aliens attack....

The chance of encountering intelligent extraterrestrial life becomes greater every day. As of January 8, 2008, 217 planets have been discovered outside of our solar system and 2-3 new ones are found each month. Famous astronomer Carl Sagan believed there to be billions upon billions of planets in the universe. With such high numbers it is hard, if not impossible, to believe that there is no intelligent life in the universe besides human and that an alien invasion and destruction of Earth is impossible. It is theorized that it would not be a conflict between humans and aliens that would cause lead to our end but that the aliens would exploit Earth for her resources or merely disrupt the planet by mistake.

The highest ranking female official in vietnam...

: We chose this story because it exemplifies Seattle’s progressive relationship with Asia. It mentions the fact that Washington state’s former Gov. Mike Lowry was the first to visit Vietnam. Also, it portrays Ninh’s unique position in a government not known for having many female leaders.

Madame Ton Nu Thi Ninh was once the highest ranking female official in the Vietnamese government. Now retired from her official diplomatic roles — she is the former ambassador to the European Union and Brussels — she has founded a new private university in Vietnam, called Tri Viet (which means Vietnamese intellect). Ninh was in town to meet with various faculty and administration members at the University of Washington, hoping to forge educational ties.

During her three-day trip to Seattle, she stopped by the Northwest Asian Weekly’s office Jan. 8 to share her vision of the new university.

This was Ninh’s third time to Seattle, a city she said was one of her favorite on the West Coast. She also mentioned the diversity of Seattle, and the fact that “Seattle turns to Asia a lot.”

She hoped that the University of Washington would provide an “overall mentoring role for” the process of creating a university. She cited several reasons for approaching UW. “First of all, it’s a top quality university, but it’s not part of the so-called traditional Ivy League. ... They have too many people courting them.”

She added that another reason was because “Washington state engaged with Vietnam quite early on, even before normalization. After all, former Gov. (Mike) Lowry was the first U.S. governor to ever visit Vietnam.

In terms of her own university, Ninh outlined the differences between universities already present in Vietnam and her vision for Tri Vet. A former academic and English teacher of 10 years, Ninh said, “It will be completely private, no public funds. And it’s going to be a holistic endeavor, meaning that we want to create the school from scratch, building the physical infrastructure and creating the whole campus. We want it to be innovative, interdisciplinary, trying to make up for some of the deficiencies of the existing system in Vietnam.”

In order to ensure high standards, Ninh said that she would focus on the recruitment of faculty and staff, paying them “good salaries” but decreeing that no faculty be allowed to teach elsewhere, contrary to the common practice of professors who are “affiliated with one university, but are visiting lecturers at too many other colleges. They don’t give their brain and soul to their home colleges,” she said, and consequently, they don’t contribute to the development of their schools.

A series of dust clouds.......

A series of dust clouds originating with distinct wind events over Asia two weeks ago, have made their way across the Pacific and spread a whitish haze across half of the U.S., sources say.

Gene Feldman, a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD said aircraft have been monitoring the particulates in the dust clouds. Apparently, the dust clouds picked up industrial pollution from two of China's largest cities and are now blanketing the mid-Western United States with this matter. Dr. Feldman said, "At one time, the dust cloud was bigger than Japan."

As early as 1998, scientists were claiming that industrial pollution from China was spreading to the United States where pollution in the U.S. was rising to two-thirds the federal health limits. The current storm proves this theory to be true. Pollution from Asia is reaching in the U.S. in alarming amounts.



The particulates in the dust clouds that reduce visibility and cause respiratory problems have not been measured in such high volume since Mt. St. Helens erupted, and even then, the particulates did not reach the ground as they are in this case.

The dust storms could even reach the Eastern U.S., but experts say they will probably dissipate as they move across the midwest.

A series of dust clouds originating with distinct wind events over Asia two weeks ago, have made their way across the Pacific and spread a whitish haze across half of the U.S., sources say.

Gene Feldman, a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD said aircraft have been monitoring the particulates in the dust clouds. Apparently, the dust clouds picked up industrial pollution from two of China's largest cities and are now blanketing the mid-Western United States with this matter. Dr. Feldman said, "At one time, the dust cloud was bigger than Japan."

As early as 1998, scientists were claiming that industrial pollution from China was spreading to the United States where pollution in the U.S. was rising to two-thirds the federal health limits. The current storm proves this theory to be true. Pollution from Asia is reaching in the U.S. in alarming amounts.



The particulates in the dust clouds that reduce visibility and cause respiratory problems have not been measured in such high volume since Mt. St. Helens erupted, and even then, the particulates did not reach the ground as they are in this case.

The dust storms could even reach the Eastern U.S., but experts say they will probably dissipate as they move across the midwest.

Blueberry Cake- melt in your mouth....

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 egg yolks 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/3 cup milk 2 egg whites 1/4 cup white sugar 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
Cream butter or margarine and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Add salt and vanilla. Separate eggs and reserve the whites. Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture; beat until creamy.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and baking powder; add alternately with milk to egg yolk mixture. Coat berries with 1 tablespoon flour and add to batter.
In a separate bowl, beat whites until soft peaks form. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle top with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
Bake for 50 minutes, or until cake tests done.

Cheese Cake......

Ingredients

1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, halved 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup strawberry glaze

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, white sugar and 1/2 cup confectioners sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 cup sour cream, milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Slowly beat in eggs, one at a time. Pour filling into crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until smooth, then spread over cheesecake. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Arrange strawberries and blueberries on top of the cheesecake. Spoon strawberry glaze over berries. Refrigerate several hours before serving

fried noodles.........my first recipe in ATI..

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound fresh egg noodles, thin variety
1/2 cup peanut oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1/4 pound Chinese barbecued pork (char sieu) (available at Chinese stores), cut into 1/4-inch (5-mm) thick julienne
3 scallions, mainly the white part, sliced into 2-inch long shreds
1/2 cup snow peas, topped, tailed and cut into julienne
1 tablespoon wood ear fungus (wun yee) (available at Chinese stores), soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, rinsed and drained
1 cup celery, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup water
For Seasonings:
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons Shaoxing rice wine (available at Chinese stores) or dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water




DIRECTIONS
Drop the noodles into boiling water, loosen the strands with chopsticks, and when the water comes to a boil again, drain immediately. Rinse well under cold water and drain thoroughly. Spread the noodles on a tray to allow them to dry for at least 20 minutes. Lift them and gently shake to loosen and allow to dry more evenly. Arrange the noodles on a dinner plate and shape into a loose mound.


Heat the 1/2 cup oil in a wok until just beginning to smoke. Slide the noodle mound into the oil, and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the base of the noodles is crisping and turning golden brown. Flip over to the other side and fry. Remove and drain on paper towels. (The outside noodles are crisped and lightly browned, but the inside should still be soft and tender.) Keep warm in a low oven (210 degrees F) with the door open.


Meanwhile, heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a wok. Stir-fry the Chinese barbecued pork and the scallions for 1 minute. Add the snow peas, wood ear fungus, celery, and bean sprouts and toss together over moderate heat for 1 minute. Sprinkle the water down the side of the wok, cover the wok with the lid and cook for about 30 seconds. Add all of the seasonings ingredients, stirring immediately until the sauce is lightly velvety.


TO SERVE: Arrange the fried noodles on a serving plate, place the Chinese barbecued pork and vegetables over the top of the noodles and serve.

L.o.V.e.l.y M.y C.u.l.T.u.R.e..MURUT..

Murut Cultural Centre was opened in 1991. Located 10 km from Tenom Town at Kampung Pulong.

The centre has an area of 33 acres beside the Pegalan River. The impressive buildings cover an area of 20 acres.

An interesting gallery displays many artefacts of the Murut people of Sabah.

The buildings are mainly constructed of local timber. Giant pillars feature elements of local Murut architecture. Wood carvings on the pillars and pannels inside the building give visitors a real feel of Murut traditions, which is enhanced in the museum gallery in the upper floor with its many artefacts, such as jars, gongs, traditional designs and general information on the Murut.

Murut are the third largest indigenous group in Sabah, after the Kadazandusun and the Bajau.

There are sub-groups called Baukan, Gana, Timugon, Tahol, Serundung, Selungai, Paluan, Okolod, Murut Beaufort and Keningau.

Many of the Murut, especially those in the far interior, still live in their traditional longhouses, and practise agriculture. Others have taken up skilled and remunerated work in town

Tapai is a Murut traditional rice wine

The Kalimaran Festival - An annual festival held in Tenom Murut Cultural Centre that celebrates and honours the Murut traditions.

TIMUGON MURUT (TIMUGON, TIMOGUN, TIMIGAN, TIMIGUN, TIMOGON, TUMUGUN, TEMOGUN, TENOM MURUT) [TIH] 7,200 to 8,700 (1982 SIL), including 1,200 to 1,700 in Beaufort Murut (1982 SIL). Tenom District along the Padas River from Melalap to Batu, and Beaufort District along the Bukau and lower Padas rivers. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: KAPAGALAN, POROS, BEAUFORT MURUT (BINTA'), TIMUGON, SANDIWAR (SANDEWAR), DABUGUS, LOWER MURUT, MURUT PADAASS, BUKAU (BUKOW). Bahasa Malaysia is widely understood. Muslim. Bible portions 1986-1990. Work in progress.

KENINGAU MURUT (CENTRAL MURUT) [KXI] 4,000 to 5,200 (1982 SIL), including 1,000 to 1,200 Dusun Murut (1985 SIL); 34,282 in all countries all Murut in Sabah (1980 census). Keningau District within a 10-mile radius to the north of Keningau town along the Pegalan River. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: NABAY (NABAI, NEBEE, DABAY, DABAI, RABAY, RABAI), AMBUAL, DUSUN MURUT. Closely related to Baukan and Timugon. No one under 20 uses Nabay as first language. Survey needed.


SELUNGAI MURUT [SLG] 300 in Sabah (1990 SIL); 800 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Pensiangan District, 1 village, along the Sapulut River from the confluence with the Pensiangan River south to the Indonesian border. Also along the upper reaches of the Sembakung River in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut.

SEMBAKUNG MURUT (SIMBAKONG, SEMBAKOENG, SEMBAKONG, TIDONG, TIDOENG, TIDUNG, TINGGALAN, TINGGALUM, TINGALUN) [SMA] 5,000 in all countries (?) (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Along the Sembakung River in northern Kalimantan, Indonesia, from the mouth upstream possibly as far as Sabah. Mainly Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Tidong.

SERUDUNG MURUT (SERUDONG, TAWAU MURUT, TIDUNG) [SRK] 1,000 (1989 SIL). Tawau District along the Serudung River and one village 12 miles from Tawau town. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Tidong.

TAGAL MURUT [MVV] 28,000 to 48,000 in Sabah, Malaysia (1987 SIL); 2,000 Alumbis in Kalimantan (1987 SIL); 30,000 to 50,000 in all countries (1991 SIL). Pensiangan, Keningau, Tenom, Sipitang districts over the whole southwestern portion of Sabah, south into Kalimantan, Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: RUNDUM (ARUNDUM), TAGAL (TAGGAL, TAGUL, TAGOL, NORTH BORNEO MURUT, SABAH MURUT), SUMAMBU (SEMEMBU, SEMAMBU, SUMAMBUQ), TOLOKOSON (TELEKOSON), SAPULOT MURUT (SAPULUT MURUT), PENSIANGAN MURUT (PENTJANGAN, LAGUNAN MURUT), SALALIR (SADALIR, SEDÁLIR, SARALIR), ALUMBIS (LUMBIS, LOEMBIS), TAWAN, TOMANI (TUMANIQ), MALIGAN (MAULIGAN, MELIGAN, BOL MURUT, BOLE MURUT). Those who have been to school can use Sabah Malay for routine topics. Closest to Paluan. 20% literate in Bahasa Malaysia. Christian, traditional religion. NT 1984-1991. Bible portions 1965-1990.
Murut Cultural Centre was opened in 1991. Located 10 km from Tenom Town at Kampung Pulong.

The centre has an area of 33 acres beside the Pegalan River. The impressive buildings cover an area of 20 acres.

An interesting gallery displays many artefacts of the Murut people of Sabah.

The buildings are mainly constructed of local timber. Giant pillars feature elements of local Murut architecture. Wood carvings on the pillars and pannels inside the building give visitors a real feel of Murut traditions, which is enhanced in the museum gallery in the upper floor with its many artefacts, such as jars, gongs, traditional designs and general information on the Murut.

Murut are the third largest indigenous group in Sabah, after the Kadazandusun and the Bajau.

There are sub-groups called Baukan, Gana, Timugon, Tahol, Serundung, Selungai, Paluan, Okolod, Murut Beaufort and Keningau.

Many of the Murut, especially those in the far interior, still live in their traditional longhouses, and practise agriculture. Others have taken up skilled and remunerated work in town.

box office film 2012.....

In 2009, American geologist Adrian Helmsley meets his friend, Doctor Satnam Tsurutani, in India. Satnam has discovered that neutrinos from a massive solar flare are acting as microwaves, causing the temperature of the Earth's core to increase rapidly. Adrian informs White House Chief of Staff Carl Anheuser and US President Thomas Wilson that this will instigate a catastrophic chain of natural disasters. At the G8 summit in 2010, other heads of state and heads of government are made aware of the situation. They begin a secret project intended to ensure humanity survives, choosing 400,000 people to board a series of gigantic ships to be constructed in the Himalayas. To help fund the venture, additional individuals are allowed to purchase tickets for one billion euros apiece.

In 2012, Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is a writer in Los Angeles who works part-time as a limousine driver for wealthy Russian businessman Yuri Karpov. Jackson's ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and their children Noah and Lily live with her boyfriend, plastic surgeon and amateur pilot Gordon Silberman. Jackson takes Noah and Lily on a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park, where they meet Charlie Frost, a conspiracy theorist living as a hermit and hosting a radio show from the park. Charlie believes a theory that suggests the Mayans predicted the world would come to an end in 2012, and claims he has knowledge of a secret "space ship" project and possesses a map of their location. The family returns home as cracks develop along the San Andreas Fault in California and earthquakes occur in the San Francisco Bay area. After being informed by Yuri's twin sons that they have tickets for a special ship while he will die, Jackson grows suspicious and rents a plane to rescue his family. He collects his family and Gordon when the Earth's crust displacement begins and they escape Los Angeles as it collapses into the Pacific Ocean.

As millions die in earthquakes worldwide, the group flies to Yellowstone to retrieve Charlie's map. The group narrowly escapes as the Yellowstone Caldera erupts. Charlie, who stayed behind to broadcast the eruption, is killed by the blast. Learning the ships are in China, the group lands in Las Vegas, where they meet Yuri, his sons, girlfriend Tamara, and pilot Sasha. They join the group and secure an Antonov An-225, fleeing Las Vegas as it is destroyed. The group flies to China, passing Hawaii as it is obliterated by volcanic eruptions. Also bound for the ships aboard Air Force One are Anheuser, Adrian, and First Daughter Laura Wilson. President Wilson remains in Washington D.C. and is killed by a giant tsunami that sends the USS John F. Kennedy crashing into the White House. With the Vice President dead and the Speaker of the House missing, Anheuser appoints himself acting president.

Arriving in China in a crash-landing that kills Sasha, Yuri and his sons are taken to the ships, stranding the Curtis family, Gordon, and Tamara, who do not possess tickets. After leaving the crash site, the group is picked up by Nima, a Buddhist monk. They sneak into an ark through its hydraulics chamber with the help of Nima's brother Tenzin, a welder for the ark project. Meanwhile, Satnam and his family are stranded in India after their airlift fails to arrive. In his last moments, Satnam calls Adrian, informing him that an uncharted tsunami is engulfing India and heading towards the arks. Anheuser orders the arks sealed, trapping thousands outside. Adrian convinces the G8 leaders to let the remaining people board. As the ark's boarding gate is lowered and then raised, Yuri falls to his death getting his two sons aboard. Gordon falls between the gears and dies. A large drill then falls and becomes lodged between the gears, preventing the gate from closing and rendering the ship unable to start its engines. The tsunami begins flooding the ark, setting it adrift. Jackson and Noah free the drill from the closing mechanism. The crew regains control of the ark, preventing a fatal collision with Mount Everest.

When the floodwater from the tsunamis recedes, satellite data shows that Africa rose in relation to sea level, and the Drakensberg mountains in KwaZulu Natal are now the highest on the planet. As three arks set sail for the Cape of Good Hope, Jackson reconciles with his family and Adrian starts a relationship with Laura.