Blogging Out

So today's the first day where I attempt to study, work and also chill outdoors. Well firstly, I think I need to get used to the fact that not all food out there is meant for eating. Can you imagine? I mean the first thing that requires you to put on your abstinence clothing is FOOD! So there's that.

The second thing is noise. I personally, as some of you may have noticed, am an introvert. Working outdoors is like peeling my skin off and waiting for a new one to replace it. Now mind you, peeling off one's skin is a painful process.

But it's also fun. I've discovered that many want fast cash. So nowadays you'd find scam-mers everywhere. I just had one. Here I am sipping my coffee and eating my donut and this guy comes an asks me are you Indian? He is Indian. Now I look Indian but I am not and NO I am not a coconut either (brown on the outside, white on the inside). His eyes were bloodshot and looked scruffy. Gave me a pathetic story and asked if I could loan him 5 bucks and I was like what?! And then he could afford to lower down his "price" to 2 bucks. Come on!!!

Now this is not the first and I bet it wouldn't be the last. Damn. Get a job?

I think writing outdoors really influences my perspectives. I mean it's uncomfy but it gets some work down. I can say that of all days today was one of my most productive days ever! I managed to finish an article, do some research and also BLOG!

I mean does being uncomfy bring out the best in you?

*Belated Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Al-Hijrah and the Things to come? Perhaps?

Malaysia has made another milestone in her history by launching her very own TV Al Hijrah; the first Islamic TV station. Now here's what TV Al Hijrah as what our buddies at THESTAR online mentioned it would do:

- to further promote the new medium in Islamic propagation in line with current needs, according to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), operator of the station.

- "Jakim hopes that through cooperation from missionaries and arts activists, the station will emerge as the top Islamic propagation station in the region."

- Wan Mohamad said the station would have a major impact in terms of Islamic propagation on the global community and, at the same time, offer healthy competition among the media in the country and set an example for the region.

It's a fact that we have a huge and sizable Muslim community, approximately 60% and with the inflow of Arabs, Persians and other people from the Middle East having a Muslim station is absolutely LOGICAL.

Now, how bout allowing other faiths to openly broadcast their beliefs for the purpose of propagation as well eh? Why not have a Christian TV Broadcasting Station? or maybe a Buddhist one? Will it ever be so easy to do it in a country like this?

We can only wonder.

Because just like our Muslim brothers and sisters, we too would like to openly propagate our religion to. No?

*Didjirama thinks that faith is a matter of choice and the propagation of religious beliefs openly and on air is the right of every individual.

Where the Hell Did That Christmas Tree Come From?

Many of us Malaysians have enjoyed and basked in the ambiance of the Christmas Tree. I mean forget our lack of knowledge of what Christmas is about, because there are three things that comes to mind when we "think" Christmas. They are none other than presents, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees. So now where on earth did the Christmas Tree come from? Like who on earth started it it? It couldn't be this guy now could it?

So here goes.

The origins are not known. Basically there are no clear facts as to when did this all start. But legend has it that it all began with a certain St. Boniface (672-745 A.D.) and the town of Geismar in Germany. Now in order to convince the entire town on the awesomeness of Christianity, St. Boniface hacked down the tree of Thor in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local Germanic tribe. In utter astonishment, St. Boniface saw a fir tree growing in the roots of the old chopped down oak tree.

He took this as a sign of faith and said to them "Let Christ be the center of your household.." and used the tree as a symbol of Christianity.

Now the modern day usage of the Christmas tree began with none other than Martin Luther. He used it as a "Protestant" or "Anti-Catholic" version of that famous nativity scene (those dolls of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, farm animals and all that deco stuffed into one place). And Luther established the Christmas tree as a symbol of the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden.

The earliest custom of putting up a Christmas tree could be traced to 15th century Estonia and Latvia and 16th century Northern Germany. This lead to other interesting rituals like taking the decorated tree to the center of the town and dancing around it and even lighting it up on FIRE. It is even said that it was the Germans that introduced the Christmas Tree to the States! DAS AUTO!!!!

There you go. A brief history on the Christmas tree. It must be remind that none of this is found in the bible. But there is something peculiar though. It is in the Bible and it goes somewhat like this:

This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them.

For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.

Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." (Jeremiah 10:2-5).

Some Christian fundamental groups have used this part of the Bible to say well Christmas trees are idolatrous. But well while they are debating, the whole world is enjoying. YAY!

*Didjirama thinks that Christmas Trees wouldn't eat you up and it's practically safe to collect your gifts under them!