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2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 4dr Sedan (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I was so excited when I purchased this car. It was everything I wanted and still do. However, around 54,000 miles in (I purchased it when it only had 100 miles) I took my car in for a oil change. No problem, then less than a 1000 miles my check oil light came on. I took it back to the shop that changed my oil and was told that there was NO oil in there. I am now at 73,000 and continue to have problems and Pontiac has been "working on it" for this entire time. Going in for service every other month is time consuming. I drive less than 15 miles to work per day and am using a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Hoping for a solution because I sure love the care otherwise.
Low profile tires are nice. But remember they are sensitive to wear and tear. I have went through two sets of front tires. They are not cheap, $600 a set is not fun to pay out.
The 3.8 engine is awesome, however, it does not appear that my car had a winner installed. Maybe this is why they choose to stop making this line. Just food for thought. Here I get my dream car and ended up with a nightmare.
I just bought an '06 Grand Prix GXP and this car is not only gorgeous to look at, but it's a blast to drive. I've had quick vehicles in the past, but the acceleration and power or this car is amazing. I bought a red one with 35,000 miles so it's just broken in. I love to small details that make it unique, the red brakes, the mini fog lights, the Monsoon sound system, and the remote start. What a great car!
Power & acceleration; sportiness, moon roof, Monsoon sound system, suede inserts in the seats.
Have to use 91 octane gasoline on the GXP, gets very expensive!
This is the 4th Grand Prix that I have had. I love these cars & hate the fact that GMC has stopped making them. I recently rented a 2010 Lacrosse for a road trip, & missed my car a lot. Grand Prix's are reliable from my experience, & will take the best care possible of this one. Drives like a dream, comfortable, enjoy everything about it. I just put new rims on it and have had several compliments already. I am very protective over this car, & know that I will get years of enjoyment with it. Nothing negative to say, I have been Blessed.
The controls in the steering column, the liability that only comes with having a Grand Prix, & the wide wheel traction for better road handling.
Set covering, mine are black and shows dirt very easily. Also would like to have seen a truck opening through the back setting area (had that before, where you pull down the arm rest and there was a little door that lead into the truck).
2 1/2 half years experience, 31500 miles. Replaced the battery this week, no other issues. Changed Bridgestones for Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S - 10,000 miles on the Goodyears, just do it. Upgrades - K&N Series 63 intake system, Magnaflow muffers (yeah they sound mean), upgraded floor mats and piano black dash trim kit. Adding LED taillights soon. White exterior/sand ultra lux leather interior. No Nav or optional paint. A+ build quality. Have some fun? Disconnect the battery overnight - drive the GXP hard the next day over several drive cycles. Becomes a REAL hot rod (I promise). Rare model - turns heads. Almost 20 mpg town w/27 highway. Wanna race?
Rarity/great looks - FAST - did I say FAST? Superior fuel economy - use premium only. Heads up display, paddle shifter. Details to a very high standard - red brake calipers with those plated wheels - A+. Flip down the seats? Becomes a pickup truck (not really but you get the picture).
K&N Series 63 intake system. Magnaflow mufflers, dash kit, floor mats/truck mat. LED tail lights. Use Meguiars products only for exterior maintenance. Treat yourself to the mufflers - then use the remote start and listen to your GXP "talk" to you as you walk up. Make your friends jealous.
I got a lease and I just recently turned it in and got a new lease on a Pontiac G8. And man, everything the GP does right, the G8 does so much better and all the flaws from the GP vanish. But this is for the GP, though. The Grand Prix is a great car just to push the the limits. But when it comes down to business, it did terribly. I bumped my head in the back, causing the sunroof to get dislodged. I had a headache and a car repair bill. I was so mad. Also annoyances include archaic stereo system that looks like my old 1998 Grand Am. It's ugly inside and out. I was not satisfied at all.
Neat information panel, good acceleration, good value, trunk space
Terrible build quality, worst back seats in the world, the front aren't so good either, 1990s stereo, information center is distracting, terrible resale value
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my gnex remain on bootanimation.......
If I flash new DirtyV v2 for Lollipop too, my gnex remain on "Google".
I've tried both f2fs/ext4 system partition (data and cache f2fs)
...perhaps it should remain full ext4 ...... such as all the following Lollipop rom: AOSP , Dreams, CM12
Yeah, I would expect that from dirtyv. It does the same thing on cm12, and LS is mostly based off cm12.
You could be right about needing all partitions to be ext4. @h4xx0rr, are any of your partitions f2fs?
I would guess that it's a kernel issue. Since we can't use dirtyv and there aren't any other gnex L kernels (that I'm aware of), probably not much we can do about it at the moment. I'm sure that'll change soon. Does anyone know if f2fs works with ziyan's cm12?
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Syaikh Hamza Yusuf (SHY) is one of my favorites ulama. I've learned a lot from him. Even though he is a convert to Islam, his knowledge and contribution to Islam, I think, is more than thousands of present-day Muslims' combined. This e-book (Lectures by Syaikh Hamza Yusuf) is the collection of SHY's lectures transcript. I hope you get benefit from it as much as I have been.
Pada akhirnya, keikhlasan jugalah yang menentukan
Setiap kita menempuh takdir masing-masing. Mencari, menggali, mengasah, dan menggunakan keunikan pribadi kita. Ada yang berhasil melakukannya dengan gemilang, namun tak sedikit yang bahkan tak menyadari keunikan pribadinya. Namun pada akhirnya, keikhlasan jugalah yang menentukan. Kontribusi besar seseorang boleh jadi membuat yang lainnya berdecak kagum. Namun pada akhirnya, kita semua akan kembali pada Allah swt. Pada hari itu, tak ada lagi sekat; tak ada lagi penghalang; juga tak ada lagi penolong. Allah Rabb yang mengetahui segala isi hati, tahu betul segala isyarat hati. Semoga pada waktu itu, segala yang kita lakukan bercahaya putih bersih; refleksi keikhlasan yang murni. Jika keikhlasan tidak ada, hanya penyesalan tak bertepi yang tersisa.
Entah kapan jantung ini kan terus berdetak. Sudahkah keikhlasan itu hadir? Sungguh kita tak sanggup menjadi yang hina di akhirat nanti.
Allah swt Rabb yang Maha Penyayang; yang Maha Adil. Ia Maha Lembut lagi Maha Penyantun. Semoga Ia senantiasa menguatkan kita untuk bisa ikhlas di jalan-Nya. Allohummarzuqnal hussnul khatimah,,
Being back in Jakarta
It has been two months since I'm back to Jakarta and start working. Previously, since I enjoyed a very comfortable life abroad for three and half years, I sometimes wondered how it feels joining millions of other Jabodetabek-ers who commute to Jakarta every single morning and back again at night. The result? Yes, it's a little bit tiring; but then I again realize, actually the external environment does not really matter. Being in a rush hour train does not necessarily mean that we live an uncomfortable day. I've seen many people, who despite being in crowded train, keep making themselves busy with reading Qur'an through their phone or listening to its recitation.
Living in Jakarta again reinforce my source of inspiration to keep working; that is to serve the people. The politicians who selfishly fight in the house of representative probably unaware that the longer they're stuck in conflict, the deeper the pain that many poor people are feeling. Isn't it, it is the congressman job to be partner and evaluator of government's programs? At the very least, these things will keep me motivated to be good; to always be more capable.
Another things which make me happy being back in Jakarta (and Indonesia at large) is the dynamic of da'wah activities here. I'm so inspired and so happy to experience it again, how spirited and sincere the da'i over here to convey Allah's swt and His messengers' message, that is none is worthy of worship except Allah swt and that Muhammad is His messenger. Alhamdulillah, may Allah swt strengthen all of da'i's foothold in this path.
One thing, though, that I really miss from living abroad: the nature. I am a park lover. Being in Jakarta, working five days a week and lots of other activities on weekend, I almost never have any chance to interact with nature. I firmly believe, it is nature the one that makes our heart soft. Indeed, Allah swt repeatedly direct our attention to nature in the Qur'an. Not sure when it would be, I really hope, the city could be greener and fresher for its people to be happier.
There are a lot more things to be said about being back in Jakarta. I guess for now, I need to finish drinking my morning cereal :)
Sentral Senayan, 7.02am
On September 11th
Finally I had a chance to have a quick look on the (previously classified) joint inquiry report of the US senate and the US house on intelligence regarding the 9/11 attack. If you have time, I think it's worth it to have a quick look on it.
After having a quick look, I think the root cause of the attack as well as the continuing conflicts up to this day, are two-sided. On one side, as the report also suggests, the involvement of the US, UK, and their allies' government in the Middle East has brought great calamities to the Muslim world; thus inciting rebellion. The example of the 'western' involvement would be the sanction or embargo to Saddam Hussein government (i.e. the state of Iraq) since 1990 until 2003 as well as the unconditional supports given to the state of Israel, which continues even until this very day. The second cause is the miss-understanding of Islamic teaching by some Muslims who carry out the 'jihad'. In one of his lecture, Syaikh Hamza Yusuf mentioned (minute 58) that Usama bin Laden, who was an accountant, has no legitimacy to issue any fatwa, moreover a fatwa on jihad. Usama bin Laden, when issuing the fatwa that any military and civilian of the US around the world are a legitimate target of jihad, referred to a fatwa issued by Syaikh Ibnu Taymiyyah (1263-1328) regarding the people of Mardeen. It turns out that Ibnu Taymiyyah's fatwa was miss-printed. The original fatwa said the disbelievers should be treated as a disbeliever; but the print (that Usama bin Laden read) said, the disbelievers should be fought (the miss-printed fatwa is here).
Obviously I am very new to this issue; but I believe it is a must to understand this two sides of the story. Most of the western people will have a strongly negative view on Islam or Muslim community because they thought Islam or Muslim only want to kill them. On the other hand, many Muslims, especially those who are experiencing the western government 'intervention' (read: war) on their places, firmly believe that retaliating to western governments are a legitimate action to do.
Certainly I am far from being able to suggest any solution on this. But one thing that I am very sure will work: abstaining from unconditional supports to the state of Israel and various other interventions in many Muslim countries. Obviously this is most likely will never happen. The problem of eggs-and-chicken or miss-trust will always persist. The US will never back down from involving in Muslim countries affairs' while the 'jihadist' will never back down too as long as the US still present.
Will dialogue help to solve the problem? For many Muslims, as long as the US still practice the hypocrisy, i.e. lecturing the world on human rights etc., while at the same time still supporting the terrorist activities of Zionist Israel, the dialogue will never ever be working. Why is it impossible for the US government to remove unconditional supports to Zionist Israel? Is the US support to Zionist Israel the only concern of many 'jihadist'? or do they have other mission? There are many questions need to answered.
I am against any use of violence in the name of Islam, especially when it involves attacking civilians, yet I also clearly understand the disappointment of 'jihadist' towards US policies on Muslim countries. If it is fine for the US to directly support Israel in killing around 2,000 Palestinians in (just last) July-August 2014, then why the 'jihadist' are not allowed to kill US civilian as well?
This is certainly a very challenging issue.
Akhirah mentality
We are building for akhirah. Everything we do is the preparation for akhirah. We ought to utilize whatever strength or potential that Allah swt gave us as a way to have long lasting amal sholeh. We surely indeed can't afford to be the loser in akhirah. Prophet Musa's du'a regarding potential is an excellent example: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me! (QS 28:24)
This shouldn't be a mysterious book
A frequent reader of this blog might already noticed how often I talk about Qur'an. Probably, I won't get tired of talking about it. In this post, I just have one simple message: Al-Qur'an shouldn't be a mysterious book for us.
Not long time ago, or exactly up until February this year, I was like many of us. My take on Al-Qur'an was that Al-Qur'an is a complex book, full with religious law, and unstructured. Alhamdulillah, now I realized, how utterly incorrect that view was. Let me tell you a bit of story.
One day in February this year, I went for Ashar prayer at UCL praying room. It was Friday. As I entered to room, there was no body inside. I put my bag and start cleaning up the praying mats. Then suddenly, there was a man entered the room. He left his shoes scattered in the door. With a bit of hurry pace, he asked me: is it already Ashar? I said, yes, the time just begun. Then he started praying. Looking at him already praying, I went out to take my wudhu'. On my way, I picked his shoes and put it in the rack. Five minutes later, I entered the room. He already left. I did my two raka'at sunnah; and then I realized, my bag was gone! When I was about trying to find him, some brothers came inside and asked me to lead the prayer. By the time the prayer finished, obviously the thief already got his way out.
At that time, I was wondering, o Allah, why did this happen? What's your plan on this? In my bag there were only lecture notes, computer tablet, but most importantly, also contain my mushaf (book of Al-Qur'an). This mushaf is the mushaf that I used to memorize Qur'an. As its format is a bit unique (i.e. 18 lines), I can't find a replacement copy of it in London. I was disappointed that my Qur'an memorization process is disturbed.
One day, I went to London Central Mosque. As I desperately need for a new mushaf, I went to the book store; and then I found a life-changing book, i.e. mushaf Al-Qur'an translated by Muhsin Khan, published by Darussalam. I think the translation is really good. Unlike other English translation, this translation uses a very easy or common words; put explanation for most of the ayah based on several tafsir; and also explanatory hadits.
Since then, my relationship with Qur'an changed. I was so addicted to read Qur'an such that I usually read the whole translation of a surah before reading the Arabic text. Since then, Alhamdulillah, I can understand what Al-Qur'an is actually saying. Previously I didn't fully read translation of a surah. As a result, I had a view that long surah such as An-Nisa, Al-Maidah, Al-An'am, etc. are a dark-terrifying surah which mainly talk about rules and rules. Now I realized that this thought is very wrong. This long surah, as all other surah in Al-Qur'an talk about five main messages, which are repeated over and over again in Al-Qur'an. These five are:
- There is only one God, Allah swt. Worship him and abandon all of the other Gods.
- For those who believe and do righteous deeds, they will be rewarded with eternal paradise in the hereafter; while the disbeliever and sinful will eternally be punished in the hell fire.
- Don't be like previous nations, such as the people of Noah, 'Ad, Tsamud, Lot, etc., who are rebellious; so that be destroyed.
- Don't be like ahli kitab (people of the book) who were given book but they changed it, hide some parts of it, and create lies about Allah. Then finally,
- We have some ayah on Islamic laws.
Now I realized, Allah has a very beautiful way of correcting my understanding on Al-Qur'an. To conclude, my advice to all of us, let's change the way we approach Qur'an. It's not a mysterious book! Rather, it's the light. It's the light from Allah swt which will enlighten our heart and will guide us to be the winner in this life and in the hereafter, insyaallah. Wallahu'alam.
This worldly life summarized in five words
Like many other people, I very often ask myself, what is this life really about? Why are we here? How to be a successful one? And so on. In looking for this answer, I am very grateful that I am in touch with Al-Qur'an, the only book which consists of literal word of God possessed by human being nowadays. In surah (chapter) Al-Hadid ayah (verse) 20, Allah swt summarized this worldly life in five words. The verse read:
"Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.."
I've read this verse many many times before, but I didn't really catch the meaning and get the sense of it. Only now, thanks to a good Android app called Qamus alAthar, I can get the meaning of five Arabic words that Allah used in that verse. Arabic is such a beautiful, detail, comprehensive, and deep in meaning language; no wonder why Allah swt chose it as the language of the final revelation. In my experience, merely relying on the 'common' translation that we read in our Qur'an will result in lost in meaning as well as lack of understanding. In Qur'an, Allah swt repeatedly asked us to think deeply, over and over again on the ayah of the Qur'an. Only through this exercise we will realize how powerful the Qur'an's message is. Without further ado, here are the words.
First is la'ibun. The root letter for this word is la-'a-ba; which means: "played/sported/gamed/jested/joked, pastime (in an unserious thing), engage in idle sport without meaning of purpose, slaver/drivel, stupid/fool." Looking at this meaning, I internalize the word la'ibun as engaging in something that is not meaningful or purposeful. By internalizing it like this, I personally can see the connection between this word and the reality of life that I observe. In academic world, for example, I've seen many people engage in research, which can take almost his entire career, in something that is not meaningful or have no meaning. In Economics for example, we usually try to model human behavior in a very complex mathematical model. Many people have spent most of their career in this field; but then suddenly, when the financial crisis come, unfortunately, these people came to an obvious conclusion, that we can't model human behavior as a mathematical equation. The reason? Simple. Because we're human; we're not an apple who will subject to gravity force when it falls from the tree. Sorry for making it too Economics; but many Economists, they spent most of their life working on this mathematical model which then result in the state of Economics field whereby a good economist is not someone who can provide the most wisdom; rather, it's the one who can produce the most sophisticated mathematical modelling regardless its relevance to the real world. Again, the point is engaging in something that is not meaningful or purposeful. I believe this phenomenon could be found in other branches of science or other life setting.
Second is lahwun. The root letter for this word is la-ha-wa; which means: "Become diverted from it as to forget it, to preoccupy, beguile, distract, sport/play/amusement, divert, diversion, forget, delight/cheer, turn away, what is thrown, unmindful/careless." My personal take on this word is that this worldly life is something that will distract, divert, and preoccupy us from worshipping Allah. This is entirely true. We are a living witness of how we and many people are heavily occupied with our daily activities and ambition that we forget our obligation to Allah. Even many Muslim do not observe the five daily prayers, which is basically the minimum standard that we should abide to.
Third is zinatun. The root letter for this word is za-ya-na; which means: "To adorn, deck. Adorn, grace, honor. Adorned, ornamented, decorated, decked, beautified. A grace, a beauty, a comely quality, a physical/intellectual adornment, an honor or a credit, and anything that is the pride or glory of a person or a thing. It [states] are three kinds: Mental: such as knowledge/science and good tenants. Bodily: strength, tallness of stature, beauty of aspect. Extrinsic: wealth, rank or station, dignity." As we can see, this is a very rich word; and amazingly, it describe vividly the life that we are seeing in our environment. We clearly witness how people around us, or even ourselves, are obsessed with adornment or beauty. The cosmetic, fashion, fitness, etc. are a massive industry. Many people are so obsessed with how they look that they even risk their life for plastic surgery, pay USD 500 just for a branded slipper, and so on. Alhamdulillah that Allah guides us that this is not the right way to go. Again, I should mention a caveat here. This does not mean that Islam wants us to look ugly, dirty, and smell. No. Allah mentioned that what we have in this world, such as pearl, gold, silk, fur, etc. are bounty from Allah. Islam teaches us to look good, smell well, clean, etc.; but what Islam strongly forbid us is to be excessive in doing this. I saw a (branded) slipper priced at USD 500 in Singapore Takashimaya mall. Without a doubt, this brand-worshipper behavior is what we shouldn't be trapped in.
Fourth is tafaakhurun. The root letter is fa-kha-ra; which means: "Self-glorification/magnification, boast, to disdain/scorn, proud/haughty, long/tall/great, excellent quality, baked pottery/clay, earthen vessel." This is again very commonly found in our life, isn't it? A good example for this can be found in Qur'an surah Al-Kahfi ayah 32 to 43. Please take a look.
Fifth is takaatsurun. The root letter is ka-tsa-ra; which means: "To surpass in number in quantity, increase, multiply, happen often, copious, richness; to be much, many, numerous, a man whose ancestors are many or whose good deeds are many. A man possessing much good, river in paradise from which other rivers flow, talkative person." As we can see, this word does not necessarily imply a negative thing, but what make it negative is what follows in the ayah, i.e. takaatsurun fil amwali wal aulaad; which means surpassing each other in terms of wealth and children. Again, this is very true and easy to spot in our life. Regardless whether it is a President or a gardener, human tends to surpass each other in terms of the quantity of their wealth as well as the (quantity and) quality of their children.
We should be really grateful to Allah swt for showing us things that we should be mindful of in this life. Allah swt then continue the ayah with an even more amazing lesson. Take a look to the continuation of the ayah below.
"…like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris."
Allah swt then beautifully give parable for this worldly life. Allah said this worldly life is like a plant which grows due to rain; but then the plant won't stay beautiful and strong forever. Slowly but surely, unstoppable, the plant will someday turn yellow; and what remains? It just scatters as debris. Subhanallah. This is a very deep lesson for us. No matter how beautiful we are, no matter how smart, strong, wealthy, etc., at some point in time, we'll just like a plant, we'll get old and dies. But, unlike plant, our life does not stop here; in fact, the real life has just begun. Prophet Muhammad saw once said, when a human is brought to his grave, three things follow him; but two will go back and one remains. The three things are his family, his property, and his deeds. Family and property will go back, while his deeds will remain with him. This is should be a very strong reminder for us to increase our good deeds before it's too late.
Allah swt conclude the ayah with the following.
"And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion."
That's basically conclude this deep and powerful ayah. This life is nothing but a delusionary enjoyment. It may seems enjoyable, but it's just a delusion. What is true or real is the life in the hereafter. It will be a constant punishment for the disbeliever and an eternal mercy for the believers. May we are among those winners.
Finally, this verse gives many insight to us. To be a successful person in this life and in the hereafter, we better watch out not to fall into the trap of this five words. In doing so, I think we must not:
- Engage in un-meaningful and un-purposeful activities. Let's always ask ourselves before doing something; is this activity really meaningful and purposeful? If so, what's the purpose?
- Being preoccupied with something such that we are diverted or distracted from worshipping Allah swt. This obviously does not mean we can't do our work, have a career, and then be in Masjid for the whole day. No, it's quite the contrary, actually. Islam ask us to spread in the earth, looking for Allah's bounty; but, there is a key principle here, that is we do it only for Allah's sake and we are continuously aware of Allah's presence.
- Being obsessed to be adorned, either mentally, physically, and extrinsically.
- Being boastful.
- Surpassing with each other in terms of wealth and children. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy and have a lot of smart children; again, what is highlighted here is being obsessed with and preoccupied to achieve whether we are in the list of 100 richest people in community.
To conclude, I hope from this moment on, whenever we see a blossoming flower, we would be reminded that this world is just like this flower; like it or not, it will come to an end; and the real life will then begin. Wallau'alam bisshawab.
Few notes on QS Al-Hajj:78
And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (QS Al-Hajj : 78)
Ayat tersebut merupakan salah satu ayat paling inspirasional bagi saya. Berikut beberapa inspirasi dari ayat tersebut.
Pertama, "And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him". Allah swt menyuruh kita untuk berjuang sekuat tenaga, i.e. to exhaust our limit dalam mengabdi kepada-Nya; dan dengan pengabdian yang sepantasnya diberikan pada Allah swt. Ketika kita menyadari bahwa pekerjaan yang kita lakukan ditujukan pada seseorang yang sangat penting, biasanya kita berusaha to be as perfect as possible dalam melaksanakannya. Demikian pula hendaknya dalam ibadah kita pada Allah swt. Meskipun kita tidak dapat melihat Alah swt, kita dapat merasakan dengan jelas karunia Allah swt kepada kita. Kita perlu selalu berusaha untuk mengingatkan diri kita bahwa Allah swt senantiasa melihat kita.
Kedua, "He has chosen you…". Allah swt melihat ada potensi kebaikan di dalam diri kita sehingga Allah swt memilih kita untuk menjadi seorang Muslim. Hal ini memberikan clue bahwa setiap kita memiliki potensi; yang dengan potensi tersebut kita bisa berjuang di jalan Allah swt dan memberi manfaat banyak bagi umat manusia. Hal ini haruslah membuat kita optimis dan berusaha untuk mencari dan mengembangakan potensi yang telah Allah swt berikan tersebut. Banyak di antara kita yang merasa bahwa diri kita tidak memiliki potensi apa-apa. No! That's very wrong! Jika kita telah menjadi seorang Muslim, maka artinya ada potensi kebaikan luar biasa yang ada dalam diri kita. It's our task to explore what that potential is. Ayat ini juga menunjukkan bahwa setiap muslim memiliki peran tersendiri bagi agama Islam ini. Mungkin ada yang bisa berperan melalui bakat entreprenurnya; ada yang berperan melalui ilmunya; ada yang berperan melalui tenaga. Ada yang berperan sebagai seorang petani, seorang ulama, dokter, dan seterusnya. Everybody has their share in this religion.
Ketiga, "…and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty". Ketika kita mengetahui bahwa kita harus berjihad dengan penuh kesungguhan kepada Allah swt, kita tentu merasa mendapat beban yang sangat berat. Kita tentu berpikir, bagaimana mungkin saya dapat beribadah dengan sempurna pada Allah swt di setiap saat? Allah swt mengatakan bahwa Ia tidak membebankan sesuatu yang tidak sangggup kita lakukan dalam agama ini. Rasulullah saw pernah mengatakan, "Agama itu sangat mudah; barang siapa yang membebani dirinya secara berlebihan dalam agamanya, ia tak akan mampu untuk terus-menerus melakukannya. Kamu sekalian hendaknya jangan menjadi ekstrimis, namun selalulah berusaha untuk mencapai kesempurnaan dan terimalah kabar gembira, reward, dari Allah swt. Dapatkanlah kekuatan dari mendirikan shalat pada pagi, petang, dan di akhir malam" (HR Bukhari).
Keempat, "… [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation]". Ayat ini menegaskan bahwa kita adalah bagian dari umat Nabi Ibrahim as yang menyembah Allah swt dengan aqidah yang murni. "Mereka tidak disuruh kecuali supaya menyembah Allah dengan memurnikan ketaatan kepada-Nya dalam (menjalankan) agama yang lurus, dan supaya mereka mendirikan shalat dan menunaikan zakat; dan yang demikian itulah agama yang lurus" (QS Al-Bayyinah : 5).
Kelima, "…that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people". Potongan ayat ini mengingatkan tugas penting kita di dunia, yaitu untuk berda'wah; untuk menyampaikan ajaran Islam. Having lived in London, saya sangat merasa kasihan kepada teman yang belum muslim. Mereka tidak memiliki pegangan. Hidup tanpa memiliki tujuan. Pada sebagian (kecil) waktu mereka memang berbahagia, misalnya saat berkumpul di bar pada jum'at malam, saat menonton sepak bola dan acara entertainment lainnya; but soon enough after that, they're back to the uncertain and never ending question about the meaning of life. Jika mereka memutuskan untuk adopt certain religion pun, mereka tetap merasa ada yang tidak sempurna. This is not surprising as the guidance can only be found in Qur'an. This is our task.
Keenam, "…So establish prayer and give zakah". Saya sangat amazed dengan potongan ayat ini. Pertama, betapa tugas yang berat ini, i.e. berjihad dengan sekuat tenaga, berda'wah, dll, dapat 'diatasi' dengan dua hal yang 'sederhana'; yang semestinya sudah biasa kita lakukan, yaitu sholat dan zakat. Kebanyakan kita tentu belum merasa manfaat sepenuhnya dari sholat. My advice to myself and to all of us, mari kita terus memperbanyak ilmu tentang sholat khusyuk dan berusaha untuk mendapatkan kekhusyu'an tersebut. Surely, kita tidak akan pernah mendapat manfaat dari sholat jika sholat kita belum khusyu'. Kedua, potongan ayat ini juga menunjukkan bahwa hubungan sesame manusia dan kesejahteraan sosial merupakan hal penting dalam Islam. Oleh karenanya, kekuatan ekonomi merupakan hal yang mutlak. Bagaimana mungkin kita dapat membayar zakat, sebagaimana yang diperintahkan Allah, jika kita tidak memiliki penghasilan yang cukup?
Ketujuh, "…and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper". This is very clear, but most of us haven't practiced it. Di surat Al-Imran, Allah swt telah mengingatkan bahwa jika Allah swt menolong kita, maka tak ada yang dapat mencelakakakan kita; namun jika Allah meninggalkan kita, maka tak akan ada yang dapat menolong kita. So it's crystal clear that we are very very dependent on Allah; or more precisely, kita tak akan bisa survive tanpa bantuan Allah swt.
This is only one ayat, but there are enormous guidance in it. Semoga kita bisa mempraktekkan hikmah dan petunjuk ini. Wallahua'lam bisshawab.
Jangan setengah hati
Jangan pernah setengah hati dalam bekerja. Jika sedari awal sudah tercetus hanya ingin melakukan 'seadanya saja', then leave it!
Kita umat yang terbaik; kita hanya pantas melakukan dan menghasilkan yang terbaik.
Diajarkan Allah swt
As life goes on, we encounter many new things in life. In workplace or career setting, this could be in the form on being assigned to a new task, being promoted for a managerial position, or other things which we haven't previously experienced. In university setting, we same things happen; we could be mandated a leading position in an organization, attempting to join a competition, or as simple as working on class assignment. The question that we usually ask then, Allah, how should I address this? How should I handle this?
I personally have been in many such situations, and I believe I will continue to encounter it. Alhamdulillah, I think I found the answer of how to deal with it in the Qur'an. It's a short sentence inside the longest verse in Qur'an, QS 2:282. That short sentence is this: "…So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything". Yes, I think that's the key; be afraid of Allah, and then Allah will teach you. As far as I understand it, this verse is in the context of writing a debt contract. Through this verse, Allah teaches us that a debt contract is an important element in our social interaction. In the verse, Allah teaches the rule regarding this, such as what if the debtor is of poor understanding; how many witnesses are needed; what if we can't find male witnesses; what if the contract is between trusted parties, etc. As a bit meticulous as it seems, Allah swt, at the end of the verse said, "…So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything". Simply, I understand it as: if you don't know or unsure about something, then fear Allah; that He will teaches you.
In a larger context, I always internalize this short yet powerful sentence, as a solution for any challenges that I face daily. When I don't know what to do, when the burden looks very heavy, things aren't as smooth as I previously anticipated, etc., then we should turn to Allah. Always be afraid of Him. Be afraid that He always sees us, knows what's inside our heart, and, literally, knows everything that is happening. Umar r.a. once said, fearing Allah swt is as if walking in a slippery surface, i.e. being extremely careful in every step.
Few years back, in the early period of my undergraduate study, I was assigned a leading role in a student organization. As someone who has never experienced a leading role previously, in addition to the fact that I was just someone who just arrived in the Metropolitan city of Jakarta, having previously lived in a small countryside, the task was very daunting for me. But then, Allah fulfilled His promised. He guided me step-by-step along the way. The organization went well; it's probably among its peak in history; I learned how to deal with university's top management, I made life-lasting friendship, and many other milestone. In short, my message is only that we should always try to fear Allah, asking His guidance, and, of course, work hard. Insyaallah, as Allah has never betrayed any promises, Allah swt will teaches us, Insyaallah.
Given there are so many non-Muslims, sometimes I ask myself, will Allah swt really punish them all later on? How about the reason why they do not embrace Islam is because they don't know about Islam.
Then I came across an ayah (verse) from Qur'an depicting the scene when the disbelievers were tortured in the hell fire. They were asked by the angel who guards the hell why they were disbelieve in Allah swt. Take a note to what the disbeliever had to say.
"And for those who disbelieve in their Lord (Allah) is the torment of Hell, and worst indeed is that destination. When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its breath as it blazes forth. It almost bursts up with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: "Did no warner come to you?" They will say: "Yes indeed; a warner did come to us, but we belied him and said: 'Allah never sent down anything (of revelation), you are only in great error.' "And they will say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!" Then they will confess their sin. So, away with the dwellers of the blazing Fire." (QS Al-Mulk 6-11).
In the verses above, the disbeliever will regret that had they listened to the message or used their intelligence. I think this verse answers my doubt, that there are many people disbelieve in Allah just because of ignorance; they just don't even want to think or consider the religion. In Qur'an there are many verses which point out to nature, which is an ayat (sign) from Allah. Honestly, any reasonable human being, whenever they see the trees, the mountain, the sky, and all creations, they should've pondered upon it, and say, all of these things are impossible to exist without a creator. Yet, many of the disbelievers just ignore it; as some of they say, I don't want think about it at the moment. They keep doing that, until it's too late that they realize it only when their soul begins to leave their body.
Whenever we look at the creations, we should've thought that all of these are impossible to exist without a supreme power who created them. When we're willing to admit this, obviously we will try to look up for religion as it is where Allah gives guidance to human being. Once we start searching, if we sincere enough, we will easily notice how is Islam is the guidance from our Lord.
There are some verses from Qur'an which stimulate human beings to reflect on the creations.
"Do they not look at the camels, how they are created? And at the heaven, how it is raised? And at the mountains, how they are rooted and fixed firm? And at the earth, how it is spread out? So remind them (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), you are only a one who reminds. You are not a dictator over them. Save the one who turns away and disbelieves. Then Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment. Verily, to Us will be their return; Then verily, for Us will be their reckoning." (QS Al-Ghosiyah: 17-26)
Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground. Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment). (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramun (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)! [See Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 17, Page 219]. "Nay, but we are deprived!" Tell Me! The water that you drink. Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down? If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)? Tell Me! The fire which you kindle, Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower? We have made it a Reminder (for the Hell-fire, in the Hereafter); and an article of use for the travellers (and all the others, in this world). So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great." (QS Al-Waqi'ah 63-74).
May we're not among the ignorants; and may our belief in Allah increases whenever we see Allah's creation.
Note: the images are taken from http://earthsky.org/ and https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AsthadiSetyawan/posts.
On Institutional hypothesis of economic growth
There are various hypotheses or theories on the driver of economic growth. The informal one includes geography, culture, and institution. The most well-known among them is institutional hypothesis; proposed mainly by Daron Acemoglu, a professor in MIT Economics Department. In this writing, I want to a little bit discuss on what he said.
Acemoglu said, the quality of institution, such as the property rights protection, rule of law, etc., is the main driver of economic growth. Countries of which institutions are established will have a bigger chance of high economic growth and development. I completely agree with this notion; indeed, it is very easy to spot how weak the institutions in most of developing countries are. Here it comes the more interesting part.
Acemoglu tried to explain why the institutions in various countries are as it is today, i.e. why some countries have better institutions and why some don't. He concluded, the quality of institutions is largely influenced by the colonials. In countries where the colonials settled, probably due to suitable climate, lower intensity of diseases, etc., the colonials established an institution which sustain good governance; while in countries of which the spread of diseases are quite high or the temperature are not suitable for the (European) colonials, they will tend to establish an extractive institution, i.e. the institution which focus on getting the resources as much as and as quickly as possible from the colonies. I have a little bit issue with this notion.
Implicitly, this notion implies two things. First, the quality of institutions that we are in right now in many developing countries are just as it is; and that we're just unlucky that the colonial who colonized us were not quite interested to settle in our country. Second, the notion implies the (European) colonial is the main source of good institution, i.e. they know how to manage things well (good governance); while the others don't. I think, both implications could lead to pessimism and the feeling of inability to change our fate in many developing countries.
Rather than joining the rank of the pessimist, I would rather believe that change is possible. I think it's not that the (European) colonials were superior that they know to govern well; no. I believe it's just that because at that moment, until today, they have the knowledge. So yes, the issue here I believe is about knowledge. In the middle ages, around 600 to 1500 A.D., the (European) colonials were in a very dark state; slums, diseases, etc., were everywhere; just like many developing countries today. But then the knowledge were passed on to them from the Muslims. Similarly, the Muslims early on were passed some knowledge from Greek civilization as well. In short, all of these show that what had happened in the past, let it be; we can't change it; but we have the opportunity to be better, and that opportunity could be (or will only be) unleashed by education. Insyaallah, let's get those knowledge as much as possible. The mountain of knowledge might be so high that we're terrified to climb it; but if, we persistently make the effort to climb, insyaallah, we'll get to the top.
Finally, I would like to conclude with the source of good governance. I could spend pages and pages arguing that Islamic teaching has the most superior set of good governance values. If there are many problems in Muslim majority countries today, it's because we are the one who do not practice it. The Islamic teaching will just shine as it is. In short, let's read and understand the Qur'an; let's read the hadits, as well as the shiroh (Islamic history). We're at the cover page of the best source of success. Not only in this world, but also in the hereafter, insyaallah. Wallahua'lam.
"See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember." (QS Ibrahim: 24-25)
"Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad SAW till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)." (QS AL-Fath:29)
Being professional in 'ibadah
I've heard quite often that the order of good person in Islam is being a Muslim; and then above that a Mu'min; and then the highest, a Muhsin. This is basically inferred from the quite well-known hadits, i.e. the one when Angel Gabriel visited Prophet Muhammad saw; and inquired about the meaning of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. He hadits is the following, in case you don't remember.
"Umar r.a. narrated: While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him.
He sat down close by the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, rested his knee against his thighs, and said, O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam." Said the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, "Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it)." Said he (the man), "You have spoken truly."
We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, "Inform me about iman (faith)." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, "It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects." He said, "You have spoken truly."
Then he (the man) said, "Inform me about Ihsan." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, "It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him; for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you." He said, "Inform me about the Hour." He (the Messenger of Allah) said, "About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner." So he said, "Well, inform me about the signs thereof (i.e. of its coming)." Said he, "They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings." Thereupon the man went off.
I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, "O 'Umar, do you know who that questioner was?" I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know better." He said, "That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion." (HR Muslim)
Previously, I kind of having trouble in understanding what Ihsan really means. Obviously, as it is the highest rank in Islam, I really want to achieve it. However, in Indonesian language, it is simplistically translated as being good, or doing good works. This translation, obviously, is not really helpful to understand what Ihsan really means. Alhamdulillah, my understanding improved last Sunday.
Last Sunday, I went to London Central Mosque, the biggest Masjid in London. While making wudhu' (ablution), someone (i.e. a stranger) touched my back and said, roughly, "Brother, you should sit down; we are doing it for Allah; we should do it at the best possible way!" Then I looked at the wet small chair provided. He kind of understood what I thought, and said, "Brother, even though it's wet, it's okay; we're doing it for Allah". Obviously I don't want to sit on a wet chair, besides, as far as I know it's not compulsory to do ablution while sitting; nonetheless, I have no interest to argue with him, and then just moved finding a dry chair ablution facility. Later on, I kind of think what he just said to me. "We are doing it for Allah; we should do it at the best possible way". Even though it's very simple, I then found it very profound.
Doing something at the best possible way, in a more familiar word means being professional in doing something. I know what it means and what I takes of being professional in doing my work, in doing paper presentation, writing paper, etc. In doing paper presentation, for example, I understand-and has been practicing it-that every single move or body language should be measured; the intonation, the volume, etc. should be done in a measured way. Yet, the notion of being professional in doing something for Allah, i.e. 'ibadah, in the sense that I should do at the best possible way, a clearly measured move, etc., has just never crossed my mind before. Suddenly, Alhamdulillah, I understand what Rasulullah saw means by Ihsan. I believe, to be precise, Ihsan should be translated as being professional, or doing something at the best possible way. I am very embarrassed and regretful, that how could when doing presentation, work, paper writing, etc., I can do it in a very very good way; while in 'ibadah, such as praying, I didn't regards it as something that should be perfectly done.
Since that day, Alhamdulillah, I think the quality of my sholat or praying has improved. When I stand up for praying, I tell myself, I should be as professional as possible in this sholat; be it in terms of perfect movement, good concentration; clear recitation, etc. Also in doing dzikir, for example, if previously while doing dzikir, quite often I might think about something else, now, Alhamdulillah, I understand that Allah is watching me, thus I want to act as professional or as good as possible in front of Him. Now I understand, what Rasulullah saw said about Ihsan, "It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him; for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you."
Now, I internalized myself, that when I'm doing 'ibadah, I am facing my Rabb, the Lord of the World, obviously, I should do it a perfect manner. All thanks to Allah swt who showed me the way; and obviously, many thanks to the (unknown) brother that is willing and courageous enough to remind me. Alhamdulillah, may we become a Mushin, someone that is professional in his 'ibadah.
On discipline
Most of the time, the main issue is not the lack of knowledge; rather it's the lack of discipline to act on that knowledge. I've never think that Indonesia and many other developing countries are underdeveloped due to the lack of knowledge of proper policy; rather, I believe it's because of the lack of good governance.
It's as simple as thinking like our own affairs. A successful person is a discipline, 'goodly governed' person. We can't expect someone to be a good artist, farmer, teacher, or merchant, without being discipline to their own. A developed country is the accumulation of a developed individual.
I've wronged myself
One of the main differences between Prophet Adam a.s. and Iblis is their reaction after they've wronged themselves.
After Allah swt punished Iblis due to their refusal to prostrate to Adam, Iblis' response was to put the blame on Allah swt, i.e. to claim that it is Allah swt the one that has led them astray.
"(Iblîs) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path (16) Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)" (QS Al-A'raf 15-16)
In contrast, when Adam a.s. was sent down to Earth as a punishment, the first thing that he did was to admit that he made the mistake and then ask Allah for His forgiveness.
"They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." (QS Al-A'raf: 23)
We clearly has made a lot of mistakes. Allah swt has put a feeling, i.e. the feeling of guilty, inside ourselves that we may admit those mistakes and then ask for forgiveness and mercy to Allah swt. This is the right way to react on that feeling of guilty; instead of feeling desperate and despair from Allah's mercy.
After admitting that we've wronged ourselves, the next thing that we have to do is to do as much as good deed as possible. Prophet Musa (Moses) a.s., when he fled Egypt after killing someone, he was terrified and felt guilty; but watch what he has to say to Allah swt after helping two ladies taking water from a well:
"So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: "My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)!" (21) And when he went towards (the land of) Madyan (Midian) he said: "It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way." (22) And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man." (23) So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!" (QS Al-Qasas: 21-24)
In short, Prophet Musa a.s. said to Allah swt that he is in a need of any good deeds that he can do to compensate the mistake that he did. This is a very inspirational example on how we should react towards mistakes that we made; we should admit to Allah swt that we made the mistake, ask for His forgiveness and mercy, and then actively seek any good deeds opportunity. Indeed, "the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins)" (QS 11:114). May we always be on the straight path until we see our Lord in the hereafter.
Something extraordinary needs to be done
I believe we need to constantly ask ourselves; what are the reasons that we are worthy of Allah's forgiveness and mercy? Most of the time, we don't even consider success in the hereafter as indicator of our success. We are heedless and occupied with the never-satisfying worldly ambitions.
Living in non-Muslim majority country in the past four years has made me aware of the stark differences between western ideals and what Islam teach us. Islam teach us to obey and submit ourselves before Allah; while western ideals suggest to live a 'successful' life and 'to have fun'. While we're taught in Islam to have sami'na wa ata'na mentality; western ideals suggest to question religious orders; up to the point questioning the existence of God itself. Islam teaches what matters is what inside our heart; while in western world, what matters is how we look.
My position would just only be to absorb any good values that this society has; while putting a clear boundary between what I can accept and what I can't. Now, my only concern is just how I can win Allah's forgiveness and mercy. I don't think by merely separating myself away from the 'un-Islamic' values would be enough. Alhamdulillah, that very often, before starting my study I would ask myself again and again why I am doing this; spending almost 12 hours in campus. Alhamdulillah that it helps me to stay focus on my intention; but obviously this is not enough. Something extraordinary needs to be done.
the big names that we often hear in Islamic history has clearly did something extraordinary. Some accomplished noble achievements; some endured great trials. Time is running out for me, and for all of us; we ought to answer and act upon: how can we win Allah's forgiveness and mercy?
BJ Habibie
Bapak BJ Habibie has truly been an eternal inspiration for us. He's the model for how a Muslim in the post modern world should be. His mind-set has always been as a problem solver, professional, and leader by heart. He has inspired us that we're able. We're capable. He will always be remembered as a good Muslim who continuously work hard for his people. His great legacy will always be continued, and insyaallah, with upcoming rewards from Allah swt in the hereafter. Now it's our turn. It's our time. Let us also be a problem solver, optimist, hard worker, contributor, and inspiring human being as he has always been. Barokallahu'alaik Pak Habibie.
Let's raise the rhythm
Where are our position in the companion of Rasulullah SAW? Will we be eligible to meet him and be with him later in akhirah? The companions of Rasulullah SAW had struggled with Rasulullah SAW in a way that we might not be even dare to do it today. Where are our position in the eyes of Rasulullah SAW? Unless we follow his path and continue his mission, we would remain far away from him. Let's raise the rhythm.
Our life mission
When Rasulullah SAW was sent by Allah SWT more than 1400 years ago, the people around him was in jahiliyah state; they worshiped idols, wealth, status, etc. Nowadays, the world is definitely in a much modern state, yet the state of the time is still the same as 1400 years ago. People still worship idols, wealth, status, etc. What a progress that Islam had made since the revelation of Qur'an until the set back which then brought the world back to the jahiliyah state.
Realizing this, we should be aware that our life mission is definitely to continue this message (risalah). We may live in a different set of time with Rasulullah SAW; but our life mission is unchanged; we live to spread the tauhid, that is there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. Thus, we may be a doctor, an economist, an accountant, merchant, farmer, etc., but still, our main role is da'i, i.e. those who call for tauhid. Let's not be deceived by Syaithan with worldly orientation which will separate us away from Allah swt and our life mission.
Hari yang cerah
Hari yang cerah di kota London. Dari jendela kamar, terlihat langit biru dihiasi awan putih, seperti kapas yang bergerak diterbangkan angin. Di sudut jendela, terlihat pucuk daun yang masih hijau, masih basah, disiram hujan tadi malam. Daun-daun yang belum berguguran juga bergerak ditiup angin. Alhamdulillah, what an amazing scenery. Alhamdulillah atas ni'mat penglihatan yang Allah swt berikan.
Selepas sholat dhuha, hatipun sangat tergerak untuk membaca Al-Qur'an surat Al-Mulk. Ayat pertama cocok sekali dengan pemandangan di luar jendela. Tabarakalladzi biyadihil mulk, Maha Suci Allah yang menguasai (segala) kerajaan; wa huwa 'ala kulli syai'in qadiir, dan Dia Maha Kuasa atas segala sesuatu.
Pemandangan yang indah ini tentu berlanjut pada pemikiran, what a beautiful world; what a great life; Dari jendela terlihat bus iconic kota London yang berwarna merah. Orang-orang sibuk dengan kegiatan mereka. Ada yang bahkan tak sadar dengan keindahan alam karena selalu dikejar kesibukan, atau mungkin lebih tepat, selalu mengejar kesibukan. Untuk apakah hidup ini? Apakah ia hanya life for the sake of life itself? Ayat kedua, dengan tepat menjelaskan, alladzi khalaqal mauta wal hayata, Yang menciptakan mati dan hidup; liyabluwakum, untuk menguji kamu; ayyukum ahsanu 'amala, siapa di antara kamu yang paling baik amalnya; wa huwal 'azizul ghafur, dan Dia Maha Perkasa dan Maha Pengampun.
Ayat ketiga lanjut meneruskan gambaran kekuasaan Allah swt di angkasa. Alladzi khalaqasab'a samawati thibaqa, yang telah menciptakan tujuh langit berlapis-lapis; maa tara fi khalqirrahmani min tafaawuts, tidak akan kamu lihat sesuatu yang tidak seimbang pada ciptaan yang Maha Pengasih; farji'il bashara hal tara min futuur, maka lihatlah sekali lagi, adakah kami lihat sesuatu yang cacat?
Alhamdulillah, segala puji dan syukur pada Allah swt telah menunjukkan tujuan hidup melalui Al-Qur'an; yaitu untuk beramal dengan sebaik-baiknya, di mana pun kita berada, pada apa pun pekerjaan kita. Insyaallah, mari beramal sebaik-baiknya sepanjang waktu, selama Allah swt masih memberi kesempatan untuk hidup di bumi yang indah ini. Semoga kelak kita bisa hidup abadi di Surga Allah swt yang indah dan penuh dengan kenikmatan.
Endorsement for Bayyinah.tv
If I had to give only one advice for someone, then that one advice would be: study the Qur'an. Yes, study the Qur'an. I believe there is no other important things in this world other than Qur'an. It is the light, it is the healing for what's in the chest, it is the guidance for everything in our life.
Probably some of us might think, if it's that good, then why can't we feel the benefit from our previous interaction with it? Well, first, probably we haven't interact long enough with it; second, probably we haven't understand what it really says. For the first problem, obviously, the only solution is to give more time for Qur'an. There are countless useless deeds that we might do everyday, let's try to get rid of those. Indeed, when we spend more time with Qur'an, insyaallah, we'll have more time to think and will be able to see things from different perspective. For the second problem, I believe it's a very very common problem in every Muslim, in any country. If those who understand Arabic still don't get the message; very understandable that we, who don't speak Arabic, can't comprehend what Qur'an says either.
Alhamdulillah, I think there is one solution for this second problem. Probably most of us already knew about this website: http://www.bayyinah.tv/sp/9942-bayyinah-tv. In this website, Ustadz Nouman Ali Khan tries to explain the messages of Qur'an which are hidden or missing from the current translation that we have; because indeed, Arabic is a very beautiful-precise language which sometimes challenging to be translated in a short space.
After listening for a year to the program, i.e. Qur'an cover to cover, alhamdulillah, I realize that there are many wrong perceptions that I had about Qur'an which really deteriorate the way I understand Allah's revelation. For example, previously, I think that the order of ayah (verse) and surah (chapter) in the Qur'an does not matter because the Qur'an was not revealed all at once in order. Later on, I realize that there are many hikmah (lessons) that we can get from understanding why an ayah comes after certain ayah; or why a surah comes after certain surah. The understanding of this orderliness of ayah and surah in the Qur'an really makes me trust Qur'an even more. Another previously wrong-held belief is on the message of Qur'an. Previously, probably because of media brainwashing or secular education system, I treated what's written in the Qur'an as something that Allah talked in the past, specifically to Quraish nation. Alhamdulillah, after listening to the program, now I completely convinced that every single ayah that Allah swt revealed in the Qur'an is indeed relevant to the present day.
Alhamdulillah, now, every time I read Qur'an, I understand it as personal message or personal order from Allah to me. Now, every time I read Qur'an, I read it as an instruction for action from Allah swt. I can't say anything more than alhamdulillahirabbil 'alamin; thank you Allah swt for introducing and giving me the Qur'an. May Allah swt always strengthen our iman.
"So whoever Allah wants to guide – He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide – He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.
And this is the path of your Lord, [leading] straight. We have detailed the verses for a people who remember.
For them will be the Home of Peace with their Lord. And He will be their protecting friend because of what they used to do." (QS Al-An'am:125-127).
Note: access to Bayyinah.tv is restricted to subscriber; $11 per month; you can't spend your money on thing better than this =)
Awareness of a mission is something that makes everything we do is worthwhile. People who wasted their life did so because they forgot to set or to recall what their life missions are. However, as we human being tends to forget and busy with daily routine, awareness of a mission itself is not enough. We need something to strengthen or to remind us of that mission; that thing is inspiration. In another words, we should surround ourselves with inspiration to stay on the track of our life mission.
Speaking about inspiration, one remarkable person who inspire me quite well is Pak Dino Djalal; Indonesian ambassador to the US who just resigned to join Democrat Party Convention. I am not only inspired by his bold decision of resigning from his job; but more importantly, I see him as someone who has a lot of positive energy. Indeed, he repeatedly stresses the importance of positive energy, optimism, and strongly against cynicism. As he put it, orang yang sinis tidak akan pernah sukses.
Let's fill our life with positive energy; with optimism. Believing that we can do something, achieving something is already half way towards the victory. Indeed, there's no success for the cynical person.
When I am back to Indonesia, especially Jakarta, I can feel the aura or the feeling of pessimism. Pasrah pada nasib, if we can call it. When I went back to my home town, a city 200 km from Padang, the aura is even more. People live with the feeling that there's nothing that they can do with their life. This is obviously entirely incorrect. Allah almighty has endowed us with many assets. He gave us mind as well to think. Probably, most of us lost our optimism somewhere during our childhood.
Let's dare to dream big and work hard to achieve it. Allah grant the wish of non-believer who work hard; and I believe He will even be more generous to those whose life mission is to uphold this religion and help this ummah. So restate again your life mission in accordance to what Allah order us to do and then work hard-really hard- to achieve it.
Lastly, I would like to close with Pak Dino's tips for success in his Mata Najwa interview: take risk, keep innovate, and serve the people. I wish the best of luck for Pak Dino's candidacy. Semoga selalu dalam hidayah Allah.
Ikhlas, Ihsan, and Istiqamah
We only live once and our life is very short thus it's imperative for us to have a meaningful and impactful life. Let's sail away from doing an insignificant thing and move towards doing something significant for the society.
Also, remember to keep doing and being the best. We've endowed with the best from Allah swt; thus everything we do should also at the best quality.
Insyaallah, when we become a Muslim who is productive and competitive, as we should be, we'll realize that Islam is indeed a blessing for the world; and more importantly, Allah will grant us with this forgiveness and paradise, insyaallah.
Let's purify our intention to serve Allah only (Ikhlas), being professional in everything we do (Ihsan), and commit in doing good deeds (Istiqamah). Insyaallah.
The Secret Recipe: Al-Qur'an
Alhamdulillahirabbil'alamin, all thanks to Allah who has instilled guidance in our heart. In this moment I would like to assert one ni'mah (blessing) that Allah has given to our life. What is it? It is the Al Qur'anul Kariim. Here are some description of Qur'an by Allah. I really hope, after reading this description we would be more eager to interact with, memorize, understand, and practice Al-Qur'an.
- Al-Qur'an is the book in which there's no doubt in it; it is the guidance for those who fear Allah. Allah said, "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." (QS 2:2).
- Al-Qur'an is the book which assert the previous books; as the guidance as well as delivering good news to the believers. Allah said, "by permission of Allah , confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers." (QS 2:97).
- Al-Qur'an is the law by which we decide our affairs. Allah said, "Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allah has shown you. And do not be for the deceitful an advocate." (QS 4:105).
- Al-Qur'an is a clear light which shows the right path. Allah said, "O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light." (QS 4:174).
- Al-Qur'an is the lesson; healing for what inside our heart; guidance and rahmat for the believers. Allah said, "O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers." (QS 10:57).
These are several description from Allah swt on Al-Qur'an. As long as we try to be closer to Allah with Qur'an and sincerely look for guidance, insyaallah, insyaallah Allah will give us the guidance.
Recommended book: Khalifah Rasulullah
Currently I am re-reading a book, entitled Khalifah Rasulullah, which I read around nine years ago when I was in senior high school. Truly, this book has shaped my characteristic since then. The book is about the leadership as well as the life of four khalifah rasyidin plus the "fifth khalifah" Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz. Melalui buku ini, kita bisa belajar betapa kuatnya keimanan pada khalifah Rasulullah. Kita juga bisa belajar betapa mereka adalah pemimpin yang takut, malu, dan ta'at pada Allah yang terlihat dalam kezuhudan hidup dan keadilan mereka dalam memimpin.
I highly recommend all of us to read this book. Insyaallah, sangat banyak kebaikan dan pelajaran yang ada di dalamnya. Semoga Allah merahmati penulis buku ini. Here's the detail of the book:
Judul: Mengenal Pola Kepemimpinan Umat dari Karakteristik Perihidup Khalifah Rasulullah
Penulis: Khalid Muh Khalid
Penerbit: Diponegoro, Cetakan X, 2006


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So I have been given the host, username, and login information for a MySQL Database. I need a client that I can use to log in to the Database remotely and create/update tables and edit all the data.
I found the MySQL Administrator client provided by them, but it seems you can do everything BUT edit the actual data with it.
Is there anything like this?
Would I be able to use SQL Server Express (or something similar), to connect to a remote server online and do all of this?


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Quantity Available:
For more than 40 years, Illinois-based LBL Lighting has created innovative lighting fixtures based on the principles of beauty, originality and quality. Such values remain evident in their current line of fixtures, which feature distinctive elements like organic art glass, solid construction and the latest low voltage and LED lighting technology.
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Finish: Gray, White
Light Option: Incandescent, Fluorescent
- Incandescent option utilizes one 75 Watt 120 Volt Type A19 E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (includes).
- Fluorescent option utilizes one 32 Watt 120 Volt GX24Q-3 Base Fluorescent lamp (included).
Compare Brightness:
LumensThe amount of light that comes from a bulb, which has commonly been measured in watts. The more lumens, the brighter the bulb.
WattageA measurement of the power delivered to a component of an electric circuit (allowing a one-ampere current to flow through the component under the pressure of 1 volt.)
Bulb ShapeBulb shapes are denoted with a letter, which describes the shape, and a number, which indicates the size. The number indicates the diameter of the light bulb at its widest part in eighths of an inch.
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VoltageIndicates how much voltage a bulb can accept via the fixture it's installed in.
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- Fluorescent Option Canopy: Height 1.2"
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- Suspension: Length Adjustable To 158.2"
- Cable: Length 144"
Manufacturer IDs: view
Need help with some of our terminology? Check out Lumens' Lighting & Design Glossary.


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November 27, 2015
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- Local teams continued winning streaks on the road Saturday, while others worked to snap losing streaks.
NCAA Div. II:
Co. Christian - 68
Co. Christian - 79
High School Boys:
Grand Junction - 57
Durango - 50
Fruita Monument - 53
Cortez - 33
Palisade - 51
Moffat County - 31
High School Girls:
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Durango - 45
Fruita Monument - 51
Cortez - 35
Palisade - 12
Moffat County - 60
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hi everyone, new also
hi everyone, new also
hello PS3news's world
Hello everyone, I go by muzzikluvr cause I love music and video games. Thought muzzikluvrgamer might sound weird, lol. Thanks for creating this site where guys like me can learn and game.
Hello all, new here also.
Hi there every one. I'm pretty new in the world of forums. Please help if I'm doing this wrong. Big up to all
Hello everyone I'm new to PS3news.com
Have you found anything you've been looking for?
Last edited by icyimd1; 05-08-2012 at 05:31 PM Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Hi all, I am a new user, I really like consoldas especially PS3.
Hi everyone
I registered a while ago, but haven't contributed yet...
returning user. new poster though! hello all.
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Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount
Stylish Multicolored amber teething necklace for your baby!
Weight of baby necklace 6 grams, approximate length of amber baby necklace is 12.6-13 inches or 32-33 centimeters.
Natural 100% authentic Baltic amber (only natural amber gemstones are used to make these beautiful necklaces, we DO NOT use melted, pressed or reconstructed amber). Please note, that this is GENUINE Baltic amber which is the world's finest amber.
This beautiful handmade amber teething necklace glows warmly against baby's skin. It is made from high grade 100% Baltic Amber and, as a natural product, you can expect to find air bubbles and natural particles within the amber itself. No two beads or necklaces are exactly alike.
This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!
Showing reviews 1-10 of 15 | Next
Posted by Danielle K on 10th Jun 2015
These work! !
Posted by Traci on 18th May 2015
LOVE this necklace! It has worked wonders for my son! Definitely recommended!
Posted by Jonna Koskinen on 22nd Apr 2015
actually works! i was surprised myself. don't know how but it helps
Posted by Sonia on 3rd Jul 2011
The item is beautiful and looks awesome on my little boy! I'm anxious to see if it works with his teething pain! Thanks!
Posted by Sally on 9th Jun 2011
we love this necklace! i really do think it has been helpful in my daughters teething process, and even if its not, it has pretty much stopped her massive drooling!!
Posted by Antony on 18th May 2011
These really seem to help with teething! Thanks so much.
Posted by Jessica on 15th Nov 2010
I have been using this amber necklace for my daughter's teething for 3 months and it really makes a difference. Even when she had 2 teeth come through, she wasn't fussy and she almost never drools.
It is also super cute on her. We get comments about it all the time!
Posted by Michele on 12th Nov 2010
It is a wonderful and beautiful necklace, my baby is loving and it is really helping him. thank you!
Posted by Gemma on 21st Sep 2010
Wonderful trade, i love it, thanks so much!
Posted by Lucy on 26th Jun 2010
Great transaction...a life saver for a mom with a teething baby! The necklace is gorgeous and the packaging was great...would make a beautiful gift too!
Showing reviews 1-10 of 15 | Next


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Bad karma: we can't find that page!
You asked for http://www.medicexchange.com/healthcare-it-blogs/dreaming-about-a-killer-ap-that-measures-aamp-credits-social-media-based-panel-size-and-shared-decision-making.html, but despite our computers looking very hard, we could not find it. What happened ?
- the link you clicked to arrive here has a typo in it
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8/3/2011 (4 years ago)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
In medieval days, knights were men who were elevated by their king and consecrated to a position of trust. These noble and faithful men would pledge to give their very lives to the service and protection of their lord and his kingdom. Today, the consecrated men of the Knights of the Holy Eucharist provide that very service for their Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
8/3/2011 (4 years ago)
Published in Vocations
Keywords: Vocations, Knights, Knights of the Holy Eucharist, EWTN, Gerald Korson, Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
HANCEVILLE, Ala.(Catholic Online) - In medieval days, knights were men who were elevated by their king and consecrated to a position of trust. These noble and faithful men would pledge to give their very lives to the service and protection of their lord and his kingdom.
Today, the consecrated men of the Knights of the Holy Eucharist provide that very service for their Lord and King, Jesus Christ, through their work at the magnificent Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Angels Monastery in rural Hanceville, Ala., some 45 miles north of Birmingham.
The primary focus of the Knights of the Holy Eucharist is to foster reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. The Knights help maintain reverence for the Blessed Sacrament by ensuring that visitors to the Shrine are modestly attired, that a sacred silence is observed in the church, and that the environment as a whole evokes a peace and serenity conducive to meditation and contemplation. They also serve as acolytes at Shrine liturgies.
The Knights also help maintain the grounds and facilities; host clergy, brothers, and seminarians on retreat; and provide assistance to the nuns of the monastery and to Shrine visitors.
Community members live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience but do not profess public vows. Putting aside the things of this world, they seek to live by the motto of their patron, St. Francis of Assisi: "My God and my All."
The Knights strive for a structured balance of work and prayer. Besides their assigned labors, every Knight participates daily in Mass, the Rosary, Morning and Evening Prayer, and two hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. They also receive formation three days a week, make a weekly Holy Hour, and have a monthly retreat day.
Founded in 1998, the Knights of the Holy Eucharist were the inspiration of Mother Angelica, who also founded not only the Shrine and the monastery, but also the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). One of her first recruits, Brother David Mary, presently serves as Brother Guardian of the community. The original pole barn on the monastery grounds converted into living quarters by the first Knights has undergone additional expansions and annually hosts 200 priests, brothers, and seminarians who visit the Shrine for retreats.
"God continues to call young men to the consecrated life, but unfortunately, with all the distractions of today, they don't hear God's voice calling them," said Brother David.
As a result, "There's a sense of a lack of fulfillment in the soul, and the soul can't be at peace where it is, and ultimately that leaves them unhappy. They have to develop not only the awareness that they have a vocation from God, but also how to carry out that vocation plan in their lives."
Further expansion planned for the Shrine grounds includes a Pope John Paul II Eucharistic Center, conceived as an educational center designed to lead both Catholics and non-Catholics to a deeper appreciation of Christ's Eucharistic Presence-which is what the Knights of the Holy Eucharist are all about.
For more information:
Knights of the Holy Eucharist
Attn.: Brother David
3222 County Road 548
Hanceville, AL 35077
Gerald Korson (firstname.lastname@example.com) has been a Catholic editor and journalist for more than 28 years. For more information on the Knights of the Holy Eucharist, visit their website
By Kenya Sinclair (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Despite attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and joining the U.S. Marine Corps, Thomas Woodhouse was welcomed as a new priest at the Saint Patrick Church in Cumberland, MD despite his late answer to the call. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "The journey ... continue reading
By Kenya Sinclair (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Bishop John Noonan spoke on the first of a two-day Hispanic vocations workshop sponsored by the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors at a Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, New York on October 29. Noonan spoke of the high number of Hispanics ... continue reading
By Kenya Sinclair (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
During Pope Francis' U.S. tour, he led mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Though each U.S. mass the pontiff held was touching, it was this homily that stood out among the others with a focus on the words "What about you?" LOS ... continue reading
By Caitlin Bootsma
Many of us benefit from the example and outreach of men and women who are leaders in our Catholic faith. These faithful servants help propel our knowledge and love of the Lord, be it through their witness, their virtue, the ministries they run or-in the case of ... continue reading
By Ann Schneible, CNA/EWTN News
As the Church brings the needs of the family to the forefront with the upcoming Synod this fall, one Dominican sister says it is no surprise that Pope Francis should also dedicate this year to the consecrated life. Rome, Italy, May 18, 2015 / 02:51 pm (CNA/EWTN ... continue reading
By Ambassadors of Christ
Much has been written about and many homilies have lamented the vocation crisis in the Catholic Church in the United States. Religious Orders which used to have large classes of novices each year now go for years without a new entrant. Dioceses which used ... continue reading
By Elise Harris (CNA/ETWN News)
In a wide-ranging, off-the-cuff speech to priests and religious in Naples, Pope Francis addressed various challenges of consecrated life, emphasizing above all the importance of poverty and resisting gossip. ROME, ITALY, March 21 (CNA/EWTN News) - "For me there is a ... continue reading
By Fr Samuel Medley, SOLT
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke HYTHE, KENT, UK (Catholic Online) - Don't judge me. How many times have you heard this? It is a fascinating phenomenon that the more a person or a culture strays ... continue reading
By Fr Samuel Medley SOLT
I remember the day I started smiling and have not been able to stop since. I was a novice. It was the moment, in a 15 day silent retreat where I discovered in a way that was, at that time and every moment since, beyond my comprehension, how I am tenderly, ... continue reading
By Fr Samuel Medley SOLT
The Word will never be given you without giving you also a mission. It will make you aware of the suffering of the people right next to you that you didn't notice before. It will open your eyes and see the world differently, and make you act differently in ... continue reading


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Delonte West looking forward to playing
Delonte West arrived at Chesapeake Energy Arena with his teammates and said he is good to go for tonight's Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
West missed the team's shootaround this morning after contracting a stomach illness overnight.
West said he was feeling better when he arrived at the arena and it appears that he will be in his usual spot in the starting lineup.


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Thousands of rodeo enthusiasts travel to Cherokee every summer for the Cherokee Chamber PRCA Rodeo. This annual event takes place the weekend after Memorial Day. Barnes PRCA Rodeo is the largest contractor for rodeo livestock in the area and has been involved with rodeo for over 50 years. In addition to 3 nights of quality rodeo entertainment, take in kids activities, western vendors, Rodeo Queens, a Western BBQ at the Depot, and a large parade through Cherokee.
For more information about our City of Cherokee Click Here!


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QUAN: New iPad Presents Potential Revenue Spike
With Quantum readying advanced-tech iPad cases for mass production, Business Week reports that Apple is counting heavily on the newest generation of the iPad boosting its bottom line. Historically, the tablet's sales numbers are a strong indicator of the company's stock share price. In 2012, the iPad returned almost $31 billion of revenue, helping Apple become the most valuable company of all time.
With Apple expected to release its fifth-generation iPad this week to huge demand, the $2.3 billion iPad accessories market is anticipated to receive a massive uptick in revenues, as well.
"With the new iPad set for release this week, the demand and market for accessories will be robust with the holiday season coming," Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz said. "Our products will satisfy the market's demands for innovative, versatile and much-needed iPad accessories capable of making a great product even better."
Quantum believes it is well positioned for growth as the market for iPad accessories continues to expand rapidly. For more information on Quantum International's technology initiatives, please visit www.quantuminnovators.com/investors.html.
Quantum International Corp. is feverishly working on completing the development of these forward-thinking support products to compete in a booming global industry alongside Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Logitech International SA (LOGI).


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This chic cut Kenya Dot Mix Twist Tankini Top has a bold print and flattering fit.
This top is not true to size which is surprising as it offers bra/cup sizing. I'm very disappointed and wish I could return it for something else. It did not stay up when I wore it.
Fort Worth, TX
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Coco Reef is owned by Swimwear Anywhere, Inc. Founded in 1998, Swimwear Anywhere has become one of the largest manufacturers of swimwear in North America. Swimwear Anywhere also holds the swimwear licenses for respected designer brands such as Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and DKNY to name a few.
Always innovative, Swimwear Anywhere is the creator of bra-sized swimwear. This concept is seen throughout Coco Reef swimwear. With the right fit and exceptional support, Coco Reef swim separates produce an ultra-flattering fit that is customized to fit perfectly based upon cup size.


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STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS - Grading & Discussion [SPOILERS]
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June 6 2013, 06:00 PM
Admiral Buzzkill
Fleet Admiral
Re: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS - Grading & Discussion [SPOILERS]
BillJ wrote:
Admiral Buzzkill wrote:
Logic is built from premises. The premises established here are that Enterprise has to hide from the locals in order to obey the PD, and that the locals are presumably unable to detect the ship under water. So, it's logical to hide the ship under water.
Unless the locals have a way to observe a starship in orbit, it's illogical not to hide it there.
No. It's not required that the filmmakers explain why an option
to exist isn't utilized, though it might be nice for fans familiar with previous Star Trek history.
BillJ wrote:
But I think it constitutes a plot-hole because it violates the rules of the universe and ignores the capabilities of the Enterprise as defined in these movies.
These are all rules defined elsewhere, not within the plot of the movie. Therefore, while it may be annoying it's still not a plot hole since it doesn't violate the logic of events in the movie.
Having submerged the ship at the opening of the movie, if later in the story there'd been a good reason to take the ship underwater and they chose not to because "it's impossible for the Enterprise to submerge," that would have been a plot hole.
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With room for formal dining for up to 50 people, we pride ourselves on the standard of food and service, for which Balloo House has built a strong reputation. Your event can be planned to include all of your preferences, with bespoke menus created by renowned Chef Danny Millar. The food is authentic, the setting unrivalled and the service discreet.
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Slideshow: Network-Attached Storage
EMC's Retrospect Express is included on StorCenter devices like the ix12--00r Network Storage Array, which allows users to perform replication on a schedule or with the press of a button.
See the full article, Network-Attached Storage User's Guide.
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text: Tagged: navigation Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total) Author Posts July 11, 2014 at 1:26 am #289857 thepowerofcolorParticipant Some time ago I was researching what it would take to make the changes being considered for this site. One of the questions was how to move the navigation below the header. Now I am implementing and have run into an issue. It was suggested that I add this code— .main_menu { bottom: -409px !important; top: auto; } #main { margin: -47px auto 0 auto; } The problem is that this only looks right on the home page with the slider. On all of the other pages it places the navigation down in the content area. How can I keep it this way on the home page but place the navigation on top of .stretch_full.title_container on all of the other pages? July 11, 2014 at 7:12 am #289918 IsmaelModerator Hey thepowerofcolor! Thank you for using the theme! Please add the .home selector in order exclude other pages: .home .main_menu { bottom: -409px !important; top: auto; } .home #main { margin: -47px auto 0 auto; } Best regards, Ismael Author Posts Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total) You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


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Paris Glamour Studio Photographer
Serena 1Makeup Artist Female Paris, Île–de–France, France
My Website: http://www.myspace.com/serena_forgeasMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/serenaforgeas
Mayhem # 1117209
About Me
Hello makeup artist for the last 6 years, I'm looking to meet professionals in my industry to build up my follio and access to well paid jobs.
On all the pictures shown I did the hair and the makeup, I work for editorial, fashion shows, tv and cinema.
If you're interrested to work with me on a creative project why not ?
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Video clip 2010:
KAT DELUNA "Party o'clock"
KEN CARLTER "Hot Summer With My Love"
Chopard, Longchamp, Ralph Lauren, Nespresso, Bobbi Brown, Clinique
Promo work with Warnerbros every so often (Cannes Film Festival, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Tours, Jane Badler for "V")
Paris Glamour Studio Photographer
Josh Caudwell Photographer
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Hi All,
I am getting really frustrated with the backend of my wordpress. I have created a site with about 500 pages of content and now I am going back through all the pages to edit for SEO, and the pages are taking literally 1-2mins to actually update.
Does anyone have a solution to fix... I only have 3 plugins installed, using the thesis theme!
Please help!


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Would chin implants look good on me? (Photo)
Doctor Answers 13
Will chin implant improve my profile
I suggest you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a detailed analysis before having a chin implant. Liposuction under the chin will help to define the jaw.
Chin implant look good on me?
Basing this solely on your photo, you may be a candidate for a chin implant, and perhaps some liposuction under the chin if you so desired. You really do need to be seen in person though for an accurate assessment. I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to get more specific answers to your questions which can best be addressed after a thorough history and examination is performed.
Best of Luck to you!
Would chin implants look good on me?
1) Enhance the jawline
2) Complement the features of the face
I would recommend a consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. He or she may use computer imaging software to morph a photo of you. This will give you an idea of how the final result of surgery may appear. Patients are generally very pleased with the results of a chin augmentation, and find that it balances their profile nicely. I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck.
Web reference: http://www.rhinoplastyspecialist.com/chin-implant/
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Chin implant and neck liposuction may improve your profile
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.