Tuesday, December 13, 2011

" OUR GROUP ASSIGNMENT FOR FOLKLORE STORY "

TURTLE LEGEND IN SABAH

Many, many years ago, there lived an old woman. This woman was well-liked in her village. She was very beautiful when she was young and had married a stranger from another village. She had a son. His name was Ondu.
            When
Ondu was five years old, his father died. While he was walking in the forest a huge tree fell on him. This made Ondu’s mother very sad. She had to work and support her son. She did work for the others and she also sewed clothes. In this way she brought up her son who became a young and handsome man.
            The woman worked very hard. At last, she became old and ill. However her son was of no use. He never did any work. Every day he would go down the river. There he would disturb
the girls who were washing clothes and bathing. He would waste his time with boys who did nothing useful. The mother often advised him but he never listened. She would even ask the chief to talk to the boy. However, all their efforts failed
            One day Ondu was walking in the jungle. He saw a young girl picking fruit from a tree. He stopped and talked to her. 
 Ondu: “I’ve never seen you before. Are you new to the village?”  He asked. 

The girl: “Yes, I am new to the village. My parents and I just moved to the village yesterday. We are staying opposite the chief’s house,” replied the girl.
Narrator: Then she walked away. Ondu liked the girl very much. He went to the jungle and met her there often. As time passed he fell in love with that girl and wanted to marry her. One day, an old friend met Ondu’s mother. She asked him how her son was. 
 The old lady: “Where is your son? I am sure he must be a brave young man by now. Life should be much easier now than he has grown up.”

 Ondu Mother: “No,” the lady said sadly. “He has grown up, but he is more a burden than anything else. He refuses to do any work. He wastes his time with his friends,” she added.
Narrator: The friend was surprise to hear this. She was saddened too. The friend then said,
The old lady: Let me try and talk to him. Perhaps he will listen to me.”
Narrator: She said this and left.  When the friend saw the boy, she told him about his mother’s worries. The boy did not seem to listen. The friend went to the mother and suggested that should get married.
The old lady: “I know a lot of young man who wasted their time doing nothing. After marriage, they became responsible.”
           
That night the mother asked Ondu
Ondu Mother:, “Son, I’ve something important to talk to you. Please come here. If you like any girl in the village please let me know. I’ll get you married to her.”
           
Ondu: “I have met the girl in our village. She stays opposite the chief’s house. I want to marry this girl.” 
           
Narrator: The mother was surprised to hear this. The next day, the mother went to see the girl’s family. The family liked Ondu very much and agreed to the marriage. A few weeks later, the wedding was held. All the people in the village celebrated the wedding. Ondu’s wife came to live with his mother. She never did any work in the house. All the work had to be done by Ondu’s mother. Ondu never took pity on his mother. He never told his wife to help his mother.
A few months later, the woman’s friend came again. She asked about Ondu. Ondu’s mother complained about him and his wife. Ondu’s wife became very angry. When the friend left the house, Ondu’s wife scolded her mother-in-law. 
          
Ondu’s wife:   “I never knew you hated me so much. Why do you complain about me to your friends?”
Narrator: said the daughter-in-law.  When Ondu returned home that evening, his wife complained. 
           
Ondu’s wife: “Your mother hates me very much. I heard her complaining about you and me to her friends. I will not stay in this house anymore. It is like hell to me.”
Narrator: The old woman tried to calm down the daughter-in-law but she would not listen. Ondu’s wife asked Ondu to build a new house where they could stay on their own.The next day, Ondu took a few of his friends and built a new house. His mother begged him not to go but he would not listen. Instead, he pushed her aside. The old woman fell down and injured herself. There were some thorny leaves lying on the floor. She had brought them to make medicine. The young girl also pushed the old woman. The mother fell on the thorny leaves and was blinded. She could not see anymore and cried for help. Ondu and his wife left for their home.The old woman wept. She realized that she was old, sickly and blind. She thought of who would help her or give her food. She just wept and wept. The daughter-in-law told the village people that her mother-in-law was cruel. She said that her mother-in-law would often beat her. The villagers believed this story. 
            The old woman stayed all by herself. She did not eat or drink. She did not move from her place at all. At last, she decided that she would beg her son to return. She thought she would jump into deep river if her son did not return to her. 
            Slowly, she came out of the house. She tried to find the way to her son’s house. She asked the people but no one would help her. The villagers believed the young girl’s story. They were angry with the old woman. Slowly, she came near to the river. She could hear the sound of running water. She sat down by the river. 
          
 Ondu’s mother:  “What a cruel world this is. When I was young and beautiful, young men could come around me. Now that I am old and helpless, no one wants to help me.” She looked very sad. 

  Narrator:    As she was weeping, a big turtle came out of the river. It saw the woman sitting there alone. 

 Turtle:“You are blind and you are sitting near a river. It is too dangerous,”           
Ondu’s mother: “I want to kill myself by jumping into the river,” My son has left me. My daughter-in-law says bad things about me to all the village people. They believe her. Everyone is against me. Why should I live?”
 
 Turtle: “Do you think that killing yourself will solve the problem? Will your son and daughter-in-law change if you kill yourself? No, you must prove yourself. Come, I’ll take you to the chief. We will explain all to him. He will tell you what to do,”
The chief called for all the people to assemble. The people gathered noisily. The chief asked them to be quiet. When they were quiet, the chief asked the turtle to speak. 
           
 The turtle said, “All of you have made a mistake. You have not believes this old lady’s story. Instead, you have believed the daughter-in-law’s false story. Ask her for forgiveness. Otherwise, a bad curse will fall on this village.” 

Narrator:  The people were frightened. They realized their fault. They asked the old lady for forgiveness. They also scolded the son and daughter-in-law for treating the old lady badly. Ondu and his wife promised to look after the old lady. 
            The old lady was very happy. She went to the turtle and said
Ondu’s mother:  “You have saved my life and given me happiness. How can I thank you?”

  The turtle replied, “For what I have done, I ask you one favor. Please tell all the human beings that they should not eat the meat of the turtles.”

            The old lady went up to the chief and made this request. The chief agreed and ordered everyone to leave the turtle in peace. 
            To this day, many people in Sabah do not eat turtle meat

Monday, December 12, 2011

"PARAGRAPH"

Topic
Smoking Cigarettes.
Topic sentences
Smoking cigarettes can be an expensive habit.
Supporting details
Cigarettes cost about $2.50.
The average smoker smokes two packs a day.
The annual expense for this smoker is $1,825.00
The smoker must also pay for extra cleaning of carpeting, furniture, and clothes.
Conclusion
On the whole, it is difficult to estimate the cost of this additional expense, one can see that this hidden expense does contribute to making smoking an expensive habit.
Linkers/Sequence connectors used
Since, On the whole.






Paragraph :
          Smoking cigarettes can be an expensive habit. Considering that the average price per pack of cigarettes is about $2.20, people who smoke two packs of cigarettes a day spend $$5.00 per day on their habit. At the end of one year, these smokers have spent at least $1,825.00.  But the price of cigarettes is not the only expense cigarette smokers incur.Since cigarette smoke has an offensive odor that permeates clothing, stuffed furniture, and carpeting, smokers often find that these items must be cleaned more frequently than those of nonsmokers. On the whole, it is difficult to estimate the cost of this additional expense, one can see that this hidden expense does contribute to making smoking an expensive habit.





Topic
Smoking Cigarettes.
Topic
Television effects on children.
Topic sentences
Watching  television programs could influence to our mind especially on children.
Supporting details
Health issue and repeated.
Children become rude, irresponsible, and act.
Made children passive and unresponsive to their surroundings.
Bombarded with sexual messages and images in all media hence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parents should monitor and limit the amount of time their kids spending on watching television.

Linkers/Sequence connectors used
Futhermore, in conclusion



Paragraph :
     Watching  television programs could influence to our mind especially on children.TV programs have become a public health issue and repeated exposure to violent programs will result in aggressive behavior in children. After watching violent TV programs, children become rude, irresponsible, and act impulsively.  In research, it is stated that the more children watch violence on TV, the more fearful and distrustful they become. Futhermore, excessive exposure to television made children passive and unresponsive to their surroundings. Kids today are bombarded with sexual messages and images in all media hence, parents are often concerned about whether these messages are healthy. As well as encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, television can also contribute to childhood obesity by aggressively marketing junk food to young audiences. In conclusion, parents should monitor and limit the amount of time their kids spending on watching television.


Monday, December 5, 2011

"UNFORGETABLE CHILDHOOD MEMORY"

      All people in this world have had their childhood before becoming adults. Childhood are memories that cannot be forgetten by any person whether it sweet or sad memories. All people will be past through, because of past experiences we will be more mature. The school is the most beautiful moments for children and save a lot of memories. We are fortunate if we have or can learn at school, because not all children in this world get the opportunity learn at school. My first school is Pre-school Agama Islam Kuala Papar which is I was 6 years old. After a year, I entered into primary school at SK Kuala Papar starting from standard one till standard five.Then I moved into SK Pekan Kinarut Papar at the age 12 years old, because of family problems.
     Unforgettable childhood memory was during my primary schools at SK Kuala, Papar. It happens when I was 8 years old and in Standard Two. I have three friend who close to me and I know them since standard one. Me and my friends have habit which is we like to hide other student belongings such as books, pencil’s bag, and other. Then we will put these items in the other student bag and some students will already know who the person doing it.                                                                                  Sometimes our actions cause the girl students to cry because of lost their goods.
      One day, a girl student also daughter to one of our school teachers, complained to her father that she lost her purse. During that time, I don’t know what happened. After the break, I went to class and see our Class Teacher was inside. All of student was asked to stand and the teacher asked if anyone of us found the purse. Everybody was quiet and did not know. Because no one admits, the teacher makes a check to each student. When it turns for my bag to be checked, I did not feel scared because I don’t know about the purse.
     Suddenly, I was very surprised when the teacher found the purse in my bag and the girl student admits that belongs to her.  I was lucky during that time when my friends claimed that three of them who found the purse in the store after all student change clothes and go out for recess. They conspired to hide the purse in my bag to charge me that i’m taking the purse, without them realize that taking other people purse or wallet is a serious matter.
  


 We were brought to Standard Three class to receive our punishment because at that time our class teacher teaching the Standard Three students. I should not be guilty in this matter, but because of other student complained that we often hide their goods, I also had to take the rap. We stood in front of the class while the teacher get angry and say out loudly our offense in front of the Standard Three students and spank two times for each of us. At that time, I just know and feel the meaning of “shame”. I was looking to the floor during the punishment until it finish.
     I think this is a good lesson for me and my friends not to do things like that again. But, in fact we are still doing the same thing but just not involving valuable goods. My friends really like to see people angry, especially the girl students and I just support them from behind.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

" EXAMPLE ARGUMENTS OF DEFINITION ESSAY "



  A teacher has an important role that should never be taken lightly. They help inspire children to be the best that they can be. For a lot of children their teacher is the only decent role model that they may ever encounter in life. Also, parents have a sense of relief knowing that when their children are at school the teacher will keep them safe. In addition, there are several children who only get the support that they need from their teacher. A preschool teacher's job consists of being a role model, making sure the children are safe, and being supportive.
    First of all, a teacher should always be a good role model. Children will imitate adults, so when they see that their teacher is practicing healthy procedures then they will do the same. It is important that the teacher is on time, finish what was started, and keep their word. Because when children see this, they start to have the mentality that if my teacher can do it then so can I. Also, being calm and patient when children are being very disobedient is a must. A lot of children are used to their parents  yelling at them 24/7. When their teacher talks in a calm and assertive manner then they will start to understand that yelling is not the answer.
   Secondly, a teacher should always keep their children safe. The environment should be spacious enough for when the children play it will help in reducing injuries. The teacher should incorporate games and books that help children in learning safety procedures. The teacher should communicate openly with the children about safe practices. More importantly, there should always be strict supervision.
   Thirdly, a teacher should be very supportive of her children. Being supportive helps the children understand theirselves and others. The teacher should always encourage and praise her children. This results in the kids having high self-esteem. There are so many children that do not get the support that they need in their families. Because the teacher gives them that support that they need, it can change children's lives for the better.
   In essence, teachers have an extremely blessed job. For the most part they are the ones that help children determine their potential. They always have little eyes watching everything that they do, so it is important that the teacher does everything correct as much as possible. Teachers are responsible for keeping their children safe at all times. It is gratifying for the teacher when they know that they will help at least on child if not more throughout their lifetime of teaching.

" EXAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY "



  Most adults have a cell phone and even children as young as 8 years of age own one. Cell phones can be used for a lot more than talking. Cell phones can be used in the classroom to help students with their academics. Young adults can use the calenders to record due dates for homework and tests. As Americans we have grown accustomed on relying on our cells for our communication needs. Also, students need cell phones in case of an emergency. Remember the massacre that happened at Columbine School? For these reasons, I think cell phones should be allowed in schools.
   First of all, cell phones can be very helpful in the classrooms. Students could use their camera on cell phones to take pictures of school experiments being done by the teacher. This would help students remember information for an upcoming test. Also, students could perform phone interviews during class time. Most cell phones have calendars on them, so students can put the due date of a test that is coming up. In addition, students could record their teacher giving a lecture.
   Also, parents and students rely on their cell phones to get in contact with each other. Parents may need to get in contact with their children because of a family emergency such as, a death in the family or an accident that has happened. If parents are able to call or text their children at school, then it would be less likely chance that a mix-up would occur relaying messages. Also, it would save the office staff time because they would not have to be running around the school all day delivering messages.
  In addition, if there was an emergency students may need to reach their parents. If a gunman came into a school then students could call 911 and give them information on his whereabouts, what he looks like, and a description of his clothes. For these reasons, cell phones can become lifesavers in an emergency. If a student happened to pass out in a classroom, it would be faster to call on a cell phone versus taking 5 minutes to run down to the office and make the call. Ultimately, this could save a student's life.
   In essence, cell phones are imperative in our lives. In an emergency cell phones could save a person's life by being able to get in contact with the police. Cells can also help parents know where their children are after school. Today, cell phones are more like a small hand-held computer. That could become very useful in schools that don't have a lot of extra computers for the children to use.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

" EXAMPLE DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY "

 A lot of folks depict paradise as lying on some remote island overlooking a stunning sunset while feeling the sand between their toes. My conception may be somewhat different than most people. I can envision beaming music, and people as they frolic. Where the party never stops, it keeps going and going like the Energizer bunny. The scenery will be the most divine of anything on this earth, more so than overlooking the flawless, sugarcoated snow covering the Rocky Mountains. Oh, my, the aroma coming from that city- like freshly cut bouquets of flowers on a sunny spring day. Forget about having a foul taste because it will leave only an everlasting angelic savor in your mouth. Paradise to me is cheerful music and people also, it has the most beautiful scenery one can only imagine.
   All the masses of people would start getting together holding hands in a circle with Jesus in the middle and start singing in a heavenly language. The city is filled with thunderous sounds of every instrument one can imagine. Then, the angles pick up tambourines hitting them in rhythm along with the music, while people start dancing before the Lord. All of a sudden, Peter, Paul, Job, and all the great men and women of God lift up their hands and sing out with all of their capacity to Jehovah Jireh.
   A rainbow is prolonged across the land. It has the brightest colors of blue, yellow, pink, and orange. It is so beautiful; the majestic colors make one want to reach out and touch it. A huge waterfall sets at the edge of New Jerusalem. The water is so clear one could see a speck of dust traveling down to the bottom. As the water surges down to the base, it makes a voyage around the frame of the city. I can picture blankets of flowers all over the place for it illuminates the whole location and adds gaiety.
   Oh, how breathtaking the aroma is over there. The fragrance is a mixture of jasmine, magnolia, and lilacs. The savoriness is a touch of sweetness, like getting a honeysuckle off of the vine and putting it on your tongue for the first time. Or the elation a baby gets from consuming a chocolate bar, and savoring every minute of it.
   Some would say paradise for them would be anywhere they view beautiful. But for me heaven is my paradise my future home. I can only imagine what the Lord has in store for me when I get to that great city. Until then I can only dream. But what I really want more than anything is to see Him and crown Him Lord of Lords and King of Kings. More importantly, my paradise would not be heaven without Him because He is the one that is truly paradise.

" EXAMPLE NARRATIVE ESSAY "

Road tripping with friends is supposed to be fun and exciting. It gives me an opportunity to jump in the car and explore somewhere or something that I have never experienced. My 2003 trip to Chicago was both nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time because I got to be in certain situations that I have never been in before.
   I remember the first time I went to Chicago, my then-boyfriend and I were in rush hour traffic. My heart was thumping in my chest so fast because I have never seen traffic like that before in my life. Cars were bumper to bumper, yet people were still trying to fit their vehicle in spaces no bigger than a toothpick. I decided right then and there that these folks were crazy drivers, and I did not want any part of it. I remember thinking to myself how delighted I was that I was the passenger and not the driver.
   We had stopped off at McDonald's because I had to really use the bathroom. I was relieved when I reached my destination. I turned the handle to the bathroom, but the door was locked. I sat back down for a while, and went back to the lady's room. I attempted this feat five times. My ex just sat there looking at me stupid. He said, " They keep the door locked at all times because of the crack-heads going in there getting high. You will have to get the lady up front to unlock it for you". Hello, I am from a small town and the population is 10,000 therefore, I have never encountered this problem". Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
    Later that night we went walking on the water front. It was windy and somewhat chilly, but the lights reflecting off the buildings added a little romance to the evening. Maurice showed me Sears Tower, and I was so excited because the building was so tall. I felt like my neck was going to break looking up at it. I am a pretty tall woman, but compared to that building I felt 5 inches tall. Then we drove by China Town, I was really amazed at how beautiful it was. The buildings had signs on them written in Chinese language. Everything was lit up like a Christmas tree. It reminded me of some Hollywood movie up close and personal.
  In essence, the trip to Chicago was definitely unforgettable, but I am glad that I took it. I had experienced things that I may not have ever been able to experience again. I saw a lot of wonderful and beautiful scenery. Most importantly, I learned that any of my future trips will be made without me behind the wheel. Being a passenger can be stressful enough at times.

Monday, November 28, 2011

" EXAMPLE COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY "

For women shopping can be a pleasant and fun experience, especially when we see a sale on an item that we have been wanting to buy. I think it is a little different for men because some men find it boring and they hate to walk through a crowed mall. Females are very indecisive when it comes to shopping because we can't make up our minds about what we want to get. Males know what they want and pick only that item up. Ladies can take hours getting one item, while men can get five items in 20 minutes or less. Women spend a lot more money than men shopping because we want everything we see. Men and women are so different when shopping is concerned.
   First of all, women are indecisive while shopping and men aren't. A women can go into a store with every intention on getting one item. But she sees all the cute things lying around the store saying "buy me." For that reason, she feels compelled to buy other items within the store. That is why a woman can be very indecisive. When a man says that he is going to get one thing from the store it's a guarantee that he will come home with that one item because things don't scream out at him, "buy me".
   Secondly, a female can take a lot longer time to shop than a male does. For some reason a lady has to look at everything she finds appealing to the eye. I know when I go shopping for a pair of jeans I end up with a shirt and a cute pair of shoes to match. What should have only taken 20 minutes to begin with became 2 hours. A man just doesn't seem to notice things as a woman does. Or maybe it is because a man just doesn't care. In any case, when a male says he will be back in 20 minutes from shopping, he will be back in 20 minutes or less.
   Thirdly, a female normally spends more money than a male does. Most females want everything to be name brand regardless of the cost of the item. A male doesn't care too much if it has Dollar General Logo on it or not. All he cares about is whether or not it does the job. On the other hand, one thing I have noticed about a man is his tools. He will spend a lot of money on name brand tools.
  In essence, women and men are different in a lot of ways. One difference is for sure and that is shopping. Most women like to take their time and look for great buys and cute things. But most men could care less about that stuff. They just get what they want and the heck with everything else. They do not feel the need to try on their clothes as women do. Most men also seem to be a little more thriftier with their money than women.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

" EXAMPLE CLASSIFICATION ESSAY "



   Having a roommate can be an unpleasant experience. Everybody is conditioned differently and has their own way of running a household. Having to learn everyone's disposition can be a challenge within itself because one can be different than one is used to. For me I have found it quite difficult to live with other people because they tend to not want to pick up after themselves, they have no regard for your feelings, and they could care less about your personal belongings. I have categorized the roommates that I have lived with into three categories: the dirty, the disrespectful, and the hazardous.
   The first type of person I encountered was by far the dirtiest I had ever lived with. Shell would not take out any trash; if it were not for me it would have been piled up all over the floor. Because she would never do the dishes, I had to do them. One day I had came home from work and noticed this awful, foul smell. To my surprise, I found out that it was her dog. He had been playing around a dead cow for quite some time. I thought she would have given him a bath, but to my consternation she let him sleep with her that night. I could not handle that, so the next morning I got up and scrubbed him really good.
   The second type of person I have lived with was very disrespectful. Kay would come in around 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. This would have been fine if it wasn't for the fact that I had to get up early to go to work. Also, she had given her boyfriend a key to the house, so he and his friends would come over regardless if anyone was home or not. One day I was looking for something of mine, so I asked Kay where it was at. She told me that someone was over and walked out with it. Not only did they leave with my item they had ate some of my food.
   The third type of roommate I had was very hazardous. This certain person smoked like a freight train. The only problem with him smoking was he fell asleep while doing it. There were countless times I woke him up with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. When I went to the room to inspect things out I found nine burn holes in my flooring. As a result of him smoking, I also have several burn holes in my mattress. He is definitely the worst roommate I have ever had. I am glad that he does not live with me anymore.
   Having a roommate can be very challenging because some people are inconsiderate of other people's feelings and property. It is very important to find someone who has the same type of personality you do, so one can get along a lot better. I must say I have learned a lot living with these people. I am tying to more benevolent towards others. Through my experiences I have found that I am better off living by myself, at least for now.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

" EXAMPLE DEFINATION ESSAY "



   When choosing a gym one should look at some of the things that are important. Some gyms have too many members that attend, and that can cause a problem because who wants to wait for a machine? Few facilities only offer members to come in during normal business hours; therefore, several people will not be able to work out as much. A number of places don't keep regular maintenance on equipment, and that can cause a pulley to break and hit someone on the head. A good fitness center has only few members, after-hour access, and equipment that is well-maintained.
   First, a good quality fitness center is one that is not overcrowded. If a gym is overcrowded during the time one goes, then it may not be as enjoyable. Some people go on their lunch breaks to work out, but if they have to wait around 10 to 15 minutes for a machine, then they wasted their lunch break and time. Some folks will cut right in front of someone who has been waiting on a machine. This can cause tension among members. Also, the more members there are the hotter it is in there and worse it smells.
   Second, a workout center should offer members a key to get in after hours. My friend and I recently started going back to the gym. She doesn't get off from work until 12:30 A.M. It is more convenient for us to go during that time in the morning than during the day. Considering some people do work different times through out the day, it is more suitable for those to be able to go when they are able to fit it into their schedule and not the gyms.
   Third, the quality of the equipment is most important. No one wants to work out on the machines if they have not been taking care of. If someone gets on a machine and it starts making a lot of noise, then that would be distracting to the other members. Also, if the machines are rusty that could cause a tear in one of the pulleys. That would be a safety hazard and inevitably cause an injury.
   In essence, there are a lot of different kinds of fitness centers in America. One has to decide what they prefer over the other. For me it is important that I attend a gym that doesn't have a whole lot of members because I'm an impatient person. When I want to get on a machine, I want to be able to get on it right then and there. Also, it is vital that I be able to go when I choose. The hours that they are offering may not fit into my schedule. In addition, it is imperative that the owners keep up with routine maintenance on their equipment because I don't want to be hit on the noggin by a pulley.

" SANDWICHES "

The sandwich is a favorite and convenient lunchtime food. It’s quickly made and serve and adaptable to so many variations that it satisfies nearly every taste and nutrition requirement.
  Sandwiches have long been the domain of the pantry department, along with salads and other cold preparations. However, when we consider that the most popular sandwich today is ‘burgers’.
  Preparing hot and cold sandwiches to order is one of the fundamentals skills required in modern food service. The fundamentals of sandwich-making, the basic ingredients and basic sandwich types are required.

" SALADS "

Salad is any of a wide variety of dishes, including vegetable salads; salads of pasta, legumes, eggs, or grains; mixed salads incorporating meat, poultry, or seafood; and fruit salads. They may include a mixture of cold and hot, often including raw vegetables or fruits.
Green salads include leaf lettuce and leafy vegetables with a sauce or dressing. Other salads are based on pasta, noodles, or gelatine. Most salads are traditionally served cold, although some, such as south German potato salad, are served warm.
Green salads including leaf lettuces are generally served with a dressing, as well as various garnishes such as nuts or croutons, and sometimes with the addition of meat, fish, pasta, cheese, eggs, or whole grains.
Salads may be served at any point during a meal. They may be:
Appetizer salads, light salads to stimulate the appetite as the first course of the meal.
Side salads, to accompany the main course as a side dish.
Main course salads, usually containing a portion of protein, such as chicken breast or slices of beef.
Palate-cleansing salads, to settle the stomach after the main course.
Dessert salads, sweet versions usually containing gelatine or whipped cream.

Friday, November 25, 2011

" POTATOES "

The eating habits of most nations place a great deal of importance on
a category of foods we call starches. In fact, for a large portion of the
world’s peoples, starch is the mainstay of the diet and supplies most of
the day’s calories. In North America and Europe, the most important
starches are potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread. It is true that we do not
depend on these high-carbohydrate foods as much as many of the world’s
people do who eat far less meat than we do. Nevertheless, even as diet
fashions and fads come and go, starches appear at nearly all our meals.
Because we eat them often and have devised a great many ways of
preparing them, starchy foods require extra study beyond that which
we have given to other vegetables. 

" VEGETABLES "

Vegetables were, at one time, abused and neglected, relegated to the
minor role of unimportant side dishes, to be taken or left, or not even
noticed on the table.
Today, however, lowly vegetables are much more appreciated, not
only for their nutritional importance but for the variety, flavor, eye
appeal, and even elegance and sophistication they bring to the menu.
Modern cooks owe it to themselves and their customers to treat
vegetables with understanding, respect, and imagination.
Because they are so perishable, vegetables require extra care from
receiving to service. Freshness is their most appealing and attractive
quality, and one must be especially careful to preserve it. The goals of
proper vegetable cookery are to preserve and enhance fresh flavor,
texture, and color, to prepare and serve vegetables that are not just
accepted but sought after.

Friday, November 18, 2011

FOLKLORE STORY " KOTA KINABALU "




The dragon stirred in his cave at the top of Mount Kinabalu. He was playing with his toy, a big pearl. Today, he was in a good mood and he rolled the pearl back and forth. Flashes of light arched from the mountain top as he played. 
            The villagers who lived near Mount Kinabalu saw  the flashes of light. 
            “ Look! The dragon is in a playful mood today.”
            “Yes, surely the weather would be fine for the next few days.”
            But they knew that the dragon could just as easily in a bad mood. When he was, the mountain would rumble and dark clouds hang heavily over it. It was a sign that thunderstorms would soon follow. To the farmers, Mount Kinabalu was like a god and they prayed to it so that they would have good harvests.
            The Chinese Emperor soon heard about the dragon and his pearl as the story spread beyond the shores of Borneo and reached the coasts of China. 
            “I am an Emperor! This wondrous pearl should belong to me. Go! Obtain for me this pearl.” 
            And his emperor command, twelve sailing junks carrying a hundred soldiers each set sail for Borneo. The quest for the pearl had started. 
            The junks spent months at sea. It was quite some time before the men set eyes on the shores of Borneo. When at last they reached their destination, they made haste to Mount Kinabalu. And when they reached its foot, they looked up to its clouded summit.
            “Soldiers! Climb to the top of this mountain. Seize the pearl if you can, in the name of our Emperor.”
            The Chinese soldiers began climbing, the pearl forecast on their minds.
            The dragon cocked open one eye. He looked down from his lofty perch. What was that irritating noise? He could hear tiny voices from down below. Vegetation was rustling and he
heard a few clatters here and there as the soldiers made their ascent. He looked closer and to his displeasure, saw that a few hundred puny humans were invading his home. They were already half way up. The dragon decided that he would teach them a lesson. 
            One soldier was attempting to scale a small rock wall when he heard a rumbling sound above him. He thought that it was simply thunder and ignored it. The rumbling came, louder this time. He looked up to see what it was and fell, terrified beyond belief. The immense form of the dragon was bearing down upon them.
The dragon let loose his anger and roared. He thrashed, he tossed and he rampaged. Screams of terror were heard as some soldiers were flung off the mountain to a rocky death. 
            “Retreat! Retreat!” was the panicked cry and those who were still alive heeded the call. As they ran, they heard the terrible roar of the triumphant dragon. All the survivors returned, shaken, to China.
            “ It seems that the soldiers have failed me,” mused the Emperor as the survivors sadly gave the report. “Wee Ping! Wee San!”
            The emperor called his two’s sons to him. He had decided the honor of getting the pearl would fall upon them. They were young, daring and clever. They would have a good chance at getting the pearl. In fact, they were so eager that they set sail almost immediately to Borneo. But the same thing happened again. 
            “Oh no! Our warriors are being killed!” Wee ping the older brother said. “It’s no use trying to climb all the way up. He’s too watchful. We must think of another way.”
            The younger brother, Wee San was deep in thought. He finally said, “I have an idea. Let’s make a big kite and I ‘will to the top. Since we want to take way the pearl, we should also make a lantern pearl to replace it so that the dragon will not miss his toy immediately.
Everyone who heard the plan agreed and soon they were at work. Some men worked on the kite while others fashioned the replacement pearl. While this was going on, Wee San quietly observed the dragon. He soon noticed that the dragon had a daily routine.
At a certain hour, the dragon would leave his cave to look for food. This was the only time that the pearl was unguarded and that would be the time that they would use to strike. 
The kite and pearl were ready. All that they had to do was wait for a strong wind to coincide with the correct time. There it was! They felt a very strong breeze.
With excitement, Wee San, carrying the lantern pearl, mounted the kite with six other men and away they went. The wind carried them to the top of the mountain and they landed. Wee San softly sneaked into the cave, holding the imitation pearl. He made the swap and ran back to the kite, tugging on the rope. 
            Wee Peng felt a pull on the rope. That was the signal that his brother was ready. He and his men started to pull the kite down. He was rewarded with the sight of his brother safe and with the real pearl in his arms. 
            “Quick! Quick! Let’s set sail. The dragon will return soon,” said Wee San urgently. All the men started running towards the ship.
            The dragon returned to his cave. He had just eaten and he was in a good mood. He felt like playing with his pearl. There it was, shining just as brightly as he had left it. He went to pick it up. 
            There was something wrong with the pearl. He tossed it up. This was not his real pearl! Roooaaarrr, his cry of anger shook Mount Kinabalu. The vegetation and rock trembled with his fury. He bounded down the slopes and tried to fell for the pearl. It was traveling away from him, on the sea. The thief must be at the sea. He dove into the waters and swum furiously. 
            Cries rose from the men.
            “The dragon! He’s gaining on us” 
            Wee San looked back. He could see the dragon coming. The waves churned and frothed bubbles at the dragon’s passage. Feverishly, he tried to think of a plan. 
            “Men! Heat up the cannon ball until it is red hot,” he commanded.
           They sprung to it. Every second they took, the dragon was catching up. The ball seemed to be taking forever to heat. Wee San spared another glance. The dragon was just right behind the ship. The canon ball was ready and he hoped that there was enough time. He ordered them to load.
            Meanwhile, the dragon was almost upon them. He saw the men on the ship feverishly working or running around. They seemed to be terrified. He would sieve these thieves in his mouth! He opened it wide and was about to pounce.
            “Fire!” Wee San shouted.
            The red hot cannonball arced over the sea, glowing. The dragon saw the ball flying. Was that his pearl? He swallowed it without hesitation. But it was not. It was a fiery ball that burned at his stomach. He gave a loud yowl of pain.
            Hanging on to whatever hold he could find. Wee San saw the dragon thrash in pain. The waves rose alarmingly high and his shipped rocked vulnerably in the aftermath of the dragon’s pain. The water became white with foam. But he saw the dragon twisting a little less each time until it was finally still. With less than a whimper, the dragon
of Kinabalu sank beneath the waters.
            They were victorious. The men were cheering with happiness and Wee San sailed on home.
“I made the kite and whisked the pearl away from the dragon. And the dragon actually fell for my trick! It swallowed the cannon ball and died!”
            Murmurs of admiration were heard among the listeners. But Wee San was silent. Why was his brother speaking as he was the only one who had outwitted the dragon? Everyone believed him.
            When the feast that the Emperor held for his sons’ victorious return ended, Wee Ping asked the Emperor’s permission to keep the pearl in his room.
            But the Emperor was puzzled. His younger son had been unusually quiet. Perhaps Wee ping had not obtained the pearl by himself. There was more to it than that. He felt that Wee San had had a hand in the capture of the pearl, which was why he had been so quiet.
            That was why he then ordered the country’s best craftsman to make an exact copy of the pearl taken from the dragon.
            “Take this pearl and keep it. Remember always that the love between brothers is worth more than all the pearls in the world.”
            Wee San dutifully took the pearl and thanked his father. He looked at it. It looked exactly like the real one. But he know that it was just a copy. Feeling troubled, he made up his mind to leave China. He had the feeling that people would find out that he was actually the one who was behind the actual events.
            “ I don’t want there to be trouble between Wee Ping and I,” he thought.
            With a heavy heart, he made the necessary preparation and early one morning, set sail. Where he was going, he had no idea. The sadness was heavy in his heart and he just allowed himself to drift, letting the winds decide where he would go.

            “A prince of China has arrived at Kuala Timur with many followers?” the Sultan of Brunei said thoughtfully. 
            “Demong Sari, my brother, go and welcome him and his followers.”
            The Sultan did not regret his decision. Wee San and the Sultan took to each other like brothers. Gifts were exchanged and for many days and many nights, feast, songs and dances abounded.
Wee San was happy. He liked the Brunei and the Sultan. He knew that he could stay there happily. As time went by, the Chinese prince and the Sultan developed a warm friendship and grew even closer.
            They were to be even closer when Wee San married the Sultan’s daughter. The Sultan, over the years, found that he liked Wee San more and more. He was very wise in all the things he did. When he was faced with difficult circumstances, Wee San showed great patience and courage. That was why one day, the Sultan named Wee San the successor to the throne of Brunei.
            But sometimes, as happy as he was, something troubled Wee San. His thoughts would turn to China and he would gaze at the hand-made pearl that his father, the Emperor had given him.
            “Is that my brother?” he wondered. He seemed to see his brother looking out to sea, a sad look on his face.
            In some ways, he felt sorry for Wee Ping. Wee San had not the real pearl but had found happiness. Wee Ping had gained it but had brought him only misery. But though a few thousand miles and the ocean stood between them, the love between brothers is worth more than all the pearls in the world and they always thought kindly of each other.