CELEBRATION : HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

HELLO READERS!

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Celebrated by the Muslims signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. Muslims celebrate the festival of Aidilfitri popularly known as Hari Raya Puasa, or simply Hari Raya (Day of Celebration) in Malaysia  to mark the culmination of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. Muslims starts the day by congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visits to the graves of the departed.
This festive occasion is greeted with great joy, the young will ask for forgiveness from their elders and everyone will put on new clothes. Open house or invitation for relatives and friends to come to their house is practised. Plenty of traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with the lighting of oil lamps to welcome the angels which is believed to be visiting the earth during the seven days preceding the festival. The celebration lasts for a month which the celebration is concentrated in the first three days.
It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal. Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is compulsory or wajib, whereby Muslims are required to abstain from satisfying their most basic needs and urges, daily, between sunrise and sunset. It is one of the five tenets of Islam; as is the paying of zakat (alms tax for the poor), which must be tithed by the end of Ramadhan.

    In Malaysia, the period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadhan. The actual sighting is conducted by state appointed religious officials at various vantage points (usually at hilltops) throughout the country. If the crescent is sighted, the following day is then declared the first day of Aidilfitri, which is also the beginning of the 10th month of the Muslim calendar Balik kampung Syawal.

    A Malay young lady, Natasha Japre, 18 years old said, “Hari Raya is the best celebration in my life because I will get a new clothes and meet my family”.

    Aidilfitri is celebrated for the whole month of Syawal, but in Malaysia, only the first two days are observed as public holidays. It is widely common however, to see Muslims taking the first week off from work.

    Urbanites make their annual pilgrimage to their hometowns (this is popularly referred to as balik kampung), to be with parents, relatives and old friends. Thus, cities like Kuala Lumpur get relatively quiet during the festive season of Aidilfitri.

    The Muslim community ushers in the first day of Aidilfitri by congregating at mosques for morning prayers. Everyone is usually decked out in their traditional best to mark the special occasion. Men are usually dressed in Baju Melayu, while the Baju Kurung, the quintessential Malay attire for females, is the prefered choice for the fairer sex. Then it's usually breakfast at home with the family, followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered; graves are cleaned and cleared of overgrowth, and prayers are offered to Allah.

    This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Asking for pardon is done in order of seniority. The younger members of a family approach their elders (parents, grandparents etc) to seek forgiveness, to salam (Muslim equivalent of a handshake), then kiss the hands of the older person as a sign of respect. The usual greeting (that is uttered with the salam) during Aidilfitri is "Selamat Hari Raya”, which means wishing you a joyous “Hari Raya".

    Children and old folks are given duit raya or gifts of money, in small envelopes. In recent years, many givers have opted for the Chinese practice of putting the money in ang pow packets; however instead of the usual red, the packets are green in colour. Although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims hold "open house" throughout the month, where friends and neighbours of other races are invited to join in the celebrations.

    The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations.

    Of particular interest are the last 10 days of Ramadan, where many keep vigil for Lailatul Qadar (The Night of Decree), the night when the Quran was sent down. It is believed that angels descend and shower blessings on that particular night, so homes are brightly decorated with oil lamps or pelita.

    Mosques, as well as government and some commercial buildings, are also decorated and brightly lit to mark the auspicious day. The most predominant colour seen in decorations during this season is green which is commonly associated with Islamic items. It is often combined with yellow or gold.

    As for motifs, by far the most frequently used symbol is that of the ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves) it is invariably used on Hari Raya greeting cards, hanging decorative items, and as a promotional image for the season.

    The ketupat is traditional Hari Raya fare and is often served with beef rendang (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk) and/or satay (grilled meat on a skewer). Other festive delicacies include lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (dessicated coconut fried with chilli) and curry chicken.

Malays wear new clothes during Eid

Variety of Malay's traditional foods

Regards,

Hana Japre

QUOTES : DON HEWITT

HELLO READERS!



Regards,
Hana Japre

RESTAURANT : WINDMILL STATION

HELLO READERS!

The Windmill Station.

I am very proud to say “The Windmill Station” has been operating for the past 11 years since 2000. It has grown from 1 humble restaurant to 4 cozy family friends restaurants. The first restaurant was opened in year 2000 in Melaka Raya. Followed by the second branch in Jaya Jusco, Ayer Keroh and the third branch was opened in year 2007, located in Seremban. 2010. Many customers satisfied with the food. Now everyone can gets enjoy delicious western food at a “pocket friendly” price. They were popular with a great western food such as Double Sirlon Steak and Chicken and Lamb Chop. I have taste the food and I satisfied with it and I hope you guys can taste it yourselves. Thanks !







Regards,
Hana Japre

PLACE : KAFE@TEEN

HELLO READERS!

   As a teenagers , we want a marvelous place to go . But did you even see a café that you can use as you own crib and play a lots of games without been scolded ? Here , I bring you to Kafé@Teen !

Kafe@teen guest pass

I’m also never imagine this café can bring a very good memories to me . Café @ Teen  is operation at Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN)  which located at  Jalan Raja Laut . It’s take only 20 minutes to walked from Jalan Raja Laut to LPPKN .  But first , you must write your name in log book and wear a teen@cafe card .
As  my first time visit the cafe, I’m start impressive with the services of this café . On this 8th floor , we found the receptionist of the café is so gently and had a adoreable attitude towards visitor .
I’m start my tour to see it by myself after hear a lots of great comment about this café . The receptionist told me this café had a doctor to cure any injuries, free but must come with schedule had already been notice at the board .
In addition , I’m using the internet here and it’s good coverage ! No need to stress and there’s no problem using internet at café teen. The games ? Fun and enjoyable .

Play games and have fun

One of the visitor told me its really good café . “I feel its like my own home. It’s complete with home theate and sure , I can sleep and play a lots of games here !” told Areen Khair,20.
Indian visitor , Kalai Arasi Munusamy , 20 feel  fall in love with the café. “I can told my problem to councellar and ask doctor opinion about health and beauty to improve my life more better and its special for teenagers ” .
“And yes , I can discuss my assignment with friends . It’s really calm and relax café I’d ever see” told her again .  Areen and Kalai wish to come to the café again .
  Operating hours for the Kafe@TEEN that operating on Monday to Saturday start from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. And the services provided are free of charge so let’s make a sweet memories here !

Regards,
Delaila Andrew

FOOD : IKEA RARE MEATBALL

HELLO READERS!

Today me and my mother feel want to eat another fast food . So I asked my mother if she had a good place to make my stomach full . So she bring me to… IKEA !
When we arrived at IKEA Mutiara Damansara at IKEA first floor , I sniff something really good. And I walked to IKEA canteen and see a meatball . I think that time “Rare meatball” . That’s my first thought ….

IKEA Rare Meatball

My mum asked to taking a lots of meatball so I’m just take it . And it’s must self services , no waiter will help to take your order :p
I’ll asked the guy beside me , and he told me if I’m take more meatball , I can get a cheaper prize ! Even one meatball is expensive , but more meatball you take , its can be cheaper . So I’ll take 20 meatball that cost RM16 . He said if I’m order for a set , it’s will more cheaper actually. That’s okay , next time I attack IKEA again !
And after finish it , my mother order another 10 meatball… It’s her first time eat this wonderful meatball….

For me , IKEA had a delicious meatball ! Seriously , you can come to IKEA Mutiara Damansara and feel it .

Regards,

Delaila Andrew

FOOD : KL BURGER BAKAR

HELLO READERS!

Hello peeps, how your day?

Today I will show you a great food from universe today . We called it as , BURGER !  People on earth in Malaysia nowdays too damn much fast food especially burger . But in this session , I will show one of rare burger you never taste before. Let’s see…

KL Burger Bakar

Okay , what your opinion when see this burger ? Want it one right ? So this is BURGER BAKAR .
You can get this burger bakar at KL BURGER BAKAR  . It’s placed at UKAY PERDANA , SHAH ALAM which its really front of Ayam Penyet Restaurant .
Actually this is also my first time taste on this unique fast food .
Peeps , this burger was so awesome!
Why ? Because the burger meat they totally mase it by themselves . It’s taste like IKEA Meatball but it more taste than IKEA  I guess.
And they got a various of burger which they had double , mega and super mega Burger ! You can choose it by your own as picture I’m shown below !

Variety choices of KL Burger Bakar

So if you want , please come to UKAY PERDANA or can see their detail on their facebook fanpage
www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Burger-Bakar-Ukay-Perdana-Shah - Alam

Regards,

Delaila Andrew

FOOD : HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

HELLO READERS!

Now let’s see on health food . I know everyone want be more fitter BUT still want to eat to gain a weight . I’ll give you a health food with a low calories and important less salt ! 

Damansara Utama

Delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice

Here you see this is Hainanese Chicken Rice which cost RM6.90 .
Eh , where can I get this delicious food ?
Yeah , you can get at Damansara Utama . It’s open from 10am to 10pm everyday 
For this food , it’s good for people who want to taste something new . In case to make your body more slim. 

So you can come there okay ?  

Regards,
Delaila Andrew

ISSUE : PROS AND CONS OF RAP MUSIC

HELLO READERS!

PROS AND CONS OF RAP MUSICMusic is something that every person has his or her own specific opinion about. Different people have different taste, and various types of music have many ways of leaving an impact on someone. It can be relaxing, angering, soothing, energizing, and many more.
     Rap music has versatile styles depending on the lyrical content and the geographic location of the artist. The content can range from sex, drugs, race, religion, social issues, partying, crime, love and loss. Rap is often recognizable by the location, which plays a huge part in the beats and rhythm of the music, whether it's East Coast, West Coast, Midwest or Southern hip hop. There is also Christian rap, gangsta rap and reggaeton (a mixture of reggae and rap).
     According to the Allmusic website, rap music was born in the mid-1970s in New York's South Bronx and has showcased huge success since then, bringing forth many rappers who have climbed the musical charts. Public Enemy, Heavy D, MC Lyte, Run DMC, LL Cool Jay, Eminem and Jay-Z are just a few of the old school and new school rap artists who have contributed to the industry since rap's creation.
     It has been followed by popular rappers in Malaysia such as Malique and Altimet. Rap music had make an attraction towards teenagers and make it be place in soul of teenagers.
     The prons of rap music is a freedom of expression. Its lyrical content flows like poetry and often tells a story. It gives people a chance to see life through the eyes of someone else. It can be one of our free technic to release tension after working or study. The lyrics and flow of rap music sometimes can make us feel peace and forget about problems.
     A private college students, Felicia Lim, 20 years old said music has just like her heart and soul.
     “When I was busy with an assignment, I will turn on the music and feel free and freedom. It is a way how I release my tired”, she said.
     The cons of rap music is known for its explicit lyrical content and is often seen as derogatory toward women. Parents will find a parental advisory warning label on a majority of the albums. Some may find the lyrics to be shallow and meaningless.
     Private sector employees, Rahman Khairuddin, 42 years old said even the average of his age shown that he is old but he have a young soul.
     “I have three children who are still teenagers. They also interested in rap music and me too since I was young. I admit some rap music lyrics are not suitable for young people but for me it is normal for teenagers that already can judge which is good and bad”, he said.
     People may only see rap as part of the African American culture however, white rappers have stepped onto the music scene and impacted the industry over time, thus crossing cultural barriers. These rappers include Cypress Hill, Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, Asher Roth and Eminem.
     Not all rap music is negative. For more positive messages, check out rap artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. An increasing number of Malay and Christian rap artists, such as Cross Movement and Malique are focused on delivering positive messages.
     However, we must wisely select the songs and chosen a suitable song to be heard in order not to be abused.

Music reflects the mood.

Rap music logo

 Regards,
Hana Japre

ISSUES : PROS AND CONS OF TELEVISION

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Pros and cons of television

 
Television (TV) is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome (black-and-white) or coloured with or without accompanying sound. "Television" may also refer specifically to a television set, television programme, or television transmission. Television is one of the latest wonders of science. By the radio we can only hear the voice but the television we can also see the face of the speaker. We have only to switch on the television and at once we can both see and hear a popular leader speaking or a drama being staged or a cinema film being exhibited at the television station or a match being played in any country of the world. In short, in recent times television has become one of the most important means of recreation, propaganda and national integration.
     The advantages of television are so many that every possible effort should be made to provide the country with a nation-wide service at the earliest. Television is an important means of recreation and entertainment. It is the most suitable medium for mass communication and education. It can be used by the government to give wide publicity to its views, and to the development work done by it. In this way, it can be used as a powerful means of propaganda and the formation of public opinion. It can serve as a handmaid to planning. Indeed, by some expert television is considered essential for the success of planning.
     Further, it can perform the vital task of mass education. It can help in increasing production, in imparting family planning education and in spreading mass literacy. Talks delivered by eminent persons and carried the masses through television. It can do much to eradicate various social evils television sets installed in school can supplement the education imparted through class lectures. What is seen leaves a more permanent impression on the mind than what is heard or read, and this makes obvious the educational value of television.
     The government is fully alive to all these advantages of television programmed have been broadcast through satellites so that they could be viewed all over the country. The Asia games gave a great boost of television and since then a national programmed has become a regular feature and many more states have been brought within the television network.
     A college students, Zulaikha Roslan, 19 years old said it is a tool for imparting knowledge. For example, RTM provides many programs like information on agriculture, as well as TV3 through MedikTV that delivers the knowledge of the medical world. Shows like this are very useful to our society and increase our knowledge about a matter but it also have a cons such as waste of time. This time wastage occurs when too much time is spent in front of the TV with just watching entertainment programs until they forget the studies.
     However, it should be kept in mind that color television puts more strain on the eyes. It is a health hazard. It must not be viewed for a long time. Moreover, color television is very sensitive and the picture gets blurred if there is even slight defect in the antenna angle or in its cord. Even slight disturbances near the television set they may be on the road near the house find their echo on the screen of a color television. A housewife, Rabiah Baba, 36 years old, thinks that television is good for the development of her kids mind because of the attractive colors on the television screen. It shows that every people have their own opinion and suggestion.
     Television is not a mere medium of entertainment it has far reaching educational and cultural significance. It is an importance means of national unity and integration. Television serial can be used to fight the menace of communalism, regionalism and terrorism. Special programmed with this end in view should be regularly televised. Similarly between people living in different parts of the country should be stressed. It should be made available not only in the cities, but in villages as well, and at cheap rates. Top priority must be given to it. Let us hope in the near future. Television sets would be within the reach of the common man.
     A government official, Hashim Hamdan, 44 years old thinks that it is a tool to bring awareness to the community and also serve the requirements of the people to the government. This is a social responsibility that is done by electronic media to society. For example Bersamamu by TV3 program, through this program we can help those in need. Similarly, problems on that happens to people in some places, when the problem is addressed, the authorities must take appropriate action.
     We must be clever in selecting the programs to be watched. Think of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the effects. Impact not only in the short term but also in the long term.

Samsung Plasma TV 42 inches

A set of home theatre

Latest set of Samsung Home Theatre

Regards,
Hana Japre

HEALTH : NATURAL REMEDIES TO QUIT SMOKING

  
HELLO READERS!

USE NATURAL REMEDIES TO QUIT SMOKING

Smoking is more than just a bad habit, it’s an addiction. Governments try to fight smoking by making policies to raise taxes and the price of cigarettes so fewer people can afford them. This might work for some, but for people who are truly addicted, real help to break the addiction is needed. Herbs, natural chemicals and support groups can help people quit smoking naturally.

There are a variety of herbs and supplements that can help people stop smoking. Some herbs to consider include lobelia for cigarette cravings, ginger root for nausea, St. John's Wort for depression, passion flower for irritability, and rhodiola for energy.

Rhodiola extract in the mornings can increase dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a hormone associated with mood. Too little dopamine can lead to anxiety and depression. Increasing dopamine receptors and uptake can make people feel happier, more energetic and less like smoking a cigarette.

People often feel nauseated when they are in withdrawal from nicotine. Ginger root may reduce nausea. Lobelia can be toxic so caution is needed when using.

Oats are a heart healthy food that is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate. Eating oats can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear, which helps to lower risk of heart disease. They also contain chemicals called avenathramides that can reduce stress, strengthen the nervous system, fight free radials, and combat high blood pressure. All of these benefits can be crucial for smokers who are at a higher risk for heart disease.

Oats can also directly help smokers quit. An extract derived from green oats can ease withdrawal symptoms and help to decrease cigarette cravings.

NO to smoking

Quit smoking for good

Regards,
Inas Shukor