Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Nordborneo-Disput

2007-04-13T10:10:14Z

Matthewprc:

The '''status of the territory of [[Sabah]]''', previously known as [[North Borneo]], is currently disputed between [[Malaysia]] and the [[Philippines]]. Presently, Sabah is one of the states that formed Malaysia in [[1963]]. Despite that, the Philippines and the heirs of the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] have made claims to the territory though the claim is currently dormant.

==History==

On [[23 January]] [[1878]], in exchange for modern weapons with which to keep [[Spain|Spanish]] colonizers away from the Sulu Archipelago, the ruler of [[Sulu]], [[Sultan Jamalul Alam]], leased the territory of [[North Borneo]] to Gustavus von Overbeck, an Austrian who was then the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]]'s consul-general in [[Hong Kong]]. This was accomplished via a trading company belonging to von Overbeck's British partner [[Alfred Dent]], and later via the [[British North Borneo Company]]. Von Overbeck procured the necessary firearms and also paid the Muslim dignitary an annual sum equivalent to 5,000 Malaysian dollars (now known as [[ringgit]]).

The key word in the agreement was "padjak," which has been translated by [[United States|American]], [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and Spanish linguists to mean "lease" or "arrendamiento." The agreement further states explicitly that the rights to the territory may not be transferred to a nation or another company without the sultan's express permission. In 1906 and in 1920, the United States formally reminded Great Britain that North Borneo did not belong to the Crown and was still part of the Sultanate of Sulu. However, the British did turn Sabah into a Crown Colony. [http://www.royalsulu.com/issues.htm]

In 1939, a court judgement on the claim had handed ownership of North Borneo to the heirs of the Sultanate prior to the formation of Malaysian federation in 1963. The judgment of Chief Justice C.F.C. Makaskie of the High Court of North Borneo in the civil suit filed by the late Dayang Dayang Hadji Piandao and eight other heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, including the famous Putlih (Princess) Tarhata Kiram, upheld the validity of the claim of the heirs. [http://www.guide2womenleaders.com/Philippines_Substates.htm]

In 1906 and in 1920, the [[United States]] formally reminded [[Great Britain]] that North Borneo did not belong to the Crown and was still part of the Sultanate of Sulu. However, the British did turn Sabah into a Crown leased Colony. The Philippine Constitution of 1941 states that the national territory of the Philippines included, among other things, "all other areas which belong to the Philippines on the basis of historical rights or legal claims." Malaysia was federated in [[16 September]] [[1963]]. Even before Sabah was incorporated into Malaysia, the Philippines sent delegations to London reminding the British Crown that Sabah belonged to the Philippines. [http://www.nzz.ch/english/background/background2000/background0001/bg000122sabah.html]

Malaysia insists that Sabah is under the sovereignty of [[Malaysia]] based on the fact that under agreements that [[Baron von Overbeck]] and Alfred Dent secured with the Brunei Sultanate on [[29 December]] [[1877]] and the Sulu Sultanate on [[22 January]] [[1878]], the sultanate of Sulu agreed to lease Sabah to Malaysia. The British Crown renewed the lease on [[15 July]] [[1946]], but finally ceded Sabah to [[Malaysia]] on [[16 September]] [[1963]]. Malaysia is still continuously paying the annual rent to the Sultan of Sulu through the Malaysian embassy in [[Manila]], capital of the Philippines.

In the years immediately prior to the formation of Malaysia, two commissions of enquiry visited North Borneo (along with neighbouring Sarawak) in order to establish the state of public opinion there regarding merger with Malaya (and Singapore). It is important to note that ''neither'' commission was mandated with addressing the legal status of North Borneo; neither were they 'referenda' in the proper sense. The first commission, usually known as the Cobbold Commission was established by the Malayan and British governments and was headed by Lord Cobbold, along with two representatives of Malaya and Britain (but not either of the territories under investigation). The Commission found that 'About one third of the population of each territory [i.e. of North Borneo and of Sarawak] strongly favours early realisation of Malaysia without too much concern over terms and conditions. Another third, many of them favourable to the Malaysia project, ask, with varying degrees of emphasis, for conditions and safeguards... The remaining third is divided between those who insist upon independence before Malaysia is considered and those who would strongly prefer to see British rule continue for some years to come' <ref> ''Report of the Commission of Enquiry: North Borneo and Sarawak, 1962'', HMSO, 1962</ref>. Indonesia and the Philippines rejected the findings of the Cobbold. In 1963, a tripartite meeting was held in Manila between Indonesian president [[Soekarno]], Philippines president [[Macapagal]] and Malayan Prime Minister [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]]. The meeting agreed to petition the UN to send another commission of enquiry and the Philippines and Indonesia agreed to drop their objection to the formation of Malaysia if the new commission found popular opinion in the territories in favour. The UN Mission to Borneo was thus established, comprising members of the UN Secretariat from [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Ceylon]], [[Czechoslovakia]], [[Ghana]], [[Pakistan]], [[Japan]] and [[Jordan]]. The Mission's report, authored by [[UN Secretary-General]] [[U Thant]] found ‘a sizeable majority of the people' in favour of joining Malaysia. Although Indonesia and the Philippines subsequently rejected the report's findings – and Indonesia continued its semi-military policy of [[konfrontasi]] towards Malaysia – the report in effect sealed the creation of Malaysia.

==Developments==

Sabah's position within Malaysia was reinforced by the ruling made by the [[International Court of Justice]] for Pulau [[Sipadan]] and Pulau [[Ligitan]] to remain under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of Malaysia rather than [[Indonesia]]. However, Malaysia continues to consistently reject Philippine calls to bring the matter of Sabah's jurisdiction to the [[International Court of Justice|ICJ]].

==See also==
*[[North Borneo Federation]]

{{Sabah}}
{{Philippines political divisions}}

[[Category:History of Sabah]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Moro]]

Bajau

2006-01-10T10:33:20Z

Matthewprc:

{{Demographics of the Philippines}}
The '''Bajau''' are an [[indigenous]] [[ethnic group]] residing in [[Sabah]], eastern [[Malaysia]], [[Brunei]], [[Indonesia]]. the [[Philippines]] and parts of [[Sarawak]]. They are the second largest ethnic group in Sabah, making up 13.2% of the total population of the state. They were sometimes referred to as the [[Sea Gypsies]], although the term has been used to encompass a number of non-related ethnic groups with similar traditional lifestyles. The Bajau of Indonesia live primarily on the islands and in the coastal districts of [[Sulawesi]]. The outward spread of the Bajau seems to have been associated with the development of sea trade in [[trepang]].

Like the term [[Kadazan-dusun]], the term Bajau is a collective, used to describe several closely related indigenous groups. The many Bajau sub-groups vary culturally and linguistically, but are unified through their [[Sunni Islam]] religion of the [[Shafi'i]] school. Claims to religious piety and learning are an important source of individual prestige, and ''salip'' (descendants of the Prophet [[Mohammed]]) are shown special honour. Because of their nomadic lifestyle, some of the Bajau lack [[mosques]] and must rely on the shore-based communities. Among the boat-dwellers in particular, community spirit mediums are consulted at least once a year for a public [[séance]] and nightly [[trance]] dancing. In times of epidemics, the mediums are also called upon to remove illness causing spirits from the community. They do this by setting a "spirit boat" adrift in the open sea beyond the village or anchorage.

For most of their history, the Bajau have been a [[nomadic]], seafaring people, living off the sea by trading and subsistence fishing. The boat dwelling Bajau see themselves as non-aggressive people.　They kept close to shore by erecting houses on stilts, and traveled using ''lepa-lepa'', a handmade boat which many lived in. They are thought to have originated from the Philippines-Sulawesi coasts (although Bajau legends state that they originated from members of the royal guard of the [[Sultan]] of [[Johor]] who settled along the east coast of Borneo after being driven there by storms.

Many Bajaus of the east coast retain their seaborne lifestyle, together with remnants of traditional pre-Islamic beliefs. An example of this is the offering of thanks to the ''Omboh Dilaut'', the God of the Sea, whenever a particularly large catch is brought in. The east coast Bajau are also famous for the annual [[Semporna]] Regatta.

However, many Bajau have now chosen to leave behind their seafaring ways, and live entirely on land. They are primarily found on the west coast of Borneo around the [[Kota Kinabalu]] to [[Kota Belud]] areas. The west coast Bajau took to farming and cattle-rearing for a living, and have the nickname of “Cowboys of the East”, in tribute to their equestrian skills. Kota Belud has an annual ''Tamu Besar'' festival where the much-touted horsemanship of the Bajau is on display.

The Bajau people are also well known for weaving and needlework skills.

==External links==
* [http://www.mysabah.com/2005_tamu-besar/ Tamu Besar, Kota Belud]

[[Category:Ethnic groups in Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia]]

{{ethno-stub}}

Sleep Paralysis

2005-12-09T09:39:21Z

Matthewprc: /* Cultural references */

'''Sleep paralysis''' is a condition characterized by [[paralysis]] of the body shortly after waking up (known as [[hypnopompia|hypnopompic]] paralysis) or, less often, shortly before falling asleep (known as [[hypnagogia|hypnagogic]] paralysis). Physiologically, it is closely related to the normal paralysis that occurs during [[Rapid eye movement|REM sleep]], also known as [[REM atonia]].

[[Image:Fuseli_nightmare.jpg|thumb|280px|''[[The Nightmare]]'', by [[Henry Fuseli]] ([[1781]]) is thought to be one of the classic depictions of sleep paralysis perceived as a [[demon]]ic visitation.]]

Sleep paralysis occurs when the brain is awakened from a REM state into essentially a normal fully awake state, but the bodily paralysis is still occurring. This causes the person to be fully aware, but unable to move. In addition, this state is usually accompanied by certain specific kinds of hallucinations. This state usually lasts no more than two minutes before a person is able to either return to full REM sleep or to become fully awake, though the sense of how much time has gone by is often distorted during sleep paralysis. People who are fortunate enough to be facing a clock while having an episode may often be surprised to see how little time has gone by during an episode that seems to last a very long time.

More often than not, sleep paralysis is believed by the person affected by it to be no more than a dream. This is the reason why there are many dream recountings which describe the person being lying frozen and unable to move. The hallucinogenic element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as simply a dream, as one might see completely fanciful objects in a room alongside the normal vision one can see.

Many people who claim to induce out-of-body experiences say that sleep paralysis is a golden opportunity to leave the physical body.

==Accompanying hallucinations==
Many report [[hallucinations]] during episodes of sleep paralysis. The features of these hallucinations generally vary by individual, but some are more common to the experience than others:

'''Most common'''
* Vividness
* Fear
'''Common'''
* Sensing a "presence" (often malevolent)
* Pressure/weight on body (especially the chest). See for example the painting in the begining of this article, which is due to this phenomenon.
* Impending sense of doom/death
'''Fairly common'''
* Auditory hallucinations (often footsteps or indistinct voices, or pulsing noises). Auditory hallucinations which are described as noise instead of hallucinations of legible sounds, are often described to be similar to auditory hallucinations caused by [[Nitrous Oxide]] by persons who have experienced both.
* Visual hallucinations such as people or shadows walking around the room
'''Less common'''
* Floating sensation (sometimes associated with [[out-of-body experiences]])
* Seemingly seamless transition into full hallucinations or dreaming, also associated with out-of-body experiences
* Tactile hallucinations (such as a hand touching or grabbing)
'''Rare'''
* Falling sensation
* Vibration

==Possible causes==
Little is known about the physiology of sleep paralysis. However, some have suggested that it may be linked to post-[[synapse|synaptic]] inhibition of [[motor neuron]]s in the [[pons]] region of the [[brain]]. In particular, low levels of [[melatonin]] may stop the depolarisation current in the nerves, which prevents the stimulation of the muscles.

There is also a significant positive correlation between those experiencing this disorder frequently and those suffering from [[narcolepsy]]. However, various studies suggest that many or most people will experience sleep paralysis at least once or twice in their lives.

Some report that various factors increase the likelihood of both paralysis and hallucinations. These include:
* Sleeping in a [[supine]] position (facing upwards)
* Irregular sleeping schedules; naps, sleeping in
* Increased stress
* Sudden environmental/lifestyle changes

==Cultural references==
In [[India]], there are two thoughts. One of the signs of approaching [[Enlightenment (concept)|enlightenment]] is "witnessing sleep," that is to say, being seemingly lucid in sleep — such as with sleep paralysis. It was also believed within the movement that [[rakshasa]]s ([[Hindu]] demons) may assail those making strides towards their own enlightenment and the good of all mankind. The other thought is a female entity, called [[Mohini]] (a demoness from the underworld), comes into the night-time world by means of ascending through a deep well. She is enchantingly beautiful, yet simultaneously horrific, unearthly, and deadly. Like her British Isles counterparts, she also seeks a male lover and human genetic material, presumably for the purpose of bearing a hybrid demon/human child.

* In [[Japan]], sleep paralysis is referred to as ''kanashibari'' (金縛り, literally: "bound or fastened in metal": ''kana'': metal, ''shibaru'': to bind, tie, fasten")
* In [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], as a visit from the "old hag" (Ag Rog)
* In [[Mexico]], as ''subida del muerto'' (the dead getting on top)
* In [[Turkish language|Turkish]], as ''karabasan'' (black buster) and in [[Hazaragi]], as ''Syahi Zer Kado'' (pressing ink)
* In the [[Southern United States]], people have described it as "The witch riding your back"
* In [[Indonesia]], Javanese peoples called it "nindih" (To be seated upon)
* in [[the Philippines|Philippines]], Sleep paralysis is often associated with Bangungot.

The common belief in [[China]] is that a [[spirit]] or [[ghost]] is sitting or lying on top of the individual while they were sleeping, causing the sleep paralysis. This is thought to be a minor body [[possession]] by the forces from the dead, and usually doesn't cause any harm to the victim.

In [[medieval]] times of [[Europe]], attacks of sufferers of sleep paralysis may have given rise to the belief in [[mara (folklore)|mara]], [[incubus (demon)|incubi]], [[succubus|succubi]], other [[demon]]s and [[witchcraft]].

In traditional [[Russia]]n belief symptoms reminiscent of sleep paralysis were attributed to the anger of ''[[domovoi]]'', the home spirit, punishing people for bad husbandship or betrayal.

Some scientists believe that many supposed occurrences of [[alien abduction]], out-of-body travel, and other seemingly paranormal events may actually be due to misinterpreting the sensory effects of sleep paralysis.

Others have argued that sleep paralysis might be the point of separation of the "dream body" from the physical body and out-of-body travel then begins.

==Treatment in literature==
There is a particularly fascinating account of sleep paralysis in [[Herman Melville|Herman Melville's]] novel ''[[Moby-Dick]]''. Chapter 4 (The Counterpane) is an account of Ishmael's meditation on an episode of sleep paralysis in the middle of which he could not distinguish the difference between [[Queequeg|Queequeg's]] arm and the quilt. Indeed, he could not even distinguish the difference between his own body and his surroundings. He then recalls an earlier episode of sleep paralysis from his childhood, which he determines was the precise moment he discovered the feeling of "otherness" of his own body with respect to his surroundings.

==See also==
* [[Sleep]]
* [[REM sleep]]
* [[Hypnagogia]]

==References==
*Bower, Bruce (July 9, 2005). [http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20050709/bob9.asp "Night of the Crusher"]. ''Science News''.

==External links==
* Al Cheyne's [http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~acheyne/S_P.html Sleep Paralysis page]
*[http://www.csicop.org/si/9805/abduction.html Susan Blackmore on sleep paralysis]
* [http://www.skepdic.com/sleepparalysis.html The Skeptic's Dictionary entry on Sleep Paralysis]
* [http://www.here-be-dreams.com/sleep/paralysis.html Sleep paralysis] at Here Be Dreams
* [http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/paralysis.html Sleep information and links] from Stanford University
* [http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~acheyne/S_P.html Sleep Paralysis and Associated Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Experiences] from Waterloo University
* [http://www.csicop.org/si/9805/abduction.html Abduction by Aliens or Sleep Paralysis?] - <i>Skeptical Inquirer</i> magazine, May/June 1998

[[Category:Sleep disorders]]
[[Category:Forteana]]

[[de:Schlaflähmung]]
[[es:Parálisis del Sueño]]
[[fr:Paralysie du sommeil]]
[[ru:Сонный паралич]]
[[zh:睡眠瘫痪症]]

Bajau

2005-11-17T09:16:47Z

Matthewprc:

{{Demographics of the Philippines}}
The '''Bajau''' are an [[indigenous]] [[ethnic group]] residing in [[Sabah]], eastern [[Malaysia]], [[Brunei]], [[Indonesia]]. the [[Philippines]] and parts of [[Sarawak]]. They are the second largest ethnic group in Sabah, making up 13.2% of the total population of the state. They were sometimes referred to as the [[Sea Gypsies]], although the term has been used to encompass a number of non-related ethnic groups with similar traditional lifestyles. The Bajau of Indonesia live primarily on the islands and in the coastal districts of [[Sulawesi]]. The outward spread of the Bajau seems to have been associated with the development of sea trade in [[trepang]].

Like the term [[Kadazan-dusun]], the term Bajau is a collective, used to describe several closely related indigenous groups. The many Bajau sub-groups vary culturally and linguistically, but are unified through their [[Sunni Islam]] religion of the [[Shafi'i]] school. Claims to religious piety and learning are an important source of individual prestige, and ''salip'' (descendants of the Prophet [[Mohammed]]) are shown special honour. Because of their nomadic lifestyle, some of the Bajau lack [[mosques]] and must rely on the shore-based communities. Among the boat-dwellers in particular, community spirit mediums are consulted at least once a year for a public [[séance]] and nightly [[trance]] dancing. In times of epidemics, the mediums are also called upon to remove illness causing spirits from the community. They do this by setting a "spirit boat" adrift in the open sea beyond the village or anchorage.

For most of their history, the Bajau have been a [[nomadic]], seafaring people, living off the sea by trading and subsistence fishing. The boat dwelling Bajau see themselves as non-aggressive people.　They kept close to shore by erecting houses on stilts, and traveled using ''lepa-lepa'', a handmade boat which many lived in. They are thought to have originated from the Philippines-Sulawesi coasts (although Bajau legends state that they originated from members of the royal guard of the [[Sultan]] of [[Johor]] who settled along the east coast of Borneo after being driven there by storms.

Many Bajaus of the east coast retain their seaborne lifestyle, together with remnants of traditional pre-Islamic beliefs. An example of this is the offering of thanks to the ''Omboh Dilaut'', the God of the Sea, whenever a particularly large catch is brought in. The east coast Bajau are also famous for the annual [[Semporna]] Regatta.

However, many Bajau have now chosen to leave behind their seafaring ways, and live entirely on land. They are primarily found on the west coast of Borneo around the [[Kota Kinabalu]] to [[Kota Belud]] areas. The west coast Bajau took to farming and cattle-rearing for a living, and have the nickname of “Cowboys of the East”, in tribute to their equestrian skills. Kota Belud has an annual ''Tamu Besar'' festival where the much-touted horsemanship of the Bajau is on display.

The Bajau people are also well known for the weaving and needlework skills.

==External links==
* [http://www.mysabah.com/2005_tamu-besar/ Tamu Besar, Kota Belud]

{{ethno-stub}}
[[Category:Ethnic groups of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups of Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia]]

Bashistraße

2005-05-12T15:34:09Z

Matthewprc:

'''Bashi Channel''' is a strait between the Y'ami Island of the Philippines and Orchid Island of Taiwan (i.e., Republic of China). It is characterized by winy storms during the rainy period, that is, June to December. It is a part of the Pacific Ocean.