Wool over our eyes

Finally they had to admit it. The logo for the national day celebration was so terrible they had no other choice but to scrap it. The slogan should be scrap as well. I cannot relate to it at all. Everything about it smells political. It seems they are trying to pull a wool over our eyes thinking we are stupid. I am not surprised anyway. That's what they have been thinking all this while and have been getting away with it. Not anymore I'm sure of that. You can fool somebody sometime but not everybody every time.

Ramadhan stories

Its ten days already since I last went jogging. Thought I wanted to continue with my exercise during Ramadhan but so far I have not. Jogging in the morning is out of question because breaking of fast is still nine to ten hours away. I couldn't possibly bear the thirst as a result of the jog that long. Best time is just before breaking of fast. After the jog, take a quick bath and soon its time for the breaking of fast. That was the plan but so it it has not materialised. Maybe today......

Why NATO?

The uprising in Syria has reached a decisive phase. The freedom fighters are fighting against all odds. They don't have heavy weapons, not enough ammunition, food is scarce while medicine is mediocre at best. Yet they have survived thus far. How long can they go on fighting against a well trained army, equipped with heavy weapons, tanks and planes and helicopters. Why are the rest of the world still watching and talking but no action? It mystifies me. If they can do it in Iraq, do it in Libya, why not Syria. By the way, both Iraq and Syria are flush with oil!

Ramadhan stories

I once had the opportunity to be in Jordan, Iraq and Dubai during Ramadhan. In the Arab countries, Ramadhan Karim is the popular phrase. Over here, its Ramadhan Al Mubarak. The atmosphere is much the same as here with hotels offering breaking of fast specials. I saw one hotel putting up a large tent right in the middle of the lobby. In here, the Ramadhan specials are getting more and more expensive. Its just not worth it. Yes, they have available all kind of food to salivate your mouth but how much can you eat? At the end of the day, what you ate is not worth the amount you paid!  

Ramadhan stories

We are going into the second phase of the fasting month soon. The first ten days will be over in no time, that much I can tell you. The second ten days will come soon. After that it will be the final ten days. This year I have only been to one Ramadhan bazaar, that is the one near my house. Even then it was a quick one, buying just one item. I fear taking a longer time at the bazaar, lest I'd be tempted to buy more than necessary. The smell of the food, the atmosphere plus a hungry stomach can easily deceive you into a buying frenzy, most of which will end up in the waste basket at the end of the day.

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony was a bit cheeky with Mr. Bean and James Bond putting up a show. It was nice anyway. I enjoyed it. Mr Bean was his usual self while Bond couldn't look any better. Paul was also in his element. I enjoyed the whole show.

The Olympic

The Olympic has begun. Last night, or early in the morning actually (Malaysian time) the opening ceremony was held. I didn't see it. Too busy with Ramadhan I suppose. Anyway, we have seen some upsets already. Japan beat Spain in football. Is this a sign of things to come? Malaysia is in with a shout in a few events like cycling and badminton. I hope one of them will strike gold. That will be a mighty achievement. We'll see......

What a terrible choice!

What a terrible theme for the Merdeka celebrations. Can't think of anything worse than the one they have chosen. It has no relevance at all for the rakyat. For the ruling party maybe but for the rakyat, it carries no meaning at all. That shows how disconnect they are from reality. After more than fifty years, I think its time for a change. Definitely we need to change. Otherwise next year we will see more of this kind of nonsense.

Hello, I'm back

Hello, I'm back. I really like it when my father carries me like this. One day I will be too heavy for him to carry. Then moments like this will be gone forever. Yesterday my parents took me for a long ride in the car. I was sleeping most of the time. That's my favourite past time. I sleep almost sixteen hours in a day. When I wake up, I will cry. My mother will know immediately I want milk. She will put me on her lap and feed me. Then I will stop crying.

An accident

Yesterday I was in Seremban. Just as I was about to enter a restaurant for the breaking of fast, I heard a loud bang from across the road in front of the restaurant. As my view was blocked by a few cars parked in front of me, I rushed to see what it was. What I saw was the aftermath of an accident. A car was in the middle of the road while a damaged motorcycle was in front of it. A few metres away I saw the motorcyclist lying on the road, apparently in pain from the expression on his face. A few people were already at the scene watching or helping out. Alhamdulillah, the motorcyclist was all right after a few minutes. 

Just the opposite

In Ramadhan, you can see 'Pasar' Ramadhan sprouting everywhere. At these Pasar, you can get all kind of food. Just name it, you sure can get it. These pasar has become some sort of a food festival. Isn't it ironic? A country wide food festival in Ramadhan but that's what it has become. Its exactly the opposite of what it is supposed to be in Ramadhan but then who's surprised? There are many things that we do in the name of religion that are just the opposite of what is from the Quran and Hadith! 

Ramadhan stories

This Ramadhan, I've only been to two mosques so far. The first night I went to the local mosque but found it to be too crowded. I had difficulty finding space for praying even. The second night I decided to try another mosque nearby. To my pleasant surprised, the mosque wasn't too crowded. Since then, I have been going to this mosque every night. I still go to my local but only for the morning and daytime prayers.

Now what?

The court has declared Bersih legal. Its not much of a surprised anyway. All along everybody knows it is legal even maybe the government. I'm pretty sure they know it is legal but for reasons known only to them, decided to declare it illegal. Arresting anything in yellow, confiscating anything Bersih, linking it with bad elements outside the country. What a waste of time, money and effort. It only bring out the worst in the government!

Double or more the reward

Its the sixth day of Ramadhan already. So fast! Days come and go like the blink of an eye. The next thing you know, its already Shawal. Wow! I need to up on my 'Ibadah' before Ramadhan ends. This is the month where the door(s) of heaven is wide open. Make good deeds and the reward will be double or more than usual. Great opportunity for the believers. I need to make good all the opportunities available.  

Perception?

The government says the KPI for crime has shown an improvement, meaning there are less crime now when compared to last year. Having done many KPIs myself for many many years, I know for a fact that KPI can be misleading, can be manipulated and doesn't always tells the true picture. And so it is for this KPI. Don't know how the KPI was calculated but on the ground, it sure don't show any improvement. Only last week I saw a snatch thief happening in broad daylight right in front of me in PJ. Then yesterday, my neighbour's house was broken into, also during daytime. Perception?

At last!

After trial and error that lasted a night and a day, I finally managed to get the Aztech going. Now my Unifi is good for the whole house. Actually activating the Aztech is a no brainer but then when you are an amateur, it gets to be so difficult. That's why it took me so long, after lots of frustration and despair. Now I think I can let go of my other Wi Fi and save some money.

How cruel can it get?

With four holes left to play, he was leading by four strokes. Everything was going nicely. Surely he would win it. How can he drop four shots in the next four holes. Its unthinkable. It don't happen except maybe in fairy tales. But then, don't forget, facts can be stranger than fiction and in this case, it certainly was. He dropped four shots in the last four holes, thus handing over the Championship to who Els but Ernie. I feel for Adam Scott. How cruel can it get?

Ramadhan stories

As usual, Ramadhan brings out the best as well as the worst in us. We pray at the mosque instead of alone in the house, we fast, we refrain our mouths, eyes and ears from sinful things, we give to the poor etc etc. but at the same time, we also become wasteful. Just look at the food on the table during breaking of fast! Mountains of them and they mostly end up in the waste basket! If that ain't bad, I don't know what is!

How can I pay back?

Although I'm retired, banks are still calling me offering money. All I need to do is say yes, everything else will be taken care off. Some even as much as seventy thousand. So far I have resisted. Taking up the offer is great, for a while at least but when its time for paying back, it sucks. I am not working now. I don't have a salary. How can I pay back?

No 5

Continue exercising

The last time I jogged was last Friday, one day before Ramadhan. Usually, I would take a break from jogging during Ramadhan. From previous experience, this might go on till mid Syawal before I can find the time to jog again. Therefore, it means about 45 days of break from jogging. However, this Ramadhan, I am determine to continue exercising, meaning jogging. Perhaps I might jog in the evening, just before Mahgrib. I will try to finish just in time for a bath and breaking of fast. I'II see how it goes from there......

Bubur Lambuk

Last night I went to another mosque. To my surprised, this mosque was not as crowded. I even managed to get to the front row, arriving just before the Isya prayers. Parking was easy too. They even have 'bubur lambuk', the favourite Ramadhan dish, everyday after Asar prayer, for free. Looks like I might be a regular at this mosque, at least for Ramadhan.

 

Understand just as I understood

When I was in my teenage years, I used to questions my parents, especially my father. I cannot see eye to eye with him, even to the smallest of things. I resent whatever he was trying to do and whatever he was trying to say. Here he was wanting to make me a better person but I never want to listen to him cause I thought I know better. Yes, I know better than him. He is just an old man so out of date. 

But as I get older and have children of my own, I began to see the light. It is he, together with my mother, who cared for me when I was small, provided me with shelter, gave me an education and most of all, gave me all their love and care. They may have their failings, as all humans do, but they never fail to give me their love and their care. I would not have made it this far without them. I can never repay them for all the things that they have done for me. All I can do is to carry on with their legacy and do the best I can for my children. I have my failings too but I hope they understand just as I understood.     

Opick

Been listening to a new singer recently. He's not actually new but it is just that I have not listened to his songs before. Ever since I discovered him, he has now become my new favourite singer. He is Indonesian and his name is Opick. He sings religious songs, just like Maher Zain. Apparently, he was a rock and roll singer before until he changed course and becomes religious. He then started writing and singing songs with religious themes. The result is phenomenal. He writes great songs.

The power of Ramadhan

Last night I had problem looking for a parking space. After I found one, I had problem looking for an empty spot to pray. This morning, the crowd for the dawn prayer was as big as the Friday prayer. That's the power of Ramadhan. Mosques everywhere are overspill. If only it is like this every time. Unfortunately it is not. Even during Ramadhan, it will not last. The crowd will get less and less as the days get closer and closer to Syawal. Come Syawal, the crowd will disappear all together. Then, it is left to the diehard to carry on with the congregation.   

A huge mistake

Liverpool paid a lot of money for Andy Carroll. After a year, they knew it was a mistake. Now they are trying to offload him. What I don't understand is that why they paid so much for something that is unproven? He was a one season wonder. In fact, less than a season! It baffles me why they agreed to the price they paid for him in the first place. I had my doubts when they bought him for that price a year ago. Now its proven. It was a huge mistake for which Kenny Daglish and a few others paid with their jobs.

Living within my means

After my from five, I went to England for further studies. I was seventeen then, going to eighteen. That was also when I became independent, in the sense that I don't ask for money anymore from my parent. I was really proud when finally I was able to do that. With my scholarship money, I live as best as I can. It was not much but it was enough. What was more important was that I am now independent. That's when I learned how to manage my money, how to live within my means and how not to depend on anybody. Those lessons have been a tremendous help as I live on through my years till today. 

How fast can Bolt go

The Olympics is two weeks away. Somehow, my interest this time is less that it was before. I have not been following the stories on the Olympics as much as before. However, like most people, I would be interested to see how much lower can Usain Bolt go. He practically lighted up the last Olympic with record runs in the 100 and 200 metres. Can he go lower? Or will he get beaten. He has a serious rival now in Yohan Blake, his training partner. My take. If he is fully fit, he will win, no doubt about it.

Insha Allah

Its Ramadhan once again. Everywhere you go, Ramadhan is in the air. You can feel it. You can smell it. You can touch it. Every year my wish is the same, that this Ramadhan will be better than the last Ramadhan. I need to keep on improving myself, to be the best servant of God, as best as I can be. Insha Allah

Get a router

My Unifi is good only in the living room where it is placed. Go to the rooms and the signal will be poor. I found out its because of the modem which is weak. I need to have a stronger one. Or the other way to solve the problem of the weak signal is to buy a router. That will strengthen the signal throughout the whole house. I am weighing the options. Hope it will solve the problem so that I can let go of my P1, saving some money in the process.

No nothing

Its been more than a year since I retired. More than a year since I have been out of the rat race. More than a year since I have not had to get up early in the morning to rush for work. More than a year since I had to attend meetings, meet deadlines, KPIs etc. During that one year, I have been doing nothing actually. Been enjoying my freedom from having to work. No workload, no deadlines, no KPIs. No bosses, no subordinates. No nothing.

I am sadden

This morning a program on TV touched on the subject of Shite Islam. From what I can see, the person invited to talk about it don't know enough about the subject. As a result, he was saying a lot of untrue things about Shite Islam and their practises. Together with the two hosts of the program who know even less about the subject, they were basically saying things about Shite which to me were  not correct. Wish they'd do more reading on the subject, with an open mind and not being bias. If they say Shite teaching is deviant, then why invite Shite Iran every year for the Quran reading competition? Shite Iran are also allowed to perform the Haj every year.  

Internet woes

I have been using P1 all this while until I decided to try Unifi. Thought it would be give me better speed. With that I can stop P1 but as it turn out, it is not much better. As a matter of fact, I find P1 is faster, so far that is. So now I have to continue with P1 because Unifi is not giving me what I expected. In the end, I am stuck with two internet as I also cannot stop Unifi as well cause I have signed a two year contract. Sigh.......  

The greatest healer

Every once in a while, just when you thought you have everything under control and doing well, a spanner is suddenly thrown at you, when you least expected it. After that everything seems to go against you, from the smallest to the biggest of things. Its so hard that at times you feel like throwing in the towel. But then you know that life is like a wheel, one day you are up and one day you are down. You cannot be down all the time! That knowledge gives you hope, a sense of optimism that no matter how bad the situation, everything will turn out all right in the end, Insha Allah. You just have to be patience. After all, time is a great healer.  

Thank you

Yesterday I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes. From early morning till night, the wishes keep on coming. Through Facebook, sms, e mails etc. I want to thank each and everyone of you who sent me their greetings. Thank you for your thoughts. Wish I will do the same when it comes to your birthdays for I know I've been guilty in the past of not doing what you all did. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart. 

Morning thoughts

I'm sitting here at my work station thinking what to write. Earlier I was at the local mosque for the morning prayer. After that, as usual, did some reading and memorising of the Quran once I got home. Outside its drizzling. Its time like this that got me thinking how lucky I am I don't have to go to work anymore. With the rain, I'm pretty sure the traffic will be heavy. Going to work will be a hassle in conditions like this. Now I don't have to brave the rain and the traffic anymore. I can sit at my desk in the comfort of my home and do my own thing like reading, writing, surf the net etc. Wow! That's what I call a dream life. 

I'm Akid

Hello, I'm Akid. I am two months ten days old. My weight is 5.3 kg. The doctor says I'm a guzzler cause at my age I should only be about 4kg or thereabout. Anyway I love my mother's milk. That's why I cannot stop drinking. My father and mother is always asking me to sleep because when I'm awake, I would cry. In case they don't know, let me tell them that is my way of speaking. Bye bye

Fifty six and more

I'm fifty six today. An age I thought would be a long time coming. Can't believe it I'm already there. Alhamdulillah...I'm well and healthy ...... for a senior citizen. Couldn't ask for more. Can't expect my body to be like I was in my twenties or thirties. There's wear and tear, surely, after all these years. Nowadays , my life revolves around my local.....mosque I mean. I perform my daily prayers, five times a day, at the mosque except when I'm not at home. Life is great. I'm contented. There are hiccups, setbacks, here and there, but then, what is life without them. I take them in my stride and move on. Ya Allah...give me the strength and the wisdom to continue worshiping You till the day I die.

hei...I'm 2 mths and 5 kg already

Surprise

Although football has been played for hundreds of years, with all kind of variations and tactics, Spain came up with yet another tactic at the recent Euro 2012, the false forward. It is playing a non forward, in this case a midfielder, in a forward role. Torres, their real forward, played only occasionally, appearing in a few matches, mostly as a substitute. We all know Spain won the Euro beating Italy 4-0 in the final but surprise surprise, Torres won the golden boot award as the top forward during the Euro! How about that?

No excuse

This morning my alarm didn't sound. As a result, I woke up late, about 6.20am. Missed my morning prayer at the mosque again. It seems that in a week, there'll be at least one day that it would happen. There's always something that caused me to miss it. I'm really peeve. When I was working, this kind of things hardly happened. Perhaps once in a year only. I need to be like that now. Every morning, without fail, wake up at the set time. No two ways about it! And no excuse!

Going nuclear again?

Japan is going nuclear again after a year of trying to be without one. It reinforced my feeling that as much as we hate going nuclear, we have no choice at the moment. Until such time that we can find an alternative, nuclear remains the best option. Japan tried in the aftermath of the tsunami but in the end, they had no choice but to go back to nuclear. Otherwise they will face shortage of power. We don't like nuclear but we don't like even more not having electricity.

No bedtime Nescafe

After hardly sleeping a wink for almost twenty four hours, last night I had a good sleep. Lucky thing Akid also slept early. By 9.30 pm, he was already sleeping. I went to bed at 10.30pm and only woke up when the alarm rang at 5.15am. This morning I feel fresh and upbeat, a far cry from yesterday when I was feeling tired and lethargic. From now on, I swear to keep away from Nescafe before bedtime!

Missing the World cup

So, the Euro is over. I didn't quite got myself immersed in the Euro as I did during the last World cup. I like the World cup better because it is longer, there are more teams competing and they come from all over the world. The Euro has only sixteen European teams competing. Its shorter too. The World cup preliminary rounds were the best times, two matches everyday to watch for over two weeks. When it was over, I felt quite loss. Can't wait for the next World cup in two years time. Alas, Malaysia will not be one of the teams, as expected.

Wide awake

Last night I had trouble sleeping. Must be the Nescafe that I took just before bedtime. Try as I might, I just couldn't go to sleep. As a result, instead of tossing in bed trying my best to sleep, I decided to toss in bed while watching the Spain vs Italy final. I also managed to see the At & T golf tournament won by Tiger Woods. At about 5am, I started feeling drowsy and finally fell asleep. But then by 5.15am, my alarm rang. Its time to wake up. So, all in all, I had less than half an hour of sleep last night. This morning, my head is spinning while my body feels lethargic. Decided not to go jogging otherwise it will worsen the situation.  

A false centre forward?

So Spain is champion again, playing without a recognised centre forward at that. They played with a false centre forward in the shape of Fabregas, who is basically a midfielder. I don't know why they call it a false centre forward. Looking at it from a layman point of view, it is just a midfielder playing in the centre forward position. Maybe Fabregas role was a bit different from that of a true centre forward. He had to play some midfielder role as well. That's why they call it the false centre forward. Whatever it was, it certainly is a new term coined during this Euro. And whatever it was, it was certainly a successful experiment. 

I pray to God

We are already in the month of July. Very soon, the fasting month will be here. Then it will be the 'Raya' month. After that it will be the 'Haji' month and so on and so on. Very soon I will be fifty six years old. A senior citizen. I don't feel like fifty six but I guess everybody who is fifty six don't feel fifty six. That's the miracle of God. You accept your age willingly. I enjoy being a retiree. I enjoy doing what I am doing right now. I pray to God that I be well and healthy. I pray to God that I be a good servant to Him. I pray to God that I will be in heaven when I die.