IKHLAS

"Mari ku ajarkan mu tentang ikhlas," kata seorang guru kepada muridnya.

"Nanti saya ambilkan buku dan pena untuk menulisnya."

"Tak payah, bawa sahaja karung guni."

"karung guni?" soal anak muridnya, seperti tidak percaya.

"Mari kita ke pasar!" Dalam perjalanan ke pasar mereka berdua melalui jalan yang berbatu-batu.

"Kutip batu-batu yang besar dan masukkan ke dalam guni yang kau bawa itu," kata guru itu memberi arahan.

Tanpa soal, anak muridnya memasukkan batu-batu besar yang mereka temui sepanjang jalan.

"Cukup?"

"Belum, isi sampai penuh karung guni itu. Lebih banyak lebih baik."

Sampai di pasar, mereka berdua tidak membeli apa-apa pun.

Gurunya hanya berlegar-legar, melihat-lihat dan kemudiannya mula beredar ke luar.

"Tok guru, kita tidak beli apa-apa kah?"

"Tidak. Bukankah karung guni mu telah penuh?"

"Ya, ya..." kata murid itu sambil memikul guni yang berat itu kelelahan.

"Banyak beli barang," tegur seorang kenalan apabila melihat anak murid itu memikul guni yang berisi penuh dengan batu-batu.

"Wah, tentu mereka berdua ini orang kaya. Banyak sungguh barang yang mereka beli," bisik orang lalu-lalang apabila melihat guru dan anak murid tersebut.

"Agaknya, mereka hendak buat kenduri dengan barang-barang yang banyak itu," kata orang yang lain.

Sampai sahaja di tempat tinggal mereka, murid tadi meletakkan guni yang berisi batu-batu tadi.

"Oh, letih sungguh... apa yang kita nak buat dengan batu-batu ni Tok?"

"Tak buat apa-apa."

"Eh, kalau begitu letih sahajalah saya," balas anak murid.

"Letih memang letih, tapi kamu dah belajar tentang ikhlas..."

"Bagaimana?" tanya anak murid itu kehairanan.

"Kamu dah belajar apa akibatnya tidak ikhlas dalam beramal."

"Dengan memikul batu-batu ini?"

"Ya. Batu-batu itu umpama amalan yang riyak. Tidak ikhlas. Orang memujinya seperti orang-orang di pasar tadi memuji banyaknya barang yang kamu beli. Tapi, kamu sendiri tahu itu bukan barang makanan atau keperluan tetapi hanya batu-batu... "

"Amal yang tidak ikhlas umpama batu-batu ini?"

"Ya, hanya beratnya sahaja yang terpaksa ditanggung. Dipuji orang, tetapi tidak ada nilainya di sisi Allah. Yang kamu dapat, hanya penat..."

"Ya, sekarang saya sudah faham apa akibat jika beramal tetapi tidak ikhlas!" ujar murid itu. Sekarang dia sudah faham apa akibatnya RIYAK dalam beramal.

Pengajaran: Ramai manusia tertipu dalam beramal kerana mengharapkan pujian orang. Padahal kata pujian daripada orang-orang itu tidak akan memberi manfaat pun kepadanya pada hari akhirat. Malah, mengharap pujian daripada manusia hanya akan menyebabkan diri terseksa kerana terpaksa hidup dalam keadaan yang bermuka-muka. Rugi benar orang yang tidak ikhlas, terseksa di dunia, terseksa di akhirat.

Spider - Katalis

Bagaimana bisa ku melupakanmu

Pemilik wajah yang meruntun di kalbu
Sekali tersenyum berzaman ku rindu
Dalam lena masih juga mimpikanmu

Semakin ku nafi semakin manjadi
Semakin ku lawan semakin tertawan
Sedar, sedar hujung mata
Tertitis tangisan tak terungkap kata

Tiap nafas mengutus ghairah dan rindu
Mendesakku gadai maruah diriku
Haruskah ku tunduk mengalah padamu
Sedang cinta menuntutku mendugamu

Sedar, sedar hujung mata
Tertitis tangisan tak terungkap makna

Janjikan ku dapat biar kau ku rayu
Kerana hidup tak bermakna tanpamu

Sedar, sedar hujung mata
Tertitis tangisan tak terungkap kata
Sedar, sedar hujung mata
Tertitis tangisan tak terungkap makna
Sedar, sedar hujung mata
Tertitis tangisan tak terungkap kata

Entah kenapa saya letak pulak lirik lagu kat blog nii.

mungkin ada sesuatu yg istimewa dari lirik2 dia kot.

Gardenia bread Tips on buying Gardenia bread

Here is something interesting. ....... When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you 'squeeze' for freshness or softness. Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day has a different color twist tie. They are : Monday - Blue Tuesday - Green Thursday - Red Friday - White Saturday - Yellow So if today is Thursday, you would want red twist tie not white which is Fridays. (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabeti cally by color Blue - Green - Red -White -Yellow, Monday thru Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the one with the plastic clips have different colors. Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

Plastic Types, Characteristics… Dangers

Individuals have a way to identify the type of plastic in many products, especially food storage containers and packaging. Many, but not all, such plastic products have a number – the resin identification code – molded, formed or imprinted in or on the container, often on the bottom. This system of coding was developed in 1988 by the U.S.-based Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics. It is voluntary for plastic manufacturers, but has become relatively standard on certain plastic products sold globally. Knowing the code for a particular product, consumers can then inform themselves of the characteristics of the plastic and the risks of using that product.

The seven plastic resin codes are each briefly described below to provide a quick snapshot detailing the name of the resin (i.e., the base material of the plastic), typical products it is found in, dangerous chemicals it leaches, and why they are dangerous.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) – Used in soft drink, juice, water, beer, mouthwash, peanut butter, salad dressing, detergent and cleaner containers. Leaches antimony trioxide and di(2ethylhexyl) pthalate (DEHP). Workers exposed to antimony trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation; among female workers, increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage; their children exhibited slower development in the first twelve months of life. The longer a liquid is left in such a container the greater the concentration of antimony released into the liquid. DEHP is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen. It has been strongly linked to asthma and allergies in children. It may cause certain types of cancer, and it has been linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. In Europe, DEHP has been banned since 1999 from use in plastic toys for children under the age of three.

High density polyethylene (HDPE) – Used in opaque milk, water, and juice containers, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, garbage bags, yogurt and margarine tubs, cereal box liners. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC) – Used in toys, clear food and non-food packaging (e.g., cling wrap), some squeeze bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles, shower curtains, medical tubing, and numerous construction products (e.g., pipes, siding). PVC has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), depending on which is used as the plasticizer or softener (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen; have been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children; may cause certain types of cancer; linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. In Europe, DEHP and BBzP and other dangerous pthalates have been banned from use in plastic toys for children under three since 1999. Not so elsewhere, including Canada and the United States.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) – Used in grocery store, dry cleaning, bread and frozen food bags, most plastic wraps, squeezable bottles (honey, mustard). Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polypropylene (PP) – Used in ketchup bottles, yogurt and margarine tubs, medecine and syrup bottles, straws, Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polystyrene (PS) – Used in Styrofoam containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, plastic cutlery, compact disc cases. Leaches styrene, which is an endocrine disruptor mimicking the female hormone estrogen, and thus has the potential to cause reproductive and developmental problems; long-term exposure by workers has shown brain and nervous system effects; adverse effects on red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomach in animal studies. Also present in secondhand cigarette smoke, off-gassing of building materials, car exhaust and possibly drinking water. Styrene migrates significantly from polystyrene containers into the container's contents when oily foods are heated in such containers.

Other – This is a catch-all category that includes anything that does not come within the other six categories. As such, one must be careful in interpreting this category because it includes polycarbonate - a dangerous plastic - but it also includes the new, safer, biodegradable bio-based plastics made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch, and sugar cane. Polycarbonate is used in many plastic baby bottles, clear plastic “sippy” cups, sports water bottles, three and five gallon large water storage containers, metal food can liners, some juice and ketchup containers, compact discs, cell phones, computers. Polycarbonate leaches Bisphenol A (some effects described above), and numerous studies have indicated a wide array of possible adverse effects from low-level exposure to Bisphenol A: chromosome damage in female ovaries, decreased sperm production in males, early onset of puberty, various behavioural changes, altered immune function, and sex reversal in frogs.

Important Note: Two other types of plastic that fall under code 7 are acrylonitrile styrene (AS) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both AS/SAN and ABS are higher quality plastics with increased strength, rigidity, toughness and temperature and chemical resistance. AS/SAN is used in mixing bowls, thermos casing, dishes, cutlery, coffee filters, toothbrushes, outer covers (printers, calculators, lamps), battery housing. The incorporation of butadiene during the manufacture of AS/SAN, produces ABS, which is an even tougher plastic. ABS is used in LEGO toys, pipes, golf club heads, automotive parts, protective head gear. Our research on risks associated with AS/SAN and ABS is ongoing.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY PLASTIC USE: You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children's – use of plastics numbered 1, 3, 6 and 7 (polycarbonate) , all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe, just that they have been studied less to date.

So if you have to use plastic, it is safest to stick to numbers 2, 4, 5 and 7 (other than polycarbonate) whenever possible.

If an item does not have a plastic code on it, or if the type of plastic is unclear from the code (e.g., with #7, it likely will not say it is polycarbonate) , your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly what type of plastic was used to make the product.

Plastic Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you in working toward a life without plastic, or a life of safer, more informed plastic use.

o Avoid polycarbonate (#7) baby bottles and sippy cups. For baby bottles, try and use glass, polyethylene or polypropylene instead. Sippy cups made of stainless steel (e.g., Kleen Kanteen, Purica), or of polypropylene or polyethylene are safer. Be sure to check the bottle or cup to be sure of the type of plastic it contains. As for baby bottle nipples, try and use silicone which does not leach the carcinogenic nitrosamines that can be found in latex.

o If you must use polycarbonate (#7) bottles, avoid heating food and drink in the bottle. Heat it in a separate container and transfer it to the bottle once it is warm enough for the child to eat or drink. If the plastic is showing signs of wear – scratched, cloudy – discard the container.

o For drinking water, try and avoid plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles made from #1 or #2 plastic try not to reuse them as they are intended only for single use. One alternative is a stainless steel water bottle. For storing large quantities of water, glass and stainless steel containers are also available. If you use a #1 water bottle, try to consume the contents as soon as possible because leaching of antimony increases with time.

o Try to avoid heating foods in plastic containers, especially in the microwave oven, which can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals faster. As well, leaching increases when plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods, or when the plastic is scratched, worn, cracked, or sticky.

o Use plastic wraps with caution, especially in the microwave, and try to keep the plastic from touching the food. Alternatives include wax paper or paper towels.

o Try and use alternatives to plastic packaging and storage containers. Cloth, paper or cardboard are possibilities for transporting groceries. Stainless steel and glass food storage containers are available.

o Avoid plastic dishes and utensils for meals. Alternatives include glass, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, and lacquer ware. Offer your child or grandchild a non-plastic dish set made of either stainless steel or wood (safely coated with a non-toxic lacquer).

These days, plastic is so omnipresent it can be difficult to imagine life without plastic. Yet, our ancestors managed just fine without it. All it takes is a little imagination, determination and discipline.

Flowers

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a Fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as sweet-smelling Flower.

Let the minor genius go his/her Light way and enjoy his/her Life--- the great nature cannot so live, he/she is never really in holiday mood, even though he/she often plucks flowers by the way side and ties them into knots & garland like Little children and lays out on a Sunny Day..

Makna GAGAL

Apa makna sebenar gagal?

Gagal ialah satu keadaan bila mana apa yang kita buat tak menjadi seperti yang kita inginkan. Ataupun, gagal adalah satu situasi bila kita tak mencapai apa yang kita targetkan, kita tak mendapat apa yang kita mahukan.

Gagal wujud dalam segenap aspek hidup kita. Gagal dalam pelajaran. Gagal mendirikan sembahyang Subuh, gagal mengatur masa kerja dengan baik, gagal memasak dengan cukup sedap, gagal berusaha dengan cukup rajin. Itulah beberapa contoh kegagalan kecil yang kita lakukan.

Setiap hari, bila kita gagal mendirikan sembahyang Subuh, sebagai orang Melayu beragama Islam, kegagalan yang kecil tu akan melarat kepada kegagalan-kegagalan besar. Maka sebab itulah dalam azan, sering dilaungkan frasa “marilah menuju kejayaan” (hayya alal falah) untuk mengingatkan kita.

Gagal hanyalah suatu cara yang salah, satu usaha yang kurang berhasil, boleh juga dipanggil usaha yang dijalankan dengan cara kurang betul. Bukan tak betul, cuma kurang betul.

Kena fikir optimis!

Cerita Ketam

Moral of the story 'renung-renungkanlah ...selamat beramal Tak lama dulu ada seorang melayu yang ingin makan lauk ketam. Pada pagi tu dia pergilah ke pasar borong dan berjalan ke satu kedai milik cina yang menjual ketam. Melayu: Apek! Itu ketam ada jual ka? Cina: Ada…ada…lu mau ketam cina ka ketam melayu? Melayu: Aik! Ketam pun ada melayu dengan cina ka apek? Cuba lu tunjuk mana ketam melayu, mana ketam cina? Cina: Itu sana dalam bekas ada tutup…ketam cina…….sana dalam bekas tak ada tutup…ketam melayu la…. Melayu: Apa pasal ketam cina apek kasi tutup…ketam melayu apek tak kasi tutup? Cina: Itu ketam cina kalau satu ekor keluar…yang lain akan tengok dan kasi belajar macam mana boleh keluar dari bekas. Nanti lama-lama semua ketam pandai macam mana mau keluar dari bekas. Jadi semua keluar la. Melayu: Ketam melayu tak itu macam ka? Cina: Ketam melayu, kalau satu ekor keluar yang lain kasi tarik itu kaki ketam tadi…jangan kasi keluar. Dia mau dia sekor saja keluar…yang lain biar dalam bekas. Kalau dia sudah keluar, dia terus lari, tak mau ajar yang lain macam mana mau keluar. Pengajaran: Begitulah cerita ketam melayu dengan ketam cina. Hakikatnya, jika orang cina berniaga….cina lain tak kacau…dia tengok aje dan belajar macam mana boleh berjaya. Cina dah berjaya tu pulak, akan ajar cina lain agarberjaya jugak. Kalau orang melayu, bila satu melayu nak berjaya, melayu lain akan guna apa saja supaya melayu tu jatuh balik. Macam ketam melayu, bila sekor ketam dah berjaya nak naik, ketam lain tarik kaki dia, at last sorang pun tak dapat naik . Lepas tu mulalah bergaduh sesama sendiri. Itulah hakikat sebenar sekarang ini. sebab tu melayu tak maju..

psst:.. Pic kat atas tu tak tau apa kene mengena atau tak.. heheh hiasan kot.