Diyana had told me over and over again the right road to take to get back to the road to Petaling Jaya.
As soon as I got on the road after sending her back to her apartment in Taman Melati, I forgot all that she had just said.
Within minutes I realized that I had taken the wrong road. I had missed the left tyurn at the traffic light, or was it the right turn?
I had taken the road to Setapak. I then decided to just follow my instinct and see where I would go.
Luckily, I could still visualize, through memories of yesteryears, where I was heading to.
The traffic was real heavy, cars were bumper to bumper on the still-incompletely-repaired road.
Finally I made it to the Federal highway. It was not bad for a forgetful man like me to reach Petaling Jaya in less than 45 minutes from Taman Melati.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
NO PORK TO SOME PEOPLE
We Malaysian Muslims are the most fussy when it comes to halal food. When overseas, we all will search high and low for halal food.
To us halal food is everything. We wouldn't mind paying extra money or driving a few kilometres just to find it.
What actually is halal food? Physically, it should not have pork in it, the cooking utensil should not be shared with pork or pork products, no alcohol products (be it cooking wine, red wine, white wine, etc)and if it is beef, chicken, mutton, chevron, venison or any meat that is halal to consume, the animal must be slaughtered in the halal way.
This can be confusing to Westerners. They say there is no pork, yet we still say it is not halal.
I remember once when I was in the Philippines many many years ago. I ordered a delicious-looking soup. Before ordering I asked the chef: "No pork?" The chef answered : "No pork."
So I ordered. Just before I sipped the soup, my eyes caught sight of another man with the same soup and enjoying his pork soup.
I immediately stopped what I was almost doing and went straight to the chef. "You said no pork."
"Yes, no pork in your bowl of soup. I've just removed the pork."
You see, he got it wrong in the definition of no pork.
Then there was this grilled fish that I ordered in the same food joint. Being curious, I wandered into the kitchen. In the earthen oven there they were pork, chicken, fish and other sea food items grilled over one another. Imagine pork satay grilling nicely over my grilled fish!
To us halal food is everything. We wouldn't mind paying extra money or driving a few kilometres just to find it.
What actually is halal food? Physically, it should not have pork in it, the cooking utensil should not be shared with pork or pork products, no alcohol products (be it cooking wine, red wine, white wine, etc)and if it is beef, chicken, mutton, chevron, venison or any meat that is halal to consume, the animal must be slaughtered in the halal way.
This can be confusing to Westerners. They say there is no pork, yet we still say it is not halal.
I remember once when I was in the Philippines many many years ago. I ordered a delicious-looking soup. Before ordering I asked the chef: "No pork?" The chef answered : "No pork."
So I ordered. Just before I sipped the soup, my eyes caught sight of another man with the same soup and enjoying his pork soup.
I immediately stopped what I was almost doing and went straight to the chef. "You said no pork."
"Yes, no pork in your bowl of soup. I've just removed the pork."
You see, he got it wrong in the definition of no pork.
Then there was this grilled fish that I ordered in the same food joint. Being curious, I wandered into the kitchen. In the earthen oven there they were pork, chicken, fish and other sea food items grilled over one another. Imagine pork satay grilling nicely over my grilled fish!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
DOGS IN ISLAM
Allow me to clarify a few myths and make a few points about dogs in Islam.
1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.
2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.
3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well.
4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.
5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.
6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.
7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting.
No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22)
We would love for Allah to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s show mercy and compassion to all His creation. This will also give non-Muslims a true reflection of Islam, aiding da’wah.
There are many Muslims who care well for their animals, and this article is aimed at those who are misinformed.
The appeal goes out to those Muslims: Please do not abuse or neglect any animal. This gives a distorted picture to others who are not Muslim.
May Allah be pleased with our efforts.
Please correct our misconceptions about dogs for dogs too need our tender loving care.
1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.
2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.
3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well.
4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.
5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.
6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.
7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting.
No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22)
We would love for Allah to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s show mercy and compassion to all His creation. This will also give non-Muslims a true reflection of Islam, aiding da’wah.
There are many Muslims who care well for their animals, and this article is aimed at those who are misinformed.
The appeal goes out to those Muslims: Please do not abuse or neglect any animal. This gives a distorted picture to others who are not Muslim.
May Allah be pleased with our efforts.
Please correct our misconceptions about dogs for dogs too need our tender loving care.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
TEACHING REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY TO FEMALE STUDENTS
It was not a sexology class, mind you. It was an anatomy class and the subject was Reproductive system.
Strange but true, I was surprised to learn that many of the girls did not even know the difference between a prepuce and a penis!
It is in no way to belittle them. It is just to show you how little they know about reproductive organs, even for the female reproductive organs.
It was rather difficult for me to say the such words as clitoris, vagina, vulva without feeling a bit bashful, without making them sound so vulgar or blue.
It was not vulgar in any way...it was reproductive system! Pure and clean, straight from the experience and knowledge that I have gathered all these years.
Cattle only mate when they are in standing heat...human do it all the time, some even during menstruation!
The practical was worse...I have to hold and show them the clitoris, the vagina, the penis, the testicles....
I am sure they will act more naturally with time...they are animal scientists, aren't they?
The seniors, I found that they were more at ease when they mentioned those words as they presented their industrial training.
Strange but true, I was surprised to learn that many of the girls did not even know the difference between a prepuce and a penis!
It is in no way to belittle them. It is just to show you how little they know about reproductive organs, even for the female reproductive organs.
It was rather difficult for me to say the such words as clitoris, vagina, vulva without feeling a bit bashful, without making them sound so vulgar or blue.
It was not vulgar in any way...it was reproductive system! Pure and clean, straight from the experience and knowledge that I have gathered all these years.
Cattle only mate when they are in standing heat...human do it all the time, some even during menstruation!
The practical was worse...I have to hold and show them the clitoris, the vagina, the penis, the testicles....
I am sure they will act more naturally with time...they are animal scientists, aren't they?
The seniors, I found that they were more at ease when they mentioned those words as they presented their industrial training.
PAK CIK and MAK CIK A NO NO IN COMMERCIAL SECTOR
A salesgirl approached us and addressed me as 'Pak Cik" (uncle) and my wife as "Mak Cik" (aunt). What do you all think? Is it appropriate way of addressing a client in a commercial centre?
No, I don't think so. It is not appropriate for a salesgirl or a waitress/waiter to do so. In fact I have known a friend who, when addressed as such, went straight home and never ever came back to the joint.
It is ok if a primary school student to do so. It is very polite.
But it is not so for those who are in the commercial sector. It insults the client to be.
No, I don't mean for them to be addressed as Dato', Dato' Seri or Tan Sri...What I mean is that it is more appropriate for them to address the client as Encik (Sir) for a gent and Puan (Madam) for a lady.
For a lady, even words like 'Adik', 'Kakak' are taboo to some people. Never use the word adik for a married lady. For those who want to look and be young forever, the word kakak is a no no.
I used to say out to many salesgirls and sales executives that I have met who addressed me as Pak Cik not to do so and advised them to address me as Encik instead.
However, there are people who insist that they are addressed with their awarded names such as Dato', Dato' Seri, etc. I have met a man who said: "Dato? What Dato'? Dato' Seri lah"
I am not that type. Address me only as Dato' in official functions please...a strict no no amongst friends.
No, I don't think so. It is not appropriate for a salesgirl or a waitress/waiter to do so. In fact I have known a friend who, when addressed as such, went straight home and never ever came back to the joint.
It is ok if a primary school student to do so. It is very polite.
But it is not so for those who are in the commercial sector. It insults the client to be.
No, I don't mean for them to be addressed as Dato', Dato' Seri or Tan Sri...What I mean is that it is more appropriate for them to address the client as Encik (Sir) for a gent and Puan (Madam) for a lady.
For a lady, even words like 'Adik', 'Kakak' are taboo to some people. Never use the word adik for a married lady. For those who want to look and be young forever, the word kakak is a no no.
I used to say out to many salesgirls and sales executives that I have met who addressed me as Pak Cik not to do so and advised them to address me as Encik instead.
However, there are people who insist that they are addressed with their awarded names such as Dato', Dato' Seri, etc. I have met a man who said: "Dato? What Dato'? Dato' Seri lah"
I am not that type. Address me only as Dato' in official functions please...a strict no no amongst friends.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I WONDER IF THESE MALPRACTICES ARE STILL HERE?
Here are some real stories that I had personally confronted in dealing with the public services. This is not in any way trying to ridicule or belittle anybody, It is just for us to think about them and try to improve things.
1. I was in pain. My right index finger was busted open when a 2X4 plank flew, after being back-kicked by an angry cow, and landed on it. I could still hear the smack sound of the smashed-up finger.
In the doctor's room in a government's hospital down south. She looked at my card and asked "Why don't you put the Dr in front of your name? . She wrote it down and asked me to go to treatment room for cleaning and suturing.
In the room I saw an old Malaysian Chinese screaming as he was sutured raw. I shivered at the thought that I was soon to undergo the same. I lay on the treatment table as they got ready to do their thing on me. Roughly they pushed and shoved my finger to clean it.
Then, suddenly from the corner of my eye I saw the man pointing to my card as he realized that I was a doctor. "Doctor, doctor," he silently whispered to his friend. They stopped. One of them slowly put on the surgical cloth around my finger and then he applied local anaesthesia (ring block) to it.
"Why don't you do that from the beginning?" I asked sarcastically.
"Sorry!"
I was then sutured, without pain while the man next to me was howling in great pain. Why this has to happen?
2. My appointment letter came late. I had to undergo medical examination that day itself. I rushed to the hospital for the examination. At the registration counter I was told that medical examination was only done on certain day of the week and today was not that day. Every Tom, Dick and Harry knew that. It was boldly written on a notice board. But this was something out of the ordinary. I was going to join a government service. I begged but they refused. Then I took my appointment letter and showed it to them. You know there it was clearly written my job and my salary. There and then they said that it was ok. The examination could be done that day itself!
What if that someone needing the examination was not a division A officer-going-to-be?
1. I was in pain. My right index finger was busted open when a 2X4 plank flew, after being back-kicked by an angry cow, and landed on it. I could still hear the smack sound of the smashed-up finger.
In the doctor's room in a government's hospital down south. She looked at my card and asked "Why don't you put the Dr in front of your name? . She wrote it down and asked me to go to treatment room for cleaning and suturing.
In the room I saw an old Malaysian Chinese screaming as he was sutured raw. I shivered at the thought that I was soon to undergo the same. I lay on the treatment table as they got ready to do their thing on me. Roughly they pushed and shoved my finger to clean it.
Then, suddenly from the corner of my eye I saw the man pointing to my card as he realized that I was a doctor. "Doctor, doctor," he silently whispered to his friend. They stopped. One of them slowly put on the surgical cloth around my finger and then he applied local anaesthesia (ring block) to it.
"Why don't you do that from the beginning?" I asked sarcastically.
"Sorry!"
I was then sutured, without pain while the man next to me was howling in great pain. Why this has to happen?
2. My appointment letter came late. I had to undergo medical examination that day itself. I rushed to the hospital for the examination. At the registration counter I was told that medical examination was only done on certain day of the week and today was not that day. Every Tom, Dick and Harry knew that. It was boldly written on a notice board. But this was something out of the ordinary. I was going to join a government service. I begged but they refused. Then I took my appointment letter and showed it to them. You know there it was clearly written my job and my salary. There and then they said that it was ok. The examination could be done that day itself!
What if that someone needing the examination was not a division A officer-going-to-be?
Monday, October 11, 2010
ANOTHER MESSY ROAD ACCIDENT
I was shocked. Twelve people killed and 40+ more injured in a bloody road carnage yesterday. A bus literally flew across the road divider and rammed against a van, a car and another bus travelling on the opposite side of the road!
That bus driver must be driving at more than 120 km/hr!
Our road is no longer safe to travel, even if you drive so ever carefully and following all traffic rules. You never know that one fine day a maniac driver just fly in and knock you dead in your badly crushed car.
We just never learn from such road horrors. Memories linger just for a couple of hours, then it will be to normal - speeding like hell.
I think it is high time that all public transport be locked at 90 km/hr. Period.
That bus driver must be driving at more than 120 km/hr!
Our road is no longer safe to travel, even if you drive so ever carefully and following all traffic rules. You never know that one fine day a maniac driver just fly in and knock you dead in your badly crushed car.
We just never learn from such road horrors. Memories linger just for a couple of hours, then it will be to normal - speeding like hell.
I think it is high time that all public transport be locked at 90 km/hr. Period.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
