Facebook; A Way Forward

It took ages to persuade me to open up a internet-based community portal. I had no Friendster, MySpace and what not. I couldn't be bothered and I don't buy "...I could meet my mates in primary school!" sort of argument.

But wait!!

After spending more than 2 years in Cardiff, with going back to Malaysia once in between, I came to realise that these websites are indeed useful for various reasons.

• Statesmen use these to convey their vision and ideas.
• Politicians use these to capture a new market of voters.
• Missionaries use these to understand the behaviour of their target community.
• Businessmen use these to enhance their promotion.
• Leaders of organisations use these to form coalition forces with their counterpart elsewhere.
• Young men use these to keep them up-to-date with the latest news and events.

... and many more!

And because of these reasons that I've chose to sign up. Click here to sneak at my Facebook account.

A good way to start a new day

Having to wake up as early as 5.00am is not too bad at all. With a little bit of self-cleaning and prostrating to God, I prepare myself for work. A good mid-pace walk from my house to the Probation Centre in town would take about 8 minutes. I just love to have several deep breathe of the pure, morning fresh air as I walk to the office.

I also enjoy the morning chat with Kak Faizah, Ash and Sylvia, the supervisor of the office. I opt to take the stairs up to the 4th floor instead of the lift. A healthy way of living, in'it? While working with the mops and the bins, I always practice delivering speeches by myself, and I've been caught doing so many times before! One of the things that made me stick to this job instead of quitting is to be able to force myself to do some exercise. I could do some push-ups while waiting for the tap water to fill in the bucket with detergent before proceeding to mop the kitchen and entrance floors.

Work ends at half seven, and the walk back home was filled with some planning on my to-do list for the day.

As the house door opens, my housemates have already got up from their bed. We exchange morning greetings. There are not many options for breakfast, and I wouldn't mind. A good toast and a large cup of tea would keep my stomach full until lunchtime. I also enjoy making my own lunchpack while listening to the news.

A good breakfast with a good cup of tea in front of a good TV watching BBC Breakfast. Now that's what I call LIFE!

A quick morning shower is vital. There're 6 of us here, and spending less than 7 minutes each is favourable, especially on Tuesday when everyone's class starts at 9!

And that's how my typical day starts. Everyday is a wonderful day, in'it?

Malaya: 10 Years Before Independence

Click To Play

I must say that this is a brilliant, must-see documentary for those who love our nation.

The British people believe in themselves. Why not us?

2 recent events that struck me in writing this post are as follows.

Cardiff University Labour Students Weekly Meeting
It was my first time coming to this meeting, since I missed the 1st two due to the residential fieldtrip I went earlier. The 1st half an hour was pretty much annoying. The Chair came and distributed some newspapers, and people chatting about their lives with each other.

It was in the 2nd half of the meeting when the discussion came about. A few issues were discussed, primarily on taxes, 'war against terror', education and ID cards. Of all our debates and arguments, the 'Statement For The Day' that really caught my attention was " it is our duty and responsibility to make things right. We practice democracy, they're not. We're in peace, they're not. So it was a good idea, initially, to go to Iraq and sort 'em out!" How's that for an argument? Not too bad, I guess.

Today's Hottest News: Britain's Move To Reject Referendum
Gordon Brown is going to address Britain's European Union partners that his country will not agree on the proposed treaty that goes for a standardized social & labour laws, common law, police & judicial processes, foreign and defence policies, tax and social security systems. While propagating a free-trade market, Britain's denial in agreeing with the treaty is claimed to be caused by their sensitivity towards the country's "red-line" and sovereignity.

Now, I'm not interested in arguing on the details of both events.

It is now becoming clearer to me that one could not standardize everything. This applies to idealism, religious practices as well as the rule of law. Humans are collectively brought up in their own unique environment, and this develops their nature of behaviour, belief, cultural practices and perceptions. These respective groups of people have shared interests within their own community boundary.

It's because of these differences that some groups feel superior and the rest might face a problem of inferiority complex, justified by the progress showed by them in their own rat race. The former gets stronger and feels superior while the latter feels a little bit 'behind par'. Possible outcome? The inferior ones might prostitute their initial value/system for the superiors'. This further enhances positive feedback mechanism to the whole system.

But wait! There are certain occasions that the 'big guys' would not want to follow others' agreed-upon ideas. Let's have the British government as our case study.

Earlier between the 15th and 19th century, they went all over the world to 'sort things out' and claimed that it's the 'white man's burden' and responsibility to bring a modernised way of living for everyone. They've sent their troops to Iraq a few years back, claiming that the oil-rich country possessed WMD. The UN said no, but they proceeded anyway. Despite the warnings, protests, roundtable discussions, referendum and demonstrations exhibited by the global community, they just proceed with their own agenda.

My point here is that: it's the British solid, bold attitude that had shaped what they are today! They believe and proud of themselves.

So are/can/must we! Believe in ourselves, mate!
It's a world of grey areas, mate, and there are loads of it!

I'll be going to the Palestinian Solidarity Society meeting in a shortwhile. In case if you're interested to come, if it's not too late to mention, we'll be at the Rona Griffith room, 4th Floor in the Students Union.

Eid Mubaarak

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Eid Mubaarak

Happy Eid Celebration

(kudos to Rafie for producing this wonderful piece of art for me)

... to all Muslims, wherever you are!

It is only today that I managed to get hold of my computer after 5 days of fieldtrip at Land's End & 2 full days of celebrating Eid. Works piled up and my email inbox fattened enormously! It was a challenging fieldtrip for me since there was no O2 coverage at the sites I went for my residential outing! Apparently my family had a wonderful Eid celebration back home in Malaysia, which I could tell from my brother's blog post here.

Anyway, it was a great experience. I learnt more about the local community, socialising with the British, appreciating our differences, and at the same time, share my fasting experiences with them. It was an amazing memorabilia that I realized that a Muslim should not separate themselves in their own coccoon. I am a Malaysian by nationality, a Muslim by religion and a citizen of planet Earth. My point here is that Muslims should not act or feel excluded or excluding themselves from the global community, hence creating a community identified as the Muslim ethnic minority.

Some people might have confused between religious wisdoms and ethnic cultural practices. One who holds the principles of religious wisdoms will share tonnes of positive values of the global community. One who only restricted themselves to their ethnic cultural practices MIGHT get confused if they jump into a community of a new pool of people.

As a response to Mr/Ms Anonymous (I think it's a SHE. I might be wrong) who commented in my previous post, I thank you for giving a thoughtful comment.I have read a number of Hassan al-Banna's, Syed Qutb's & al-Maududi's writings, and agreed on some of your points. Yet, I have also read other books written by Thomas L Friedman, Dave Pelzer, Tariq Ramadan and a few others. We have to bear in mind that Islam is a religion that contains highly-valued codes of behaviour, conduct and practices. A white British Catholic lady who keeps her promises at all times and takes good care of her children should be praised for having, potraying & practicing positive attitude, which is Islamic. What is not 'SYAR'IE' with that?

Avram; give him a chance to head Chelsea!

There had been loads of news circulating in tabloids, internet & TV programmes on the downfall of the Chelsea empire. The 'Special One' has left Stamford Bridge, and rumors of disputes between the owner & administrators mushroomed at a tremendous rate. Everyone seemed to be talking about Chelsea!

Those whom only give their support to Chelsea within the period of Mourinho's service should be pitied. Poor them.

Chelsea has been playing great football so far. They might not put a fancy and creative play on the field as what Arsenal does, but they've been showed a lot of powerful, enthralling performances. With Lampard's amazing strikes, Drogba's strong built, Joe Cole's agility, Makelele's confidence, Essien's calm composure, I believe that Chelsea have proven to be one of the most exciting team to watch over in the English Premier League!

Recently, there was a problem. Mourinho left. Avram Grant (who's he?!) took over. 1st Game:
Man Utd 2 - 0 Chelsea
Despite the 4-0 win in the Carling Cup action against Hull, Chelsea was hold back 0-0 to Fulham.

Oh yes, there was also this fact that since the manager is a Jew/Israeli, "i'm not going to support Chelsea anymore".

Now, here are my arguments:

• The name in front of the shirt is more important the one at the back. Club's first, individual later. People come people go, mate, but the club will always be there.
• For goodness sake, give Grant a chance! He's just about to practice his authority in the club.
• The club has a great history, great supporters, great players and fantastic play of football.
  
• To condemn the act of the Israeli government in causing a series of massacre in Palestine is an issue. But to relate Grant to the issue mentioned is unfair. It's not like Arsenal in promoting 'Think Israel' in one of their adverts!

To those of you whom have no idea on the things I've discussed here, do go to ESPN Soccernet and spend some time understanding Chelsea's current situation. You'll be amazed on the things you might learn from them, such as:

• Managing crises.
• Scouting the right people to be installed at the right position.
• Handling the press.
• Dealing with possible interests from outsiders/agents/managers/coaches etc.
• Struggling to maintain the team's morale & composure in difficult times, and win games at the same time!

and many more! For the love of the game!

5 top reasons why you should collect books!

I have been picking up a habit of buying second-hand books lately. Great books can sometimes be found at the price range of 25 - 50 pence each! Hence that answers the pile of books in my room. I'm giving you my 5 top reasons why you should be collecting books as well.

1. Those who create a library create a life -a friend-
2. Collecting books encourages you to read more.
3. A great way of decorating your room.
4. Attracts more friends who share the same interest.
5. You'll eventually feel your IQ is increased significantly everytime you have a good 10-seconds look at your collection!

So far, I've spent about 3 pounds per visit to a carboot sale to buy books. Will get more of 'em later.

There are a few things which I'd like to share with you for now.

1. I came across a good online photo editor, tried it, and found it to be an exciting toy to play with. Picnik.com. Try it here!
2. 'Projek Kalsom 13' video has been uploaded by Ang & Markus. Click here to watch it on YouTube, or here to browse through its website.
3. There has been a major crisis between the leaders and protestors of Burma. Loads of civilians have been oppressed by the military dictatorship for years. Please kindly sign the petition to 'Stand with the Burmese Protestors' here. Every support counts.
   
4. I'll be out for 5 days to Dorset & Devon for a residential fieldtrip. Will be back on Friday night.

That's all for now. God bless