Atkins Diet Side Effects

Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet program which restricts the consumption of carbohydrates for weight loss purposes. It is a weight loss diet designed by Dr. Robert Atkins in the year 1972. In 1972, Dr. Atkins recommended a low-carb diet to treat obesity.

The foods high in carbohydrates are replaced by foods high in proteins and fats. The calories from the carbohydrates are compensated by the calories from the fats and proteins. This diet is not only used to treat obesity, but also to treat epilepsy or diabetes. However, there are certain side effects of thediet which one should be aware of, so let us take a look at the various Atkins diet side effects.

Facts About the Diet

1. Atkins diet is a low carb diet based on the assumption that the carbohydrates are responsible for weight gain. Therefore, eliminating carbohydrates from the diet is very important. Instead, the calories from the carbohydrate are replaced by calories from proteins and fats.
2. The very first thing you need to do is restrict the consumption of carbohydrates such that it must be only 40 g a day.
3. When you restrict the intake of carbohydrates, the human body enters a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns the fats in the body and uses it as a fuel for getting energy.
4. According to this diet, when your body enters the state of ketosis, your body will start burning fats for energy and subside your cravings for carbohydrates.
5. There are four phases in the Atkins diet, viz., induction phase, ongoing phase, pre-maintenance and maintenance phase.
6. The induction phase is for the first 14 days, in which you can see an ongoing weight loss occurring. The rapid weight loss is due to the restricted intake of carbohydrates of only up to 20 g a day. The foods included in the induction phase include broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables. The starchy foods like potatoes, yogurt etc. are eliminated from the daily diet.
7. In the next stage, the ongoing phase, the intake of the carbohydrates is increased by 5 g.
8. Pre-maintenance is the phase in which the weight loss is slowed down. After you reach the target weight, your weight maintenance phase starts and this phase includes carbohydrates, but not those which increase weight.

Once you get an overview of the diet plan, you can readily understand its side effects.

Atkins Diet Dangers

There are side effect of the diet, like bad breath, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and weakness. Let us discuss these side effects in detail.

1. Due to low consumption of carbohydrates, the body enters a state of ketosis in which ketones are generated in the body.
2. As the ketones are generated in the body, they are excreted from the body via urine and breath. This is the reason for bad breath that is typically seen in ketosis. For avoiding this, you must drink lots of water so as to excrete all the ketones in the body.
3. According to the Atkins theory, people are addicted to foods high in sugar. When they follow the Atkins diet, the intake of carbohydrates is dropped suddenly, which causes withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, cold sweating and weakness are seen. However, these symptoms disappear in three days, but if they persist for more than three days with an increased severity, you must stop the diet at once.
4. Constipation is another major side effect of the Atkins diet. In this diet, you restrict the intake of foods high in fiber, that cause constipation. For avoiding this, you can make a salad of vegetables (only those as per the diet) and eat a lot of salads to avoid constipation.
5. Some people on the Atkins diet may experience cramps which is mainly due to the lack of minerals. Hydrating your body very well and taking the required amounts of potassium and magnesium supplements may help you markedly.

If any of these side-effects is severe, you must consult the doctor immediately and stop the diet. Also, before starting any diet plan, you must consult a doctor as well as a certified dietitian. So, for best results, it is advisable to not follow any of these diet plans on your own.

Read More

Abs Diet for Ladies

Flat abs. Everybody wants them. From celebs to the girl next door. When you think of the term abs, up pops Jennifer Anniston's washboard flat ones, Jessica Biel's, toned, yet feminine ones, Uma Thurman's rippling ones ... Phrases like six-pack abs, washboard flat abs, ripped abs ... bounce off your mental imagery. Tight abs, you think with green-eyed cynicism, belong on magazine covers, on athletic fields, on genetic aberrations, on those desperately lipectomized souls, and on people who treat a bowl of macrobiotic assortment of shredded leaves and grated veggies as ambrosia.

And just as you look down at that unconditioned, droopy belly of yours, with a sigh of resignation, there comes along another diet plan, promising you those washboard flat abs you've been secretly hankering for - The Abs Diet for Women - devised by David Zinczenko, the Editor of Men's Health, which is a follow-up of The Abs Diet.

According to Mr. Zinczenko, belly fat has the potential to kill you. Most of us have a tendency for storing fat in our bellies, and that is the region where the health problems of excessive weight usually start. While some people store the fat under the belt line, others have it above it. At any rate, abdominal fat doesn't simply hang around there on the belly, doing nothing. Functioning like a distinct organ, it releases harmful substances in the body. Abdominal fat is responsible for many of the health problems that strike us because it lies in the vicinity of vital organs like the liver and the heart, putting pressure on them.

The abs diet for Women is a weight loss plan that lasts for six weeks, specifically geared for women. It not only promises to help women to lose pounds, but also to flatten the abdominals, along with firming up the body. The primary component of the diet is the principles of eating, making particularly sure that the person following it has meals often enough so that her metabolism is kept revved up and ensuring that the correct, fat burning diet powerfoods are eaten, so that the dieter feels satiated all day. Deviating from its predecessor, This diet provides guidelines for counting calories, grappling with hormonal problems which hamper weight loss, and following a vegetarian diet.

So, what are the rules of the diet? To eat six small meals a day, which are evenly spaced, and to base the meals on the groups of food that are given below, which form an acronym spelling ABS DIET POWER:

A = Almonds and other nuts
B = Beans
S = Spinach and other green vegetables

D = Dairy, low-fat
I = Instant oatmeal
E = Eggs
T = Turkey and other lean meats

P = Peanut butter, all-natural
O = Olive oil
W = Whole grains
E = Extra protein, whey
R = Raspberries and other berries

According to the diet plan, by centering the meals around these Powerfoods, the body will be fueled with the required nutrients - good carbs, protein, fiber, good fat - paying particular attention to protein, because this is what builds that lean muscle which will help in burning fat faster.

This theory of the consumption of fiber-rich food and muscle-building protein at frequent intervals which is supposed to burn belly fat and rev up the metabolism is based on innumerable scientific studies cited by the author which show that more food plus more muscle is equal to less flab.

According to some medical experts, it is a sound diet overall. It could even motivate some women to make healthy lifestyle changes, since the women's abs diet also incorporates an exercise regimen which has to be followed along with the diet. Not only is the diet a balanced plan incorporating wholesome and healthy food, but also, the intake of calories, which is about 1,400-1,600 cals per day, is quite reasonable.

However, experts also caution against believing the claim made by the diet plan of getting flat abs within six weeks. Even if the diet is adhered to stringently, flat abs can never be guaranteed, because it is dependent on many other factors such as a person's body shape, activity level, as well as genetics. Although eating more meals when on a diet may sound like a great idea, some people find the idea of eating six meals a day too daunting a task. And another factor that the abs diet for Women does not seem to address directly is one of the well-known diet breakers many women dieters succumb to, the craving for sweets.

However, if you think the abs diet seems to resonate with you, and feel that eating more meals in order to weigh less makes sense, perhaps this plan may work for you. As in all diet plans, it's always a good idea to consult medical opinion before starting on one.

Read More

Zone Diet Basics

Zone diet is a well-planned diet program, which is targeted on balancing blood sugar level and hormonal level, so as to regulate the overall health and fitness. This particular diet plan was introduced by Barry Spears, a biochemist from California.

The zone diet is characterized by presence of proportionate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In precise terms, the approximate ratio of these nutrients are fractionated as 40 percent carbohydrates and 30 percent each of proteins and fats. Let's discuss in brief about the basics of zone diet.

Zone Diet Basics

Speaking about the zone diet basics, it helps in controlling gene expression to reduce food craving, while receiving the essential nutrients required for normal functioning of the body. This metabolic process is achieved by regulating the hormones - insulin, glucagon and eicosanoids. A major benefit of zone dieting is that there is no need to skip meals and snacks, until and unless the nutrient composition in the food plan is maintained.

Zone Diet Blocks

Zone diet blocks are designed for helping people to plan their food menu. A block basically consists of one mini block each of carbohydrates (equaling 9 grams), proteins (equaling 7 grams) and fats (equaling 1.5 grams). An adult male requires 14 zone diet blocks daily and an adult female needs 11 zone diet blocks daily. This way, those who are on zone dieting can refer to the blocks while planning their meals and snacks.

Zone Diet Menu

According to the zone diet plan, it is recommended to consume five servings daily, including the zone meals and two zone snacks. Also, as per the promoters of zone diet, it is suggested that the calorie count of each meal should not exceed 500 calories, while that of snacks should be about 100 calories. While zone dieting, one should drink at least eight glasses of water everyday.

Zone Diet Plan

The zone diet menu includes food recipes with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins. Unlike low carb diets, a zone diet is planned in such a way that there is sufficient amount of carbohydrates in the food menu. The body system obtains energy (glucose) from the carbohydrates, rather than relying on proteins. Thus, the normal body metabolism is not disturbed in the dieting, which is not so in case of other weight loss diet programs.

Zone Diet Recipes

There are no specific zone diet recipes and plans as such. As long as the calorie intake of the nutrients is regulated, one can include any type of food recipe as per his/her personal taste. Nevertheless, carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, low fat protein and mono saturated fats should be advocated for better results. Ensure that the diet consists of very low amount of refined carbohydrates.

Zone Diet Calculator

Zone diet calculator is formulated to determine daily protein requirements, lean body mass and body fat percentage. According to Dr. Barry Sears, the daily requirement of proteins and other macro nutrients for health differ with reference to gender, age, height and weight. Considering this, zone diet calculator is developed to estimate the optimum calorie requirements for an individual based on his/her individual features.

If you are planning for zone dieting, then there are several service providers who deliver these diets. Make sure you check for reliable zone diet delivery services while contacting them. Besides following a strict diet, do not skip daily exercises. At any point of time, it is the correct calorie count and regular physical activities that help in accomplishing long-term weight loss in a healthy way.

Read More

Quick Diets that Work Fast

A health and fitness market is full of different diets that promise you to lose weight instantly. Many of them may be even fulfilling their promises but at the stake of your health. They certainly help you lose weight but they also make you more vulnerable to various diseases by lowering your immune power and nutrition quotient of the body.

So choosing one of the right so-called quick diets that work fast is a crucial and careful task. You must check if the diet is suitable to your lifestyle so there are more chances that you would follow the diet continuously. You should also make sure that the quick diets that work fast provide you with adequate amount of nutrition which can aid a healthy weight loss process. Given below are some of the safe and easy diets that work fast, so take a look.

Quick Diets That Really Work

Abs Diet: As the name suggests abs diet is one of the best and quick diets to lose belly fat. All you have to do is, include low fat dairy products, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet in moderate amounts. To make it one of the fast diets that really work, you must have to avoid using excessive oil and sugar in your diet. Apart from this you have to combine this diet with regular exercise regimen to get flat abs. If followed regularly, you will see it working within four weeks.

Atkins Diet: It is one of the most popular diet that works quickly and so it is the first choice for many young men and women. In this diet, a person has to consume more protein rich foods and less amount of carbohydrates, which makes the weight loss process faster. So a person has to include egg whites, low fat dairy foods, lean meats in his daily diets and has to limit the intake of red meats, fried foods, and refined wheat, etc. Atkins diet makes sure that a person gets enough energy and nutrition to be fit and healthy while losing weight.

Hoodia Diet: Hoodia diet is one of the quick diets that work especially for those who tend to put on weight due to overeating. In this diet a person is supposed to take certain supplements, which are made from Hoodia plant found in Africa. This plant is known to suppress the feeling of hunger by making a person feel full after few bites. So a person naturally eat lesser amount of food and do not feel hungry all the time which ultimately results in weight loss. Hence Hoodia diet is one of the quick diets that work fast for over eaters.

Zone Diet: If you wish to take a balanced diet and believe in losing weight naturally then zone diet is ideal for you as it is one of the balanced and quick diets that work fast. According to some health experts, it is one of the well planned diet that strives to achieve the balance between blood sugar levels and hormonal levels that ultimately result in overall health and fitness. This diet allows moderate intake of all the nutrients in diet including 40 % carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 30% proteins in the daily diet for healthy weight loss. It is one of the best diets that work fast and provide a person with wholesome health.

Low Carb Diet: Excessive carbohydrates are known to increase the fat and sugar levels in the body. But they are also one of the important nutrients in the body so consuming them in the right amount is very important for both to lose weight and stay healthy. This is the basic philosophy behind low carb diet. Consuming more fibrous foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits along with protein sources such as dairy products, poultry products, etc. can help person achieve optimum health and fitness. Low carb and high protein diet is one of the popular choice that people opt for.

Apart from these there are many other quick diets that work fast but as mentioned before, most of them will qualify as fad diets that work on comprising your health. Therefore it is better to avoid them. Also remember to consult your doctor before following any of the quick diets that work fast, especially, if you are unwell, under medication, or pregnant. Not every one has the same metabolic rate and genetic makeup and hence the period to lose weight for everyone with the same diet will differ. For maximum benefit and quicker weight loss combine your diet with regular fitness regimen. So go ahead and be ready to flaunt your carved body after few weeks.

Read More

World's Youngest Billionaire

Mark Zuckerberg's former roommate and Facebook co-founder, Dustin Moskovitz may no longer be with the Menlo Park, Calif.-based social networking giant, but he still holds a significant financial stake in the company.

That stake got a little smaller over the summer as he proceeded to sell 7.5 million Facebook shares. Still, as of February, he still owns more than 5% of the company's outstanding stock. Facebook's third employee, he dropped out Harvard with Zuckerberg and moved to California to work for the social-networking firm full-time.

He left in 2008 to start Asana, a software company that aims to improve how people work with project collaboration tools. Engaged to former journalist Cari Tuna, Moskovitz and his fiancee founded Good Ventures and plan to publish their grants and conversations with charities with the goal of rewarding results over crafty fundraising techniques.

He is also a signee of Bill Gates' and Warren Buffett's Giving Pledge. Moskovitz bikes to work, flies commercial, and pitches his own tent at Burning Man.

Read More

Reconnect Huawei BM622m 4G WIMAX CPE

The Huawei Echolife BM622m 4G WiMAX CPE is one of next new generation gateway to work for 4G WiMAX network. It has some difference from HUAWEI BM622i and BM622, and supports up to 20Mbps downlink and 5Mbps uplink on WiMAX network.

Specifications:

• IEEE 802. 16e-205 Wimax Air Interface
• 2.5Ghz(Huawei BM622m)
• Built-in Smart Antenna Array
• 802.16e Security for Authentication and Ciphering
• Supports MIMO 2R x 2Tx
• Supports WEB UI Configuration Tool
• Qos Management
• Local and Remote Control and SW Upgrade Capabilites
• Device Management Based on TR-069/OMA-DM(Optional)

This video above is only taken from YouTube and not merely persuade you to do this act, whether or not it is a scam posted by YouTube user it is not my responsible for the used and misused. It is only serve as for educational purpose only.

Read More

Pandora unbricker/downgrader for the TA88v3

An unbricker battery compatible with the ta88v3 has been released recently, and scene dev Yoti uploaded a video demonstrating the tool. Read along…

Nowadays running a custom firmware on a PSP is not complex, no downgrading is required as both pro cfw and TN Hen run on the latest firmware, and people who want to install another CFW such as M33 just need to use the necessary tools.

But people who have joined the scene a bit earlier know that the biggest hack for the PSP was the pandora battery, where hackers discovered (with lots of work and a bit of luck) that the battery in the PSP was used not only to power the device, but also to enter service mode, so that Sony repair centers could quickly fix a broken flash or install a new firmware on a PSP. Coupled with a “magic” memory stick, this allowed hackers to create a very cheap downgrade/unbrick mechanism, and basically with a special battery and a special memory stick you could easily unbrick your psp, or install a custom firmware on it. I still have one of those, and it is the most convenient technique for installing a CFW on PSPs that support it. It is also extremely safe, because even if you mess up your flash, you have ways to rewrite it entirely, so there is no risk of brick, unlike recent CFW installation systems.

Sony quickly reacted and their new PSP models were not compatible with this Pandora battery anymore. The first model of motherboards to include a security against the Pandora battery was the Ta88v3, the doomed psp2000 model. This model was still compatible with the battery and could enter service mode, but the magic memory stick didn’t work anymore, so it was basically made useless. Further models (the psp3000) even added more security, rendering the battery itself useless.

Hackers Boryan and ErikPshat have found a technique to use a magic memory stick on a ta88v3, which is a big deal for those of us who are stuck with a bricked psp 2000…

The technique is described in this thread and the result is shown in this video, made by dev Yoti (who has provided several updates for PSARDumper PSPIdent in the past) and showing the jigkick installing firmware 5.02 on a 6.38 ta88v3 (correction, the psp in the video is a ta85v2, but Yoti guarantees that the results are the same on a ta88v3). - source

Read More

Understanding Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

Apple cider vinegar, also called cider vinegar, is made from pulverized apples. It contains vitamins, minerals, various enzymes and good bacteria. The sugar content in the apple is converted to produce alcohol, which in turn is converted to form acetic acid. The first process involves yeast fermentation, while the second process is done by acetic acid fermentation.

It is believed that acetic acid is responsible for curing many health problems. The pH of vinegar made from pulverized apples should be maintained below 4.5, to prevent bacterial growth. While buying this product, look for 'mother' of vinegar. This is the milky substance present at the bottom of the bottle. This substance is believed to have the potential to cure many diseases.

Excess production of the digestive juices and acids in the stomach can cause acidity. The condition where the digestive juices and acids from the stomach flow back to the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. This may cause heartburn and nausea. It could also damage the esophagus lining, if not treated on time. While antacids may help in alleviating the symptoms, it is believed that one may get relief from acidity and heartburn by taking cider vinegar.

Cider Vinegar for Treating Acid Reflux

Vinegar made from crushed apples helps in maintaining acidic level of the stomach acid in such a way that foods can be easily digested in the stomach. Insufficient acid in the stomach causes the lower esophageal sphincter to open up. The acetic acid present in it neutralizes the strong hydrochloric acid present in the stomach and also, keeps the lower sphincter valve active to function properly. It also contains mineral content that counterbalances the strong acid of the stomach.

Dosage

Vinegar made from crushed apples can provide relief from gastroesophageal reflux. Take the medicine twice or thrice in a day, but ensure that you take it after the meals. You can add two to three teaspoonfuls in a glass of water (eight ounce). Shake well and drink it. You can add little honey to it, for taste. It is advisable that you keep the bottle in a dark place.

It may take some days for the healing process to start showing its effect, as it is a herbal remedy. If you can't see any changes within a week, then consult your doctor. The healing and soothing effects of this vinegar aids in getting rid of the harmful toxins in the body. It will also help to regulate the pH of the stomach acid from acidic to neutral in a short time.

Read More

Fixing USB/Flash/Pen Key with MPTools – MXT6208A Chip

Spent few hours today fixing Tamer’s usb key’s he send to me (arrived this Friday just in nick of time before i left work for home :) ) . Here is yet another USB Fixing blog post, today two sticks each with Controller MXT6208A and Memory Samsung 725/ K98G08U0M/ WNE197PA ( thats actually 8 gigaBIT memory, that means 1 gigaBYTE or 1 GB of capacity).

Picture : Shows the 2 keys just out of the packaging , with the shiny 16 gig sticker.

Sticks as usual came with the fancy shiny 16 GB stickers on them. I really liked the blue looking key, I wish it had been easy to rip open, but had a metal casing on top of it so I had to peel that away first and now stick looks hideous without that casing :( . The white one I was able to put back together without cosmetic damage !!

Lets start by posting some pictures first

Lets see how they look from inside now :)

The white one first (note the capacitor (on bottom right ), its got bad solder join, sheesh)

Here is the memory snap shot from the white key, as could not get the key out for its case from the blue one cause of epoxy or w/e that blob of glue is (is holding it pretty tight in place) .

Now lets begin hacking our way and fix these flashed/fake usb keys.

Took me a while to find the right version of Mptools, and the chinesse site where you can get them from now has only invitation based registerations and requires credits/money for downloads of files, tried to spend $4 to get enough credits to download the tools, but their paypal account does not accept USD , so was stuck till I googled and found the tools on other sites :) . Various versions were downloaded (about 6) but only 1 clicked and worked. Download this Mptool File :) MPTool-2007103-Fix-Usb-key

Now its the simplest fix ever (after you get right tool). Simple insert your fake pen drive into the usb port, and open up the exe file (unzip above file first) and it should show up something like this in the picture (if your stick/controller card is the list it should show up too ) .

Step 1. Insert key, open the exe file , and hit the little U icon (or the E Icon (its just your usb key drive letter only and will vary from user to user) as suggested by Barrows) if your stick is recognized off the bat, if not just hit setup ctrls and select one from the list on the left (uncheck the auto feature first on the top left there).

Step 2. After format is complete simply unplug the key from computer, and format it using win xp or any tool you like (but do not use quick format, just let it format using simple format) and your key is now all set to be used, without worry of data corruption (but do note these are not legit keys, so i wouldnt put anything that is really really important on these keys).

If you need any help with your keys let me know, but to find exact version of tool to fix your particular usb pen drive is hit and trial. So , it might take you some time to fix your usb drive to default factory built memory capacity.

Read More

UN calls for end to violence in Sabah

MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations has called for an end to violence in Sabah as it appealed for a dialogue among parties involved to peacefully settle the dispute.

In a statement issued from his office, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also called on parties involved to uphold international human rights standards amid escalating hostilities there.

“The Secretary-General is closely following the situation in Sabah, Malaysia. He urges an end to the violence and encourages dialogue among all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the situation,” said the statement issued Wednesday in New York.

“He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards,” the statement read.

Ban also expressed concern for civilians caught in the crossfire, as hostilities escalated between Malaysian forces and armed followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III this week.

This is the first time the UN issued a statement on the situation in Lahad Datu, where Kiram’s followers has been standing their ground for more than three weeks now asserting ancestral ownership of Sabah.

It was silent on the dispute between the Philippines and Malaysia for ownership of Sabah — a matter which the Sulu Sultan said he would elevate to the world body.

Fighting broke out Friday between the armed group and Malaysian forces amid failed appeals for Kiram’s followers to leave Lahad Datu. The death toll has been rising on both sides.

The Philippines continues efforts to negotiate for Kiram group’s unconditional surrender as Malaysia stepped up efforts to round up the Sulu fighters, including the launch of air and ground strikes. - source

Read More

FVR to PNoy: Meet with Sultan Kiram to address Sabah conflict

Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Wednesday advised President Benigno Aquino III to personally meet with Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to help end the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

In a television interview, Ramos said Aquino should have a one-on-one talk with Kiram to hear out the sultan’s grievances.

“Kung may imbitasyon si Pangulong Aquino [from Kiram], e mag-usap na kayong dalawa nang masinsinan,” Ramos said.

Ramos, as president from 1992 to 1998, had pushed for a financial settlement between Malaysia and the sultan's heirs that would include development funds for communities in Sulu, according to a timeline constructed by Palace official Manuel Quezon.

Malaysia was eager for the arrangement, but no agreement was ever finalized, partly because of a failure to unite among the heirs, according to Amina Rasul, a descendant of an early sultan.

It is still not clear what the Aquino position is on the Sabah claim, with Palace spokespersons saying the Justice Department is still studying the matter.

Nominal compensation

Kiram’s followers are currently engaged in a battle with Malaysian forces in Sabah, supposedly to assert the sultanate’s claim on Sabah and its proprietary rights. Nearly 30 people have already been reported killed due to the fighting.

The Sulu sultanate once controlled parts of Borneo, including the site of the standoff. The sultanate's heirs have been receiving a nominal yearly compensation package from Malaysia under a long-standing agreement for possession of Sabah.

In a televised statement last week before the eruption of violence on Friday, Aquino warned Kiram and his followers they could be committing crimes in Sabah with their actions.

Ramos, however, said the Aquino government should not label Kiram’s group criminals to encourage them to return to the Philippines.

Ramos also appealed to Kiram’s followers to heed the Philippine government’s appeal for them to go back to Sulu. — Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News

Read More

Sabah Crisis issue needs its own talks

MANILA – The issue of the sultanate of Sulu’s claim over Sabah, Malaysia will need its own negotiations separate from the one the Philippine government is conducting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel for negotiations with the MILF, said the sultanate of Sulu is not against the ongoing talks with the MILF since they were also consulted about the negotiations.

She noted that Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was present during the signing of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang in October 2012.

She said the Kiram family has been pushing for its own proprietary claim over Sabah, and sent around 200 followers to Lahad Datu last February 12 supposedly to assert their claim.

“What they are feeling now is, their issue towards their proprietary claim to Sabah has not been duly addressed but it does not run counter with the fact that we have been in negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that we have always been guided by the principles of inclusivity in this whole process that we have actually put their concerns in the provisions in the framework agreement,” she told Mornings@ANC.

Ferrer said government and MILF negotiators met with the Kiram family even before the signing of the framework agreement for the Bangsamoro. Present in the meetings with the government panel were Jamalul Kiram III, brothers Ismael and Agbimuddin and their wives.

The chief negotiator said the panel listened carefully to Kiram family’s concerns and identified some things that can be done in terms of “restoring the recognition and dignity of the sultanate.”

“From the very beginning, the government panel has acknowledged that this part of Mindanao has different narratives, that they do have a special history of their own. That is why one of the things we would like to do is to acknowledge the multiple narratives that exist, and the Sulu sultanate has a very special role in that society,” she said.

Ferrer admitted that the Kirams gave a letter to Malacañang, expressing their desire for action on their claim to Sabah.

She said the letter was submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Ferrer said that on the security front, the Philippine government is assessing and evaluating the security situation as a result of the Sabah conflict.

She said the Sabah issue needs its own separate negotiations with its own set of negotiators dealing with the Malaysian government.

“The Sabah issue will have to be put on another table where Malaysia will be one of the parties and not the facilitator,” she said.

“At the end of the day, it will have to be settled through negotiation,” she added. - source

Read More

Sultan of Sulu’s 9 principal heirs

MANILA, Philippines—In 1939, a decision issued by the high court of North Borneo named the nine principal heirs of the last sultan of Sulu, whose descendants had been pressing their claim to Sabah.

Known as the 1939 Macaskie Judgment, the nine principal heirs of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II were Datu Punjungan Kiram, Datu Esmail Kiram, Dayang Dayang Piandao Kiram, Dayang Dayang Sitti Rada Kiram, Princess Tarhata Kiram, Princess Sakinur-In Kiram, Dayang Dayang Putli Jahara Kiram, Dayang Dayang Sitti Mariam Kiram and Mora Napsa.

Jamalul II’s father, Sultan Jamalul Ahlam, leased Sabah in 1878 to British North Borneo Co. Under the agreement, the company would pay 5,300 Mexican gold pieces a year to the Kingdom of Sulu. It continued to do so until 1936, when Jamalul II died.

According to Ahlam’s descendants, Sabah (formerly North Borneo) was ceded in 1704 to the sultan of Sulu by the sultan of Brunei, after the sultan of Sulu helped quell a rebellion against the sultan of Brunei.

After Jamalul II’s death, the British consul in Manila recommended the suspension of payments because President Manuel L. Quezon did not recognize Jamalul II’s successor.

Sultan Punjungan Kiram, crown prince of the sultanate at the time of Jamalul II’s death, went to the British consulate in Manila to demand the resumption of payments.

P77,000 rent

After the court decision, British North Borneo Co. complied for several years. It stopped paying when its rights to Sabah were transferred to the newly established Federation of Malaysia in 1963. The new government assumed the payment but in ringgit.

Every year, the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines issues a check in the amount of 5,300 ringgit (about P77,000) to the legal counsel of Jamalul Ahlam’s descendants. Malaysia considers the amount an annual “cession” payment for the disputed state, while the sultan’s descendants consider it “rent.”

According to Abraham Julpa Idjirani, secretary general and spokesperson of the sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, the direct descendants and heirs of the sultan of Sulu and North Borneo at present are Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram III, Datu Alianapia Kiram, Datu Phugdal Kiram, Datu Baduruddin Kiram and the crown prince, Agbimuddin Kiram, official administrator of Sabah and son of Datu Punjungan.

Lies

In July 2008, there were reports that Jamalul II’s heirs had “dropped” their Sabah claim, but these were dismissed as untrue by the heirs. In the reports, Malaysian Datu Omar Ali Datu Backtiyal told a local newspaper in Malaysia that he had obtained the signatures of the nine heirs for the relinquishment of their claim to Sabah. The heirs dismissed the reports as “lies.”

Over the years, Jamalul II’s heirs have tried to get the attention of authorities by writing to them, but to no avail.

In February 1999, the late Princess Denchurain Kiram, daughter of Princess Tarhata, wrote then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad through former President Joseph Estrada to request for an increase in the annual rental. She died in September 2000 without receiving a reply.

No reply to letters

In January 2001, Sultan Esmail Kiram II and Princess Taj Mahal Kiram Tarsum-Nuqui, daughter of Princess Denchurain, wrote a similar letter to Mahathir through former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In August 2003, the heirs sent Arroyo another letter asking for help in requesting the Malaysian government to increase the rent, but nothing happened.

In February 2005 the heirs wrote another letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but were likewise ignored. - Inquirer Research

Read More

Sabah: Promise unfulfilled by first PM Malaysia

It was by chance that I met Shayeed Kiram, a son of Raja Muda (Crown Prince) Agbimuddin Kiram who is now in Sabah facing the Malaysian armed forces.

I wanted to take a photo of Dayang Dayang (Princess) Nazhra, daughter of Sultan Jamulul Kiram III, but a man was in the way. I politely asked him to stand aside. He did, quickly and meekly.

That was when Nazhra told me “that was Raja Muda’s son”.

I hastily apologized to the man — and then asked if I could interview him.

He said I could provided I did not show his entire face. I videoed the part below which I thought was most important.

Shayeed narrated how he and his family had resided in Sabah during his childhood.

They went there to accompany their grandfather, Sultan Punjungan – younger brother of Esmail Kiram – because Malaysia’s first prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had made a promise to make Punjungan the Sultan of Sabah.

In other words, to recognize Punjungan who was then the Raja Muda of Sultan Esmail Kiram, as the head of one of the royal houses in the newly-federated state of Malaysia.

Shayeed recalled it was for this reason that Raja Muda Agbimuddin and his family stayed with Sultan Punjungan in Sabah for a decade, waiting for that promise to be fulfilled. Shayeed said he studied in an elementary school in Sabah.

It was also for this reason that his father’s journey to Lahad Datu, Sabah last month was a coming home.

Shayeed wanted to go with his father to Lahad Datu, but was told to stay in Manila because the family needed someone who knew the Internet.

Later, he told me his father went to Sabah ready to die – he had said goodbye.

I have no way of confirming whether Malaysia’s first PM did make this promise to the Kiram family. But it is worth noting that Sabah is not and has never been represented by a royal family to this day. - source

Read More

Malaysia behaving like Hitler, Tojo during WW II

Who is right and who is wrong in the present armed conflict between the followers of the Sultan of Sulu and Malaysian police forces in a seaside village in Sabah where 27 combatants have already been killed? Two senatorial candidates who were guests at the Kapihan sa Manila at the Diamond Hotel last Monday—front-running Sen. Chiz Escudero and Party-list Rep. Christian Señeres who is lagging behind in the surveys—gave opposing views.

Senator Escudero said the Sulu force should come home so that negotiations between the Philippine government and the Sultan of Sulu, on one side, and the Malaysian government, on the other, can begin as soon as possible.

Congressman Señeres said the Sulu Sultan is right. Señeres said he has long studied documents on the case and it is clear that Sabah belongs to the sultanate, and the Filipinos from Tawi-Tawi have a right to be there. Sabah is their home. Moreover, he added, they are Filipino citizens and the Philippine government should help them instead of threatening them with lawsuits.

As I see it, President Aquino made a mistake in telling the sultan’s followers to “surrender and go home.” He used a wrong word. “Surrender” is a bad word to Muslims, especially to our Moros. I don’t think there is even an equivalent word in the Muslim vocabulary. Muslims would rather die than surrender. They believe that there would be dozens of virgins waiting for them in the afterworld if they die fighting. On the other hand, surrender would bring dishonor not only to themselves but also to their families for generations to come. Never use the word “surrender” again to Muslims.

Also, many Filipinos are asking: What kind of government do we have that threatens its own citizens with lawsuits for asserting their right to their properties? They also ask: What kind of government do we have that threatens members of the clergy with punishment when they are only guiding their flock for whom to vote this May? The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given the diocese of Bacolod a deadline (yesterday) to take down from the façade of San Sebastian Cathedral in Negros Occidental an oversized tarpaulin telling voters whom to vote for and vote against, or else face charges.

Senator Escudero said the Comelec is “overacting.” Isn’t the Comelec here curtailing the freedom of expression? What’s wrong with the archdiocese telling people whom to vote for and whom to vote against? Isn’t that what everybody is telling everybody else at present? Don’t politicians urge their listeners to vote for their candidates and vote against opposition candidates? Isn’t that what President Aquino himself does every time he climbs the stage and campaigns for his candidates?

The Comelec says that the tarpaulin is too big, beyond the size limits it has imposed. So the priests cut the tarpaulin into two—the Team Patay and Team Buhay, the former colored black and the latter colored red. So instead of one big tarpaulin, there are now two smaller ones. Isn’t that enough? Forcing the archdiocese to do more would be curtailing their freedom of choice and expression.

Besides, the reelectionist candidates were duly warned before the voting for the reproductive health bill. Members of the clergy vowed that they would campaign against legislators who would vote in favor of the controversial bill. And that is what they are doing now, making good on their promise.

Back to Sabah: Has anybody paused to ponder that the Sulu Sultan may have sent his followers to go to Sabah to force the issue?

After decades of being neglected by its own government, with the sultan growing older and the prospect that he may die without the claim being settled, he felt he had to do something. Just like the older generations of Muslims who were neglected by the Philippine government until they formed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)—and later the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—and waged a guerilla war and forced the government to notice and negotiate with them for a final peace accord, the sultan may have decided to wage a guerilla war in Sabah, recruiting Filipinos who are already there (the same thing that President Marcos planned before the Jabidah massacre) to force the Malaysian government to negotiate with them.

This is probably the reason the Sultan does not want to order his followers to “surrender and go home.” If they go home now without getting a commitment from the Malaysian government to negotiate later, they would be back to nothing. His loyal followers who were killed in the fighting would have died in vain. It would be back to decades of being neglected again.

I think the Philippine government would be able to persuade them to go home, temporarily, if it could get a firm commitment from the Malaysian government to negotiate on the claim. And Malaysia should stop behaving like Hitler’s Germany and Tojo’s Japan during World War II, annexing neighboring territories with impunity. - source

Read More

A Suluk-Sabahan's perspective

I considered being silent so as not to add to the noise. My loyalty to my ancestry calls me to speak. I speak as a Sabahan, a Malaysian, a South-East Asian, and a proud bearer of Suluk ancestry.

My pure Suluk maternal great-grandfather came to British North Borneo in the late 1800s. He was adopted by Sir William Pryer and his wife Ada, and became a key person in the administration.

This was likely the reason he was beheaded by the Japanese during World War II, and along with him, two sons and three sons-in-law including my grandfather who were involved in the liberation movement in some way. The women buried their dead men and somehow survived to raise the children alone. There are now six generations of us, in Sabah, in Malaysia, in South-East Asia and throughout the world.

No matter how distant we’ve travelled, Sabah has been home, where our roots are deep, where our ancestors are buried. Although I studied, worked and lived in Europe and the US, those roots and the cause of my ancestors called me back. I was very close to my half-Suluk grandmother who gave me an ongoing oral history lesson, of everything, through my childhood including stories of family relations to the sultan of Sulu.

Over the last few days, as I read articles, Facebook and Twitter posts on the Internet, I questioned why I am here. The black and white anti-ness and hate towards what felt like ‘Sulukness’ grew deeply personal and intense. I do not in any way condone or support the manner in which Jamalul Kiram’s people invaded Sabah, and if they’d asked me I would have advocated a different course of action! That said, a part of me feels deep compassion for their quest for sovereignty.

We bemoan the race politics that our leaders espouse, and yet I saw us snap into what felt like a racial grid so quickly it was scary. What do they say about getting the leaders we deserve? I was disturbed and hurt that Suluks who are part of the rich racial tapestry of Sabah suddenly became an Other.

I know the Suluks as proud, strong, loyal, warrior people. A lot of why I am who I am comes from that blood in my veins. The same blood my ancestors gave for freedom of this land.

I know lives have been lost and am mourning them (on both sides). I don’t ask that we accept violence or armed aggression, but perhaps if we can see them as a people - proud, strong, loyal, warriors - and hold their right to sovereignty, in the same way we hold our own and in our hearts wish them peace and freedom, we can shift this energy from violence and fear to respect and resolution.

I would like to see a Sabah capable of doing that.

CYNTHIA ONG is executive director of Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP).

Read More

Sabah crisis sparks 'cyberwar'

A series of websites defacement has been conducted between Philippines and Malaysia over the dispute in the land of Sabah. Hackers claiming to be part of Anonymous group from Malaysian and Filipino and attacking websites of each other.

It was believed that the first online attacks were made by Malaysians and defaced the government-owned site of the municipality Moal Boal, Cebu, hours after a skirmish erupted between police and Sulu gunmen on Friday.

Meanwhile the online shop of Philippine mobile services provider Globe Telecom was defaced by hackers claiming to be from the "MALAYSIA Cyb3r 4rmy".

On other side Philippine Cyber Army hackers claiming to have attacked 175 Malaysia-based sites,“Greetings Malaysia! Greetings Government! Stop attacking over our cyberspace or else we will attack your cyber world!” the Philippine hackers.

Today story take another angle, when Several websites of Philippine local governments have been hacked by the so called “Anonymous Malaysia” 3rd group of hackers with the message: “Well, its time for us to PEACE and stop attacking each other. To end up this way, this is our last defacement and from now on none of us will step or touch ur (sic) country site and none of you are able to touch our country site. If u against (sic) this agreement, we wont accept any apology or excuses #wewillnotgodown.”

A statement by hacktivist group Anonymous on pastebin also called for hackers of both countries to stop. "The petty cyber-war will gain us nothing but wrong impressions from ordinary people. Our goal is to peacefully unite the collective consciousness of humanity. We urge our brothers from both countries to sit and talk Not blabber out words then fight like kids. We have no place for petty arguments and to surrender to provocative actions that we know we can answer with a larger and bolder approach."

As far now, Individual hackers from both parties are appeared to have started the attacks on each other. - source

Read More

Malaysia and Philippines Sabah Dispute

Greetings Malaysia and the Philippines!

It has come to our attention that over the dispute of territorial claims between the Malaysian Government and Sultan Kiram of the Philippines, that our brothers from both countries are feuding over this matter. It seems that it was all on the attention of the Anonymous Malaysia's video post that is provoking the Philippine citizens of a cyber-war against the Philippine Government.

We perfectly understand that this is a territorial dispute and both countries are in a test of defending each other's sovereignity against the other.

As far as we are concerned, Anonymous has nowhere to side yet over this concern. For we still lack information about the nature of the claim. So we are asking from the Philippines, if our brothers have copies of documented basis on the claims by the respected Sultan. We also ask our brothers from Malaysia do produce similar information as well.

In this manner, we can study the historical nature of this dispute and we would be able to determine the strength of the claim, and if tyranny is clouding this matter so we can take a united action as needed. If either both governments tries to hide information that are vital to peaceful resolution, and seeks to bend information to gain leverage over the other, then that would be the perfect time that we will need to step in, extract all information we can get and leak the truth out in the open for both countries to see, and for the whole world to see.

Our collective experience on this type of political matters raises concern that our petty fighting would rise up to the level of both nation's governments and provoke an all-out war, just because we are all fighting over a concern that both parties don't have strong proof for resolution yet.

Please don't forget what nightmares war will bring. Remeber our brothers who sacrificed in Syria, Egypt, Iran, USA, UK, Bahrain, Spain, and other countries we have launched an operation in an aggressive effort to stop the voilence in the recent chaose we have been invovled with.

As of now, Bahrain and Spain are in a brink of collapse, we just need to remind that this reaction due to an immature video posted on Facebook is just a petty joke considered to the seriousness of events happening in other countries where literally hundred thousand citizens are fighting against a corrupt government.

We urge those who are joining this argument over a petty cyber-war to stop for this will only provoke further misunderstandings. We urge the collective to research on historical backgrounds to figure out how we can contribute to the resolution careless fighting. Sorry for the inconvenience of this letter, but we are trying to change the world, not seek to destroy it.

Kindly be reminded that the whole collective should be sought for proper brainstorming over this matter. We count every person who would be poisoned of our wrongly-represented existence.

People may see us as perpetrators of chaos instead of peace.

We are urging both parties to please, communicate with the whole collective for the resolution of this issue. We are all equal and all have rights to defend what belongs to us. But we seek a peaceful resolution, as we repeatedly emphasize on this letter.

The petty cyber-war will gain us nothing but wrong impressions from ordinary people. Our goal is to peacefully unite the collective consciousness of humanity.

We urge our brothers from both countries to sit and tallk. Not blabber out words then fight like kids. We have no place for petty arguments and to surrender to provocative actions that we know we can answer with a larger and bolder approach.

Let's be reminded of our cause.

We are Anonymous
We are Legion and we are all united
We do not forgive those who oppress ordinary people
We do not forget that we fight for freedom and peace
Expect us, the whole collective to be open to conversations.

Let us help both The Philippines and Malaysia unite, not find a reason to fight. - Anonymous

Read More

Malaysian police declares victory, sultan's camp says otherwise

Malaysian police claimed before noon Tuesday that the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram had been defeated but the monarch's camp said that his men remain alive and defiant.

Earlier in the day, Malaysian news agency The Star quoted the Malaysian police as saying that the "Sulu gunmen in Kg Tanduo [have been] totally defeated."

"They were determined not to surrender despite our best efforts including negotiations and even carpeting the area with thousands of leaflets urging them to lay down their arms," Inspector General of Police Omar Ismail was quoted in the report as saying.

Reports on The Star and New Straits Times also quoted Ismail as aying that as of 11:16 a.m. "mopping-up operations" were ongoing in the area.

"Our personnel are carrying out mopping up operations and conducting house-to-house checks. We cannot ascertain casualties among the enemy's side for now," he said in The Star report.

Reports quoted Malaysian authorities as saying that there were reportedly no casualties among Malaysian troops. However, they did not indicate how many Filipinos were killed or wounded.

“We could not confirm numbers of death and injury on the intruders side but there are no casualties on our side. I urge all parties not to speculate especially number of injuries as it could jeopardize our ongoing operation,” the New Straits Times quoted Ismail as saying.

'Ready to defend'

But in an interview aired over dzBB radio, Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani said they received a call from the sultan's brother Raja Muda Azzimudie shortly after 11 a.m. saying he was fine.

"Nagpapahinga sina Raja Muda at ang kanyang kasamahan pero buo pa rin sila [Raja Muda and his men are resting now but they are still alive]," he said.

He quoted Azzimudie as saying the Malaysian security forces dropped at least two bombs but these were far from their position.

Idjirani said Azzimudie and his men are still "intact" in the area, but said he was not sure if they suffered casualties.

"Nasa panig natin ang Poong Maykapal [God is on our side]," he said as he insisted the Malaysian forces' bombs missed their mark.

He also likened Azzimudie and his men's fight to one between David and Goliath.

When asked what their plan is now, he said that they are "ready to defend themselves."

But Idjirani also admitted Azzimudie's children wept when they first learned earlier Tuesday morning that Malaysian forces were ready to attack in Sabah.

Assault

Earlier in the day, Malaysian forces assaulted the area where Kiram’s followers had been holed up for three weeks.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the Malaysian troops started with an air strike by jet fighters of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces followed by a mortar strike.

Last March 1, Kiram’s followers engaged the Malaysian forces in a bloody clash that left 12 Filipinos and two Malaysian police commandos dead.

On March 2, another clash left six Malaysian policemen and at least six Filipinos dead.

But Kiram’s followers refused to heed President Benigno Aquino III’s call to surrender without conditions, saying they had chosen “honor over life.”

Peaceful solutions

Hours before Tuesday’s attack, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met with two Malaysian ministers to discuss “peaceful” solutions to the situation.

A news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs said del Rosario met with foreign minister Dato Sri’ Anifah Aman and defense minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zamid Hamidi .

The meeting took place midnight Monday, the DFA said

Present at the meeting were Philippine Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya III, Malaysian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, and other officials from the Embassy and the Malaysian Foreign and Defense Ministries. — Kimberly Jane Tan/BM, GMA News

Read More

Lahad Datu: Sulu soldiers survived the attack

KUALA LUMPUR — “They are alive and kicking,” so claimed the spokesman of the Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III after Malaysia launched air strikes and mortar attacks on Tuesday against nearly 200 Filipinos occupying a Borneo coastal village.

Jets pounded the area in eastern Sabah state for more than 30 minutes before hundreds of ground troops moved in to search for the Filipino armed men believed to be hiding near a coastal palm oil plantation in Lahad Datu, according to Malaysian officials, the Philippine Inquirer reported.

Abraham Idjirani, a spokesman for the Filipinos, said he spoke by phone with Kiram’s brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, who saw jets dropping two bombs on a nearby village that the group had abandoned.

“They could hear the sounds of bombs and the exchange of fire,” Idjirani said. “The truth is they are nervous. Who will not be nervous when you are against all odds?”

He said the sultan’s followers would “find a way to sneak to safety.”

“If this is the last stand that we can take to let the world know about our cause, then let it be,” Idjirani said, describing the assault as “overkill.”

Idjirani said that Agbimuddin and his men were “alive and kicking” in Lahad Datu. “The bombs dropped fell on Malaysian forces,” Idjirani said, the Philippine Inquirer reported.

Earlier Malaysia’s national police chief Ismail Omar had also raised doubts about the success of the air and ground attack, saying “mopping up” operations had yet to find any bodies and suggesting at least some of the militants might have slipped away. The three-week-old standoff has killed eight Malaysian police officers and 19 Filipino armed men.

Omar said Malaysian ground forces encountered resistance from armed men firing at them, according to the Associated Press.

Relatives in Manila said that the Filipinos in Sabah told them by phone that they survived the bombardment.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government had no choice but to quell Malaysia’s worst security crisis in years, sparked when Filipino militants invaded to claim the Malaysian state of Sabah for the Philippine sultan.

“The longer this invasion lasts, it is clear to the authorities that the invaders do not intend to leave Sabah,” Najib said, adding that negotiations had gone nowhere. “The government must take action to safeguard the dignity and sovereignty of the country as required by the people.” - source

Read More