Sunset in Sunda Strait

The Sunda Strait (Indonesian: Selat Sunda) is the strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.

The strait stretches in a roughly north-east/south-west orientation, with a minimum width of 24 km (15 miles) at its north-eastern end between Cape Tua on Sumatra and Cape Pujat on Java. It is very deep at its western end but as it narrows it becomes much shallower, with a depth of only 20 m (65 feet) in parts of its eastern end. This makes it notoriously difficult to navigate, with sandbanks, very strong tidal flows and man-made obstructions such as oil rigs off the Java coast.

photo by MZ Gani

Internet

A couple’s day ago I couldn’t access internet caused by a trouble with internet provider I connected to.

I hate that situation and realized that I need an internet connection in my life. With internet world look likes a small village with no distance, no country, and no continent restriction. And without internet world become wider, unreachable and look like back to the ancient era.

One thing I learn from this trouble; that’s right what people said that something or someone has meaning full to us is exactly when it’s gone;

We feel our healthy is important exactly when we are sick, while when we’re in a good health we’re neglectful keeping in good health.

We feel disappointed to our self have not enough care to someone what we love after he/she far from us.

Just A Joke...

A "Good Wan! (Good One!)"

Caller: Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan ?
Operator: Yes, you can speak to me.
Caller : No, I want to speak to Annie Wan!
Operator: Yes I understand you want to speak to anyone. You can speak to me. Who is this?
Caller : I'm Sam Wan. And I need to talk to Annie Wan! It's urgent.
Operator: I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?
Caller: Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan that our brother Noe Wan was involved in an accident. Noe Wan got injured and now Noe Wan is being
sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan is on his way to the hospital.
Operator : Look, if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!
Caller : You are so rude! Who are you?
Operator: I'm Saw Ree.
Caller: Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!
Operator: That's what I said. I'm Saw Ree ..
Caller: Oh ......God!!! !

Thanks to bro Misbah Zafar

A Country with 742 languages!!!

The old aphorism said that Language show nation and according to a theory that in a language consisted cultural substance. Language viewed as firmest reflection identity a culture socializes.
It’s the very strong fastener to maintain cultural existence and certain entity.

Indonesia is a large country with total population about 250 million people. Official language is Bahasa Indonesia but people in every region has own ethnic language. You might be surprised if I tell you that total of the local language are a sum of 742 languages!!!

Unfortunately, nowadays many of vernacular are incoming of “yellow zone” goes to destruction. Moreover some of vernacular totally disappeared. Some people said this thing was an ethnical blurred identity caused by influence of globalization era marked with domination of international language.

Not only on local language. Some region also has their own character but also like vernacular or local language, local characters ‘destiny’ were likely local language too, disappeared from among people itself.

Bali Island

map of Bali

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Ulan Danu Brata Balinese Temple

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Kecak Dance performance, the most popular Bali Dance

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

Tanah Lot Balinese Temple

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

Sunset in Kuta Beach

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

my friends from some countries enjoyed their dinner in Bali

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!



pictures from my collection

The Power of Mind

Guys, have you been thinking that we as human being actually have a great power. Among all human being strength, the power of mind is the most extra ordinary power even if we compare to the most sophisticated computer. Within mind human being able to reach every dream, broke any obstacle and create remarkable masterpiece.
And the important thing to think that the power of mind is small or big is depend on our self.

Focus to Our Goals

Some time we undermine our worth by comparing our self with others but actually that is not wise because we are different with others and others people didn’t know what the best for us. What we are need is we always focus to our goals; taking chances that we learn how to be brave and not less important is do not be afraid to encounter risks and do not give up when you still have something to give. The other matter important in life is always having a hope and to look after our hopes we need dreams, because dreams are hope. People said that to be without hope is to be without purpose.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organization, international in its scope, with branches in over 189 countries in Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. This is the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history, with worldwide membership exceeding tens of millions.

The Ahmadiyya Community was established in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in a small and remote village, Qadian, in the Punjab, India. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days, the Awaited One of the world community of religions (The Mahdi and Messiah). The Community he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam -- peace, universal brotherhood, and submission to the Will of God -- in its pristine purity. Hadhrat Ahmad proclaimed Islam as the religion of man: "The religion of the people of the right path" (98:6)

With this conviction, the Ahmadiyya Community, within a century, has reached the corners of the Earth. Wherever the Community is established, it endeavors to exert a constructive influence of Islam through social projects, educational institutes, health services, Islamic publications and construction of mosques, despite being bitterly persecuted in some countries. Ahmadi Muslims have earned the distinction of being a law-abiding, peaceful, persevering and benevolent community.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam was created under divine guidance with the objective to rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values. It encourages interfaith dialogue, and diligently defends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. It firmly believes in and acts upon the Qur'anic teaching: "There is no compulsion in religion." (2:257) It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason.

The Community offers a clear presentation of Islamic wisdom, philosophy, morals and spirituality as derived from the Holy Qur'an and the practice (Sunnah) of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Some Ahmadis', like late Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan (who served as the first Foreign Minister of Pakistan; President of the 17th General Assembly of U.N.O.; President and Judge of the International Court of Justice, at the Hague), and Dr. Abdus Salam (the Nobel Laureate in Physics in 1979), have also been recognized by the world community for their outstanding services and achievements.

After the demise of its founder, the Ahmadiyya Community has been headed by his elected successors -- Khalifas. The present Head of the Movement, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was elected in 2003. His official title is Khalifatul Massih V.

A Strong Woman vs A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...

but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear of ALLAH.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her own to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future....
but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be Allah's
blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows Allah will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she
will become strong.
Note:I took this post from a mailing group, wrote by Birjees Fatima)

The Man Who Bought a Resurrection

source: TIME

When David Jeselsohn, a Swiss-Israeli collector, bought this ancient tablet from a Jordanian antiquities dealer, he was unaware of its significance

David Jeselsohn has been an avid collector of Mediterranean antiquities all his life. But 10 years ago, his curiosity was aroused by a mysterious stone tablet with ancient Hebrew writing that appeared in London, offered by a reputable Jordanian dealer. Jeselson bought it and then, distracted by more collecting, forgot it. Today, however, some scholars say that the fractured, three-foot-long sandstone tablet challenges the uniqueness of the idea of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The controversial tablet, dubbed "Gabriel's Revelation," dates back to several decades before Jesus's birth and announces the raising of the Messiah after three days in the grave. If correct, this places the concept of a Messiah's resurrection firmly within Jewish traditions of the day. These controversial speculations could have come out years earlier, but as the Swiss-Israeli collector sheepishly told TIME in Jerusalem, ""It's my fault that it took so long to be examined."

After the purchase, Jeselsohn stashed the tablet in his Zurich home and moved on to other collectibles. Then, three years ago, he invited an Israeli scholar, Ada Yardeni, to Zurich to examine writings on ancient pottery shells. The expert's eye, however, was drawn instead to the tablet with its 87 lines of Hebrew script. "She was fascinated" says Jeselsohn. "Yardeni said said the writing was just like on the Dead Sea Scrolls."
The original dealer was vague about the tablet's origin. But Jeselsohn, who is also an expert on East Mediterranean antiquities, says that the ink writing could only have survived for 2,000 years if it were kept in an extremely dry climate, possibly along the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Most likely, says Jeselsohn, the tablet was considered sacred and displayed upright in a public area such as a synagogue.

The controversy arose after Prof. Israel Knohl, a Hebrew University scholar of Talmudic and Biblical languages, translated the tablet, which is written in the form of an end-of-the-world prediction by the angel Gabriel. What may make the tablet unique is its 80th line, which begins with the words "In three days," and includes some form of the verb "to live." Knohl, who was not involved in the first research on the artifact, claims that it refers to a historic first-century Jewish rebel named Simon who was killed by the Romans in 4 B.C., and should read "In three days, you shall live. I Gabriel command you." If so, Jesus-era Judaism had begun to explore the idea of the three-day resurrection before Jesus was born. As Knohl told a conference of Biblical experts on Tuesday in Jerusalem, "Earlier scholars say Judaism was unfamiliar with the concept of a Messiah who suffered, died and rose, but this inscription changes that." He adds: "Gabriel is speaking to someone and says: 'By three days, you'll come back to life.'" Still, some scholars at the conference privately said that Knohl, in his zeal to make a biblical breakthrough, was reading too much into the vague and practically illegible lines of the tablet.

Knohl's reading of the tablet undermines one of the strongest literary arguments employed by Christians over centuries to support the historicity of the Resurrection: the specificity and novelty of the idea that the Messiah would die on a Friday and rise on a Sunday. How does Jeselsohn feel about being the owner of a priceless object that could lead to the reinterpretation of early Christian beliefs? "I'm proud," he replies. "Knohl's idea of a rising Messiah in Judaism, one who predates Christianity, may be correct. All the elements are there [in the tablet]. But I'm perhaps more cautious than he is." Jeselsohn says that while the discovery may question "the uniqueness" of Jesus' Resurrection, "Nonetheless, it gives credibility to the belief that [Jews at that time] were expecting a Messiah" — one who would rise from the grave.

Ancient stone tablet may prove resurrection predated Jesus Christ

courtesy: The Tech Herald
by Rich Bowden

Image: Resurrection of Lazarus. Painting by Bonnat. Credit: Public Domain

Archaeologists and biblical scholars are disputing the interpretation of a stone tablet dating from the 1st century BC which appears to show the concept of resurrection was in Jewish tradition decades before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The tablet was found in the collection of a Zurich collector who claims he bought the artifact from a Jordanian seller.

The three-foot-high mysterious stone tablet, which has been written on rather than carved, is known as the Angel Gabriel’s Vision of Revelation however its poor state of repair -- some letters and even whole words are missing -- has experts arguing over the meaning of parts of its text. Some scholars are suggesting the poor legibility of the tablet means the text is being interpreted by some more than can be accepted.

The UK's Times reports that a previous paper published by scholars Ada Yardeni and Binyamin Elitzur concluded that the most controversial lines were indecipherable however a more recent study by Israel Knohl, biblical studies professor at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, has concluded the key line 80 of the text as Gabriel telling a historic Jewish rebel named Simon, who was killed by the Romans in 4 BC: "In three days you shall live, I Gabriel, command you."

Knohl claims his interpretation shows that resurrection predates the birth of Jesus Christ. At Easter Christians celebrate the rising from the dead of Jesus Christ, three days after his death.

"This sheds new light on the messianic activity of Jesus," Knohl said to Reuters news agency. "It proves that the concept of the messiah was already there before Jesus," added Knohl, who published his theory in the Chicago-based Journal of Religion in April. Knohl has long contended that the concept of a slain Messiah who was resurrected is based in Jewish writings and has argued the case in his book"The Messiah Before Jesus" (University of California Press, 2000). He says this discovery confirms his belief.

The scholar presented his theory before a conference of international experts this week to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Other experts have said they will be making their own theories public after analysing the tablet, with a suggestion this may differ from Knohl's conclusion.

Owner of the stone tablet Swiss-Israeli David Jeselsohn said he was unsure of Knohl's interpretation but believed this did not detract from the Christian tradition of Christ resurrected.

"I am more cautious than Knohl. He has his idea that the Messiah and Judaism predated Christianity. The whole thing is fascinating. Some people say it may take away from the uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrected but I believe it gives credibility to the story that the followers were expecting a messiah," he said.

Arte Y Pico… a Tag/Award!

Arte Y Pico… a Tag/Award!

Thank you Janese for the award:-)Sorry it is kind a late. :-)

Now i am sending this award to Tansa,Don, Lucky and Titin

Let Smile

Customer: Waiter, do you serve crabs?
Waiter: Please sit down sir, we serve everyone

Customer : Waiter, there's a dead beetle in my soup.
Waiter : Yes sir, they are not very good swimmers.

Customer : Waiter, there's a fly in my soup.
Waiter : That's all right sir, he won't drink much.

Customer : Waiter, there's a fly swimming in my soup.
Waiter : So what do you expect me to do, call a lifeguard?

Customer : Waiter, what's the meaning of this fly in my tea up?
Waiter : I wouldn't know sir, I'm a waiter, not a fortune teller.

Khilafat Centenary Jubilee

Congratulations and best wishes to all Ahmadi brothers and sisters around the world on the auspicious occasion of the Khilafat Centenary Jubilee. One hundred years ago, on 27th May 1908, the institution of Khilafat was established to guide the Promised Messiah’s small number of followers. This 27th May, 2008, tens of millions of Ahmadi Muslims will join Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (at) in celebrating one hundred years of the Second Manifestation of Allah’s Power. May this day be a source of pride and joy for all - but most importantly, may it remind us of our duty to serve Allah and His humanity and obey our Khalifa.

Khilafat Centenary JubileeStanding at this milestone and looking back the 100 years of Ahmadiyya Khilafat, we can surely witness to the fact that all progress of Islam now lies with Khilafat and all blessings are in this divinely established institution. May this Khilafat Jubilee be the beginning of many more centuries of divine guidance. May the leadership of Khilafat truly be now and forever.

Once again, Mubarak and Congratulations to be part of history.

Keep Smile

Customer : Waiter, this soup tastes funny.
Waiter : Funny? But then why aren't you laughing?

Lady : Is this my train?
Station Master : No, it belongs to the Railway Company.
Lady : Don't try to be funny. I mean to ask if I can take this train
to Westchester.
Station Master : No Madam, I'm afraid it's too heavy.

Teacher : Peter, why are you late for school again?
Peter : Well, Miss, I dreamed that I was playing football and the
game went into extra time.

Wife : Do you want dinner?
Husband : Sure, what are my choices?
Wife : Yes and no.

Cute Primates

What do you think about that primates? It’s so cute, isn’t it? That primate’s name is Mono Titi and they are among the smallest of all primates, weighing in at around one and half pounds, the Mono Titi is as endearing as any creature in nature. Known as the “peaceful primates”, their social structure is unique in the egalitarian nature of their interactions. Both male and female nurture their young and they enjoy equal status within their troops. They live, they play and they love with the youthful exuberance of a band of mischievous teenagers on a holiday bash.

Prior to the middle of the twenty-century, the Pacific Coast of Central America was a sparsely inhabited frontier of wild coastal jungle. The Mono Titi had a range that extended hundreds of miles along the Pacific Coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. During the 1950’s Costa Rica emerged from third-world impoverishment through a nation wide effort to develop large-scale agricultural capacity across the country. The Pacific Coast region experienced widespread deforestation with the introduction of banana and cattle. This trend has played itself out to a degree where the habitat of the Mono Titi has now become so fragmented that their long-term survivability is in jeopardy.

Today Mono Titi’s habitat has been reduced to two restricted areas. There is a population in and around the Manuel Antonio National Park and there is another population in Corcovado National Park to the south. The Manuel Antonio habitat is an area that is less than 3000 acres in total. It is estimated that only around 1,700 of the animals are left in existence.

Beauty Contest

This is a good news to you who want a career in the fashion that Look of the year running an online beauty contest with $10.000 prize.

This is a world wide beauty contest so people from all over the world is possible to send in their best pictures so use this chance to be the next model working in Paris, New York or Milan.

So, if you are young and beautiful and want to commence a career in the fashion, then lookoftheyear.com is the right place for you.

http://www.lookoftheyear.com

Two Types of Moral

Moral qualities fall under two heads. First, those moral qualities that enable a person to discard evil; and, secondly, those moral qualities that enable him to do good. Discarding evil comprehends those qualities through which a person tries that he should do no harm to the property, honour or life of a fellow being by his tongue or his hand or his eyes or by any other organ, nor should he design to do him such harm. The doing of good comprehends all those moral qualities whereby a person tries to benefit a fellow being in respect of his property or honour by his tongue or his hand or his knowledge, or by any other means, or determines to make manifest his glory or honour, or overlooks a wrong that had been done to himself and thus benefits the perpetrator of the wrong by sparing him physical pain or financial imposition, or inflicts such chastisement upon him in respect of the wrong which is in reality a mercy for the wrongdoer.

From the book: Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam - Study Guide

Cute Puppies

photo by MZ Gani

About Money

Everyone needs money. We all want it, work for it and think about it. And I think we all know an old cliché said "time is money". If then people do anything to get money with many ways; legal or maybe illegal, that is the way people makes money.
With money you can provide any needed for your loved ones, you can travel to any where in the globe; buy your dreaming car.
With the money you can feed poor people, you can help and serve to anybody who needs your help, but with your money you can pay people to kill your enemy too! In the hand of a barbarian nation, money also makes war everywhere.

From this fact we knew, yes we need money but money is not everything but you!