Saturday, March 31, 2007

Tribute to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)



p.s. thanks to mfanaji for uploading this video

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Shin Chan had Learned a Lesson the Hard Way

Warning: This clip might cause severe stomach pain.


I watched this ‘Shin Chan’ episode last Saturday on TV and it had made me laughed till my stomach hurts. Huhu. But that was the Malay version, this Japanese version may only cause mild effect bcos of our null understanding in Japanese:). Thx to sylup for pointing me which one is the episode on YouTube.

Shin Chan is playing with his mum’s medicated plaster. Though Misae had warned him not to use it as he is still a kid, but stubborn Shin Chan ignored her mum advice and played with the plaster. At first try, he felt soooo gooooood, n later put it all over his body, including at the private part, like a sumo wrestler LOL

So Shin Chan who always like to feel he is an adult (proven by plasters all over his body), decided to show it to his friends at the playground. But later he was surprised; when Kazama told that it hurts like hell to pull out the plaster. (Kazama said he had tried it once and it hurts for a month long when he pulled it out). But Shin Chan pretended to be cool in front of his friend and ignored what Kazama said and ran home.

Haha. This is the funniest part, when he tried to pull out all the plasters with his sis, Himawari help. Suddenly he felt the urge to pee. LOL, this is the time I laughed so hard, Haha. He can’t pee bcos the plaster is all over his wee wee and later on had to told her mum about this. Haha

Yes, Shin Chan got scolded by his mum, but not a knock on his head this time, the pain to pull out the plaster was excruciating enough. LOL

p.s. Going back to my hometown for few days this evening, thx to my employer for giving me a leave on Sunday n Monday :). Hope can catch a movie or two at the GSC.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Elliott Yamin, You are the one





This is the acoustic version of the fifth track of Elliott Yamin (2nd runner up of American Idol 5) Album recently released by Sony BMG independent label RED Distribution. I've been waiting for this album since the Idol 5, he is a very talented soulful singer. Id listened to all the tracks, and this is the best I think. Enjoy!

Monday, March 26, 2007

Sunshine after the rain?

Actually it (the mail in Facing Rejection) was a mistake. I just received this email...

Dear Hafiz

I am very sorry for the confusion but in my absence (off all last week)
a colleague sent the email on my behalf (but was told the wrong
information to quote). I have, this morning, contacted the Registry to
inform them of this error and to ask when we will hear the answer to
whether the funding is sufficient to continue with your application.

I will hopefully have an answer this week for you.

Once again, sorry for this confusion and thank you again for your
patience.

Regards
There's still hope...Alhamdulillah

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Superbaby III


I want my Pooh, but stuck in reverse (she cant move forward, still in the reverse mood, gear R, funny dowh, but still cute)


I am 7 months old, I cant crawl yet but I am computer literate (her mum has minor in IT, mayb the baby had a 9 months crash course in word processing haha)

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Facing Rejection

an email received early this morning…

Dear Hafiz

Thank you for your application for a Research Studentship at The xxxxxxxxxx

Following consideration of your application I regret to inform you that you have not been short-listed as a possible candidate for interview. The Institute receives a very large number of applications for its Studentships and there is extremely keen competition for the limited number of places that we offer.


May I take this opportunity to thank you for your interest and to wish you the best of luck in your future career.

Yours sincerely


It is frustrating :( Especially, after months holding on empty promises.
But, I cannot give up.
Everything happens for a reason.
and
Every cloud has a silver lining.
(trying hard to tranquil myself)

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Thanks to the rain...


(Enya: Its in the rain)

The downpour was heavy today, the heaviest rain in this sun-drenched week.

Love it when its rain, the smell and sound of it, affect me emotionally, simply calming and soothing my soul.

Startd the morning early; had to send my sis to school, because the bus had left her. Stuckd in the morning rush and annoyed by uncivilize drivers, But thanks to the rain, every annoying bits was washed away by the rain.

Send my mum to a private practitioner for monthly blood glucose screening and diabetic medication. Took the opportunity for my blood glucose test as well, I think I’m sugar intolerant and have the symptoms, however the result will only available after 2 days. But thanks to the rain, the anxiety was faded by the rain.

Had a brunch at a restaurant with my mum, the interior was nice and the ‘nasi lemak’ was alright. But thanks to the rain, the eating experience was fulfilled by the rain.

Had to take my sis back from school, cause she had to went home early. Thought of how the road is going to irritate me. But thanks to the rain, the thought was calmed by the heavy rain.

Watched today’s episode of the Indonesian series. But the rain still hasn't slowed down. But thanks to the new Astro satellite, the broadcast did not interrupted by the rain.

Wish could have a short nap after lunch. Lots of things going on my mind. But thanks to the rain, every drop of it was a sweet lullaby.

Went to the new kopitiam outlet with my best friend for dinner. The food and service was novice. But thanks to the ‘after rain’, the fresh night air cleaned by the day rain was something to pleasure.

And thanks to the Creator of the rain, The Almighty.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Happiness of Life, a God's Gift

Today’s quite a day; finally I got my broadband connection working. Owh yes, unlimited access to the internet. (thx to tmnet, well there is no other choices in Msia)
I still remember the first time I experienced fast internet right on my PC. It was in USM penang, during my postgrad. It was so convenient, I can read on the spot, saving it first and read it later is so cumbersome, plus the ability to watch real time Video, is so stress relieving.

Thank You God for the blessing and joy (although temporary) U’d bestowed upon me. The Joy of Graduations, The Joy of being accepted into Mensa, The Joy to met somebody I love and love me in return, and the Joy of life which is sometimes quite a struggle, but You never leave me misguided. Alhamdulillah.

Right now, im enjoying my cup of coffee (of course a decaf, or I can’t sleep tonight), check out others’ blog (its great to read ppls opinion, issues from diff perspective, very enlightening), listening to my cousin in the UK facing difficulties with the extreme weather (hope the weather & she’ll be fine soon) and also looking for P2P software, to download the latest sinetron ‘Ratapan Anak Tiri’ which is currently shown on TV3. Haha. Actually, I never watch any Malay/Indonesian series but this one is acceptable, haha, n its quite fun to watch it with my mum :). Anybody knows where to look for it?, TV hv too much advertisements. Actually I (so do my mum) can’t wait to know what will happen to the poor siblings at the end of the series. I hope finally (taking into account it’s a Malay/Indo drama, supposed to be full of wretchedness), they will at the end experience the happiness of life, like I feel right now. =)

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Dare to invade Iran?

‘Have your say’ BBC World had discussed about the situation in Iran on 11 March.
The topic was
“Sanctions, air strikes or more negotiations - how should the world deal with a nuclear Iran?”

I watched the discussion (viewers are allowed to call in and send email / SMS to BBC), what drives me mad during the one hour show is the anchor keep repeating the mistake of reading ‘nuclear technology’ as ‘nuclear weapon’ on viewers e mail. Once she corrected it, while the next one she didn’t. She also tried to manipulate ppls view regarding this issue to follow what she suggests. The anchor is not alone there, but with a guy apposing nuclear in Iran (from the intelligence if im not mistaken). I think it is fairer if personel from both sides (against and for negotiation) were called into the studio.

Lots of callers were opposing the sanction on Iran’s nuclear technology, only one, I believe a Jewish guy (bcos he is from Israel, can’t even speak proper English), agreed with all method of inhibition. He labeled peace Iran as regime, instead of seeing his country as the actual regime. That’s pure idiocy.

Since most of the callers were opposing the sanction, and believe that the nuclear technology in Iran is for peaceful purposes. So the guest on the show, have to answer all the viewers argument, and his main points of views were:

1. Iran kept secret the nuclear development bfor, so they seem to have a bad intention on the purpose of their nuclear program
Well, if Iran had made it open in earlier stage of the development, I think Iran will face an earlier sanction, and they wont have what they have now, nuclear power. Iraq is the best example.

2. Iran is not prohibited to have nuclear technology (for electricity generation), what they are not allowed is to further enriched the uranium (which can be used for more than just electricity but other purposes as well including nuclear weapon).
When ppls argue that Iran have the rights, he state that Ahmadinejad have intention to wipe out Israel. Doesn’t he read the news? Actually, Ahmadinejad didn’t really mean that. It is misinterpreted (I think more to manipulated) by the media due to translation to English. Even it is for weapon, still they have right to (they dont have any records in war crime)
Why the Zionist that clearly practice genocide, don’t face similar sanction?

Another thing I loathe is the way they put down the topic
“…how should the world deal with a nuclear Iran?”
It is actually not the world, but the States.

Iranian government even allows video surveillance system in their nuclear facilities is having trouble. Instead, the Zionist that doesn’t even allow any IAEA inspection gets away with any form of sanction. That’s a double standard.

IMO the States had a terrible lesson from Iraq invasion, and if they are wise enough, the invasion will not going to happen in Iranian land.

Ps We as consumers have the power of sanction, Dont buy any products related to the Zionist (I was sceptical bfor regarding this) but since, I had found a site that list down all the products with sufficient references and not just claim, I am no longer hesitate to boycott and look for the alternatives. Im now working on the list. Among major companies in the list that are popular in Msia are Starbuck, McDonalds, Danone and much more. Ill do further research, simplify the list and post it here in the near future. InsyaAllah.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Coldplay: Swallowed in the Sea (XY)

Artist: Coldplay
Album: XY
Track 11: Swallowed in the Sea


(sorry, no real vdo clip for this song, I guess, the song doesn’t need a visual aid, Enjoy)

You cut me down a tree
And brought it back to me
And that's what made me see
Where I was going wrong
You put me on a shelf
And kept me for yourself
I can only blame myself
You can only blame me

And I could write a song
A hundred miles long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong with me

And I could write it down
Or spread it all around
Get lost and then get found
Or swallowed in the sea

You put me on a line
And hung me out to dry
And darling that's when I
Decided to go to see you

You cut me down to size
And opened up my eyes
Made me realize
What I could not see

And I could write a book
The one they'll say that shook
The world, and then it took
It took it back from me

And I could write it down
Or spread it all around
Get lost and then get found
And you'll come back to me
Not swallowed in the sea

Ooh...

And I could write a song
A hundred miles long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong with me

The streets you're walking on
A thousand houses long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong with me

Oh what good is it to live
With nothing left to give
Forget but not forgive
Not loving all you see

Oh the streets you're walking on
A thousand houses long
Well that's where I belong
And you belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea

You belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea
Yeah, you belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea


P.s. Although the lyric is a bit cheesy, kind a nursery rhyme, but I think this song is really cool, the tune is brilliant and the lyric is open for our own interpretation

Band’s latest news
Last Sunday, the band lead singer Chris Martin had revealed they are in the middle of producing new album. He added that the record will include what could be Coldplay's best song yet. "I can't tell you about it, but it's basically genius," he joked.
Erm can’t wait to hear how its sound, these guys r brilliant.

Friday, March 9, 2007

Dedication to all women

Yesterday was the International Women's Day...
Since women have done great things in this world, not just being a great mother (I have a fabulous mum, Thank you for everything), but contribute to other things as well (politic, social, science and tech etc). I think I have to dedicate a post for women in accordance to this celebration =)

Statistics show that: 1 from every 3 women faces violence from men. And the sad part is, things like this are more common in Muslim majority countries especially in Asia

Quote from one of the women activist interviewed by Riz Khan on Al Jazeera
“It is not the problem of culture, but it’s the struggle for power bween men n women”

Maybe, some of us blame the interpretation of the scripture by male, erm I dunno, this might be true. There are claims that men tend to interpret the Quran and Hadis, based on their perspective, which cause divergence in Muslim practice during Rasulullah SAW livelihood and nowadays.
During Prophet Muhammad SAW era, women are treated equal to men. For example, women hv equal opportunity and there are no such curtain separating male and female during ‘jemaah’ prayer (which I guess have symbolic meaning), but now, there are some places where women are not even allowed to join the ‘jemaah’ prayer (I watched this on news, in the UK, among the Pakistani I guess or mayb middle eastern, im not sure)
Other issues like in marriage ruling which is unfair to women in some countries. All these bring misguided understanding to the non Muslim regarding Islam, and Islam is portrayed as a sexually discriminating religion and injustice to women, which is not true at all.

Some ppl blame the men dominating world for suppressing women. Well IMO its going to change in the near future, the best indicator is the proportion of students in public universities across Malaysia, for some courses, amount of males can be as low as 30%. (at the same time, male are the majority in drug rehab center) The weird part is, there is no action taken to address this imbalance issue by the government. (any other brainless idea such as supporting the ‘Mat Rempit’?) Yeah I know, universities admission is base on meritocracy system, which is purely on academic merit. But if this imbalance is left untreated, I think it may cause something to our social system. Bcos Knowledge is power! Logically, if the majority of ppl with knowledge are women, then women will have the power to rule since Politic is power. (some ppl say mayb its for good, we already have enough war, let women rule, so that we can live in peace, really?)

Whatever the situation is, we have to respect each other (women and men), both are God creations, abscond the superiority/inferiority complex behind.
Life is monotones without these differences

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Love your body and soul

I had a good time this evening, bowling, at this pathetic bowling alley (the pin might fall suddenly, and the scoring system doest count the felled pin correctly, smelly shoes etc).

That’s not the point, I got quite a good score today (well, good is relative, actually its never past 100 points, I know, I know, Its quite bad, I need more practice I guess, but practice never work for me)

I had played for few games, but still, the throw is not constant, meaning…sometimes, 3 times spare, followed by zero, then a strike once in a while (blame my zero coordination mayb)

In fact, I never good at sport, not an avid spectator either. I can watch football if the TV is broadcasting it due to the majority, and I can enjoy. But if I have the power to choose, I won’t watch. I don’t know why, maybe since I do not play, I guess, the interest is not there.

Some ppls have immense interest in watching sport although not a player, erm I still cannot comprehend this, for example in football/soccer. Maybe its bcos of influence from others, the majority. Or girls wanna watch their charming football player performing on field, that’s a good reason to enjoy football, maybe its equivalent men watching beauty pageant? (I doubt the fact that women don’t see men, as men see women) Or maybe there is joy in watching the supporting team win the game, its like being part of the winning team. Whatever the reason is, I still can’t buy watching sport as an entertainment. I rather watch news Haha

OK. I know, I know. Sport is fun. Id cherished it during my junior high school. I played volleyball and basketball. Its just that I never good at it. Eventually, I stopped and after Form 3, I never actually play any sport. Although I physically look like a guy into sport, I actually don’t, and living in a world based on assumption, I have quite some bad experience regarding this. One of it was during the interview session for my scholarship, one of the panel asked me bout my curricular activities which I elaborate without sport in the list. Then he specifically asked about sport, Thank God, I have this cert for international run, which actually I didn’t joint, I got it bcos my roommate is in the organizer committee. Lucky me, But he still insist the importance of me to participate in sport, and askd about my height, and said it is a loss to the country since our national teams are lacking in size to compete internationally. Thank God, I still get the scholar.

Thinking about my involvement in sport activities, Its just recently, I bowl (is it considered a sport?) and planning to join a swimming class. Starting next week, I promise to myself, to jog several times a week, I feel its an obligation to my body. Love my own body and soul at least, It’s a God’s gift I have to appreciate and take care…

p/s Thank you guys for inviting me to dinner at Sate Malaysia, Its a great 'cathing-up' session

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

The three stooges II

This is the continuation of ‘The three stooges’ story…



Meet Dollah’s dad. IMO, he looks pretty hardcore, right? Actually he is very gentle and 'shy2 cat' LOL When his family members eat, he don’t interfere and just wait from far, and will be the last guy eating what had been left, or maybe he is just scared of Bedah (the protective mum, with 7 kids) :P
The other five still can’t be seen, she usually keep them out of nowhere until they are big enough.



The dad hang out here quite often recently. I guess, he read my blog, ha-ha, and is here to make sure that Dollah have a great family environment during his adolescent years :P

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

The 3 days are worthed

Yesterday was the last day of my job as a lecturer. Although short, it was a 3 valuable days.

On the morning of the third day, I met the ‘women in charge’ again. However she still persistent about the pay and added that they can re-scheme it only after 2 to 3 months evaluation. So I said, if that is the case, I have to leave. (I saw her a bit surprised; I think she never thought of that) She replied, hold on, go back to yr room, she will discuss it again with other executives and will let me know.

So, I went back to my room, with ray of hope. When my head of dept knew about my pay, he totally understands my situation (he live in the same area as mine) and agree with me on this.

After lunch, I went to my class to teach my only student who is recently registered, and we managed to finish the entire half semester lessons for the subject during the 2 hours plus 2 hours from the day before. In next week she can join the former student class, Im really happy for her. OK, I’d fulfilled my responsibility to the student, and I thought if the payment is stagnant I will leave.

When I returned to my room, my colleagues told me that the ‘person in charge’ is looking for me and asked them whether I’m still around. Look like she thought I’d left. So I went back to the office for the 2nd time.

This time she asked me to sit first (she is busy calculating RM50 notes, plenty of them), and said, “We can only afford to pay you that much and the reason is you’re a temporary staff”. (Ironic, I don’t think they can’t afford it; the execs are driving luxurious cars)
So I asked her, “What is the diff? Temporary or not, I think the work is still the same”. She didn’t answer. Then, I uttered, “I’m going to leave”.

And this time it’s for real. As I went out from the office, I came upon my student, and she greet me (thought of telling her about me leaving, but I think better she know it from others). Head back to my room, pack my stuffs, say farewell to my colleague and the dept head.
My head of dept tries to attain me with a joke; tell me that a girl just call him asking about me. Even if it is true, I won’t buy it LOL
He thinks the administrations don’t really think, he feels that although I’m a temporary stuff, I can give lots of contribution with the knowledge I have. I am touched, Thank God, I can hold my tears. Then he walk me to my car to say goodbye. Thank you

During the journey home, my eyes can’t stand anymore and tears keep running down my cheek. (blame the melancholy ‘coldplay’ tracks on the player) I feel really2 awful and sad for leaving; bcos I was happy working there, but with that much money it is not worth it.

That night, I doze early at 9pm. I was tired with the emotional rollercoaster.

During the 3 days Id observed the atmosphere of an academic institution from the academic staff perspective and how bureaucracy can affect an institution. It is a family business and almost all the important administration/execs position are blood related without real knowledge about management/ academic I guess. I think for an organization to bloom, it is better to hire ppls with knowledge, rather than the people we know.
I hope this will give the administration a lesson not to fool around the fresh grads, I think they see us naïve, immature and desperate for job, and they think they can easily take advantage on us. Well, in my case, I have an alternative and I don’t really need to be employed, that’s why I’m brave enough to demand. I think I wont do all these if I don’t hv any alternative, Alhamdulillah that’s not the case.

And today I need to let all these out, so that I can go back to my routine, but this time I want to spend it wisely, I just realized I may only hv few months left to enjoy what I have right now.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Is it worth it?

Working at the private college for almost 2 days was a great experience (the staffs are extremely friendly, its great to work with my degree course mate and former lecturer) until I received the offer letter this evening at 4.50pm just bfor the end of working hours. The basic salary is RM700 plus allowance of RM100. And my first pay check will be RM800.

Quite a shock! No wonder the envelope opening was glued like a secret document is inside. I didn’t mean to be ungrateful, but it didn’t make any sense, although I understand they take me as a temp, so I shouldn’t be that demanding. But 800 is just too sad. So I returned the letter to the person in charge, and she said she wanna discuss it with her boss and let me know tomorrow. (I think I have the rights for explanation! Don’t u think so?)

So I went home, feeling down. Along the way (it’s more than 30km trip) I was thinking deep about the worthiness of taking this job. I really don’t think it is worth it. I hv to travel far (more than an hour return trip), it is a full time job which I calculate give me a RM 3.50/hour. Its just pathetic. And I have a master degree! (I had sacrificed a lot to get it, and I feel like it didn’t even taken into account). I feel betrayed; I got the offer letter late (after two days working). Thank God, I haven’t done the medical check up and signed anything yet. I feel quite sad, really2 sad actually,

Alhamdulillah, I have my parents to talk to and give advise, and here to express my feelings.

And now, I’m thinking about tomorrow, few scenarios I’d thought of
1. They wont increase the salary…Ill will definitely pack and go home
2. They will increase it, but after the first month…Erm this is quite hard, but I will say no too
3. They ask me how much I want…A: like I said in the interview more than a K… If they agree, I might take it, erm I dunno, my heart broke real bad
Whatever the result is, definitely Ill pack my things bfor going home tomorrow, And sleep on it after reading yr comments. And make the decision on the next day, to go back or not…

What do u guys think? I wanna hear it from diff perspective
(please take into account, the 800 will be subtractd with money for the 60km trips perday- mayb after deduction I get less than 500 nett - and this times 7 will sum up to 3500 for 7 moths of my temporary job- cant even buy a decent laptop – which is the side objective of me getting a job)

And what do u think the proper salary I should ask for? (pls take into consideration that I’m not demanding, I want to help this bumi institution, but I cant do it (I mean all out) with just 500 net monthly) Or do u think Im demanding? Just say it if it is, I don’t mind

Thank you in advance for yr comment…

Friday, March 2, 2007

Tomorrow is the new day

My everyday routine is going to change starting tomorrow; I guess there will be no more sleeping activity after the sun rise / fajr and no more blog posted on everyday basis.
The former is great to get rid of.
The later wont affect me that much…I write blog, mainly for the sake of my language and brain well being. Use it or lose it, is very true indeed. I found out after few months being an avid TV watcher :P, my mental capacity shrink (figure 1), and my life become dreary and monotous...


Figure 1: An x-ray image showing my brain shrink :P

Aha, Tomorrow, I’ll begin my job as a lecturer in the private college I’d mentioned. Alhamdulillah, Syukur I got that job, I won’t let anyone down. I hope, great experience waiting ahead. More introvert part of my personality can be chuck out, and my public speaking skills will be greatly enhanced. Not to forget, my maladroit social skills.

Well mayb more post after this, who knows…

Thursday, March 1, 2007

SuperBaby II

This baby can speak foreign language too...



Cant understand? She is in the mid of learning Malay as a Second Language :P