Coffee-soaked Muruku

Life must go on. So the saying goes. No matter how heavy the burden, how highly stacked the odds, one must find the will to continue one's life no matter the direction it leads. Hopefully, however, the direction leads to the silver lining in the sky, and who knows, perhaps the pot of gold at rainbow's end. Not literally, off course. The alternative to this course of life? Well, that's as good as being 6foot under...even when one is still breathing; truly sad state of affair not worth looking into, what else living it.

Understandably, its difficult for one to trudge on with one's life when bullets are whizzing just above one's head, or having nip one's ear in the process of find a mark. A single bullet, is a blind and deadly projectile that recognise neither friend nor foe, piercing itself deep into a body with a hole that can be smaller than the size of an ordinary button, but sometimes, much larger than that. And just as easily it invades the body, it can also leave it from the opposite end, leaving a wound that that is normally fatal. If not, then the searing pain may lead a lesser mind shrieking in agony, or silently numbed with shock. Left unattended, life oozes out in the form of a red liquid; itself more precious than the black gold which ironically is valued more by some. If not the black gold, then the very earth which, again ironically, every single one of us living beings, will turn into.

And that, was just about a single bullet. Not yet about the landmines, booby-traps, shrapnel, or the massively destructive missile launched from a safe distance away. A single girl by the name of Huwaida Araf however, stood defiant.


Tomorrow, just after the Jumaat prayers, Malaysians will be marching again towards the US Embassy in KL, from the KLCC Mosque. I regret not being able to join them there but insyAllah, will be at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, for another show of protest which will begin at 10am, and led by Aman Palestine (click here).

Life, must go on.

For me and another one or 2 bloggers who just did not have the heart to continue blogging, we are actually admitting defeat for a people who have not. For them, we must steel our heart and continue with our own while not forgetting their struggle. For instance, indulge in a Indocoffee-soaked Muruku quite similar to eating cereal with milk.

Having been a Nescaffe drinker for more than 20years, the shift to Indocoffee was necessitated several years back in an effort to boycott any organisations which either have links, or directly or indirectly contribute to the illegal zionist regime. Care to join?

Oh! Do visit Elviza here for ways to contribute towards the Palestinians. Alternatively, there are 2 donation drives:

1. 'Tabung Amanah Cakna Palestin', Bank Islam Malaysia melalui akaun 03018010122939, and

2. Tabung Bantuan Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin atas nama PARTI ISLAM SEMALAYSIA di akaun Maybank 564070703248".


ps. Hey! I do need this space too! I mean, I do find a need to go bonkers every now and then. Well, that and besides the fact that this blog is the only decent place I can practice my English before it sinks deeper than a sinking ship in the deepest abyss. That is, off course, if its not there already.

Tie Your Camel

Lyrics Excerpt

Angie, angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, angie, where will it lead us from here?

Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke

Oh, angie, don’t you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes

Come on baby, dry your eyes
But angie, angie, ain’t it good to be alive?
Angie, angie, they can’t say we never tried

One day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (At-Tirmidhi).
- IOL

Please sign the petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/etgs1/petition.html

Pictures credit: Windows Into Palestine

No Appetite

For 2 days now, I've tried to put in an entry or 2 but the moment I am online, I feel lost and decided to scrap my thoughts. Not quite like the way Gaza is being scrapped, but related to it. Then I became highly irritated was at short-fuse, spitting venom at the CSR staff of a hypermarket simply because it took ages for them to locate their supervisor who was needed to key in her code to print the receipt for the stuff I bought.

Hey! I paid for the stuff and the cashier was kind enough to give me a handwritten receipt as his printer ran out of paper. But I just do not want to walk off only to be stopped by some store detectives who may think differently. And sure enough, even as I was walking towards the CSR counter, the lady waiting to check the receipts of buyers walking out, was herself hesitant about letting me through. Only after the cashier inform her, was I able to proceed. And I really did cause a scene at the CSR Counter.

So earlier tonight, I thought it would be wiser for me to start another blog to put the serious stuff there and let this blog be gila-gila - an outlet for my...well, gila-gila lah! But no sooner when I came online, I just had to view the video below, and the accompanying text at IIR. Needless to say, I again lost my want to write.

Down

Been having this fever since the JB trip. What, with it raining all the way and back, and getting caught in torrid downpours, even a superhero would surely fall sick, what else that cakapaje guy who's looking down a gorge hanging head down with a thread as thin as a strand of hair. Hmm...hang on, think I should reserved that for those clowns in the sarkas.

To snowflake and reramasalju, I owe both of you an entry each...sabar ye. InsyAllah, I will put it up soon after another entry, one which I am waiting a picture to go with.

By the way, for anyone who can't access Malaysia Today, try this link http://mt.harapanmalaysia.com/2008/; got it from the man himself yesterday. Could not put it up as not only was I down, but so was my connection for the better part of yesterday and this morning. Thought of going mad already, but am happy to note its the sarkas who are.

While The Sarkas Are At It

While the Sarkas are sending unabated reinforcements up north, pouring millions of ringgit, a large portion which comes from the public kitty, I'm heading south to JB. Though the battle is raging hot, Kid said that unless they change ballot boxes, then insyAllah, the Sarkas clowns will be running back to KL with their tails chopped off, and their nose dirtied.

Light My Fire

Don't know what the brouhaha is all about. I mean, one bloody witch invoked a magic wordl or something somewhere, and immediately it received responses from almost all corner of the world. Was it magic, or sorcery? I really wouldn't know. But I do know this, I do not want to be left behind. So, being one who is unschooled in this science, the only response I have is the video below which have been reverberating in my ears all day long, and thought it's only fair I get it out of my system. Think its befitting and I really hope my friends will like it.

ps. If the video does not work, kindly do tell.

A Desert Rose

Recently, quite soon after bro kerpie had virus infection on his laptop, I too suffered an attack which prompted me to call my nephew to reformat and upload a new OS. He did just that in a matter of a couple of hours and soon, I was back online. However, I had to download quite a number of softwares which were erased. Doing so, reminded me of the first time I went online sometime in 2001, and was later introduced to the world of chatting via icq and YM. Though now I have abandoned icq and hardly use YM, I still remember experiencing culture-shock during the initial months of chatting.

Chatters, I learned then, like to use abbreviations of sentences which I too soon learn to use as well, where short sentences were abbreviated to brb, rofl, ic, and quite a number more. Much later on, I then developed my own to be used as a reply; whenever someone use 'oic', I would reply PLO, then later Hamas. This, had them stumped. Off course, PLO and Hamas had nothing to do with chat abbreviations, but I sort of use it as a payback tool for being baffled by people using abbreviations; in the initial stage of chatting, I had the impression that there were many rude people. This came about everytime I crack a joke and the other party would reply with 'lol'. Not knowing what it meant then, I thought they were calling me 'bahlol' in shortform. Surely - in Malay usage of the word - that is rather insulting. But as time pass by, I found out not only the meaning of 'lol', but the true meaning of 'Bahlol'.

The true Bahlol, is actually a pious man living in the times of Khalifah Harun Rashid. As the stories I have read about him points out, Bahlol was quite a wealthy but honest man. His honesty was such that, it sometimes put him in dangerous position. Yet, he continued on with his way, much to the chagrin of several people. Below, is one of the many stories of Bahlool I picked up from here.

Bohlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne

---

One day Bohlool arrived at Haroun's palace and saw that the throne was empty. There was no one to stop him, so he unhesitatingly and fearlessly went and sat in Haroun's place. When the court slaves saw this, they immediately started whipping him and took him off the throne. Bohlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bohlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bohlool up.

Bohlool said he wasn't crying at his condition, but at Haroun's condition. "I sat on the seat of Khalifate wrongfully for a few seconds and received such a beating and endured such misfortune; but you have been sitting on this throne all your life! What troubles you must receive, yet you still don't fear the consequence."

end/-


Reading the short story, I can't help but equating the last para to the fools running this country. Perhaps, we need more people like Bahlool to remind them of their sacred duties. Unfortunately, we only have too many bahluls - of the corrupted Malay usage - sitting together with those fools. InsyAllah, begining with the Permatang Pauh by-election, we will be able to cleanse our land of them.

Do listen to the video below.

The main problem we have for now, is the entity using the scales of justice as the Dajjal would in later times; they also go by another name which is now widely known as the accursed Sarkas.

Under The Hood - A Soviet Joke Made Local?

Jokes can be very funny at time, especially if its ethnic jokes made by the people of the same ethnicity. There have been English, Irish, Welsh, Polish, Russian, Indian and even Malay jokes, cracked from time to time, with some leaving you in guffaws - by yourself - and having onlookers thinking you are already off your rockers. I personally have experienced such an incident, which is why now, I prefer not to have reading materials whilst in public places. I certainly would hate - while enjoying a good laugh - to find myself helplessly being carted away to a mental institution. That, would be quite like a scene from an old British sitcom, 'Only When I laugh' - the best jokes it seems, would be to have the laugh on oneself.

Sending my car for some works just now, reminded me of an old Russian joke.

During the time of the Russian Empire of USSR, the citizens wanting to purchase an electronic or electrical item would check on the date the item was made. This was done to avoid to avoid any defective items which the store would sell, regardless the defects, and the non-existent After Sales Service of the manufacturer. The dates the citizens look for are as below along with their rationale:
Early of the Month: The worst manufacturing period. Workers put on a shoddy job just meet their quota of the month.
Middle of the Month: Products are better as workers near completion of their quota.
End of Month: Best manufacturing date! Products are made after completion of quota. Hence, workers put quality finish to their job.

As mentioned, I sent my car to a workshop. Since the car's warranty period has expired, I chose a workshop nearby as from a previous lube-change experience, I found their service to be satisfactory. The work needed for my car was a relatively easy shock-absorber change. Noting I am using a 1.5liter car, the foreman brought out 2 boxes of new shock-absorbers while his charges worked on getting the old pair out. Things looked easy enough when they were dismantling, but soon they faced the problem of getting the absorber into the spring. After about 15 minutes of futile trying, they reported the matter to their superior. And when the superior came to take a look, he soon shook his head - my 1.5liter car came factory fitted with a pair of 1.6liter shock absorbers! Apart from the width of the rod being different, they cost a bit more too - an extra RM60 each!

Now, I don't know if this is standard for Proton cars to be fitted components not meant for the makes, but it does make me feel like being shoved with the soviet joke above. Honestly, why would a 1.5liter car use a 1.6liter component? Anyone?

Jokes aside, Alina gave a link to a beautiful song which I have embedded below. I think the title is Einsamer Hirte, but am unable to confirm it, nor the origin. Looking at the name and the spelling of the song, I think it is from the Balkans; would appreciate anyone giving more info on the song. The song does, sound pretty much like Biddhu's 'Aria', which I am unable to find on the net. And, thanks Alina.

Geram!

Hmm...its one of those days when I can't figure the equivalent of a Malay word in English. It can't be seething mad, as depending on the usage, 'geram' can also be for something adorable like in a cute baby or...like the way I put it to some lady friends who utter the word in reference to that cakapaje guy, "Kalau geram, peluklah!". Off course, they never do. Rather unfortunate for me though as its been a very long time since I had a good hug by a lady. Last I remember, I was about 10 years old when one did.

Anyway, the 'geram' I mention here is in context of the price hike protest tomorrow, organised by Protes. As most would have known by now, the venue has been changed to the MPPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya. And though it might be late of me to put it here, GERAMM, the Gerakan Rakyat Anti Manipulasi Minyak (http://www.geramm.org/v1/) has begun their On-line Petition to protest against the price hike. If you are interested, kindly visit their page and sign the petition.
(Update 10:54pm): Please visit and read My Malaysiaku for and interesting article on petrol.

On another note, I wonder how many of my friends remember the song below, which unfortunately, is in a karaoke video format.

Bread!

Were I a visitor to my blog, the first thing that would cross my mind after reading the title would be the musical group, Bread. Well, since that maybe the same thing that cross a real visitor's mind, I thought why not I put up one of their best hits. But mind you, this entry is not about the group, nor the song.

Bread, may be one of the most common food in the world. Yet, it differs in shape, taste, and even the smell, depending on the flour one use, and the mix that goes into it. The same would go with the preparation of the accompanying dishes. However, when the bread is still hot from the oven with its aroma still lingering, it ought to be good enough to be eaten alone. Still, some have to have at least a dish of gravy, without which, then they might as well not eat at all. Hmm...this reminds me of a story about Saidina Umar Al-Khatab r.a.

One day, he was visited by a man from a village, who brought along some 2 food containers, putting them in front of the Khalifah, and inviting the him to partake in the dish which was especially prepared for him by the man's wife. The Khalifah did not say anything, instead stared at the bread, and the gravy which was rich in oil. After a moment of silence, he said aloud to himself "You look so delicious and tempting. But if I were to eat you now, I fear I may be denied of a greater feast in the world hereafter". With that, he politely refused the food.

I should stress here that the circumstance above may well be different than one would imagine, but let's not get into it (tak bertauliah lagi!).

Earlier today I went to Giant Kelana Jaya for our monthly grocery needs. And as I was rummaging through the frozen food section, I came across several types and brands of instant bread, including Roti Paratha and Chapati. Now, normally I would not buy them except that, well, I am trying to work my way to a new client who makes Roti Lebanon, which essentially is pita bread. Well, at least to me, that's what I think it is though the owner - a real Lebanese - may vehemently say its not. But, let's not get into that too.

Anyway, since emak and I are trying to avoid eating rice at night as much as possible, we had the instant Chapati for dinner. I followed the instructions as best I could, except I did not use a pan, instead, just microwaved it. And soon, emak and I tucked into 2 very unchapati bread each; it was thin, small and lacked texture. I don't know about everyone else, but to me, the Sikh community makes the best chapati ever!

There was this premise - only half a shoplot size - in Bangsar, which made real good chapati. I do not know how they do it, but I used to stop over for a meal whenever I pass the area. Unfortunately, now I hardly step into KL, and last I heard, the business had closed down due to the death of a family member. Now, I don't know where to get a good chapati.

Hopefully, not able to get any now, might assist me to a greater feast in the hereafter, insyAllah. But oops! There's still the frozen Roti Paratha to be had.

Not A Donkey's Tale

This is a picture of a donkey. Mind you, we are not talking about the animal as in the ass or jackass.

From Stock Photography.

While these 2 below, are police officers and may well be on their way there. If you had not noticed, there's a full stop at the end of the last sentence, so you have to make your interpretation of the picture and...

The video below though, do not contain any donkeys. InsyAllah, the spot might have one in the future. I can't authenticate the story, taking it as it is.

Stranger On Ganu's Shores

Well, not exactly. I've been there countless times and one of my earliest childhood memory was when we traveled from KB to Rantau Abang to watch the now nearly extinct Giant Leatherback Turtles(on our shores only). Another, was when we moved to KL from KB, spending a night at one of the many beaches there; but where, I do not know. Still, it was great to be back in Ganu.

Ok, no stories for now - will do so until I downloaded all the pics and till Azman email his to me. For the moment, enjoy the music and the lyrics below. But before that, thank you Cikgu and Doc TA for your concern and communiques. And thank you too shirzad for calling.

Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
Here I stand, watching the tide go out
So all alone and blue
Just dreaming dreams of you

I watched your ship as it sailed out to sea
Taking all my dreams
And taking all of me

The sighing of the waves
The wailing of the wind
The tears in my eyes burn
Pleading, "My love, return"

Why, oh, why must I go on like this?
Shall I just be a lonely stranger on the shore?

The sighing of the waves
The wailing of the wind
The tears in my eyes burn
Pleading, "My love, return"

Dangerous Time of the Month!

Back some many entries ago, I wrote about the shinyyellowish disc floating in the sky. Tonight, and these past few nights, I an beginning to experience it again. Thus, I tried to search for a Barbara Streisand song which strangely, not many have heard; the song, unlike the singer, is kind of elusive - lots of sites on Streisand, but none seem to have this song simply entitled 'Love', with the lyrics as below:

Love.
Love is real
Real is love
Love is feeling
Feeling love
Lave is wanting to be loved
Love is touch
Touch is love
Love is reaching
Reaching love
Love is asking to be loved
Love is you
You and me
Love is knowing
We can be
Love is free
Free is love
Love is living
Living love
Love is needing
To be loved
Hum... hum...

Hang on! I just remembered that the shiny yellowish disc floating in the sky won't be around till the middle of the month! Oh well, that, and in the absence of 'Love' on you tube, I guess the song below will have to do.

Time To Get Sentimental

After last night's entry and memories rekindled, I thought it would be good to listen to a rare oldie, one that use to love quite a bit. Unfortunately, I could not find a good and clear English version, so I guess this song in its original language will have to do. Can't understand a word though. Perhaps, its better that way.

Throw Habit

When people of certain senior age begin doing something uncharacteristic to their age or normal behaviour, the Malays would call it 'Buang Tabiat'. I don't know the actual English equivalent to "Buang Tabiat', so I guess 'Throw Habit' will have to do. Well, its not that I am about to do something or anything of such nature, but referring it to the clowns in our House of Parliament.

To be honest though, I have never watched any of the live telecast, nor do I bother to read about it. But reading a few blogs and glancing at the front pages of dailies, is enough for me to know I do not need nor want to continue reading. In fact, I've gone several weeks without really reading any news, with the exception of the links I have here. This is totally unlike of me, someone who was vigorously active on the Net for 6 years prior to PRU12. Its not that I'm fed up of politics, but I'm taking a long vacation from it. In some strange way and contrary to the actual meaning, I am 'buang tabiat'.

ps. Should anyone have links to a veteran Indonesian singer by the name of Ivon Nalakrisna, kindly inform me. Tried googling and you tubing her without success.

Jamming With Ants

Foremost, no, the ants I am referring to are not Adam and The Ants, but those tiny 6legged insects which can be found in almost every corner of a house...except those houses which have been fumigated.

When I reached home late this afternoon, my nose picked up a rather disturbing smell coming from one of my neighbour's house. I quickly close my nose for apart from not liking the smell, I also think it can be harmful to one's health - my neighbour was spraying one of those canned pesticides to rid a small army of ants feasting on some organic matter. In the past, I too would have done the same but refrain from it now after learning a few things.

Ants are wonderful creatures actually. They live in colonies and each ant within the colony have specific duties of their own. Some are foragers, some soldiers, some feeders, and yet some...well, whatever. In general, some ant behaviorist have even likened them to nature's thrash collectors. No, really.

Ants and many other creatures which we normally treat as pests, are actually doing the cleaning job for us, literally carting away the litter we may have dropped, denying germs or bacterias the chance to bloom and infect humans in one way or another. OK, do so maggots. But, after reading a hadith about ants, I have tried my best not to harm any. There are however, times which I, through the involuntary movement or reaction of my hands, fail to remember the hadith as below:

Hadis riwayat Abu Hurairah ra.:
Dari Rasulullah saw. bahwa seekor seekor semut pernah menggigit salah seorang nabi. Nabi tersebut lalu memerintahkan untuk mendatangi sarang semut dan membakarnya. Tetapi kemudian Allah menurunkan wahyu kepadanya: Apakah hanya karena seekor semut menggigitmu lantas kamu membinasakan satu umat yang selalu bertasbih

Nombor hadis dalam kitab Sahih Muslim [Bahasa Arab saja]: 4157

Like earlier just now, emak and I was enjoying this bar of Hershey's which I had just bought. Off course, when one eats chocolate bars, small crumbs are bound to fall out of one's notice. One, would only become aware of it when one see a small army of ants crowding the table. First thought and reaction: Get the pesticides! But, that would only be contrary to what I'm beginning to learn; had I been more careful when eating chocolates, the ants would not have come. So, next when I do see an army of ants, I'm going to sing this song to them.

Unless, off course, they happen to be an army of African Killer Ants. Hmm...are there any such things?

Long Not Heard

I was at Halim's stall earlier this evening and thought I heard someone whistling a tune I have long not heard. And the moment I got back, I searched you tube for the song, and found only this, where the quality if far from satisfactory; I find it kind of sad that Malaysian and Indonesian songs on video are produced mainly for karaoke sessions and nothing more. But since I love the tune and most certainly used to like the singer, thought I'd put it up. Guess most of my friends are well aware of the song and the singer.

Way Sarkas Were

For all that it was said to be, I never saw the movie. Never had any reason to, and perhaps never will. From what I heard some people say about it though, it has a sad ending. And I hate sad ending! I don't mind mushy mushy pictures where the everyone gets teary-eye towards the end, but I hate sad endings! Unless, off course, the sadness is meant for the Sarkas, and those in the same time frame. Bet some people there are singing this song now.

Having said that, in no way does it mean I don't like this song though. Just listen to the piano solo.

Sorry palalah, chedet and Sarkas people, this song is too good for you.

The Long Walk

The twin engine, 8passenger plane touched down at the community airport around 6pm. But at this time of the year, it was already dark, and cold. Aje did not bother to go to the luggage collection center as he was carrying by hand, and walked straight to the exit. No familiar faces greeted him there, and he hung around a while. By 7pm, he was beginning to get agitated...and hungry. He walked back into the building and tried to make several calls, but none was successful. He searched his pockets and found he had only a measly sum, probably not even enough to pay for the taxi fare to town. And with no buses in service in this small town, all Aje could do was wait. But luck did not abandon him that night.

A tall elderly man sporting a cowboy hat walked out the building and stared at Aje, who in turn returned the stare.
"You and addict, son?" asked the man.
"No, sir" replied Aje.
"That's good to know," said the man "as I sure do hate them addicts!".
Aje did not reply but looked the other way at the headlights of a car driving in.
"You need a ride to town, son?" asked the man.
"I do," replied Aje trying to conceal his delight at the invitation.
"Come on then! The temp will be dropping further. Just make sure you ain't got no stuff in them bag of yours".
"Just my clothes," Aje quickly replied in hope it would convince the man that he is not an addict.

The 30minutes ride to town however, turned out to be joyful for the 2 strangers as they got to know each other. The man Aje found out, was late into his 60's and clearly no redneck. He claimed though, to be a former Intelligence Officer of some outfit which is gaining more ill reputation than not. Aje did not want to dispute nor to believe. If he is, fine. If he's not, what harm could there be? In return, Aje was relieved to note that the term 'addict' the man used was meant to be an icebreaker and nothing more.

Soon as they reached town, the man dropped Aje at the nearest coffeehouse. There, Aje helped himself to 2 cups of steaming hot coffee, before deciding to walk the 5 miles to his destination. With inadequate clothing, the walk became cold and lonely as the dark night itself.

Perhaps, a certain man, formerly of high position, is going through the same now.

ps. Quite a shame Addicted To Love - Power - was not available.

Tale of A Relationship

Love makes the world go around, so the saying goes. I, however, believe that to be true. For without His love...I just can't imagine what this present world, before, and after, will be like. As His humble servants living in this passing moment, we more often than not forget who we truly are. We wake up, go to work or studies, eat, sleep, and enjoy the finer moments of our days, yet we still forget about many things, mostly that the bounties we had are from Allah s.w.t. And so it is with this tale about 2 people.

As one would have probably watched, the video is slightly dated, but still precious nonetheless. Especially in view of matters lately.

The tale I would like to tell you, is a tale that happens everyday. For it seem to be a common thing for 2 people to meet, and try to develop their relationship from there. Sometimes it works out to expectation...of at least one; sometimes it does not. I, for one, never dreamed it would come to this. How could it have happened?

Unlike the ruins of an ancient Mayan city that was once hailed as the acme of past civilisation, this relationship is now more than just an acne between the 2 people. While one is seen as an ancient addict, the other was seen as the healer to the ails of many. Where the former is proven to be true, the latter has yet to fulfill promises made. Truly sad, and heartbreaking. But such is the tale of these 2 people. I could go on and on and on with their tales, but do fear I may bore you now that it is out in the open. Still, in many ways, I look forward to the coming days that will tell the true course of this relationship.

By the way, I hope I have not mislead anyone into thinking this is a tale about me. It is not, I assure you. This, is a tale about the relationship between Palalah and Chedet. Its an old song sung new.

Boy! Do I love the changes coming!