Tuesday, August 31, 2010

What is our respons on this valcano eruption in North Sumatera


Mount Sinabung volcano spews smoke as seen from Bekerah village in the district of Tanah Karo in Indonesia's North Sumatra province August 30, 2010. The Indonesian volcano that erupted for the first time in centuries on Sunday spewed fresh plumes of smoke early on Monday morning, causing panic in nearby villages and delaying local flights.
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We are not concern about basic/fundamental research such as photosynthesis, wildlife or insects migration or ecology, effect of key spesies in the spesific protected ecosystems (OR we do not have one) and continous monotoring on our environmental quality or health. We still in our test tubes, beakers and oven in our laboratories. We believe and focus too much on molecular and tools types sciences. Love our nature, love our environment and that is our place to live in. Its promise our quality food and safe environment.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mangrove forest clearing

Monday August 30, 2010
Selangor loses RM100mil in revenue to mangrove thieves
By STUART MICHAEL
metro@thestar.com.my
The Selangor Government has lost millions of ringgit in revenue in the last 10 years as a result of licensed loggers underdeclaring their shipment of mangrove logs harvested throughout the state.If efforts are not taken immediately to stop the felling of trees, there would not be any mangrove forest left in the entire of Selangor by 2020.
Over the 10-year period, the price per log was between RM3 and RM7.90. This comes to about RM100 million worth of logs that the state had lost in a decade. The state should put a stop to mangrove forest logging entirely as mangrove saplings take about 15 years to be fully mature before they are ready to be harvested.
The logging activities so rampant, the trees are being felled faster than the replanting efforts.If heavy logging continues, there would not be any mangrove forest throughout Selangor by 2020 and this will subsequently destroy the eco-system, marine life and the livelihood of fishermen and people living near the sea.
The Federal Government spent RM10.5mil in 2008 to replant mangrove trees. In 2008, the Selangor Forestry Department replanted 81,000 mangrove trees in a 25ha-area in Kuala Bernam, Hulu Selangor and 25,000 trees in a 10ha-area in Klang.The Star/Monday October 5, 2009 (Saving the mangroves/Story and photos by SALINA KHALID)
In Selangor, there are three main areas with protected mangrove forest totalling 18.08 hectares, with the largest in Port Klang about 5,611.81 hectares. The others are in Kuala Selangor, Port Klang and Banting.
The mangrove forest in Kuala Selangor are at Kuala Bernam (846.50ha) and Banjar Utara and Banjar Selatan (1,011.64ha) while in Banting, the mangrove forest areas are in Jugra Kelompok 1 (418.98ha), Jugra Kelompok 2 (82ha), Sepang Kechil (267.98ha) and Kuala Sepang (160.51ha).The mangrove forest in Port Klang are in Kapar (138.20ha), Pulau Tonggok (35.65ha), Pulau Klang (5.611.81ha), Pulau Selat Mahang (148.88ha), Pulau Selat Meriam (53.81ha), Pulau Tengah (790ha), Pulau Pintu Gedong (741.55ha), Pulau Che Mat Zin (1,419.21ha), Telok Gedong (659.79ha), Jugra Kompt 2 (85.88ha), Pulau Tengah (1,415.64ha), Pulau Ketam (2,365ha), Pulau Rusa (85ha), Pulau Klang Tambahan (268ha), Pulau Selat Kering (509ha), Pulau Che Mat Zin Tambahan (43ha).
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Protection and conservation alone may not solve the problem. Perhaps we can use the protected forest for education, research and ecotourism (nature). By having these control and structured activities, at least indirectly, some public monitoring will be established. This will help the existing solely Forest Department patrolling activities. Educated and concerned public could be more effective patrolling system. As Milky Storks are now close to extinction in Malaysia and they need tall mangroves trees for nesting and far from human disturbance, the release programme can be done in Klang Islands Mangrove Forests.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Move Forward with our ledearship style!


1. Learn how to plan and solve the problems NOT defensive and look for reasons!
2. Leaders must lead not learn how to lead. Many leaders adapt to his position in the first year, learn how to lead in the second year, and test his leadership in the third year and finally happy with the status quo.
3. “Most of the work that is accomplished is not yours, it’s the work of others. The leader who can be the coach, coordinator, and cheerleader will be successful in today’s business environment.”
4. Your leadership style does not have to be based merely on your personality – you can choose a style. You can and should further develop your ability to use various leadership styles.
5. Create an inclusive style, a style that you can vary. Try new behaviors and techniques, depending on what the situation calls for and what fits with your personality and your values.
6. See more in my previous issues.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Antara Tolaransi & Kefahaman


'Tazkirah' Teo: Sultan murka, Mais ambil alih surau
Ogos 27, 10 6:15pm (di cedok dari FB Prof Sham Jalor)

Sultan Selangor amat murka dan dukacita terhadap tindakan sebuah surau di Kajang yang membenarkan ahli parlimen Serdang Teo Nie Ching memberikan 'tazkirah' di si...tu Ahad lalu, kata pengerusi Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (Mais).

Datuk Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa berkata, setelah memanggil pihak pengurusan surau itu memberikan penjelasan pada hari ini, Mais mendapati bahawa ucapan oleh Teo di dalam dewan solat di Surau Al-Huda, Kajang Sentral berlaku seperti dilaporkan.

Sehubungan itu, tambahnya, Mais diarahkan mengambil tindakan tegas terhadap surau itu, termasuk mengambil alih surau dan menguruskan pentadbirannya dengan serta merta kerana insiden itu jelas bertentangan dengan titah Sultan Selangor.

"Mais memandang serius berhubung isu ini memandangkan ini merupakan kes kedua seumpanya yang melibatkan ahli politik dan orang bukan Islam memberikan ucapan di dalam masjid/surau di negeri Selangor," kata Mohamad Adzib.

Sementara itu, Mohamad Adzib berkata, Mais juga akan memberikan surat amaran kepada Teo supaya mengambil perhatian terhadap perkara itu dan tidak mengulangi lagi.

"Mais juga mengingatkan mana-mana wakil rakyat bukan Islam untuk tidak mengulangi perbuatan yang sama dan tidak menggunakan masjid/surau," katan Mohamad Adzib.

"Pihak Mais juga menggesa supaya semua pihak termasuk parti-parti politik agar lebih sensitif kepada perasaan umat Islam amnya dan hendaklah menjunjung titah perintah DYMM Sultan Selangor bagi menjaga kesucian institusi masjid dan surau di negeri Selangor."
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Untuk mengelakkan dari perkara ini berulang dan lebih haru-biru lagi Sains dan Matematik perlu diperkasakan di kalangan orang-orang Melayu Islam. Sains dan Matematik membina personaliti, jatidiri, mampu berfikir dan menganalisis fakta, kreatif, berpendirian tegas dan mampu terus maju.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Why we forget our country


What is fundamental research?
What is basic research?
What is applied research?
How far we respect our country as one of the top mega biodiversity's countries in the world?
We must look out not just working in our own test tube!
Learn from developed countries. In Field Biology we can learn from USA, Europe (U.K.), Japan and Australia.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Go Green Seminar & Exhibition at UiTM Melaka City Campus

Seminar & Exhibition at UiTM Melaka City Campus

The seminar held on 24 August 2010 at Melaka City Campus, Melaka.
The Presenter were:
1. Professor Dr. Ahmad Ismail, UPM (Save the Environment)
2. Mr. Suhaimi Abd. Ghani, SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (Melaka Bandaraya Maju, Bagaimana Alam Sekitar?)
3. Hj. Baharum Majid, Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka (Transfomasi Pengairan Melaka).


May be UiTM later will go green for Malaysia since they have campuses all over the country.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Priority Areas for Internationalisation of the Universities


All staff must feel free to prosecute the international collaborations that best suit them and their academic needs. In order to consolidate the University’s position as a global institution, there are also a number of specific areas that have been highlighted for further strategic action.

PRIORITY 1: Leadership
Vice-Chancellor takes a lead on international developments and representation. Specific officers or the deputy will take on this leadership role and thus carry a specific International portfolio and liaise with relevant senior colleagues to oversee the implementation of the other actions which will be delivered via the Research and Enterprise, Education and People Strategies.

PRIORITY 2: The role of the International Office
The International Office is primarily tasked with attracting international students and ensuring that they are appropriately welcomed and supported here. They also help local students find international placements.

PRIORITY 3: Internationalised curricula
The University's Vision & Strategy on the curricula should be dynamic, flexible and internationally relevant, and embed within the programmes the skills and learning opportunities that enhance the future employability of the students and prepare them for a globalised environment. It is likely that the content of the undergraduate and post-graduate curricula need to be reviewed and identify mechanisms for development through the new Education Strategy. One possible mechanism could be the delivery of curricula in partnership with international organisations, although such partnerships would have to be approached with caution and with a clear understanding of the benefits and risks involved.

PRIORITY 4: International students
The University Vision & Strategy should include recruiting high-quality overseas students from a range of countries, working where appropriate with international partners. The numbers of international students represent approximately 20% of all students, focusing particularly on research postgraduates. Education Strategy should continue to look at ways in which we can improve the international student experience.

PRIORITY 5: International partnerships
As part of Research and Enterprise Strategy, the universities should develop a comprehensive database of current international research collaborations and think strategically about broader relationships with particular countries and sub-regions, focusing particularly on Middle East, Africa, Asean Countries, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South America, Europe and the Far East. Bodering countries can be a good partners.

PRIORITY 6: The Asean and Middle East
Related to action 5 above, these two geographical areas have, and will develop more, specific initiatives with Malaysia involvement especially in research, such as joint research grant programmes. It is vital that proactive action about these and therefore need to improve the intelligence gathering and profile in these areas and to identify how this can be operated most effectively within them.

PRIORITY 7: The Worldwide Universities Network
Again related to action 5, a key focus of international collaboration will continue to be the Worldwide Universities Network. How about IOC? How IOC can contribute to Internationalisation of local universities? Funds can be allocated for staff and student visits under research mobility schemes, seminar and workshop series and other academic activities (supervisor and examiners)

PRIORITY 8: International visitors and the Institute of Advanced Studies
Receiving frequent international visitors is a crucial part of being a global university. Such visits will, of course, continue between collaborating academics. International events can be created on campus for intellectually driven activities, align with the academic imperatives and attract the very best participants.

PRIORITY 9: International recruitment
Look for the best people, for academic and support roles from all sections of the community at home and overseas. Go for a full global search for staff positions whenever appropriate.

PRIORITY 10: Website and database development
Develop comprehensive web pages focusing on the international activities and develop a database of all our current international collaborations, to be included as a map on the website.

PRIORITY 11: ‘The family abroad’
Alumni and friends overseas are keen to help us. This is a resource should be used as effectively as possible.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Konflik Pasar Ramadan

Ibadat, Puasa, nafsu, obesity, alam sekitar, oil, domestic waste, plastics, carbon, temperature, perniagaan, ekonomi, kemasyarakatan, pesta, "life style", interaksi & integrasi & integreti, moral and values.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Preparing a Proposal

Preparing a Research Proposal

I. Your frame of mind is important.
a. A positive view towards the task is essential because this will be revealed in the tone of your writing and the creativity of your ideas.
b. Talk to your research project advisor and science friends.
c. A good proposal takes time – ideas may not come quickly and writing an easily understood and interesting document requires effort. No amount of work on writing a proposal will overcome a weak idea.

II. Develop a strong concept of your project that FITS
a. Fills a gap in knowledge
b. Important to the field and to yourself
c. Tests a hypothesis (rather than being descriptive)
d. Short term investment of your time will lead to long term gain for the field

III. Refine your concept
a. Do a literature review – “There is nothing like spending a few hours discovering something in the library when you could accomplish the same by investing three months in the laboratory.” You need to know what others are thinking and have found. This is most important for the work.
b. Talk to colleagues
c. Revise your proposal based on what you have learned and your additional hard thinking.

IV. Outline, write, and edit
a. Develop a thorough outline of your proposal
i. Specific Aims (short overview of what you aim to accomplish
ii. Background & Significance (why proposed work is important)
iii. Preliminary Date (an example of what you may have already found)
iv. Research Design & Methods (the experiments you will conduct)

b. Write the entire first draft – before you start to edit.

“If you try to write and edit at the same time, you will do neither well.”

c. Get someone else knowledgeable to read your draft.
d. Edit, edit, and then edit some more: Revise and refine the text of your application so that it is easily read. This is a learned skill that can be started now because it will help you throughout your education and career.

V. Think like a reviewer
a. Format the proposal so that it is easy to …
i. find key points
ii. read and appreciate
b. Write in paragraphs
i. Include only one major idea per paragraph
ii. Make the first sentence in a paragraph a topic sentence
iii. Use header frequently
c. Let your text B-r-e-a-t-h-e
i. Indent paragraphs
ii. Skip line between paragraphs

VI. Get feedback on your complete proposal and revise.

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hopefully this guidance will be useful to new students

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Memperkasakan Alumni Universiti


Alumni adalah di antara agen penting bagi pembangunan sesebuah universiti. Bagaimanakah kita dapat memperkasakan alumni kerana dengan alumni yang kuat akan meningkatkan imej universiti.
1. Wujudkan suasana di universiti agar mahasiswa mempunyai rasa kepunyaan di universiti atau di fakulti. Segala kemudahan, perkhidmatan dan aktiviti dapat meninggalkan kenangan dan kemesraan kepada mahasiswa sepanjang hayat.
2. Teruskan identiti kampus, misalnya "green campus" kerana ada universiti yang sudah terkenal sebagai sebuah kampus hijau penuh dengan pokok-pokok yang menghijau dengan rekabentuk lanskap yang cantik lagi indah. Tambahan lagi sekiranya kampus hijau itu mempunyai makna tersendiri misalnya kampus sebagai sebuah "aboretum" atau koleksi tumbuhan-tumbuhan unik dusun buah-buahan, komoditi pertanian, tanaman herba atau perubatan, pokok-pokok hutan komersil dan sebagainya. Alumni akan terus berbangga dengan identiti yang unik ini.
3. Kampus sebagai rujukan alumni, misalnya dalam bidang pertanian bukan sahaja pakar pertanian yang ramai tetapi juga bahan, pokok-pokok atau model yang boleh menjadi rujukan awam atau pegawai atau pengusaha yang bergraduat dari universiti berkenaan.Begitu juga dalam bidang pendidikan sains dan teknologi, di mana ada pakar-pakar dalam bidang pendidikan, model-model atau taman pendidikan alam semulajadi dan modul-modul yang boleh alumni rujuk.
4. Dengan adanya tiga perkara di atas alumni sesebuah universiti itu akan sentiasa mengingati universiti lama mereka dan mempunyai alasan untuk datang balik ke universiti semasa berkerjaya.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Why basic research and monitoring are important


Large-scale exploitation of wild animals and plants through fishing, hunting and logging often depends on augmentation through releases of translocated or captively raised individuals. Such releases are performed worldwide in vast numbers. Augmentation can be demographically and economically beneficial but can also cause four types of adverse genetic change to wild populations: (1) loss of genetic variation, (2) loss of adaptations, (3) change of population composition, and (4) change of population structure. While adverse genetic impacts are recognized and documented in fisheries, little effort is devoted to actually monitoring them. In forestry and wildlife management, genetic risks associated with releases are largely neglected. We outline key features of programs to effectively monitor consequences of such releases on natural population (Trends in Ecology & Evolution Volume 25, Issue 9, September 2010, Pages 520-529)

Bagaimana Langkawi boleh membentuk generasi hijau-Langkawi Green


Bagi mengujudkan generasi hijau di Langkawi, beberapa perkara boleh dilakukan dengan melibatkan ramai pihak. Antara yang penting adalah pendidikan. Program pendidikan alam sekitar yang akan melibatkan pihak sekolah, LADA, MNS dan UPM akan dijalankan secara aktif pada tahun hadapan (2011). Pada bulan oktober nanti (2010), satu perancangan teliti akan dilaksanakan oleh MNS dan LADA. Antara fokus adalah pendidikan alam sekitar, pembersihan pantai, anak angkat sungai-sungai di Langkawi dan lain-lain aktiviti "Langkawi Green".

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Plan to make Langkawi shine again as tourism draw

What Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said
(Published: Sunday August 8, 2010 MYT 1:35:00 PM)

1. The Federal government plans to redevelop Langkawi's tourism potential to revive the glory days of the resort island off Kedah.
2. Measures would be taken under the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) to enable Langkawi regain a prominent place on the tourism map.
3. The government would come up with a list of projects in a few months' time as part of the redevelopment plan, he said.
4. "Langkawi has a lot of potential but it is not fully utilised. There is much we can do, particularly with the attractive natural surroundings,"
5. "If Thailand can boast of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi, and Indonesia, of Bali, then surely Malaysia can be proud of its own islands, of which Langkawi is the most popular,"
6. The government had spent a lot in previous five-year plans to develop Langkawi's economy and had undertaken a major transformation of the island. "Nevertheless, the government is not satisfied yet. We have to spend a little more to enable Langkawi to realise its maximum potential as a tourist draw,"
7. The government might have to make available skillful tour agents who could target high-spending tourists, and added that there was a proposal to set up a tourism academy to train such manpower.
8. "We have to also resolve what seem to be small problems but which have a major impact on tourism. For example, it is said that operators of hire cars have to pay RM6,000 in insurance premiums per car annually,"
9. There had been proposals to establish a university in Langkawi as well as hospitals to cater to tourists. "We will look at these proposals. Medical tourism is important. Tourists who come for medical treatment demand well-equipped hospitals,"
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Look like Langkawi will be a complete tourism destination, from nature to health tourism. BUT in the process of development a strict control on maintaining the nature and beuty of beaches, forests and traditionals. Langkawi Macam-macam ada, Langkawi Green!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Langkawi Needs Attention for Future Ecotourism!


Baru-baru ni banyak perhatian diberikan kepada isu pembangunan dan pelancongan di Langkawi;
1. Tun Mahathir komen tentang kehijauan dan kebersihan di Pulau langkawi dalam Blognya (http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/=LANGKAWI O' LANGKAWI By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on May 17, 2010 5:17 PM).
2. Kes obor-obor di Langkawi [Alarm as Box Jellyfish Kills Tourist on Langkawi - Phuket Wan3 Feb 2010 ... Breaking News Latest A box jellyfish is being blamed for the death of a Swedish tourist on Langkawi. Concern about the possible presence of ...phuketwan.com/.../alarm-box-jellyfish-kills-tourist-langkawi-12107/].
3. Lawatan menteri pelancongan Malaysia dan China ke Langkawi.
4. 3-5 Ogos 2010 baru-baru ni ada dialog "Ke arah pembangunan pelancongan lestari di Langkawi" anjuran MNS dan LADA. Panel Prof Ahmad Ismail (UPM/MNS), Dato Hashim Wahab (MNS) bersama ADUN Air Hangat, LADA, Kementerian Pelancongan Kedah dan 15 agensi kerajaan lain dan NGOs serta penduduk tempatan, pengusaha bot dan nelayan.
5. Semalam di Melaka ada Timbalan Menteri komen tentang Langkawi telah kotor.
6. Hari ini (8 Ogos 2010) Seminar Pembangunan Langkawi-halatuju: Ucap Utama oleh TS Nor Mohamad Yakob, YB Dato Bakar Ahli Parlimen Langkawi dan beberapa ahli panel lain.
7. Penerokaan hutan secara haram ditaman dengan pisang sedang berlaku di hutan simpan, sempadan hutan dan aliran bahan buangan ke laut tempat mandi manda pelancongan.
8. Penangkapan gekko juga sedang berlaku sebagai sumber pendapatan sampingan bagi orang yang hanya pikir duit dan tidak pun jadi kaya.
9. Apa kita boleh bantu Langkawi. Kerjasama, pemuafakatan dan kefahaman antara agensi kerajaan sangat penting.
10. Mungkin semua orang perlu lihat Langkawi, lindungi hutan dan haramkan pengeluaran bahan hutan dari Kepulauan Langkawi.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Langkawi Green

Langkawi needs an urgent attention to maintain its nature. Tourists go to Langkawi for its beaches, rain forests, mangroves, wildlife and sea. Continous Environmental management and education are important to consider.
For those areas that already developed must be green and ecofriendly. Habit such as 3R (reduce, recycle and reuse) must be developed and probably Langkawi can practice no plastic bags island.

Kes Gekko di tangkap dan harga beribu-ribu (betul ka?) Kenapa kita selalu terlambat?


TV3 telah melaporkan tentang penangkapan gekko di utara semenanjung pada 5 Ogos 2010. Kenapa ini terjadi?

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Tokek yang dalam bahasa Inggeris dikenali sebagai Tokay Gecko atau Tucktoo, sejenis cicak tetapi tubuhnya lebih besar yang memangsa aneka serangga dan tikus kecil, ternyata mempunyai khasiat dan manfaat bagi kesihatan manusia yang diyakini masyarakat dapat menyembuhkan penyakit gatal pada kulit. Selain daging, darah dan empedu tokek juga diyakini boleh menjadi ubat. Tak hanya itu, ternyata tokek juga berfungsi dapat mengubati AIDS yang terletak pada lidahnya.
Tokek sering digunakan dalam pengubatan tradisional Cina yang memiliki efek anti-tumor. Para ahli pengubatan China mengembangkan ubat tumor dari organ tubuh tokek, kerana dalam organ tersebut mampu menekan pertumbuhan dan penambahan sel-sel tumor.
kini menjadi rumor baru bahawa tokek dapat menyembuhkan virus HIV/AIDS. Namun, sampai saat ini memang belum ada bukti khusus mengenai hal ini tetapi banyak masyarakat yang mempercayainya.
Penggunaan tokek paling popular untuk mengubati penyakit asma dan dianggap dapat menyembuhkan penyakit tersebut secara efektif. Selain asma, tokek diyakini dapat mengobati impotensi, meningkatkan fungsi seksual lelaki, serta meningkatkan stamina. Tak hanya itu, terkadang tokek juga dicampurkan dengan ubat-ubatan lain untuk menyembuhkan batuk dan flu. Dos yang direkomendkan adalah tiga sampai sembilan gram sehari, tokek juga boleh direbus dalam air
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Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Sauria

Family: Gekkonidae

Genus: Gekko

Species: G. gecko
Binomial name

Gekko gecko
(Linnaeus, 1758)

The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal gecko, ranging from northeast India and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, Philippines to Indonesia and western New Guinea. Its native habitat is rainforest trees and cliffs, and it also frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey. Increasing urbanization is reducing its range. In the late 1980s and early 1990s it was introduced into Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Belize, and several Caribbean islands, where it can be considered an invasive species. The Tokay Gecko is known as a Tuko or Toko in the Philippines for its characteristic vocalizations where people have mixed feelings about it ranging from terror of the mistaken belief that its feet can tear your skin off to great love and admiration for its entertaining vocalizations. In the Philippines most people respect it and value it because it eats dangerous pests such as scorpions and giant centipedes.
Tokays are renowned for their loud vocalizations. Their mating call, a loud croak, is variously described as sounding like tokeh or gekk-gekk, where both the common and the scientific name (deriving from onomatopoeic names in Malay, Sundanese, Tagalog, or Javanese), as well as the family name Gekkonidae and the generic term gecko come from. The call is similar to the call made by Gekko smithii (Large Forest Gecko).
The Tokay is also considered the "pitbull" of the Gecko world due to the fact that when they bite, they often won't let go for a few minutes and rarely up to an hour or more, and generally difficult to remove without causing harm to the Gecko. One way of getting a Tokay to release its hold is to submerge the animal in water or settle it down, which will encourage the lizard to let go, without causing it any harm or undue stress. A less stressful method is to simply put a drop of vinegar on the gecko's nose. This is sometimes enough to get them to let go.
The Tokay Gecko is the second largest Gecko species, attaining lengths of about 30–40 cm (11–15 inches) for males, and 20–30 cm (7–11 inches) for females, with weights of 150–300g (5–10 oz). They are distinctive in appearance, with a bluish or greyish body, sporting spots ranging from light yellow to bright red. The male is more brightly coloured than the female. They have large eyes with a vertical slit pupil. Eyes are brown to greenish brown and can be orange or yellow.

Males are very territorial, and will attack other male Tokays as well as other Gecko species, as well as anything else in their territory. They are solitary and only meet during the mating season. Females lay clutches of one or two hard shelled eggs which are guarded until they hatch. Tokay Geckos feed on insects and small vertebrates. The typical lifespan is 7–10 years, however in captivity some Tokays have been known to live over 18 years

Monday, August 2, 2010

An ultra-strong glass

1962 glass could be Corning's next bonanza seller
Sturdy Corning glass from 1962 could be a multibillion winner in frameless TV market.

CORNING, N.Y. (AP) -- An ultra-strong glass that has been looking for a purpose since its invention in 1962 is poised to become a multibillion-dollar bonanza for Corning Inc.

The 159-year-old glass pioneer is ramping up production of what it calls Gorilla glass, expecting it to be the hot new face of touch-screen tablets and high-end TVs.