adRizal zakaria

Loong Updates!

2008-07-07T12:46:00.003+01:00

Graduation by Patricia Aherne

Less than 10 days I'm gonna be titled as the scholar of Bachelor of Science Of Accounting and Finance from The University of Warwick. I am quite excited to finally dressed up in the graduation robe and scroll of my certificate to officially marked my final phase as a uni student.

On other notes, there are so many things that I wanted to share but it's gonna be a loong lists.
Towards the final days of the term, I was busy packing up stuff to ship back home, all of my 3 years belongings are somewhere in the ocean. Before that, me and my flatmates went for a little UK trip with our rented car (apparently we got to drive Mercedes!) and we started on Thursday to Bicester Village and later joined by Hazwan and Zul. Everyone bought something, it was a start of Summer Sales during the week. I bought myself two pair of Clarks shoes and Reiss pants for very good prices! The next day, three of us went to the Warwick Castle and Stratford Upon Avon which are two places so close to uni but yet so far, three years it took us to be there, the place were very beautiful and serene. Warwick Castle is the best castle I have visited so far!

The next morning we went upnorth to Lake District. It was nice despite the heavy rain the entire day. Our last destination was Stonehenge which is located in a middle of motorways. Before we reached there, we took a detour to Windsor Castle, the queen's residence (I think so, or is it where a formal ocassion took place, whatever!). Nothing much to do there in Stonehenge other than those standing stones. The entrance ticket was £5 and I personally think it was too much! There is nothing else to see and you could actually see those stones from outside and the audio guide provided to use keep on repeating "the mystery is yet unsolved" or "the question why stonhenge is built is yet unanswered"...so, what the hell you provide us with guide if your not going to answer it? Watever!

Next., I'll be posting my stewarding duty for Friends of Mead Charity Auctions, my Euro trip to Switzerland and Munich, my family trip and pictures of my last few weeks in UK! Sob, sob, sob!

Times like these...

2008-06-15T17:48:00.001+01:00

Rachel Waiting by Hyatt Moore

It has been so long... 5 years to be exact... my life was complicated, uncertain and...lonely...

There was no way I could capture the moment...sadness, happiness and contentment...

I believe it's all over now, 5 years of waiting to find the perfect ones...

I thank god that I have found you...

Yup that's right! I finally found the perfect watch for me; design-wise and value-wise. It's Fossil, and I bought it from amazon.co.uk. I am simply glad that the watch is what is described from the website. As much as I enjoy walking around shopping malls and streets, there's no way they can beat amazon's price...

...and that's why I got myself another one, this one is more sophisticated for formal appearance. Both watches were discounted for more than 50%, it simply a no-to-be-missed opportunity. It is quite hard to find Fossil watches below �100 and that's why it only took me seconds to decide on this. Normally, I have to think before I buy something unless I knew that I really-really like the stuff. I believe in the value and quality that I am paying. I don't like buying branded items for the sake of their brand names. I knew that the costs of making �40 worth of Nike shoes are only �0.50! The rest goes to celebrity endorsement i.e. branding purposes (someone told me this fact). Anyway, I found the perfect watches for me, I am simply glad after the long waiting...

amazon site might be my favourite spot from now on...

Update week 8

2008-06-13T15:25:00.001+01:00

Two more weeks before everything is finally over. It also means lots and lots of stuff to do. I finally manage to make lists of what to settle etc. Hurrm, what did I do today? I re-confirmed my booking details with Kak Yam, our beloved Petronas Student Advisor, I called my parents updating them about our route for my summer graduation holidays, what else? I went to the gym and worked out for 50 minutes, I seriously need to be consistent with this, after 4 days of tremendous and sinful dines in Manchester...after all, I have already disciplined myself for 3 weeks, 3 more weeks shouldn't hurt right?

My trip to Manchester last weekend to visit my friends for the final time was awesome, I came on the right time just like when I first came to Manchester. It just so happened that they are organising this barbecue picnic in the park and Imree brought me and my 'muka-tak-malu' face there. And when I first arrived, Taqi suddenly chased me to throw water on me, we were running and everyone was like, 'what-was-that?'. Haha, whatever!

It was great, the weather, the food, and I got to meet almost everyone that I knew in Manchester. We played 'baling selipar' just like the old times except this time, everyone 'pancit' after about half an hour, our age is taking over the body! At the end, our group did won even though it was just me and few girls versus bunch of guys and two girls...haha! =P

The night before, I watch Indiana Jones with Imree, it was so-so. This movie is exactly the same genre and concept as National Treasure II (Is it the book of something?)

On the last day, I finally got to meet Wani after three days on losing her contact. She felt sorry for that and treat me at Subway (Manchester has few halal Subways). I had the meatball marinara which tastes great especially compared to the boring tuna. Later that day, we went shopping again for the fourth time in Arndale. Imree got himself some shirt and I bought few more stuff, later that day, we met Wani again after class and had dinner at Rice. Sadly, I leaved Manchester after that, Jeff and Izuan sent me to the train station. Thanks guys!

All in all, I am glad that I could visit all of them before I am leaving back for good, I wish you guys all the best especially to medic and dentistry people and to all of other finalists, enjoy graduation! Here are some pictures of my trip.

Anuar apparently was in Manchester as well. Four of us posing while waiting for the chicken wings

Me and the fellow Manchesterians

Poser!

Too 'hot' to get hot...hehe

Enjoying the summer with festive spirit

My first attempt of 'lompat' picture which I believe 'menjadi'.

The first one to leave...

2008-06-04T02:40:00.001+01:00

Like it or not, the end is near. Everyone, I mean, all of the international students will either go back home to their countries or stay here to pursue career or continue study. As for myself, I will go back towards the end of July. Tonight was my first goodbye to my good friend Hua Hua from Beijing, we actually started to get closer last year when he started expressing his feeling towards this one Malaysian girl and asked me to introduce her to him (sorry Hua, it'll never happen!).

It has been a great fun knowing this guy. We always kept bitching about this uni and procrastinate every single thing about Warwick Business School. Haha, those good old days!

There are all memories now, I wish you all the best in life and may you have a wonderful journey waiting for you ahead! It has been a pleasure to get to know you and thanks for the Chopsticks collection! Sorry that I don't have any gift to you, I'll definitely will post something later.

Us...me, Hua and Anmar...I'm still gonna see you Anmar, so still long time to be sad about...

As you said, I definitely look better than you! Haha, perasan!

Mid-exam update

2008-06-04T02:23:00.001+01:00

It's been a while since I last wrote something here...I just finished 4 papers, another one to go in two weeks time. I juts got back from Birmingham with Dian, Hazwan and Zul. This time we did not go for shopping in Bullring. My main goal was to watch Sex and the City and try this new restaurant in Star City, a complex which was quite far from the Bullring area (usually we don't really go out from the Bullring area). The food was quite cheap and good as well, it is quite hard to get a good teppanyaki with such prices.

"Happy Birthday Cupcake" by Deb Kirkeeide

Yesterday (31/05/1985) was my friend's birthday Fikri (yes, you are always older than me!), so Happy Birthday to you! May you have a great years waiting ahead (more details to come out!)...

Sex and the City: This is my all time favourite TV series. The story line, style, lifestyle and the characters especially are so extremely great. It was a masterpiece...and so is the movie. I have never felt so eager to wait for a movie premier and stuff like that, but I just can't deny my feelings and excitement about the movie. Michael Patrick King brought the drama to another level...and the characters, Carrie who has become more mature and wiser about love, Samantha the sexy kitten with her active sexual desire, Miranda the 'alpha-male' in a woman body as well as Charlotte, who wouldn't love her? The casts were great in the movie. the best part was of course, the fashion element. I think Patricia Field's senses of style transcends time. She really speaks through clothing...she capture everyone's characteristics and translate into their personal style. The film just makes me want to live in New York! Hurrm, it really brought me in...overall, it is a great movie to watch! The soundtracks of the movie are great as well!

What else can make us happier after a long way from train station? Of course food! Flame restaurant is just amazing! Great buffet for only �7.80 per head! (Do you guys realised I shaved my head?)

The delicious seafood teppanyaki...eat as much as you want it!

Us, at the Coventry train station, waiting for the stupid bus replacement which took one hour to get to Birm when it is usually 20 mins with Virgin...

The treat of post-exam...Sex and the City...my favourite movie at the moment...want a spoiler? Heheh!

One love, one nation

2008-05-19T19:34:00.001+01:00

"Join or Die" by Selene Vasquez

I am no political analyst but from time to time I do follow the current political issues in Malaysia especially after the election 'tsunami' 2008 that severely hit Abdullah's government. Recent news, 19th May of 2008, Tun Mahathir, our founding father to the modernisation of the country had voluntarily quit himself from UMNO. My personal opinion that this will significantly damage UMNO. Can't wait to see what happen next...I'm wondering how BN is going to 'goreng' themselves to the prime media...

For more information, visit: http://www.chedet.com/

One voice of the nation...

2008-05-18T14:02:00.003+01:00

Music is so powerful that it could inspire people...this is a noble effort, a contribution by Malaysian well known artistes, celebrities and performers in the showbiz...this is the time for everyone to take part, whichever path we may choose, as long as we share the same vision, one voice calling for 'perpaduan rakyat'...this is the only key for peace, freedom and harmony of our beloved country...

"Here in My Home", produced by Pete Teo and directed by Yasmin Ahmad and Ho Yuhang

This has also reminded me to my idol, Allahyarham Sudirman with his song entitled Warisan.

"AkuBukanlah seorang perwira...Gagah menjunjung senjata...Namun hati rela berjuang...Walau dengan cara sendiri...Demi cinta ini..."
"Ku ingin kotakan seribu janji...Sepanjang kedewasaan ini...Ku ingin sampaikan pesanan...Aku lah penyambung warisan..." ~ Warisan, Sudirman Hj. Arshad.

Just another day..

2008-05-07T18:34:00.013+01:00

Family Potrait, Morocco by Nicolas Bouriette

Thank god weather is getting much better...more warmth and bright to the land of Coventry...I am definitely going to miss the fun and the hardship living and learning in this place...I still can't believe that the time moves so fast, just a blink, everything will be over soon...I am now picking up with my revision, thank god !!! Other than that, nothing much, except that I am desperately in need for some aviator; it's just felt incomplete without one especially this season...heh!My mind has actually thought of something, travelling to Morocco with Dian and Faisal while waiting for graduation...It's just that we have to pay different rates if we want to stay in uni until the graduation, thus, I think it would be better to 'squat' in other places rather than paying for a room in uni and then end up going to other place (alang2 kan!)...I am also starting a serious diet and exercising again...so by blogging about this, I would keep my focus on the aim. Where else I'm gonna go? Perhaps, Paris! Seriously I am dying to go there! Maybe when my parents come to visit me soon...Okay Rizal, back to work again!

blabbing...

2008-05-01T14:21:00.004+01:00

Summer School by Jeff E.

hurrmm...the weather is so unpredictable...haven't got any chance yet to go out for a real picnic, except the time when Joey came down and we all had Japanese food outside Zul's resident area... exam is less than three weeks time, need to start working hard, how come i have no motivation to study? final year!!! i should be working hard...can't wait for my parents and my aunt to come...hope, the weather will get better soon...

Just another day...

2008-04-27T13:39:00.006+01:00

From"Towards a Jewish/Muslim Renewal" show by Baal Shem Tov.

Here, I am registered as MR Mohammad R Zakaria
They say I'm a Muslim with Jewish surname

blabbing...

2008-04-17T12:17:00.007+01:00

Three more days for the final term of my studies...
Waiting for the next big transition of my life...
Sad? Excited? Happy?
I just can't tell...
Just living my life as it is...
(Isn't that what this is all about? :) )

Flowering Magnolia by Paula Nuttall

Amsterdam

2008-04-08T00:38:00.014+01:00

Amsterdam was everything that has been said by others. I had a great time there. From the red light district to tulips garden, Netherlands is definitely a must visit place for everyone who's traveling to Europe. The country promises different experiences than any other European cities that I have been to. A well-structured city, beautiful architecture, bicycle as the major means of transportation (trust me...you'll be surprised by this!!!), man made canals, the wind mills and so many other things. Just name it, legal prostitution, drugs (a funny experience happened to us when we tried that stuff!), sex museums are just a customary of Amsterdam. Despite the freedom that they have, the people are so respectful in front of public. You won't see drunk people walking around, people get high on the street or prostitutes at every corner of shops. They're so sensitive about public misconduct. We also manage to spend a night in Brussels, apart from the unique Little Europe park, Brussels is just a typical European city. Nevertheless, once you are in Benelux country, you should come here and enjoy sightseeing. Belgian waffles to me are a little bit overrated. You can get those in London actually. But Belgian chocolates are nice, I tasted the exquisite chocolate truffles. The trip was definitely worth the money and time spent. So, next stop? Paris, Switzerland and Eastern Europe!

I am Muslim

2008-03-24T18:34:00.013Z

Easter is not so much a holiday for me. After few days of resting, I started working on my assignment and group project where we have to interview the Coventry City Council for some information. On Thursday, I went up north to Manchester to visit few college friends and also Dzul who came all the way from Belfast. It was an enjoying trip and would probably be my last trip to Manchester (sigh...). Only god knows my spending wise, need to "ikat-perut" once in Coventry.On my journey by Virgin Pendolino (which I really love), I saw this woman reading our holy book, the Koran and I was touched by it. It made me wonder, how many of us have seen situation like this in Malaysia? To my experience, non.
On another note, I was reading Dina Zaman's novel entitled I am Muslim which talks about Malaysian stereotype of "Muslim Malay" (not the other way round). She cites few interesting points from her experience living abroad and at home. The stereotype of Muslim=Melayu is a terrible and sad situation. This kind of perspective often leads us to value Malay culture as part of the Islamic practices thus, religion becomes a barrier to revolutionised oneself.

"The trouble with us Malays...we have too many traditions and adat. We can't do this, we're Malays, we must do that, we're Malays. Oh we pray better than everyone else. We're better than the Arabs, Chinese Muslims, we're Malaysia Boleh! Islam is not a difficult religion to practise. But our imams! They make it harder for us to go on with our lives." (pg. 201)

For example, when praying, Malay Muslim women feel obliged to wear the proper 'telekung' in white while my experience and Dina's living abroad, this are just a Malaysian thing, even the Arabs where their daily wear to pray. Why this is such an important matter? Because, some of us always use this reason as an excuse not to pray while we go out shopping or etc (not to say that I'm good at this, but this is the reality). Apart from that, Muslim=Melayu also think that it is okay to go to 'stereotype bomoh who obliged the ritual of pulut kuning' if he uses Koran verses because it won't lead to syirik. Dina shares her experience in holy land Mecca where she tries to find prayer books having in mind the idea that those must be better here compared those from Malaysia but astonishingly, she found non. One shopkeeper told her, all the prayers are in the Koran and at that point she experienced the epiphany; Koran is already complete! What can be conclude is that, it's a terrible thing to define ourselves as a Muslim=Melayu because we will limit ourselves to the diverse scope of Islam and the various practice of it. I remember once my ustadz said "in studying the religion, understand the core concept, the akidah and tauhid before learning the practices, in doing so, we will stop questioning how to do this and how to finish that, because we will know that what we do is not because of we're confined by the shari'a but rather because of Allah. I'm just sick by this so-called UK Malaysian Muslims Brotherhoods or things like that which their daily usrah/halaqah activities/online forum are just to discuss three main silly and unimportant things; Malaysian Nights, Coupling, and Veils.

"We focus on tiny things: if this woman does not wear tudung, ah, there's a fatwa on her 'type' - she is loose, she is bad." (pg 201)

Once a woman put on the veil, she is a good muslimat. What Dina encounters was, there is an increasing university students who wear veil but are lesbians. So, it's time for us to start changing our perception, things are not as what we see, thus, it's time to stop being judgemental or menghukum orang. There are more issues regarding Islam than those, we should have in fact 'perkasakan' individuals' akidah and tauhid, raise funds for deprived Muslim nations rather than discussing 'how to nasihatkan kawan pakai tudung?' or 'Malaysia night is haram and maksiat, so jauhkan diri' (Malaysia is not for Muslims only! Cina and India ada gak!). These typical and silly debates are matter of individuals' values and practices, once they understand the halal and haram, individuals will acquire the wisdom to decide for themselves.

To my opinion, there is a need for high level of open-mindedness before reading this book. Once you follow her ideas, than you know that Dina is not provoking readers with controversial issues, but sharing hers with us. It is an eye-opening views especially to us Malay Muslims. The writings are filled with sarcasm and humour, I believe readers will definitely enjoy reading Dina's.

Top ten favourites

2008-03-19T14:52:00.013Z

Paul Gauguin, Breton Girls Dancing, 1888

*Brown*
*Bags*
*Coffee*
*Health*
*Travel*
*Food*
*Books*
*Retail*
*Chocolate*
*Public Transport*

Coming back to life...

2008-03-18T17:11:00.004Z

A year had passed...

Worked on the new layout...

A new experience to share...

And new friends to meet...

Santai sekejap...

2007-04-09T20:15:00.000+01:00

I seldom fell in love with a song straight away...but this song has really caught my attention...good job Kaer!!! I heard that this song at first has been rejectedby a few singers...well...I have to say...too bad for them...well, I think this would be a good re-start for Kaer's career...(after three years of silence...don't know why)...In the mean time, I think AF5 is going quite well so far, not really a fanatic, but based on the weekly concert...the students and all of the concerts so far...are better compared to last year...and the critics panel as well...just love Ogy...Gali!!!
In the mean time, this is Kaer's Izinku Pergi...

A day in Coventry...

2007-03-20T11:19:00.000Z

Holiday and Work...
Today is the 4th day of my Easter Holiday...Just woke up and had a shower, I'm thinking to do some revision today, hopefully. I really want to start doing my revision early this year, last minute study is killing me just like last year...Huh, I can still remember the pressure...I wanted to update on IC Night (yeah, I know the story has expired for ages!!!), but I'm still waiting for some more pictures from Wan...Well, over the last few weeks of Warwick Term, I have been very busy with study because I had two tests on the last week which appeared to be very difficult and beyond my ability to answer them, life is tough anyway...So, I really hope I can do something useful today. I have been eating, chilling around and basically doing nothing the past few days...This weekend I will not be here for at least 10 days...So, should start working...

Me and Coventry
Whenever people come to visit Coventry, I don't really know where to bring them...Basically, Coventry is a dead city...I don't even know why they call it CITY? But, I still like this place. The location of Coventry in the Midland is one of the factors why I like this place so much, it will only take you around three hours to go up north to Manchester or down south to London...So basically, being a person who likes to travel, it is such a convenience...As much as I love the city, Warwick Uni is the best part of my life here...I believe Warwick University has the best environment so far compared to others...It gives us the campus environment where the students come not only to study, but to be actively involved in basically everything. Just name it, from the ongoing careers fair, active student's union, international gatherings, weeks of events and thousands more. There are also several part-time work where students can earn some extra cash...During summer, we don't even have to go to Hyde Park (if you are in London) or somewhere, here in the campus itself you can chill around and have a barbecue picnic since it has many small parks, green fields (I have not mention the rabbits, swans and squirrels...seriously, it is such a great scenery). That is why I never regret the fact that I rejected an offer from London School Economics before even though I knew Warwick Business School being the best business school in UK is undoubtedly hard...Maybe, London is not me...

Me and others
At the moment there are around hundred plus of Malaysians in Warwick...Since, it is such a small community, we all quite know each others...There are two active societies which are Malaysian Students Association and Kelab Umno Coventry...These two societies organised quite a few events. One of the biggest is obviously Malaysia Night, other than that are Malaysian Social, Iftar during Ramadan and just recently we had a Kelab Umno Annual General Meeting and Sembahyang Hajat and Yaasin for three of the students (Faeez, Lutfi and Wani) who will go to Morocco under a charity program called Moroccan Hitchhike and Warwick Games which was held last Sunday. Congratulations for Nottingham for winning both netball and football.

I think that's enough for now...till then...

2007-02-13T01:09:00.000Z

It was the night that has been waited by all of the Malaysians in UK. Warwick Malaysian Night; a night that captured the culture, the colour, the drama and the harmony of Malaysian community. After sweats and tears of four weeks practices, Warwick MSA once again served a fabulous night to be remembered by all. Apart from being criticised because of the tasteless food and being compared as less entertaining as last year's, I was actually quite satisfied since for me, I have accomplished my aims before I live Warwick, which were to act in a play (I did that last year), to dance (that was my first time and it was great) and to sing again (making a comeback in showbiz after Lagenda...lol)!!! So, at least, before I graduated, I can tell to others that I've been there and done that...heh!!! Well, I've participated in Bhangra dance which I was really looking forward to do that since last year, I sang the song of Backstreet Boys (yup, a boy band song!!!) with my 3rd year seniors and lastly I joined the Kurik Kundi dance choreographed by Hazwan who enjoy doing complicated movements...but it was fun...Not all things turned out the way we wanted it to but they were for the best and we did such a fantastic job I would say in Kurik Kundi (apart from the falling outfit, wrong movement and terabur entrance!!!)...Well, enough writing and more pics...Enjoy!!!

the best audience ever...

faisal and norshi

me and the punk-gothic jeffrey

apparently the theme were black, red & grey

the band with our mentor Joshua

me and the gothic-"experimenter" wan

post-bhangra pose

with the bhangra master amar

before the show...our first change...=p

what's with the cost-cutter bag ywande?

the over-feeling expression...lol

the finale of the night

backstage...just before our turn...azmer, diyana
farizal, joanna and me

yeah...we rocked the stage...next year one more time?

finally the camera caught me on stage...

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2007-02-10T18:36:00.000Z

It was snowing for the past two days and it was awesome. That was the first time since seven years UK had a thick snow. It was like almost 10 inches thick!!! I woke up that morning, had my breakfast and suddenly Sarah called my housemate Khalis to play outside, I was about to go to work actually!!! But then, the scenery was so great. Darn!!! Why do I choose this Thursday to work?!!! Well, I did go to work that day, slightly late...heh. That morning we made snowmen, supposedly male and female. Before we finished, they have been successfully damaged by three little brats who didn't go to school...awful kids!!! But then, as I arrived to uni, the scenery got even better...lots of students who managed to get to university, almost all of us were playing outside. People made snowman, snow arch, snow-cat etc. It was such a fantastic day.

I finished my shift around 2 pm, I called Hazwan and later both of us together with Faisal had a snowball fight which then turn into snowbitch fight!!! Heh, just kidding, it was great!!! The best part was when we were expecting Norshi to come along, as soon as she arrived, we threw the snowballs all over her...we were such a bullies!!! Poor Norshi!!! It was fun though...Then, everyone got hungry, we all went to cafe for some food while Faisal had to rush to his class...

My day didn't stop there...after we finished our lunch/dinner/whatever, we had another round of snowball fight with Nabilah, Dirra, Mars and Shanira...I finally managed to make my own snowman, with Norshi's help. Since we were playing at the back of prayer hall, we came out with an idea of a snowman with hijjab!!! Heh...

After that, I had to go to my Chinese class which actually has been cancelled due to the adverse weather. It was a bit disappointing since that was the only class that I had that day, but it did turn out to be interesting...another snowball fight!!! This time with ISOC brothers!!! Previously, my perception about them as that they're all serious people, but, everybody is just like any other ordinary Warwickians, nuts and crazy...I am grateful that I can have this experience in my three years of stay in UK...

Winter isn't that bad after all, people can still enjoy and have fun in the cold and dull weather. It has brought a smile to thousands of us...I'm gonna miss this wonderful day...sure this will be one of my best memories (other than you...)

Santai Mediterranean...

2007-01-07T21:52:00.000Z

Last winter break, I went to Portugal and Spain, with Wan and Faisal. I always love their weather. Our first stop was Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. All of us departed from Stansted airport and arrived at Pensao Estoril hostel around 12 o'clock in the afternoon. We all wasted no time, after unpacking our stuff, we were ready to go out. Unfortunately, it was raining, but, we still took a walk around the city, taking some pics, enjoy the view. Porto city is built on the hill side, thus, it was a bit tiring having to climb up and down the road. Since it was raining, we bought a stupid umbrella for 2.50 euro and it managed to function for 2.5 mins after it torn apart. Bloody seller!!! We took a ride on a classic trem, it was fun and we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river (i think it is).
Next stop was Lisbon, we took a train to reach there. Travelling by train is great since you get to enjoy different views of the city. Well, there's a lot to talk about Lisbon, we spent our new year over there...all I can say, it was FABULUOS!!! One thing about Portugal, their seafood is the best in the world!!!
Last stop was Madrid, a very sophisticated and elegant city, we got to see the historical part as well as the new part. The architectural is magnificent since Spain has the influence of Rome, French and Islamic empire during the past. The weather was not as warm as Lisbon, but hey, med climate is always the best right?!!
Everything went quite well, no one gets robed, lost their passport or having to sleep in the airport...(hmm, I wonder...). So, Ihab, Izwan and Chol...enjoy the pics!!! Wish you guys could join us!!!

PortoLisbon

Madrid

Jentik New Year (expired version)...

2007-01-07T21:41:00.000Z

Well, it's a new year (almost a week =p), new beginning and new hope...I've accomplished most of my last term's resolutions and now I'm making the new ones...

Must get up early
Finish another novel
No last minute revision
New hair-do
Finish my internship application
Plan my biggest euro-tour for this summer...(anyone interested???)
Search fo a new part-time job...(i need money!!!)
Reduce my addiction towards US tv series...(i wish...)
Stop spending on unneccessary staff!!!

Well, I hope I can accomplish that.
2006 sure has taught me a lot about life. I feel more matured, wiser and experienced.
I guess, I went through quite a lot of fascinating, thrilled and unexpected events last year, which I am glad for it has made me the person I am today.
Hope 2007 will be even better!!!

Jentik myself lagi...

2006-12-08T01:45:00.000Z

Self-evaluation...

Tomorrow is the last day of the term...I'm just glad that it ends...obviously second year is so much different than last year, demanding, tougher modules etc. But, I guess this sem went quite well for me, I managed to wake up early every morning, except this one day, I overslept and woke up at 11.45 a.m and the worst thing was I got an exam at 12 o'clock !!! Well, I managed to catch the bus at 11.55 a.m and arrived 5 minutes after the exam started...Sometimes, things happened beyond our control. Other than that, I only missed few classes and lectures, updated myself with events happening around universities and I got myself a job in Warwick Art Centre as a Gallery Steward!!! Sounds cool eh? I believe, undergrad life is the best opportunities for us to enjoy campus life. Such a waste if we didn't make use of it, innit? I guess, I'm going to take a break for a few days, and then back to work since I have a few plannings. Basically, I have to revise for my next exam at the start of next term. Then I wanted to finish my internships application and just now, I started to dream of doing voluntary work in Africa. I wanted to explore all continents as long as I am in the UK. After Christmas, I'm going to go to Portugal and Spain again with Faisal and Wan. Hopefully, this holiday won't be wasted...

Age: It's just a number...

2006-11-13T00:06:00.000Z

12th of November 1985...

Which makes me now 21 years old...at first, I did not want to talk about it...I don't even talk to people about today...however...I guess I am a very lucky person because I have such wonderful friends who remember this day. I received so many wishes
from you guys...and that really made my day...so I guess I have to write something to show my gratitude and how proud I am to meet those wonderful people...

This evening, my housemates, Faisal and Khalis together with Dian and Hannah were having dinner to celebrate my birthday (well, sort of...). We went to Royal Bengal House and it was a delicious, mouthwatering dishes for us to dig in. We had chicken tandoori, chicken something, king prawn, pilau rice, egg fried rice, mushroom fried rice, pappadom and deserts plus garlic naan, ordered by the big-eater, Dian. Oh my god, we've been blessed with the heavenly food.

The funniest thing that happened this evening was when we asked the waiter to take our picture...he told us to wait a moment as he wanted to put away the dishes first. Then, suddenly he asked us how should he pose ???...we all went blank...(he's already started his so called model-posed which is so poyo)...we all remained silent for a few seconds...soon after that, we all burst into laughter that caused him to feel so embarassed...what to do? I'm sure he wanted to kill all of us whenever we come again to the restaurant.
Well, enough of writing...here's few pics to share...

Me and Hannah waiting for our tableMe and Dian...waiting for the food

Three of us...with pappadom and mango chutney...yummy...
The hungry faces of us
The best part...eating!!!
Outside...full stomach=happiness!!!

The not-so-good self-snapper...
Lastly, thanks to all for the wishes and a special thanks to my dear friend Ihab in London for making me(SiTi's fan), an entry in your blog (as you're the Kak Ani's, ke sape ntah)...thanks a lot, I feel so appreciated...May all of us have a wonderful and successful year ahead!!!

Santai: My Tripple Weekend Update

2006-11-11T17:54:00.000Z

Maybe it’s quite outdated to write something about eid, but, who cares? This is my blog anyway…heh. On the first day of eid, my housemates and I woke up early that day for eid prayer, the wore complete outfit of baju melayu and I didn’t. That was because I got a lecture that morning, had to work in the afternoon and had another class after that. The weird thing was that I didn’t feel that sad or unhappy not having the chance to celebrate eid like in Malaysia. Perhaps, maybe this is the second year of me celebrating eid in foreign country. Later that evening, we had two postgrads’ open houses to go. Luckily in Warwick, Malaysian postgrads are very nice and I got the chance to play with their kids as well…oh, how much I like playing with kids, but not wanting one for my own…hehe. That’s basically my first day of eid in COVENTRY…

During the weekend, I traveled to LONDON on Megabus. I met one of Warwick Malaysian at the bus stop…I’m not really close to him and plus he’s someone that had been outcast by most Malaysian! But, I just have to pretend nice to him. We both talked a bit but later on, when we rode on the bus he started talking about the stuff why he’d been the pariah among Malaysian. That time, I heard the other side of the story and finally I realised, he’s a very nice person, ambitious and he had mission in his life, unlike the person he’d been described by others. Perhaps, forgive and forget is the best solution for us all, Malaysian in Warwick. I hate seeing everyone not being nice, and even worse pretending to be nice to each other (just like me!). So much a drama!

I stayed at Wan and Ihab’s place for two night. Airil went to London as well but he arrived quite late. We went out that night and it was quite entertaining I would say, even though it wasn’t that great. On Saturday morning, we went to my sponsor house for eid party…yup…me and other NON-PETRONAS-Ihab(MARA), Wan(SHELL) and Airil(JPA). Her house is very nice and big. There I met Joey, who pretended to be the co-host of the event that afternoon. As soon as we arrived, Joey burst-out his story-gossip-telling skills about what’s happening with our college and all. Oh, how outdated was I about college rumors. That afternoon, I had a very nice time as well meeting some old new-friends that I met during Petronas Pre-Departure Program. It was nice to see everyone and talked about our life at the moment. Hope to meet them again sometime. Later that day, we went to Ihab’s senior’s open house. Apparently, that was like a medic students gathering and Wan and I (who’s the only non medic there) have been tortured with not-funny-at-all medic jokes. So next time, if you are in my situation, be prepared to practice laughing or buy ear protector!!! (no offense to other ‘cool’ medic students...Ihab jgn marah...haha )

The next day, Ihab organised his own open house (even though it’s not open for everyone). We all spent the time preparing for the food (where I got the chance to make apple crumble) and met few new people. That night at 8.30, I took the bus back to my own little place. Overall, I really had a great moment in London.

A week after that, which is last week, I went to NOTTINGHAM Games, as usual, not as a player, and not even a supporter. Just to meet people. I met Imree, Jeffry and Izwan for the first time this sem. We lunched at Taj Mahal and obviously, catch up with gossips (yup, all KYUEMian, be it girls or boys, fed on gossips). We watched MOE, Dato’ Hishamudin played badminton after that (apparently few ministers came down for a visit), and he’s not bad at all I would say. Then, we all gathered in Portland Tower for eid feast. The food was good but not enough for everyone. Later on, Imree and Jeff went back to Manchester (aku jumpa korang nanti!) and the others stayed at Khaliz’s house. I went back to Ayen’s place and as usual, was forced to be his bibik the next morning to cook nasi lemak. Luckily, they all like the chilli I made to compensate the uncooked rice all because of Ayen. I still blamed him for that.

That’s basically my weekend update, and that’s why I decided to stay here for the weekend to catch up with my other “friends”-the books, lecture notes and seminar packs. But next week, I’ll be out again to finish my eid tour in MANCHESTER. Hope I will have a wonderful Syawal this year. And now, have to get back to work again…

Jentik Myself Lagi

2006-10-06T22:01:00.000+01:00

My first entry since I got back to UK. I'm glad to be here, small city with perfect environment to live, Coventry. This year, I'm staying off-campus, a new home addressed 1, Kingsland Avenue, Chapelfields, CV5 8DY, Coventry, U.Kingdom. Feel free to send me Eid cards...heh!

Just finished my first week of the term, I've settled in in my new house together with Faisal and Khalis, bought few stuff and neccessities, settled few things with credit card cmpany, banks, phone company, got my timetables for lectures and seminars as well as been offered a job at Mead Gallery, Warwick Art Centre as a steward and another job interview this Sunday. Basically, I managed to do all things on my list as scheduled. I guess the starting of this term went quite well for me.

New term....yeah, new resolutions...planning to accomplish few things now, don't want to waste my precious moments here. I should better make use of it rather than spending time, loitering around. Hey, life is all about being a better person, right?!

Wake up early~quite well so far
Study smart(efficient time management)~I started reading seminar materials this week
Apply for a job~Alhamdulillah...got it
Apply for internship~soon
Have ...(imree tahu!!)~the hardest thing ever
Be self-oriented (tired of thinking about others, sometimes ignorance is okay)~yup, less busy body now
Starts reading English material (previously, my view of books are that they damages your brain and cause wrinkles)~just borrowed Da Vinci Code from Faisal(yeah, haven't read it)
Got at least a second upper in final exam~Inshaallah

Hopefully, I will be able to accomplish those. Godwilling.

Fly bird fly, remember me!

2006-09-23T05:34:00.000+01:00

19^th Sept 2006

While I was having breakfast at 11.00 a.m (suppossedly branch but I’m still gonna take my lunch after this), I received an SMS from my best friend telling me that his take off is tonight, back to Belfast. My other best friend will also be leaving tonight, to London. How am I going to finish my mobile credit balance since most of it I use to call and message them?….sigh. The thing about them going back to UK is because they both were quite upset about this, having to leave their family for another year. They really are family-oriented kind of guy.

Well, the point here, even though after one year studying in oversea, the feeling and sadness of having to leave your family are still strong. That really shows how important family is to an individual. However, while I’m still SMSing with him, I thought of something, something about leaving your loved ones for quite some time. This reminds me about birds that nest on my mango tree which I always observed everyday, I saw that their little birds leave the nest and fly on its own. Then, after sometime they came back and start nesting again.

I guess, it comes to every person’s lives, something will tell us that it’s time to move on independently. We have to be strong and have the courage to stand on our own feet. After all, sooner or later, we will be on our own. Do remember, eventhough that means we will be far from our family or the one with love, keep in mind that those people will always be in our heart and soul as long as we remember and pray for each other, that’s what real love means. The reason why I was thinking about this is because I was thinking about death, the unavoidable destination that every person will experience. We feel so lonely and sad to leave our mum and dad, brothers and sisters, friends, but, eventually, we all will be alone, on our own.

So, how we choose to live the life is entirely up to us. We shouldn’t let those emotions ruin our journey of life. We should be glad that every seconds, our family is thinking of us, even if we’re all seperated by continents, the spirit will always be together, no boundaries and no limit. So, move on with our life, do our best in everything and just remember to pray for those whom we really care.

Nevertheless, we should never forget who we are, our past and where we used to stand before. These are the recipes of humbleness. The higher we get to the top , the more we have to look down and see what make us today. Even big birds come back to their old nest.

Be grateful is another way to show our humbleness, thanking God every single day for the life that He gives us. Out of sudden, last three weeks, three of schoolmate juniors who studied in different parts of Malaysia which I have lost contact with them for quite sometime call me on the same day, asking me how I was doing and that moment…suddenly they reminds me about my secondary years, how badly I want to study oversea, I kept telling them, about my dream to pursue study outside Malaysia, in hope that they’ll pray for my success…and now I suddenly realised, if we really care about someone, God will answer our prayer for them. In my case, I know that God answered their prayers for me ( since my SPM result is not so good to really qualify me and I did not have insider to help me with my scholarship ). And every single day, I thanked God for giving me people who care about me.

Speaking of remembering, I somehow find it hard to believe that some people asked for gifts and presents from others as a prove of the sincerity and how much they really care about them (just like Faizal and Faisal :P ). To me, gifts are gifts, It’s just a physical object that people have mistaken as an image of care and gratitude. I guess different people have different opinion about that. For me, SMS, online messages, hand-made cards or even a miss-call are good enough to show the appreciation. Those are bigger than any gifts one can give to us. I suppose, all in all, in this life, it isn’t moving forward only, it’s about bringing the remembrance of others with us together everytime, so that, when we’re alone, we'll know that lots of people are thinking and praying for us every single day...

Cerita Tentang Kawan

2006-08-18T17:54:00.000+01:00

In Loving Memory of Abidah Adam...

Tengah2 buka Messenger, terbaca display Rapek pasal pemergian sorang budak Petronas ke rahmatullah, Abidah Adam. Memang sangat mengejutkan, sebab kejadian yang tak disangka2, arwah meninggal kira-kira jam 6.30 a.m waktu US. Beliau dalam perjalanan ke universiti beliau dan entah macam mana dilanggar lori. Insyaallah jenazah akan dihantar ke Malaysia Ahad ini. Memang tak disangka-disangka dalam sekelip mata Allah dah pilih Bid untuk kembali ke pangkuan-Nya.
Kita sebagai muslim wajib pasrah pada takdir yang telah ditentukan. Kejadian ini memang menginsafkan dan betul-betul membuatkan hati tersentuh, betapa ajal itu tak mengenal usia, tempat dan waktu. Al-Fatihah untuk Bid. Semoga beliau ditempatkan bersama golongan yang beriman.
Sebenarnya, tidaklah beberapa kenal dengan arwah Bid, tapi agak rapat juga sewaktu berkursus pre-departure Petronas tahun lepas. Arwah memang seorang yang happy go lucky dan kelakar. Kali terakhir borak dengan arwah guna MSN, beliau nak tanya something pasal Petronas rasanya. Takziah kepada keluarga Bid.

Jentik-jentik AF4

2006-08-08T15:50:00.000+01:00

Akhirnya tamatlah juga AF 4 pada Sabtu yg lepas. Apa yang diperhatikan, AF sudah hilang keseronakkannya. Keputusan AF, sekali lagi memang sudah diduga, bakat adalah faktor kedua dalam pemilihan juara, wang yang dibelanjakan berjuta-juta ringgit untuk pelaburan yang tidak menguntungkan pelajar mahupun pengundi, sekadar mengkayakan lagi Ananda Krishnan, misi kerajaan untuk mencapai ekuiti melayu 30% tidak akan tercapai, dan sekali lagi rakyat akan mengeluh itu dan ini.
Berbalik pada isu AF, entah mana silapnya, banyak yang dirasakan tidak menentu, dari segi pemilihan lagu yang entah apa-apa dan juga terdapat unsur -unsur mempromosikan lagu-lagu tenaga pengajar. Isu yang paling tidak boleh dimaafkan adalah pakaian pelajar-pelajar, RTM pun boleh buat lebih baik daripada itu. Bayangkan Farhan diberi kostum seperti minah rempit semasa beliau diberi lagu rock dan Faizal dengan kot panjang serta jeans, memang memalukan lebih-lebih lagi untuk sesuatu yang besar seperti AF.
Apapun pujian harus diberi untuk Haziq kerana dalam diam-diam peminatnya, beliau berjaya menempatkan diri ke konsert akhir. Diharapkan beliau akan menjadi mutiara dalam industri jika beliau terus memperjuangkan genre muzik yang beliau minati. Begitu juga Farhan, vokalnya memang istimewa, biarpun beliau berjaya di tempat ketiga sahaja. Mungkin suara hidung lebih digemari sekarang...

Jentik 21 Ogos

2006-07-18T18:42:00.000+01:00

Tiada Lagi Rahsia

Akhirnya terjawab sudah perjalanan cinta Siti Nurhaliza, mutiara rakyat Malaysia. Ada yang gembira dan ada juga pihak yang tidak berpuas hati tentang jejaka pilihan hati beliau. Seperti apa yang Kak Siti katakan, mereka boleh berkata apa saja yang mereka mahu dan beliau hanya pasrah. Satu kredit diberikan kepada Siti kerana begitu cekal menepis segala persoalan peribadi mengenai kisah cinta beliau. Apa yang menyedihkan di sini adalah apabila sesetengah pihak bertindak mengadili keputusan peribadi Siti. Di malam sidang akhbar Siti, Buletin TV3 menyiarkan poll mengenai pilhan Siti; adakah wajar atau sebaliknya. Bagi penulis, ini adalah sesuatu yang sangat hina dan bodoh kerana keputusan hidup peribadi Siti dicanangkan di media perdana, sedangkan yang sepatutnya dilaporkan adalah perkara yang terjadi, bukannya mempersoalkan tindakan beliau. Kadangkala, perbuatan Siti seharusnya menjadi rahsia terus kerana apapun yang berlaku, tetap akan ada yang mahu mengspekulasikan kisah beliau. Bagi peminat yang sayangkan Siti kerana bakatnya, kita haruslah faham bukan senang menjadi Siti, banyak hati yang perlu beliau jaga. Lihat saja di Karpet@15, ramai yang menghantar mesej sudah tidak meminati Siti kerana pilihan hati beliau, menuduh beliau gilakan harta, punca penceraian dan sebagainya. Sedih rasanya apabila melihat situasi ini, mereka mengutuk Siti macam-macam sedangkan adalah baiknya wang yang digunakan itu disalurkan pada Palestin, kerana apapun yang mereka katakan, si empunya badan sudah membuat keputusan. Kalau kita sayngkan Siti, terimalah pilihan dia seadanya. Semoga jodoh beliau berkekalan.

Too much sugar kills all...

2006-07-15T18:34:00.000+01:00

It has been a while since my last writing. In fact this is my first entry in Malaysia. I just got back from K.L last Friday, visiting my old friend Faizal in Pandan Heights for two nights and have a wonderful time with him and Najib, leaving his place with unfulfilled fantasy (Faizal, that should be our top secret okey!), then spent overnight at Khaliz’s and apparently Airil was there. It seems like all of it like already been planned but apparently, they all went to K.L at the same time as I was. But, that’s not the point. This is about something that matters most in our lives, patience upon others…when it’s good and when it’s bad. I just spoke to Faisal about something that is quite bothering me, about me being nice to everyone, sugar-coating something that does not deserve to be cared and entertained. Too much sugar is a big no-no…

I used to be someone who’s always occupied with rage and hatred. But, as I become more matured about life, I learnt that revenge is not the answer, hatred will never settle the situation, forgive and forget is the only key to happiness. But now, after having few conversations with Faisal, I realised that too much concerned will just make someone become more comfortable being themselves instead of them trying to change and learn from their mistakes. I pitied this poor bunch of people….a lot.

Why can’t they blame themselves and stop putting the mistake on others. He or she should know, to fit in a community, we must conform to the good norms and play by rules. Just like Elle Woods said, if you can’t deal with the fabric, don’t fight it…change it (I guess it was something like that). So one should just leave or ignore the crowd if he or she cannot deal with others and accept the people the way they are. Go to the place where we can find people who are suitable for us. That will then make the world a better place to live. No fighting, no bad stuff going on and everybody will be happy.

However, sometimes it’s quite hard to know whether people will like us or not, they will never tell us directly, and that would be our responsibilities to make sure that we are well presented in a sense of manner and the way we behave towards others. If not, the community will marked us as the black sheep and even worse, we will then gradually start to conform to that label and become the real misfit. Even sociologist support this with the idea from Labeling Theory.

At the end of the day, one by one leave. I try to deal with the matters, try to give comfort and good companionship but then, I got craps in return. Luckily, I never took it seriously, I always believe that people should deserve a second chance. But now, I think I need to reconsider that...I have over-decorated the cake, I put too much sugar and yet the cake still sucks. I guess, it’s my turn now to change the fabric. Still, in time I hope things can get better. Weather can change, and so this life.

Santai saje...

2006-06-17T02:14:00.000+01:00

Just found this vid in you tube...animation on Oprah Winfrey show...it's hillarious!! They even have Jesus as their guest!! Haha!!

Jentik Myself...

2006-06-09T23:28:00.000+01:00

Ten things I have to bring back to my home

1.Birthday present for my mom
2.Polo shirt for my dad
3.T-shirts/Jerseys for my brothers
4.Wedding present for my cousin (i'm thinking of perfume)
5.Clarks shoes for my uncle and his wife (luckily they will pay me back...hehe..)
6.Handbag for my aunt
7.Chocolates for other relatives (they're like 20 families in my big family...waduuh!)
8.DKNY Apple for Faizal (no money, no talk okey!)
9.Souveniers for my bestest friends
10.The big appetite...erm...Malaysian Food

How much will it cost?? I DON'T KNOW!!
Nevermind...hope that I will not be the "pokai"est person when I get back home...

Touch'n Ego

2006-06-05T01:43:00.000+01:00

Exam is over. Everything went quite well, hopefully. Today, I thought about something, about Sociology, a module that I took when I was doing my A Level. A subject that study about us, our behaviour, thing that sociologists would still argue, whether it is the result of nature, or nurture. Sociobiologist says that it is genetically inherited which means some of us exhibit our parents characteristics but traditional sociologist denies that fact, saying that the environment create one’s way of behaving. But for me, I guess it can be both.

Speaking of behaviour, women argued why are they always the one who should change and adapt to their partner’s life and why men don’t have to. Is it because men are stubborn or they just don’t listen well to others? There is one thing everybody should know about men’s behaviour, one single thing that govern men’s lives…the ego.

Maybe some will disagree with me about this. Well, I can understand that. But, from my point of view, ego is not about being stubborn, arrogant and all, but ego is something that firmed the characteristics of men, such as in terms of making decision, to hold some sort of dominance etc. Having ego doesn’t mean people can’t tolerate with others at all, it’s more about difficulties to change themselves. Even I have problem in this area, and I bet most of us have it…difficulties to change. Why can’t men change like women change their shoes?

I have a friend who had a crush on someone apparently. One day they manage to have a conversation together, but the problem is that he always been offensive towards other’s statement even though that person was just making a joke. That’s one thing about him, arrogance! But he really likes that girl…How is he going to win her heart if he keeps on crossing her words and humour. I did tell him that he needs to low down a bit his level of arrogance and show up his humbleness to her. Then, I think he took my words and now I guess it went quite well the next few days later when they met.

However, not all of us can easily give up their ego just to gain something in return. Men believe that the best will win the battle of life, and to be a winner, one must have the power to control others. The way I see it, this is what men have for maintaining our dominance. No men want to be lower than others. I know, it is unfair to generalise all, because some aren’t arrogant like the others. Even so, I still believe they do have a bit of an ego, to protect themselves…their pride and dignity. It’s hard to describe about this matter since this behaviour is expressed in many ways and sometimes, without us to notice it. The same goes to the women. Once in a while, they react and act like men.Nevertheless, no matter how strong the women is, there are still a bit of fragileness that they have inside...

Why it is hard for us to change? Is it because we don’t want to or because we don’t have to? The answer would be the need for an ego to be inside us. There are certain things that we want to protect in our lives…be it our dignity, pride or even our vulnerability. People do not want to expose the other side of them that they didn’t want others to see. Our protective instinct tells us not to expose our weakness to others. Some people they’re afraid that others will use it against them. A friend of mine is like that, he thinks that all people that live around him are potential threats to his life. I guess he put his ego to keep him to survive. For me, I’ll treat the life as it is. I put my trust on my family, relatives and my best friends. As long as I already know them very well, understand them, I’ll have no doubt about it.

It is not wrong to trust the ego, it helps to build up our solidarity. But, we shouldn’t let it be our guidance. We should let ourselves to control the ego. Perhaps, the best thing to do is learning how to learn to control our behaviour. Maybe, some will still say, it’s hard to change one’s behaviour especially the Adams…like they say, “boys will be boys”. However, perhaps, once in a blue moon... we can learn how to deal with ourselves.

Jentik lagi...

2006-05-31T18:10:00.000+01:00

Salima AF4: Antara bakat dan gimik...

Kelakar betul AF4 sekarang ini. Masih saya ingat lagi sewaktu AF1 hendak dimulakan, objektif utama Astro adalah untuk "mendidik", melahirkan graduan artis. Tapi, selepas AF 2, 3, dan yang terbaru dengan aura Salima lagi, saya tersangat-sangat sedar memang langsung tiada nilai mendidik, segalanya adalah populariti, baik dari persepsi peserta apatah lagi Astro. Lihat saja peserta AF terbaru, diwarwarkan dengan gah peserta sopan bertudung yang bakal memberi impak Mawi. Persoalan, tudungkah itu? Bukan saya anti wanita tidak bertudung, tetapi apakah bezanya dia dengan peserta wanita yang lain? Bagi saya sama. Inilah gimik. Kemudian akhbar mencanangkan Salima pernah menerima pendidikan agama di XXX. Terasa tulisan akhbar-akhbar semakin mengarut. Peserta lain yang kebanyakannya seumur dengan kita mesti ada yang belajar di kelas agama petang sebelum ini, jadi kenapa kisah harian mereka belajar agama itu tidak dikongsi? Sebab mereka tidak bertudung dan tidak berzanji? Ada banyak beza BELAJAR agama dan FAHAM agama. Patutlah menteri penerangan menyelar akhbar yang berjuang untuk populariti semata-mata. Tidak berminat sebenarnya untuk mempersoalkan hukum-hakam AF ini, cuma sekadar melepaskan geram dengan sikap mereka yang suka kelentong penonton. Kalau sudah hiburan, akan jadi hiburan semata. Tidak akan ada anak-anak yang menonton AF keesokannya akan mendapat tawaran universiti( AF kan rancangan yang mengeratkan hubungan seisi keluarga setiap hujung minggu) .

(komen diatas adalah neutral dan tidak berniat mengkritik Salima atau, belum pernah melihat bakatnya)

Santai sekejap...

2006-05-27T21:16:00.000+01:00

I really like spending my time watching clips from you tube...it's like you can find almost everything you want to see...hilarious act, celebs and all...just now, I looked at the very first Siti appearance in the ShowBiz (i guess)...chomel..chomel...chomel...From a simple kampung girl, she's now has become the very best artiste in Malaysia...Enjoy the vid!!!

Jentik sikit...

2006-05-25T01:21:00.000+01:00

Media...media...media...

Ruangan ini adalah dalam bahasa melayu sebab seronok berbincang isu negara sendiri dalam bahasa melayu, lagipun bahasa jiwa bangsa. Tiba-tiba terfikir untuk menulis tentang situasi masyarakat kita yang hidup dalam "media-saturated-society". Apa saja yang dicanang oleh akhbar, kita akan percaya.

Berkisah tentang industri hiburan tanah air, memang menghairankan kenapa media yang berperanan sebagai medium komunikasi artis kepada peminat mesti memaparkan perkara remeh temeh seperti isu peribadi atau kisah yang kurang enak untuk didengar berbanding aktiviti atau karier artis itu. Sebagai contoh, artikel terbaru mengenai Misha Omar. Isi utama yang diceritakan adalah kisah buah hati terbaru, kemudian di akhir karangan, barulah ada seperenggan pendek mengenai album terbaru beliau. Jadi, di mana letakknya maruah berita hiburan kita?

Seperkara lagi, media digunakan untuk memburukkan aritis yang tidak mahu bekerjasama dengan pihak mereka, walaupun kadangkala artis itu mungkin terlepas pandang atau lain-lain faktor. Sedih sungguh bila memikirkan ketidakprofesionalan sesetengah media. Waktu inilah nanti mahu dicetak yang artis tidak sopan, tidak mesra atau tidak ingat yang industri kita ini kecil sahaja dan orang melayu patut sopan dan ramah. Tetapi, bila membuat sessi fotografi, tidak sah kalau tidak digandingkan artis wanita meliuk lentok pada tubuh artis lelaki, ataupun cara termurah sekali, bergambar di kolam renang. Sedih memang sedih, mana agenda melayu sopan yang dibincangkan sebentar tadi.

Selepas itu, kisah cerai berai pasangan selebriti. Bukannya cuba menjernihkan keadaan, sebaliknya mengeruhkan suasana, sebagai contoh, kisah Norman-Abby, daripada sedikit yang tahu, terus satu Malaya tahu siapa orang ketiga. Kaedahnya "ingin sampaikan cerita yang benar", tapi telah memberikan tanggapan negatif kepada masyarakat tentang seseorang langsung menjejaskan imej beliau. Kalau artis tidak mahu bekerjasama, mulalah kisah-kisah mereka dispekulasikan, kemudian media-media yang kononnya memberikan nasihat ini tulis kata tauladan seperti "sebagai selebriti, mereka haruslah menjadi model kepada peminat". Sedangkan bila difikirkan, artis dan isteri adalah dua kerjaya berbeza, perlukah bila jadi selebriti, rumah tangga mesti macam kisah Cinderella? Adakah jadi artis memerlukan dia berlakon sebagai Stepford Wife di rumah juga?

Kenapa media saja disasarkan dalam artikel ini? Kerana manusia tetap manusia, mesti ada yang jahat dan baik. Tetapi media boleh memilih untuk menulis yang jahat atau yang baik. Peranan media lebih besar untuk mendidik masyarakat sekalipun segmen hiburan. Inilah yang terjadi bila maklumat disalurkan kerana wang dan bukan nilai informasi. Tepuk dada tanya selera.

Struggle 'R' Us

2006-05-22T03:11:00.000+01:00

Do we still remember when we were kids, how we wished that we are an adult? At that time, we were so tired of being a little child, been controlled by our parents, been lectured about the do’s and don’ts and sadly…the bedtime curfew. There was no complete freedom being a youngster. We always hope that the time will tick faster so that one morning we will woke up as an adult and feel the freedom of having to lead the day that we wanted to. Years passed, we’ve grown up, experiencing the life and facing all the obstacles that made us who we are today. People lead their own path and become an accountant or choose to be a doctor. But…then we started to think, does it really gives us the total freedom to make our own decision? It appears that, it’s not. Apparently, being mature means we are ready to hold more responsibilities and carry out more burden such as to our country, sponsors and society. At first, it looks like that we have options…but actually we’re not. There’s already a path that we’ve chosen before that we can’t turn back, or the path that has been chosen by others for us to lead. No matter what, we’re not alone…free to make our own decision, we’re bounded to others as well. This is the design...the pattern of life. And now…when we realised how challenging the life is, we cheated ourselves, imagine the clock will turn backwards so that when we woke up again in the morning, we will be those kids again…

Somehow, now I realised, life isn’t about complaining…it’s about embracing it. We shouldn’t question about the burden and responsibilities. In fact, it is our purpose in this world to carry out responsibilities, as the humble servant to The Almighty and the leader in this world. And if so,
why is that life is so challenging and full of obstacles? Why is He testing us all the time? Why god makes us to struggle in return for his heaven?

This thought reminds me of the journey of life of a butterfly. Throughout its life, butterflies need to go through a series of stages in their life cycle, from the egg to larvae and then hardened themselves chrysalis which then they transform into an imago known as butterfly. However, to fly freely in the air, newly-emerged creature has to struggle to come out from its cocoon which is the most critical stage to them as at this time, they are most vulnerable to the attack of predator. But why god created them in such a way, to struggle to become free? There’s a reason behind that…butterflies need to spend some time to inflate its wings with its body liquid and let them dry before it can start to fly. If not, their wings won’t function the way they should.

It goes the same to us, human being. Imagine our life with no obstacles and challenge, everything is how we want it to be. Everything flows with us. Then…we wouldn’t become the person as tough, strong and independent as we are today. I started to look at my past, the struggle and challenge that I encountered, when I think about it now, it wasn’t so bad after all. In fact, I would say it was interesting, the way my maturity handled the situation, how silly I used to be. They spiced up my memories. Instead of having a dull past, I have the adventurous one. Of course I did not know about my future, and I did not plan to plan it. Because I believe, no matter what the outcome will be, the most important is how I choose to direct my sail. The journey is more important than the destination.

Yes, doing it is harder than saying it. But it isn’t…if we have faith in our soul. As a human being, we need to believe that god will do the rest. Unfortunately, a friend of mine is having problem in this area. As we all know, summer term is the busiest time for students like us. Exam is approaching, he’s been extremely hardworking and don’t even have time to spend for himself. He devoted his life in the library working 24/7 and now, he is depressed but still feeling that he is not doing enough work. I advised him to slow down a bit and trust his effort. But, he’s afraid that his average mark in his assignment previously will take down has overall grade. Then, I told him that having a little faith will help enlightening his journey and provide him the strength that he needs. However, he is terrified that his past will ruin his future even he has faith now. The way I see it, the past will always be the past, we can’t change it. But if we have faith now, it will provide us guidance to endure future challenges.

We never welcome problems and troubles in life. Whenever they visit us, we have to solve it and not leave it. The key to handle them wisely are through optimism. I believe this is the great factor that one should try and learn. When I was in the Petronas pre-departure program last year, one motivator told me the best way to encounter problems is to react positively to it. Do not consider problems as problems, but as challenges. Positive attitude will give us extra courage and power to overcome them. Optimism washes away pessimism and hatred. Those are the things that poisoned our heart and soul. Some people solve problems through revenge and denial. They cause us more harm than good. Positive mind and attitude make our life more meaningful. This way you can live it to its fullest.

All in all, life is life. There is no short cut to deal with it. Wonderful time and disastrous moment will always be here. Whether we like it or not, we cannot run from it, thus, we have to face it. Even if we are at the bottom of others, we are not a failure. No one is a looser, all of us are champion. We survived the first struggle to become a fetus, and we’re going to survive this life.

Santai sekejap...

2006-05-15T19:44:00.000+01:00

I'm not really a fan of MAWI...to me, his voice is average...but when I browsed youtube last night, trying to find the trailer for Pesona Non Grata (an unwelcomed person) trailer clips, a Malay movie which I really want to see, I found the OST clip of it entitled "Hanya Untukmu"...sang by Mawi. The first time I watched it, I was amazed by his voice in the song, it was superb. Mawi had given 'a soul' to this song. The song is just so wonderful plus with the brilliant lyric by Megat Azuar . The feel of it just come to life. I remember back before, his voice was not that impressive, but now I know why he still got the 'aura'... Good job MAWI!!!

The Break-Up Season

2006-05-14T01:24:00.000+01:00

Spring is the marking of the new beginning, flowers start to bloom, leaves start to grow and now little ducklings can be seen swimming joyfully along with their mother in the lake. Almost every creature enjoy the living…probably they are. Well, not for some of us, spring is not about the beginning, it’s an end. The end of their love life, the death of the deep relationship. Speaking of the love-life is not my area of expertise. In fact, I hardly believe its existence. I still can’t imagine people who are devoted to their love life and having commitments to each other. It seems so…should I say, tough. At the end of the day, most people break-up. In the battle of love, that is the price of losing…to lose someone whom you loved…so, be prepared…love is a struggle, and I think most of us agree with that. And the worst part is that, it happens to the people around me. All of a sudden, everyone broke up with their girlfriend and boyfriend. Fascinatingly, it happens like an epidemic. Whenever I looked at them, I can see that, behind the summer-faces, hidden the cold winter soul.

Probably, maybe they’re neither in summer nor winter, maybe they’re in another season, the new season, the fifth season of the year… the break-up season.

I asked my friends how it felt and what would they do when they were at this stage. Interestingly, I found something similar about those people, the common behaviour…denial. Well, I guess I can say that this is the first symptom of post broke-up. This behaviour occurs especially on guys. Interesting…but what’s the reason? I belive, guys wanted to protect their ego, thus, they pretend that they’re cool in front of others but actually they are hurt deep inside. Even so, their girlfriend would say that guys didn’t care and they are so selfish. This is when girls usually misunderstood guys. Actually, they are not selfish or I-just-move-on-with-my-life attitude, but they’re actually hiding their true feelings. No men want to shed tears and be sissy.

But don’t be surprised, some do react like girls, throwing away all the gifts and stuff like watch, cards, pictures and you-name-it, in hope that they can get rid the memories that they have with their ex-lover. Psychologically, it works…anger and depression can be released if they are channeled to somewhere by expressing the feelings, talking to someone, vandalism or throwing stuff. Nevertheless, my friend whom I found her quite startling, managed to control herself. After she (yes, she’s a girl) has been abandoned by her boyfriend, she decided to drop him a few messages asking what is wrong with their relationship. But, none were replied. She then, got mad and ended it up with a message saying -good-bye- to her boyfriend. Thus, she is now single and available. Any takers? (heh!). Maybe, that was easy for her, since it’s not her first love but the fifth, I supposed.

In a mean time, some choose to express their sad feelings through songs which I believed is quite a unique way to aid the pain. Something like Biarlah Rahsia (Siti), Mungkin Nanti (Peter Pan), Cobalah Untuk Setia (Kris Dayanti), Berhenti Berharap (SO7)…and the list goes on. Perhaps, the melodies and lyrics really touched them deep inside, make them forget about the painful memories of the past. Well, everyone has their own source of healing. For me, chocolate is not such a bad idea (thinking of chocolate gateau cake…mmm!).

However, the damages resulted from breaking up are not simply treated. Thus, the role of the third party sets in. People will usually turn to them for companionship, to fill up the empty spaces inside them…it’s not like they’re attracted to them or having personal interest but they just wanted someone to be there for them…someone to provide the cuddle that they’ve lost, to lend a shoulder to lean on and to provide roof for shelter. It will become really awful if the third person has feelings for them and does not know that they’re just a mannequin. The way I see it, the third person has now become the victim of the situation. But, life is just life, it goes round in a circle.

Whatever it is, at the end of the day, people will turn to their best friends, the people who will always be there for them through thick and thin. No matter what they do, all craps that they brag about, best friends will just listen. If they want an opinion, they’ll give them the true account for it. True friends don’t lie. They’re best buddies that provide the true companionship, not songs or third person…or even chocolate. With friends, we don’t have to pretend who we are and we can just be ourselves. Unlike in front of their couple, they have to show themselves at their best and worth to be cared and loved. Why is that so demanding? Perhaps, friendship is more powerful than love. Nobody has ever been hurt if they fight with their friends, at least, not as much pain when they broke up. Or maybe, the damage of breaking up is not because the feelings and love, but the wrong-doing of each partner. Love is just there and everywhere, but it’s them who ignore the sanctity and power. Should love or the lover be the reason?

Why blogging?

2006-05-08T01:30:00.000+01:00

The Beginning

Suddenly, people around me started to have their own blog, it has been like a must for everyone. Some people choose to express their political views, some prefer pouring their personal feelings and sometimes they just share stuff with other people. You know, sharing is caring. And then I’m started to think, why don’t I have my own blog? It’s not that hard. It has been like a month Faisal kept asking me when I want to start blogging. But, I personally don’t prefer to share my own life with public. Heh, it’s not like I’m being secretive, it’s just that I don’t know what should I write? And, what’s the format?

So, why now? This is one question I couldn’t answer. There’s a lot of thoughts come in through my mind right now especially when Wan cynically laugh about this (that is so jahat of him). But I can only think about one thing, it doesn’t really matter why or what you’re going to do with your blog, most importantly, you enjoy doing it! It doesn’t matter what kind of things, stories, pics, craps and others. This is your own space, you have the freedom to express anything, so why not trying to live in the new life style of blogging. So, Rizal Zakaria, welcome to the world of bloggers!

It’s 12.59 am and I am here, sitting pathetically in front of my best friend, Mr. Lap Top, thinking about whether people are going to enjoy reading it or not…herm…I guess I’m done here, as Imree told me, it’s normal, I’m having the first entry syndrome. Imree, I hope you’re right. I am now officially launched my blog.