Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Evolution of Sanau



Most people who know me personally might think that my screen name,
Sanau, is a simple derivation from my first name and last name. But, you are wrong!!! There is more to it. Sanau is not such a simple person. I might seem simple, but the more you know me, the more puzzling I can be. The same goes with my screen name.

Ok. For beginners and first time readers, I love reading books, especially fiction and comics. 4 years back, I got introduced to Manga, japanese comics. The first one I ever read was the Fruits Basket, with Tohru Honda, Sohma Kyo and Sohma Yuki as the main characters. Then came Hana Kimi (drums please), with Sano Izumi and Ashiya Mizuki as the lead characters. A while later, I got introduced to Japanese and Korean dramas. Well, I had a yahoo 360 space dedicated for those, but now I've lost interest in dramas. I just don't have the patience to sit and watch them, when the ending seems so obvious and 10-15 episodes, such a waste of time. Getting back to the dramas, there was one called Snow Queen, which had Math as the main theme of the story. It went something like, there was this really smart boy, who used to always top all the Math olympiads and then came a poor boy who was even more brilliant than him, n blah blah. Yes, as you can see, Math fascinates me. So I got wired to Snow Queen initially and later lost interest.


Evolution of Sanau:
It all began with Yuki. I liked the name Yuki and also the character in Fruits Basket. Then I found that Yuki means Snow (Wow! What a coincidence). Then came Hana Kimi and Sano Izumi. Well, yes, I was totally blown over by this super cool character of Sano Izumi in the Manga (Specifically Manga, 'coz there has been a couple of dramas with the same name, but the main lead does not compare to the Manga lead). Well, yes, even the female lead is very cute and they suit each other very well (Repeat, only the Manga characters).

So then, the evolution, Sano => Sanau => Snow =>Snow Queen.

Well, yes, I know, for those of you who know me, this might be a surprize. But face the fact, there are a lot more surprizes with Sanau around ;)


Good Luck



Not only for the year ahead, but also for this moment
Strive to make the best use of it
Find success and joy in each step of your life.
Good Luck!!!!


Sunday, December 28, 2008

Awakening












I was asleep, in my own dreamland,
In my utopia with my books, cell and PC.

When I woke up, I was in another place
And I strode alone towards my destination,
A bright light along the straight unwavering path,
As I walked, I realized, I wasn't walking alone,
There were millions of people as far as my eye could reach,
To my left and to my right, 
In front and behind,
All trying to reach the same light, 
Treading through the same unwavering path.

Both young and old, men and women,
With no distinction of their nation,
No hatred, jealousy, hostility or enmity.
All gathered, together, in the vicinity of the Holy land
With just one wish in our hearts,
A humble and innocent request to our Lord.

Please accept our prayers and our good deeds,
Please forgive us our sins,
Help us make this world a better and peaceful place to live,
Let us be among the blessed people,
The dwellers of Paradise,
Help us to live a contented life, through thick or thin.
Stregthen our faith, with steadfast heart,
That strives for the Hereafter.

O My Lord, with the millions of people around me,
I feel so insignificant. What am I without you?
You created me, made me born to the family I am in now.
What do I have to be proud of?
You gave me good health and good intelligence.
You gave me the blessings of living a contented life.
You gave me everything, even without me asking.
But, I am greedy. I still ask you for many things,
'Coz I know, I'm nothing without your blessings.
Just a lump of dust. That is where I came from,
That is where I'll return to. 
The physique that I boast of as mine,
Do I have control over it? 
What is the complicated machinery within it?
Can I nurture and control it? Not a chance.

O my Lord, even then I feel that I'm special to you.
You blessed me so much.
Each day is a flow of new events and surprizes.
Yes, they are all a test from you.
Each trial and tribulation, a test for my patience.
Each happy and successful moment, a test of my gratefulness to You.
Thank You for making me who I am.
Thank You for giving me a wonderful family,
Thank You for giving me awesome friends,
Thank You for giving me education,
Thank You for all the things that has happened to me,
Some bitter lessons and other happy moments.

O my Lord, I believe that
If I pray to you sincerely, with good intention,
You will surely answer my prayer.
If not here, in the Hereafter.




Thursday, December 18, 2008

18 ANSWERS OF THE HOLY PROPHET [Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam]


Dialogue between a traveler and the prophet (saw)
                   
A traveler once came to the mosque to see the prophet. After greeting the prophet he was asked where he was from. The traveler replied that he came from
very far just to get a few questions answered. Following is the
dialogue between the traveler and the prophet.


Traveler: I do not want azaab to be written in my account.

Prophet
: behave well with your parents


Traveler: I want to be known amongst people as an intelligent person.

Prophet
: fear Allah always.


Traveler: I want to be counted amongst Allah's favorites.

Prophet
: recite quran every morning and evening.


Traveler: I want my heart to always be enlightened. ( roshan and munawer)

Prophet:
never forget death


Traveler: I never want to be away from Allah's blessing.

Prophet:
always treat fellow creatures well.


Traveler: I never want to be harmed by my enemies.

Prophet
: always have faith in only Allah.


Traveler: I never want to be humiliated.

Prophet:
be careful of your actions.


Traveler: I wish to live long.

Prophet:
always do sile rahm. (Goodness towards blood relations)


Traveler: I want my sustenance to increase.

Prophet
: always be in wudhoo.


Traveler: I wish to stay free of adhaab in the grave.

Prophet
: always wear pure (paak) clothes.


Traveler: I never want to burn in hell.

Prophet
: control your eyes and tongue.


Traveler: how do I get my sins forgiven.

Prophet:
always ask forgiveness from Allah with a lot of humility.


Traveler: I want people to respect me always.

Prophet
: never extend your hands of need at people.


Traveler: I want to always be honored.

Prophet
: never humiliate or put down anyone.


Traveler: I don't want to be squeezed by fishare qabr.

( squeezing in the grave)
Prophet:
recite sura e mulk often.


Traveler: I want my wealth to increase.

Prophet:
recite sura e waqia every night.


Traveler: I want to be safe and at peace on day of judgment.

Prophet:
do zikr of Allah from dusk to night.


Traveler: I want to be in full attention and concentration during namaaz.

Prophet
: always do wudhoo with concentration and attention


Jaza Kum ALLAH'hai Khairan Kaseera.
 

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Random Thoughts

  • Live each day and each moment to its full. Who knows what awaits you next.
  • I see things in life as either a challenge or pleasure. You either enjoy doing it or fight it until you win or lose.
  • If you are successful in life, thank Allah for the same. If you fail, learn from your mistake and have patience.
  • Everything in life happens for a reason God knows the best. So, try to see the positive side of it. Be an optimist.
  • Life is not always a piece of cake. It can be spiced up a bit, but make sure to enjoy it.
  • I leave my footsteps wherever I go. Be it sand or rock. If your mind is like sand, you would have washed it away. If it is like a rock, you'll find it engraved somewhere.
  • Have you ever thought about what is happening within our body? Who has the ultimate control over it? Yet, we are proud and haughty.
  • When you do something, do it with pure intentions and for the sake of Allah. 
  • Light Humor:
When things go wrong............
When sadness envelopes you heart.........
When tears gush out of your eyes.....
Think of me......
I'll be there for you........
........
.........
.......
.......
.......
.......
'coz I'm selling tissues, buy 1 get 1 free ;)
  • You are what you want to be.
  • Life is a drawing without an eraser.
  • When life shuts one door on you, it opens another one behind. If not, always remember there is a hallway.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Beautiful Inside Out


This is one thought that I've always had and wanted to share. What is the definition of beauty or being beautiful? Is it just being physically beautiful? Or does it have to do with something internal impact?

God creates everyone with different features. Some have very unique and attractive features, whereas others have simple and plain features. Some might be dark, others light. Different colors for the eyes, different types of noses, height, weight, etc. Do our physical features really depict our beauty? If one is born with a defect, can we call that person ugly? We don't have control over our God given physical features, so why lament over it and feel bad about it? (I'm not thinking about people who do plastic surgeries and stuff. You need money for that!!) People around us will accept us, if we truly are beautiful. Not beautiful in looks, but beautiful in Character.

I believe, that since we don't have the absolute ability to control our looks, why not beautify our character? I doesn't cost a penny and it doesn't hurt anyone. It makes us happy as well. Also, if we have a truly content mind, it reflects on our health and our looks. Looking healthy, makes people around us happy and attracted to us. A person with beautiful character and conduct is reverred by everyone. 

Being beautiful is having a good character, no matter what you look like. Your character is something you can control, so you can be beautiful. Even if people might shun you sometimes for the way you look, your beautiful character can truly move them.

Remember, "Beauty lies in the eyes of the Beholder"

"If wealth is lost, nothing is lost.
  If health is lost, something is lost.
  If character is lost, everything is lost."

Friday, November 7, 2008

Tequila and Salt


This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.  

You may not realize it,  but it's 100% true.  

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.  

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.  

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.  

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.  

5. Every night,  SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.  

6. You mean the world to someone.  

7. You are special and unique.  

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.  

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.  

10. When you think the world  has turned its back on you take another look.  

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.  


And always remember.... 
when life hands you Lemons,  
ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!  

Good friends are like stars........ 
You don't always see them,  
But you know they are always there.  

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"  

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.  

"Why don't we stop and smell the flowers"?  

See how many "bouquets" you end up with! 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Things within our Reach


Why do we always yearn for things that are beyond our grasp?
Why aren't we satisfied with our day to day life?
Why are people greedy?

When we think that we are blessed, we will stop being greedy.
Even if we are penniless, it is a blessing to be healthy.
Even if our mind is filled with sorrow, it is a blessing when we have someone to talk to.
Even if we couldn't treat ourselves to the last dessert, it is a blessing to have eaten something.

Remember in this world, we are lucky to have eyes to see....
Hands to touch, feel and write.....
Legs to walk.....

We are lucky to know how to read and think,
Choose what is right for us.

Just remember we are more blessed than a multitude of people living in this world, who can't even read, who don't even have the basic necessities of life.

There is nothing to worry about when you truly understand that you are blessed. Just keep a patient mind, calm temper and enjoy the things around you. Your day will be bright and great!!!


Sunday, November 2, 2008

Realizing our Dreams


We all are human beings and we love to dream. We dream about where we want to be in life and what we want to do. How can we realize our "realisitic" dreams? What is a realistic dream?

I'm not sure what exactly I can say about realistic and unrealistic dreams. 'Coz as time changes, so does our advancement. When 200years back, people rediculed at the idea of flying, now flying to the moon is a reality. What we make out of our dreams is our definition of realistic dreams. There are times when we ourselves can be surprized by our capability. Sometimes, what we do is beyond our expectations, leave alone others. Only Allah knows what we can produce and what is hidden within us.

There are 3 things, which I feel are important, that helps us in realizing our dreams. 
  • Motivation
  • Inspiration
  • Encouragement

Motivation: 
To realize our dream we must be self-motivated. It must come from within us. We have our own, special talents, unique to each of us. The luckiest person is the one who is able to understand his/her own talent and strive forward to realize it. There are people who are multi-talented as well, for them it is usually a dilemma to select one path or all paths. There are people whose talents are hidden so deep that, in the long journey of life, they will eventually realize it. Just believe that it is never too late to realize them and to be motivated. You can also find motivation from people or things around you. Just keep your eyes open and the road will guide you.

Inspiration:
Ok, now that you've been motivated, how to move ahead? You need someone or something to inspire you. There are people all around you and lots of things around you. You feel, you are the only important thing in this world, but isn't that just a mirage? When we think of ourselves as a very little thing compared to the universe, we allow the words and gestures of people around us to have a say in our lives. Sometimes, the innocent smile of a baby can inspire you. At other times unexpected help from someone will inspire you and in many other occassions, your family tends to be your biggest asset in inspiring you. When we are on life's journey, an unexpected turn of events can be an eye opener. Being an optimist can be a big asset.

Encouragement:
This is one of the most essential things for us to be able to realize our dreams. Encouragement. Some people only need a very little encouragement to move forward, whereas the others need encouragement from the very beginning. There are people who needs encouragement even to dream. We have an idea, but to put that idea into action, we need help from others. Others can either ridicule you or motivate you to move forward. Just remember that most of the famous artists died poor since people thought that they were insane. It is only after their death that their works were valued. For me, just looking at the sky gives me encouragement. If it is sunny, the day will be bright. If there are clouds, there will be rain or it will be cool to walk. Another thing is that if we are encouraged, we feel we will be able to put our all into it and are happy to do what we want. There are people rooting for you and they want to see you grow.

Realizing our dreams is not easy. It needs perseverance and patience. But if you have the feeling deep down your heart that you can do it, then remember "You really can DO it" !!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Prayer Answering Allah

Hear what Allah says:
If I answer your prayer at once, it is because I am testing your faith.
If I did not answer your prayer at once, it is because I am testing your patience.
If I did not answer your prayer at all it is because I have a better plan for you.
Remember Allah's promises are yes and Amen!
He is God not man, which explains why He can never fail, hold on, don't be discouraged, your miracle is knocking at the door of your heart.
A little more faith is what you need to see all your needs met.

The-Prayer-Answering-Allah is saying He has met all your needs. "Submit to "LA-ILAH-ILLAH-ALLAH, MUHAMMAD-UR-RASOOL-ALLAH" wholeheartidly....you've only got one chance and you can't loose, its a two way win!!"

May I never get too busy in my own Affairs

It was a bitter, cold evening. The old man's beard was glazed by winter'sfrost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless.His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind. He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path.*
**
*Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let thefirst one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by... and another. Finally, the last rider neared the spot where theold man sat like a snow statue.*
**
*As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider's eye and said, "Sir,would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn't appear to be a passageway by foot."*
**
*Reining his horse, the rider replied, "Sure thing. Hop aboard."*
**
*Seeing the old man was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horsemantook the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, whichwas just a few miles away.*
**
*As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman's curiosity caused him to inquire, "Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass bywithout making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and youimmediately asked me for a ride. I'm curious why, on such a bitter winter night; you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and leftyou there?"*
**
*The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the riderstraight in the eyes, and replied, "I've been around here for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good."*
**
*The old-timer continued, "I looked into the eyes of the other riders andimmediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have beenuseless even to ask them for a ride. *
**
*But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. Iknew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunityto give me assistance in my time of need."*
*Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply.*

Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘There are one hundred (parts of the) Mercy of Allah and He has sent down out of this (hundred), only one part of Mercy upon all the Jinn, and human beings, and the creatures…. and it is because of this (one part of the Mercy of the Lord) that they love one another, show kindness to one another and even the beast treats its young one with affection! ….and Allah has reserved ninety-nine parts of Mercy with which He would treat His servants on the Day of Resurrection. (Sahih Muslim Hadith 6631 Narrated by Abu Hurayrah)

Dua: Thanking Allah for His magnificence

We all know that everything is written and recorded for us in our books. The angles write everything we say. Well, when a servant of Allah(swt) says the following duaa:

ياربنا لك الحمد كماينبغى لجلال وجهك و لعظيم سلطانك
Ya Rabbana, lakal hamdu, Kama Yambaghy, Lijalali Wajhika Wa Aztheemi Sultanik.

Oh Allah, Thanks and gratitude be to You, as much as your magnificence and great authority ought to deserve.The angels are stumped as to what to write. Why do the angels not know how to write this?When we say this duaa, and it can be seen from the translation, it is unquantifiable the amount we are thanking Allah (swt), because it is as much as He (swt) ought to deserve, and a number or scale cannot be attached to this.

So what do the angels do?They go up to Allah (swt) and tell Allah(swt), a servant of Yours has something we do not know how to write. Allah(swt) of course knows what we have said, but nonetheless asks the angels what we said. The angels tell Him(swt) the duaa. Allah(swt) then tells the angels to record it exactly as the servant has said and Allah(swt) will reward us when He(swt) meets us on the Day of Judgement.

Isn't this wonderful to hear? Something as simple as saying this duaa, saying it from our hearts will give us a reward that Allah(swt) will grant us on the Day of Judgement. Imagine that, Allah(swt) will reward us when we see Him(swt) for this small dua that has great meaning! This just shows how wonderful and rewarding this duaa is, and that Allah(swt) is saving our reward for when we meet Him(swt).

Just thought I'd share… Let's all try to memorize this and start saying it daily. Instead of just saying Alhamdulilah (thanking Allah (swt) once) let us say 'Oh Allah, Thanks and gratitude be to You, as much as your magnificence and great authority ought to deserve.'

Hadith Source: Sunan Ibn Maja on the authority of Ibn Omar (ra)

The Crow

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The father asked his son, "What is this?"The son replied, "It is a crow".

After a few minutes, the father asked his son the 2nd time, "What is this?"The son said, "Father, I have just now told you, It's a crow".

After a little while, the old father again asked his son the 3rd time, "What is this?"At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the son's tone when he said to his father with a rebuff. "It's a crow, a crow".

A little after, the father again asked his son the 4th time, "What is this?"This time the son shouted at his father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times "IT IS A CROW". Are you not able to understand this?"

A little later the father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his son was born. On opening a page, he asked his son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary:-

"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child".

While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this?", the father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the father asked his son the same question just 4 times, the son felt irritated and annoyed. So....If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them.

Be considerate to your parents. From today say this aloud, "I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make a person presentable in the society today".

Allah says:Your Lord has enjoined the following: You should not worship anyone but Him Alone! Treat your parents with great kindness; if either or both of them attain old age, do not even say ‘uff’ to them; nor rebuke them; but speak to them kind words. Treat them with humility and tenderness and pray, “O our Lord, be merciful to them, just as they brought me up with kindness and affection in my childhood.”Holy Quran Chapter 17 Surah Bani Israel verses 23-24

Friday, September 5, 2008

Ramadan Delights


Since it is Ramadan, we all like to have refreshing and healthy futoor(breaking the fast). The best things are fruits juices and fruits. Below are 2 fruit juices, which is refreshing and easy to make.

1. Peachy Delight

Apple - 1 peeled and diced
Pears - 2 peeled and diced
Bananas - 3
Milk -1 1/2 cups
Water - 1 1/2 cups
Rose Syrup - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 5 tbsp

Blend all the above ingredients in a mixer/blender and serve chilled for a refreshing and nutritious drink.

2. Purple Fusion

Plums - 6 (remember to remove the seeds)
Black Grapes - 100g or a handful
Tang (Orange Flavor) - 1 tbsp ( The tingy orange flavor is in the background)
Water - 1 1/2 Cups
Ice cubes - Some
Sugar - 5 tbsp

Blend all the above ingredients in a mixer/blender and serve chilled for a refreshing and tasty drink.

Ramadan Kareem

Dear All,

Assalamualaikum
The month of mercy is here. I would like to pay my wishes to you all RAMADAN MUBARAK. Very hearty congrats to all of you and your families for the auspicious
Ramadan Kareem, My sincere pray to Allah SWT to make us steadfast in our approach in this beautiful month, make us fast the whole month and also the six days of Shawwal, make us pray Taraweeh and grant by His Utmost Mercy "Lailatul Qadr" Ameen.
May Allah forgive all our sins, Accepts all our Fasting, Prayers etc… in this Holy month of Ramadan. May Allah forgive us, our families, fore-fathers, and all the Muslim Ummah and grant us by His benevolence the place in Jannah and a shade on the day of Qiyamah (Ameen, Ameen, Ameen Ya RabalAlameen).
Special request : Do remember me, my family & Muslim UMMA in your special Duas.
Thanks in advance and with my best wishes,

Here some guidelines for the month of RAMADAN. Please also Find attached guidelines and Duas.

RAMADAN KAREEM SPECIALITIES IN BRIEF :
· The best of Months
· Quran revealed in this month
· A month of Blessing, Mercy & Forgiveness
· Allah Himself gives rewards for one who fasts
· Doors of Heaven are opened
· Doors of Hell are closed
· Shayateen are chained
· Rewards multiplied from 10 to 700 times
· A NIGHT better than 1000 months

PLAN FOR SALAT :
· Plan for obligatory prayers in congregation (Jamat)
· Plan for Sunnah and Nafil prayers
· Don't miss the special taraweeh prayers
· Get closer to Allah by Tahajjud Prayers
· Try to achieve Khushoo (concentration)

PLAN FOR LEARN / TEACH QURAN
· Tajweed : Learn to recite correctly
· Tilawat : Read the whole Quran at least once in Holy Month of Ramadan
· Tarjuma : Read the complete translation once
· Tafseer : Plan to go through the tafseer
· Tadabbur : Take out time to ponder verses
· Tahfeez : Memorize some Surahs / Aayaats

ZIKR
· Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance (zikr) of Allah SWT
· When a group of people assemble for remembrance of Allah SWT:
- The Angels surround them (with their wings)
- (Allah's) mercy envelops them
- Sakinah (Tranquility) descends upon them
- Allah makes a mention of them before those who are near Him

DUA IS WORSHIP :
· To every Muslim is an answered supplication (due) in Ramadan"
· 3 persons dua accepted : Fasting, Oppressed, Traveller
· Memorize duas from Quran & Sunnah
· Make dua for all Muslim Umma
· Dua at : Iftar time / Tahajjud time / Fasting period

UMRAH AND ITIKAAF PLAN :
· Umrah in Ramadan equal to Haj with the Prophet PBUH (Bukhari & Muslim)
· The Prophet PBUM used to perform Itikaaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan (Bukhari & Muslim)
· Opportunity for people in Saudi Arabia
- Weekend Umrah Trips
- Itikaaf at Makkah or Madinah Mosques

FINANCIAL PLAN :
· Zakat : Purifies the wealth (2.5%)
· Infaq : Investment for the future
· Relatives in need of support

IFTAR PARTY
· For Muslim Friends : Remind about Islam
· For Non-Muslim Friends : Introduce & Invite to Islam

PLEASE TRY TO STOP BAD HABITS
· TV Serials, Cartoons, Films, Matches etc…
· Chatting with friends – useless talk
· Internet surfing – unnecessary wasting time
· Smoking – Starting of All bad habits
· Gheebat – Eating dead brother's meat
· Therefore make Niyat (intention) with Ikhlas and Dua.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST – REMEMBER
· Death is fast approaching
· Life is too short to waste in useless things
· Satan discourages one to plan
· If Satan cannot stop a muslim from doing good, then
- he tries to engage him in lesser good, or
- make him busy so that he never plans or quantifies his progress

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Computer's Gender in Spanish


A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'

'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'


A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two


groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves


whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was
asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the
feminine gender ('la computadora' ), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is
incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for
possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.


(THIS GETS BETTER!)




The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be
Masculine

('el computador') , because:


1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;


2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;


3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time
they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a
little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Respect your Parents: A good Story

It's your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude.

A simple man tells how his booking an air ticket for his father, his first flight, brought emotions and made him realize that how much we all take for granted when it comes to our parents.

My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we went to the Airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train, I got them tickets on Airlines. The moment I handed over the tickets to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing himself on that day and we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for window seat and waiting restlessly for the security check-in to happen.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him experience all these things. As they were about to go in for the security check-in, he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became very emotional. When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to thank me.

But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back at my life. As a child -- how many dreams our parents have made come true. Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for football, dresses, Toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability, they have satisfied all our needs.

Did we ever think about the sacrifices they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes - TODAY?

Did we ever say thanks for all that they have done for us - TO DATE?

Same way, today when it comes to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good school, regardless of the amount of fees. We will ensure that we will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake to see us happy. Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions, I have actually answered back without patience.. When my daughter asks me something, I have been very polite in answering.

Now I realize how they would have felt at those moments. Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and just as we take care of our! children, the same attention and same care need to be given To our parents and elders.

Rather than my dad saying 'thank you' to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long for this small dream.. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all their wishes.

Just because they are old does not mean that they will have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren also. They have wishes, too..

*********Take care of your PARENTS********

Please pass on this to every child who loves parents and want to love them more......&…..more

Think....... - It's your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude.

Learn right knowledge, do righteous good deeds, recommend one another to the truth & observe patience. (Al-Asr:03)

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Poem

Well...these are 2 poems I wrote when in high school...I just get this mood and write whatever. Here it goes. Hope you enjoy it!!!


FRIENDS

In whom words are few, deeds are more
A friend who makes you bored.
Just to listen and laugh at your jokes,
A smile that comforts and never mocks.
Some friends are like this, hard to understand
But full of love and always at hand.

In whom words are more, deeds are few,
Who loosens your nuts, bolts and screw.
A friend who always makes you laugh
Laugh and laugh and make you scoff.
Easy to understand and love deep inside
Some friends are like this, always at your side.


Each friend's nature maybe different,
However they are, they are benevolent,
True friends are the greatest treasure
That one can find in nature!


DAWN

When the sun shines at dawn,
The birds begin to wake
Let's not slide back to our bed and yawn.
A new day has come. Wake up!
Wake from your sleep,
You've got lots to gather:
A quest to search for. From deep
Hearts of your mother and father,
Your friends and enemies,
Your sisters and brethren.
So let's spread peace
Through words, deeds and pen.

We've got a world to gain,
A world of our own,
Where there is no pain
But only love sown.

I hear the birds chirp,
The flowers open, the leaves tremble.
Oh dawn! How you peep
With the little sounds and mumble.
You open the new day
With a new hour
And new thoughts to make us happy.
An everlasting hope.
Oh Dawn! You are great!