OB

Had my first meeting with the BC3C group this morning. Quite an interesting group. Looking forward for next meeting with them next week. Have a pleasant tutorial guys.

Amazingly, they managed to do it

Gebang (hurm... nice name!)

Yes, indeed, the Arab countries had done it before. Back in 1973, on October, Egypt and Syria launched a massive attack on Israel (the Yom Kippur War?). In fact, the Arab oil exporters had used the 'oil weapon' - an embargo - to punish the US and other Western nations for their support of Israel.

Have a nice day.

Exhibition

Kelab Penyayang UiTM is holding its exhibition at the UiTM's Pusat Sukan today and tomorrow from 9am to 5pm. See you there!

Lemon Grass

Roza, thank you for that lemon grass tips. Appreciate it!

A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral to prompt cancer cells to commit suicide in the test tube. Israeli researchers find way to make cancer cells self-destruct - Ben Gurion University. At first, Benny Zabidov, an Israeli agriculturalist who grows greenhouses full of lush spices on a pastoral farm in Kfar Yedidya in the Sharon region, couldn't understand why so many cancer patients from around the country were showing up on his doorstep asking for fresh lemon grass. It turned out that their doctors had sent them.
"They had been told to drink eight glasses of hot water with fresh lemon grass steeped in it on the days that they went for their radiation and chemotherapy treatments," Zabidov told ISRAEL21c. "And this is the place you go to in Israel for fresh lemon grass." It all began when researchers at Ben Gurion University of the Negev discovered last year that the lemon aroma in herbs like lemon grass kills cancer cells in-vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The research team was led by Dr. Rivka Ofir and Prof. Yakov Weinstein, incumbent of the Albert Katz Chair in Cell-Differentiation and Malignant Diseases, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at BGU. Citral is the key component that gives the lemony aroma and taste in several herbal plants such as lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), melissa
(Melissa officinalis) and verbena (Verbena officinalis.) According to Ofir, the study found that citral causes cancer cells to "commit suicide: using apoptosis, a mechanism called programmed cell death."

A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral to prompt the cancer cells to commit suicide in the test tube. The BGU investigators checked the influence of the citral on cancerous cells by adding them to both cancerous cells and normal cells that were grown in a petri dish. The quantity added in the concentrate was equivalent to the amount contained in a cup of regular tea using one gram of lemon herbs in hot water. While the citral killed the cancerous cells, the normal cells remained unharmed.

The findings were published in the scientific journal *Planta Medica*, which highlights research on alternative and herbal remedies. Afterwards, the discovery was featured in the popular Israeli press. Why does it work? Nobody knows for certain, but the BGU scientists have a theory. "In each cell in our body, there is a genetic program which causes programmed cell death. When something goes wrong, the cells divide with no control and become cancer cells. In normal cells, when
the cell discovers that the control system is not operating correctly - for example, when it recognises that a cell contains faulty genetic material following cell division - it triggers cell death," explains Weinstein. "This research may explain the medical benefit of these herbs."

Not much to say though!

Ronaldo & Shalin (of all names? Hahah!)

I dont have that much to say about myself other than what is seen here, in this blog. Primarily, I would like think myself as a novice philospher. I used to have a poetic side to me. I love the idea of loneliness. I also like the idea of the wildness of the world and i want to be there with as small a number about myself as possible.

Seems a bit complex, isn't it?

English

Hizar, I couldn't agree more! Please read my other blog (Malay). Have a nice day.

A Matter of Time!

I asked Zahier, "Why you are not as chubby as when you were five or six years old?" to which he replied, "Because I opted not to!"

OK. Understood.

I wish him well

I received a message the other day that Ronny was ill in hospital in Melaka. I called on him a number of times and was sad to see him looking so frail and unhappy. Get well soon Ron.

Confused!

"Aequam memento rebus in arduis / servare mentem."

Remember, when life's path is steep, to keep an even mind.

Choral speaking

Had the opportunity to watch Nasiha participating in a choral speaking competition last weekend. I am not used to this form of learning anyway. But I was quite eager to watch them perform.
What is choral speaking? This is what I got from the internet. When groups of students recite passages they've committed to memory, they are involved in choral speaking. (In choral reading and reader's theatre, students are not required to memorize the text, as the names imply). Students interpret text (poems, stories and other sources) by exploring the elements of choral speaking and movement. Together, they experiment with language and explore their voices in a "safe" environment. Since choral speaking is such a highly flexible strategy, individual student needs can easily be addressed within the context of whole group activities. For example, students who are less comfortable "performing" can be placed in large or small groups; others, more excited by the opportunity to experiment, can be given greater challenges such as solo lines.

A place called driving range

Why a driving range is considered one of the best places to be during your free time:

1. You can hit as many balls as possible
2. You can pick as many targets as possible, if they are within the boundaries
3. You can think as freely as you wish without disturbances
4. You can watch how people (not necessarily golfers) react to their own actions
5. You can blow your own trumpet, and say something that can make yourself happy
6. You can say your swing is exactly like Tiger Woods, no one will laugh at you
7. You can take five, enjoy your drink and currypuff, but please, do not smoke!
8. You can make/receive phone calls
9. You can always think that your handicap will be lowered soon
10.You can wear collarless t-shirt! And jeans!

Am currently buzy with Pesta Perpaduan / HEP. Will be back very soon.

Dreams & Wishes

"If you can dream and not make dreams your master. If you can think and not make thoughts your aims." (Rudyard Kipling)

EMAS 716

Welcome home!

Yes!

I am the happiest man on earth!

Wishing u well

Something came up. I didnt have enough time to join them for the retreat. In my heart I wished them well. However, as I have reiterated before, I accepted that the spirit of togetherness burnt as strongly today as it had ever done.

I'll see you again, somehow, some day.

Congratulations! Azila & Ezar!

Azila called yesterday. I thought it was another social call - to say hi and what not - since we have known each other for quite some time because she was actively involved in Kelab Penyayang UiTM. She is currently working in PJ. She was then a Mass Communication (?) student and had just graduated about a semester ago? (sorry Azila!) She invited me to her reception(July 7th, 2007) at Mambau, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Ezar is one of the key staff in Yayasan Budi Penyayang which I have known since 2005. And if you remember Roda Impian (hosted by the late Hani Mokhsin), Ezar was one of the participants who were 'that close' in winning the huge prize money had he answered 'hangit' correctly, instead of 'hangus'!

Never mind. They are going to tie the knot eventually... congratulations Azila, Ezar! (I couldnt get their photo uploaded. I will try again later!)

P.S I think, next on the list is...Lyn!!! (Am i right, Lyn? Haha! Im on my way to Melaka!)

Unity in Music - Program Gegar U!

UiTM is calling those who are interested in music to take part in our search for Malaysia's finest youth band. The event is on the July 11th 2007. The venue is UiTM Shah Alam. The definition of 'band' is not confined only to 'band' per se (with full instruments etc). It can be in the forms of singing group (e.g acapella, choir!), tradtional music group and the likes and performed either live or using minus one.

The band/group will have to perform only ONE song (4 minutes)(self-composed/cover version). Minimum group members is 3; and as many as a proper choir group!

Members must be registered UiTM students. Those who are interested can register for the contest by filing in a form which is available at HEP. Alternatively, the forms can be collected on the day itself at the committee table at Dewan Seri Budiman.

Have fun!

Cancelled!

Ram; Jack, So sorry about the cancellation. Something came up today. I will try to arrange another one not too distance a time; maybe next week. Sorry again.

Be back tomorrow (Wednesday)

Datt (and maybe a few others too), the outlet (Sri Murni Ikan Bakar) is located at Batu 19, Kampung Jawa, Hulu Langat. Happy hunting!

I will be away from office tomorrow. Should be back into office on Wednesday. See you then.

Law of Nature!

John Locke once said that no one shall violate any person's inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property.

I opted for a rather different menu last nite! Not bad!

Point to ponder

Read a lot about Hamas & Fatah recently. Very uncomfortable! Then I started to think about what the minister, Datuk syed Hamid Albar was saying last night (in a tv news) on the need for Muslims to look at this issue thoroughly and critically. He says, this has got nothing to do with "external Dalang" or whatsoever. Blame ourselves! said him.

I remember quite clearly how Syeikh Imran convincingly says this, "Israel is going to replace the US of America as the ruling state, with new currency, new world order."

He also cited Surah Al-Maidah (49:50), which goes something like "Do not take **** and ********** as friends."

What a contrasting view!

Democracy versus Kleptocracy?

I had a good laugh last night! (Had a meeting last night). Thank you to Ameena. She was refering to the current issue in Thailand politics (Thaksin is urged by the authority to come back 'home' or face the consequences!).

She then posed this question: "How about here? In Malaysia?", to which I responded, "I dont know!"

There is this terminology, known as "kleptocracy" which means "Rule by thieves, a label sometimes applied to authoritarian regimes in which corruption (there are many forms of corruption, mind you!) reaches extraordinary levels and enormous amounts in public funds are siphoned off by top officials for their own enrichment."

The scenario can be seen anywhere, not necessarily in terms of government regimes. Hence, a non-political organisation - including a public university - can be as mean as a corrupt government! Look who's who in the cabinet line up!

Flight Tee Box 11: with Capt Zaid (UTM); Zam (UiTM) & Chad (UiTM)







With Kamal (Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences), former Provost of Melaka Campus.















With PM Rashidah Mohamad, The UiTM TNC's (Academic) wife. During lunch at the Ballroom.

Participated in the PALAPES Golf Invitational, Kota Permai, yesterday. The YDP Agong was also playing. I have not played there for more than a year. The greens were so fast while the fairways were so good! I will be posting some of the shots taken during the event later this afternoon.

Seminar on Tun Razak's Legacy

Updated: June 17th, 2007.







I will be attending the seminar from tomorrow till Saturday. Should be home by saturday night. I'll look if there is wifi available there. Otherwise i will post new entries later in the evening. Or perhaps we can meet up there, at the Sime Darby Convention ... Kiara?

Shamsul & Mas, congrats. Well done!

Individualistic?

Had late supper (11.00pm - 12.00pm) with Posiah, Sally and Ziana last nite at one mamak's outlet in section 3. Talked about a few issues:

1. 3G (Gebu, Gemuk & Gempal's women) and perhaps, soon 3B (Boroi, Botak & Buaya's men);
2. ISO thing (the department is currently having its ISO certification reviewed);
3. Life-style and the current trend of urban community (clubbing, eat-out; etc.;
4. Someone's attitude in the faculty which has created much confusion and displeasure among members.

Yes indeed. It is uncomfortable to talk about individual or human rights when there is a clear sign that individual is considered or accepted as the core value of the present system. It is the belief that the individual should be at the center of any conception of society or politics. In other words, it is the idea that people should be be able to go their own way, and as scholars put it, "do their own things".

It is one of the core values of democracy that takes the individual as one of its main component, in opposed to Islamic conception, which gives equal importance to both the individual and the group.

So, one cannot simply says that she or he has the right to do this and that by basing his claim only on so-called 'we live in a democracy country'. Think collectivism! Think about the entire community.

Life is not all about worldly gain (or is it?)

Zaemah forwarded me this nice speech two or three days ago. I wish to share this with fellow friends. Thank you Zai.

The speech was written and delivered by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Anna Quindlen at the graduation ceremony of at American university where she was awarded an Honorary PhD.

"I'm a novelist. My work is human nature. Real life is all I know. Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work. You will walk out of here this afternoon with only one thing that no one else has. There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree: there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living. But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at a desk or your life on a bus or in a car or at the computer. Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank accounts but also your soul.

People don't talk about the soul very much anymore. It's so much easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit. But a resume is cold comfort on a winter's night, or when you're sad, or broke, or lonely, or when you've received your test results and they're not so good.

Here is my resume: I am a good mother to three children. I have tried never to let my work stand in the way of being a good parent. I no longer consider myself the centre of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make marriage vows mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends and them to me. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today, because I would be a cardboard cut out. But I call them on the phone and I meet them for lunch. I would be rotten, at best mediocre, at my job if those other things were not true.

You cannot be really first rate at your work if your work is all you are. So here's what I wanted to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger pay cheque, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon or found a lump in your breast?

Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze at the seaside, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over the water, or the way a baby scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a sweet with her thumb and first finger.

Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Write a letter. Get a life in which you are generous. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beer and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough.

It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to take for granted the colour of our kids' eyes, the way the melody in a symphony rises and falls and disappears and rises again. It is so easy to exist instead of to live.

I learned to live many years ago. I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get. I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and utterly. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned. By telling them this: Consider the lilies of the field. Look at the fuzz on a baby's ear. Read in the back yard with the sun on your face.

Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived".

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is all about preseverance, energy, total fitness, determination, will & tenacity... give it a try and regret it for the rest of your life!

Provoked!

Somewhat in a fury, I sent two emails to the authorities. My tone was, I felt, very reasonable and was based on the rather unquestionable assumption that the particular person would repeat her stupid and arrogant actions. It was hard work before the emails were actually written and sent. But then it became apparent that I was moving a little more easily as I began to receive, perhaps hidayah(?) gradually.

In so many occassions, I actually wanted to ask this question, "Why am I doing this, alone?"

I hope to get answers wihout having to wait for so long.

Sleep

Sleep is a natural periodic suspension of consciousness...

But a sleeper is someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value...
















Awaking - is to bring back to consciousness after sleep. Has your soul back home?

UiTM's New DVC - Academic & Internationalisation

Congratulating PM Dr. Mustafa Zain for being appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic & Internationalisation. Wishing him all the best in is endeavour in helping UiTM realising its national mission.

Fruitful morning gathering

Had breakfast with Suzi and Sally. Talked much about current political situation. What a fruitful morning!

Monday Morning Discourse

Had breakfast at the Kedai Kopi, Shah Alam Lake Garden, with Dr. Nooraini (Dean, FSPPP), Dr. Posiah (Director, i-Learn), Ziana (Coordinator) & Sally (Assistant Registrar).

As usual, DR. N talked about Palestinians sufferings; Dr. Posiah talked about Vietnam (she was in Vietnam two days ago) while Sally and Ziana didn't say much!

Wasn't at all negative

Got a message from *--------* and it was the same negative story. I was unaware that on that particular date she had sent quite a constructive message to Ba'in saying that it was up to Renie and me to decide if we should carry proceed with the plan.

I, in fact, never received this message, and although Renie never gave approval for for a 'go', she didn't try to stop everyone else either until it was too late!

I certainly cannot blame her for what had happened!

have a nice day!

Life's like that

Met Dato' Sahol today in a bookshop in Shah Alam. We had a fairly long conversation and ended with a rather casual gesture, "I'll see you around."

He looked great, healthy as usual. I know he is happy there, the new place where he is entrusted in taking care of some important issues such as ICT, Quality, and giving ideas pertaining to the development of higher education. I wish him well.

Drift Away!

Im currently away from home...will be back soon!

Karut-Marut (Harut & Marut)

Dinie,

I should have laughed in the first place. But anyway, lets forget about the joke ok? And back to business. 'Karut-marut' is often used in Malay world. Its kind of 'irrelevant & unscientific' accusations or suggestions. Its baseless.

OK. Harut (the Malays refer Harut as 'karut', simply means 'ridiculous') was one of two angels (the other one is Marut) sent to the city of Babylon. They were supposed to teach sorcery to the wicked, as a temptation and trial from Allah SWT, who commanded the two to warn people not to learn it from them.

One of the positions that need to be understood is that the two angels were sent down to teach men sorcery so that the difference between sorcery and inimitable prophetic miracles (like, mu'jizat) might be recognised, and people not be misled by sorcerers, of whom many existed long time ago and some claimed to be prophets. Allahu a'lam.

Tasks

Prior to our short discussion yesterday, Marhaini suggested that I take over premiership studies lecture (Off Campus Program)series starting from next semester. Earlier, Hajjah Guy has also suggested that I take care of the same course for the E-DEP, also starting from next semester.

I have never considered handling any courses in the programs, partly because the program requires lectures to be held at night. But now i guess its time to re-consider. Over the years methods and technology have changed, and it became important to perhaps think about the possibility of changing ones attitude or stand.

The Long & Lonely Moments

I didn't sleep much that night. All I wanted to do was to be online and I didn't devote any attention to SMSes or any unfamiliar numbers. Thoughts kept creeping in - will everything be ok? What would happen if it is not? By morning,I had made my decision - it will be all right. Im pretty sure it will be ok.

My pleasure!

Renie,
to my great pleasure we (accompanied by Amar, Ain & Muzlifah) were to be joined in the final stages of the selection by the board.

The next major project - yet to be endorsed by the Board - will be announced no later than July this year.

Till then, feel free to contact me. Cheers.

Note: Make room for everyone, plz!

Good morning!

Masitah, Im not so sure about that issue. Sorry. Perhaps you can furnish me more..

Rozy,perhaps the biggest task during the break (last sem) was preparing our materials for the event. Well we did a great deal of work on the processes & the whole system. Suzy, Rahimi & Sally completely overhauled the whole system! Thanks also to Zera for her great job in dealing with unanticipated circumstances!

And I am still waiting for Zul to come up with the proposed plan...

Thank you!

Class Schedule II

The schedule is as follows:

June 30th; July 14th & 15th; August 4th, 5th, 25th & 26th; September 15th, 22nd & 23rd.

EMA716 Class Schedule

Dear EMAS 02.

Let me first welcome you to the course (EMA716).The class schedule for June-October 2007 is now ready. Please refer to the bulletine provided by the faculty.

Away

I will be away on vacation. Will be online whenever possible, and will attend to your messages soonest possible. Have a nice weekend.

Regrets?

Minie & Faizol. Thank you for the constructive remarks. I would not be human if I did not have regrets in my life. I sometimes wonder what lies ahead for me. Well, I can look back may be on the 20 odd years of challenge and adventure (during my journey in this institution). I must admit that I have experienced much joy and at the same time share sadness, too, and there have been many times when I have been close to cruelty and yet survived. I am glad that I am still fit and energetic enough to venture into the jungle of this misunderstood institution.

Once again, thank you.

Cosiderations

A very good morning! (Fang; Ray; Maya; Renie; Azie; Mad, et.al.).

The most important considerations in the present situation, I think, are that:

(1) Rahimah has carried out her primary obligations with notable success (she is currently struggling with her exam, leave her alone, please!);
(2) If Fisol were to wait for Renie at the spot he might have to wait many days doing nothing, pity him!;
(3) Azie is confident - and no one in this university can question her judgement - that she can reach the top spot with her present performance.

It appears, therefore, that there are no good nor there are magical grounds for instructing the small group to return to their basic - nor would such an instruction be easily explained to the whole band or group.

Consider this as my simplified conclusion. Thanks.

Gullick

Akhbar New Straits Times hari ini memaparkan artikel tulisan Gullick mengenai kepemimpinan awal negara ini pada era kemerdekaan. Gullick telah menghasilkan catatan dan rekod yang sangat bermanfaat kepada para pembaca dan penggemar bahan-bahan sejarah negara ini. Satu daripada buku beliau yang dianggap terbaik berjudul British Malaya..., maaf, saya lupa judul lengkapnya!

selamat membaca artikel berkenaan.

I will keep that for future reference

Dear Ba'in,

Im so sorry for not being able to comment further on the issue. To be honest, it is perhaps unbecoming of me to suggest anything that I am not 100% certain with. However, I will keep it for my future reference.

Thank you so much.

Modernization Theory?

Modernization means the appearance of ‘modes of social life or organization which emerged in Europe from about the seventeenth century onwards and which subsequently became more or less worldwide in their influence’(Giddens, 1991). It explains the changing ways of communication and media use in traditional and (post)modern societies.

Modernization theory has evolved in three waves. The first wave appeared in the 1950s and 1960s. One made the attempt to explain the diffusion of Western styles of living, technological innovations and individualist types of communication (highly selective, addressing only particular persons) as the superiority of secular, materialist, Western, individualist culture and of individual motivation and achievement (Lerner, 1958; Schramm, 1964).

Economic development:
Mass media promote the global diffusion of many technical and social innovations that are essential to modernization (Rogers, 1962). See Diffusion of Innovations theory.(The Malaysia Development Plan, or the Rancangan Malaysia Kedua in particular is a classic example of this theory).

Literacy and cultural development:
Mass media can teach literacy and other essential skills and techniques. They encourage a ‘state of mind’ favorable to modernity, e.g. the imagination of an alternative way of life beyond the traditional way.

National identity development:
Mass media could support national identities in new nations (colonies) and support attention to democratic policies (elections).

(Most of these theories have been discredited because of their pro-Western bias.)

The second wave of modernization theory is a part of the critical theory that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It does not support but criticize the influence of Western modernization. This is held to be a case of Western cultural and economic imperialism or dominance (Schiller, 1976).

One of the theories concerned is media dependency theory. Peripheral (developing) countries are assumed to be dependant on mass media in the core (the Western world). It also stresses on the historical ties between developed countries (First World) and the underdeveloped countries (Third world). Andre Gunder Frank's dependency theory is very much in perspective at this juncture.

The third wave of modernization theory rising in the 1990s is the theory of late-, high- or post modernity. It tries to be more neutral, being not in favor or against Western modernization. Rather it attempts to unearth the contradictions in the modernization process and to explain the consequences of modernity for individuals in contemporary society (Giddens, 1991a, 1991b). Giddens showed that modern society is characterized by time-space distantiation and disembedding mechanisms. Traditional society is based on direct interaction between people living close to each other. Modern societies stretch further and further across space and time using mass media and interactive media. Disembedding mechanisms such as money, symbolic means, English as the lingua franca and the Internet help to lift out and activities in an abstract or online form that were once embedded in particular material goods and in places.

This theme of the combination of unification and fragmentation in society and in media use also is present in the work of Meyrowitz (1993) – See Medium Theory- and van Dijk (1993, 1991/1999). Van Dijk tries to explain the rise of the new media such as computer networks and mobile telephony as important tools for modern life. They enable scale reduction and scale extension, a unitary and a fragmented world and, finally, a world that is both social and individualized (network individualism).

Source, with modification & additional comments: www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Media,%20Culture%20and%20Society/Modernization%20Theory.doc/

No magical formulas

Bee, Masitah & Joanna.

There is no magical formula to flourish in any endeavour! There are, of course, a number of factors or elements need to come together - planning (short & long term); acting on our dreams; persistence; faith; smart & hard work; managing success & failure in life; intensity; will; visioning etc - are but a few factors that must be administered.

One thing is sure: that there is an element of subjectivity about what amounts to successful life. So what is yours? I dont have the answer.

Have a nice holiday.