Yusuf Islam formerly known as Cat Stevens new album 'An Other Cup' added to my ipod

" Think I see The Light, love all the song from this album, click & Get Yours Today! "

I bought this album after arriving at Dubai airport, a great addition to my collection. I grew up with staple of Cat Stevens song, being my all-time favorites are 'Wild World', 'Father And Son' & 'Peace Train'. He converted to Islam and change his name to Yusuf Islam after near death experience , and took a few decades off from writing any non-religious music. Watch his latest TV interview in YouTube with the ex-BBC Director Alan Yentob. Aired in June 2006. They Discuss Yusuf's Life and how he came from being Cat Steven World Famous Popstar to him finding Islam. Also interviewed is his brother and they speak about family life. It is one of the best documentaries about Yusuf Islam around. So please do watch it...This being his first commercial album after all this years of silence and I have been waiting for a long time. He also have a home here in Dubai and involve with alot of charity work, 'madrasah' in London & the world. Visit his website yusufislam.com, he is just an amazing guy...inspirational.

More about this album, the opener 'Midday (Avoid City After Dark)' is my favorite track off the album. The arrangements are all very beautifully laid out, and I love the part where he just says 'avoid city after dark'-( kan banyak setan merayap-rayap ni waktu magrib, masuk!-my mom used to scream when i was a little boy still playing outside the house during Magrib [ late evening ] ). The song following it is 'Heaven / Where True Love Goes', which is the first single off the album. A testament of God creation surrounding us is the verse he uses - 'oh, heaven must have programmed you'. A few others that stand out lyrically include 'In The End' and 'When Butterflies Leave' which sounds like it would be a poem right out of the Qur'an.

Musically, 'I Think I See The Light' just rocks - the piano is reminiscent of work right out of the 70's, and the horns complement the song wonderfully. 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' is a cover of Bennie Benjamin's song (covered by a lot of artists since). It is definitely interesting stuff though as it has the same poetic feel as 'When Butterflies Leave'. I have to say I really enjoyed this album. Check out the songs here, and if you enjoy it, pick up the album when you get a chance.

Tags|Yusuf Islam|Islam|Ipod|Malaysian|Hatzputra

hatta village in dubai world and medina project news

" taken from the watchtower with Hatta Town in the background "

I am in Dubai for a week or two and might stay longer because of work. This is my 3rd visit here and I love this cosmopolitan city, different from other middle eastern country. It is a city of contrasts, where outstanding modern architecture and soaring skyscrapers stand alongside traditional Arabic buildings and old villages. They also have a village by my name called "Hatta Village" located in the rocky "Hatta Mountains". It's a historical village that goes back thousands of years. Now part of it turned into tourist spot that consists of 30 buildings made of mud, hay, sandalwood and palmfronds. Overlooking the village are two towers, known as the "two stones" that were used as defense fortresses. Enjoyed the serenity while I was exploring and my guide find it amusing with my name . . . related to this historical place. By showing my namecard to traders there, I've got great discount on shopping from them.

I have not been checking the news lately but this piece from Najib Tun Razak here made me smile: How I love to visit Medina to be close to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his beloved city.

" Masjid an-Nabawi - Medina, Saudi Arabia "

RM25b hi-tech city in Medina

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

MEDINA: Malaysia will help Saudi Arabia build a RM25bil high-tech knowledge-economic city here.

“This is going to be a landmark not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the Muslim world,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“It shows two Muslim countries can co-operate and collaborate in the interest of the ummah (Muslim community) and can indeed transform the Muslim world,” he said here on Monday.

He had earlier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Saudi’s Seera City Real Estate Development Corporation to build the Medina Knowledge Economic City (KEC). Najib said it was only fitting that Medina – the holy city that marked the beginning of the Islamic acquisition of knowledge – was chosen to transform the Muslims and to bring about a true revival.

“This will not only transform Medina but elevate its standing in the eyes of the world,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Najib said he was proud that Malaysia had been chosen as Saudi Arabia's partner for the KEC, which is patterned after Malaysia’s own Multimedia Super Corridor and Cyberjaya.

“We are willing to share our experiences and all our expertise. We have built the MSC and Cyberjaya and we will share the experience gained to make this project a real success,” he said.

He also suggested that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia embark on twinning programmes between the MSC and the KEC, adding that MDeC has the framework to bring in the Malaysian companies. MDec is one-stop agency established to facilitate the development and promotion of the MSC. Seera City managing director Dr Sami Baroum said they were already in talks with a number of Malaysian companies.

“The project is huge and can absorb as many joint ventures as possible,” he added.

Physical work on the project will start in August and the first phase is expected to be completed in three-and-a-half years, he said.

That phase, he said, would include educational and health segments, hospitals, a hospitality complex, museum and some residential and retail shops.

Dr Sami said Medina, because of its holy status, was exclusively for Muslims and, hence, the projects would go to companies from the Muslim world.

“Malaysia is on top of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in terms of technology and capability and experience,” he added.

KEC will be ready in 12 to 15 years. Spread over 4.8 million sq metres, there will be, among others, technology and knowledge complexes, an interactive museum, a business centre and Islamic civilisation studies, technology and administrative centres.
source: The Star

Tags|Islam|News Asia|Dubai|Malaysian|Hatzputra

israel hid the discovery of muslim prayer room in jerusalem

" Al-Aqsa Mosque near to Israel’s Wailing Wall "

I felt a little ironic that the more Israel digs in that area in search of its ancient history, the more Islamic history they will unearth. This is, by the way, the same Mugrabi Bridge that has recently been in controversial.

JERUSALEM, Israel, Feb. 19 (UPI) — Remains of a Muslim prayer room were unearthed near Israel’s Western Wall in 2004, but the discovery was kept secret until now, YNetNews reported.
The find was located under the dirt embankment adjacent to the Mugrabi Gate. The information was known to several Israeli officials, YNetNews said, but kept from the public until it was revealed in an article posted on the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Web site by archaeologist Yuval Baruch.
In an article entitled “The real story,” Baruch said the collapse of an embankment near the Mugrabi Bridge, unearthed a small room with a roofed alcove and a dome — a type of Muslim prayer alcove facing south. There has been speculation the space might be the remains of a prayer room that had once been part of a school for Muslim studies.
The remains apparently date back to the 11th century. The finding was kept secret out of concern that the Muslim community would demand the site be declared sacred, YNetNews said.

Recent protests over work currently being done near the Mugrabi Bridge are based on concerns that destruction of the embankment would damage Muslim sites the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

read from source

Tags|Islam|Politic|Malaysian|Hatzputra

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru Yi 2007! to my chinese brothers and sisters

I will take a week break from work to meet my loved ones, and to all my chinese friends & associates. I wish you and the family :

A Happy Chinese New Year 2007,Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru Yi!

I found this news interesting, the government of China takes on 'Piggy', this year zodiac animal for the chinese new year is a pig.

As the year of the pig begins in China, the government bans any mention of pigs in TV ads. Is it truly a newfound sensitivity to the nation’s Muslims, who make up about two percent of the population? Jackie Armijo, assistant professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhab, discusses the move with Liane Hansen.

read more from source: NPR : Chinese Muslims in the Year of the Pig

Tags|News Asia|Islam|New Year|Malaysian|Hatzputra

boxcloud, my easy way to share files with clients

As designer, videographer and what-not, I'm stuck dealing with larger file sizes to send quickly to clients. Using my webserver storage required me to use my valuable time to upload my file to them before someone else could download it.

But using BoxCloud is different, because you host the file on your own hard drive and share it through a small application on your computer. Not only does this offer a bit more security, but it gives you more control over what is shared, to whom, and how it is accessed. BoxCloud is Mac- and Windows-friendly, perfect for those non-techie client types. I am happy with my little 'boxcloud'.

Tags|Apple|Mac|Software|Technology|Malaysian|Hatzputra

democracy player, freedom to watch tv

" i will publish my channel public, really soon "

I have been supporting Participatory Culture Foundation that makes the Democracy Internet TV platform since their beta days. Democracy is a free and open way to watch, share, and broadcast video on the internet. They just released Democracy Player version 0.9.5. This is a major update, with lots of new features and an interface overhaul. This is da-killer-apz for free Internet TV. The apz is like iTunes for Internet TV, but without the DRM. You can pick from a huge menu or your favorite YouTube or Google Video keywords, and it will download a steady stream of programming with built-in BitTorrent.

Democracy uses VLC to play back video, it can view in QuickTime, WMV, or plain MPEG even DivX, or FLV, or whatever else . . . it just works. And because Democracy has BitTorrent, it's cheap and easy to publish your own Democracy channel -- the more popular your channel gets, the cheaper it is to serve and the faster your fans get your video. Download here and try this software. Democracy runs with equal ease on Linux, MacOS and Windows. It's solid, easy to use, and free.

Tags|Movies|Software|Technology|Youtube|Google Video|Malaysian|Hatzputra

embeded music lovecard for my lovely lady valentine

" my love in cairo, tsk, tsk . . . distance intensifies, and idealizes LOVE ”
" Happy Loved Day, Ana bahebbek "

Tags|Postcard|Postvoice|Lovecard|Valentine|Cairo|Malaysian|Hatzputra

Dr Mahathir warded at IJN today after political speech yesterday

" view all videos of Tun in Johor Bahru on Saturday,
10 February 2007 at Malaysia-Today or on Youtube "

Tun Dr. Mahathir speaking at a forum in Johor Baru, warned Pak Lah, whose son-in-law Khairy is an ambitious politician, against forming a political dynasty. He said . . . "Don't try to make your son or son-in-law as the PM," Tun, telling the 400-strong crowd during a seminar on the challenges faced by the country to achieve 2020 organised by Kelab Maya Umno (Umno Cyber Club). He also said . . . "I hope all Malaysians would oppose any attempts to start a dynasty. In our country anybody can become the PM even the fisherman." This could mark the start of a second round of an "Pak Lah-Mahathir" fight which will unsettled us as well as our foreign investors. Lastly he said . . . "I feel very sad because UMNO has now changed. Today it is not ready to hear what it doesn't want to hear, there's climate of fear."

He also talk about the bridge project to replace the causeway saying that it should have been continued as it would have benefited the country since it would have taken ships only three hours instead of 24 hours to sail from Port of Tanjung Pelepas in western Johor to Pasir Gudang in the eastern side. And urging the government to revive water talks with Singapore. More news reading here and here.

As of now, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for a medical check-up following a bout of flu."Mahathir is expected to be kept under observation for the next few days pending doctors' advice," his aide Sufi Yusoff said in a statement here. Let's pray for his speedy recovery. Have a good rest and get well soon, Tun. We will pray for you 'amin', may god bless you and family.

Tags|Mahathir|News Asia|Politic|Johor|Youtube|Google Video|Malaysian|Hatzputra

is Lebanon the battlefield for Iran & Saudi Arabia?

" watch more videos here Mosaic Intelligence Report "

I get 'streamed' online news from Link TV's. Middle East analyst and award-winning producer, Jamal Dajani, gives his weekly unique perspective and insight on major newsworthy stories. Drawing on reports from more than 30 Middle Eastern news broadcasts. "Mosaic Intelligence Report" provides context, analysis and a behind the scenes look at the stories you never see on American TV. The reports are presented unedited and translated, when necessary, into English. "Mosaic Intelligence Report" includes news from Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, the Palestinian Authority, and Iran, among others. Some of the broadcasters are state controlled and others are private networks, often affiliated with political factions. Mosaic offers a window into what 280 million people across the Middle East watch. Viewers can find unique insight into the diversity of perspectives in the region. They also have a blog at http://mosaicintelligencereport.typepad.com.

Headlines for this episode include: Violent clashes between Sunnis and Shiites erupt in Lebanon, Is there a chance for reconciliation and who is fanning the flames? Will a longstanding rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia engulf the region?

TRANSCRIPT (does not include inserted sound bytes): In his last State of the Union address, President Bush warned of an epic battle between Shiite extremists backed by Iran and Sunni extremists aided by al-Qaida. He was, of course, talking about Iraq. But the scenario he was describing has recently spread to Lebanon bringing that country dangerously close to civil war for the second time.

Continue reading "Mosaic Intelligence Report - Jan. 26, 2007" »

Tags|Human rights|Politic|News Media|New Media|Google Video|Islamic|Malaysian|Hatzputra

Dr Mahathir's 'Umno's Challenge in Facing Vision 2020'

I will be in Johor Bahru to attend Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad leadership seminar this Saturday 10 Feb 2007 : "Cabaran Umno Menghadapi Wawasan 2020" (Umno's Challenge in Facing Vision 2020). Starting at 10am at the Grand Ballroom (level 25) of Hotel New York, located at No: 22, Jalan Dato' Abdullah Tahir. Tel: 07-3311588. This seminar is worth attending and Dr Mahathir will be very outspoken, frank and insightful on assessment of the state of affairs, the party and the country. For more info, please visit mykmu.net. Don't miss this.

Tags|Mahathir|NewsAsia|Politic|Postcard|Malaysian|Hatzputra

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed on Bush, Blair, Howard in "Expose War Crimes: Criminalise War"

" war criminal, killer of children, liar "

" Criminalising War: Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed on YouTube "

This event was attended by more than 3,000 participants and foreign delegates. It was also attended by local dignitaries including several of Malaysia's top judges. Despite the importance of event and the evidence presented on US war crimes, Western media coverage wasn't that much on this issue.

Our outspoken Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, won a standing ovation after opening the event with a call for Bush, Blair, Howard to be tried by an unofficial tribunal for war crimes in Iraq."We should not hang Blair if the tribunal finds him guilty, but he should always carry the label 'War Criminal, Killer of Children, Liar'," said Tun in an hour-long speech illustrated by pictures of wounded children, deformed babies and tortured men. "And so should Bush and the pocket Bush of the Bushland of Australia," he said, referring to Prime Minister John Howard, a 'buddy' ally in the US-led war on terror.

Try watching this DVD Truth, Lies and Intelligence, to understand more about Bush, Blair, Howard lies. Done by veteran journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker Carmel Travers. His documentary examines the response of the intelligence community to the war in Iraq.

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed has been leading this campaign to highlight what he calls the human rights abuses and hypocrisy of US-led forces fighting for democracy in the Middle East which I wholeheartly support. Please visit the War Crimes Exhibit (admission is free), which began this Monday and will be held until Sunday at PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE. The exhibit contains documentary evidence of US sponsored war crimes.

Tags|Anti War|Design|Human rights|Iraq|Mahathir|News Asia|Politic|Postcard|Postvoice|War Crimes|islamic|Malaysian|Hatzputra

The Perdana Global Peace Organisation is organizing a conference cum Exhibition entitled EXPOSE WAR CRIMES: CRIMINALISE WAR

PLEASE SUPPORT HERE!!!
ANNOUNCEMENT : INVITATION TO ATTEND
PGPO CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
EXPOSE WAR CRIMES: CRIMINALISE WAR
5th -7th FEBRUARY 2007
PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE

The Perdana Global Peace Organisation is organizing a conference cum Exhibition entitled EXPOSE WAR CRIMES: CRIMINALISE WAR from 5th to 7th February 2007 from 8.30am. to 5.30pm. at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The Conference will be held at Dewan Merdeka, PWTC while the Exhibition, which will be extended to February 11 2007, will be held at Dewan Tun Razak Hall 4.

This Conference and Exhibition is the continuation of our efforts to publicise and garner as much support as possible to the Kuala Initiative to Criminalise War which was launched by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed in December 2005.

The objectives of this Conference and Exhibition are:

*To educate and enlighten participants and visitors that wars are wantonly destructive and essentially unnecessary.
*To inculcate a general abhorrence for war and conflict such that war mongers should be held accountable for their crimes against humanity.
*To challenge whatever general sense of apathy still exists today.
*To instill the advocacy of ‘No War but Peace’ and ‘Make War History’.
*To highlight the role of the War Crimes Tribunal in ensuring justice for the international community
*To provide space for debate, discussion and sharing of thoughts on this crucial issue that threatens human extinction.

Tags|Human rights|News Asia|Politic|Malaysian|Hatzputra

guerilla LED ad campaign lead to terrorism scare in boston

"ATHF is the bomb"

There was a terrorism scare in Boston last wednesday, strange devices were found all over the city. Police close down most of the area. The bomb squad came, detonated and removed all of it. Turns out the devices are part of a guerrilla marketing campaign for [Cartoon Network which is owned by Time Warner] "Aqua Teen Hunger Force". The devices are little LED Moominites. I thought it was a cool & cheap campaign but the authorities and US media turn it into a complete 'moronic' situation. Read more from Metroblogging Boston, here's the first and last posts on this topic.

Boston's freaked out police have arrested the guy who stuck those things around town... They're going to come up with all kinds of charges to justify the official panic attack and predictable meltdown suffered by the police and city administration. Yeah... I think they should actually pass a law that bans LEDs. LEDs are evil, they are weapons of mass destruction. No more LEDs, return to using light bulbs again. No wait, I think you can also make bombs from lightbulbs. Ban lightbulbs. Use candles! Ahh, no way, candles are dangerous too! Fire!! Fire!!! And you can stick a candle up someone's arse eye, too. People might get hurt! Terrorists are just waiting to hijack a plane using candles, and then blow everything up! this is stupid paranoia!!!. Get from Raplica this cool T-shirts with a Mooninite and the slogan "ATHF is the bomb" to make fun of the foolish authorities who practically shut down Boston because of all this. I ordered mine, go and get one yourself.

Tags|Technology|Design|Human rights|Politic|Malaysian|Hatzputra