Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Michael Jackson, whose brilliance as an entertainer was matched only by his eccentricity, died of cardiac arrest Thursday - as dramatically and mysteriously as he lived.

The 50-year-old music icon fell unconscious and stopped breathing at his rented home on Sunset Blvd. in Bel Air, officials said.

The cause of death is still unknown, but several British newspapers including the London Times, Daily Mail and the Sun published reports Friday morning that linked the pop star's death to an injection of the painkiller Demerol, which the singer's aides told doctors he received after a round of strenuous rehearsals for his upcoming tour.

The news of MJ's death caught his fans all over the world by surprise.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, IN. The fifth son of steelworker Joe Jackson, Michael displayed a talent for music and dance from an extremely young age. Joe began to organize a family musical group around his three eldest sons in 1962, and Michael joined them the following year

Dubbed the Jackson 5, the group signed to Motown in 1968 and issued their debut single in October 1969, when Michael was just 11 years old. "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There" all hit number one in 1970, making the Jackson 5 the first group in pop history to have their first four singles top the charts.



At the impossible age of 12, the youngest Jackson son sang in a voice of startling maturity and feeling.

Motown began priming Michael for a solo career in 1971, and his first single, "Got to Be There," was issued toward the end of the year; it hit the Top Five, as did the follow-up, a cover of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin."

The Jackson 5 perform during the "Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" in 1972. The brothers, from left to right, are, Tito; Marlon; lead singer Michael, the youngest; Jackie; and Jermaine.

Later in 1972, Jackson had his first number one solo single, "Ben," the title song from a children's thriller about a young boy who befriends Ben, the highly intelligent leader of a gang of homicidal rats. Given the subject matter, the song was surprisingly sincere and sentimental, and even earned an Oscar nomination.

However, the momentum of Jackson's solo career (much like that of the Jackson 5) soon stalled. He released his fourth and final album on Motown in 1975, and the following year, he and his brothers (save Jermaine) signed to Epic and became the Jacksons.

In 1977, Jackson landed a starring role alongside Diana Ross in the all-black film musical The Wiz, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz; here he met producer/composer Quincy Jones for the first time.

Encouraged by the success of the Jacksons' self-produced, mostly self-written 1978 album Destiny, Jackson elected to resume his solo career when his management contract with his father expired shortly thereafter. With Jones producing, Jackson recorded his first solo album as an adult, Off the Wall.

Off the Wall made Jackson a star all over again. It produced four Top Ten singles, including the number one hits "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You," and went platinum (it went on to sell over seven million copies); even so, Jackson remained loyal to his brothers and stayed with the group.

Jackson and Diana Ross hold their American Music Awards in 1981. Jackson won for favorite soul album and Ross won for favorite female soul vocalist.

Released in 1982, the Quincy Jones-produced Thriller.


Jackson's 13-minute "Thriller" video in 1983 was the most expansive at the time and cost half a million dollars to make.

Jackson brought in Paul McCartney for a duet, guitarist Eddie Van Halen for a jaw-dropping solo, and Vincent Price for a creepy recitation. It was no surprise that Thriller was a hit; what was a surprise was its staying power. Jackson's duet with McCartney, "The Girl Is Mine," was a natural single choice, and it peaked at number two; then "Billie Jean" and the Van Halen track "Beat It" both hit number one, for seven and three weeks respectively.

Those latter two songs, as well as the future Top Five title track, had one important feature in common: Jackson supported them with elaborately conceived video clips that revolutionized the way music videos were made.

Jackson treated them as song-length movies with structured narratives: "Billie Jean" set the song's tale of a paternity suit in a nightmarish dream world where Jackson was a solitary, sometimes invisible presence; the anti-gang-violence "Beat It" became an homage to West Side Story; and the ten-minute-plus clip for "Thriller" (routinely selected as the best video of all time) featured Jackson leading a dance troupe of rotting zombies, with loads of horror-film makeup and effects.

Jackson sealed his own phenomenon by debuting his signature "moonwalk" dance step on May 16, 1983, on Motown's televised 25th anniversary special; though he didn't invent the moonwalk (as he himself was quick to point out), it became as much of a Jackson signature as his vocal hiccups or single white-sequined glove.

Thriller just kept spinning off singles, including "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," the ballad "Human Nature," and "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"; in all, seven of its nine tracks wound up in the Top Ten.

Thriller stayed on the charts for over two years, spent 37 nonconsecutive weeks at number one, and became the best-selling album of all time; it went on to sell 25 million copies in the U.S. alone, and around another 20 million overseas.

At the end of 1983, Jackson was again on top of the singles charts, this time as part of a second duet with McCartney, "Say Say Say." In 1984, Jackson rejoined his brothers one last time for the album Victory. The following year, he and Lionel Richie co-wrote the anthemic "We Are the World" for the all-star famine-relief effort USA for Africa; it became one of the fastest-selling singles ever.

Bad was released in 1987. It debuted at number one, and the first single, "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," with vocal accompaniment by Siedah Garrett, also shot up the charts to number one. Bad became the first album ever to produce five number one hits; the others were "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," and "Dirty Diana."

Bad "only" sold eight million copies


Jackson performs on stage during is "HIStory" world tour concert in Auckland, New Zealand in 1996.



Jackson announces plans for a summer tour at the O2 Arena in London, England on March 5, 2009


Michael Jackson was indeed a legend. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

Bulan Rejab

Rejab bermakna kebesaran atau kemuliaan dan ia membawa maksud bulan yang dibesarkan atau dimuliakan. Masyarakat Jahiliyah menamakan bulan ini dengan bulan Rejab kerana mereka memulia dan menghormati bulan ini dengan mengharamkan berperang di dalamnya. Dan Rasulullah SAW mengekalkan nama ini dan mengharamkan pertumpahan darah di bulan Rejab. Dan bagi umat Islam, kita memperingati dan memuliakan Rejab sempena dengan peristiwa besar yang berlaku kepada Rasulullah SAW iaitu peristiwa Isra' dan Mi'raj.

PERISTIWA-PERISTIWA PENTING BULAN REJAB

1.Hijrah Pertama

Hijrah ke Habsyah (Ethiopia) Pihak musyrikin Mekah meningkatkan tekanan dan ancaman kepada Rasulullah SAW dan mereka yang beriman kepada Rasulullah SAW pada ketika itu. Ada di kalangan sahabat yang mengadu kepada Rasulullah SAW tentang derita yang mereka tanggung lalu Rasulullah SAW memerintahkan agar mereka berhijrah ke negeri Habsyah.

Tujuan hijrah ini adalah untuk menyelamatkan iman dan keselamatan diri di samping untuk mencari tapak baru untuk Islam bertapak dan menyusun langkah untuk agenda seterusnya. Diantara mereka yang berhijrah ke Habsyah ialah Saidina Othman RA dan istrinya Roqiah anak Rasulullah SAW. Jumlah mereka adalah 14 orang termasuk 4 orang wanita. Habsyah dipilih adalah kerana rajanya dikenali dengan toleransi dan sikap terbukanya.

2. Isra' dan Mi'raj

Isra'dan Mi'raj ertinya Rasulullah SAW dijalankan dari Mekah ke Baitulmuqaddis di waktu malam dan diangkat ke langit bertemu Allah SWT dan untuk mengambil kewajipan solat 5 waktu dari Allah SWT.

Dalam menentukan tarikh bila berlakunya peristiwa ini, sebahagian ulama mengatakan pada 27 RabiulAkhir; sebahagian ulama mengatakan pada 17 RabiulAwal; sebahagian ulama mengatakan 29 Ramadhan; sebahagian ulama mengatakan pada 27 Rejab dan sebahagian ulama yang lain mengatakan pada tanggal-tanggal selain dari yang tersebut.

Menurut Chalil, 1999 sebagaimana yang dijelaskan oleh Dr.(H) Hj. Kassim Bahali, ada setengah ulama mengatakan pada malam tanggal 7 RabiulAwal. Adapun yang terbanyak ialah golongan yang mengatakan pada tanggal 27 Rejab, sekalipun tidak dengan alasan yang kuat.

Tahun berlakunya juga terdapat perselisihan pendapat ulama, ada sebahagian yang mengatakan pada tahun ke 5 dari Bi'tsah (tahun mula diutusnya peribadi Nabi), sebahagiannya berpendapat pada tahun ke 12 dari Bi'tsah; sebahagiannya berpendapat pada tahun sebelum Nabi hijrah ke Thaif, sebahagian berpendapat pada tahun ketiga sebelum hijrah Nabi S.A.W ke Madinah dan ada yang sebahagiannya pula berpendapat lain dari semuanya itu.

Bagaimanapun seorang ahli sejarah Islam bernama Ibnu Saad telah mencatatkan dalam kitabnya "At-Tobaqatil Qubra", bahawa berlaku israk mikraj terhadap Nabi s.a.w. ialah pada lapan belas bulan sebelum Nabi S.A.W. hijrah ke Madinah dalam satu peristiwa yang amat bersejarah itu.(Tazkirah, Pusat Zakat N. Sembilan)

3. Perang Tabuk

Tabuk adalah mengambil nama sempena nama satu tempat di Utara Semenanjung Arab di mana Rasulullah SAW dan 30 ribu tentera Islam berkumpul. Tidak berlaku pertempuran kerana tentera Rom telah melarikan diri kerana takut dan gerun kepada kekuatan dan kecekalan tentera Islam yang sanggup menghadapi berbagai kesukaran

4. Pembebasan Baitul-Muqaddis

Baitul Muqaddis telah dibuka pada zaman Saidina Umar Al-Khattab RA di zaman pemerintahannya. Akibat kelalaian dan perpecahan uamat Islam di zaman pemerintahan Abasiyah, umat Kristian (tentera Salib) telah melakukan serangan demi serangan ke atas Baitul Muqaddis dan akhirnya dapat menawan kota suci Baitul Muqaddis setelah 500 tahun dikuasai oleh pemerintahan Islam. Tentera Salib telah menduduki Baitul Muqaddis hampir 60 tahun sebelum dibebaskan kembali oleh panglima Islam terkenal Salehuddin Al-Ayubi. Beliau telah berjaya menawan kembali Baitul Muqaddis dari tangan tentera Salib pada hari Jumaat, 27 Rejab 583H. Dan pada tahun 1967 bersamaan 1387H umat Yahudi pula menawan Baitul Muqaddis (Palestin) dan menamakan negara baru mereka dengan nama Israel.

5. Lahirnya Imam Syafie RH.

Nama sebenar Imam Syafie RH ialah Muhammad bin Idris. Beliau lahir di Ghuzah, Palestin pada tahun 150H bersamaan 767 Masehi dalam bulan Rejab. Beliau adalah salah seorang dari empat imam mazhab yang besar dalam dunia Feqah. Malaysia mengamalkan mazhab Syafie. Diantara peninggalan imam Syafie RH yang tiada ternilai harganya dan menjadi rujukan sehingga sekarang ialah kitab al-Umm.

AMALAN-AMALAN DI BULAN REJAB

Tiada amalan khusus untuk bulan Rejab yang diriwayatkan dari Rasulullah SAW yang dijumpai di dalam mana-mana hadis shahih. Penulis berpendapat ada hikmahnya kenapa Allah SWT, Rasulullah SAW dan para sahabat RA tidak memberitahu tarikh dan tahun berlakunya peristiwa Isra' dan Mi'raj. Rasulullah SAW tidak mahu umatnya menetapkan ibadat-ibadat tertentu di bulan Rejab khasnya pada hari dan malam berlakunya peristiwa Isra' dan Mi'raj itu.

Ini untuk mengelakkan berlakunya perkara-perkara yang diada-adakan (bid'ah) dan perbuatan membeza-bezakan kemuliaan satu-satu bulan. Namun begitu ada pendapat yang meriwayatkan tentang amalan-amalan sunat tertentu seperti solat sunat Rejab, puasa Rejab dan umrah Rejab. Pendapat ini adalah bersandar kepada hadis-hadis lemah.

Terlalu banyak amalan-amalan sunat yang umum yang masih kita belum berkesempatan untuk mengamalkannya boleh kita praktikkan di bulan Rejab ini sebagai persediaan kita menjelang Ramadhan al-Mubarak. Diantaranya solat malam, qiamul-lail, puasa Isnin dan Khamis, tadarrus al-Qur'an dan lain-lain lagi.

Di sini penulis ingin menyarankan agar pada akhir bulan Jamadilakhir khasnya pada 29 Jamadilakhir, kita bolehlah melatih mata kita untuk menjejaki hilal. Proses melatih mata untuk merukyah hilal boleh dimulakan 20 minit sebelum Maghrib sehinggalah 20 minit selepas maghrib dengan memerhatikan ufuk Barat sekitar tempat matahari terbenam.

Ini boleh dilakukan dengan mata kasar tanpa menggunakan sebarang alat kecuali untuk melihat matahari perlukan penapis (solar filter). Bagi mereka yang mempunyai teleskop atau teodolite ataupun binocular, inilah masanya untuk menguji peralatan dan kemahiran masing-masing agar pada hari cerapan hilal Sya'ban, Ramadhan dan Syawal kita tidak menghadapi masaalah dalam melakukan cerapan hilal.

Dan sebenarnya Rasulullah SAW sendiri amat mengambil berat tentang kedudukan bulan pada setiap akhir bulan khasnya apabila menjelangnya bulan Rejab dan bulan-bulan seterusnya.

Disediakan oleh;

Bahagian Falak dan Sumber Maklumat
Jabatan Mufti Negeri Melaka

H1N1 in our school!

More students are being infected with the virus and more schools are being instructed to close for a week.

"KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Kesihatan mengarahkan Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Assunta 2 ditutup seminggu mulai hari ini setelah seorang daripada muridnya dijangkiti Influenza A (H1N1), menjadikannya sekolah kedua dikenakan tindakan serupa setakat ini.

Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican berkata, kementerian itu juga mengeluarkan arahan penutupan satu kelas bermula hari ini kepada tiga lagi sekolah iaitu Sri Cempaka International School di Cheras, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seksyen 9 Shah Alam, dan Sekolah Menengah Damansara Utama di Petaling Jaya bermula hari ini." -mStar, 22June 2009-

Today, a form 4 student from my school was fetched by the parents because the younger sibling was suspected of being infected by some kind of virus. The family was supposed to have returned from a holiday in New Zealand. It was still not confirmed as to whether the student was actually infected by H1N1.

"WELLINGTON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The number of Influenza A/H1N1 confirmed cases in New Zealand rose to 303 on Monday, up 45 from Sunday, with 219 active cases reported in the past seven days."

Are we aware of the seriousness of the fast spread of the infection? What do we know of this disease?

This morning some students in my school received the news that a student from the school might be infected with joy! All they thought of was not having to go to school so they can go shopping?

Clearly many are still not properly informed. So, what do we really know of the virus?

What is H1N1 influenza virus?

The H1N1 influenza virus (human swine influenza or human swine flu) is a respiratory disease of humans caused by type A influenza virus. This particular strain has originated in swine, although it is now transmitted between people. Contact with swine is no longer a concern.

How does H1N1 influenza virus spread?

Spread of H1N1 influenza virus also called H1N1 flu virus from person to person occurs in the same way as seasonal flu, which is mainly spread person to person through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses or germs on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Germs on hard surfaces, such as counters and doorknobs, can be picked up on hands and spread to the respiratory system when people touch their mouth or nose. It is important to wash your hands frequently.

How can H1N1 flu virus be prevented?

You can reduce the risk of getting any influenza strain, including the H1N1 flu virus, by taking standard precautionary measures.

• Wash your hands or clean them with alcohol-based hand rubs frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as infection can spread that way.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What are the symptoms of human swine flu?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus or human swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of typical human seasonal influenza. Symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, eye pain, shortness of breath, and lack of appetite. Some people with human swine flu have also reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms or complications such as severe respiratory distress or pneumonia may develop in moderate or severe cases, as well as people with chronic health conditions.

What to do if you or your child has symptoms?

In most adults and children, the symptoms of H1N1 flu virus or human swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. If you or your child gets sick, you can take these steps to feel better.

• Children and adults who are sick should stay at home. Do not send children to school or daycare.
• Drink lots of fluids (juice, water, Pedialyte).
• Get plenty of rest.
• Keep your child comfortable.
• For fever, sore throat, and muscle aches, you can use fever-reducing medicines that your doctor recommends based on your child’s age. Do not use aspirin with children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
• Keep clean tissues and a trash bag close, and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• A person who is sick should recover in his or her own room as much as possible.
• If someone in your home is sick, keep the person away from those who are not sick.

What is home isolation?

You or your child may require home isolation if you have an infectious illness such as influenza or flu. The influenza virus is contagious for 24 hours before symptoms start and for about 7 days after symptoms start. You should stay at home or in isolation for 7 days even if your symptoms get better and your fever has gone.

Isolation means staying at home and not going to work, school, or other public places. While at home, the person who is sick should stay isolated or away from other household members and other people as much as possible.

You stay at home and away from people to prevent spreading influenza to others. It also gives you time to recover. You should recover in your own room as much as possible. Keep a 2 metre (6 feet) distance when contact with other household members is unavoidable. Everyone should wash their hands often, using soap and warm water.

How can human infections with H1N1 flu virus be diagnosed?

Identification of human swine influenza A virus requires sending a specimen from the infected person to the laboratories for testing. To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would need to be collected generally within the first 4 to 5 days of illness, during the time when an infected person most likely sheds the virus. Some people, especially children, may shed the virus for 10 days or longer. People with mild illness do not need to have a test done and should not go to their doctor for this.

What medications are available to treat H1N1 flu virus infections?

Currently, antiviral drugs prescribed by doctors can be used for early treatment of the illness in certain people who may be at risk of more severe disease.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu virus?

Experts are working internationally to develop a vaccine that will protect persons from this particular strain of influenza. However, the seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for individuals to offer protection against the seasonal strains that may be circulating, regardless of whether a novel strain has emerged.

When should I contact a doctor or health care provider?

If you need to see your doctor or health care provider, call ahead and report your symptoms so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Individuals with no flu symptoms can continue with their regular daily activities, including going to work or school, whether or not they have travelled in a country or been in contact with someone who has travelled where H1N1 flu virus or human swine flu has been reported.

(extracted from HealthLinkBC)

Further information....

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

It is indeed very important to be well informed so that we can take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

A tribute to my late father on FATHER'S DAY

A Father Is
A Father is neither an anchor to hold us back
nor a sail to take us there,
but always a guiding light
whose love shows us the way.
The warm light of your love
shines in my memories and in my heart
reminding me of your guidance
your care, and most of all, your love

- Anonymous
It just dawned on me that I don't really know much about Abah. I know that he was in the army from the photos. He was very slim and handsome in his uniform! I don't know when exactly he served as a clerk at the local council.

Where did he school?

Abah liked reading. I still have some of his collection of books. Abah was also into politics. He was a staunch supporter of UMNO.

I really would like to know more about Abah. I really need to get more information on Abah from Acik. She's the only one left. I'll give her a call sometime soon. Perhaps, pay her a visit?...

Kok ye pun nak tiru.......

Secara tak sengaja tertengok drama ni. Mula ingat nak bagi la juga sokongan kat drama TV tempatan. Tapi bila tengok dia tiru bulat bulat dari Grey's Anatomy, langsung tak selera nak tengok. Sangat memualkan...menjengkelkan..

Kok ye pun nak tiru, jangan la ditiru bulat bulat! Dah ketandusan sangat kah pengkarya di Malaysia ni? Ke mana perginya pengawasan dari pihak Media Prima sehingga drama yang sebegini rendah kualitinya boleh disiarkan?

Apa yang amat memualkan berkenaan drama ini adalah mencedok habis gaya hidup yang dipaparkan di dalam Grey's Anantomy di mana "interns" mangamalkan seks bebas....bersekedudukan...berzina!!!

Kalau dalam Grey's Anatomy, cara hidup sedemikian adalah norma kehidupan mereka di Amerika Syarikat. Ini Malaysia. Majoriti rakyatnya beragama Islam. Seks bebas, bersekedudukan, berzina, bukan sahaja tidak diterima dalam Islam, tetapi juga agama agama lain yang dianuti di negara ini.

Bukan semua dari Grey's Anatomy itu tak boleh ditiru. Kalau nak cedok pun, ambil lah bahagian yang menunjukkan semangat setiakawan, ketabahan, kejujuran, ketelusan, kesetiaan. Banyak nilai-nilai yang baik yang boleh diambil dari Grey's Anatomy. Malangnya pengkarya yang mencedok dari Grey's Anatomy jelas tidak tahu menilai. Tidak peka terhadap resam hidup masyarakat tempatan....walaupun beliau seorang tempatan(?)

Malang sekali jika pihak Media Prima tidak lebih berhati-hati, drama drama yang sebegini hanya akan meracuni fikiran dan merosakkan akhlak modal insan negara kita.

ARAPAIMA

I learned of this specie after reading this posting which led me to this news report. I looked up further information on the specie here. Fascinating!

"Also known as the paiche or the pirarucu, the arapaima is an air-breathing fish that plies the rain forest rivers of South America's Amazon Basin and nearby lakes and swamps. One of the world's largest freshwater fish, these giants can reach 9 feet (2.75 meters) long and weigh up to 440 pounds (200 kilograms). They have a wide, scaly, gray body and a tapered head.

Though arapaimas can stay underwater for 10 to 20 minutes, they tend to remain near the water's surface, where they hunt and emerge often to breathe with a distinctive coughing noise. They survive mainly on fish but are known to occasionally grab birds close to the water's surface.

The arapaima's proximity to the water's surface make it vulnerable to human predators, who can easily target them with harpoons. Some indigenous communities consume the arapaima's meat and tongue and collect its large scales, which are fashioned into jewelry and other items.

The Amazon's seasonal floods have become part of the arapaima's reproductive cycle. During low-water months (February to April) arapaimas construct bottom nests and females lay eggs. Young begin to hatch as rising water levels provide them with flood conditions in which to flourish. Adult males play an unusual reproductive role by incubating tens of thousands of eggs in their mouths, guarding them aggressively and moving them when necessary.

While this giant fish's habitat is relatively unmolested, overfishing has become a serious problem, and some South American authorities have attempted to enact protections."

T

CINTA AGONG SEORANG SUAMI

"Hidup memerlukan pengorbananan. Pengorbanan memerlukan perjuangan. Perjuangan memerlukan ketabahan. Ketabahan memerlukan keyakinan. Keyakinan pula menentukan kejayaan. Kejayaan pula akan menentukan kebahagiaan."



Dilihat dari usia beliau sudah tidak muda lagi, usia yang sudah senja bahkan sudah mendekati malam. Masa Pak Suyatno, 58 tahun ke sehariannya diisi dengan merawat isterinya yang sakit. isterinya juga sudah tua. Mereka berkahwin sudah lebih 32 tahun

Mereka dikurniakan 4 orang anak .... disinilah awal cubaan menerpa, setelah isterinya melahirkan anak ke empat ..... tiba-tiba kakinya lumpuh dan tidak boleh digerakkan. Hal itu terjadi selama dua tahun.

Menginjak tahun ke tiga seluruh tubuhnya menjadi lemah bahkan terasa tidak bertulang lidahnyapun sudah tidak mampu digerakkan lagi.

Setiap hari Pak Suyatno memandikan, membersihkan kotoran, menyuapkan, dan mengangkat isterinya ke atas tempat tidur. Sebelum berangkat ke tempat kerja dia meletakkan isterinya di hadapan TV supaya isterinya tidak berasa kesunyian.

Walau isterinya tidak dapat bercakap, tapi dia selalu melihat isterinya tersenyum, dan Pak Suyatno masih berasa beruntung kerana tempat kerjanya tidak begitu jauh dari rumahnya, sehingga siang hari dia boleh pulang ke rumah untuk menyuapi isterinya makan. Petangnya dia pulang memandikan isterinya, mengganti pakaian, dan selepas maghrib dia temankan isterinya menonton tv sambil bercerita apa sahaja yang dia alami seharian.

Walaupun isterinya hanya mampu memandang (tidak mampu memberikan respons), pak suyatno sudah cukup senang bahkan dia selalu menggoda dan bergurau dengan isterinya setiap kali menjelang tidur.

Rutin ini dilakukan Pak Suyatno lebih kurang 25 tahun. Dengan sabar dia merawat isterinya bahkan sambil membesarkan ke empat buah hati mereka, sekarang anak-anak mereka sudah dewasa tinggal si bungsu yang masih kuliah.

Pada suatu hari ke empat anak suyatno berkumpul di rumah orang tua mereka sambil menjenguk ibunya. Kerana setelah menikah mereka tinggal dengan keluarga masing-masing.

Dan pak suyatno tetap merawat ibu kepada anak-anaknya, dan yang dia inginkan hanya satu: semua anaknya berjaya.

Dengan kalimat yang cukup hati2 anak yang sulung berkata : "Pak kami ingin sekali merawat ibu ... Semenjak kami kecil kami melihat bapak merawat ibu dan tidak ada sedikit pun keluhan keluar dari bibir bapak, bahkan bapak tidak izinkan kami menjaga ibu."

Dengan air mata berlinang anak itu melanjutkan kata-katanya .....

"Sudah yang kali keempat kami mengizinkan bapak menikah lagi, kami rasa ibu pun akan mengizinkannya. Bila bapak akan menikmati masa tua bapak dengan berkorban seperti ini ... kami sudah tidak sampai hati melihat bapak begini... kami berjanji akan merawat ibu dengan sebaik-baiknya secara bergantian," ujar anaknya yang sulung merayu.

Pak Suyatno menjawab hal yang sama sekali tidak diduga oleh anak-anaknya.

"Anak-anakku. .... jikalau hidup di dunia ini hanya untuk nafsu.... mungkin bapak akan berkahwin lagi.... tapi ketahuilah dengan adanya ibu kalian di sampingku... . itu sudah lebih dari cukup. Dia telah melahirkan kalian..." Sejenak kerongkong nya tersekat... "Kalian yang selalu kurindukan hadir di dunia ini dengan penuh cinta yang tidak dapat dinilai dengan apapun. Cuba kalian tanya ibu mu apakah dia menginginkan keadaannya seperti Ini ?

Kalian menginginkan bapak bahagia .... Apakah batin bapak dapat bahagia meninggalkan ibumu dalam keadaannya seperti sekarang ?

Kalian menginginkan bapak yang masih diberi Allah kesihatan yang baik dirawat oleh orang lain ....... bagaimana dengan ibumu yg masih sakit ?

Sejenak meledaklah tangis anak-anak Pak Suyatno... Mereka pun melihat butiran-butiran kecil jatuh di pelupuk mata ibunya... Dengan pilu ditatapnya mata suami yang sangat dicintainya itu...

Sampailah akhirnya pak Suyatno diundang oleh salah satu stesen TV swasta untuk menjadi panel jemputan acara Bimbingan Rohani Selepas subuh dan juru acara pun mengajukan pertanyaan kepada pak suyatno...

Kenapa bapak mampu bertahan selama 25 tahun merawat Isteri yang sudah tidak mampu berbuat apa-apa?

Ketika itu pak Suyatno pun menangis.... tamu yang hadir di studio yang kebanyakan kaum ibu pun tidak mampu menahan rasa terharu...

Disitulah pak suyatno bercerita... Jika manusia didunia ini mengagungkan sebuah cinta tapi dia tidak mencintai kerana Allah maka semuanya akan luntur...

Saya memilih isteri saya menjadi pendamping hidup saya .... Sewaktu dia sihat diapun dengan sabar merawat saya... Mencintai saya dengan sepenuh hati zahir dan batinnya bukan dengan mata kepala semata-mata. .. dan dia memberi saya 4 orang anak yang lucu dan baik-baik...

Sekarang dia sakit berkorban untuk saya kerana Allah... Dan itu merupakan ujian bagi saya.

Sihat pun belum tentu saya mencari penggantinya. .. apalagi dia sakit ... Setiap malam saya bersujud dan menangis dan saya mengadu kepada Allah di atas sajadah supaya meringankan penderitaan isteri saya.

Dan saya yakin hanya kepada Allah tempat saya mengadukan rahsia dan segala kesukaran saya...kerana DIA maha Mendengar... .

Kisah yang wajar kita teladani... masih adakah suami yang sedemikian??

Lempeng

Lempeng ni sejenis makanan yang biasa-biasa je. Ada berbagai-bagai jenis lempeng dan berbagai-bagai cara memakan nya.

Tapi cikgu bkn nk cakap pasal lempeng yang boleh dimakan. Cikgu nk ckp psl penggunaan perkataan lempeng.

Biasanya lempeng digunakan untuk merujuk kepada susuk bdn seseorang. Mereka yang tergolong di dalam kategori lempeng adalah

Twiggy.....










Saiful Apek dan......









Olive Oyle!












Kali ni cikgu akan gunakan perkataan lempeng sebagai adjektif yang bermaksud lembab....lambat....slow!!!

Sebab?

K....citenye gini....

Dalam perjalanan dari Dungun ke KT kami singgah di Rusila untuk makan tengahari. Yan nk cari ada satu restoran dekat dgn msjd Ust Hj Hadi. Tapi tk jumpa plak. Katanya tmpt tu dah banyak berubah. Maklumlah....dah lama tak ke situ.

Skali ternampak satu tempat mkn tu macam ok je sbb ada ramai orang. Jadi, Yan buat u-turn utk ke situ.










Masa tu orang tengah ramai. Kami dapat tempat duduk di bahagian blkg. Meja masih ada bekas makanan pelanggan sebelum itu yang belum diangkat.

Bila kami dah dudk, tiba-tiba je ada plak yg claim dia dah book meja tu. Cikgu buat tak tau je!





Seorang pekerja lelaki dtg utk mengemas meja. Katanya jap lagi dia dtg ambil order. Tunggu punya tunggu tak juga kunjung tiba!

Cikgu pegi nk ambil nasi campor. Tak de plak org yg menyendokkan nasi. Nk buat sendiri, pinggan plak tak de! So, pegi duduk semula.

Tak lama lps tu baru ada orang yg menyendukkan nasi. Pinggan pun dah ada. Cikgu dgn Adek pegi la ambil nasi campor. Lauk dah tinggal saki baki je. Cikgu ambil singgang ikan dgn kerabu dan adek ambil kerisi goreng dgn sup sawi. Bekas sambal belacan kene tonggengkan sbb dah nk habis.

Yan dgn Yana tak berminat nk ambil nasi campor sbb tak selera tengok lauk yg ada. Ingatkan nk order nasi goreng ke....

Orang yg janji nk ambil order air tak juga sampai-sampai. Terpaksa panggil pelayan perempuan plak.

Tunggu punya tunggu....airnya tak juga sampai sampai.

Panggil pula pelayan yg lain sbb pelayan yg tadi dah hilang!

Bila dia hantar air, Yan dgn Yana order nasi goreng dan sotong goreng.

Bdk yg ambil order hilang lagi.....yang diorder pun tak sampai sampai!!!.....memang menguji kesabaran.....





Stlh lama menunggu baru lah makanan yang dipesan sampai. Dah lah tunggu lama, tak sedap plak tu!!!

Ramai pelanggan lain yang menegur kelembapan pelayan-pelayan restoran tersebut.

Bila dah selesai mkn cikgu panggil seorang pelayan utk kira. Sebab lama sgt menunggu, cikgu pun pergi ke kaunter bayaran. Cikgu dah sampai di kaunter bayaran baru dia nk pergi ke meja utk kira!!!!

Cikgu cakap pd bdk tu, "Eh...tak payah, aku dah sampai sini. Lambat sangat!"

Maka masam lah muka budak tu. Ha....padan muka! Lembab sangat. Dah kena tegur.




Jadi sempena nama restoran itu, lempeng bolehlah membawa maksud lambat....lembab.....slow!!!

Memang tak akan ke situ lagi.

Bye bye Tenggol Island

Later that night it rained heavily. The few who chose to camp on the beach had to seek shelter in the restaurant.









By the time we went for breakfast it was only drizzling. But that didn't deter us from stopping by for a ride on the swing!!















We had fried mee, fried meehon, fried rice and again toast with jam for breakfast. That was the last meal we had on the island.












After breakfast, only Adek and I headed into the sea. The water was pleasantly cool!




























Doesn't that look inviting?















Yan chose to go back to bed.....













while Yana sat on the veranda....chatting online.



















Very reluctantly, Adek and I had to leave the sea to get ready for the boat which was going to arrive at about 11 a.m. We felt cold once we got out of the water. Thankfully, the generator was not turned off yet, though it was way past 9 a.m. So, we were able to have nice hot shower.

Unfortunately, the generator was turned off just as I was rinsing myself!!

The boat arrived at about 11 a.m.
















Bye Razak. He and his friends left the island the following day. So did the group of younsters.












Bye Tenggol Island...hope to see you again!

Another blissful day on Tenggol Island

The day began early with a ride on the swing.

















Breakfast was from 7.30 a.m till 8.00 a.m because the generator is turned off at around 8.00 a.m and turned on again at about 7.00 p.m. We had 'nasi lemak' and toast with jam.
















While having breakfast another group of 40 guests arrived. They were Razak's friends and their family. Razak is one of the siblings who is the beneficiary to the beach resort.












Then, we headed into the sea again. The water was quite cool in the morning. That part of the sea is in the shade of the mountain since the sun rises from the other side of the island.















Guests from Tanjung Jara Beach resort arrived in small boats to enjoy the beach and the sea for the day. There were also other day trippers.
















Lunch was at 12.30 p.m. We had white rice with fried kerisi in sweet sour sauce, squid in oyster sauce and stir fried sawi.












After lunch, we strolled to the other end of the beach.




















There are two other smaller resorts at the other end. Though the whole stretch of the beach belongs to the same family, one of the resort (the one in the middle ) is leased to a non family member. The beach there is not as nice as the one we're staying at.












Yan made arrangements for the 3 of them to go scuba diving. Since Razak, a certified diving instructor, had already gone out to sea with his nieces, nephews and friends, we had to wait till 4.



Setting up for the dive.








All set and ready........











They were only taken down 5m. Yana only went down 3m since she was having difficulties with her oxygen tank which could not be strapped properly. Razak wanted to take them down 10m but Yan was worried about the strap holding Yana's oxygen tank which was too loose for her. Had they gone down 10m they would've been able to see Nemo and friends!














I didn't join the 3 diving. I don't even know how to float, let alone swim! I'm glad I didn't join them . Though the 3 had a lot of fun but not without difficulties. They even killed a few corals! It was awkward for them to move with huge flippers.












Finally they swam back to shore just before 7.00 p.m.









We had chicken rice for dinner.











A group of tourist who 'd been travelling in yachts were also at the restaurant for dinner. According to one of them they'd been sailing from France for about 8 months.They didn't sound French to me....but more like Aussies.











Lounging after dinner while Yana downloaded photos from Razak's camera.












I was in the bathroom when the lights suddenly went off !! Aminah was then performing Maghrib & Isya'. I managed to find my way to the veranda. The lights were on again a few minutes later. I went back into the bathroom for wudu'.












Just as I was about to finish the lights went off again! Then, no one else was in the chalet. Yan was still at the restaurant socialising while Yana and Adek had returned to their chalet. I went to the veranda and called out to the girls. Adek was supposedly to be asleep but Yana was chatting online. So, she brought the notebook and continued chatting on my veranda. After performing Maghrib & Isya' I asked Yana to stay put till Yan returned. She was staying up anyway.












As I was about to doze off, the air-conditioner suddenly switched off! I called out to Yana who was still in the veranda to switch it on.

Later on it switched off again! I sensed that Yan has returned, so I asked him to switch it on again............................zzzzzzzzzzz