Archive for September, 2006

A long day ahead

September 11, 2006

My grandmother passed away this afternoon at 3.25pm.

This is going to be a long week. I can feel it already.

9/11

September 11, 2006

If you wanna know what a %$#@! loser is? It’s a dickhead who brings a girl home, where he LIVES with his parents and f***s her AND spends the night over. Okay now that THAT’S outta my system I shall move on to much more important things.

*************************************************

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and I’ve been tempted to write something about it since last week. To be honest I don’t know what to write about it yet I WANT to write something. Humans are such strange beings aren’t they?

September 11th 2001 began like any other day for Americans, with early morning rush hour traffic, and a ‘business as usual’ attitude. Few could have imagined the devastation that would occur this day. On this day, five years ago, over 3000 lives were needlessly lost, not by accidents, or illness, but by an act of terrorism. Without any regard for age, sex, race, religion, or even nationality, a terrorist group known as the al-Qaeda coordinated and executed an attack against the American people. Before the day was over, four commercial airliners were hi-jacked and intentionally crashed.

9/11 shattered America’s sense of security, and to a larger extent the World’s. The al-Qaeda got the world’s attention alright, leaving billions of people asking one simple question, why? Why did they do it? What do they want to achieve by killing so many innocent civilians?

So what is a terrorist? It is hard to agree on a single definition because what may seem as an act of terror will be considered a heroic act for another. For some people, certain acts of terrorism are justifiable as to benefit them. The simple fact is that terrorism represents different things to different people. It is not easy to find common grounds on several issues despite the fact that almost the entire world is against terrorism. While the Americans mourn the death of those in 9/11 attacks, thousands in the Middle East were celebrating on the streets, cheering for and blessing the ones who died carrying out the attacks while others named their newborns “Osama”. Indeed, one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.

The nature of contemporary terrorism has become far more frightening with fundamentalists ready to commit suicide, and fears that terror groups are seeking access to biological, chemical and nuclear materials. Old-fashioned terrorism has transformed into high intelligence networks of hard-to-track terrorist cells as can be seen in the al-Qaeda network. Southeast Asia is now seen as a breeding ground for terrorist groups threatening the security and well being of Westerners.

Osama bin Laden (who doesn’t need much introduction) and his followers regard America as their main enemy because it is America that represents what the Western and democratic world stand for, and accepts the moderate Arab regimes. Islamic fundamentalists believe that these governments should be run according to strict Islamic law by clerics.

Moreover, America is regarded as controlling and perceived as contaminating the holy places of Islam, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, through the presence of military personnel there and in other countries in the Persian Gulf. Osama also condemns America for its support of Israel, which he believes must be rooted out and destroyed. Islamic fundamentalists think the U.S. is using military force anytime or anywhere it wants to, despite the concerns or preference of the international community. In addition to that, radical Islamic fundamentalists hate American culture. They have a belief system that is incompatible with the way that Americans and other Westerners live their lives. One part of this belief system concerns women, who are to hide their bodies, have no right to property, and so on. Western sexuality, music, and women’s equality all violates their values, and the worldwide expansion of American cultural products, such as movies and music, offends them. Therefore, it is safe to say that the actions of these extremists are actually reactions to the global proliferation of U.S. and Western values.

Some consider Osama bin Laden a hero, standing up for the religion of Islam through jihad, while many see him as a disgrace, a criminal using Islam to achieve his personal goals of hate crimes towards non-Muslims. Contrary to popular belief, the word “Islam” does not mean peace. Rather, it means “surrender” or “submission”, submission to the will of Allah, the one God. Muslims are those who have submitted themselves. The basic creed of Islam is brief: There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah. Islam teaches that there is one God, the creator and sustainer of the universe. This God, Allah, is compassionate and just. Because He is compassionate, He calls all people to believe in Him and worship Him.

Even more so, Islam is often portrayed as a religion of compassion and peace, yet Osama has stained it with the blood of innocent lives. Chapter 4, verse 83 of the Quran asserts that: “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell; he shall abide in it, and Allah will send His wrath on him and curse him and prepare for him a painful chastisement.” If anyone kills a faithful Muslim on purpose, he is going against his God and will be damned, therefore sent to hell.

There were loyal and faithful Muslims in the World Trade Center. Muslims died in those towers that day. Those killed were not being unfaithful just because they were staying in New York, working and earning money. Osama is a firm believer of fundamental Islam and believes that worshiping Allah should be the main priority of every Muslim. He automatically assumes Muslims in American had defiled Islam and they ought to be killed. His actions, based on the Quran, will send him to hell.

In chapter 5, verse 51 the Quran states that: “O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.” Essentially, this verse suggests that Muslims should try not to befriend a non-believer, but does not suggest killing them. In verse 82 of the same chapter, the Quran states: “Certainly you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews and those who are polytheists, and you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to those who believe (to be) those who say: We are Christians; this is because there are priests and monks among them and because they do not behave proudly.” This verse basically implies that Muslims should tolerate the possibility of friendships with Christians but not Jews and polytheists, which goes completely against Osama’s claim that it is the duty of every Muslim to kill Christians and Jews (especially Americans).

While both verses are contradictory, it surely does not state anything about killing Christians or Jews. There is no order from Allah to kill the Americans and its allies. Osama is acting as if he has the authority of a prophet and that Allah ordered him to instruct all Muslims to kill Christians and Jews.. He is twisting the meaning of Islam to serve his own purpose. The Quran states nothing that supports his claims of killing Americans and their allies, whether civilians or military. He plucks out phrases and sentences from the Quran to support his views on non-Muslims.

Obviously, the passengers and airline staff on the highjacked planes, along with the workers and rescue personnel in the buildings were innocent victims but President Bush may have over exaggerated when he stated the night of September 11th that “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world”. More likely the United States was not attacked to destroy freedom or democracy, but instead because of its government’s foreign policy in the Middle East. Even the 2003 invasion of Iraq would be likely to inspire terrorism because there will be an increase in insurgent groups. Various foreign nationals in Iraq have been captured and beheaded by militant groups with the sole purpose of intimidating countries to remove their participation in the Iraqi invasion or its reform. Though not officially linked to the al-Qaeda, these groups are in fact acting like terrorists. Their actions are preventing Iraq from returning to any kind of a normal way of life.

Personally, I feel that the U.S. government needs to analyze its own policy towards the Middle East before considering any further military action in pursuit of terrorists. The UN exists for a reason, and the U.S. should be more willing to use its UN resources, as well as be more cooperative with other member countries. Not every conflict requires an immediate full military response. Few could blame America for wanting to bring the 9/11 terrorists, or the entire al-Qaeda, to justice. The idea of a war on terror even sounds like a purpose with a good intention. The steps taken by the U.S. to rid the world of terrorists began with a fair amount of support. Now, many nations question the actions and intentions of the U.S., and wonder if it has gone too far. Both the U.S. and terrorists are using force and violence to achieve its goals. Therefore, both sides are equally to be blamed for the death of innocent lives, whether Westerners or Middle Easterners.

It is human nature; we always have to blame someone. Militant Islam has been responsible for destabilizing numerous regions in the world in different ways. Consequently, Islam, as a religion, has become a victim of western stereotyping and misconception. The emphasis has shifted from underlining the causes leading to terrorism in the name of Islam to a religion that is militant by definition. Arab Americans have also faced verbal and physical abuse in the streets. Internet message boards burst with anti-Arab and anti-Muslim slogans and threats. The blame now is on the Muslims. It is a great injustice to Islam and to Muslims all over the world to be blamed for the acts by Islamic fundamentalists.

The attacks on the United States on September 11th killed innocent people, whose only crime was being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It has left a huge scar in the history of the United States and as Victor Hanson said in his book An Autumn of War, “the most calamitous day in our nation’s 225 years”.

Here’s a video I’d like you all to watch. I didn’t make it and the person who made it did a hell of a good job. It sent goose bumps up and down my spine while I watched it. Let us offer our prayers to these innocent people and the families that are left shattered by this atrocious event five years ago and thank the almighty power above that we didn’t die that day.


*************************************************
Bear in mind, these are MY thoughts on the issue. I’m not trying to generalize nor incline that anyone should agree with me. This is, after all MY blog. =) And don’t plagiarize okay?

I think that’s enough psycho babble from me for one day. Heh. I’m off to grade some juveniles’ English essay. *yuck*

Strawberry Cheesecake

September 10, 2006

Anyone who knows me personally knows I LOVE cheesecake. When Rob came over, he brought with him 3 boxes of Jell-O No-Bake Desserts. One Strawberry Cheesecake mix and 2 Oreo Cheesecake mix. We used a box of the Oreo cheesecake mix while he was here and it was oh-so-heavenly.

What I love most about this cheesecake mix is that it doesn’t need to be baked, in other words, no hasle, no ovens, not a lot of washing up after. To be honest I’ve never baked a cake before so this cheesecake mix is like a savior for me. I’m not exactly “handy” in the kitchen but it doesn’t mean I can’t cook. 😛 I make a killer corn soup. Rob said so, so I don’t care what you think. BLEH 😛

So, in a spontaneous mood a couple days ago I decided to whip out a box of the cheesecake mix and make myself some sugary weapon of mass hyperness.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Even the box looks SO tantalizing!

Like I said, it’s VERY easy to make. The mix comes with the topping, the filling and the crust mix. All I need was 5 tablespoon of melted butter/margarine, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of milk. Yes, THAT’S IT.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

The crust mix, filling and topping.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

First thing that needed to be done was to stir the crust mix with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 5 tablespoon of melted butter until I got well-moistened crumbs. I then needed to press the crumbs against the side of the plate and the remaining crumbs onto the bottom.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

While I set that aside, I moved on to the filling mixture. I poured the 1 1/2 milk with the white powdery filling mix and beat it. The instructions at the back said “Beat with electric mixer on lowest speed until blended”. Being the rebel (:P) I thought “screw it” and used the next best thing, MY HAND. I figured I can beat the crap outta the mix myself. Heh…and I was right. See how well it turned out? 😀

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

After the beating was done (every pun intended), all that was left to do for the moment was pour the filling mix onto the crust which I had already nicely spreaded across the plate.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

When that was done, I refrigerated for a couple of hours. I know it doesn’t look so nice but cut me some slack. This is my first time making it. 😛

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

The last thing to do was to pour the topping over the cheesecake and spread it evenly.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

I cut a slice out for myself, forked a piece and put it in my mouth. The filling melted in my mouth. It may not be the prettiest cheesecake you’ve ever seen but it tastes SO HEAVENLY GOOD. The strawberry filling tasted SO good. It wasn’t as sweet as I thought it would which is good because somehow I don’t like things TOO sweet. The last thing we all need is an overly hyper diabetic Shin.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Want some? 😀

Raisin bread pork burger and snack cakes anybody?

September 8, 2006

When I woke up this morning, it was drizzling outside. This is the kind of weather I absolutely love sleeping in to. Even now, it’s still drizzling out, cool winds blowing but not like the thunder stormy kind though. I don’t like those cause I can’t go online when there’s thunder and lightning.
So, I saw pork burgers at Choice Daily’s non-halal section last week and grabbed em the second I laid eyes on them. Pork burger…yummy *drool*. Anyway, today I made my pork burger with Gardenia’s raisin bread (that my dad bought from his KL trip 2 days ago) and surprisingly it didn’t taste as bad as it sounds. Lol Unfortunately I was too busy stuffing myself to take a picture of my pork burger, which consisted of onions and eggs too *YUM* Just thinking about it makes me drool.

Oooo, I just got a message from Rob. He’s making popcorn! *pout* I want some too. The first and last time I (well actually he made it) made popcorn the traditional way (meaning not using the microwave but using a pot and all) was when he was here. I miss his the Robear hugs. *sigh* We did something really weird a couple weeks ago. I was telling him about Gardenia’s Twiggies in which I found out is the same thing as the American Twinkies. Then we both had this craving for snacks and suddenly decided to go to our respective supermarkets, his being the “OMG-it’s-so-huge” Meijer and mine being my favorite Choice Daily at Tabuan Laru and get snacks, like EVIL SUGARY snacks. I got Twiggies, like 3 packs of them and he got Angel Food snack cakes with raspberry fillings, no fat but DOUBLE the sugar. We came home, went online, turned on webcam and ate our snacks while smiling proudly at ourselves. Weird and twisted I know. But we both enjoyed it. We were giggling like little kids while floating from the sugar buzz.

Ugh, James Blunt’s “Beautiful” is playing on the radio. *switches channel* I have to admit that song is getting annoying, to be more exact, it’s the voice. I understand how the Brits feel now when they voted him second most annoying thing. HAHAHA

Oh, news on my grandmother, she’s been moved to Lion’s Nursing Home. She’s still hanging on. Strong woman she is but at the same time I hope she’s not suffering. When I went to see her a couple nights ago, she was sleeping and I heard her snoring. That made me grin a little.

Anyway, I’m off to cyber-snuggle my Robbie now. Later~~

Holy CRAPsicle

September 6, 2006

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!

I cannot believe this!!!!

Look!!!!

A closer look:

No I’m not making this up. It’s really REAL. Check it out here.

So I almost crapped myself when I found out that I was in the final nominees. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought I would get into this list! I found out this afternoon when I was blog surfing.

HOLY %$#@!*@

This is Rob’s fault. A few months ago he found out about this nomination thing and being the sweetie he is, he put my blog up for ‘consideration’ because in his opinion: “I love your blog baby” or something to that effect, you get what I mean. I thought it was such a nice and sweet thing for him to do but we both knew that it was just for fun. I mean, almost NO ONE reads my blog. Only people who know me personally read it, I think. So he submitted my blog and we both laughed and forgot about it totally…..until today.

OMG!!

I’m still in shock to be honest. Seriously I don’t think I am worthy to be in the 10 listed nominees for Best Malaysia Blog. Come on lah!!! I’m not even known in Kuching, let alone the whole freaking country! What were the judges thinking?!?!

At the same time, I am deeply honored to be put in such a par with the other nominated bloggers. *tears up* Each blogger has their own different styles of writing and discuss a wide variety of issues. I like them all, from current issues to normal daily life. Do check them out!

BlackJetta
Cheeserland
Desidarata
Fireangelism
kurtlow.com
myAsylum
MySabah
Quaintly
TV Smith’s Dua Sen

Special thanks to Robbie (the sweetie he is) for nominating me (or getting me in trouble, whichever you prefer) in the first place even though it was for fun and the judges for well…choosing my blog to be one of the final 10 nominees!

OMG OMG OMG I’m so extremely happy about this.

Meebo me damnit!

September 5, 2006

I don’t know if you guys noticed but there’s a box to the right (this way…yes follow the arrow —–>) that says “One on one”. It’s Meebo…you can chat with me in private lah!!! How come no one uses it to say hi to me? So sad! Perhaps I should move it up a bit so my readers (or lack of) can actually see it. *grins*

When I log in into Meebo sometimes it says there is such and such guest online but how come no one messages me? :(( Say hi or something, don’t be shy! I don’t bite, unless you want me to. 😀

I had cereal for breakfast and lunch today. I’m still hungry. Serves me right for being fat and thus having a large stomach. *sigh* Oh well, life goes on, if there aren’t any fat people around they would be no variety. =D

Song of the day

September 5, 2006

I don’t know about you but back when I was a little troublemaker I was crazy about the New Kids on the Block. If you don’t know, Donnie Wahlberg, brother OF Mark Wahlberg was part of this group. Of course when they were oh-so-famous I was about a little innocent girl back in the 80’s. Nontheless, my cousins who babysat me a lot then were in their teenage years were crazy about them and it rubbed off on me until I myself became a fan at about 6 or 7. Until this day I can’t forget that tune of “Step by step (ooooo baby…gonna get something something, don’t remember lah)”. Lame I know. Anyway, the group doesn’t exist anymore.

So, along the years I have somewhat followed interest in their solo careers. Joey Mcintyre’s solo album “Stay the Same” hit home with me when I was around 17. I love the way he sings and his lyrics spoke to me particularly “Stay the Same”. Believe me, as an insecure 17 year old you would agree. Search for the lyrics on the web or umm *cough* download *cough* get a hold of the song. I would say that Joey Mcintyre is my favourite among the rest of the New Kids.

Jordan Knight has a new album coming out in mid-September and I must say I’m anticipating hearing his new songs *cough* Limewire *cough* His current song that keeps getting playing on Mix is called “Say Goodbye”, a collaboration with Deborah Gibson.

It’s hard to find the lyrics for the song so I might as well type the lyrics out as I hear them in the song.

Say Goodbye
Jordan Knight featuring Deborah Gibson

I’ve been so lost lately
I don’t really understand baby
Where did I go wrong
I wanna talk to you
Please call

Where do I begin with you
after all that we’ve been through
I don’t think that it would be right if we
got together so suddenly

I wish that I could take back all of the things that I said
and replace them with simply “I love you” instead

You didn’t wanna say goodbye
But you never really seem like you wanna try
But I only wanted you to stay
then I let you just slip away
If you didn’t listen to your heart inside
then it really doesn’t matter what was on your mind
and if you need me then tell me why
Girl, I never meant to say goodbye

I think about the past baby
Why we couldn’t make it last lady
I know you still have doubts
But I’m gonna prove that we can work things out

I wanna be sure that you
know what you put me through
and reveal that you intend
to never let me down again

It’s clear to me and I can’t ignore
that I have to give you something I couldn’t before

You didn’t wanna say goodbye
But you never really seem like you wanna try
But I only wanted you to stay
then I let you just slip away
If you didn’t listen to your heart inside
then it really doesn’t matter what was on your mind
and if you need me then tell me why
Girl, I never meant to say goodbye

I didn’t think that we would come to this
Your eyes, your face, your smile is what I miss
Why’d you wait so long to take me back
It’s all a simple misunderstanding

You didn’t wanna say goodbye
But you never really seem like you wanna try
But I only wanted you to stay
then I let you just slip away
If you didn’t listen to your heart inside
then it really doesn’t matter what was on your mind
and if you need me then tell me why
Girl, I never meant to say goodbye

You didn’t wanna say goodbye
But you never really seem like you wanna try
But I only wanted you to stay
then I let you just slip away
If you didn’t listen to your heart inside
Then it really doesn’t matter what was on your mind
and if you need me then tell me why
Girl, I never meant to say goodbye

These lyrics don’t do much justice to the song. You need to go listen to it. I like how they both take turns singing their parts like they’re having a conversation kinda thingy majiggy. Just got listen to the song lah! You’ll understand what I mean. I like it and I think you ought to too! 😉

P/S I wish I know how to upload songs on here, kinda like an audio version of YouTube. Anyone know how to do it?

Religion anyone?

September 3, 2006

You know, I don’t give a RAT’S ASS about Siti, ooops I mean DATIN Siti Nurhaliza’s wedding. *roll eyes* TV3 showed live telecasts on the 3 days celebration over the span of 3 weeks. Ok FINE show the live telecast. Apparently, some wedding is so much more news worthy than those of wars and crimes in this FREAKING earth.

And NOW they are airing the delayed telecast of the too-much-publicized-so-called-perasan-wedding-of-the-year AND CANCELING my favorite shows; The Apprentice and Medical Investigation! PLEASE LAH! What is wrong with you people!?!?

Okay, so now that I got that out of my system, let’s move on to what I want to talk about today.

How many out there are religious? I’m not, at least not lately. Why? Well, for reasons that shall not be disclosed here, I have been believing less and less on God and when I talk about God I refer to the Christianity version which before I have had a stronger faith in.

I’m not saying I totally don’t believe in God, I’m just saying my faith in Him is fading. It seems like regardless how much I pray and how much I ask for some things, they are not answered. Of course I sound like a brat now. I’m sure God has other more important things to deal with than my stupid requests. Speaking of that, another thing about this whole religion thing is that I’m finding it hard to believe that I am “good enough” for God, meaning I have doubts whether I’m worth it to have someone in the higher power watching over me. I mean, let’s face it, I’m not exactly an angel. I have my share of white lies, I lose my temper at times, I yell at people, I get impatient in traffic etc. Yes, everyone has such moments but for me I’m begining to have a hard time accepting the fact that I do all that and can STILL be accepted by the almighty power above. *points up* Yes, I also know that people have done worse things and were “forgiven” by God. That’s great for those who can forgive themselves (and I’m not being sarcastic) and all but for me it’s a personal feeling that I can’t get over with. Guilt is a very bad thing eh?

I had a little conversation with someone today when she told me she stopped going to church. My initial reaction was of shocked but slowly I totally related to how she felt and her reasons for not going to church anymore. She felt abandoned by God because her constant prayers have not been answered (which I can relate to) so she decided “Screw church”. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I chose not to affliate myself with any churches. I believe (d) in Christianity but I am not officially one. I was given a bible when I was 12 and bought my own one at 17 and read it EVERY night. Now it still sits on my bed but hardly touched. Imagine the amount of guilt I would feel if I were to stop going to church. I won’t feel guilt for not going if I don’t go in the first place, right?

I suppose it’s safe for me to say that I’ve had this feeling for a while now. I remember praying a few months ago for God to help restore my faith in Him because I had felt that I was slowly straying away from my beliefs. Anyway, I don’t know what the outcome will be from this religious/spiritual crisis. If it’s worth discussing again, I shall keep you posted.

In the mean time, do enjoy this totally non-related but funny quote that I found on a site: “I didn’t realize when I married Mr.Right his first name was ‘Always’.”

© 2024 - A Clueless Person's Lair - Brought by Wordpress Themes - Designed by XHTML Valid