Harun Yahya: A few seconds or a few hours?

A FEW SECONDS OR A FEW HOURS?

Think about a typical holiday: after months of hard work, you have your two weeks' vacation and arrive at your favourite holiday resort after an exhausting eight hours' ride. The lobby is crowded with holidaymakers like you. You even notice familiar faces and greet them. The weather is warm and you do not want to miss one moment enjoying the sunshine and the calm sea, so without losing any time, you find your room, put on your swimsuit and hurry to the beach. At last, you are in the crystal-clear water, but suddenly you are startled by a voice: "Wake up, you will be late for work!"

You find these words nonsense. For a moment, you cannot grasp what is happening; there is an incomprehensible discrepancy between what you see and hear. When you open your eyes and find yourself in your bedroom, the fact that it was all a dream astonishes you greatly. You cannot ke ep yourself from expressing this astonishment: " I rode eight hours to reach there. Despite the freezing cold outside here today, I felt the sunshine there in my dream. I felt water splashing on my face."

The eight hours' drive to the resort, the time you waited in the lobby, in short everything related to your vacation was actually a dream of a few seconds. Though indistinguishable from real life, what you experienced in a genuine way was merely a dream.

This suggests that we may well be awoken from life on earth just as we are awoken from dream. Then, disbelievers will express exactly the same type of astonishment. In the course of their lives, they could not liberate themselves from the misperception that their lives would be long. Yet, at the time when they will be recreated, they will comprehend that the period of time which appears to have been a lifetime of sixty or seventy years was as if it were merely a few seconds' duration. Allah relates this fact in the Qur'an:

He will say: "What number of years did you stay on earth?" They will say: "We stayed a day or part of a day: but ask those who keep account." He will say: "You stayed not but a little, if you had only known!" (Surat al-Muminun: 112-114)

Whether it be ten years or a hundred, man will eventually realise the shortness of his life as the verse above relates. This is just like the case of a man who wakes up from dream bitterly witnessing the vanishing of all images of a nice, long holiday, suddenly realising that it had merely been a dream of a few seconds' length. Similarly, the shortness of life will most strike man when all else about his life is forgotten. Allah enjoins careful attention to this fact in the following verse of the Qur'an:

On the day that the hour (of reckoning) will be established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried not but an hour: thus were they used to being deluded! (Surat ar- Rum: 55)

No less than those who live for a few hours or a few days, those who live for seventy years also have a limited time in this world… Something limited is bound to end one day. Be life eighty or a hundred years long, each day brings man closer to that predestined day. Man, in reality, experiences this fact throughout the course of his life. No matter how long-term a plan he devises for himself, one day he attains that specific time when he will accomplish his goal. Every precious objective or thing deemed a turning point in one's life soon turns out merely to have been a passing whim.

Think of a boy, for instance, who recently entered high school. Typically, he cannot wait for the day on which he will graduate. He looks forward to it with unrestrained eagerness. Yet soon he finds himself enrolling in college. At this stage of his life, he does not even recall the long years of high school. He already has other things on his mind; he wants to take advantage of these precious years to ease his fears for the future. Hence, he makes numerous plans. Before long, he becomes busy arranging his forthcoming wedding, a very special occasion that he eagerly awaits. Yet time passes faster than he expected and he leaves many years behind him and finds himself a man supporting a family. By the time he becomes a grandfather, an old man now in declining health, he faintly recalls the events from which he derived pleasure as a young man. Grim memories do fade. The troubles that obsessed him as a young man interest him no more. Only a few images of his life unfurl before his eyes. The appointed time approaches. The time left is very limited; a few years, months or possibly even just days. The classic story of man, without exception, ends here with a funeral service, immediate family members, close friends and relatives attending. The reality is that no man is immune to this end.

Nevertheless, from the beginning of history, Allah has instructed man about the temporary nature of this world and described the Hereafter, his real and eternal residence. Many details pertaining to paradise and hell are depicted in the revelations of Allah. Despite this fact, man tends to forget this essential truth and tries to invest all his efforts in this life, even though it is short and temporary. However only those who assume a rational approach to life are summoned to clarity of mind and consciousness and realise that this life is not worth anything compared to the eternal one. That is why man's objective in life is only to attain paradise, an eternal place of Allah's benevolence and enduring abundance. Seeking the contentment of Allah with true faith is the only way to obtain it. However, those who try not to think about the unavoidable end of this world, and who lead a life in keeping with such an attitude surely deserve eternal punishment.

Allah in the Qur'an relates the awful end that will meet these people:

One day He will gather them together: (It will be) as if they had tarried but an hour of a day: they will recognise each other: assuredly those will be lost who denied the meeting with Allah and refused to receive true guidance. (Surah Yunus: 45)

Therefore patiently persevere, as did (all) Messengers of inflexible purpose; and be in no haste about the (disbelievers). On the Day that they see the (punishment) promised them, (it will be) as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a single day. (Yours is but) to proclaim the Message: but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress? (Surat al-Ahqaf: 35)

Jan 25, 2009

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety by Abdul Malik Mujahid

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety by Abdul Malik Mujahid Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. Please send us your feedback so that we can improve this article Insha Allah. Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic Makkah. Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine. Ask Him. He Listens: Dua Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi). The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God’s forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi). "Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56). Tie your Camel: Do your Part One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi). Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face. Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face. "Verily Allah does not change men’s condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11). Turn each worry into a Dua and each Dua into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction. Remember that human responsibility is limited While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played. However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path. Leave the world behind you five times a day Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you. Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article…ramadan page) Seek help through Sabr Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focussed struggle to achieve one’s goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. ‘We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances’ is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, He is. It is important to remind ourselves that we don’t control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God’s decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him. "God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255). The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse. Birds Don’t Carry their Food Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider)."How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60). "By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God’s Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran: "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3). God controls Life and Death If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran: "Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78). 9. Remember that life is short It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective. This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah! "… without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" (Quran 13:28). If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter. When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran. "And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…" (Quran 40:60) By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties. "Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" (Quran 2:152). Relying on Allah: Tawakkul When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips. Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing. "When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159). Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive". Connect with other human beings You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination. We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim). Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have. Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Pray in congregation (Jamat) Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster. 16.Work for the Unity of Muslims Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through. Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community. Sleep the way the Prophet slept End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night. Begin the Day on a Positive Note Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest. (Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem). The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself. The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love. Make the Quran your Partner Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations. "O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men’s hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57). Be thankful to Allah "If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7). Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily. Ideals: One step at a time Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time. Efforts not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah! http://www.soundvision.com/info/peace/stresstips.asp Another thing that helps with depression is regular exercise. Take a walk or a bike ride, do yoga, or play a sport. Exercise has a biochemical effect on the mood, so it's really worth trying, insha'Allah. However, a person who is severely depressed might need to see a doctor. Sometimes there is an underlying biological cause May Allah give all of us Shifa(cure) quickly inshallah! May Allah bless, forgive, and guide us all.

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08-27-2009, 12:48 AM

How to Keep the Al-Qaeda "Boogeyman" Alive...

create an "incident"...

How to create more reasons to keep the invasions going, in the inimitable, unmistakeable US wardog style... here

melancholia...

Gambar semalam...cloudy. Love the clouds here. Need to get me a DSLR...SOOOOOONNNN!!! The previous set was with handphone, this one is a basic cam...if only I had one of 'em canggih ones...sigh...soon...soon...

Kenapa ye...

baby milk cans are chained in supermarkets to prevent the desperately poor to steal milk to feed their babies, but those in charge of the safety of some nations ie: Generals, Defense Ministers (no one in particular) can get away with losing/stealing/selling air force jet engines...ie: robbing the nation's assets/from national coffers and get rewarded with full pensions/premierships (I mean shouldn't the top gun in charge resign even if he wasn't involved? isn't that what any normal public office holder would do for failing in his duties to keep track of assets under his stewardship?)

the message being sent is: crime does pay...only for the richest and most influential.

so you poor sods, get some better chain-cutters to feed your hungry babies, and learn how NOT to get caught, okaaay??

petang tadi, taman tasik keramat

DIS 18 — Parlimen perlu dibubar seterusnya diadakan pilihan raya umum jika kerajaan gagal mendapat kelulusan Bajet 2010 di Dewan Rakyat, Isnin lalu. Itulah kesan buruk gara-gara sikap ambil ringan, leka atau selesa di kalangan Ahli Parlimen Barisan Nasional (BN). more here

Iye..sebab ahli Parlimen sibuk memantat kot. Honeymoon lah katakan...constituents belakang kira.

Mana pergi tanggungjawab kepada rakyat yang mengundi?

Islamic FREEDOM FIGHTERS hack into CIA state-of-the-art Predator drones

(Peter Nicholls/The Times)

A US air force 'predator'

Chris Ayres

Predator drones used by the CIA against Islamic CIVILIANS have been hacked into by freedom fighters using nothing more sophisticated than a $25.95 (£16) off-the-shelf software, it was revealed last night.

Although the FREEDOM FIGHTERS were not able to control the $20 million aircraft, typically armed with Hellfire missiles and flown over the battlefields of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, they could watch live video feeds beamed back to US control stations through their electronic “eyeballs”.

The hackers’ success raises the disturbing possibility of the Predators being taken over and used to attack US or British forces, or perhaps even domestic targets. Although Predator aircraft are usually flown by remote control from thousands of miles away, some are kept for testing at US Airforce bases such as Creech, near Las Vegas.

Speaking off-the-record, senior American defence officials confirmed that the Predators had been compromised and admitted that the video feeds could give FREEDOM FIGHTERS critical information about US targets overseas, including buildings, roads, and other facilities.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the hackers were Iranian-backed Shias in Iraq, who used easily downloadable software, such as SkyGrabber, to capture the video feeds, which had not been protected by military encryption.

It is thought that the US military has known about the vulnerability of Predators for more than a decade but assumed that FREEDOM FIGHTERS would not be sophisticated enough to exploit it. Then in December 2008, the military apprehended a Shia FREEDOM FIGHTER in Iraq whose laptop contained files of intercepted video feeds. Seven months later they found pirated feeds on other computers in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon is now scrambling to encrypt all its Predator video from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Dale Meyerrose, a former chief information officer for US intelligence, compared the problem to criminals listening to police scanners. The Predator forms part of a growing arsenal of unmanned MASS MURDER WEAPONS that includes the Reaper and the Raven. Some of the latest Reapers have been fitted with a new, high-tech video sensor system which provides a wide-angle view of the battlefield.

About 800 French Legionnaires backed by 200 US special forces and Afghan soldiers have begun an offensive in a valley in Afghanistan where the Taleban killed ten French soldiers last year. French officials said that several American soldiers were wounded in the in the battle in Uzbin Valley, east of Kabul.

Nobel Piss Prize Goes to Black Ted Bundy

Obama Doctrine: Eternal War For Imperfect Mankind

Stop NATO

December 10, 2009

Obama Doctrine: Eternal War For Imperfect Mankind
Rick Rozoff

President and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United States Barack Obama delivered his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance address in Oslo on December 10, which has immediately led to media discussion of an Obama Doctrine.

With obligatory references to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi (the second referred to only by his surname) but to no other American presidents than Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy – fellow peace prize recipients Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter weren’t mentioned – the U.S. head of state spoke with the self-assurance of the leader of the world’s first uncontested superpower and at times with the self-righteousness of a would-be prophet and clairvoyant. And, in the words of German philosopher Friedrich von Schlegel, a prophet looking backward.

Accompanied by visionary gaze and cadenced, oratorical solemnity, his comments included the assertion that “War, in one form or another, appeared with the first man.” Unless this unsubstantiated claim was an allusion to the account in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible of Cain murdering his brother Abel, which would hardly constitute war in any intelligible meaning of the word (nor was Cain the first man according to that source), it is unclear where Obama acquired the conviction that war is coeval with and presumably an integral part of humanity.

Paleontologists generally trace the arrival of modern man, homo sapiens, back 200,000 years, yet the first authenticated written histories are barely 2,400 years old. How Obama and his speechwriters filled in the 197,600-year gap to prove that the practice of war is as old as mankind and implicitly inseparable from the human condition is a question an enterprising reporter might venture to ask at the next presidential press conference.

Perhaps delusions of omniscience is the answer. The Oslo speech is replete with references to and appropriations of the attributes of divinity. And to historical and anthropological fatalism; a deeply pessimistic concept of Providence.

Obama affirmed that “no Holy War can ever be a just war. For if you truly believe that you are carrying out divine will, then there is no need for restraint.” Then shortly afterward stated “Let us reach for the world that ought to be – that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls.” An adversary’s invocation of the divine is false, heretical, sacrilegious; Washington’s is true, unerring, sufficient to justify any action, however violent and deadly. As unadulterated an illustration of secular Manicheaism as can be found in the modern world.

Toward the beginning of his speech the first standing American president in ninety years to receive the Peace Prize acknowledged that “perhaps the most profound issue surrounding my receipt of this prize is the fact that I am the Commander-in-Chief of the military of a nation in the midst of two wars.”

Understandably he exerted no effort to justify one of the two wars in question, that in Iraq, but endorsed and pledged the continuation of the other, that in Afghanistan and increasingly Pakistan – while elsewhere speaking disparagingly of the European Crusades of the later Middle Ages.

Neither the Nobel Committee nor its honoree seemed inordinately if at all concerned by the unprecedented awarding of the prestigious and generous ($1.4 million) Peace Prize to a commander-in-chief in charge of two simultaneous wars far from his nation’s shores and in countries whose governments and peoples never threatened it in any manner.

In language that never before was heard during a peace prize acceptance speech, Obama added “we are at war, and I’m responsible for the deployment of thousands of young Americans to battle in a distant land. Some will kill, and some will be killed.”

With not a scintilla of national self-awareness, balance or irony, he also derided the fact that “modern technology allows a few small men with outsized rage to murder innocents on a horrific scale,” as he orders unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) linked by space satellites to launch deadly missile attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The central themes of Obama’s speech are reiterations of standing U.S. policy going back over a decade with the waging of war against Yugoslavia in early 1999 without United Nations authorization or even a nominal attempt to obtain one; that the U.S. and its Western military allies can decide individually and collectively when, to what degree, where and for what purpose to use military force anywhere in the world. And the prerogative to employ military force outside national borders is reserved exclusively for the United States, its fellow NATO members and select military clients outside the Euro-Atlantic zone such as Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Israel and Saudi Arabia of late.

What is arguably unique in Obama’s address is the bluntness with which it reaffirmed this doctrine of international lawlessness. Excerpts along this line, shorn of ingenuous qualifications and decorative camouflage, include:

“We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth: We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations – acting individually or in concert – will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.”

He offered a summary of the just war argument that a White House researcher could have cribbed from Wikipedia.

“[A]s a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their [Gandhi's and King's] examples alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: Evil does exist in the world.”

“I – like any head of state – reserve the right to act unilaterally if necessary to defend my nation.”

Evil, as a noun rather than an adjective, is used twice in the speech, emblematic of a quasi-theological tone alternating with coldly and even callously pragmatic pronouncements.

Indicative of the second category are comments like these:

“[T]he instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace.”

“A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda’s leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force may sometimes be necessary is not a call to cynicism….

“I raise this point, I begin with this point because in many countries there is a deep ambivalence about military action today, no matter what the cause. And at times, this is joined by a reflexive suspicion of America, the world’s sole military superpower.”

Comparing a small handful of al-Qaeda personnel to Hitler’s Wehrmacht is unconscionable. Whatever else the former are, they barely have arms to lay down. But Obama does, the world’s largest and most deadly conventional and nuclear arsenal.

His playing the trump card of Nazi Germany is not only an act of rhetorical recklessness, it is historically unjustified. There would have been no need to confront the Third Reich’s legions if timely diplomatic actions had been taken when Hitler sent troops into the Rhineland in 1936; if Britain and France had not collaborated with Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy to enforce the naval blockade of Republican Spain while German aircraft devastated Guernica and other towns and German and Italian troops poured into the country by the tens of thousands in support of Generalissimo Franco’s uprising. If, finally, Britain, France, Germany and Italy had not met in Munich in 1938 to sacrifice Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland to Hitler to encourage his murderous drive to the east. The same four nations met 70 years later, last year, to reprise the Munich betrayal by engineering the secession of Kosovo from Serbia, to demonstrate how much had been learned in the interim.

As to the accusation that many nations bear an alleged “deep ambivalence about military action” and even more so “a reflexive suspicion of America, the world’s sole military superpower,” it bespeaks alike arrogance, sanctimony, and an absolute imperviousness to the reality of American foreign policy now and in the recent and not so recent past. According to this imperial “sole military superpower” perspective, the White House and the Pentagon can never be wrong. Not even partially, unavoidably or unintentionally.

If others find fault with anything the world’s only military juggernaut does, it is a reflection of their own misguided pacifism and ingrained, pathological “anti-Americanism.” Perhaps this constitutes the aforementioned “threats to the American people,” as there aren’t any others in Afghanistan or in the world as a whole that were convincingly identified in the speech.

What may be the most noteworthy – and disturbing – line in the address is what Obama characterised as the “recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.” Lest this observation be construed as an example of personal or national humility, other – grandiose Americocentric – comments surrounding it leave no doubt that the inadequacies in question are only applied to others.

One would search in vain for a comparable utterance by another American head of state. For a nation that prides itself on being the first one founded on the principles of the 18th century Enlightenment and the previous century’s Age of Reason, that its leader would lay stress on inherent and ineradicable human frailty and at least by implication on some truth that is apart from and superior to reason is nothing less than alarming. The door is left open to irrationalism and its correlates, that the ultimate right can be might and that there are national imperatives beyond good and evil.

And if people are by nature flawed and their reasoning correspondingly impaired, then for humanity, “Born but to die and reasoning but to err” (Alexander Pope), war may indeed be its birthright and violent conflicts will not be eradicated in its lifetime. War, which came into existence with mankind, will last as long as it does. They may both end, as Obama believes they originated, simultaneously.

How the leader of the West, both the nation and the individual, has arrived at this bleak and deterministic impasse was also mentioned in Obama’s speech in reference to pivotal post-Cold War events that have defined this new century.

It is only a single step from:

“I believe that force can be justified on humanitarian grounds, as it was in the Balkans, or in other places that have been scarred by war. Inaction tears at our conscience and can lead to more costly intervention later. That’s why all responsible nations must embrace the role that militaries with a clear mandate can play to keep the peace.”

To:

“The belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it. Peace requires responsibility. Peace entails sacrifice. That’s why NATO continues to be indispensable.”

In proclaiming these and similar sentiments, Obama made reference to his host country in alluding to the war in Afghanistan: “[W]e are joined by 42 other countries – including Norway – in an effort to defend ourselves and all nations from further attacks.”

Again, threats are magnified to inflated and even universal dimensions. All nations on the planet are threatened and some of them – 43 NATO states and partners – are fending off the barbarians at the gates. It is difficult to distinguish the new Obama Doctrine from the preceding Blair and Bush ones except in regard to its intended scope.

It is a mission outside of time, space and constraints. “The United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms….America’s commitment to global security will never waver. But in a world in which threats are more diffuse, and missions more complex, America cannot act alone. America alone cannot secure the peace. This is true in Afghanistan. This is true in failed states like Somalia….And sadly, it will continue to be true in unstable regions for years to come.

“The leaders and soldiers of NATO countries, and other friends and allies, demonstrate this truth through the capacity and courage they’ve shown in Afghanistan.”

The U.S. president adduced other nations – by name – that present threats to America and its values, its allies and the world as a whole in addition to Afghanistan and Somalia, which are Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan and Zimbabwe. All five were either on George W. Bush’s post-September 11 list of state sponsors of terrorism or on Condoleezza Rice’s later roster of “outposts of tyranny” or both.

Hopes that the policies of Obama’s predecessor were somehow outside of the historical continuum, solely related to the aftermath of September 11, 2001, have been dashed. The rapidly escalating war in South Asia is proof enough of that lamentable fact. War is not a Biblical suspension of ethics but the foundation of national policy.

In his novel La Bête Humaine (The Human Beast) Emile Zola interwove images of a French crowd clamoring for a disastrous war with Prussia (“A Berlin!”) and a locomotive heading at full steam down the track without an engineer. Obama’s speech in Oslo indicates that America remains bent on rushing headlong to war even after a change of engineers. Veteran war hawks Robert Gates, James Jones, Richard Holbrooke, David Petraeus and Stanley McChrystal have stoked the furnace for a long run.

What I'm seeing and feeling...

Steven once said he would like to take a picture of what I'm thinking...these pictures I took at my place, the constantly changing colors... same place, different picture, never constant..maybe what we see and capture reflects what we are inside.

UMNO/BN 101

Wow...spend 600 million ringgit, make 15 billion ringgit...no tender, no nothing...I also want!

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — The DAP has urged the Najib administration to have an open tender for the proposed Matrade expo centre in Jalan Duta after the controversial RM628 million project was given to Naza TTDI in a building-for-land deal.

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said today documents for the project should be declassified if the government fails to re-tender the new expo centre, echoing a similar statement from party leader Lim Kit Siang.

“We call upon Datuk Seri Najib Razak to re-tender the project to select the best contractor or developer who could provide the highest level of services at the lowest possible price in the shortest possible time to ensure that the interest of the government is fully protected," Pua told reporters in Parliament.

Naza-TTDI, a unit of the diversified Naza group, will build the expo centre on a 13.1-acre site in Jalan Duta in exchange for 65 acres of state land at RM226 per square feet (psf) although the market value of the land could reach RM1.5 billion. The entire project will have a gross development value of RM15 billion, the developers said last week.

Late for a reason

Late. I'm always late for everything. Kids' school, appointments, everything.

Today I left early for my doctor's appointment at Pantai. I took the Duke so I wouldn't be late. I was 5 minutes away from the hospital when I made a wrong turn leading to Penchala (wherever the heck that is) despite the fact that I used the same route about seven times before.

I looked at the clock on the dashboard and the traffic jam I turned into and called the nurse. "I'm going to be late". "Doctor can't wait, he will leave by 2.45", she answered. Since it was 15 minutes to that and probably an hour to find my way out of that godforsaken place called Penchala, I said, "ok...tell him I took a wrong turn and won't make it in time".

I felt disappointed. I needed to see him. I suddenly felt "abandoned". Exaggerated as that feeling was, because it wasn't his fault anyway, I still felt "abandoned". So I drove around with tears in my eyes (well, it was hell week ie PMS week, so everything was doubly painful) for an hour trying to find my back home, when I ended up, OF ALL PLACES, outside the Bukit Kiara burial grounds. Eba. My father was buried there. I was speeding, and couldn't make the turn in time. I'm an autopilot kinda driver, so I exited somewhere and just drove by instinct and found my way back to the burial grounds. The first time I had come alone.

I suddenly missed Eba so much, I and couldn't wait to see his grave. There were rows and rows of new graves and his was lost in the huge maze. After 30 minutes of going round in circles, I went to the office to ask for the records. I lost his lot number I saved in my phone.

462. His was number 462. Found it.

The moment saw his name on the tombstone, I started crying. I missed him very much. I never got to see him when he passed because I was in the US when he died after his bypass. Hadn't seen him for 2 years. He called on the day he died from the nurses' station, a little lost from his major operation, and I managed to tell him I loved him very much and asked for his forgiveness. I didn't know he was going to die. He did later that night. We decided only my brother would come home from Scotland as he was the eldest.

And so, I had to deal with it alone. I was alone during the holidays then. My roommate had gone back for the winter hols. It was the 31st of December 1989. That was the day he died. It was such a beautiful blue sky day, that it felt so unreal. I was the apple of his eye, who hurt him a lot. But he stood by me anyway. And he was gone. I dropped all my winter classes. My professor and some good American friends offered to be there for me, but I didn't feel like talking to anyone about it.

He was the only one who believed in me. As I sat there by his grave, the tears fell hot and heavy and fast, and I prayed for him. Prayed for Allah to forgive him and my mother who is frail and half of herself after his death. I prayed for Allah to grant him Jannah and to forgive his failings and what he did not manage to accomplish. He was a good man. He tried his best. He was always kind to the poor and the orphans. He took good care of us, this illiterate man who came from Pakistan as a boy with his uncles...who struggled to earn a living, and ended up a successful trader. He and Ami gave us the love of books and learning.From illiteracy, he ended up having to wrest from us the latest Reader's Digest or Newsweek, having taught himself to read with the help of his uncles.

Eba, I'm sorry I got irritated as a younger child when you asked me to write your letters for you.

Eba, I miss our Sunday drives.

Eba, I miss hearing you get up so early in the morning and make your cup of tea.

Eba, I miss hearing your car drive up and reverse into out garage downhill at precisely 6.30pm.

Eba, I miss sitting on the swing with you in the evenings.

Eba, I miss you and I love you.

You are the only man who stood by me and really loved me. You took good care of us and Ami.

Ami, I so sorry I haven't seen you for the past month since you last stayed with me for Eid.

Ya Allah, please let me be able to see her this weekend.

Don't leave me with regrets.

I must go tomorrow.I can't wait for the weekend.

It could be too late.

But today...today I was late for reason.

I was late so I could be with my father again.

Dear friends

Aween, Zendra, Mamasita, Tommy, Capten Shariff, MM, Maryam Katherine, Kerpie, Marko, etc...you know who you are...I'm moving to a new blog...and opening it to invited readers only...so please leave your email addresses in my comment box, so I can mail you the new link.

Seronok sket ader freedom nak write as I please... :)

Thanks!

Journalism, the world's oldest profession...

Kepada editor2 news(toilet)paper Melayu dan lain2 kecuali Sun (yang melaporkan perkara sebenar)...tak malukah anda SPIN/PUTAR BELIT peristiwa jambatan runtuh yang mengorbankan nyawa anak2 tak berdosa dengan memilih untuk menyerlahkan fakta yang tidak ada kena mengena dengan sebab sebenar jambatan runtuh?

Saya terlalu jijik membaca bahagian yang terserlah mengenai bagaimana budak2 melompat di atas jambatan tersebut sejurus sebelum runtuh. EDITOR2 MABUK NAK JADIK BARUA PIHAK YANG SEBENARNYA BERTANGGUNGJAWAB MEMASTIKAN KESELAMATAN ANAK2 TAPI GAGAL???

PROSTITUTE JOURNALISM 101
KAMPAR: "Beberapa murid melompat dan menggoyang-goyangkan jambatan dan dalam sekelip mata saya terhumban dalam sungai bersama beberapa murid lain yang menjerit ketakutan," kata seorang murid yang terselamat dalam kejadian jambatan gantung runtuh di Kuala Dipang, dekat sini malam kelmarin. Berita Harian

Bukankah kem ini merupakan BRAINCHILD PM kita si Najib? Kem 1Malaysia??? Bukankan jambatan itu baru berusia 2 minggu?? Tak pakai logik dan perkiraan betul ker si kontraktor jahanam yang sepatutnya ANTICIPATE perlakuan kanak2 dan memastikan jambatan itu mengikut piawaian yang tertinggi??? Lompat sekali dah runtuh??? Wow...remind me to crawl over the next bridge very carefully.

Adakah selamat in the first place untuk meletakkan kem KANAK2 sebegini di sebelah sungai yang begitu besar dan merbahaya?

MEMANG JIJIK EDITOR2 YG TAK SEGAN2 MENGGUNAKAN MANGSA SEBAGAI PENYEBAB BENCANA ... PROSTITUTE JOURNALISM...

BEGITU TIPIKAL REAKSI...SALAHKAN MANGSA, SALAHKAN PENGGUNA, SALAHKAN WHISTLEBLOWER...

Jangan salahkan ketamakan, kerakusan dan kejelekan pemimpin/jentera kerajaan yang begitu tebal diselaputi najis rasuah dan sikap APATHY.

Oh tidak...pemimpin dan pemegang amanah tak berdosa...yg berdosa adalah budak2 yg belum baligh..nasiblah korang...korang ni anak2 rakyat biasa jer...10k cukuplah untuk ganti nyawa dan mengeringkan airmata. KAN???

Asalkan anak2 pemimpin semua selamat di sekolah2 elite di luar negara.

Betul tak wahai Perdana Menteri?

NB: Prostitute Journalism - the art of reporting/spinning/distorting news for the sake of a few ringgit

Israeli Exceptionalism

A major cause of Middle East turmoil

by Justin Raimondo, October 05, 2009

In the Washington Times, some astonishing news:

"President Obama has reaffirmed a 4-decade-old secret understanding that has allowed Israel to keep a nuclear arsenal without opening it to international inspections, three officials familiar with the understanding said. The officials, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they were discussing private conversations, said Mr. Obama pledged to maintain the agreement when he first hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in May."

This news story is an enigma wrapped up in what may be a misunderstanding, or even pure myth. To begin with, this alleged 40-year "secret understanding" is not very well understood. As Avner Cohen puts it in Ha’aretz:

"What exactly was agreed on by Nixon and Meir is in itself ambiguous. Although both leaders dictated the minutes of what had been said and agreed on, each had his or her own version of what had been said. American documents recently declassified indicate that about a month after that conversation, even Henry Kissinger, at the time Nixon’s national security adviser, was not fully aware of the exact details of what the two agreed on."

There’s no verification of this agreement in the Nixon Library, nor is there anything in the Israeli archives. We’re just supposed to accept it on faith that the U.S. government agreed to shield the Israelis from nuclear scrutiny unto eternity, without asking for anything in return. So unlike Nixon.

Full article here

Weddings and Funerals

Saya ada a few "wedding reception" to attend this month. Formal, tak leh bawak anak like a few others I'm attending. Takut spoil fantasy marriage mungkin. Sebab masa kawin tu semua masih di alam fantasi. Alam fantasi kentut busuk yang mekar mewangi seperti Chanel no.5. Suami tak hensem pun nampak hensem. Sebab mungkin kaya, berada dan melepak.

Saya tak tau hadiah apa nak beli. Sebab mereka tak suka hadiah murahan.Dan saya pokai.

Saya jugak tak tau baju apa nak pakai. The only baju labuci I have is my black jubah. Yang ade labuci biru kat tangan dengan hem bawah. Nanti saya pakai, macam nak pi kebumi orang (which is also true...marriage is like whacking the final nail on your coffin). Mereka semua hanya pakai baju2 labuci dibawa khas dari India. Kerlipan yang mengalahkan bintang Bollywood. Muka pun macam Bollywood starlet lepas keluar dari salon. Rambut pun lebih panjang dan ikal dari original. And they have the bored looks on their faces. Expressionless. Maybe their make-up will crack. Or THEYwill, if they decide to act human or normal like the rest of us poor slobs of housewives. Hair extensions? Saya tak tau. Saya pun perlukan extensions. Rambut saya tak seperti dahulu. Childbirth makes you mad as well as bald. Hormones. Blame it on the hormones. Which is a fact, actually. Tapi saya tak mau rambut orang mati on my head. Biarlah saya au naturel. Sebab when you wake up in the morning, no one looks like a Bollywood starlet. They will look like a Bollywood starlet with a serious hangover and dried drool. And no one can lie down forever, so their breasts look better. They have to get up sooner or later and make breakfast and scream at the kids to get the hell up already. And at the husband to fix the bloody lightbulb or the sink already. That's reality. Not the garden wedding fantasy crap.

Saya tak suka weddings. They make me sad and cynical (because I know reality will hit them smack on after the party ends and all the lovey dovey romantic gestures fizzle out).

Bagi saya, marriages remind me especially of funerals.

Maybe coz I'm mourning dead loves, lost promises, lost youth and lost beauty.

I guess...

I'm just an insanely jealous woman who can't bear to look at the happy couple.

But then again. We're all gonna die anyway.

Will it all matter in the end?

Quakingly Important Issue

Tremors crack 5 high-rise buildings in Klang Valley

2009/10/01

IPOH: Cracks appeared on five high-rise buildings in the Klang Valley due to tremors yesterday, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.

He said, however, engineers found that the cracks were not serious.

Inspections were carried out on the buildings as the occupants had complained to the Fire and Rescue Department of the tremors following an earthquake in Indonesia, he added.

There were no injuries and damage to properties, he told reporters after opening the Perak Science, Technology and Space Exhibition at the Indera Mulia Stadium here today.

An earthquake of magnitude 7.9 on the Richter scale rocked the city of Padang on the west coast of Sumatra at 6.16pm yesterday, causing tremors to be felt across Peninsular Malaysia, especially in high-rise buildings.

An aftershock measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in south Sumatra at 9.53am today, causing tremors in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

Since the last big quake in Aceh, some experts say that the shift in plates have moved us closer to the epicenter. We are only 350km away from the Sumatran fault line and massive damage has been reported in cities 400km away from epicentres. The earthquake last week was 7.9 on the scale and caused cracks (which buildings by the way? don't the public have a right to know?). The next big one is predicted to even more catastrophic that the almost 9 magnitude one that killed almost 300 000 people around the world. Imagine that one happening on the closest fault line to us. KL and Putrajaya are built on soft soil, which earthquake causes to liquefy into jelly, leading to buildings sinking and collapsing in a sec. Or millisecond. We do not have any laws requiring compliance to earthquake-proof structures. Read this report here.

Our houses are made up of masonry. Bricks stacked tightly. Sideways jolts would bring them down in a flash. I'm not sure what the steel bars within do. For reinforcement?

Here's a page out of Making Your House Quake Proof:
I saw a documentary on quake proofing existing buildings. They used the same kind of system for highrises. I don't know if a simple solution like this would work for our increasingly complex looking structures. I'm no architect...hahaha.

I'm just a concerned citizen who hopes the government will act before the fact. Before our good fortunes come to an end.

And all good things must come to an end. Especially when we are heedless.

And happily oblivious.

Robber State

I was going on my Raya rounds. And noticed that every housing area in KL and its outskirts and maybe even elsewhere is now like an Iraqi city US army checkpoint. Guards, gates, barriers, interrogation. I wish my residence guards were like the Gestapo/trigger-happy US army guys too, but depa pakai pas tangan. Angkat tangan, Chin Peng, Bentong Kali pun boleh pas. Apa lagi Indon2 naik motor. And the night guard sleeps. Coz he works two jobs. He leaves the barrier open and drools away.

I also read the paper today. A Mat Salleh was SHOT trying to save a 70 year old lady from snatch thieves. SHOT! They have guns now. An A student smashed her head in front of her mum, was comatose for a week, and died. Tak sempat ambik SPM. Because of snatch thieves.

Remember the two pregnant women who died earlier? And many others? My sister was also a victim. My husband and his two friends were ambushed at parang point by ice-maddened rempits, 200 metres from the Wangsa Link police station. Police tidur kot. Atau sama2 takut. Ah Longs terrorise two neighbors of mine, threatening our guards and residents and properties (tried to burn one house, or at least the trees...police said "aiyoyo...we also velly the scary one of these Al Longs!") Almost everyone we know is a victim of burglary. Or snatch thieves or rempit terrorists. THEY should be sent to Guantanamo. Leave it open for them.

I have a question.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THE IGP, HOME MINISTER AND PRIME MINISTER DOING ABOUT IT?

Meatloaf is yummy

Ramadhan leaves us...

And me
in tears...
for all that was not done
and all that was in vain
may I get another chance
next year...

To all my dear Muslims friends...old and new
Selamat hari Raya
Maaf zahir batin

Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum wa kullu ‘aamin wa antum bikhayr (May
Allah accept it from us and you and may you be well every year). Ameen

Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight

What if you or any of your loved ones is afflicted with neurofibromatosis type II and his/her sight has been severely affected? Would you have written a book about the condition to help raise funds for the very expensive surgery. Well, someone has done just that, not for another but for herself.




Yvonne Foong, 22, has neurofibromatosis type II, which has severely affected her sight and hearing due to tumours in the brain and spine. She is scheduled for an operation between 1 and 4 December 2009. The cost of surgery is USD44,000 or RM154,770, and the cost of staying in hospital for two weeks is USD915 or RM3219.
She has raised about RM10,000 of this and is hoping to raise the rest by republishing her book I'm Not Sick; I'm Just a Bit Unwell in English and Chinese. The books are now available in Malaysian bookshops and from her web site store. She is also selling T-shirts at bazaars and via her web site store. You can read about her surgery and donate to her fund here.

You can also help by sending on this meme. If you do, please follow these meme rules:

1. Create a blog entry titled "Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight"
2. List three things you love to see. Add in the picture of Yvonne's book cover. The URL is http://www.yvonnefoong.com/images/banner/my-story.jpg
3. End with the line, "Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com.
4. Tag 5 blog friends. Be sure to copy the rules, OK?
5. If you have a Facebook account, please check out Ellen's new invention, a "feme" pronounced FEEM, a meme designed for Facebook here. And if you want to blog about NF, that would be great too!

Three things I love to see :

1. My children
2. The blue sky
3. The rain

Zendra has tagged me for the Save Yvonne's Sight Meme.

Bloggers I'm tagging are:

Tok Senek of Dust in the Wind
Nadzrin of Silat Melayu the Blog
Mary Kate of La Vie Est Belle
Shah of Cakapaje
Lynn of Combat Loaded and Mission Ready

"Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com."


In fact if anyone else out there would like to meme or feme this - please feel free.
LET'S DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO HELP YVONNE.

Hari Raya: Sayu atau Gembira?

Dear friends,

so sorry if I haven't been able to reply to your comments, a bit kelam-kabut with unfinished work!

Hari Raya Bukan Hari Sedih

Disiarkan pada Sep 13, 2009 dalam kategori Dakwah |

oleh: Dr. Mohd Asri bin Zainul Abidin

Masyarakat melayu kita sering mengaitkan hariraya dengan hari kesedihan. Perkara ini diransang tambah oleh media kita. Apabila tiba hariraya, takbir raya ala melayu berirama sedih, alunan melodinya mendayu dan mengundang airmata, drama dan cerita dalam media akan dikaitkan dengan kisah-kisah sedih dan pilu, puisi dan lagu juga begitu. Apakah hariraya dalam Islam hari sedih, atau hari kemenangan dan kegembiraan?

Terlebih dahulu kita hendaklah tahu bahawa hari raya dalam Islam bukan sekadar tradisi atau cetusan idea mana-mana pihak, ia adalah syariat yang diturunkan oleh Allah dan ada hukum-hakamnya yang tersendiri. Di samping ia adalah hari yang Allah peruntukkan untuk kaum muslimin membesarkan Allah, kemenangan dan kegembiraan.

Read more here

Sakinah

I desire not

Love of another
Love of this life
Love for living

Pure, unadulterated Joy
nor
Fleeting Happiness,

Burning Passion
nor
Wealth,

Excitement
nor
Adventure,

Fame
nor
Victory,

Beauty
nor
Adornment


I seek only
as-sakinah
tranquility

the mother of all emotions.

The elusive Treasure

Sakinah
Islam is the religion of peace. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say and write in his letters to the chiefs of tribes in his time: "Aslim Taslam (Accept Islam and find peace.)"

Islam places great emphasis on inner peace. In the Qur'an, it is called Sakinah (inner calm and tranquility), Tuma'ninah (comfort of the heart, satisfaction and contentment) Sharh As-Sadr (understanding, openness of the chest, restfulness). Believers receive these gifts from Allah Almighty. In the most difficult situations, Allah mentions that He bestowed inner peace on the believers

Tuma'ninah
Regarding the Battle of Badr, Allah says: (Remember) when you sought help of your Lord, and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession. Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (8:9-10)

Sharh As-Sadr
Du'a of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him): (Musa, Moses) said: 'O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence). And ease my task for me. And loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue ( i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech). That they understand my speech. And appoint for me a helper from my family. Harun (Aaron), my brother. (20:25-30)


The italic excerpts from here

Guts, Instincts and Intuition

A well-known "unknown" cyber benggali celup (yang actually not benggali) and I were chatting this morning on facebook.

About trust.

Trusting your instincts. Especially in this virtual world. And in real life of course.

I find that my first instincts about a person are ALWAYS correct.

BUT, I often make the mistake of giving the benefit of the doubt to some to even when my first instinct/impression deep in my gut is " I don't really like this person", or "beware". Or "this person is not sincere". Don't let them in.

It usually turns out to be right.

By then, damage done. Caution thrown to wind.

Some people are just like that. I don't analyse a person every's move, word, intent like some perverted watchers I know who exist in the sidelines in this blogosphere. Kalah CIA. Atau Israeli intelligence.

I'm not that shrewd or cunning or clever at pretending to be what I'm not.

What you see is what you get. What I say is what I feel.

Unfortunately, not everyone is like that.

The world is full of pretense.

And insincerity.

Maybe I'm like that too to another. I don't know.

But I certainly do not play on others' miseries or misfortunes for my own benefit.

That much I know is true.

Instincts. Intuition and Guts

Morocco travelogue...

I went to Morocco with Jill and John...check it out...

What an absolutely beautiful country it is...

Thanks guys...(online pun ok la)

First you gotta dream...haha...laws of attraction...just like how my constant thoughts of Punjabi soul food last week, turned into reality last nite...when a lovely Punjabi Restaurant opened right at my doorstep yesterday, and I finally got eat aloo paratha, plain paratha, dhall turka, butter chicken, matter paneer, kashmiri pulao, raita and topped it off with gajjar halwa (carrot halwa with almonds)...50 bucks for four people..ok per...after an unsuccessful hunt for one in Setapak which was too dirty for my liking and the owner too oily-looking - which ended in my car whacking, deservedly, another car at the nightmarish Pekeliling roundabout. But in the end...I got the halwa like Mummy used to make. Who cares about a dent or five.



So Morocco, here I come...

Kids and Ramadhan...

I asked my kids to fold the clothes as I prepared food for iftar, washed the clothes and attempted a score of other tasks...the least they could do. After an hour, I peeked into the living room. Wondering why they weren't bickering over who folded what or who folded more...and found them passed out. Just like that.

Serious!



Sakit hati tapi nak tergelak lebih. Macam sepuluh hari tak makan. Tengoklah yang dalam bakul tu. Si Maryam, the youngest.

The inspiration behind U2's Vertigo ?

I was going to write something yesterday about supermarkets, vertigo and pantiliners after buka posa, which left some people wondering and leaving their own speculations...haha.

The world is so full of choices nowadays. Gone are the simple, carefree yesteryears, when you didn't have to worry and fret so much about anything. Much less pantiliners. We just had plain old sanitary napkins (what a demeaning term it is, eh? haha) for all our womenly troubles.

See, women are special. Their are like rainbows after a rainy day. When the sun comes out again. They decorate the clearing skies with a huge swash or colors. Even their bodily secretions are colorful. You have red, bright red, muddy red, brownish, brackish, yellowish, greenish, white, powdery, clear...hmmm...maybe even purple or blue? And smells...musky, earthy, dreamy, yucky, ewwwwy...etc etc etc. And they even taste different. Ok...I won't go into that. Leave that to the men and their tastebuds.

Popping into the supermarket is such an ordeal in itself this day and age. We have so many varieties of products that make your head spin. Eggs come in a dozen varieties. Grain-fed (I guess some are fed what? can't imagine), farmstyle, kampungstyle, townstyle, antibiotics-galore, antibiotic-free, enriched with omega 3s, omega 6s, selenium, and hey! I won't be surprised if they have one with uranium and we just bought it anyways because our eyes were smarting and seeing stars and our heads were already spinning (at least for the stress-induced vertigo sufferers like me) and so do oats (instant, quick cooking, slow cooking, regular cooking, old-style, new-style, no-style...gahhhh!). Veggies and fruits...organic, kampung, compost grown (ewww?), air grown, air flown, shipped, smuggled, pesticide-free, pesticide-ridden, etc etc... And fish. We have frozen (for years), defrosted, preserved as in formaldehyded, fresh, live, sea water, fresh water, murky waters, bla bla bla. Ditto for them cows and chickens. We have halal, non-halal, ayam katok, ayam kampung, ayam bandar, ayam pencen, ayam belum pencen, ayam dara, ayam dah tak dara, antibiotics -addled, growth hormone-pumped. Ditto meats. From India (always dubious to me like from China items...), from Australia (halal ka daging yang lembunya kena stun dulu sebelum sembelih), from Malaysia...all those different cuts and grades...Hoi! I just a one size fits all kinda cut, ok? I don't plan my menu a year in advance. Can't one cut fit all my different pots, pans and ovens and recipes? I just want them to be tender and not chewy and not have to spit out the beef and curse the pasaraya when I buka puasa, thus nullifying my already very tenuous fast.

Then we come to the toiletries. Not spared from the same trauma that makes the head spin (like when I'm drifting my Skyline GT-T...in my dreams...but that's an enjoyable kinda spin). Too many variations. I wanted to get some pantiliners yesterday. For my womanly needs. Plain and simple. And just walk out of the Giant supermarket and go home and prepare iftar for the kids. Instead, I ended up stuck at that aisle for over half an hour. I think it was the low blood sugar. Lowered my defences to the clever marketing ploys devised by these beneficiaries of women's bodily secretions. The choices were suddenly overwhelming.

Always Dri-Liners™ Pantiliners (and the others are always not so dri?)

• Dri-Weave™ — Helps keep moisture away for an everyday clean feeling (so we can wear it for more than a few days?)
  
• LeakGuard™ Core — Pulls fluid into the middle of the liner and helps lock away odors (sounds like a reactor core meltdown scenario designed radioactive leak guard)
  
• Unique Side Protection Zones — Uniquely designed to keep fluid from the sides and to help keep you protected every day(dri-weave, leakguard, side protection zones...hey! we just wanna keep dry and not have any gooey stuff running down our legs...all these trademarked terms sound like what Mercedes offers to the occupants of its cars, like a passenger crush protection zone...never knew we needed rocket science to deal with womenly issues (literally))
  
• Edge-to-Edge Adhesive — For great stay-put protection (of course we always want the liner to stay put...that's a non-issue, a given we ALWAYS want a liner to do just that...we do not want the liner to suddenly make its way out while we are waiting at the checkout line or at a buka puasa function and have people staring at the thing on the floor in our wake, kan?)
  

Always Thin Liners (and pantiliners are not? some people want bulky ones? might as well go get a pad then, kan?)

• Soft Cover — Gives you that comfortable feeling every day(some days we don't want comfort, I guess)
  
• Edge-to-Edge Adhesive — For great stay-put protection
• Individually Wrapped — So you can carry them discreetly(yeah, like we wave it it people's faces anyway everyday? I guess they have other types that are for the indiscreet ladies?)
  
• Flexibility — uniquely designed to move with you all day(yes, definitely, any woman wouldn't want to walk around with a plank between the legs)
  
• Thin Breathable Layer — Helps keep you dry( oh, I guess it could double as a mask in pandemic areas)
  

Always Flexi Style (and the others are ramrod straight so you have to walk kengkang, is it?)

• Our thinnest most flexible protection (yes, the the scales are already so cruel, don't add on anymore unwanted kilos on us women)
  
• Wrap around edges — Unique edges that fold under to fit multiple panty styles (for the thong groups...who right in their minds enjoy their butt cheeks being strangled daily wearing these thongs anyways...remember that "panty stuck in- between" feelings when we were kids...I don't wanna experience that at this age...I just want comfort...not hang myself or sun my butt in Rio for an all-over tan)
  
• Soft Top Layer — Designed for a comfortable feeling every day (who likes anything hard between their legs anyways...duhhh...oh, ok...maybe in other situations...but not when one wants to go to the office)
  

Then you have the Kotex brand:

They give us...

Unscented

Scented (ever smell bodysweat/underarm odor mingled with scents? like it helps?)

Odor Absorbing, Extra Coverage ( to absorb odor, just use baking powder, cheaper...I'm always amused by "extra coverage" ...does that mean it outdoes the Maxis and Celcom and can double as a mobile phone in emergencies?)

Extra Coverage, Protection Accrue (I though only interest accrued...didn't know it applied to bodily discharge too)

Ultra Thin Ultra Compact, Regular Unscented (anymore Ultra Thin and Ultra Compact and we would be buying air packaged as liners to gullible women)

Ultra Thin Ultra Compact with Wings, Regular Unscented (so they can fly? everyone/thing can fly, not only Tony Fernandes)

Wrapped, Long (why not just wrap them all individually...easier on everyone kan?)

Wrapped, Maximum Protection (for maximum protection, just get an adult diaper for heaven's sake lah...no much a liner can do for cases of severe incontinence...like women are gonna know just how the childbirth ravaged bladder muscles are going to embarass them today...ie: try having a sudden sneezing attack on a full bladder in a jam-packed LRT, standing, without time to flex those necessary muscles...men flex outwardly...show offs...women, on the other hand, are the masters of inward flexing)

The list went on. And on. There were other brands. Carefree (has so many degrees of dryness factored in...the brand name is a MISNOMER ie: for the carefree, couldn't care less woman) Sofy, Whisper, Kao, Stayfree, ete etc etc. each with at least 5 or more variations.

I couldn't for the life of me find "REGULAR". I just wanted a regular liner, OKAY???? That's all.

My head spun, and I picked something which I vaguely recognised...it had unscented, long, maximum, light, wrapped and God knows what else...but it also had the magic word. REGULAR. Plain old liner.

Thank God.

And then there was the checkout line. Long, long, long, lines. Crowds. People. More people. Suffocating types with 10 kids, granmas, granpas, uncles, aunties, god-fathers, god-mothers, mistresses etc etc. Malaysian-style. Every day is whole family day in the marts.

There was one line for cash, one for credit cards, one for MEPS, one for more than ten items, one for less than ten items, but NONE for stress-induced (even anxiety comes in a hundred different variations and labels nowadays) vertigo and claustrophobia sufferers who just needed to grab their needs, throw the money at the cashier and jump into the safe haven of their car and drive off sane and in one piece.

Here. U2's Vertigo. Take a listen. Any mention of pantiliners?