Out Loud

dream or thinking

2012-01-15T11:47:00.001+08:00

People are scare to dream especially we as Malay. They create a traditional story about Mat Jenin that died because he is dreaming while completing his job. This create a significant stigma in Malay culture thus we forget to dream.

To me, I'm too affected with this story but now I really believe that this story should be remove from Malay traditional literature, and create new one, we called as Dare to Dream.

If dream is not significant, why we found it as crucial discussion to remark the beginning of the journey of Nabi Yusuf.

When I was still in my school uniform, I met SN A Samad Said at A&W. Ok, to be fair, I saw him not actually meet. He was sitting on a table with a cup of drink. He was staring at empty space and sit there for hours. I was there of course to pack meal on my way back home from my boarding school. I was amazed of what his doing, not admire but think what was actually he doing. Killing time I presumed. My conclusion at that time, he must not have anything to do, that why he can just sit there.

Now, I'm a writer myself (self proclaimed) know that, it is crucial to dream or more intellectual term, thinking. And now, I have conviction that what ever you dream, you will get it in the future. No doubt. InsyaAllah, with Allah wills.

It is about 6 years ago I wrote about compost activities in one of my short story. That story won a place in 50th commeration of Malaysia independent day organized by DBP. When I was writing that piece, I only imagine how to do it. What will be the sequence of activities involved. I also imagine the odor and the sweat to complete the task. That was my dream.

Today I have the oppurtunity to materialized that dream. Instead of imagining, I do it by myself and experience things which before only appear in my head. It took me 6 years, but still I live to see the dream come true. The bad smell I imagine in my head, is now tangible. The natural ingredient to produce natural fertilizer composted with my very eyes. The compost can be used to my plants and benefit them fairly. And the sweat, that come out from my body, taking it toll. It is easier to write then to do it.

What is more important, my friend now thinking to make it as an academic research. Beautiful isn't it? Have a dream, and witness it to come true.

How about you? I know that somehow, what ever you have now, you must dream it before. Without you know it, it is now in your hand.

I must have had dream before, that one day I walk with you side by side and watch you smile.

They said...

2012-01-11T14:09:00.003+08:00

They said, the sweetness of living when you're fighting. Only then you will feel alive even at the end you're dead.

I said the sweetness of living when you're fighting for the ultimate truth. Because when you die, you still alive because martyr is never ever die!

I'm lucky because I meet in flesh a man saying this out loud even the whole world against him. He said, why bothered, at the end not these peoples will judge you, The Justice is.

And I'm buying.

Unlimited Energy

2012-01-08T15:23:00.003+08:00

One day I met my long lost teacher. He is a man with wisdom, indeed a scholar. He said, "it is very crucial for us to get best education and great role model at the early stage of our life, especially during teenagers."

Definitely I will agree with him, no objection.

"You never know what they can do for you. During those days when you're younger, their saying seem don't makes any sense. But then years pass by, their words echoes in your ears. These words guide you. You follow them without any hesistation. Then you yourself will becoming a great person."

I asked him how this happen? What is actually great people can do to the young.

"At that time you're being condition. Only when you listen and believe. Their energy are enourmous. No limit no boundaries. You're actually benefitted from their energy. And you know energy cannot be destroy right?"

I nodded.

"Then, why hesitate. Go study overseas. There a lot of oppurtunity to learn from great people with the best education system."

I look at him sincerely and said, "I do not need to study abroad, I already have you as my teacher."

New Motivation

2012-01-05T18:05:00.003+08:00

Welcome to the new year of 2012. The number seems so familiar and brings some fear. Am I a paranoid?

It been sometime I don’t update this blog, which I don’t want to make any excuses to justify. Now I’m convinced that as a human we actually don’t have any excuses. We don’t have to provide reason(s). You are a free will being, which there are only two answer either you wanted to do it or not. That will be your call and your choice.

Simple example, if you are about to read some reading material for school revision. At the same time you have your cutting edge smart phone or tablet near you. Instead of reading, you are focusing your energy to read all Facebook’s status updates or play Angry Bird. Is there anyone forcing you to do so? The answer is no.

The moment you take your smart phone and indulge with internet entertainment that is your own choice. The next day your teacher is asking for your works. You start to make excuses (helping mother to do the housework chores, have to baby sit brothers and sisters, terrible headache, etc). You are the master of your own body and soul, why blame others for things that you done.

It same goes to me. I don’t have any excuses not to write in this blog. But, at this point I do feel regret not to put my commitment. I started this blog with a very good intention. I even name this blog with other names which are BUA (Blog untuk Adik-blog for my brothers and sisters) and PUA (pesan untuk Adik - a reminder to my brothers and sisters). I’ve mentioned that eventually if it is turn to my time to leave this world, and I really don’t have any tangible materials things to give to my only little brother. If I do have, it wills not enough to make him happy.

So I make this blog, to extend my thought and feeling. Hopefully I write beneficial things for my brother to take good attention to it, contemplating and make right decision in his life. My motivation at that time was, my brother lost his father (my father too) at very young age, at 17. He was a few months to take his big exam, SPM, but fate never knows boundaries and limitation. When he lost his father at very young age, I know that he will never really know what our father looks like. He will never know that our father love him so much, and because of that he get all the attention. So I do write a lot of my father in this blog. At the end he will knows that our father is a great father. He will never die because he lives in our blood and DNA.

But the story of life never evolves in one single family. It is the story of humanity that relate to most of us. We share the same feeling and hopes. So I share with my other sisters and brothers who read this blog. Hope in some way, this blog will have meaning to others.

I have new motivation now.

Number 1. I'm going to take my English examination, so this is a part of the trainning. Rather than to write thing which is way to common (as suggested inside text books), may as well I write things which is important that touch me inside out. Things that I want to remember, meaningful and to keep the feeling. Now I know that, we can actually capture feeling between lines in writing. Really. Whenever I revisit old entries, most of the time I cried unwillingly. When I read others blogs, sometime the same things happen. Tears can't stop flowing and l'm not forcing.

Number 2. I just come accross this kind boy which say a good things in comment box. Jazakallahu khairan katsiran. This is what he said:

I'm flattered and gratefull. But that is not the biggest motivation. I'm surprised when I visit Harith blog's, he just a teenagers yet full of conscience. I wish when I'm a teenager, I have the same attitude. Then, I know I can become a better grown up. But of course, each of us have our own orbit. That suit us the best, and we should be thankful everyday. Alhamdulillah.

Number 3. Conviction. I have been introduced with this words years ago. But I never take heed. It just a word. But every word has it own weight. This word is heavy. In simple term it might define as believe and in Malay we defined it as percaya. Conviction is a fixed or firm believe. When you been convicted no one can change your decision, action, mind. You will not care for what people will say, or what ever the outcomes will be. You just convinced! I just come back from my pilgrimage for 43 days. My friends said that I've gone too long, but to me, it just only for a short while. I'm convinced that writing is essential to me. It is part of my life, I've been conditioned to become a writer even I never know if there are any people read my piece.

InsyaAllah. May Allah grant me the things I need to be consistent.

As to become as what Harith said, trying to change to become better Muslim.

Carrying the Weight of Your Name

2011-06-24T06:46:00.006+08:00

Only recently it comes to my understanding (deep understanding), that every word contains meaning. Each word means to describe physical appearance, detailing (color, texture, and shape), behavior and lot of things beyond my capabilities to describe.

Let try one quick experiment. When you read ‘cat’ what is the thing that appear in your mind?

Perhaps, the same things that appears in my mind. We will imagine an animal, full with fur, whiskers, purr, and cute, lovely, sharp teeth and have claws. Name the details we might imagine the same. For those who are very much in contact with cats, they probably can imagine in more detail. For example the most famous cat in the internet is Maru (from Japan), cat dislike when we touch their feet, they will sound a specific sound when they see lizards, etc, etc.

That is how word contains meaning and this meaning is very specific.

That is how I now really understand the importance of the knowledge been given to Prophet Adam. Prophet Adam was thought the knowledge to name things, in scientific term as taxonomy. It is look like very simple but has strategic role and value in it. With this knowledge, Prophet Adam has been elevated to superior level to compare with the angels. Then the angels were asked to prostrate before Adam.

Isn’t it a beauty? The knowledge to name things is very significant to human being, so only then we can discretely identify things.

Now, how about your own name? Isn’t it comes from a good word. It is very rare that our parent will name us with bad name (word) aieee? So, your name will act on similar basis. The word itself contains meaning, and that is actually a prayer from parent to their children. They want you to become good, as the name accompany you along the way.

Again, let try one quick example.

Joseph (Yusof), is the name of a prophet. He is very handsome man, kind hearted, superb and brilliant leader, visionary, wisdom and virtue, the keeper of the knowledge of dream interpretation and so on. But the word describe Joseph that is common to people is handsome. So, you will bring the weight of this name, to become handsome and have charismatic appearance to other people.

…and Muhammad. The name is reflection of praise. And now we do know that our Prophet Muhammad sawa is worthy of praise, reflect to his name, as what Allah Himself ask us to do. Every morning, day and night to praise his name, when we perform prayer, when we are about to make supplication to Allah, we will praise Prophet Muhammad names, as adab in prayer, and to seek for intercession by his name.

Subhanallah. Again, isn’t it a beauty.

I’m struggling all these years to find the literal meaning of my name. Unfortunately, I’m the only children carrying a name without a literal meaning in it. Sad? I tell you the truth, yes, I’m quite sad. I searched the meaning of my name in many books (name and its meaning) and I bought Arabic dictionary to find out by myself for the sake of my doubt. Maybe my name is too unique so that it can’t find it way inside name book. But definitely my name is common. There are peoples with my name even though I’ll agree it is not too many. So I search the root word in Arabic dictionary. Not a single Arabic character match with my name written in Arabic (I’m using Al Marbawi dictionary).

To be true, I’m sad with this. I’m always this question inside my head, why my parent did not named me with a name that associate with literal meaning in it. While my other siblings do.

But now I know this realm, somehow I don’t have to carry the weight of my name. There will no expectation, generalization, specification and identification. Considering this aspects, this is good, doesn't it?

But I have a name and it is now open to give literal meaning for who I am. And I will, define it with a good meaning, by Allah will, by Allah will, InsyaAllah.

You, whom been given with a name with meaning, you’re carrying the weight of your name. Live it to the expectation, because you are…the name.

My Father

2011-06-20T06:36:00.004+08:00

I seldom talk about my father, even I do sometime write about my father in this blog and my other blog. The thing is, I always wanted to be what I am, without people think and say; how come she can’t get all of that achievement, her father was him.

I’m reluctantly to be overshadowed by my father. But the truth is, I’m always my father’s child. If one day I should have an academic name, my name should be known as, Alias, A.

I’m very much selfish right?

Yeah, no matter how I think, I know that my father have a lot of impact and influence in me, making me who I am. Believing what I am. Most of the things I do are to prove to him I am worthy to be his child. I have his quality, his talent, his wisdom and all. Yeah, I’m very much struggled to be him, even I only get just a partial of his talents. The rest rests inside my other siblings. That is why I can’t do music and painting. I only can write but still I’m struggling to be at par of my father’s talent.

We seldom talk, because he was the man of action. He showed his love by action. Always make his family as number one priority rather than to satisfy his own needs and to indulge in his works. That is sacrifice to me. For a person who very much involve in literature and writings, composing music and play instruments, color and painting, he just let everything go for the sake of his family; that’s a lot of sacrifices to do.

I’m thinking if one day people ask me to stop and give up writing, I will apparently get mad and go crazy. That is too much in asking.

But my father was like that; a man of action, a man that knows his priority, a man without words, but plenty of beautiful words inside his heart. A man who are willing to sacrifice everything, to make sure we are born in this world, sharing the beauty lies in this Earth, spend every penny he had to make sure we learn and be independent, although we always hurts his feeling. How can a man can do this much?

Yes, I’m very much selfish. I never told my friends that my father was a writer, very good writer in fact. Because of his humbleness, we never actually read his published works neither see certificate of his achievement. Some of us have the privillage to read, but most of us not. That goes to his other masterpiece in song writing, composing, mastery in musical instruments, script writing, screen play and other artworks. He keeps it for his own to remember. Or now I believe that, he keeps it so that we will choose our own path without being burden to follow his footsteps. How can a man, sacrifice up to this extreme extend?

For a man, it is very much important for us to see, one or two of our child resemblance us in achievement and attitudes, but not my father. He kept everything away, so that we can be raise and believe you are good for what you are, you can choose the path that you like, you never have to become a teacher same like me, you can always be anything you like, you don’t have to have any art abilities and to perform it well, you can always be what you want to be.

That was and is my father.

I kept the fact I was raised by a father like his kind away from my friends and teacher knowing. I want them to believe that I perform base on my original talent. Even if my father still alive, he will let me to do that. I’m being selfish, I know. But deep inside my heart, I know that I can’t get anywhere farther from him, because he was my father, whom I love so much.

I keep it as secret because I’m still not yet at par with his achievement. How can I declared to crowds he was my father, if I’m still not worthy to be mention. And I still am, not worthy to be mention. But I can’t wait anymore. I’m afraid the time (where I’m worthy to be mentioned) never come.

But today, as my heart grows bigger missing him, I know that I just can’t keep it anymore. Whatever I do, it is a struggle to be like him. I hope that one day when I have the guts to mention, I already be somebody. So that people can see, the person that shaped me well and loves me unconditionally was him. He was my father who always there for me even he did not have any words to speak with me. But throughout the years, when he still alive or when he has already gone, I know that he speaks loud and clear, with the blood that circulate inside my body and vein. I heard him now, so clear and precise.

My father, Alias bin Haji Sulaiman (1932 - 2004), a teacher.

I’m indebted to him for all my life. Thank you for having me, love me still even I’m not a very good child to you, whom called me with my full name over and over, never my short name. Knows what make me happy and what I like, care about my well being.

Ayah, thank you to criticize me sincerely even you love me so much. You did that in order I’ll be guided and will not response to false praise.

Ayah, thank you to scold me when I’m not using both hand when I used the computer.

Ayah, thank you making me keep repeating Al Fatihah over and over until I know where to place the alphabet (makhraj huruf) and used the correct tajweed.

Ayah, thank you to teach me how to make ketupat’s cover, both ketupat sate and bawang.

Ayah, thank you to teach me how to cut vegetables correctly, and eat with pleasant heart my bad cooking.

Ayah, thank you for teaching me how to choose. You have made me understand to use systematic approach to choose when it is too hard for me.

Ayah, thank you to show us right and wrong, to uphold virtue, values and wisdom. Still giving even you have nothing. Being humble and sincere, and be a great father to me.

Ayah, thank you watching me straight at my face. I know that you wanted to say goodbye that day, a day before you’ve been released from this world. I still remember you face at that moment, and will be, towards the eternity. InsyaAllah.

Ayah, thank you for believing in me, bless me, forgive me, love me, only then I can be who I am.

Ayah, even you never heard this, I love you.

Happy Fathers Day to Ayah, Abah.

To all fathers out there who had sacrificed a lot for the well being of your children.

Yes of course, to you too, Cikli, Hans Words, Empangan Jernih, Cikgu, Anak Bumi.

(Thank you Ayah for looking straight to the camera, so we convinced that you're still watching.)

Al-Fatihah.

helping others

2011-06-14T06:56:00.002+08:00

I just learned from a respected scholar quoting Zig Ziglar, in order for you to succeed in everything you do and hope for, you need to help others. He means others not for a few people, but a lot of them.

He, well, a renown scholar which I recently met, a muslim but believing what Ziglar said as true word of wisdom and worth practising. Of course, seeing him in front of my eyes with list of achievement, awards, recognitions, iconic in his field, well, I really can't write all, as a living prove for what Ziglar actually mean.

Of course this best practices can be found in Muslim book of wisdom, Al Quran which requires us to do the same. Almost every verses related to solah (prayer) will be accompany with the act of giving to others.

'Aqimussolah wa itauzzakah'

I only read that verses as it's literal meaning. But when I can organized my thinking system, then I believe we should give to others as much as we perform solah.

Well, helping others is a big word for someone that only think for himself. Someone who seek for personal achievement rather than aiming for community to prosper.

I believe in Quranic verses. I see this scholar's pile up achievements and still increased every year. I know that he is not helping others to have want he want. He already have everything.

I'm thinking of myself, can I do the same?

Just sharing thought

2011-06-10T12:13:00.004+08:00

I really don't remember when was the last time I write in this blog, sharing things with you. Perhaps my cliche excuse is limited time (I don't really have time to write, duhh, that is really lame excuse), but the real thing is I'm draining out energy and drive.

There are a lots of things happen concerning the world: the environment, the political issue, the mass movement in Arabic peninsular, global warming, the next lunar eclipse, next and coming election, and of course concerning my own universe; but sadly, I still can't write.

Now I learn that, you yourself can change routine and habits, not to mention what you actually believe that you can't do, but definitely you can. It is very simple to change, and surprisingly, you will have the energy and drive to complete the tasks and change your lifestyles.

It is simple. You just only need to re-defined priority and set your goal.

When you have done that, you will find that your body is full with the energy you need.

Then, your body, physical, mind, soul will respond to it. Without knowing how, you be able to complete tasks and succeed.

I never know it is easy to change things, until today. As simple as by setting priority and goal. But, of course you need to mean it. As I'm still not that good, I need extra motivation to wake me up.

I think I find one, insyaAllah, I hope at the end all ends well.

Need to change? Just re-defined your priority, InsyaAllah, with His mercy, He will grant you with the energy and drive to succeed.

Let do it together. Chaiyyok.

(see, I already write a new entry).

Alangkah Lucunya (Negeri Ini) (ALNI)- Indonesia

2011-01-26T19:19:00.005+08:00

It is quite sometimes that I watched any parody film like this. But to tell you the truth, it has been written well and superb cast by Deddy Mizwar, Rahaedjo Slamet and 3 other young actors and actress.

It is a story of Muluk, well educated young man. Graduate with master in management, but failed to find any job that suit to his qualification and ability in management. Accidentally meet with a young boy that work as pickpocket. This boy then brings Muluk to his headquarters and introduce to his boss and colleagues. Surprisingly, Muluk offer the outlaw society a management service to manage their activities, income and education. He also promises the boys one day, they will be able to upgrade their profession from pickpocket to entrepreneurs. As a return, Muluk will be pay with 10% of their income. So this strange mutual relationship begins.

Muluk invite his jobless friend Shamsul (Master in Education) to teach the boys basic things in education such as write and read, and on top of that, the importance of education. Muluk also invites jobless Pipit as a religion teacher to teach them right and wrong in life, so that they will become a better person.

This three young man and women work side by side for one objective, so that the outlaw boys will one day stop from pickpocket and earn pure (halal) money.

There are a lot of ironies being portray, at the same time still fun and funny to watch. Critics to politician, corruption, unequal distribution of wealth, education, management system, unemployment graduates, the future of young generation that has been left behind and too many to list, make this film worth to critics.

This film is parody because it will let the audience to question, will common values that been uphold by society still relevant, or we need new definition? Or there is nothing wrong with the values, only the government and society too blind to see that made bad things look good, and vice versa.

Will, its a mix feeling. But overall, ALNI is worth watching. You will enjoy with the movie and at the same time, being educate.

Fantasy Couple (Oppsss! I did it again)

2011-01-20T21:23:00.004+08:00

Well don’t blame me. It is all of my friend bad behavior that made me caught with this addiction again. Yes, again it is Korean drama (I thought I might known some of Korean words know, Sarang Hae, Kurae, Anya, Jjangmyun, Kummawa, Chuwwa, Pollita, Othocajo, Kimchi, Ahjussi, Ahjumma, Unni, OMG I’m I that addicted?). But this time around when I’m attached with Fantasy Couple drama it really makes me looks and sound really pathetic. Now that I know that, even I wanted so much not to have any relation with Korean drama, past or present, this drama really shows that I know every catch of Korean drama. Seriously, I never thought about this before (that’s really make me not so cool anymore – yeah assuming that I’m super heavy material person that read, eat, sleep, watch, learn philosophy – yet soaked with Korean drama – how pathetic).

Before that, it is a really a rally. Beginning with You’re Beautiful, Boys over Flower (with F4 in it) and the last one Fantasy Couple (will you believe me this will be the last one?). I’ve told my friend already to keep away all the soft copy of Korean everything, I mean really everything, but she is not listening. So I’m actually wanted just to be nice to her right, keep her company to watch everything that filming on screen. Yet at the end, I’m the first person who will spare the best spot with spectacles (can you believe I’m actually wearing it to watch!) just to make sure that I’m reading every single subtitle on the tiny screen (should we change now to LED 42”).

Yeah, again it is still a cliché Korean drama ever. I even watched the Hollywood version of the same theme. This is a story of one rich lady losing her mind and then lost in a village which is totally 180o from her own life. This lady formerly known as Jo Anna then become Shang Shil need to adapt to her new life which so unfamiliar (even she don’t has any memory about it at all) and has to taste the life of mediocre. She was found by Jang Chul Soo (stingy man that concern about money, money and money), a villager small time contractor which lives with his three nephews. Shang Shil and Chul Soo caught in this situation because they are a real enemy. So this is the time for Chul Soo to win a big revenge to Shang Shil, ordering her around and practically made her as housemaid.

Have I told you that Shang Shil (Jo Anna) is multimillionaire? Just watch it, you will love the fun having someone who never knows how to do house chores and take care of 3 kids. But even so, Shang Shil is really in unfortunate state when her own family abandoned her. Never issue any missing people report, yet alone advertisement. Even she really have huge amount of saving. Yeah, this drama really can change emotion so quickly; at one time you will hate Jo Anna so much. When she really lost her mind, you will feel great about that. It is a payback time for Chul Soo. When she is Shang Shil, she change a lot, but still not a lot. Until then we know why she is so selfish before.

The real deal of this movie is how the script writer and the director consistently promoting traditional Korean food to audience, Jjangmyun and rice wine. Well to me, Jjangmyun don’t look tasty but yet it served a very important impact both on literal aspect of the drama, and to reach larger meaning of it. I mean why you’re looking for imported items (foods, cloths) which come from very unfamiliar culture but yet you have the best in your own culture as well.

Jjangmyun in this movie serve as the message to grip to your own tradition because that is what is close to you. That what actually suit to your taste, something that has been rooted inside you. The thing that you will not forget even you’re to faraway. This drama makes me reflect to Ratatouille movie (in term of traditional food) and make me wanted to learn how to make all of the Malay kuih (cookies – sorry I don’t find any English word for kuih) (kuih bakar, karipap, dodol, kaswi). Which make me wanted to promote Malay kuih in all my writings (I’ve done one in my new short story, please pray it will be published soon, and guys sorry it is only in Malay version).

Jjangmyun also acted as important item that bind both Chul Soo and Shang Shil together. The other message that we see now as not significant like before, in the world of fast food and you can by food anywhere. The time is when food served for physical need and at the same time as soul food as well. That why for those who brought up with the food cooked by their mom, will eventually still coming home. Mom will cook for you sincerely, with all of her heart, love and prayer. She hopes that you will grow up and be fine. That why it is call soul food. Same Jjangmyun served for Chul Soo and Shang Shil. The bind that grows bigger with food.

Oh, I’m not intended to make things confused, especially to all of you; it is not a story about food. It is actually a story that when you’re lost, the greatest thing that can happen is to be found again. It is obviously we hope that people that we knew, people that we believe are our family that holds on you, the one which will find you again. But this drama makes it even momentous, the most magical is when a person that loves you as you’re, with all the trades, for better or worse, find you. That will be the happiest moment ever. That will be the point, even the sky is the not the limit. The love that evolves will be the purest. Even you die; you will not die in vain.

But the thing is, my friend copy this drama incomplete. She actually store only 15 episodes. We actually believe the drama ended at that point. That episode turns to be as the most dreadful, intense emotion, that make me choke while crying (owh no, now you know how pathetic I’m when it is come to Korean drama). We believe the drama ended that way. The day when we actually finished episode 15 and believe that is the end of it, that is the day that make my day sooo gloomy. I even can’t sleep properly. Wake up early before dawn with my eyes wet, even the sky is grey, seriously. Is the sky celebrating my feeling? And yet I told my friend, the film should not end this way. There is no way Korean movie will be ended this way. Not the Korean drama I know and she should know that I’m really coherent (even I’m strongly wanted not to have any relation with Korean drama whether in the past or present).

She actually believed. So she search again and again inside her hard disk drive and external drive some more, but still not a sign. So we believe the fate of Chul Soo and Jo Anna is like that. Can you believe that? I was left with heartache for days. But somehow I knew that Korean drama is ever cliché, I knew that by heart. Without my friend knowing, I’m doing my own search at YouTube. The fireworks are now exploding in my head. There is episode 16 and that make my day. I can smile now, really, I’m smiling and I’m smiling at you.

Well, I’m not doing this to trap you in this addiction. It is actually bad, really! And make me not cool at all. So don’t, I mean really don’t ever, I tell you once again, don’t touch this genre. Even it is ever cliché, Korean dramas still have the grip. Once it grip you, it is hard to loosen it. Haven’t I warned you?

p/s: Not to make me so un'cool', I’m actually reading The Mysterious of Omar Khayyam 's Rubaiyyat (by Amin Maalouf) and On the Origin of Human Society (Malik Ben Nabi) simultaneously with what ever screening. Fair? Yup, enough for me.

Guys enjoy the movie.

You're Beautiful (Korea): Fall for The Star

2011-01-09T09:28:00.004+08:00

I’ve long stopped watching Korean drama for ONE big reason, addiction. However, on the day I’ve lost all the data in my 8G pen drive, my friend cheer me up with Korean drama called You’re Beautiful. And that save me for the day. I even think that I might get sick for the misfortune that happens to me.

Well I never think that I will lost in that world again, as I have made my conclusion that Korean drama is ever cliché. So does this drama. But even so, only Korean can give me satisfaction of emotion and the grip till the end.

You’re Beautiful is a story about a commoner that live surrounded with pop stars, I mean superstars. This is a story about a girl (Go Mi Nyu) that has to replace his twin brother as a new member of AN JELL. Well AN JELL is definitely hit the list of Korean billboard and most famous group cast with Hwang Tae Kyung, Kan Shin Woo and Jeremy. The problem is Mi Nyu is a girl, she need to change all to become Go Mi Nam. To add for worst case scenario, she lives in a convent before and soon to become nun. In order to search for their long lost mother, Mi Nyu has to do it as Mi Nam fall sick at the time he been accepted to become a group member of AN JELL. That the beginning. So you can always imagine conflict that can emerge in such circumstances.

Surrounded with young, handsome, rich pop stars, what else can happen? Yes, Mi Nyu falls for this one bright star, Hwang Tae Kyung. To add for the bitterness of this, Tae Kyung is ever ego centric man that one can ever meet. And worst, both Mi Nyu and Tae Kyung parents have had a blast history which can caused them to separate forever.

Well, I’m fall for this story. I thought I will never affected again with this kind of addiction, but once I’ve step in the land of stars, my eyes never stop thinking and missing them every day. Othocajo? (What should I do?)

For all of the time I’m thinking of Mi Nyu. It is very hard to love somebody which is too far away to be reached. But yet he/she is the only one that shines which give you all the light you need to see. Otherwise even you have perfect eyes you won’t be able to have vision. But you still need to know where you are, realising that you are not match for his/her brightness. Even the stars blinking straight at you, smiling with their ever sincere smile, will you dare to have faith they are really watch you? No, you will not. You just a commoner with limited abilities to walk with them, talk casually without once caught being stupid and silly, look straight to their eyes, hear their words of wisdom admirably, feel warm with their appearance, being guided all the times, you just can’t do it. As they stand outstandingly on stage, you will think with all your heart, what it takes to reach ‘em? At the end, you will realise that you’re completely helpless. Fullstop.

It might be hard. I knew that for all my heart. When others advise to stop dreaming the impossible, you can only smile. You know the fact so well, even nobody tell you that, but once again, othocajo? (what will I do?)

Yes, what will you do, if The Star, the only one, that can make you, really see?

p/s: I’m ever blessed, I again see my North Star this week (it quit a long time, in fact a very long time), and it blinking straight at me. I’m waiting if faith once again can bring me close to my Orion Stars (constellation to be precise), so that I’ll be forever guided to the straight path of truth. To all of stars searchers, keep looking high at the night sky, one day you will realise that even you can be with them at where they are, the truth is, they are always be with you. Watching and smiling, keep you warm, guide you, and pray for you as you always pray for them. One day when you pass them in any circumstances, they’ll recognize you. That is enough, and that is truly a blessing.

You're beautiful, my rating 4 stars :)

Cast Away: 10 years of waiting

2010-12-01T22:54:00.006+08:00

Before I watch this film, I thought that the greatest fear of human being is being lonely. For not having anyone by your side, in time of need or in anytime at all. Never have the opportunity to belong to somewhere or worst, to anyone. When you never know where is your home, somewhere you belong, to some place where people know your face and know who you are, the real you, not you that defined by profession or achievement; when you have no one to turn to.

Even when you are at crowd, the emptiness is there, like thousand knives stabbing continuously. It hurt so much, even others can’t see any. It’s so real. Cuts that bleeds; with no chance to recover at all. That is the thought before Cast Away.

After years waiting to watch Cast Away, the opportunity came and now I’ve change my POV.

Cast Away (2000) is a film of someone that has been cast to an island that focused the dilemma of being alone. Everybody knows that (duh), the anchor actor for the film is Tom Hank. Yet, alone is not the most dreadful feeling in human life.

When FedEx executive, Chuck Nolan stranded to an inhabitant island due to plane crash he got confused. Not knowing what to do, he started to send distressed signal. Everything which he tried to work seems like futile attempt. Even to survive at minimum level of human needs is tough. Till he had to accept, he stranded then he started to search for shelter and think how to move one.

But yet, we as social human being can do when we are alone, all alone? Yet, loneliness is not the most painful feeling. True, it is not.

When the film start to built up Chuck characters, how he adapt his new life with virtually have nothing to compare with his perfect life back in State, I realized that to keep one man to stand in is hope. Chuck Nolan hope to come back home, his girlfriend yet to be his wife is waiting. And he has a clock with his girlfriend’s photo inside to keep him alive, escape and be civilized again.

But still, when you lose hope that is not the thing that can bring you down.

My brother comment on that film then make me realized, man will not have any will to live when he has no purpose to live. Purpose, one simple word yet can drive every potential in you.

Purpose, to think as a free thinker, do we have one? But I’m not a free thinker, I’m a believer.
Deep in my heart I believe that we are all created with a purpose. A purpose to suit meaning of our existent; the most beautiful and brilliant creature ever created. A purpose that is larger than our life itself. Yet we just can’t see it, because it has been made intangible. You have to reach it within self, your soul. The only limb which can materialize a ‘purpose’ to be real, as real as your existence; to touch it, to feel, to live in it, to take every breath with it, and to lose the last breath with it.

Chuck Nolan has created his own purpose, and he survived for 4 years alone in inhabitants island. That purpose made him materialized everything; eliminate loneliness by creating a ‘friend’, Mr Wilson. And with the same purpose he built hope and strived. He used every potential in himself, squeezed it and the universe answered his prayer. Even he never prayed, but the effort he put in for 4 years for every single day is a prayer itself. The prayer that is performed with his body and mind. Then on one single day, tide bring him a plastic panel, which he used it as a sail. A sail that bring his freedom, and bring him back home.

This film make me reflect, for us, for all of us, how many years that been allocate for us to breath in? If this life is the same place to reflect Chuck Nolan survival to live, then, what is our purpose? Do we strive to reach for that? And when the time come, will tide bring you a sail that can help you find the way to be home again?

I’ll find my sail, I’ll eliminate loneliness, THE PURPOSE is too big to left me alone.

What say you?

3 Idiots

2010-11-21T20:20:00.006+08:00

It is a story of one man, Rancchonddas Shyamaldas Chanchad (Ranccho). No, I tell untruths to all of you. It can’t be yaar, the title is 3 (three) idiots how come is all about one person? To be frank, it is a story about campus life evolving around Ranccho with his sidekicks Raju and Farhan. They are ‘The 3 Idiots’ but the main focus is still Ranccho cast superbly by Amir Khan. Have I not told you? It is a Hindi film, sach, a Hindi film.

Well it is very interesting story, if not I’m not doing this. Writing a review for Hindi film (yucks), I may have a lot of guts right now (thinking of tonnes of criticism; well, I’m constantly against Hindi film). If you’re an engineering (or formerly), medical or University students, you will find this story is well connected to you.

Start with college registration, meeting with new friends, induction weeks (it sucks!) and the complexity of engineering modes of study, it has been portray well. To add misery to everything, over outstanding Principle (College Director), Viru Sastrabudhhe (Virus) which has one life principle “Life is a race, everybody live in a competition”.

Well if you want to read complete review for this film, search in the blog and internet. A lot of review has been made. But if you still want to hear from me, well, this is a film of:

Ali Setan (Malaysia) for mischievous college students but not focus so much in love story.

Mohabbatein (India) to change old tradition with new culture. The different in 3 Idiots, it has been captured in both tragedy and comedy. But clash between 3 Idiots and Virus are so hillarious, you’ll be laughing (a lots!) and sometimes break tears down too.

Dead Poet Society (Hollywood) for inspiring teachers and life should not be pre-design for children. They should find their own passion to make a living. They should be given chances to choose or else caught in commit stupidity (suicide).

But to me, 3 Idiots is a story about friendship. Ranccho who defies culture and family belief that deem education is a key for a good job. The essential to have a good job is to change family fate. That is the equation well known to the world;

College education = degree = good job = a good life and society respect

But Ranccho, well, he is different. So different from the world belief. Ranccho went to college just to study. Sirf, to study, gain knowledge, full stop. He never afraid to come last or too greedy to become first. Even college degree does not matter (alas he is top student, first in class every year). He believed that the most essential in study is to become self-sufficient. If you can’t get good job, create one. Make a living from your talent (the things that you you’re best at). If you get a job because your parent asked you to do, you will end treating your job as a game. But, if you do what you’re best at, or manipulating talent that has been install to you, you will do it as passion. You will live your life, you never dead because you will lead your life with happiness.

So, after four years in good friendship, only then Raju and Farhan understood what Ranccho was telling them all the time. Yeah, of course the understanding did not come cheap. Raju had broken most of his body and limb (because he had jumped from level 3 due to pressure from Virus). Farhan had a long dramatic conversation to convince his parent that his passion is not to become an engineer but wildlife photographer instead. Farhan quit engineering and become apprentice to well known wildlife photographer. Raju had defeated his fear concerning his family fate, bravely faced job interview and becoming a successful engineer himself.

Ranccho? I will save the best for last, and I will save it for you. I will not tell you about Ranccho, you have to find it by yourself.

Well what touch me most, 3 Idiots is about friendship. Most of us are either Raju or Farhan, but it is very rare occasion we find Ranccho in friendship. Watch this movie and think. How many times you meet Ranccho along the way?

You’re lucky when you find one.

Ranccho is kind of friend which will write his own destiny. To show the best way of living is to live in present. Not to live base on our past record and achievement. Not to fear of the future which are still beyond our grasp. But the trade which I envy most in Ranccho is the willingness to sacrifice all for friends. He will do the uncommon, unbelievable, impossible just to see smile on your face. He will do it, no doubt. And he will very proud to honour you as his friend. Ranccho will do it, believe me he won’t regret. Even they have lost contact for so many years; Ranccho will remember you with all of his heart. Missing you every day because you are dear and close to him. Because you are one part of him. No! Because you’re in him.

I’m lucky I’ve find my own Ranccho. During my study years, college stupidity, during my FCR classes, and now, I still have Ranccho (I’m working now) stand by my side. That’s how I see roads in front of me, not the common road but highway instead! With that, I can create my own road for others to see. If I’m lucky, someone will use it and I’m honour for that.

Aare? What? You still don’t have a friend like Ranccho? Accha, well don’t worry too much yaar, just say ‘allz is well’, InshaAllah, you will find your way.

Friend, be Ranccho yourself. Make a different now, yes, today! Make a different to yourself, family and friends. See the world as spread, not as a confined tunnel and road. World is round, not cubes. There are so much to explore. Live for today, live it in excitement. And see the world will change for you!

My selection actors: Amir Khan (Ranccho), Raju (who is he?), Farhan (who is he?), Virus (Irani) and 'Silencer' Chattur (who is he?). Good job guys, 3 Idiots will not be enough without all of you. Perfect recipe for a comedy & tragedy movie. Well cast!

Footprints

2010-11-09T16:48:00.000+08:00

There is a person who constantly will give a big question mark inside my head every time I meet him. He is somebody, which in logical condition I’m not suit to be with him on the same floor, anyhow, anywhere, anytime. But yet, there will be one day you were given the opportunity to get close and personal. And that one day had happen.

My question is simple, “Why you’re still a hardworking man even though you have everything? Even others will get credit on that? Although you can sit, relax and enjoy the world but still you do things all out?”

The answer is simple. He said, “Footprint.”

“For every job and obligation you do, you will mark footprints. And the footprints are yours. It is not belong to anyone else. It belongs to you.”

“People can always trace back your work and give comment on that. But the most important thing is…”

“You can track back your footsteps. And by the time you do that, when you stand before your footprints, will you be proud or regret of it? That, you have to answer by yourself.”

“Mine, I prefer to be proud for every single step I stepped.”

Vibes

2010-10-28T22:35:00.000+08:00

I never know when I consistently offer my prayer toward the well being of my teachers. Yes, you are true; I’m not a good person. It might come to your thought that I should pray to all my teachers as early as I know to pray right? You might want to ask, is there anybody teach me? To be frank, I’ve been taught about that long ago in class with proper text book to be precise. But it never comes to my conscience that the ritual of prayer for teacher is actually an obligation. As student you’re bind with that duty.

When I realised with the responsibility? When I found a great teacher, when he actually make me see to the magical world of knowledge (the specific word is ilmu) and what knowledge can offer you. It is unlimited worlds; even the sky will not be the limit!

I think that teacher will greatly glad if you consistently pray for them. But what really matter surprised me.

One evening when I actually encountered with a teacher, I asked him what your expectation to your students? To my surprise he answered, “I hope that all my students will sincere to knowledge.”

I was not satisfied, “what do you mean by sincere?”

“It is when they are truthful to themselves and not cheating during tests and exams.”

Well to that very moment a vibes came from nowhere.

“Is it that bad, I mean cheating?”

He smiled. “The truth is we don’t get knowledge for free. It is a tradition that has been passed through by generation. Of course we enhance and upgrade the knowledge, but still we cannot erase the fact that we actually inherit them from our teachers. Our teachers get them from their teachers. The chain will never break. And the knowledge is actually originated from sacred place and of course by the hard work of our ancestors.”

His answer made me remember one of my friend stories. She said that, there are very good teachers who actually strive for the well being of their students. They sacrifice a lot even when to design questions to test their students. They even wake up at night; perform qiamulail and solat istikharah (night prayer) in order to design the exams questions.

Why they willing to do that?

It is to ensure students will be blessed by the knowledge.

True.

And one evening I saw a big billboard with the saying by Robert Maynard Hutchens, ‘the objective of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.’

I’ve found teachers that give me the life time education. Even through very simple words and sentences, they have helped me survive, Alhamdulillah. Their words echoes every now and since, even it has been years from my schooling days.

Maybe some of my teachers are teachers who wake up at night; performing ablution even the water is dreadfully cold, spent their 30 minutes and maybe hours in silent night for qiamulail and solat hajat, stretched out their hands and prayed for all of their heart for the well being of their students.

I’m indebted to them for the rest of my life. For that, my prayers will never enough to compensate their goodwill.

Somehow I know that, you too, have same great teachers. Honour them, so that their thought of YOU every night and every time when they pray will never left in vain.

Let their legacy of knowledge shine, like the brightest sun and stars in the universe!

InsyaAllah.

LOVE?

2010-10-26T18:26:00.000+08:00

I always amazed by my friend’s sensitivity. When there were times that thing get low, she will pop me with questions, are you OK. Or when time like this, my inbox full with questions, ‘are you in love?”

It is sometime hard to understand her. Somehow I feel that I’m wired to her. Of course that will be the imaginary cables. Anything that triggers me will trigger her, obviously seems like that. Can anyone tell me what kind of reaction called for?

I’m not in love if she ever buys that. But recently I’ve known the real meaning of love which results to the existing of this universe. Imagine that? Love is that big. But for majority of us, because it is too big, we failed to feel its existence.

Friendship

2010-09-19T17:57:00.000+08:00

I never knew what is friendship mean until yesterday. You know, I never fail to get a lot of friend anywhere I go especially when I’m younger. It doesn’t mean that I’ve that charming character so that people are emerging around me. I just love to have friends and do something with them whether the ‘things’ are meaningful of just stupid as every young’s’ will venture.

The reason I be fond of friends is because I’m always feeling lonely at home. Being the youngest female in male domination family, I found it always hard to have somebody to talk to me as a person. The only talking are instructions and doing chores. If I been caught playing games with my brothers, I will directly been scolded. On contrary my brothers can do what they want and please. And to witness how minor I’m as I have no voice at all. To my family it always seems that I just don’t have good communication skill. I do want to talk but they just refuse to listen. After all they think that I’m too small to understand things and to be understood. That is the environment I grew and that make myself so timid.

But the world I believe is always about bounty and fairness. You have to look closely to see it. Countering my shortage God give me lot of good friends. Indeed too good until I feel that I just don’t deserve them. Their kindness is breathtaking. Their attitude is natural I presumed, because we have a lot of common stuff. We were still studying; staying at the same college, share same friends, doing similar activities, becoming team mate when we have assignment and all. You name it. But to us, it was very special because we were from different faculties. We took different courses but yet we can be close, so close than I can imagine.

Until one day, my mother has to be warded because she no longer can walk. The reason for this suffering was slip disc at my mom’s backbones. I still feel the sadness until now if I think about it. I’m young and struggle to finish diploma. I keep remaining in silence with all my friends. They did notice I'ved change but they never had guts to ask. I keep coming home every week and sometime during lectures days without telling them what happen. But my friends always knew that I need time to comfort myself and I’ll reveal my problems willingly. During that particular time, my friends treat me like nothing has been changed at all. They asked me to join activities even they knew I will turn them down. They wanted to see my smiling face again even though I just can’t.

One day on one small gathering, I told about my mom’s sickness and the sadness I’ve been through. Their face turning read and scolded me for that. Don’t be mistaken, they were mad because I refused to share my difficulties with them. They even said, “Aren’t we are your friends? Why it is so hard to share your sadness with us?” That question echoes in my memory until now.

Afterward they keep visiting my mom at hospital, weekend and weekdays. They give me strength I needed to finish my study. Luckily I’ved them and help me with all of their hearts. One of my friends even did more then I expected. She cooked ‘ikan haruan’ soup for my mother. ‘Ikan haruan’ is a fish in Malay tradition we believe it can help for recovery especially from open cut as in surgery. It is a very rare fish and not sold in market and only available at villages (at that time). My mom was operated in major operation for that sickness.

She purposely came back to her village for that fish, clean it up (it is tedious job to clean ikan haruan as the fish really has bad smell), cooked and bring it to hospital. She did it several times in order to make my mother healthy or she wanted me to be happy again? She even gave me raw fishes so that I can cook later on (which my mother never like it because I'm bad in cooking back then).

Years passed by, she married with four lovely children. As the life goes on, we are apart due to life circumstance that cannot be avoided. Even we have facebook, twitter, emails, name it all, life evolve and definitely we are changing. Life is not the same as it was. We remember friends, but friend will remain as friend. The relationship will never grow and has no future, aren’t they?

Yesterday, she proved me wrong. Friend will be remembered as friend, but to have the connection stronger, you have to consistently pray. To grow a friendship is about action even the person never admit that s/he love you. A relationship is never mean by constantly been connected to each other, it is all about the remembrance in heart. When this happen, even you don’t meet each other for 10 or more years, when you do, it seem just like only yesterday you’ve been away.

Yesterday she came for a visit with her family of course. The entire family treated my family of their own. When her childrens met me, the first thing they do is to embrace me as their long lost aunt rather than a stranger. Her last sons near 3 years old ask me to hold him immediately he saw me. Her daughter keep staring me with love and they are feel so free in my house like their own. Eventually I want to cry but I kept my face straight to avoid any Malay drama progressing in my own house. Her children do things which my nieces and nephews do in the house. They called my brother as “Paksu” rather than typical respect name for older person ‘uncle’. They called my mom as “Nenek” and they called me with special title. Only her children called me with that respected title. And I believe it will never be replicate to any other family, a title to celebrate the connection between me and their mother. I pray that the relationship will last longer than my own breath. Maybe when I been dismiss from this world, will they remember me and give their doa for me? I pray may they will.

When they are about to leave, my friend's daughters two of them, keep holding my hand. They keep shake hand with me every minute before they are in the cars. Even they are in the car, they reach out they hand to make another shake hand. One of her daughter explained why she did that, “we never know when we can meet you again.”

The world is about love and fairness. It will never short of these two magnificent feeling. I believe it with all my heart, will you?

My friend teaches me about true relation. Relationship is never meant of real connection, to be able to meet each other, having a good communication, share things. Relation is about remembrance and prayer. Relation is about action. Relation is about to have a good heart.

Then I learn that she constantly show my picture (old picture at college) to her childrens so that they can remember me, my face. She brings them to me so that they can know me, my family. She bring them to me so that I can hug them as my own, my kin.

Now I know that, what ever comes, if you still hold some memory about a person, consistently pray for her/him, you’ve been connected to a relationship. And that, make you…A FAMILY.

I think about you a lot, and I do pray for you, will you accept me as...your family?

Voice

2010-09-17T10:45:00.000+08:00

When your voice of truth is unheard, use another tone.
Let it echoes to reach conscience
one day the grey cloud will be transported to a place
and raindrops
will make it white again.

Loosing Voice

2010-08-03T12:08:00.000+08:00

I lost my voice and I'm seem invisible

People see me but they can't understand my words

I try to talk but they just can't hear

But I'm lucky because I've you

Be my tongue when I'm no longer can speak

Still hear my saying even I can't whisper

Sorry I just can't say it

But I know you can hear

My sincere heart beating

Thanking you, now and since

Allahumma yassir, wa la tu'assir. Rabbi tammim bil khair.

Up High

2010-07-14T21:02:00.000+08:00

When you are blamed for performance failure, what will you feel? Yes we need critiques to improve our self, but condemnation is something unbearable. Condemnation without data and evidence is more wounding.

As a responsible person we will ask, why and how that happen so that we can do some measure to rectify it back. We will do anything to make sure nothing like that will occur in the future. We ask for reason but we get none.

Action and event always speak louder than words. I don’t believe about that before but maybe I should believe it now.

We are feeder for a degree programme and yet when things get bad, they need a scapegoat. So I don’t have to explain, you know what will happen next.

But something happens which ease our ears that hear.

When the results been announced, there are six students that are honour with Vice Chancellor award. Four of them are from our institutions. Four out of six is more than 50%. Isn’t that too good to hear? Well I believe that we don’t have anything to regret and now we are enjoying the news.

Up high? That is the word to explain all!

Cycle of Life

2010-04-05T19:35:00.000+08:00

Do you still remember Lion King? The story about the lost lion cub, Simba, searching the meaning of life and fight to claim his thrown as the only heir in animal kingdom. Simba fight to uphold tradition and sustain the true cycle of life.

The story today is not about fighting for rightful position (eventhough I'm thinking about it), but to tell you my family history to show that life is about a cycle.

The boy in uniform is the famous Tah Hong Ming. An actor which appear in Yasmin Ahmad's short film that shown in national TV again and again to promote 1Malaysia campaign (before the idea of 1Malaysia has been brought up by our Prime Minister). The boy in orange shirt is not so famous, Mohd Alif is my own nephew. They look alike ey? But we don't have any trace of lineage from Chinese family, so does Alif's mother. To have a nephew with Chinese look is quite cute and to add he always pretending that he have the smile of the famous Tan Hong Ming.

So my brilliant in IT brother and an artist (Alif's father) superimposed this picture to show how similar they are. I have to agree for what they said after seeing this picture.

How that can relate to cirlce of life?

Well, 30 years ago when my brother (Alif's father) was a young boy, at the same age of Alif he too have this Chinese look which is so unfamiliar among our siblings. Well, we have typical Malay looks with some additional of Arab flavour. Because of his looks, he was consistently teased by my uncle and aunt. They called my brother as Hai Hong. We do not know what is the meaning of Hai Hong, maybe what my uncle and aunt mean that, he looks like typical Chinese son, not from a Malay family. My brother on the other hand was so upset with this calling, Hai Hong. He felt that he was not belong to my family due to his unconventional looks.

Years past by.

His first born child is a son, and his name is Mohd Alif. He's too looks like typical Chinese boy. The ironi, the name of Tan Hong Ming.

Well, life is about a circle. We should uphold the tradition, so the world will be in harmonious balance right?

p/s: I don't think Alif upset when we called him Tan Hong Ming. He seems to like it as Tan Hong Ming is so famous. Maybe he think he is famous too. Well, Alif is actually famous in our family, no doubt about it. And he share the same birthday date with our late father. After two years Alif was born, our father passed away. My father was born on 1932 and Alif's 2002. Looks like the cycle has begin. We pray that he will gain the same talent, intelectual capacity, good heart and true servant as our father, his granddad. InsyaAllah.

Honesty 2

2010-04-04T23:51:00.000+08:00

Is it very hard to be honest this day?

Will honesty bring harm to person who want to engage with this moral attitudes?

Being honest, while others are not is suffering. To witness colleagues score in tests and exams with flying colour eventhough they don't deserve it is annoying.

So will those who honest will remain honest?

My friend always remind her students to think twice if they have guts to cheat. They get marks for the effort which they don't even do. In economic practice it is kind of riba' (rasuah) or in English term they call as usury.

What is riba' then?

Riba' is an act of sins, in Islamic tradition the sin has been group into 10 biggest sins.

But will people listen to this? No, they will not, because everybody in this whole world involve in riba' whether they realise about it or not.

But to think you will make a living from immoral act is kinda scary. To think you will give your wife and kids from your earning, that is nightmare.

I always reflect to elders whom have been given good life and happiness. They are not rich, but they live in traquility. Their children and grandchildren do well in their life. When I do simple research on how they can manage this, the keyword is to earn money from righful source. In Islam, rezeki yang halal.

Rezeki nowadays, that form your blood, circulate throughout veins and organs are not halal anymore. When there are a lot of news regarding abandon baby, that is actually curse to our society. When peoples are killed, rob and all of the misery that happen without we can ensure when all of this will end, that too is a curse. Why this happen? Because people now live from rezeki which is haraam.

My respected friend always regard cheating is an unmoral act. She condemn the act and to all who are please with it and consistently repeat the same act.

And she is a teacher.

To me, condemnation is justify to those who commit with this sin. The worst is yet to come when they give money from their earning to their parents, wife, children and family. The earning is not halal (if they fail to repent). They will be condemn by for those who strive with sincerity. The worst of all, they will be condemn by their teachers. Their teachers will not pray for them, will not please with them, will not approve their knowledge to them.

We need a better society to live in. You need a better society for your children and grandchildren to live in. To start, be sincere to yourself, friends and your teachers. That will bring justice to all.

Don't even talk about how bad the world you live in right now, if you just can't be sincere to yourself.

Don't let your teacher condemn you, you will never succeed, here and hereafter.

The worst, don't let you future wife and childrens condemn you, for the reasons they don't know, but you on the other hand knew it very well.

Just be honest.

(gambar diambil dari warung diskusi, Diskopi)

Honesty

2010-03-31T12:45:00.000+08:00

A time ago, during my study years, I’ve been advised by my lecturers and teachers to honour myself.

I asked them, “How can I do that?”

Then they said, “Never ever cheat during your test and exam.”

Well, I take that advised literally. I struggle to maintain good result while witness my colleague cheating and telling other out loud what they are doing.

Ironically, they got excellent result during test but never in final exam. That event depressed me because I can’t ever bring good mark for my carry mark. I always comparing myself with my colleague results, how foolish I’m to be so naïve (square) when everybody cheats without any guilt. And yet they score with flying colours (for carry mark but never in final exam).

“Is this justice?” That was the question during that time.

But the problem is, I’m too obliging with my lecturers’ advice. At the same time I’m questioning myself is it worth it? How in the earth being truthful to our self will bring honour and respect? Despite, my friend will always praise those who scores, not those who being honest.

One day, I met with my former teacher and having a good conversation with him. Then I asked him, how we can honour our self by not cheating in exam, while other doing it with pleasure. I’m asking him about justice.

He smile and said, “Justice not always have to be materialized.”

My face puzzled. “Enlighten me, Sir.”

“Well, your teacher always knows what are you doing even though they seem don’t bother. They always know who being honest and so who is doesn’t.”

He paused which make me impatient.

“Well, teachers they know. And they also recognize their student who being honest have the same set of question without being able to get the answer. I will tell you the answer…”

He paused again which make me more intolerant.

“After the day off when they prays everyday, day in day out, at least five time a day, your teacher will stretched their palm wide and pray. They will pray to God to bless their student who being honest to themselves, to their teachers, to their friends, and give them good life here and hereafter.”

“Have they not pray to other as well?”

He smiled, “Yes they do.”

“So, what is the different?

“The day when you meet with your teacher or lecturer again maybe five or ten years later, when you greet them they will start to recall your face. When they remember, you will never want them to have remark in their heart, “Owh, this is the student who cheats in tests 5 years ago (or 10 years ago). If this happen, you know what, you are actually being cursed. Your live have been cursed by a teacher.”

“Will all teacher remember?”

“Yes, they do."

"How about for those who being sincere?"

"When they meet you, they recognised your face and witness how well you're doing right now, he will extended his prayer and said, "Oh God, pleased blessed him/her, I'm approving my knowledge to him/her. I asked you now, is this justice?”

I nodded, agree with him. Knowing that, the prayers of teachers have magical effect to their students. I simply agree. I now know why my friends are not doing well out there. I now know. And agree, justice not always have to be materialised.

2010-03-26T17:47:00.000+08:00

People ask me, why I just don't write things that closer to my heart and my life. I said, I just don't, simply because the are a lot of sadness that resided there. And it just won't help, if my brother read and witness my broken heart, alas weaknesses inside me.

So, I decided to keep smiling, while the tear falling secretly. Yes, I have decided.

I have only one brother, my precious, which will not fail from my rememberance and dua'. He too, despite his young age, experiences the saddest experiences in our life, the loosing of our love one(s). Not one, but one by one, even we still need their accompany and advises.

I just keep praying he will not always have to stand the heartache watching things falling, but life simply not always be what we always wanted them to be.

But I can't tell him that right? I should always tell him that this life is full of hope. When the night came, it will always have a new day. When it rain, the sunshine will appear and bring along the rainbows.

But I always wanted to tell him one thing.

I will tell him to love. To always keep it in mind, in his heart. So that he will always see life in colours and soothing symphony. Even that love betrays, don't make yourself drowned. But find ways to float again and again. One day, you will find the ultimate love. Then you will thankful for what ever happen to you, because everything will be counted.

And that counting will not betray you.

Just be thankfull and redha, insyaAllah, the happiness is there.

Matching Idiom with Malay Peribahasa 2

2010-03-25T06:26:00.001+08:00

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
Hanya jauhari yang mengenal manikam

photo: man and landscape, which one is the beauty :)

Matching Idiom with Malay Peribahasa 1

2010-03-24T20:44:00.000+08:00

It takes two to tango

Tepuk sebelah tangan tidak berbunyi

(photo: Debab's after eat, good post ey?)

Relation

2010-03-10T23:48:00.000+08:00

when you are in

one's prayer

Another second

2010-03-10T12:55:00.000+08:00

I wouldn’t mind
tears flowing
emptiness and heartache
remind that I’m alive
breathing

and have another second
to repent.

Loosing Grip

2010-03-09T16:05:00.000+08:00

I'm loosing grip; should I ask
i. the engineer to resurface the road pavement for a better skid
ii. ask the district officer to construct a new one
or simply
iii. really need to change the tyres?

Quote - W. Clement Stone

2010-02-25T08:43:00.000+08:00

"Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them."

Have a nice day :)

Weather report

2010-02-22T16:08:00.000+08:00

Nowadays, things get me confused. We having this hot and dry weather, but in the other hands Indonesia and Portugal experiencing heavy flood which appear like tsunami.

What happen to the earth?

Is there something that we need to know, or they keep silent to avoid panic?

(huhu, more like 2012 movie ey?)

p/s: I'm getting severe headache and abnormalities due to this hot & dry climate. Is it OK?

My Comical Friend

2010-01-27T12:56:00.000+08:00

Well we are from technical based, so we have difficulties to pronounce scientific names and terms. My friend has her own mechanism to ease this.

One day we have trouble to pronounce Leucaena leucocephala.

She with her straight face then comment, “Apa susah sangat, sebut aje la Lucy ana Luku Kepala.”

The crowd burst with laughter and tears.

Well, we have an expert for that tree (Leucaena leucocephala) so I ask her, how should we called him then,

“Panggil aje lah Dr Lucy.”

Hahaha. It sure help us after all.

Dare to be a contrarian?

2010-01-10T22:17:00.000+08:00

Would you dare to be a contrarian?

When peoples have change their cars to Class C, would you mind to drive Israwa instead?
When the youngsters proud with their power bikes, do you have guts to cycle to school?

Dare to be different?

You will see from different angle and you'll see a different look from others eyes.

That's guts to me.

Winter Alert at KL?!!

2009-11-13T02:54:00.000+08:00

This is what I got from my inbox. It sound weird, but hey, just read what it say.

Dear Friends,

I don’t intend to cause alarm but I think I need to share this with everyone.

Rumours are surfacing about a freak winter storm that is expected to hit the Kuala Lumpur city centre on Friday, 20 November 2009 at around 7pm.

Being near the equator, KL has never experienced such a cold weather phenomenon and residents used to the hot and humid weather are warned to take serious precautions.

Reliable sources think that there are reasons to believe these rumours following some unusual weather-related events that many parts of the world have experienced in recent history.

Those who have never experienced extreme cold weather are advised to stick close to one another for support. I suggest reading this article on How to Survive Being Stranded in Snow and other similar ones you can find easily on the internet.

As I personally know some of these sources, I will send out further notices as we get closer to the anticipated event.

Remember, mark 20 November 2009 in your diaries. In such an occurrence, there is safety in numbers so stay close to one another, especially after office hours!

Stay tuned.

Regards,

p/s: Well, of course I'm not planning to make everybody panic about this, but there is thing that make me consider this alert to be shared. I got below pictures few years ago, a weird snow event traced at scorching desert (yes desert!) and its look real to me. Just browse.

Well if the alert true, what that mean? Yes, we have to wait until 20th November. I believe the weatherman will justify that event, as they justify 'the fog' (jerebu) and all.

Yeah, lets wait.

Civil boys to laugh at

2009-11-08T12:06:00.000+08:00

Caution: this might be hilarious to the engineers.

In design class, the objective is to construct multi storey building.

Teacher: Tell me what is imposed load?
Student: A moving load.
Teacher: Good. Can you give an example for that?
Student: A mouse.
Teacher: (haruskah aku lempang budak ini atau kucampakkan juga keluar tingkap.) A mouse?

My Brother’s Puzzle

2009-11-01T23:17:00.000+08:00

Berdiri di hadapan: Trunks, Bulma, Wuron (?), Son Goku, Son Goten, Son Gohan

Lapis ke 2: Bezita, Kurin, Muten Roshi, Cici, anak Encik Satan
Lapis 3: Uish, ramai le pulak - nanti-nanti le update ye

He is my brother my only brother. He was crazy about Dragon Ball items before, and so do I. We only have paperback comics of Dragon Balls, we bought it when we have extra money in our wallet. We made the comics as collection. We thought to have it as collector item, but as the time go by the comics simply missing from its place. Well, our nieces and nephew took it for reading but then, yeah you can guest what happen.

Having paperback quality comics was not that attractive. We need colors to really visual the entire Dragon Ball image. What Son Goku means without his orange suit? What is Piccolo without his green body and tentacles? Gohan good looking and intellectual capacity will not profound without color right?

So one day I bought 500 pieces of puzzle for me and my brother. It was our first puzzle. It was full with Dragon Ball characters. Starting with Son Goku, Gohan, Bezita, Piccolo, Kurin, Wuron, Bulma, Ranci, Master Roshi (Muten), Cici, Cici’s Father, Trunks and Goten, Ramu, Ten Shin Han and all. I bought that piece without noticed the difficulties that will arise to put the entire puzzle together. I bought it because that puzzle was so attractive with colors and the smiling faces of the characters (yeah of course excluding Bezita, we all know he will never smile). Then, I left if to my little brother to solve it on its own. He was at primary school then and it was 500 pieces puzzle without any numbering system. So, imagine the challenge.

What I expect from my spoil brother then?

Nothing.

The puzzle never gets done.

To our surprise, our father who has retired from his job and position ask my brother about the puzzle. And he, our father finished it in consistent and persistent manner. Imagine our father which having gaps about 40-50 years with us, complete Dragon Ball 500 pieces puzzle on his own, in his room. I’ve to mention it again my dear reader, it is Dragon Ball.

When I came back home for holiday, I ask my brother about the puzzle. He said with smiling face, he can make it done anytime. No problem at all. That’s weird. Really? But it was true. He can make it done.

When I checked that puzzle, then I knew the secret. Each of the pieces has been printed with some sort of numbering system. What my brother has to do is to arrange each piece according to the number.

To my surprise, the number wasn’t there before. It was our father that printed the number on each. It was 500 pieces puzzle. I was startled but still blaming my brother of being too lazy to think and not to give his best to make it done (well, I’ve try to finish by own actually before the numbers printed at the back of the pieces, but believe me, it is really hard, I couldn’t finished it either). But, with that numbers, we can play the puzzle with ease and adore the final product.

Well, it is Dragon Ball with color what else we ask for.

Then, when I read back his version of this puzzle, it really means a lot to him. This is the full version of that event from my brother point of view, here.

My brother does not know our father like I knew him.

My brother only knew him for only 17 years.

My brother never knew him when he still working.

My brother was born when my father have already retired.

I knew when my brother wrote this, “Adli! Ayah dah siapkan puzzle kau. Kemudian ayah sudah tanda pada papan ini berserta turutan nombor dan huruf. Ayah juga dah asingkan untuk setiap lima baris yang ayah buatkan ni kedalam satu plastik. Jadi ada lima plastik semuanya yang mengandungi kesemua kepingan puzzle itu. Jadi kau bolehlah susun dan bermain dengan puzzle ini.”, it is actually a memory to commemorate the most noble man that my brother knew for a while.

I wrote this with tears and grieve.

I actually felt very weird when my old man finished the puzzle for us. It was a Dragon Ball. I bet my father never knew what Dragon Ball is all about. Who is Son Goku, Gohan, Bezita, Kurin, Piccolo and all? He will not give a damn what are the characters names and what they do in Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball GT. But still he had done it with patient and consistent.

Now I know. It is not to fill his spare time. He did not do it to help my brother.

Now I know, my father done it because, just because, he want to leave a memory that can remain forever for my brother to remember. To remember what it is like to have a father.

What it is like to have a father which put aside all the gaps matter behind, and helps his youngest son to finish the most difficult game he has ever had at that time. To give my brother courage and spirit. To tell my brother, in what ever things you do, do it persistently and never give up.

If he, our father still here and watching us, I believe he will always there to help us to solve the most difficult puzzle that hinders our ways. He will solve it first and the print the numbers at the back so that we can always arranged it with ease and happy face. He will let us know how to solve. Then we can arrange it again and again and then adore the final products and colors of the characters. Praised ourselves on how clever we are able to settle the puzzle.

If he still here…

Now I know, my father done it years ago just because he knew that he will not have much time to teach my brother. And he had done that so my brother can always remember. My brother should knows, our father was a great teacher and still. He teach even he doesn’t have to speak. His silent was a lesson to remember. He is the man of his word. He teach even he is seven feet under.

Each time when my brother look upon Dragon Ball, he will always remember. My brother has a father, that will be there when he need him most. What the most important, my brother should remember that our father will solve my brother puzzle no matter how hard it will be. He will do it willingly because he is a father. And always be.

And this is the story of my brother’s puzzle.

Papadom – A Spice Cracker in its own Class

2009-10-31T08:09:00.000+08:00

gambar dari aderi

Well, I will say this is third Malay movie I’ve watched on the big screen. The first is Cinta, second Jangan Tegur and then Papadom. I’m a liltle bit choosy in term to spend my money to watch a movie. I’m too easy to get frustrated on whatever the production offer, unless if there is special menu on the table. I'm more selective to give review on products, especially movies.

In the other hand Papadom is different, Papadom have that special menu.

Papadom in its literal meaning, is a special cracker (keropok) which is made to complete the recipe of Nasi Beriani or Nasi Kandar. Experience to taste papadom is quite different from other crackers. We have Keropok Ikan, Udang, Lekor and the list goes on, but all these keropoks are food of its own. You can eat them like junk food (if this suit to deliberate its meaning), you can always eat them as separate item. Unlike papadom, the thrill eating them only exists when you eat them with Nasi Beriani or Nasi Kandar.

But Papadom as a movie has something else to offer. It is a story of tragedies that have been written in hilarious way, which will ensure you laugh with tears (of course if you can understand Bahasa well and you are part of Malaysian culture). The movie reminds me of The Beautiful Life (winner as the foreign film at Oscar). Rewrititing tragedy from different angle and views. What Afdlin can do, which neither Apek nor Nabil can’t do is to invite the audience for sincere cheerfulness. Afdlin in his consistent character, which her daughter called her Papa Dom (his character name is Saadom) is an anxious father that worries for her daughter too much. In fact excessively agonize.

The story only begins when his wife died in an accident. Dom feels responsible to take care for their only daughter. Dom actually felt guilty because before the accident, he was too busy taking care of business (Nasi Kandar and papadom of course). His wife accused him as irresponsible father and take things for granted. Then, when there are just the two of them remain in the family, Dom changed. He changed 180 degree. He was there next to his daughter everywhere and anywhere. The real problem aroused when his daughter wanted to further study at Selangor not at Penang. Separation means the whole lot for Dom, or its mean doom for Dom. Her daughter gives him one condition, not to visit her at university at all. Dom agreed but instead he applies a job as gardener at the University (of course he keep this secret from his daughter) to watch her close and personal. That the main frame of the story. Easy? Yeah quite easy.

In many way I would say this film is still a typical Malay film (even they promoting 1Malaysia idea in it), but seriously hilarious. Next Yasmin Ahmad ey Afdlin? I would stay away from discussing moral and the ideal Malay film that I would like to watch on the big screen. From the moment, Papadom is OK caused I don’t feel frustrated when I’m out from the theater. Well, there are few, but just keep silent for the moment.

I’m hoping Papadom is an original idea from Afdlin and the team. So this will make the film special. But when I stepped out from the room, a comic strip kept flashing on my mind. I knew that I’ve gone through something like Papadom before but I just can’t remember. It might be from Kreko or Gempak, some sort comic magazines. Then the visual getting clear, the idea is nearly similar like Chocolate (a comic from Kreko I guest). But, hey, what the heck. I’ve watched Papadom and I really enjoy it! So, what keep you still?

Go to the nearest cinema, let find out how Afdlin Shauki can make you laugh. Well in fact, this is the month of Oktober, to me, I need a lot of laughing pills (a lot of) to make me smile again.

Now, lets move babeh.

p/s: owh, I'm the only one giving Papadom applause at the end of the show. (well what to do, we Malaysian are not custom to show our appreciation. If I watch Papadom with my bro, will he give the remarks too? Well, what say you bro?)

Reflection

2009-10-28T04:32:00.001+08:00

Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seeks more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable.

- Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

2009-10-19T16:21:00.000+08:00

I'm embrassing Poulo Coelho, but I might not like the Al Chemist.
Yes, prejudice die hard.
Why you like the Al Chemist so much?

Gift of Life

2009-10-12T10:07:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of people I met, taught me things.

But there are few that touched and inspired me along the way.

There is a sister, which is so close to me that in a way want to share everything, her ups and downs in life. Instead, she taught me everything. Maybe, she is the sister that Allah gave to keep me company for the lost of my own. Because He always knows that I’m not that strong as they see me.

I admire her in many ways. Her patient, persistent, strength, passionate and unconditional loves for all that evolve around her. In my eyes, she have done it par excellent as what a contemporary women can do. She is a mother, a worker, a wife, a friend, a sister and you name it. She has fulfilled with grace and tenderness. I don't know if I get the oppurtunity, I can do the same.

But one thing that inspired me most, her sincerity. Her sincerity towards Allah is the drive, so she moves on every single day without showing any sign of tiredness. Although she suffers when her prayers has not yet granted, but she never stop praying. Instead, she always has the smile that will make me smile too. Like sunshine for every single day, even it rain the sun still there to shine.

But I’m the one that have been exhausted all this while. Am I not sincere enough?

She is the servant of God, a miraculous being that has been destined to me as an acquaintance to learn on how a servant should be and behave.

I watched her everyday with envy and at the same time love.

Yes, I love her no doubt. I know, she loves me like a sister loves her own sibling. What is most rewarding, she trust me undeniably. That is a wonderful feeling especially to be trust from a person like her.

I hope her prayers will be granted soon. Everyday she will remind me to pray for her. Surprisingly, she never escapes from my thought especially when I take my time to pray. Even, I’m an absentminded person.

She is a gift, at the beginning Allah sends me here. As He always knows what my future will be and what are the absences that will meet me.

I hope I can understand. I hope He will make me understand. These are His promises.

Then I will find my path.

InsyaAllah.

I hope you too will meet a friend which can teach so many things, especially to survive a game that we call life :)

Hope

2009-10-11T08:46:00.000+08:00

Hope is a waking dream ~aristotle~

what ever happen
just hope
you'll know
you're still alive!

Lost

2009-10-06T22:53:00.001+08:00

when you can't find
anything, anyone
even
your own self...

Sorrow

2009-09-30T17:27:00.000+08:00

when there is nothing left to feel
except
emptiness

Lesson

2009-09-11T17:04:00.000+08:00

Most of us believe that lesson is the things that we can get from formal class. I'm too believe the same before, but for some years know it has changed.

Yes, teacher will teach us the way to solve problems in class. They show us how to do math, science, languange and the list is on.

True teacher to me, is the one that provide lesson to survive life and choose what is the best.

Of course we are aiming to become among those who are at the top, with flying colours and we get praise of it. I am too dreaming the same. Always strive to become one. But when the examination is over, the result came, that is. The role of teachers and me as students has ended there.

But now it different. I learn because there was a teacher that told me if you can't find the way out, please refer to someone expert which can show you the way out.

It different now because once a teacher told me that results isn't everything. It is the processes that you have learned. When you find your stand and method to eliminate or minimize error, than you work will be perfected.

It has changed since, when a teacher told me, that life is about to make a choice, and you are the one who will make it, the consequence is result from the act. You can't blame anyone for that.

I've got the different view, when a teacher told me, if you have strive hard, you give all the effort that you can give, you give it all, prayed and stedfast but still things have turn out bad. You have to take it as trials. Be patient and pray to have strong heart, because when you succeed you will get bounty beyond your imagination. You might not have it here, but the teacher told me, "I'm sure you will get it, There!"

Good results is one thing,

but the best is,

when you get lesson that help you get through life from it, wether it is good or vice versa!

Reviving the Hope!

2009-09-05T18:42:00.000+08:00

It a long way. My friend said that my bridge span might longer than others. I'm thinking, will I see what are on the other side of the bridge? She then said, "InsyaAllah, just place you faith and trust. Right now, just drive on and enjoy the beautiful scenary and the mystery of colour blend that changed everyday!"

What my friend doesn't know, faith is something that can't enter heart just by saying, or by a good words, advise and reasoning. It might need interference from high above that allow you to have conviction on thing.

I learn to revive hope from the saying of Said Bediuzzaman An Nursi.

He is a scholar which is not familiar to me before, but an email change everything. I should consider Nursi's work to be one of my collection item. His famous work known as Rasail An Nur. Someday I will get it, InsyaAllah.

Only Allah knows, what Nursi's gone through in his life. He witness the collapsed of Ottoman Empire, see the rising secular state of Turkey lead by Attarturk. He also witnessed the rising of Zionist to reclaimed Israel and Jurussalem has been taken by the new order of crusaders. The words heartbroken will not suit for the devastating defeat of Islamic caliphate. The Islamic community back to that years never experienced a world without a leader. Islamic Leader which unite ummah together. Islam has been scattered to pieces. Nations are built base on national and race agenda, not for the religion and to uphold the Soveriegnity of Allah The All Mighty.

And we are now the results of the failure to uphold the true teaching of Islam.

Have Nursi loose hope then? No, in his heart he has the conviction that Islam will triumph over the decandent and despostic system which is now taking lead. Even he experienced the WWI and WWII where they have conclude it is the sun set of Islamic rulling. Even he see the ummah have weaken in every aspects of life including the faith in their own religion!

Nursi has never loose hope to see Islam will one day get back on track. He has the faith because it promised by God Himself.

In one occassion when a person told him, it is the end. "The Islamic world is all broken up and fragmented."

What Nursi said?

They are not gone. "They have gone to study. It is like this; India is an able son of Islam; it is studying in the high school of the British. Egypt is a clever son of Islam; it is taking lessons in the British school of civil servants. Caucasia and Turkestan are two valiant sons of Islam; they are trainning in the Russian war academy. And so on. You see, after these noble sons of Islam have received their diplomas each will lead a continent, and waving the banner of Islam, their just and mighty father on the horizons of perfection, they will proclaim the mystery of pre-eternal wisdom inherent in mankind in the view of pre-eternal devine determining and in the face of obstinate fate."

If Nursi live, he might be a Professor of Professors. He has the faith.

The bridge might be long, but it always has an end. I now know.

Nursi has the conviction, why not me?

Taboo

2009-08-31T11:50:00.000+08:00

I should not check for the schedule match in EPL. That a taboo to me, a bad luck for Arsenal and Wenger. Week before I was quite excited with the statistical data on EPL league. The Arsenal have score a big goal and qualified (defeated Celtic) for the next round for champion's league.

Then, I trangress the taboo. I've eager to look the next match for Arsenal.

It will be between Arsenal and the tradition enemy, Man U.

And I waited for the event to take place. I know this is taboo to me. To Arsenal as well. But the thing that has been done, it is imposible to undo. We are not computer right.

So that is it. Arsenal loose to Man U.

What dissapointed me, the last goal has been denied by the referree.

I, should not take a glance to the EPL schedule anymore.

Let Wenger handle everything. That will be fair.

Owh. Sigh.

p/s: The taboo is I can't have any feeling to follow up Arsenal progress in the league. If I try to catch thing up, the next thing will happen is, Arsenal will loose the match. This will be series of unforturnate event to Arsenal and Wenger. Mean that, it is forbidden for me, to even have feeling hoping Arsenal to win. So, big NO for any of football match! Weird? That's actually happen.

Kopitiam Gadhir: A Play That is Larger than life

2009-08-20T22:48:00.001+08:00

Kopitiam Ghadir is a musical play written and directed by Faisal Tehrani who has been granted with Malaysia National Art Award. However, despite having the respected title, he was treated like dirt before the play was successfully presented to audience. The initial stage supposed at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (a department that secure the wellfare of culture and Malay language) but has been denied a week before the play is schedule to begin.

Despite being betrayed from the organizer, his production team manage to get green light from ITNM which give them place to act. If you think that ITNM has a proper place to perform an act, think again. ITNM does not have ampitheater or compatible place to perform a play. They only have a hall that is only suitable for book launching ceremony or a seminar. So, the audience and the actors will share the same floor.

Against all odd, the team manage to perform Kopitiam Ghadir for three consecutive nights, plus one evening performance.

Speaking the truth, it is a play which you can always watched it during students dinners and performance. If you ask me the significant impact in term of materials used, I would say-none. I would give credits for the scores because it was original and written by rising young music talent, but if the musical element missing there is nothing to say about Kopitiam Ghadir.

This is what I called a slum production group. An oppressed groups with limited sources and capital. No big sponsors, no grand props, no advance sound system, amature actors to add for the suffer, a big NO from the authority. Even the text was written by renown prolific Malay young writer Mr Faisal Tehrani himself, it seem that he was restrain from expressing art to mass audien. WHY?

If this is a work of a slum production, why they get a lot of obstacle before it can be shown to the public? What harm can four amateur actors and a song writer will do to audiens?

The answer lies inside the text. Kopitiam Ghadir has been written to highlight an event that occur one time ago at a place called Ghadir Khumm but been missing in centuries time in our community (more than 1400 years now). That what make KG larger than life. The text challenges people to use their brain and come to reason together. KG is also strategic because it will helps us to understand what are the causes that divide ummah into sects and schools.

Quoting what has been uttered by my fellow friend, the theater is huge in term of ideas and you need to have knowledge to be there to enjoy the play. This is not a play for ignorance and for people searching entertaiment. However, the theater is enjoyed enough as the idea has been put forward in simplistic version: a short discussion, songs and variety of characters.

I believe KG text as similar approach what has Dan Brown been doing all this while. However Dan Brown intentionally to challenge, but KG is to highlight what has been in box and kept silent for century to public. And this worries the authority badly, therefore they put lots of restriction to the production.

Yes, our community is not ready to speak out loud. Our community still not ready to seek truth from medium other than Masjid (mosque). Our community still can't accept that Ustaz can wear shirt and jeans, instead of rob and turban. Our community still can't hear the truth from places like ampitheater but from the altar. Our community only can accept words from sermon not from good musics and songs. Our community has been doctrine to accept words from authorised personality from government office only, not from those who live a life from the Quran.

KG production is the reflection of the event occur at Ghadir Khumm. As expected. Media keep silent to promote the show. Authority and sponsors deny the event on the promised date. The production have to move on their own, to struggle what they believe as truth.

Ghadir Khumm is like that. People questionning the event, weather it has took place or it just a myth that uttered by oppurtunist group. To speak the truth, there are a lots of academic writing that authenticated the event. There are a lot of scholar with high ranking post warranted that event. It is an event which is brighter than sun shine. But yet, people likely to stay in the state of denial.

KG is like that. So, what have had happen to the production is expected even so. But they pop up like daisies in winter. The are the water lily that live on lakes. What ever happen, come what may!

That what make KG special. It is an oppressed production. Small but yet significant. Amatuer but yet professional. It is just like to light a candle but explode with great impact. I think if Shaskespear live, he will try to do sometime like this.

Congratulation to KG productions!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-08-02T11:01:00.000+08:00

It is a good movie indeed, but there a lot to complaint.
Benjamin Button, as a part is an original. Quite unique, a character that is built to be contradicts what we have known as natural creation for all this while. Benjamin has been born, and he was born old! Imagine you have given birth to a baby, but having an old body and senses at 80’s. The body was weaken by arthritis, the sight deteriorate by cataract and all old symptoms. What that would be? How will be the life of the baby then? Can you imagine?

This is a story about a Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Brad Pitts as its anchor actor.

The story begins, with a focus to a clock that has been build for a famous train station at New Orleans. The clock smith was a man, but completely blind which has a son. The son has been forced to go to war (World War I) and serve the country but die as a patriot. His father, the clock maker was heart broken but still has put all his effort to build the clock even then. At the opening ceremony, Teddy Roosevelt came and more of important people were there to witness and celebrate the new clock. But everybody was shocked when the clock strikes its first second, the clock needle went backward. It is not surprised to the clock maker then, he meant to build that clock that way. He said, “The clock is to remind for our sons that lost in war hoping they can come back, make a farm, having a family and raise children.”

That the story begin, focusing on a weird clock. A functioning clock to tell other what is the time but its movement is all backward or we can call it as counter clockwise. The story resemblance the clock is as not natural, odd, bad omen and weird and to some people considered it is offend. To accept such to society is might be really abnormal, tough, like swimming against the current, and even face total isolation from the society.

The baby was born in a very rich family, a family which having their own factory to make buttons and supplied to the southern America (New Orleans) and to all over the state. When the father has the opportunity to look at him for the first time, he was trembling and shocked to death. He thought that the baby is a monster. At the same time his wife died of given birth. Without hesitate he snatched the baby from the cradle and abandoned him at the old folk house. The father gave him 18 dollar and leaved him at the house stairs. Luckily, he was found by a color women, Queenie, the care taker of the old folk house and raise him as her own child. She loved him and does what a mother would do to raise a child. So the baby monster survived the odd. This is the beginning the whole story for Benjamin. The biological body has been reversed but his mind grew naturally as a baby, kid, teenagers, adults and old. Imagine what is life to Benjamin Button then? He will never be natural as he has to grow reversing other. People were born as a child and grow old, but to Benjamin he grows young. He will witness the one he love die one by one as he grew young, but the other they get old.

Isn’t this is a very interesting story? To me well the Benjamin Button character was unique and has been design par excellent.

However, I will not give any credit on how the story was told to the audience as it is obviously not unique. The originality isn’t there caused you can easily compare to Forest Gump actor by Tom Hanks. The story is about life from different angle. The story is about life from the perspective of abnormal person, Benjamin as he grew young and Forest as a retarded boy with complication in movement. Benjamin too has been portray that way, not be able to walk as he has arthritis at the beginning. The one which protects both Benjamin and Forest is the mother and been raised in a home with a lot of people come and go, exactly the same. Moreover, both Benjamin and Forest have the opportunity to see world in many circumstances and then come back to be home again and to find their true love.

They inherited a fortune but don’t have any single attention on it as money is not everything and sometime not connected for happiness. For whosoever has watch Forest Gump and being a fan to that film, you will find that Benjamin Button is just another version of ‘life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you get’.

But still is worth to watch then. It is most amazing how man creativity will work for the same theme but at different angle yet they can still steal the spotlight from the audience.

However Hollywood movie still a Hollywood movie. Watching the movie produce from the famous industry with knowledge will eventually degrade you from the value and tradition that you have been upholding all this while. Watching Hollywood’s and believing what ever the story teller told you is true or at least you accept the value they sell to you as an absolute good, you will eventually let yourself of to become less human.

Why the story focus on a clock that the movement has been reversed because of the clock maker’s disappointment to the tragedy that has been put to his only son?

Why they portray contradict as a bad omen, and whosoever to face with that casualty will having a bad life and struggle?

Why they should give the idea being odd will eventually being isolated to the common society unless you have a home that suit with that?

They self claimed what ever natural to them is an absolute true. What ever contradictory with what they have accepted is reversing, not normal, not common.

The analogy lies on the clock that moved backward.

But have you ever stop and rethink, what is an absolute truth? The movement clockwise or the movements counter clockwise?

The whole universe if you at least learn some about the space and universe, you will always find that all of the objects are in the state of movement. Either they spin on their own, or evolve around others. The best example is the Earth herself. The Earth spin on its own and at the same time evolve around the sun to complete one cycle.

What is the movement then?

It is obviously counter clockwise. What is more obvious then?

If the world does not spin counter clockwise I will ensure you it will never support life and people will not have the opportunity to even exist.

So now you think, what is natural and what is not.

Inspired: Teacher which make a change

2009-07-21T14:02:00.000+08:00

I was inspired with my brother’s story. Simple but yet refreshing. It is about on one lucky Friday, my brother encountered with his two junior from his former high school at his university. Seeing school boys with complete Malay uniform (with samping and songkok) he was overwhelm. Usually my brother will not start any conversation but not that day. He just broke the ice asking why they are here during that hour. The school students are actually paying their visit at the university because of their teacher. Not to have a long conversation with my brother, the boys pointing finger to their teacher.
So this is how the story started.
My brother assumed those boys are an excellent student therefore their teacher rewards them a visit to university. Surprisingly, the boys are at the last list because they actually do not do well in exams. It is the teacher initiative which brings them to the higher learning institution in order to motivate them. Perhaps they will reconsider and contemplate themselves, and then they will change for better.
I was mesmerized with the teacher effort and willingness to do more than ordinary. This is a teacher that worthy for solute and respect from all of us. Teacher which will act beyond boundary because they believe each student have unique quality, if we patient enough to nurture we will get an outstanding results.
Alhamdulillah, I pray to Allah blessed the teacher with boundless rizq and ilm’, strength and honor, beautiful heart here and hereafter. And I pray for my friend that will eventually becoming a school teacher soon. I have strong believe he will make a change, and will used his power to nurture and mould youngster in the right path. InsyaAllah.
The full story is here.
I believe this is a kind of teacher that will make an impact. I once have a Professor which is well known in my faculty and the engineering industry. He has chosen me to become his supervisee. I didn’t know what is Professor is all about. At that time there is only 2 Professors available. It is my honour he had chose me, I’m only a naïve undergraduate student then and he is A Professor. He taught me a lot. But he taught me the lesson that I will not forget, he said “Asal, when you want to do something, please refer to others’ works for the preliminary study than you will be guided”.
That is the lesson which is so simple but yet meaningful. And yet you’ll ask me for the significant.
Well, my supervisor has passed away long time ago. Maybe, I’m the last under graduate under his supervision. He died because of car accident at my faculty. Till the last breath he had served my institution. What a patriot.
That simple lesson is so significant. Why is that? It is because I still can hear his advised even he is actually being buried seven feet under. I’m always used his advised for everything I do. For my works, researches, art works, and even when I’m cooking. The advice is still significant, and I will ensure to the last breath I’m taking.
Both teachers (my brother case and my Professor) are an educator. To teach is not simply to display; it is to show the right things. Things that can be understand at the comprehension level of the students. They educate while being humble and trying at their very best to make students to understand. It is a lesson which can be sustained. This is what has been said, a knowledge that is benefited here and hereafter.
My respect is with both of these inspiring teachers.
O Allah blessed them with Your unlimited blessing.
Suddenly I remembered, Ubalighu walau ayat, convey knowledge even it is only one word!

The Girl that Leap Through Time

2009-07-15T06:38:00.000+08:00

I've heard a very big deal about this anime movie. My friend has asked me to watch it with patient. My brother asked my review on this. I don’t have time being engaged with movie right now, but yet I watched it twice. I watched this movie, with prejudice because I'm deeply in love with Gibli’s movies. There is no where I can review others as good as Gibli’s. Second, I watched it with my best friend the night before her birthday. This time around like a freshman with open mind.

MasyaAllah, that’s will be the word to describe this masterpiece of story telling.

What life will be, if we have the ability to leap through time?

From my point of view, this is the movie that sooth the eyes. It was beautifully been drawn and portrays. The pictures are breathtaking. I just can’t keep my eyes out of the frame. Nothing like Gibli’s at all. I’m glad I found the beauty in others movie as well. The story, well, it was seriously and critically been written. I might say, there is zero plot to be wasted in this movie even I’m pretty sure there have some that can be discussed in term of logical aspect. But till the end, the story teller will make sure everything will get connected in very smooth and clean scenes.

The story is about Makoto. She was accidentally been given with the ability to leap through time. Makoto is studying at high school therefore the conflict is built which focus on her. As a teenager, there is really not much to ask right? Funny but at the same time, bigger issue has been aroused. One of the themes is about teenager and their direction in life. Have they been thinking about it? Or they just let it passed with time?

Well, to reflects, I’m too think the same. Maybe I’m a little bit too late because I’m not a teenager anymore. But I’m thinking about all the kids and teenagers around me, and my kids in the future, should we discuss this important thing so they will be more directed? I think we should. If we don’t discuss it seriously with them at least we should play our role to show them the way. Make them believes to themselves, to make them feel confident that they are in the right track, make them know themselves and realized things, find the path that will suit them well, show them the right way so they will not regret, fight for dreams, pursue for love and happiness, speak out for the truth and act true.

Yes, those are my thoughts after I've finished the second round for this movie. I thought for opportunity. I thought about, if and only if I’ve a good advisor during I’ve been raised, will things change? If I was taught to believe in myself and fight for love, will I be someone else? Will I be happy then?

Well, of course you might ask me, do I regret the way how I’ve been raised?

The answer is no. Big NO. I’m totally blessed. There is nothing to be trade. There are lots of things that I’m grateful about and thank Him everyday. Alhamdulillah.

Makoto in the other hand, having the advantages to change things decided to used the ability with something that is not so important I might say. For example, she turn the clock back just because she really wanted to eat pudding. She even does that just to extend longer time for karaoke and a lot more.

Watching ‘The Girl that Leap Through Time’ is somewhat enjoy and fun, at the same time make me think.

For what ever happen to me especially during this turbulent time, having the ability to leap back in time will be precious. That is what I needed most really badly.

But even so, if I have the same opportunity like Makoto I will never leap through time. For what ever happen the most important to me is memory. I’m too afraid if I leap it will erase the best part in me. Or it will get worse, if decided to leap through time it will erase the memory in someone which has restored me, to be remember.

Well, leap through time, do you think it can happen in reality?

L Change the World

2009-07-12T18:09:00.000+08:00

I enjoying my weekend break by watching this movie during my leisure weekend. My brother does not encourage me to watch the movie. I do not know why, even though I get hooked with all the characters in the Death Note episodes especially with L, the most unimaginable hero character. He is the anti climax of a hero image.
My bro advised, before he hand over to me the L Save the World Movie, “Are you really want to watch this, don’t you think that you will be sad later. It is all about L and you know L will eventually die?”
Well, a movie is still a movie. If the movie is good it will be worth to watch it right, for whatever the outcome will be. Yes, surprisingly L is contra for what I’ve had watching Death Note 1 and Death Note 2. The plot is too predictable. It has been filming in conventional method of Hollywood style. The least I expected from Japanese movie. However it is good to see L in action, to see him having other faces as well. He as the center, not to be shared the spotlight with Kira in Death Note.
The movie started with an emotional drive, reflecting Watari’s death while helping L to solve for Death Note cases. The bond between L and Watari is not been exaggerating with flashback images. The relationship has been shown with very minimum image, but yet adequate enough to make audience to simulate their own imagination how Watari and L have developed the bond of Father and Son. Yup, having a genius son like L is not easy but Watari has raised L well to become a human, even L is not so human in character.
The issue is about unethical bunch of people who having the idea to save the Earth from destruction by the increasing number of human population on the Earth. This maniac and insane group have planned to spread a deathly virus to eliminate as much peoples as they can widespread the globe. So they can develop a harmony and well balance ecological environment between human and the Earth. So here comes L to save the world.
Yes, straight forward. The beauty of this film is about L. The philosophical aspect in this movie is about environment to human relationship, human to human relationship, the appreciation of life, and many more. Yes, again the beauty of this movie is about L. Who so ever have had watched Death Note 1 and Death Note 2 will have some attachment to the character. Having in mind that L will actually die anyway, make us wanted to know whether L, will ever smile?
True, my brother always knows that this is a movie that will carry my emotion away.
During the hardest time ever in my life, the movie doesn’t help me that much to ease the burden inside me. Well as L said to Near, “How talented you are, you alone can’t save the world”.
True, “We need ummah to do that L”.

New Job

2009-07-11T17:20:00.003+08:00

I've new job. An adviser. I hope I'm wise and knowledgeable enough to deliver this. Hope all the wisdom will eventually bestowed on me, whenever people seek for my advise. I know, I don't really even have the capacity but if people come and ask for help, I just can't ignore. Can I?

It is really a scary job I might say.

Hope to have brilliant and powerful brain like Yoda.

So what should I decide for evening break, Karipap or Bihun Sup?

know yourself

2009-07-08T20:25:00.000+08:00

Looks around you, what kind of friends you are with?
They might reflects who you are.
Rhonda Byrne said 'Like attracts like'.

The Pursuit of Happyness

2009-06-30T22:59:00.000+08:00

This is a movie, what I called inspirational.

This is a story of struggle, determination, hope, conviction, sacrifice, bond and love.

Chris Gardner played by box office talent Will Smith, is the center of this movie. Chris Gardner questioned one important thing. Why it is in the declaration of independence by Thomas Jefferson, he said ‘To pursuit for happiness’. Does happiness need to seek and hound? For who have had watched this movie, we will understand why Gardner asked this question.

Everything seems not right for Gardner even he’s trying so hard to make his family happy. The story begins as Gardner struggling as a businessman try to sell machine called bone scanner. That is what Gardner does for living. Jobs which help him pay for rent, bill and tax. He has a wife and a son. A son he will protect with all his willpower, with all his heart and for what its take. Unconditional love with only one who have had experienced it can enlighten us with all the details.

But he does not doing well in his selling business. His wife asked more than a simple life and decided not to take it anymore. Gardner thought for a change, so he tried his luck to become an intern as a stock broker in one respected company. This is his struggle. Been left by his wife, kicked out from house, not be able to sell any of bone scanners, doing internship, have to take care of his only son and all the privation which will invite tears to your eyes.

A moment when Gardner has to take his son to do the selling, he told his son an advised which I will never forget for the rest of my life,

“Don’t ever let somebody told you, you can’t do something. Not even me.
You got a dream, you got to protect it.
People can’t do something, they wanna tell you, you can’t do it.
If you want something, go get it. Period”.

I do agree, happy is to be pursuit.
But is happy enough?

To the end of this story, I got so many things to reflect. Which conclude to my searching for life. “Happy is just not enough; you need love. Love is still not enough, you need to find the essence to sustain and fights for”.
Essense for Gardner, he want his son to know he is a good father, despite all. And...he is.
Me? Well, I think I have one!

I never knew

2009-06-27T23:52:00.000+08:00

I never knew what it is feel, when you witnessed a body lying at the road side, covered with 'kain pelikat' with a lot of people watching with interest.

I never knew what it is feel when you was the one inside the car, slowed to catch up with the concerned Malaysia watching the stiff body.

I never knew how long the image will sustained in you cell called memory.

I never knew what it's feel, when you finally reached home people gathered with sorrow. At your own house, but still you knew nothing.

I never knew what is the feeling, when only then you learn the lying body was your only son.

And the 'kain pelikat' was belong to his godfather which is your own good neighbour.

I never knew the grief, the sorrow, the emptiness.

I never knew how hard, but then I knew then, when the mother of the lying body followed him into the graveyard, less than a year.

But I knew what is sorrow, grief and tears.

And I knew what is heartache and emptiness.

Children of Heaven

2009-06-09T09:08:00.000+08:00

Children of heaven are really children from heaven.

It is quite sometimes ago, when I was first trying myself to watch a movie at the silver screen. It was the year which the stigma is still there. You’re not a decent person if you watch movie with friends or your family. Big screen then is seemed like the source of evil. There is some wave coming out from the screen and will eat up the best part of you, the angel part.

But still, I’m the one suggesting to my friends to watch a movie which will be screen at the international screen at GSC Mid Valley. And I’m suggesting them an Iranian movie title Children of Heaven. The title seemed delicious, but unlucky me, I do not know anything about movie, not to tell how to get a ticket and finding sits inside the cinema. Even so, my friends are there to help me on the technical thingy. The ticket price is more expensive from regular, which is RM12 per sit because it is featuring on the international screen. So, I thought that, it must be a good movie.

Well, confidently sitting there, which that was my first experience and I never thought the room so big. I remember the cinema so big (literally) cause there in nobody else to watch (if I can remember, maybe there a two or three people excluding us that watch the movie). We can choose where we want to sit then. What wrong with the movie? That was the first weird thing.

Maybe I’m trying to look smart so that why I choose Children of Heaven. I never knew, Iranian movie is away from what we know about a movie. I’m thinking of the good looking actors and actresses, actions, technologies, stunning scenery and superb sound but, none! Children of Heaven always had been a film similar what we can see from regular television drama. That was the second weird thing.

Third, the film all and all is about children which is run and run and run and run. Till the end, the child is still running. Owh my goodness, I look stupid already in front of my friends. The lights on and we are up to have lunch. No comment that slips form my friends’, and I’m too speechless.

Last night, I watch the rerun of Children of Heaven alone, in front of my audio visual set, and I knew I not been apologetic bringing my friends to watch years ago. Because there is no evil, none of the angels part will be sucked out from your body, in fact, the film very much teach us about to have faith in God and God alone, total depend on Him, responsibility, sacrifice, the family bond and so many more. And what the director need is only a pair of shoes, and two children, Ali and Zahrah, which maybe I’m too believing that they have been send down from heaven.

There is a moment that starttled me. Zahrah is pouring tea to her father, which at that particular time his father breaking sugar to smaller pieces. The sugar is from a masjid that will be used for religious ceremony.

Her father then asked her, “Zahrah Jan, where is my sugar my dear”.

Zahrah said, “Look father, there is a lot of sugar in front of you, do we really need to take sugar out from our kitchen shelf?”

The father then replied, “Well dear, this sugar is not ours. It is for a ceremony at masjid. This is an amanah, we can’t take it”.

I was feeling so much guilt years ago, RM12 is still expensive for some of us (we are students back then). But I know now, RM12 is still not that much to watch a movie that can fill your soul and send it to the sky. In fact, I think, I’m outreaching my friends by using popular medium.

Enjoy and been blessed at the same time, guilty? Nope. It is a beauty.

In fact if my friends come, I will play the movie again.

Angels & Demons

2009-06-08T09:19:00.000+08:00

Dan Brown must be obnoxious to the very foundation of Christianity when he dares to publish his books both in: Da Vincci Code and Angels and Demons. He used realism in his creative works which make it more daring and open for critics. Which make the Christians mad and angry.

So what make Dan Brown then, an angel or the devil himself?

Yeah, me, totally depend on the movie to understand the issue. To be frank, I never read Dan Brown novels. But both of the movies, loved it! Not conventional Hollywood movie, well some part of it. It makes me to watch Da Vincci Code more than 5 times to understand the whole issues. But the story is quite direct I pressumed. The issues of Holy Grail, Council of Nicea, the battle between Christianity and Pagan (Rome), either Jesus man or divine, Leonardo works, The Knight Templer and so on that make me stumble at one moment. Of course all of the issues is not really new to me (as there is a time I constantly read Ahmad Deedat's, Freemason) but the way how director put all in motion picture make me amaze for a while.

Second movie, Angels & Demons, is quite frustrating. Even there are twist here and there which stuck my eyes to the wide screen, but it is not as I expected such in Da Vincci Code. But to be in Vatican City, with the event of Pope dismissal, how they elect new Pope as a replacement, the corruption within the robe in the name of religion and Jesus, the facinating ancient manuscript in the most protective library (event this is an imaginary, it still alluring) that, make me amazed. In Da Vinci Code, Prof Langdon has worthy opponent, his colleague, his mentor and teacher. So the intelectual debate is fresh rather than to focus only on one opinion.

My drive to both pictures (movies) is the devotion of the Symbologist, Dr Robert Langdon to his research and work. To search for the truth or simply for the academic proposes? It is clear, Langdon do not have a stand, unless if he is an atheist. Being an atheist to me is not a stand either. This will conclude the character (Langdon) is not strong as people believe he is. Even he speak the bitter part in the very foundation of European and Western religion worldview, Christian but he does not provide us with alternative right? So, what is truth then?

I strongly believe, truth is out there. As my friend Eduardo from Italy believes.

I really keen to the symbologist as a main character in a film. It quite strange then, how he would analyze all the symbols and believe it as true? As all of the sources are doubtable.

But me myself believe in symbols, as God sometime Speaks by using this code. Not to hide things, but to reveal and manifest at the foundation of the absolute truth. But at the moment I just can't compose anything yet, its all mix up.

Wolverine

2009-05-04T11:41:00.000+08:00

Wolverine is the most anticipated Marvel comic character for X-Men series. To be frank, I'm not X-Men comic fan, but of course as the story on the big screen is too alluring, it to hard to resist.

Back in the year 2000, when X-Men first movie with action pact steal my intention (at that particular time I still don't have budget to watch it at cinema). And of course, who can resist Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine? It is almost like, love at the first sight. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine make the experience watching comic characters as not comic at all. Almost as realistic as it can be. Huh, exaggerating.
Then, 2009 comes again, the X-Men Origin: Wolverine. Oh, what else I wanna expect on the big screen. But, unfortunate for us, as we arrived late we only have two seat not in primary cinema, but another small cinema which make the experience a lil big shacky. My bro, it he not remind me about the facilities (not that confortable at all) and the screen which is slightly small, without THX effect, maybe I will accept this is a good movie. But, because of his big mouth, before the show started and he complain this and that, make Hugh Jackman as Wolverine like Kate & Leopold. Sorry! The cinema got to be blame.

Overall, it is an action pact movie. The puzzle that connect Wolverine to the later X-Men movies (1, 2 and Reunited). A lot of character to digest this time. Sabretooth, Deadpool, Gambit, Stryker Cyclops and many more, but believe me, find a good cinema and watch. There is nothing to complain.

Yeah, of course, if I'm a Wolverine, I might end up as the most intelligent character ever because I can live up live hundreds of year. Of course, I will not became an army like Wolverine, I will end up as a scholar. Hehe, sound boring. But, Wolverine is Wolverine. The adamantium which is install in his skeleton is undestructable. That make Wolverine as the perfect army. Plus, hey, Wolverine is Hugh Jackman duh, that's make he is unforgetable.

Well, I just don't wanna spoil the mood, the movie still on. To much of the stories, less surprise right.

To my brother, next time don't start to complain, or I really felt like watching at corridor, duh!

PUA: Gambate!

2009-03-31T12:34:00.002+08:00

What do you when you fall down?
When you felt down, and you feel that you don't have strength get back up, do you think that you have hope?
You have to try 100 time to get up!
If you fail to get up 100 times, and you give up, do you think that you will get up? No!
You have to try, again and again.
It is the matter of finish.
You will find the strength to get up.
And you will.

Gambate! Juang ajo.

PUA (Pesan Untuk Adik): Cinta Guru

2009-03-20T15:17:00.000+08:00

Kalau boleh saya tidak mahu sayang kamu yang terlalu. Lalu, saya akan katakan "Lu fikirlah sendiri".

Tapi dalam nubari terlalu banyak rasa, dan kamu terlalu banyak kehilangan. Seperti hari ini, kita menyambut tahun pertama kehilangan kekanda kita bukan? Lalu, kalau boleh saya gantikan setiap kehilangan, maka saya akan gantikan. Tapi saya tidak boleh. Saya hanya punya tulisan, lalu saya bina PUA (Pesan Untuk Adik) kerana bila tiba masa saya pulang pula nanti, kamu, tidak akan kekurangan apa-apa.

Kamu Adik, perlu cinta guru sepenuhnya. Sepenuhnya. Dengan penuh rasa kasih. Dengan penuh rasa percaya. Dengan hati mahu berbakti. Dengan hati yang sedia untuk mati.

Dan kerana itu pertama, kenali dulu siapa guru kamu.

Guru kita, adalah Teacher of Teachers, Muallim, Wahdah Khairah Ummah - Rasulullah Muhammad sawa. Wujudnya bukti ihsan Tuhan kepada seluruh umat manusia.

Mustaffa Imamal Mursalin.

Mustaffa Shafiaal Alamin.

Abal Qasim. Khairul Khalqillahi. Ishqqu Qalb.

Guru yang muncul dari padang pasir yang tiada punya harapan dan sejarah yang dikenal sebelum wujudnya, yang mengubah dunia kepada yang terbaik, dan menjadikan kita ummah yang terbaik.

Dia, bersolat munajjat pada Tuhan pada ketika semua sedang nyenyak tidur di peraduan.

Dia, menahan lapar dan dahaga ketika lain enak menjamah rasa.

Dia, yang menangis sehingga bercucuran air mata ketika yang lain ketawa sehinggalah di akhir nafasnya.

Dia, yang hanya mengharap, agar ummah sejahtera dunia dan akhirat.

Dia, yang mengajar untuk berlaku adil dan istiqamah dalam kebaikan.

Dia, yang mendidik untuk memberi makan pada yang miskin dan kelaparan.

Dia, yang menebarkan belas ikhsan dan kebaikkan, derita dan pengorbanan, kasih sayang dan cinta. Yang mengajar cinta demi Cinta.

Adik, cintailah dia sungguh-sungguh dari jalurnya. Jangan sesekali kamu lepas dari berpaut dari tali penghubung. Moga Adik, kita berjumpa di telaga Kautsar bersama-sama dengan kekanda, sambil minum dari piala Nabi, kerana Nabi telah redha!

(Adik, masihkah kamu ingat kekanda pergi ketika ulangtahun Nabi? Tika kamu mengalirkan air mata sayu, sedekahkan Al Fatihah. Tunjukkan juga iba hati kerana kehilangan Guru, Nabi, Rasul, Imam dan perpanjangkanlah solawat ulang-berulang).

Blog Untuk Adik

2009-03-17T12:13:00.000+08:00

Saya mempunyai pemikiran yang banyak bila blog ini diwujudkan. Antara alasan, ia sebagai medan dwi bahasa, supaya tidak terkeliru dengan blog utama (yang dalam harapan ditulis sepenuhnya dalam Bahasa Ibunda, atau sekali sekala diselit dengan bahasa Jawa, Minang, Jepun, Arab dan sebagainya).

Setelah berpedih mata :) saya akan kekalkan juga penulisan dwibahasa (Malaysia dan Inggeris), sekadar latihan, juga untuk panduan orang terdekat dengan saya.

Baru saya terfikir, dalam penulisan yang ada banyak terselit penulisan tentang adik. Owh, sepanjang perjalanan saya telah mengumpul banyak adik dari pelbagai bidang. Namun, tetap adik saya seorang sahaja. Jadi akhir-akhir ini saya terfikir untuk menulis blog untuk Adik. Untuk Adik saya nan seorang, untuk semua adik yang saya ketemu (yang Allah takdirkan kita bertemu), yang sudah dewasa dan perasan mahu jadi adik (pun boleh), untuk adik-adik (pun boleh).

Kenapa?

Mmm, bila kita hidup akhirnya kita akan mati juga. Namun yang kesal, bila kita mati, harta kita diagihkan dengan kerakusan. Bukan dengan hukum Tuhan. Bukan dengan hikmah yang diberi Allah. Meski kita sudah mewasiatkan (hibah) harta itu kepada sekian-sekian, tetap akan ada tangan yang mempercayai bahawa pertimbangan mereka lebih wajar dari hukum Allah melalui RasulNya. Tetap ada yang rasa mereka berilmu, lalu dengan ilmu itu yang hak mereka praktikkan. Sedang Allah lebih Maha Mengetahui. Tapi, yang terjadi di sekeliling, adalah realiti hidup, sehingga kita menerima hukum Tuhan secara total, tiada yang akan berubah.

Itu.

Itu alasan saya. Andai kata nanti, suatu hari saya mati, dan orang akan mencederai janji hibah di atas harta yang ditinggalkan (mmm, macamlah ada) sekurang-kurangnya saya punya tulisan, yang ditinggalkan untuk Adik. Meski jika tiada dari harta dunia yang bersisa sekalipun, sekurang-kurangnya, ada, satu harta, yang saya hibahkan untuk Adik. Dan dunia menatapnya. Dunia pun boleh bersaksi atasnya.

Ini.

Blog Untuk Adik.

Let learn D to Z with ryhmes :)

2009-02-12T16:42:00.000+08:00

D is for Du'a

Remembering Allah all nights and days,

By giving Him our thanks and praise

Thank Allah with "Al Hamdulillah"

And praise Him with "Subhanallah

E is for Earth

With its mountains, rivers, and seas,

Animals, birds, fruits, and trees

They all declare Allah's Might,

Following His laws, wills, and light

F is for Faith

That which the Muslims call Iman,

Is in the heart of the believing man

Will come from his lip and hand,

Love for Allah pouring out like sand

G is for Gabriel

An angel created by Allah from light,

His duty is to serve Allah all day and night

To Prophet Muhammad (S) he did appear,

To bring mankind the Holy Qur'an so dear

H is for Heaven

God's garden of joy, peace, and love,

The home for Muslim's souls above

The path to this heavenly place

Is faith in Allah's guidance and grace

I is for Islam

A way of life for all of who,

Give to Allah the praise that is due

We worship and pray five times a day,

Because we know it is the best way

J is for Jesus

Peace be upon him, 'Isa, the son of Maryam,

To his people Allah's word did he carry

By Allah's help he made the sick well,

So people would believe what he had to tell

K is for Ka'bah

First house of Allah in Makkah was made,

By Ibrahim and Isma'il the stones were laid

Millions of believers from every race,

Come for Hajj to his extra special place

L is for Life

A precious gift from Allah to you,

Don't waste it, he knows what you do

Don't chase pleasure or forget Allah,

No matter how little, say "Al-Hamdulillah

M is for Muhammad

Peace be upon him, Abdullah's son,

From Allah's enemies he did not run

Of all the Prophets he was the last,

Islam his message which we hold fast

N is for Nuh

Peace be upon him, a Prophet who was very good,

Allah told him to build an ark, fast as he could

Take pairs of animals and the believers-all,

The flood was coming and the waves would be tall!

O is for Obedience

It is the duty of each Muslim to obey,

The Qur'an and the Sunnah all the way

Go for Hajj, give Zakah, fast, and pray,

And to your parents do not say, "Nay!"

P is for Prayer

It is the cornerstone of Muslim life,

And the devil it cuts like a knife

Prayer five times a day is a must,

In Allah you should put your trust

Q is for Qur'an

A blessing and guide for all of mankind,

In it Allah's message you will find

Of all His messages it is the last,

Perfect for present, future, and past

R is for Ramadan

For Muslims this blessed month of fasting,

Is to celebrate Allah's love everlasting All day,

no food, nor drink, nor evil deeds,

Pray and read Qur'an, to heaven this leads

S is for Surah

One hundred and fourteen in the Qur'an,

Read them and trust in Al-Rahman,

Do you know ten of them that you can say?

Knowing them will help you pray

T is for Tawheed

La ilaaha illallah, Allah is the only one,

There is no partner with Him, nor son

Allah is the answer to all that we need,

Watch your heart and tongue, He knows every deed

U is for Ummah

The Muslim community which Muhammad (S) found,

The brotherhood of Islam made it sound

Allah's laws in the Qur'an and Sunnah,

Are to help everyone in the Ummah

V is for Victory

It is the help from Allah to you,

His guidance in everything you do

Work and prayer a Muslim does need,

To celebrate Allah's victory, indeed!

W is for Wudu'

We must keep our minds and bodies clean,

Because by Allah we are always seen

Whenever you hear the call of athan,

Prepare and come pray as soon as you can

X is for "Seen" *

X is not easy for us to rhyme,

So we'll not waste much of your time

In higher math X is hard to find,

But Allah's path is clear even to the blind
(* the Arabic letter "seen" stands for the unknown)

Y is for Yunus

Peace be upon him, a good man in a wicked town,

He ran to the sea and a whale gobbled him down

By the mercy of Allah he was saved to tell,

His people to become good and obey Allah well

Z is for Zero-sin

It is the way we each begin,

Free from wordly sin So,

don't let yourself forget,

Keep out of the devil's threat!

(From Ghazi Hussain, Pakistan)

Lets learn A, B, C with ryhmes

2009-02-11T15:21:00.000+08:00

A is for Allah

Lord of the Universe, who is One,

He made the earth, stars, and sun

He made angels to worship and pray,

He made man from a dab of clay

B is for Bilal

Bilal is that tall, brave African man,

Islam freed him and gave him iman

Calling the Muslims to come and pray,

Was his duty each night and day

C is for Children

Black, white, red, yellow, and brown,

Better than the jewels in a crown

Laughing or crying, short or tall,

Allah loves children, one and all

Batman The Dark Knight and My Muharram

2009-01-05T06:44:00.000+08:00

And this is the month of Muharram. When the Israelis army set bombs to light the Ghaza skies, I’m here in my home town with peace, watching Batman.

I’ve forgotten that I hate one kind of movie ending, the twisted ending like the story been told in Dark Knight. This kind of ending will haunt me for years. This feeling that I have over the years after we have had finished Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater. I’ve tried to forget MGS: Snake Eater till now, but the feeling never went away. And to add to the traumatized experienced, I’ve finished the Dark Knight. It is not wise choice actually, really not a wise choice for my injured emotion. And now I know why my brother keeps asking me to watch the movie.

For a movie, it is worth to watch. The scriptwriter and the director were brilliants to bring in vigilante with realism experienced. There will never the same old superhero movie at all. Batman’s rivals, Joker, acted by Heath Ledger. He should get all the credit as the most anticipated rivals. It is a shamed he has had ends his life at the young age when his star shine like the North Star.

The Dark Knight is kind of new approach translating villain’s philosophical point of view. Joker put the philosophy of dark side in one could never imagine it will be that bad. Villains which have the intention to make all people same as he is.

I will not review this film as much, as my emotion still injured and badly injured. This kind of ending is something that I’ve experienced before, but, the director doing his job above excellent. In Dark Knight I never expected its coming. But at the end, it appeared. Not believing my eyes, I was shouting silent for the long night weeping for Batman.

As the Gordon reminded his son when they watched Batman on running accompanying with the exceptional score by Hans Zimmer (the sound of orchestra music that will haunt me forever),

“He is the hero Gotham deserved, but not the one it needs right now. So we’ll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he is not a hero. He is a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A Dark Knight”.

The last sentences, remind me to my silent guardian, my watchful protector. Which has been kept in history, silent, never open. They accused him for everything that he didn’t do, yet, he keeps telling me, he can take it. Till the end of time, he will arise as the Golden Knight. Once and for all, the truth will prevail.

This is the month of Muharram, and I’m here watching Batman.

Hormat Guru cara Kungfu Panda

2008-12-28T11:46:00.000+08:00

Dalam kemelut krisis budi pelajar masa sekarang yang amat menakutkan, filem Kungfu Panda mungkin boleh menjadi sarana alternatif kepada teks dan syarahan. Krisis nilai yang melihatkan paparan pergaduhan guru dan murid di dalam kelas adalah sesuatu yang sangat mustahil berlaku beberapa dekad yang lalu, tetapi terpampang di dalam televisyen sejak akhir-akhir ini. Jadi, saranan saya, tontonkan kepada mereka Kungfu Panda. Ia filem mengajari kita untuk hormat pada guru.

Kungfu Panda adalah filem sarat falsafah yang dikarya dengan sangat santai bersulamkan kungfu dan karakter-karakter comel seperti panda, harimau, monyet, ular, kura-kura, harimau bintang, burung dan lain-lain lagi. Saya boleh senaraikan 10 pelajaran falsafah dari filem ini, tetapi yang terkesan di hati ialah bagaimana seni pertahanan diri oriental menitik beratkan kepercayaan kepada guru sebagai tonggak utama untuk mendapat kefahaman ilmu dan penghayatan makna.

Karakter yang menunjukkan hubungan guru anak murid boleh dilihat seperti rantaian berikut, Master Oogway – Master Shifu – Panda. Tetapi secara peribadi saya melihat hubungan antara Master Oogway dan Master Shifu, yang mengajari tentang akhlak kepada guru sebagai kerangka utama dalam menuntut ilmu. Sikap konsisten Master Shifu menurut setiap nasihat dan pesanan Master Oogway telah membuka banyak rahsia. Meski dalam beberapa keadaan, Master Shifu kelihatannya bercanggah pendapat dengan Master Oogway. Ini adalah disebabkan oleh belum sampai kefahaman dan makna. Walaupun begitu ia tidak menjadikan Master Shifu membelakangkan guru apatah lagi berlaku kurang ajar.

Ada 2 plot yang menyangga falsafah perguruan dalam filem ini.

Kesudahan yang sempurna bagi Master Shifu, dan Panda.
Kesudahan yang malang bagi Tai Lung.

Siapa Tai Lung? Tai Lung adalah anak murid pertama Master Shifu yang telah dilatih sempurna. Tetapi kerana ketamakan Tai Lung telah menjadikan dia kurang ajar dan menderhakai guru.

Siapa Panda? Panda ialah individu yang sangat ingin menjadi pelatih kungfu, tetapi fizikal dan latar belakang keluarga menjadikan dia tidak punya keyakinan. Tetapi kerana takdir, Panda telah dilantik menjadi Dragon Warrior dan secara automatik menjadi anak murid kepada Master Shifu.

Kedua-dua Tai Lung dan Panda adalah anak murid Master Shifu. Tetapi punya karakter berlainan. Satu tidak hormat guru, satu lagi iaitu Panda adalah karakter hormat guru. Kesudahan baik untuk Panda, kesudahan malang untuk Tai Lung. Tai Lung musnah kerana kurang ajar kepada guru dan tamak kepada sesuatu yang bukan miliknya.

Kesudahan untuk Master Shifu yang berpegang secara konsisten nasihat dan pesanan Master Oogway ialah dengan mendapat hadiah paling sempurna dalam dunia, iaitu, ketenangan fikiran. Dan hadiah terindah ini dicapai hanya dengan percaya. Percaya bahawa guru telah menunjukkan jalan terbaik kerana dia lebih tahu potensi dan kemampuan. Percaya bahawa guru telah mendidik dan mengeluarkan yang terindah dalam diri. Percaya dengan mempraktikkan ilmu dari sumber terpercaya ada kebaikkan dalamnya dan tiada penyesalan. Percaya untuk percaya. Bahawa keajaiban boleh berlaku hanya dengan percaya.

Saya sangat tertarik dengan dialog Master Shifu dan Tai Lung ketika mereka beradu tenaga.

Tai Lung: I rotted in jail for 20 years because of your weakness.
Shifu: Obeying your master is not weakness!

Ya, menurut kata guru bukan kelemahan, tetapi adalah kelebihan yang sarat mengandungi hikmah.

Saya sangat suka filem ini kerana banyak mengajari tentang etika menuntut ilmu. Boleh jadi kita menuntut ilmu secara formal, dengan menghadap diri kepada orang berilmu dan memohon dia mengajari. Boleh jadi kita meminta seseorang yang sangat hebat menjadi guru meski dalam keadaan begitu mustahil dia akan memilih, guru itu memilih kita. Boleh jadi dengan perbualan santai dengan orang lain, kita perolehi hikmah yang banyak. Meski bagaimana caranya sekalipun, dalam sedar atau tidak, kita telah menjadi seorang anak murid. Kerana itu adab sebagai murid perlu dijaga. Jangan sampai menderhaka dan melukakan hati guru kerana padahnya ada di hadapan yang kita tidak tahu. Jangan sampai guru tidak redha dengan ilmunya, nanti keberkatan tidak sampai dan menjadi seperti Tai Lung. Dimusnahkan kerana kecongakkan juga kerana derhaka pada guru.

Meski kita merasakan ilmu kita cukup banyak merentasi pelbagai bidang, tunduk sahaja seperti resmi padi. Kerana ketinggian ilmu syarat utamanya ialah ketinggian budi. Ketundukkan, merendah diri yang membezakan anda seorang ilmuan sebenar, atau cuplikan.

Dan yang paling asas dari segala yang asas, hormat guru. Kerana dia didatangkan Allah untuk kamu, menyampaikan ilmu dengan segenap keikhlasan, supaya kamu, menjadi insan lebih baik!

Saya sangat suka filem ini, bukan kerana falsafah menuntut ilmu sahaja, tetap sarat wacana kehidupan yang boleh dikutip sehingga ke akhirnya.

Austalia - The Movie

2008-12-25T21:43:00.001+08:00

That's right, I never been in Australia. But, Ive watched Australia. It is an amazing story! Saya menonton di MBO Galaxy Ampang. Teraju utama Nicole Kidman dan Hugh Jackman yang jarang mengecewakan. Diwujudkan latar outback sebelum perang dunia kedua. Ia sebuah filem dari awal dan akhirnya drama. Menggabungkan elemen sejarah Australia yang kaya, tentang stolen generaton. Generasi yang dicuri. Anak-anak yang lahir dari percampuran orang Barat dan pribumi/orang asli (aboriginal). Generasi ini adalah anak tak sah taraf, separuh kasta, yang mustahil menjadi orang kulit putih, mustahil juga menjadi orang kulit hitam. Menceritakan tentang pedih generasi yang dicuri ini lebih indah melalui sebuah cerita unik.
Cerita uniknya ialah cerita mengenai seorang tuan tanah, Miss Boss (Nicole Kidman) yang mencari jalan untuk bertemu suaminya di sebuah ladang milik mereka di Australia. Di tengah perjalanan Miss Boss ditemani penunjuk jalan, Drover (Hugh Jackman). Malangnya, hari pertama Miss Boss menjejak kaki di ladang, adalah hari kematian suaminya. Dan Miss Boss mewarisi ladang dengan sejumlah pekerja. Termasuk seorang kanak-kanak lelaki berumur lebih kurang 8-10 tahun bersama Nullah. Seorang anak kecil yang tergolong dari generasi yang dicuri. Pengembaraan Miss Boss bermula di sini. Dari seorang perempuan English golongan aristrolrat menjadi pewaris ladang di sebuah pedalaman Australia yang gersang, bagaimana rupanya?
Ya, ia cerita yang ada semuanya. Lucu, sedih, pilu, drama, adventur, perang, cinta dan menghargai asal usul. Cerita tentang orang asli, peribumi pemilik sah tanah Australia. Ya, peribumi juga punya cerita, dan cerita mereka adalah cerita yang kaya tentang pergantungan pada alam. Bahawa setiap alam punya ruh, punya keterikatan antara satu sama lain. Cerita tentang lagu, tentang mimpi, tentang cinta.
Nullah percaya bahawa dia ditakdirkan untuk menjadi seorang bomoh, kerana datuknya juga seorang bomoh. Seorang bomoh punya kuasa magis, memanggil alam untuk tunduk pada nyanyianya. Dan alam berbicara dengan mereka yang menghargainya. Tetapi Nullah adalah anak tidak sah taraf, jadi dia tidak punya tempat di mana-mana. Dan Miss Boss adalah tempat Nullah berteduh setelah kematian ibunya yang tragis. Seorang aristrokrat English menhadi ibu kepada seorang anak peribumi Australia.
Dalam cerita ini, Nullah mengulang-ulang. "Saya akan menyanyikan lagu agar Miss Boss datang kepada saya". Ia adalah senandung Nullah yang sangat magis. Kerana setiap kali, Miss Boss akan menjumpai jalan untuk pulang ke pangkuan Nullah.
Kata Drover, manusia perlu hidup sebaiknya, kerana tidak tinggal pada manusia harta, warisan, kekayaan, anak-anak kecuali satu, cerita. Kerana itu kita perlu hidup dengan baik untuk mewariskan cerita yang baik.
Kata sahabat Drover, dalam hati Drover tidak ada cinta, kerana itu dia tidak punya lagu, tidak punya mimpi, tidak mempunyai cerita. Hanya dengan cinta, manusia itu akan punya lagu, mimpi dan cerita.
Kata Nullah, pada manusia perlu ada cerita. Dan cerita ini perlu diceritakan. Terus menerus, turun temurun. Kerana hanya cerita dan bercerita, di dalamnya, anda mengulang nama-nama mereka yang anda sayang.
Saya tewas banyak kali di beberapa scene dalam cerita ini, Ia cerita sarat falsafah tetapi dicerita dengan ayat mudah. Ia ada lebih banyak cerita dalam Australia. Saya juga tidak mampu memberi reviu lengkap kerana Australia, adalah sebuah filem yang sarat. Sarat dengan cerita. Cerita menceritakan. Mungkin itu tema cerita ini.
Saya bersetuju dengan Nullah, dengan cerita dan bercerita, ada mereka yang anda sayang.
Orang yang bercerita adalah orang yang penuh kasih sayang.
Dan anda, don't you want to tell me a story?

Happy Feet dan Tanah Runtuh Bukit Antarabangsa

2008-12-09T19:47:00.000+08:00

Happy Feet, perjalanan hidup anak penguin malang ini tidak se'happy' namanya. Saya sudah menonton cerita ini lama sudah, tapi mengulanginya beberapa kali dalam minggu ini. Dulu, saya tidak menganggap cerita ini wajib tonton, tetapi setelah kejadian bencana alam yang berlaku di seluruh Malaysia, juga di seluruh dunia, cerita Happy Feet adalah relevan. Ini adalah kerana cerita Happy Feet adalah cerita environmentalist, tentang kerakusan manusia dan kesannya pada alam.

Environmentalis dan 'go green' adalah 'in thing' sekarang di seluruh negara-negara maju. Di negara Perancis, Belanda, Swiss, German dan Jepun mengutamakan produk semulajadi dan mengamalkan konsep kitar semula. Berbanding negara kita, kesedaran kita masih di tahap pengenalan, belum mengamalkan, apatah lagi membudayakan.

Saya pernah diberitakan, seorang sarjana dari German, yang duduk di German sudah 10 tahun tidak membuang sampah. Sampah-sampah boleh lupus dijadikan baja kompos dan sampah tidak boleh lupus di kitar semula. Saya juga pernah berjumpa, sarjana yang mengumpul (harvest) air hujan, dia duduk di bandar besar di Shah Alam dan telah mengubahsuai rumah agar bumbung boleh mengumpul hujan untuk diguna semula. Seperti duduk di kampung bukan? Dapurnya diletakkan 4 tong sampah supaya sampah boleh disaring untuk memudahkan kitar semula. Fuh, sungguh komited.

Apa yang ada dalam cerita Happy Feet? Ia cerita anak penguin malang, kerana waktu kelahiran dia abnormal, dia telah menjadi anak penguin yang cacat. Cacat Happy Feet adalah kerana dia tidak mampu menyanyi, sedangkan semua penguin sejenisnya boleh menyanyi. Hanya dengan menyanyi dia boleh mencari teman hidupnya. Kerana kecacatan itu, Happy Feet dikurniakan kelebihan lain. Happy Feet mempunyai kelebihan melakukan tap dance / tarian tap. Iaitu sejenis tarian yang menggunakan kaki mengeluarkan bunyi mengikut rentak muzik. Tetapi oleh kerana masyarakat penguin tidak pernah melihat kelainan yang ini, Happy Feet telah dianggap sial oleh seluruh masyarakatnya, malah ibu dan bapanya sendiri.

Cerita Happy Feet tidak berakhir di situ. Disebalik kemelut peribadi, masyarakat penguin mengalami masalah paling besar dekad ini. Iaitu kekurangan ikan. Bermakna, survival mereka terjejas. Dan Happy Feet adalah hero kerana dialah watak yang menjejak apakah punca masalah mereka kekurangan ikan. Seperti cerita-cerita 3D yang lain, cerita Happy Feet happy ending kerana dia telah berjaya menyelamatkan semua penguin-penguin di kutub selatan.

Puncanya apa? Puncanya kerana ketamakan manusia yang menuai ikan (menangkap ikan) dalam skala yang begitu besar (sangat besar, jika anda menonton cerita ini, anda tentu tidak menyangka ada pukat yang dibuat sangat besar untuk mengaut ikan dengan sekali sauk) mengakibatkan rantai makanan tidak seimbang. Kerana kitaran makanan ini telah terjejas teruk, maka yang mendapat kesannya adalah penguin-penguin yang tidak disedari kewujudan mereka.

Apa yang dialami oleh Happy Feet dan masyarakatnya ada persamaan dengan apa yang berlaku di Bukit Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur. Ya, Bukit Antarabangsa sudah punya sejarah yang panjang, dari Highland Tower lagi, namun apa pengajaran yang kita ambil setelah tragedi berdarah berlaku lama dulu, kini berulang lagi. Tetapi yang mengalir darah, adalah darah orang lain. Dan adakah kita perlu menyaksi darah lain tertumpah lagi di atas tanah yang sama? Tanah Bukit Antarabangsa sendiri menangis kerana terpaksa menunaikan tanggungjawabnya menjawab apa yang telah diperintahkan atasnya.

Sewaktu sebuah rumah orang kenamaan roboh (kerana tanah runtuh) pada tahun 2002 di Hill View saya berjalan kaki ke sana tetapi tidak mendapat akses. Kali ini di Bukit Antarabangsa saya belum mencuba lagi untuk turut serta menyaksi kecuali dari dalam TV (ermm, saya perlu cari jalan untuk dapat akses ke tempat bencana). Tetapi walau apa pun kejadiaannya, kesamaannya satu. Seperti dalam cerita Happy Feet, keseimbangan telah diusik, rantaiannya tidak stabil, maka kecelakaanlah yang berlaku.

Dalam Berita Harian hari ini, seperti dilaporkan oleh Prof Roslan Zainal Abidin dan Prof Ibrahim Komoo, tanah tinggi yang dibangunkan adalah terdedah kepada risiko tanah runtuh. Untuk satu-satu kes tanah runtuh di luar negara, hujan tahunan sebanyak 1500mm sudah cukup untuk membolehkan tanah digerakkan dan akhirnya berlaku tanah runtuh. Mungkin kita ramai tidak tahu, di Malaysia hujan tahunan kita adalah lebih dari 3000mm setahun. Bermaksud, risiko tanah runtuh adalah ganda dua.

Sebelum ini mengapa jarang sekali kedengaran tanah runtuh? Kerana tanah tinggi kita tidak diusik. Pokok-pokok yang hidup subur di atas bukit adalah sebagai shield (perisai). Pokok boleh menyerap air. Akarnya menjadi anchor (pasak) untuk terus memegang tanah dari bergerak. Sistem ini adalah sistem semulajadi, yang mustahil manusia dapat men'duplicate' (pendua). Sementelah lagi, dengan keadaan pemanasan global, para saintis sendiri tidak dapat menduga apakah pola cuaca yang sedang berlaku. Jika pola hujan dan cuaca tidak boleh dikira dan dicatatkan, maka kita tidak boleh membuat agakan (prediction) apa yang akan berlaku selanjutnya. Jadi risiko manusia dan bencana alam adalah berlipat-lipat kali ganda.

Tidak seperti Happy Feet, pengakhiran ceritanya adalah pengakhiran yang gembira (happy ending), di Bukit Antarabangsa, kita tidak tahu lagi. Happy Feet menceritakan manusia berubah, dan membuat sesuatu untuk membolehkan kitaran alam semulajadi kembali seperti sediakala. Seperti melarang menangkap ikan di kawasan kutub.

Kita di Bukit Antarabangsa dan Bukit-bukit yang lain, akan adakah tangan yang akan mengembalikan kitaran semulajadi kekal di tempat asalnya?

Jika dia boleh bersuara, tanah di Bukit Antarabangsa akan berkata yang dia sudah cukup derita untuk mencatat cerita berdarah lagi.

Jangan salahkan yang lain. Kita semua berperanan. Dan bukan sekarang kita diperingatkan, bukan juga sewaktu di Highland Tower dulu, juga bukan di Pos Dipang, Bukit Lanjan dan lain-lain lagi. Lama sebelum, sebelum kita mengenal perkataan bencana lagi, di dalam Quran 1400 tahun lalu, Rasul berpesan dengan kalam Allah begini,

'telah timbul pelbagai kerosakan dan bala bencana di darat dan di laut dengan sebab apa yang telah dilakukan oleh tangan manusia, kerana Allah hendak merasakan mereka sebahagian dari balasan perbuatan-perbuatan buruk yang mereka telah lakukan, supaya mereka kembali (insaf dan bertaubat)' - Surah 30 Ayat 41.

Happy Feet, bencananya di laut.
Bukit Antarabangsa di darat.

Satu ilusi pengkarya filem.
Satu lagi hakikat yang dipertontonkan terus dari Maha Pengkarya.

Dari apa yang dibacakan dari Al Quran, satu soalan, sudahkah kita...insaf?

Bila hati keras

2008-11-09T03:59:00.000+08:00

Ya Allah, janganlah Kau pesongkanku setelah Kau beri petunjuk

Hati jika sudah keras inilah yang terjadi: hilang rasa, hilang percaya, bangga diri, bongkak, menginginkan dunia, tamak haloba, keinginan berlebih-lebih, hilang arah jalan yang lurus, penting diri, berpaut pada pangkat.

Nauzubillah.

Bila insan meminta simpati, untuk kelangsungan hidup berkeluarga. Diri yang sakit, anak yang kecil, suami yang jauh, badan telah susut, wajah berserabut, hati kalut.

Jawapannya, tetap tidak.

Katanya, "kemanusian tidak ada dalam kamus, kemanusian telah mati".

Allah, perliharalah daku, peganglah dalam naunganMu.

Laskar Pelangi

2008-11-08T14:54:00.000+08:00

Kami sudah ada 3 siri dari tetralogi Andrea Hirata, yang keempat kami memburu belum nampak kelibat di mana (sesiapa yang tahu buku keempat Andrea sudah ada di pasaran Malaysia, kabarin ya). Laskar pelangi saya belum baca. Tetapi, saya sudah menghabisi Edensor dan Sang Pemimpi. Secara ringkas, buku-buku ini mengajar kita bermimpi. Menyimpan impian dan belari mengejar impian itu. Saya ada menulis tentang mimpi tapi tidak lebih indah dari lagu Nidji-Laskar Pelangi. Melodi ringkas dan juga liriknya ringkas, namun pantas menjadi refleks kepada buku-buku Andrea Hirata. Sangat cocok. Sekarang, tengah seronok mendengar lagu Laskar Pelangi, entah bila akan mula membaca bukunya. :)

Nidji - Laskar Pelangi

Mimpi Adalah Kunci

Untuk Kita Menaklukkan Dunia

Telah Hilang

Tanpa Lelah Sampai Engkau

Meraihnya

Laskar Pelangi

Takkan Terikat Waktu

Bebaskan Mimpimu Di Angkasa
Raih Bintang Di Jiwa

Menarilah Dan Terus Tertawa

Walau Dunia Tak Seindah Surga

Bersukurlah Pada Yang Kuasa

Cinta Kita Di Dunia

Selamanya...

Cinta Kepada Hidup

Memberikan Senyuman Abadi
Walau Ini Kadang Tak Adil

Tapi Cinta Lengkapi Kita

Laskar Pelangi

Takkan Terikat Waktu

Jangan Berhenti Mewarnai

Jutaan Mimpi Di Bumi

Menarilah Dan Terus Tertawa

Walau Dunia Takseindah Surga

Bersukurlah Pada Yang Kuasa

Cinta Kita Di Dunia

Selamanya...

Character and blood type

2008-11-04T12:18:00.000+08:00

Character and blood type

Imitate

2008-10-16T01:45:00.000+08:00

Kawan saya imitate apa yg Dr Masaru Emoto buat. Dr Emoto membuat eksperimen terhadap air. Dia melihat perubahan kristal air apabila air dibacakan ayat-ayat positif. Juga air yang dibacakan ayat negatif dan tidak membina. Dr Emoto menjumpai, bagi air yang secara konsisten dibacakan ayat-ayat positif sifatnya seperti, saya sayang kamu, kamu baik, dsb, kristal air akan terbentuk cantik. Tetapi bagi air yang diberi ayat bersifat tidak membina dan ayat-ayat yang jelik, kristal yang terbentuk adalah sangat huduh.

Kawan saya membuat eksperimen pada nasi. Satu balang nasi diletakkan di satu tempat dan disebut ayat-ayat positif. Satu balang lagi dibacakan ayat-ayat negatif. Dia melakukan eksperimen bersifat domestik (tidak melibatkan peralatan makmal yang canggih) ini setiap hari.

Hasilnya, balang yang dibacakan ayat-ayat yang positif tidak busuk dan kelihatan sangat bersih.

Yang satu lagi membusuk dan terdapat kulat dipermukaan.

Hairan, hanya dengan kata-kata, ia memberi perubahan yang begitu ketara.

Itu pada air dan nasi.

Kata orang, kata-kata akan bergema dan kekal dalam keabadian.

Saya seharusnya menjaga kata-kata yang keluar dari mulut saya bukan?

Tolong saya, Define: Lelaki itu apa?

2008-10-06T17:36:00.000+08:00

Entah cara bertanya soklan tu betul atau salah, apa lebih elok atau siapa yang lebih sesuai.

Jangan susah-susah define dari sudut biologi, sebab dah belajar dalam sains dengan menggunakan bahasa Melayu.

Agak confius skit, di tempat saya jawatan yang punya responsibility besar kebanyakkan disandang oleh pompuan. Lelaki mana pegi entah, tetapi kalau ikut dalam senarai staf lelaki ramai je.

Yang saya tahu lelaki itu dilebihkan atas perempuan dalam banyak perkara seswai dengan pertanggungjawaban yang dipegang. Sebab itu agihan kepada pusaka juga dilebihkan kepada lelaki. Sementelah, lelaki memang sudah ada label menjadi pemimpin.

Dan untuk perkembangan mutaakhir di tempat saya ni, sudah menjadikan benak saya agak confius.

So, lelaki itu apa ya sepatutnya?

Raya 1

2008-10-03T12:04:00.000+08:00

Sepupu sepapat saya di sebelah Ayah semuanya sudah memasuki usia fasa baru. Ada di antara mereka sudah mendapat cucu dan ini telah menjadikan saya nenek segera. Bayangkan umur sepupu-sepupu saya.

Mak: Ekau tak bagi ko duit kat sepupu-sepupu (maksud mak anak-anak dan cucu-cucu sepupu)
Saya: Tak, buek apo nak bagi, semuo eh dah bosa dah ado cucu pun.
Adik: Hahaha.

Seronok juga mengenakan mak di hari raya kedua, kuikuikui.

dalam dunia kapitalis

2008-09-24T04:16:00.000+08:00

Seorang ibu muda yang mata menceritakan hanya satu, lelah terhadap dunia yang tidak melayannya baik. Dan anak yang baru melewati usia lepas pantang, juga mempunyai mata ibu, mata yang sayu. Saya memandang dua pasang mata itu tidak terdaya. Dan di sisi mereka, seorang lagi anak sang ibu yang baru masuk umur 3 tahun, gembira tidak tahu apa-apa.

Mereka dipisahkan dengan ayah kerana dunia kapitalis ini. Sang ayah bekerja di tempat jauhnya 250km. Kesempatan bersama hanyalah di hujung minggu. Ya, untuk zaman ini, ia bukanlah satu perkara yang asing, melainkan satu permandangan yang biasa, terlalu biasa. Dan dunia tegar melihat mereka, yang kadang kala terpaksa memanjat bas, anak yang baru melewati usia lepas pantang, anak 3 tahun yang masih mahu dimanjai, ibu yang kepenatan, demi untuk bertemu ayah setiap hujung minggu.

Namun, apalah kiranya, jika mana-mana satu majikan, baik dari ayah atau ibu, melakukan ikhsan, membenarkan mereka berpindah tanpa syarat, demi satu kelangsungan hidup bekeluarga seperti mana yang sepatutnya.

Dunia kapitalis, yang menelan manusia. Manusia perlu ada semua, kereta, rumah besar, perabut untuk dapur sahaja berpuluh ribu ringgit, apatah lagi perabut untuk semua ruangan yang ada, pakaian, aksesori badan, perawatan badan dan wajah, dan lagi dan lagi. Meski punya segala, ia tetap tidak menjadikan kita lebih manusia.

Sang ibu masih tetap perlu terus bekerja, menjaga anak yang kecil dan banyak kerenah sendiri, untuk membayar apa yang telah dipinjam dari kapitalis.

Sang ayah masih tetap perlu bekerja dan duduk berjauhan, dan membiarkan kapitalis menelan di depan mata sendiri. Tanpa perlu ada rasa berjuang untuk sebuah perkara yang lebih penting: erti sebuah keluarga!

Saya; hanya pencatat massa, yang tidak mampu berbuat apa-apa.

Mimpi

2008-09-20T16:07:00.001+08:00

Ngeri betul mimpi. Sepanjang masa rasa cemas. Saya bermimpi bank negara kita gagal. Kerana bank kita gagal, semua simpanan dalam bank-bank komersial yang lain juga tidak mampu beroperasi. Dalam mimpi saya tidak dapat mengeluarkan duit saya yang sikit itu. Dalam beg duit saya cuma ada beberapa sen sahaja yang tinggal. Saya memandang rakan cemas. Saya memandang kiri kanan. Peluh sudah basah membasahi baju. Saya tidak ada emas yang boleh dipajakkan. Saya tidak ada tanah yang boleh diduduki dan bercucuk tanam. Nasib baik lepas itu saya terbangun terus. Huh ngeri betul!

Komen rakan : Hek eleh, mimpi pun intelek.
Saya : Hah? Hei kawan, AIG pun bankrupt tau.

Iftar as Keramatian

2008-09-14T20:03:00.000+08:00

It just discover recently. The Keramatian who have had live and brought up in Keramat have the same habits during iftar (breakfast), at least my family. We will gathered together in the same house for iftar. They are many others with different background. But the way they break their fast will be totally different. The Keramatian will take a plate, wait for the bubur lambuk to come, and pour as many as they can. So, they will eat bubur lambuk first before other dishes. What ever special dish have been serve on that day, the Keramatian will simply make the first attack on the bubur lambuk :)

Luckily, we have a mosque which is only 14 steps away.

And every day, murtabak is also a must.

Pilih: Hidup atau Survival

2008-09-07T05:57:00.001+08:00

Apa kata anda tentang hidup?
Apa kata anda tentang survival?
Mari belajar mengenai hidup dan survival melalui Wall.E.

Di dalam Wall.E bila mana manusia terpaksa mengungsi ke angkasa lepas kerana udara bumi yang sudah tercemar amat, mereka di hadapkan dengan kehidupan yang sangat sangat sangat selesa. Malah manusia tidak perlu bergerak walau seinci. Bercakap pun menggunakan skrin. Makan pun disediakan. Anak juga dihasilkan di makmal.

Bila mana mereka dihadapkan dengan 2 pilihan, balik ke bumi dan hidup seperti nenek moyang (bercucuk tanam dan berusaha untuk hidup) atau kekal selesa di angkasa, tanya robot kepada Kapten kapal,

Robot: Tinggal sahaja di angkasa dan manusia akan survive
Jawab kapten
Kapten: Saya tidak mahu survive, saya mahu hidup!

Ya, manusia hanya akan hidup jika mereka terus berusaha untuk kehidupan mereka.
Survival adalah permainan selamat, follow the rules and you will save.
Hidup adalah janaan (drive), kemahuan untuk mencapai, meski peroleh atau tidak, proses untuk mencapai itulah satu kehidupan.

Kalau memilih untuk hidup, soalnya bagaimana?

Boleh jadi anda hidup tetapi tidak menjadi diri sendiri kerana perlu mengadaptasi diri dengan persikataran yang korup, maka anda sendiri korup.

Boleh jadi anda hidup tapi pada masa yang sama anda hilang kemanusiaan.

Boleh jadi anda hidup tetapi perlu berpura-pura demi untuk mendapat perhatian dari orang atas, kemudian diberi tempat atas dasar kebolehan mengipas, itukah caranya?

Boleh jadi anda hidup, kemudian dalam persekitaran yang sukar memilih untuk kekal dalam prinsip, dan akhirnya dengan jihad ini, memberi peluang orang lain juga untuk hidup dalam prinsip yang mereka pegang kukuh dan utuh.

Alangkah indah jika dapat menjadi yang akhir. Namun jika tidak, memadai untuk dapat hidup, dalam persekitaran yang hidup tanpa menggadaikan nilai yang terbaik dalam diri!

Late Bloom

2008-08-26T15:15:00.000+08:00

Are all of us is a late bloomer by default? What wrong with us, have our ancestors once upon a time after 1699 maybe, have been abducted by green alien. Then, the aliens did some genetic modification in our ancestors’ body and their nerves have been transformed, and here we are the late bloomers.

What is late bloomer? My terminology is originated from inspiring movie of Walt Disney called Mulan. When Mulan frustrated being rejected by the matchmaker (do you know matchmaker in Malay we call it as Telangkai?), her father consulted her not to be upset. There is nothing wrong with her; she is only a late bloomer. The analogy is to refer for a flower which is not bloom during it season, but her father convinced her it will be then, sooner or later. Despite bringing home son in law, Mulan surprised her father and family, she has the honored from the Emperor and save China!

My terminology of late bloomer is referring to somebody to find his/her place to be significant in society. In higher hierarchy, to be someone inspired by others. Are we like this all the time? Once we have Malays old folk story about Hang Nadim. This youngster is the one who help Temasik (Singapura) from the attack of sword fish. Remember? So we are not like this all the time.

Lately I was convinced by some of youngster to my surprised is unbelievable young achievers. Excellent in theirs’ field and at the same time other areas which is so alien to us for example philosophy, arts, the humanitarian movement and so on (don’t get me wrong, I’m still young but struggling to be in the same row with these young achievers). When I mentioned young, believe me, they are very young but matured enough to discuss the direction of higher learning education! Some of them now are fast climbing the elite rank in multinational company and some of them are the leading role in their area. There are superb talent and to me ultra man. With the young age they have make differences, what will them in the next 30 years to come. Subhanallah, have they inherit the talent from ancestors which escaped the green alien experiment?

Let me list for all of you, we have Ali bin Abi Talib first on the list for the young achievers. Have you heard that he take his oath to become a muslim willingly with his conscious thought at the age of 10? Does he not the first man after Rasulullah witness the Syahadatain? The one with the slogan Satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi became a lawyer at the age of 21. Alexander the Great, conquered the world at the age of 30 and Usamah bin Zaid is the Army commander for the war we known as Sarriyah Usamah at the age of 18. If we say modern era have had help us to a better live it seems that it failed to do better job to make us better quality as human being.

But it is not all yet, it make us wonder in some part of the world, yeah currently, we are astonished to heard that the Persian at the age of 19 is one of the Professor rank at one of 30 person in world achievers!

What went wrong? Have you wondered?

To be truth, we can make a different. Should I interview them to share experiences, why they choose to appear differently? (in Malay: tampil berbeza).

I have my own critics and hopefully it going to be published soon.

For time being, I will try my best to not become too late bloomer, and at the same time if I can have apprentice which will not following my footsteps but will accelerate to become young achievers as well!

For young Phd. candidates don’t lose the will to excel, because you are the frontier of our nation new hope! Gambate kudasai.

It all about LOVE – Wall E and EVE

2008-08-19T14:45:00.000+08:00

Seorang pujangga bijak pernah menulis ‘Cinta, seperti orang kecanduan Tuhan, mendamba memohon sungguh-sungguh agar perhatian diberi meski sekelumit cuma jika tidak dibalaskan cinta, tetapi, tidak pernah akan sekalipun berputus asa’. Owh, itu cinta manusia, bagaimana pula cinta robot?

Pernah dengar nama Wall E? Jika tidak, tentu tidak juga mengenal siapa pula Eve. Buah tangan rangkaian filem-filem 3D Walt Disney – Pixar yang terbaru, adalah kembara cinta si robot polos usang yang ketinggalan zaman mencari cinta. Cinta Wall E yang pertama, Eve, si robot penjejak tanaman yang ganas, sangat kurang sifat feminin tetapi cukup membuat Wall E jatuh cinta pandang pertama. Apa yang boleh sebuah robot lakukan demi cinta? Wah, sungguh keterlaluan cerita ini, kerana Wall E sanggup lakukan segala-galanya. Jika tidak pernah tengok robot gila yang bertindak luar dari apa yang diprogramkan, Wall E adalah si gila yang menyingkirkan negeri robot berakal kerana cinta pada Eve. Cinta telah menjungkar balik aturcara program Wall E. Kalau dalam dunia manusia kita ada Romeo dan Juliet, Zainuddin dan Haryati, Uda dan Dara, Laila dan Majunun, di dunia robot kita ada Wall E dan Eve.

Kembara Wall E hebat, sehingga belayar di galaksi nan indah. Sekiranya ketika melihat aturan kosmos yang berwarna indah, gugusan bintang tersusun seperti lukisan, ketulusan Wall E, anda sedang ingat seseorang, itu maknanya anda sangat suka orang itu bukan?
Mungkin jika Wall E ada suara dia akan berkata begini, “Engkau tidak cinta, maka kau tidak tahu, kegilaan ada di bumi, malah diseluruh alam semesta!”

Segalanya kerana cinta. Tapi Wall E memberikan lebih dari itu. Dari segi kemanusiaan, isu alam sekitar yang diangkat. Siapa tahu, satu hari dunia akan menjadi begitu bahaya untuk didiami? Banyak lapis makna yang boleh dibincangkan dalam cerita Wall E, tapi diaspora cinta Wall E begitu mengusik emosi. Tahniah kepada pengarah, dalam menterjemah cinta robot dalam dunia bisu tanpa perkataan, ia tetap ada elemen yang kekal diingatan.
Tidak mahu cerita banyak, kerana kembara Wall E sangat mengkagumkan jika mengalaminya sendiri.

Wall E membuat saya terfikir dalam, kenapa kita selalu meminta orang menjadi seperti yang kita inginkan, bukankah manusia itu istimewa dalam keunikan binaan karakter yang ada dalam dirinya. Kerana itu, dunia ini jadi lebih indah!

p/s: siapa yang akan begitu bermurah hati membelikan saya replika Wall E?

rindu

2008-08-15T11:39:00.001+08:00

ada wajah yang ku lihat sekali, kemudian kekal dalam ingatan agam dan sering datang menghimpit ruang
ada wajah yang ku lihat sekali, kemudian mengajari, menjadikanku manusia cerdik yang selalu ingin tepati janji
wajah ini, kadangkala ku rasa kiriman dari langit, membantuku mengenal dunia dan paling penting bagaimana harus menjadi manusia
wajah ini yang selalu menjemput rindu, berharap agar sentiasa dapat mendampingi, moga-moga haruman akan melekat pada pakaian dan mengajar menjadi manusia redha

hairan, datang mereka ini dari mana?
jika malaikat, tidak ku lihat sayap
tapi rasa dinaungi
redup, nyaman dan tenang

mengapa ya?
mereka singgah dalam sela waktu yang cemburu
menjadikan aku bertambah hairan
hadir kekal dalam kalbu
dan di malam gelap yang sunyi
bibir melantun doa
menyanyi
mendodoikan mereka...

15 Ogos 2008

Walle & Star Wars

2008-08-12T06:12:00.000+08:00

Apa, 2 cerita yang hebat ni akan keluar serentak? Arghh, bagaimana ini mahu memilih.

Walle adalah cerita robot yang nostalgia dramatik yang mungkin (saya tak berapa ingat) keluar pada tahun 80-an. Hairan, adik saya yang masih kecil waktu itu, sangat suka akan cerita ini. Bertahun-tahun sudah tidak mengulang (sudah bertukar dari VRC kepada DVD), jadi secara logiknya patut dia sudah lupa. Tempoh hari ketika melihat iklan Walle di wayang GSC Putrajaya, saya bertanya ingat lagi tentang Walle ni? Too my surprise, my brother siap boleh nyanyi lagi lagu dalam satu petikan cerita Walle tahun 80-an yang lalu. Hebat, hebat.
Star Wars, huh ini jangan cerita. Start in late 70's, Star Wars has give great impact in movie history.
So guys, which one?

Emas, emas dan emas

2008-08-05T21:45:00.000+08:00

Ini adalah Karangan untuk Peraduan "Pengeluaran KWSP untuk Membeli Emas" anjuran Hasbullah Pit.

Wah, rasa terpanggil untuk menulis, terima kasih Mr Hasbullah sebab menganjurkan pertandingan untuk bloggers.

Emas dan manusia, sejarahnya sudah lama. Jika dikembalikan emas sebagai matawang, ia mungkin matawang paling stabil pernah dikenal manusia. Sebagai seorang muslim saya percaya ia mempunyai nilai-nilai ruhaniah dan mendapat perhatian langsung dari langit. Yeah, tentu orang bertanya, apa kaitannya emas sebagai matawang dengan tajuk dari Mr Hasbullah? Nanti saya cerita.

Sebelum itu, saya setuju sangat-sangat bersetuju wang KWSP boleh dikeluarkan untuk membeli emas. Saranan ini patut tidak mendapat tentangan kerana wang yang dibeli untuk membeli emas ia akan kekal sebagai simpanan oleh pencarum, cuma bentuknya sahaja berbeza. Mungkin mekanisme yang sistematik perlu dirangka supaya wang yang dikeluarkan tidak dibelanjakan ke arah lain. Pengeluar emas, sama ada dalam bentuk syiling emas atau jongkong mungkin boleh mencetak nombor siri khusus, seperti matawang kertas yang kita gunakan hari ini. Emas-emas ini kemudiannya boleh disimpan di dalam peti simpanan (vault khusus) dalam bank. Penebusan emas boleh dibuat sama seperti yang dibuat oleh KWSP selama ini, ketika sudah sampai umur pencen. Samada mengeluarkan wang dari akaun 2 untuk membeli emas, atau akaun 1 disimpan dengan bentuk simpanan syiling atau jongkong emas.

Apa isunya? Sebenarnya, wang kertas adalah bentuk urus niaga yang sangat tidak konsisten. Kerana itu kita dapati manusia yang bijak ekonomi memunggah kemewahan dengan manupulasi matawang. Kata orang berniaga atas angin. Sebab apa? Sebab wang kertas tidak mempunyai nilai intrinsic. Wang kertas itu sendiri tidak mempunyai nilai, macamana ye nak cerita. Katalah kita berperang sekarang, dan ditakluk oleh negara lain, wang kertas itu akan jadi seperti kertas tisu yang boleh dibuat untuk membersih kotoran.

OK, apa perkaitannya dengan pengeluaran duit KWSP untuk membeli emas? Berbanding matawang kertas dengan emas, emas ada nilai intrinsic dan tidak akan susut nilai. Perang macamana sekalipun, jika kita masih punya emas, kita masih dapat melakukan transaksi untuk survival. Biar emas yang kita beli dari duit KWSP tersebut dalam bentuk syiling emas, jongkong atau apa sahaja, asal namanya emas, InsyaAllah kita masih lagi boleh selamat. Dan lagi, emas, rekod sejarah mencatat nilainya semakin tinggi berbanding masa. Pada tahun 1980, harga emas US$850 se aun, dan sekarang mencatat sehingga US$3000 se aun (Hosein, 2007). Graf yang ditunjukkan di bawah adalah yang dicatat dari tahun 90-an ke tahun 2008 maklumat diambil dari laman ini.

Jika saya komen lebih panjang mengenai ini, ia akan menjadi begitu panjang. Namun saya percaya, dengan adanya simpanan berbentuk emas, fikiran akan jadi lebih tenang kerana simpanan kita tidak tertakluk dengan dagangan matawang di pasaran. Seperti satu masa dahulu, kemelesetan ekonomi dikaitkan dengan peniaga matawang George Soros. Kesannya begitu menakutkan, iaitu melumpuhkan ekonomi negara dan menyebabkan mereka terpaksa mencari sumber kewangan dengan meminjam lebih banyak.

Cadangan ini perlu disegerakan (mengeluarkan duit KWSP untuk membeli emas), dengan merujuk kepada satu hadith Rasulullah, (minta izin guna Bahasa Inggeris)

Abu Bakr ibn Abi Maryam reported that he heard the Mesengger of Allah say: “A time is certainly coming over mankind in which there will be nothing (left) that will be of use (or benefit) save a Dinar (i.e., a gold coin) and a Dirham (i.e., silver coin)”.

‘A time’ yang disebutkan di dalam hadith, akan sampai juga kepada kita kerana kesan inflasi yang semakin tinggi sekarang ini. Kita juga mengharapkan agar jangan sampai jadi seperti negara Zimbabwe yang inflasinya terlalu tinggi sehingga menyebabkan matawang (wang kertas) hampir tidak mempunyai nilai meski dicetak dengan nilai billion.

Jadi apa perlunya mengeluarkan duit KWSP untuk membeli emas? Kalau saya, ianya hampir mustahil untuk saya menggunakan duit bulanan untuk membeli emas, sungguh, secara terus terang saya tidak mampu. Tetapi jika duit yang dicarum setiap bulan di KWSP digunakan untuk beli emas, itu sungguh praktikal dan sama sekali tidak akan membebankan kepada pekerja marhain seperti saya.

Untuk menganjurkan satu pemikiran lebih dalam, saya bawakan cerita Pemuda Gua (Ashabul Kahf) tentang bagaimana emas atau perak, tidak akan susut nilai dan menjamin survival kehidupan merentasi masa. (Izin sekali lagi dalam Bahasa Inggeris :))

Al Kahf: 19, 'They said:"Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed (here). So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the town, and let him find out which is the good lawful food, and bring some of that to you".

Pemuda Gua sudah tertidur selama 300 tahun (ikut tahun lunar 309 tahun), dan bila bangun dari tidur masing-masing berasa sangat lapar. Lalu seorang wakil pergi ke pasar bersama wang dirham (Wariq) untuk dibelanjakan membeli makanan. Pekedai merasa sangat terkejut menerima wang tersebut kerana dia menyangka itu adalah hasil jumpaan harta karun (kerana nilainya 300 tahun selepas itu sangat tinggi). Baik emas atau perak, ia tidak mempunyai susut nilai berbanding masa, malah lebih tinggi nilainya.

:)

Hosein, I.M. (2007). The Gold Dinar and SilverDirham. Islam and the Future of Money. Masjid Jami'ah City of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pressure of Competition

2008-08-03T21:05:00.000+08:00

The competition is mix between man and women, students and staffs. The arrangement is like this, first single (man), second single (women), first double (2 guys), second double (2 gals) and third double (2 guys). What happen that they have arranged me in second double (well don't expect anything from me, after many years I don't involve in any sport except the outdoor activities, without any training what they expect from me?). We have very strong single (man and women). So eventually they will win. But we don't have strong player for men doubles. So it will be like this, win, win, loose and the pressure is on us. Every time.
I told them that I'm willing to take any exams rather than to be pressured like this. What will you do, when they watched you closely, hope that you will win the game. You win, the team win. You loose, then the third double will not give you any hope of winning. Gosh, it really something. But when you have commit, what else you can do. Do the best, cross your finger, hoping that luck will accompany you all the way.
Alhamdulillah, we managed to find our way to semi final and triumphant to final. And the final, the scenario is not changed. We still the second double they hope to win the competition. Long hour play without training, I admit that I'm exhausted towards the final. Second place only, that is not bad ey.
I only play ping pong, not big deal, hehehe.

It's Askari

2008-08-02T17:50:00.000+08:00

the name, accompany me with the spirit
marhaban, i'll struggle
gambate kudasai
may the strive
will witness
next new born
onegai, onegai, onegai
pray for me

76 years and 4 years after dismissal

2008-07-30T07:58:00.000+08:00

Allahumma solli a'la Muhammad, wa a'la alihi kulli ajmain. Solawat.

76 years and 4 years after his dismissal, it is a point to ponder, contemplate what we have doing so far. Have we prayed for him enough, or we just assuming that we have prayed for him everyday. He should be in his 76 year this year, on 28th July 2008. Our father with so much respect and what we have inside are the traits from his struggling and from Allah's mercy.
What I have learned much from him, was, a man should be a man. The one who is responsible for the well of the family member. Not just yet, he assuring that his family deserve what the best, not only in material gain, but as much as in spiritual and mental. His number one priority was education, both in secular and religious.
He was the man which is honest with his job. Embracing the portfolio with all of his heart, come what may. He might be the most honest, only then people take advantage on him. And as far as I'm concern, I'm now in his sunnah (pathway).
He, somehow can forecast the future far beyond our comprehension. If not him, I'm might be end up as an accountant, or religious teacher, not be able to know the best trade in me. Thanks to him, to be so strict, so that, I know where I should put my feet and be thankful for what I'm.
76 years and 4 years after his dismissal, and I miss him so much.

The Edge

2008-07-29T03:37:00.000+08:00

Saya masih ingat antara lain doktrin yang ditanam kukuh dalam benak sewaktu kecil adalah seperti ini: antara lain tanda-tanda akhir zaman nanti, di Arab akan turun salji.
Saya percaya benar waktu itu kerana dalam keadaan macam mana sekalipun, Arab (particular di Padang Pasir) mustahil salji boleh turun. Sedang di Malaysia yang cuacanya suam-suam (kejap panas, kejap hujan) pun tidak pernah dikunjungi salji. Berikut adalah gambar-gambar yang masuk dalam peti email saya:

Saya masih terkagum dengan gambar-gambar ini...

Orang Baru

2008-07-23T22:45:00.000+08:00

Kelahiran baru di bulan 7
Bulan 7 Hijrah
Bulan 7 Masihi
Bernaung di Buruj Leo
dan kami menunggu
namanya dengan debar

Howl's Moving Castle

2008-07-13T22:42:00.000+08:00

Terima kasih kepada rakan (Sazrul) yang mengesyorkan Howl’s Moving Castle. Best! Mmm, kalau, kalau anda punya rumah seperti Howl’s, nak letak kat mana ye? Owh, bagi yang tidak pernah tengok, Rumah Howl boleh la diibaratkan seperti pintu sesuka hati Doraemon. Bezanya, pintu Doaemon ada satu dan boleh pergi ke mana-mana tempat yang kita suka itu, one at a time.

Pintu Howl pula ada 4 kunci, maksudnya boleh berada di 4 tempat berbeza dalam satu masa. Setiap tempat diwakili oleh satu warna, contoh, Keramat-Hijau, Jengka-Merah, Langkawi-Biru dan Kinokuniya KLCC-Hitam. Apa yang perlu anda buat ialah memutarkan dail biru, buka pintu akan berada di Langkawi. Tutup pintu balik putar dail hijau, buka pintu akan berada di Keramat. Begitulah seterusnya.

So, kalau anda ada rumah seperti Howl’s, anda nak letak kat mana ya?

Kaya

2008-07-09T06:04:00.000+08:00

Mungkin kita silap mendifinisikan kaya. Saya juga tidak terkecuali. Dalam falsafah bonda, kaya adalah sesuatu yang lain. Baru-baru ini, Bonda menyedarkan saya. Bahawa saya sedang berkawan dengan orang yang paling kaya di dunia. Dialog Bonda dan Kawan.

Bonda: Tinggal di mana?
Kawan: Tinggal di kampung.
Bonda: Ada siapa di kampung?
Kawan: Ada Mak, Abah, Atuk dan Wan.
Bonda: Owh kaya awak ya, masih ada Atuk dan Wan.

Meski saya miskin, tapi saya ada kawan kaya, dan itu membuatkan saya mahu sentiasa tersenyum macam orang kaya!

Rindu

2008-07-03T11:30:00.001+08:00

Saya mendengar dari PSP, lagu orkestra Hadad Alwi yang telah lama diidam untuk dinikmati. Di waktu langit Keramat yang mendung, udara basah nyaman dan damai, cuti dan 2 buah buku untuk dihadam, tiba-tiba, rindu datang. Rindu itu, apa ya?
Saya terkenang di Masjid Nabi. Betapa kesempatan yang datang itu seperti rezeki dari langit. Seperti manna wa salwa, makanan kaum Nabi Musa yang diberikan selepas mereka menyeberangi langit merah. Seperti itulah. Saya amat bersyukur dapat melalukan perjalanan ke Haramain. Untuk umrah ziarah. Dan disitulah, titik saya faham banyak perkara. Dan doa-doa yang mengapung adalah azimat lembah kefahaman. Di haramain juga saya direzekikan Tuhan untuk bertemu teman karib.
Ya Julai telah tiba. Ia bulan ke tujuh dalam kalender masehi. Banyak yang baik-baik berlaku seingat ingatan saya, berlaku di bulan keramat ini. Saya juga berjumpa kawan-kawan baik yang bernaung tarikh kelahiran di bulan ini. KD juga teman yang saya dijodohkan bersama di bulan ini. Tapi dalam sekian banyak, bagi saya Julai adalah bulan Ayah. Kerana itu Julai istimewa. Bernaung di gugusan bintang Leo, Ayah telah menjadi terlalu istimewa. Orkestra Hadad Alwi, dengan alunan seruling yang mulus dan damai. Dengan gesekan biola mendayu. Saya jadi rindu.
Odisi ke Langkawi, yang menyebabkan urat-urat betis jadi begitu ketat selama 3 hari adalah satu kenikmatan tersendiri. Mendengar Ya Tayibbah Haddad Alwi, dengan langit mendung, udara basah, ingat Ayah, mengigat perjalanan dari penginapan-melewati masjid saidina Ali- menyusur kompleks masjid Nabi-menuju ke kubah hijau-melewati mereka berpakaian jubah putih dan berserban merah-berpapasan dengan wanita-wanita berkelubung hitam-lelaki-lelaki Iran yang renta-menuju ke tembok-tembok Baqi': masih odisi yang tidak tertanding.
Di hari-hari kembali ke daerah kelahiran, di bulan istimewa, saya jadi terlalu amat rindu.

(gambar: courtesy oleh Aryasu Purezento)

to all my specials sharing this month together and The Leo's: from Keramat with Love: Ayahanda (sepenuh takzim), Mis Nur, My sis Eja, Alif, Faiz, My Mentor Dr K, My Mentos Prof S, Hemmingway, Arenawati, Usman Awang, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

Franck Ribery

2008-06-22T06:05:00.000+08:00

Bila Franck Ribery mengapung doa di langit Bundes Liga ia adalah sesuatu. Bila Ribery menadah tangan di langit Perancis dan Turkey adalah sesuatu. Franck Ribery bukan ada apa-apa pun dengan saya. Saya nyata adalah peminatnya yang tidak tegar. Kerana itu saya menggelarnya unknown quality waktu Piala Dunia 2006 yang lalu. Beraksi di sayap kiri, menyokong Zidane dan feeder kepada Henry, siapa Ribery pada saya.

Buat apa saya suka Ribery yang digelar Kaiser di Jerman, The King di Perancis, Ferraribery di Turkey. Yang menyarung jersi keramat 7 di dalam kelab paling utama Bayern Munchen dan Marseille di Perancis. Mewakili Galasataray di Turkey, sehingga membenam Fernebahce. Sehingga bergaduh-gaduh pengurus Marsaille dengan Galasataray. Yang punya 2 parut besar di wajah akibat kemalangan waktu kecilnya. Ya, buat apa dan untuk apa Ribery pada saya.

Lebih baik saya memilih Christiano Ronaldo bukan. Dia juga menyarung jersi 7 di kelab paling kaya di England. Kelab yang saya tak suka itu, Manchester United, Red Devil. Dan kakinya seperti lipas kudung, sangat pantas dan laju. 42 gol, 42 gol untuk seorang pemain sayap. Sangat hebat. Henry pun tidak pernah (rasanya, ke pernah, lupa pulak) menyumbang gol sebanyak itu untuk Arsennal.

Sebenar, Ribery saudara saya. Terkejut? Saya sendiri terkejut. Betul saya bukannya lahir di Perancis pun. Ayah saya juga bukan orang Perancis, mak juga bukan. Ayat Perancis yang saya paling fasih ialah Wi sahaja. Tapi Ribery saudara saya. Saudara anda juga. Saudara muslim kita. Dan dia mengapungkan doa di dada langit Jerman! Ada banyak maknanya doa dipanjatkan, di atas hijau padang bola, di langit Jerman, ketika menyarung jersi Bayern Munchen (dengan senarai pemain seperti Klose, Ze Roberto dan Podolski) dan jurulatihnya Juergen Klinsman oleh seorang Caucasian seperti Franck Ribery.

Saya menyanjung Ribery kerana kesungguhannya. Lihat sahaja permainan kakinya yang hebat meski tidak sehebat Ronaldo. Meski, ya meski, Ribery mudah sahaja menewaskan 3 pemain pertahanan yang mengepungnya segenap sudut dengan kilasan dan dinamisme pergerakkan yang ada padanya. Boleh sahaja dia bergerak dari tengah menewaskan 5 pemain lain dan menyumbat gol di sudut gawang kanan luar dari kotak penalty dengan kaki kirinya. Ya kaki kiri.

Ribery mengajar saya satu, dan itu cukup untuk buat saya pantas menyanjungnya. Kesungguhan. Bahasa Arabnya jihad. Dan Ribery berdakwah keseluruh pelusuk dunia tentang Islam, keindahannya, tanpa suara, hanya menadah tapak tangan ke langit Jerman sebelum perlawanan bermula. Penyokong-penyokong dalam gema suara stadium menyoraknya, Ribery, Ribery, Ribery. Di kalangan rakyat Jerman yang tidak mengenal keesaan Tuhan, mereka menyorak nama hambaNya kuat-kuat, sepenuh perasaan.

Bagi saya Ribery berdakwah dengan cara yang paling tidak konvensional. Di padang bola. Khalayak non muslim mungkin boleh banyak membaca tentang Islam di mana-mana, tapi akhlaklah yang akan menyentuh nubari. Yakin dan beranilah yang membuka mata. Menadah tangan di langit Jerman, bukanlah tidak ada apa-apa. Ia adalah segala-galanya. Bagi masyarakat yang seolah menjadikan bola agama, graviti dan medan magnetik kehidupan mereka, menadah tangan ke langit itu ialah satu isyarat simbol mengEsakan Tuhan. Bergantung padaNya. Yang nantinya akan mengajak yang lain tertanya-tanya, apa perlunya Sang Raja, Kaiser (Ribery) berbuat seperti itu. Dalam calar imej Islam yang dahsyat di mana-mana, tadah tangan Ribery memberi nyaman di jiwa.

Belajar dari Ribery. Saya memang tidak pandai bermain bola. Tapi saya tahu saya boleh bersungguh. Itulah jalan jihad saya. Seperti Ribery, saya akan bersungguh. Dan kesungguhan ini adalah kerana, DemiNya semata. DemiNya semata.

p/s: Lihat di paparan muka hadapan blog ini untuk melihat pautan video you tube kelincahan Franck di padang bola.

Ghibli's Studio

2008-06-11T15:10:00.000+08:00

Owh rupanya saya tidak seorang. Baru awal tahun ini saya jumpa seorang yang punya minat menonton anime dari Ghibli Studio. Sekarang saya sudah punya seorang lagi teman dengan minat yang sama. Senarai movie anime Ghibli di sini. Anime juga global sifatnya. Kenapa suka? Sebab orang-orang Jepun punya cara bercerita yang luar konvensional. Luar dari elemen anime Holywood, sangat timur dan mereka adalah artis yang ada kelas. Seni pada mereka adalah sesuatu yang sangat dititik beratkan dan disembahkan secara sesempurna mungkin. Saya suka Hayao Miyazaki, dalam aspek penceritaan dan pengarahan. Saya suka teknik bayang yang dilukis dalam anime-anime Studio Ghibli. Seperti melihat kanvas hidup yang sebenar, meski ia masih lagi anime. Seolah tanpa cela. Seperti Totoro yang bebas tanpa ada kotak sempadan.
Secara personel, saya sangat suka Whisper of the Heart, Totoro, Spirited Away dan Grave of Fireflies. Anda?
Sedang tunggu Howl's Moving Castle dan mencari Spirited Away untuk koleksi.

Menjadi Podolski

2008-06-09T11:21:00.000+08:00

Bagaimana kalau anda masih dalam kemelut prestasi di pejabat. Tiba-tiba dipilih untuk mewakili pejabat untuk urusan perniagaan bertaraf antarabangsa. Anehnya, anda berjaya dengan cemerlang dan mendapat kontrak perniagaan tersebut. Adakah anda akan gembira?
Rasionalnya, anda akan bahagia, gembira tak terkata. Tapi bagaimana jika anda menjadi Podolski.
Podolski 'the wonder boy' untuk pasukan German di Euro 2008. Perlawanan pembukaan mereka perlu menentang Poland. Podolski adalah pemain sebelas utama untuk German, ironinya dia juga adalah kelahiran Poland.
Jaringan kedua German menentang Poland oleh Podolski, mengundang gembira semua (saya juga :p). Dengan kemelut prestasi semasa Podolski di Bayern, memang Podolski resah. Dengan jaringan di Euro 2008 untuk cap antarabangsa, Podolski patut ceria. Tapi wajah Podolski tidak begitu ketika bola memasuki gawang Poland.
Bagaimana anda, jika anda adalah Podolski?

Semasa

2008-06-08T08:27:00.000+08:00

Jika tengok dan perhatikan kepada laporan berita mutakhir, adalah siri kenaikan harga barang yang melonjak naik sehingga 30% dari harga sebelum minyak mencecah RM2.70. Terkini, cili merah RM8/kg menjadi sehingga RM11/kg. Ayam RM7/kg sebelum ini dalam lingkungan RM5-6 sahaja. Sayur-sayuran dan lain-lain lagi.

Ok bagaimana logiknya? Dengan kenaikkan harga minyak, harga pengangkutan akan naik juga. Kerana pengangkutan memerlukan bahan bakar, dan bahan bakarnya adalah minyak. Bagi penduduk di KL dan bandar-bandar besar, risiko untuk kehabisan keperluan makanan sehari-hari mungkin sedikit berbanding dengan mereka yang berada di luar bandar.

Ketika minyak diumumkan naik, kami berada di Kuantan. Dan perjalanan Kuantan ke Jengka adalah melalui kawasan-kawasan kampung dan pedalaman (baca: jauh dari bandar). Kami singgah di stesen minyak guna untuk kes-kes kecemasan (baca: hajat kecil dan besar), dan didapati stesen tersebut telah menaikkan notis minyak telah habis. Saya membayangkan bagaimana orang kampung ini akan menghadapi kesusahan ini.

Jadi adakah kita perlu berlapang dada? Nak tak nak, ini adalah tindakan yang perlu. Berlapang dada, tapi sampai bila. Sejarah tidak pernah pun mencatat, harga minyak pernah turun. Tidak pernah di negara kita ini. Tapi tidak di negara-negara pengeluar yang lain. Aduhai!

Rupa-rupanya, sewaktu harga minyak RM1.92 dulu, ketika adik saya di tahun akhir dan tidak lagi dibenar duduk di hostel, dia cuma dapat makan sekali sehari. Itu pun dia tunggu lewat petang agar tidak terlalu lapar esok hari. Aduhai adik! Dan dia tegar untuk tidak bercerita sehinggalah tamat pengajian. Ini bukan cerita terpencil, dan kawan-kawannya juga mengalami nasib yang sama. Mereka ini adalah pejuang-pejuang fi sabilillah, yang belajar untuk maslahat masa depan demi agama, negara dan bangsa. Patutlah, adik-adik saya yang ramai itu begitu stress wajah dan makin hari makin kurus di waktu mereka di tahun akhir. Aduhai!

Jadi bagaimana kita ini ya? Barangkali ini adalah waktu paling bagus untuk munasabah, untuk sebutir nasi yang dihasilkan petani, adalah titik keringat yang dizalimi. Untuk setitis peluh menitis dari petani dan nelayan, adalah derita yang tidak pernah dipedulikan. Aduhai!

Penat dan Old Car

2008-06-07T12:04:00.000+08:00

Penat

Saya sampai lewat petang semalam. Penat, bukankah saya baru selesai membantu mengkoordinasi satu seminar kebangsaan. Bukan main dan tah hapa-hapa. Penat yang dihimpun sekali. Mujur mata tidak merah lagi, kerja-kerja menyunting bukankah sudah habis. Alhamdulillah. Pulang untuk menyempurnakan cuti seminggu (?) dengan bekal yang banyak (macam tidak cuti bukan?). Tidak, ia tetap cuti, menghirup udara Keramat dan tidur di atas my favorite tilam, ia akan jadi cuti yang sempurna. InsyaAllah.
Sampai di rumah, dengan berjumpa Alang yang sudah lama tidak ketemu, ini permulaan cuti yang aneh. Alang menghadiahkan saya dengan sesuatu, sesuatu! Yang sungguh sangat hebat, datangnya jauh, dari Tanah Arab. Kiriman dari rakan Alang dari Arab Saudi. Bukan main. Sebetulnya Alang baru sahaja selesai bertemu dengan teman email Arabnya itu. Alang bawa mereka jalan-jalan hingga ke Genting. Hahaha, membawa teman Arab ke Kota Keriangan, aneh bukan. Hadiah Alang dari teman Arab itu, buatannya hebat dari tanah suci Karb. Dan saya ada 2 hadiah hebat, seutas tasbih dari tanah liat, ringkas, tapi hebat kerana buatannya dari tanah asli. Seolah-olah saya melihat tasbih yang dibuat sendiri oleh Sayidah Fatimah. Dan satu lagi hadiah yang saya tidak tahu mahu dipanggil apa ia. Hahaha, hebat cuti ini bukan main.

Old Car
Cerita Alang (A) saya dan teman Arab (TA).

A: I'm sorry, I'm only have this old car.
TA: It's OK, I'm searching for a good man not a good car.

It's Coming Back Again

2008-06-07T11:46:00.001+08:00

Welcome back again and I'm on holiday! What a beautiful coincidence. My favorite will be the German and of course where Frank Ribery and Henry in: The Blues, my French men, France. Tonight, the opening, Swiss and Czech. Wanna guest who will be score the first goal? Let watch the great foot works together. Tonight, the opening night.

CJ7 - My Previu

2008-06-07T11:42:00.000+08:00

Dalam kesibukan untuk kerja editing kertas-kertas kerja teknikal, amaran keras, diulang, amaran keras, sebarang aktiviti yang melibatkan gugatan mental dan emosi dilarang sama sekali. Dilarang sama sekali. Tapi kerana menjemput saranan seseorang yang memohon pandangan peribadi mengenai CJ7, saya terpanggil untuk menonton sekadar untuk melepas lelah duduk berteleku berjam-jam di hadapan skrin. Natijah: ia bukan langkah yang bijak.

CJ7 satu buah tangan luar dari jangkaan yang dihasilkan oleh Stephen Chow Sin Chee. Kalau mengharapkan sekuel filem humor, jangan mengharapkan dari cerita yang ini. Bersedialah untuk rasa terdera dengan gugahan emosi yang menggigit di beberapa adegan.

CJ7 sebenarnya sebuah cerita yang mudah dari segi naratif ceritanya. Tetapi menjadi sangat berat dengan elemen emosi yang dibuat sangat bersahaja dan indah. Tidak perlu kata-kata melankolik untuk menjemput rasa, sekadar ucapan biasa yang diluah hari-hari. Namun trademark Chow masih lagi ada, lakonan selamba meski untuk menggambarkan rasa; suka, gembira, sedih, pilu, dsb. Tidak perlu mengubah identiti untuk menunjuk rasa simpati.

Yang paling saya suka ialah skor muzik untuk CJ7. Satu-satunya filem yang mengubah runut bunyi sebahagian dari cerita itu sendiri. Satu-satunya filem yang tidak membuat saya menganalisa tentang bunyi. Seolah-olah skor muzik itu sendiri adalah cerita yang terbina dari dalam (kecuali satu dua tempat sahaja). Dan mungkin orang yang meminta saya menonton berpuas hati dengan reviu saya yang ini, dia memang benar tentang skor muzik CJ7.

CJ7, ceritanya mendokong nasihat saya untuk seseorang pada minggu-minggu terakhir ini. Kita tidak perlukan sesuatu untuk rasa bahagia. Kerana bahagia itu datang dari dalam. Kita sendiri yang membuat diri rasa bahagia. CJ7 mengajar betapa mudahnya rasa bahagia itu. Dimenifestasi dengan rasa lapang (meski di dalam kediaman yang sangat sempit), cukup, gelak tawa, juang untuk apa yang kita rasa berbaloi berjuang kerananya dan menghargai apa yang ada. Barangkali apa yang kita fikir yang boleh membuat kita bahagia, hadirnya nanti cuma seketika. Tapi yang benar, hakikat, dan sedia terhidang ialah apa-apa yang ada disekeliling yang dapat dicapai (tangible). Itulah graviti kebahagiaan dan rasa yang dalam. Hargailah, kerana kita sendiri tidak tahu berapa banyak lagi waktu yang tinggal.

CJ7, adalah filem untuk ditonton. Untuk sebuah cerita yang menerapkan teknologi tinggi dengan kehadiran emosi yang berat, saya secara peribadi amat suka. Kerana sehingga sekarang, ia masih menghantui. Dan secara peribadi, cerita-cerita (baik filem, novel, cerpen, puisi, visual) yang dapat menghantui saya, mempunyai nilai tersendiri dalam nubari.

Untuk kehampaan dalam filem Kingdom of Heaven, Spiderman 3, Spiderman, CJ7 adalah pengubatnya. Mujur saya tidak menontonnya di pawagam!

p/s: sesuai untuk bakal-bakal jurutera untuk menilai kehidupan mereka yang tidak mempunyai peluang seperti anda.

Ubah

2008-06-07T11:36:00.000+08:00

Rasa, tidak mahu berprotokol di sini. Jadi ubah tema. Out Loud. Cerita aja apa-apa.