the psychological aspect of losing body parts, the sexuality issues involved, and continued surgery for reconstruction if desired. There is the trepidation of facing surgery, and the continued second guessing if that surgery was required. For other women, the fear of developing breast cancer can also have great emotional impact and removing breasts pales in comparison to living with the fear. This decision is not easy for any woman. The alternative is vigilance in surveillance of the breasts and treatment such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex), which is known to lower the risk especially in pre-menopausal women. An oophrectomy without mastectomy is also an option and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer which is stronger in women with a gene mutation.

I am reminded of my surgeon’s comments about breast surgery. He told me of women that said that they would rather die than lose their breasts; they all change their minds after a lumpectomy with positive pathology for breast cancer and death now a real threat. Life is better than breasts! For each of us, the decision is different and personal. Take your time in making this decision; women who do it only because it is recommended are more likely to regret it.

Stay vigilant,

Posted in: Breast Cancer

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Navigation Improvements Coming With Mango Update For Windows Phone

Rachel Jiang, Program Manager of Windows Phone Engineering, has posted an article over at the Windows Phone Blog detailing navigation improvements coming to Windows Phone later this fall. The improvements will come to all Windows Phone devices with the Mango update come this fall. From the basics to multitasking, Jiang goes deep into details of all the improvements coming. Starting with the basics, the hardware Start and Back buttons are already there, but of course they can always be improved through the Windows Phone software. The Start button takes you to the Start screen where you can personalize and pin the applications you want. The Back button is self explanatory, taking you back to where you were previously.

Moving on to the Mango goodness coming Fall 2011, getting to your apps faster and multitasking will be the biggest improvements. You most likely already know something about the new app list or multitasking, but even Microsoft assures you that once these improvements are available they will continue to listen to the community. By listening to the community Microsoft almost guarantees that they will give the end user what they want, even post-Mango update. We will spare you the lengthy article, read on to find the best snippets from the article.

Finding apps faster

Tapping a header in the People Hub today opens the quick jump menu (left), which can whisk you to a specific section of your contacts list. In Mango (right), we’re adding the same feature and a search option to the App list.

We also wanted the App list to feel consistent with other lists on the phone, like contacts. In the People Hub we use search and a quick jump menu to help you find contacts quickly. Ultimately, we decided that approach was the best solution for the App list, too.

Although there is one slight difference. When implementing the quick jump option, we wanted to balance function with aesthetics. If you don’t own many apps, the feature doesn’t make much sense, since the alphabet headers artificially lengthen the App list, creating gaps that make it feel sparse and unappealing. Hence, you’ll only see the headers when you have installed at least 45 apps.

While quick jump is helpful, I have to admit that sometimes it’s easier to just type an app’s name. So we also added a search option. If you’ve used it in People, it works like you probably expect, filtering the list of apps as you type. If you don’t find the app you were searching for, we provide a convenient link to get it from Marketplace by tapping Search Marketplace.

Easier multitasking

Have you ever wanted to quickly continue or finish something that you left off earlier? I run into this quite often. I’m in the middle of an intense Fruit Ninja game when a text message notification pops up at the top of my screen. It’s an I Can Has Cheezburger link. I must tap it! When I do, it takes me to the website, where I find a pic that’s so awesome that I must share it with my Facebook friends.

After all that, I really want to get back to whacking fruit. My instinct is to press the Back button. But if I don’t see what I want after a couple of tries, I usually press Start and navigate from there. What I really need is a way to hyper jump back to a specific point in time.

Sound cool? Say hello to the task switcher.

We believe the best way for someone to navigate between tasks is literally by showing them where they left off. Whether it’s a half-composed email, a game in progress, or the last photo you saw, you can return to it easily in Mango by pressing and holding the Back button.

In Mango, pressing and holding the Back button on your phone calls up the task switcher, which makes it easy to quickly pick up where you left off.

When you do, you’ll see a set of “cards” that represent the last 5 things you did or apps you used, arranged in the order you used them. (My team’s nickname for this feature is “visual back”.) These cards remind you what you were doing so you can pick right back up again. This is efficient multitasking.

Flick left or right and tap on a card to resume right from where you left off. The task switcher is designed to be fast and predictable (although it does require app developers to do some work on their end). Don’t get me wrong. I still use the Back button for its original purpose: to navigate within an app and or get back to the previous thing I was doing. But “visual back” helps you resume tasks that are a little farther away.

One design problem we pondered at length was how many cards to show. We wanted the experience to be intuitive and require minimal effort. Five seemed like a good balance. Having only a small number of cards ensures that the task switcher is predictable. Unlike other smartphones, this design also helps save you from having to babysit your apps, tracking which ones are running and manually closing them to conserve battery power. The phone does that work instead.

Of course, I know some people will probably wish there were more cards. As always, we’ll continue to monitor your reaction and reevaluate our design for future releases if needed.

We think getting around on a Windows Phone with Mango has never been easier and more fun. Working on these features has been tremendously rewarding for me. I hope that you’re as excited about what’s coming as I am.

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Reviews: Phantom Universal Three Point Rifle Sling - Black

$18.00 $14.40

4 Customer Reviews
Model: PH016-BK
Location: U8-190 Y9-M09

Displaying 1 to 4 (of 4 reviews)

by Vincent S. on 2013-06-04 09:00:34
"This sling is excellent, and is totally worth the money you spend on it. The material is very durable, and the entire thing is very sturdy. Adapters are included for different guns, and the sling is also fully adjustable. I've been using this on my M4 when I play, and have not found any problems with it yet.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a decent 3-point sling, it's a great buy that's totally worth the money!
by Walter B. on 2008-11-03 22:10:00
"I chose this item as a back-order alternative, and not only did Evike ship it promptly, but it's a pretty nice sling. Comes with a variety of "adapters" for different weapons, it's made of high-quality strap material that doesn't seem likely to fray, claw hook and slider covers, solid quick-release latch for split-second weak side covering.

I was previously using a cheap Mil-Force GS-5 on my MP5A2 (full-stock). It worked OK, but it was fraying like crazy and came with none of the amenities listed above.

If you're going to use it on a quality MP5, I recommend taking apart the stock sling mount and slipping the button clasp under the bar before re-assembling, as opposed to using the included MP5 slider clasp. It pulls the weapon closer to your body and seems to fit better overall. At least for me.
by James C. on 2008-11-01 16:27:57
"Best quality sling ive ever seen or used! But, I would suggest the Specter "MOUT" Tactical Sling, and I wish I bought that instead. With this sling, when your primary is out of ammo, it does not allow a fast drop of the weapon and a quik draw with your sidearm.

Best quality sling ive seen

There are none, it does exactly what it's supposed to.
by Brendan M. on 2008-09-16 18:03:39
"GREAT sling, i absolutely love it. It fits perfectly on my AK 47 so i can now have it not only close to my body but when i need to i can sling it onto my back. Great buy, the quality is perfect, wont fray and the claws wont bend either!

Displaying 1 to 4 (of 4 reviews)


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Home » Accessories & Parts » BB & Gas » 0.23g & 0.25g BB » Reviews
Matrix 0.23g Match Grade 6mm Airsoft BB - 10,000/ White
by Sam B. Date Added: Wednesday 06 June, 2012
I think these are good bbs. I'm not a super smart airsoft person, but they work well with my king arms. I've seen a lot of reviews that rip on matrix, but I think their good and cheap.

Very nice
No chipped or broken ones (yet)

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars! [5 of 5 Stars!]
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Today's Evil Beet Gossip

Hugh Hefner’s Runaway Bride Is Back!

A photo of Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris

A lot of things can happen in a year, you know? Blake Lively is on the fast track to marrying Ryan Reynolds, but this time last year, she was dating Leonardo DiCaprio, not to mention that she was right in the middle of that whole nude photo scandal. Likewise, Kim Kardashian is on the fast track to marrying Kanye West when just a year ago she was planning her wedding with Kris Humphries. Relationships can come and go just like a sultry summer wind, and if anybody knows that, it’s Hugh Hefner. Well, and Kim Kardashian, obviously.

But, if you’ll remember, last summer was supposed to be a special one for Hef. He was supposed to get married to Crystal Harris, but she left him a few days before the wedding and shacked up with Dr. Phil’s son. Last summer was crazy, wasn’t it? But like I said, a lot of things can happen in a year, so it shouldn’t be so surprising when I tell you that Hugh and Crystal are back together.

From People:

Crystal Harris, who left Hugh Hefner at the altar with a parting shot about his bedroom skills – calling him two-second man – is back at the Playboy mansion, and all seems good – for now.

“Yes I am his #1 girl again,” she Tweetedon Friday, confirming reports of a reconciliation. “Yes we are happy. Hope that clears up any confusion! Xo.”

Harris, 26, a onetime Playmate of the Month, and Hefner, 86, broke up in dramatic style in June 2011 with Harris calling off their wedding just days before the nuptials with 300 invited guests.

Hefner later expressed relief, saying, “I missed a bullet,” and Harris issued a half-apology for her comments to Howard Stern about Hef’s sexual skills.

Well, we’ll see, I guess. I don’t know, I’ve just always been under the impression that if a relationship doesn’t work the first time around, it’s probably not going to work the second time (OR THE NINTH OR TENTH TIME, PEOPLE WHO LIVE ABOVE ME. He always screams about how “I do all this shit for you, Kayla,” and by “all this shit,” I guess he means stomping around for 22 hours of the day and yelling at her constantly and testing out the new speakers in his douchey car by blasting shitty music right outside my window). Maybe that’s because my parents got divorced twice, or maybe it’s because I helped document Sinead O’Connor’s wacky relationship, but I just think that for the most part, if it’s not going to work, then it’s just not going to work.

But hey, do you think they’ll try to have another wedding?

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Today's Evil Beet Gossip
Abigail Breslin

Best, Worst, and WTF of SAG Awards Fashion

Jennifer Lawrence Lupita Nyong'o

Jennifer Lawrence with actress Lupita Nyong’o. I really want to know what they were talking about.

The SAG Awards is probably the most “meh” of all awards shows, am I right? Still, that’s no reason to ignore the fashion. Why? Because it’s fun. Here are some looks from the 20th Annual SAG Awards. Let’s go through and pick the looks for BESTWORST, and WTF.

For more awards show fashion, check out the Golden Globes Awards post.

I don’t think Amanda Peet knows how to dress anymore. This is something I’d expect from Chloë Sevigny, and I don’t even know if she could pull this off. It’s just so…fug. I’m sorry, I know “fug” is played-out, but I cannot summon any other words to accurately describe this dour mess.

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Aaaaand Abigail Breslin Is Topless

We knew it would happen. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine herself, went topless for a photoshoot. It’s tastefully done…compared to a Miley shoot. Her hair looks dirty as f-ck, though.

Ms. Breslin’s been growing up right before our very eyes. Here’s what she said of the photos, via Huffington Post:

I don’t make these conscious decisions to do it, to like prove to the world that I’m grown up. I think people see my work and see what I do and see that I’m grown up. But yeah, I’m almost 18. Every headline for the past three years has been ‘Abigail Breslin All Grown Up,’ so I am kind of growing up. I do want to try different things but it’s all for fun.

Honey, excuse me? “I don’t make these conscious decisions to do it”? Then who’s making them for you, Roman Polanski?

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Best And Worst Celebrity Looks Of The Week!

Miranda Kerr, looking f-cking perfect. Or should I say, Kerrfect? Ha. Ha. HA.

Hey, who’s ready for best and worst celebrity looks of the week?! Everyone? Great! Take a look at some noteworthy looks from this week and then you tell me who wins for:

Here we go!

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Best And Worst Celebrity Looks Of The Week September 9-15

scarlett johansson late night jimmy fallon show

Last time we celebrated the looks of Katy Perry, Daniel Radcliffe, and surprisingly, Lady Gaga. Who dazzled me this week, who disappointed, and who WTF’d my shit up? And do you agree or disagree? Let’s take a fashion journey. It was fashion week, after all.

LIGHTEN UP, IT'S JUST FASHION! From the Ashish show during London Fashion Week.

LIGHTEN UP, IT’S JUST FASHION! From the Ashish show during London Fashion Week.

BEST: ???

WORST: ???

WTF: ???

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Abigail Breslin Is BRINGING It!

abigail breslin soho house

Abigail Breslin hasn’t been the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine since 2006 but I’m still pretty shocked to see these photos of her from a few nights ago. She’s 17 now and has bright blonde hair, like ya do when you’re 17. She is BRINGING it in this floor length dress/denim jacket combo.

Miss Breslin is on the verge of a whitehot 2006 Lohan career. In 2006, Lohan starred with Meryl Streep in A Prairie Home Companion. Now Breslin stars with Streep (and Julia Roberts) in August: Osage County. If she doesn’t Lohan it up, Breslin could have a f-cking crazy legacy ahead of her.

Here are more photos of her from Soho House in Toronto. Godspeed, Abigail. Godspeed.

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Here’s the ‘August: Osage County’ Trailer

meryl streep julia roberts julianne nicholson

I will turn up for pretty much anything Meryl Streep puts her name on because she’s a goddess, and despite the somewhat bizarre casting in August: Osage County, I will have to see this movie because it kinda works, actually. In case you don’t know anything about the story, it’s based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts and it’s all about a dysfunctional family who reunites in Oklahoma when they’re forced to return for a funeral.

We’ve got Julia Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis… this has some serious potential. Well, now we’ve also got a trailer for the film, which comes out on November 8. What do you think? I’m so on board.

PS – did you guys know Abigail Breslin has a financial incentive clause written into her contract for the movie? She got paid $75,000 for working on the movie (which only took 2 weeks) but can apparently earn $50,000 more if she gets a Golden Globe for the role, and an additional $50,000 if she gets an Oscar. That’s such a weird clause, but I guess pretty clever? (Not gonna happen, though.)

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Sizzling Summer Watch Sale at EVINE Live

Marquis by Waterford "Brennan" 8.5" Crystal Bowl - 439-051

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439-051 - Marquis by Waterford ''Brennan'' 8.5'' Crystal Bowl
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Marquis by Waterford "Brennan" 8.5" Crystal Bowl

A sublime, sparkling exclusive! This wonderful gem is suitable for displaying your favorite treats or decorative arrangements. The 8.5" size is perfect for serving food as well as displaying floating candles or potpourri. Made of crystal and featuring the look of classic wedge cuts, this bowl will fit perfectly with your other Waterford pieces. Bring home this Crystal Marquis Bowl for under $40 today!

A timeless approach to classic crystal gifting, Brennan writes its own updated chapter in the entertaining and home décor story with a cutting pattern of deep vertical cuts. The large wedge cut pattern is displayed on the sides and even the bottom of this bowl. The old Irish name Brennan in Gaelic means "Brave" and in Celtic its means "Raven".

Additional Information:
Measures 8.5"W x 3.25"H. Weighs 4.8 lbs. Made of crystal. Made in Germany. Comes beautifully packaged for easy storage.

Care Instructions: When washing by hand, avoid using scouring pads and/or abrasive detergents. To prevent spotting, combine quarter cup ammonia with a mild lemon detergent. Rinse in clean water and air dry on a rack. Clean vases and decanters by filling them half-full with moderately hot water, a small amount of mild detergent, two tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia and 1/2 cup uncooked rice. Swirl the rice around for a few minutes to remove residue. Rinse well with moderately hot water and air dry, upside down, on a rack. Always hand-wash painted glassware.

About Marquis by Waterford
For over 20 years, Marquis by Waterford has offered customers distinctive style and value. Designed by Waterford and manufactured in various countries around the world, Marquis features the same high quality in an assortment of styles - from traditional to contemporary. Marquis' premium construction is also at a price that allows you to purchase multiple pieces for yourself and for others. Make everyday special with Marquis by Waterford!

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Outlet 4th July Sale. Up To 70% Off Sitewide Deals. Final Days.

Ride Gas Station Beanie - Women's

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Ride Gas Station Beanie - Women's

Some of the best finds of your life can be at sketchiest gas stations around. The Ride Gas Station Beanie embraces this concept with a simple yet sick beanie that will keep you ahead of the ever steepening fashion curve.
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Have any advice for Miley Cyrus at the end of the 'Hannah Montana' era? | EW.com

News | PopWatch

Have any advice for Miley Cyrus at the end of the 'Hannah Montana' era?

Miley-Cyrus-then-and-nowImage Credit: Disney Channel; Central Image Agency/FilmMagic.comIt’s wild to think that on March 26, 2006–just a bit more than four years ago–the Disney Channel’s tween-tastic series Hannah Montana launched with the then relatively unknown Miley Cyrus at the helm. Well, she was a bit known, what with being the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, a country star who’d struck gold with a one-hit wonder “Achy Breaky Heart.” But generally, at the time, it somehow seemed unlikely that the awkward looking gal would shoot to stardom through a silly little show that featured her as a pop star who goes to a regular school in disguise, so she can lead a (relatively) normal life. But as we all now know, Miley is nothing but regular–she’s now one of the biggest stars in the world. Tonight, however, begins the end of an era for Miley, as the final season of Hannah premieres at 8 p.m.

At this juncture, we should all take a moment to ponder how she’s handled this transition and what it all means for her post-Disney future. Just look at the photo attached to this blog post–the change in Miley from season 1 of Hannah Montana (on the left) to the current Miley who seemingly “Can’t Be Tamed” (on the right) is downright stunning. But doesn’t almost everyone radically change between the ages of 13 and 17? I certainly did.

Like any growing adolescent, her look–and her behavior–has morphed along the way. She’s had hit albums and singles. She’s starred in a handful of movies, from a Hannah Montana pic to a Nicholas Sparks tear jerker. And there’s been scandal, too, of course: Remember when she posed for those racy photos in Vanity Fair? This one-time baby has come a long way, baby!

And despite all this success–and the jabs from critics along the way–Miley has been working steadily and employing an I’m-gonna-do-what-want attitude along the way. I, personally, applaud her for her fortitude. And as for all the questions about her bubbling sexuality and increasingly risqué attire? Pish. She’s a young woman–every teenager goes through the same things. But will it affect this final season of Hannah Montana? Leave it in a bad light? Honestly, probably not. This girl is pretty golden. She’s clearly growing her fan base, so that she has the younger fans and, now, older fans. (Hi! That’s me! I’m not ashamed to admit her latest album is on repeat on my iPod…) And truly, those tweens who started out watching Hannah Montana have grown up right along with Miley. She’s said it over and over in interviews, but she’s gotta grow up. Compared to some pop stars that have come before her, she’s doing it rather gracefully.

So what’s next? A lot, I’d guess. More hit records. More big movies. More TV shows, maybe. My advice for her: Don’t shave your head, get married in Vegas while drunk, or have babies too early. Oh, and stay away from anyone with the last name Federline, and you’ll be fine.

What advice do you, PopWatchers, have for Miley as Hannah Montana begins its final-season fade? What would you like to see her do next?

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Lady Gaga Metro Editor |

News | PopWatch

Lady Gaga saves journalism, becomes guest editor-in-chief of Metro for a day

Lady Gaga

(Reuters/Paul Hackett/Landov)

By all accounts, human society is slowly but surely evolving towards the cultural moment when “News Media” will just be the coastal elitist term for the Twitter feed that will stream infinite happenstance straight into your frontal lobe by way of a neural implant installed by our horrible robot overlords. But there are still some crusty old-school journalists who believe in the power of the printed page. And then there is Lady Gaga, who served as guest editor-in-chief at the London office of the free daily Metro for one whole day, despite being neither crusty nor old-school, nor even really a journalist, unless you think that she is a metaphorical journalist embedded in the trench warfare of human emotions (in which case you should seriously consider cutting your hair and getting a job, hippie).

Publicity stunt? Sure, but at least it’s an insane publicity stunt. Also, this is by no means the worst thing to happen to journalism in the last two centuries. (Hey, she probably has more ethics than William Randolph Hearst, right?)

Follow Darren on the Twitter brain feed: @EWDarrenFranich

Read more:
Lady Gaga releases new single ‘The Edge of Glory’: Listen here
Lady Gaga debuts ‘Judas’ video: Watch it here
Lady Gaga on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’: ‘I live halfway between fantasy and reality all times’

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Network Discovery at the Low End

By Cameron Sturdevant  |  Posted 2003-06-09 Print this article Print

For the first time, Neon Software has released a Windows version of its LANsurveyor network mapping and management tool.

For the first time, Neon Software has released a Windows version of its LANsurveyor network mapping and management tool. LANsurveyor 7 for Windows is appropriate for IT managers at small and midsize enterprises, and my tests showed that the tool will likely help IT managers keep track of network changes.

Within minutes of installing the console and several Neon Responders, which are optional agents that provide much of the products utility, I was able to get basic inventory and status data on machines in the test network. Because I didnt have SNMP enabled in my Red Hat Linux systems, these servers initially showed up on the map as "unknown". However, after enabling SNMP, penguin icons started showing up on my maps.

There is a lot of room to grow in the $495 LANsurveyor 7, which started shipping last month. Future versions, due later this year, will likely include connectors to directories, company officials said. As it stands, I hand-entered information such as phone number and user name.

There are a number of choices in the low-end network management tool market, and my longtime favorite is Ipswitchs comparably priced WhatsUp Gold.

Neon Software can be reached at www.neonsoftware.com.

Cameron Sturdevant Cameron Sturdevant is the executive editor of Enterprise Networking Planet. Prior to ENP, Cameron was technical analyst at PCWeek Labs, starting in 1997. Cameron finished up as the eWEEK Labs Technical Director in 2012. Before his extensive labs tenure Cameron paid his IT dues working in technical support and sales engineering at a software publishing firm . Cameron also spent two years with a database development firm, integrating applications with mainframe legacy programs. Cameron's areas of expertise include virtual and physical IT infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise networking and mobility. In addition to reviews, Cameron has covered monolithic enterprise management systems throughout their lifecycles, providing the eWEEK reader with all-important history and context. Cameron takes special care in cultivating his IT manager contacts, to ensure that his analysis is grounded in real-world concern. Follow Cameron on Twitter at csturdevant, or reach him by email at cameron.sturdevant@quinstreet.com.

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Suns Galaxy Systems Shoot for x86 Space

By Jeffrey Burt  |  Posted 2005-09-12 Print this article Print

The new Opteron-powered systems and servers are part of a move to win back customers and attract new ones.

NEW YORK—Sun Microsystems on Monday continued its push to remake itself into a technology company that embraces industry standards, open source and a wide variety of partners. Sun Microsystems Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., a company that grew rapidly during the Internet boom and faltered just as quickly during the bust, is moving away from its roots as a company that stubbornly held onto its own SPARC/Solaris platform while the rest of the industry shifted toward x86 architecture and Linux. As expected, Sun officials made a large step in that direction during an event here when it introduced the first systems in its "Galaxy" family of systems, powered by Advanced Micro Devices Inc.s dual-core Opteron processors.
Read more here about the debut of Suns new "Galaxy" servers.
Jonathan Schwartz, Suns president and chief operating officer, said during his presentation that what Sun wants to do now is give enterprises a wide range of choice—in server architecture and in operating systems—in hopes of winning back customers it may have lost and stealing business away from such competitors as Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and IBM. "Today is the culmination of a tremendous amount of [research and development]," Schwartz said. For the past few years, Sun has been "trying to fundamentally understand where we went wrong as a company, where we went off the rails, [and] how we can get back on the rails." At one point, Schwartz also shared the stage with representatives from several companies—such as Linux vendor Red Hat Inc.—that only a couple of years ago would never have been invited into the room. The new systems answer customer demands for an industry-standard platform that offers high performance at reasonable prices and addresses growing concerns about power consumption, heat generation and the data center space, Schwarz said. Sun next month will start shipping the 1U (1.75-inch) Sun Fire X4100 and 2U (3.5-inch) X4200, which officials are touting as the first enterprise-level x86 systems, complete with such features as hot-swap redundant power supplies and fans, RAID on the motherboard and remote systems management capabilities. Both systems run dual-core Opteron chips. "Enterprise means you want to keep running while changing components," said Andy Bechtolsheim, chief architect and senior vice president of Suns NSG (Network Systems Group.) Click here for an eWEEK Labs review of Suns "Galaxy" servers. Sun also introduced the X2100, a low-cost dual-core Opteron system that, at a $745 starting point, is aimed at the price/performance space. Schwartz said Sun will expand the family with other systems, include blades and an eight-socket server, as the fiscal year unfolds. At the event, Sun also announced other products and programs, such as Sun Grid Rack Systems, which helps businesses speed up the deployment of Sun Opteron systems by having the vendor integrate everything—from putting the servers in the racks to loading the operating system and Sun N1 System Manager software—before shipping it to the customer. However, it was the servers themselves that garnered the most attention. In 2003, Sun announced it was going to offer Opteron-based servers, and the following year rolled out the two-way X20z and four-way X40z, which were made by third parties. Sun also dumped the few servers running on Intel Corp. chips it had been selling. Next Page: The right stuff for the x86 space.

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Worst Data Breaches Ever - State of Ohio

By Debra Donston  |  Posted 2007-08-15 Print this article Print
Worst Data Breaches Ever - State of Ohio
June 2007

State of Ohio

A computer storage device containing the names and Social Security numbers of every Ohio state worker was stolen from an intern's vehicle.

The last few years have seen a slew of data breaches-all bad, but some worse than others. In the spirit of learning what not to do by example, eWEEK presents some of the worst data breaches ever. (Unfortunately, likely to be continued ...)

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