Now, in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women!”

Архангел Гавриил  ”Златые власы” Archangel Gabriel “Golden-Locked”

But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying and considered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name ‘Jesus.’ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And to his Kingdom there shall be no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren. For everything spoken by God is possible.”

Mary said, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord! Be it to me according to your word.”

And the angel departed from her.

In those days, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste to a city of Judah. She entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

In a loud voice, she exclaimed,

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the baby leaped in my womb out of joy! Blessed is she who believed, for the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled!”

Mary said,

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her house.

Jesus was taken from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early, and the Jews themselves did not enter into the Praetorium in order not to be made ritually impure and to be able to eat the Passover. For this reason, Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”

“If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”

At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.”

Then, the Jews told him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death!” (This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken might be fulfilled, by which he had indicated by what kind of death he would die).

So Pilate went back into the Praetorium. Having called Jesus, he asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus answered, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?”

Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?”

Jesus replied, “My Kingdom is not of this world! If my Kingdom were of this world, my servants would have fought so that I would not be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from here.”

Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and I have come into the world for this reason: that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is ‘of the truth’ listens to my voice.”

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After saying this, he went out again to the Jews, and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

Then they all shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a rebel.

Then, Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, placed it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment.

They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him.

Then, Pilate went out again. He said to the Jews, “Behold, I bring him out to you, so that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”

When Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment, Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!”

But when the chief priests and the officers saw Jesus, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate answered, “Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him.”

The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to our law, he should die, because he made himself the Son of God.”

However, when Pilate heard these words, he was even more afraid.

Returning into the Praetorium, he asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and the power to crucify you?”

Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me to you has a greater sin.”

From then on, Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!”

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement,” and in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”

But they shouted, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!”

Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

And so, Pilate delivered Jesus to them, to be crucified. Accordingly, the guards took Jesus and led him away. He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull,” which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha.” There, they crucified him, and along with him two other men, one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate also wrote a notice and had it placed on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. Then, the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’”

Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

After the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided it into four parts, to every soldier a part; with the tunic remaining. Now, the tunic was without seam, woven from the top throughout. Then, they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be!” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says: “They have divided my garments among them and for my cloak they cast lots.”

And this is what the soldiers did. But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister (Mary the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!”

Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

After this, perceiving that all things were now accomplished, and so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Now, a vessel full of sour wine had been placed there; so the soldiers put a sponge full of the sour wine on a stick of hyssop and held it at his mouth. Then, after Jesus received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is accomplished!” And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Staring down at the glossy red ceramic platter in my hands, I wonder how a crispy stuffed bird or succulent medallions of braised meat will look against the lipstick red. Perhaps the antique white platter with the retro holly pattern will better serve my culinary masterpieces. The white one is actually already sitting in my cart. Admittedly, I am trying to justify getting both platters.
My frivolous concentration is interrupted by the joyful exclamation of a small boy riding by me in a cart with his baby sister sleeping in her car seat in the basket.

“Mommy, mommy! It’s Mary, it’s Mary!”

I glance over and give him a big smile. I’m not Mary, but I know why he thinks I am. The first couple of times I was mistaken for Mary were awkward moments. Even though I do resemble her somewhat, I was caught off guard, as are all the mommies whose children make this innocent mistake.

Today the little boy continues to try to get his Mommy’s attention, but she hurries down the isle without acknowledging either of us and they are quickly out sight, just as fast as the first time a child called me “Mary.”

Here, amongst the pine and pumpkin pie scented candles and plastic mistletoe, the boy was genuinely delighted to see Mary, too. He’s probably been seeing Mary a lot lately. She is popping up on people’s lawns and in pageants around town. She is even featured in the Oriental Trading Company catalog, surrounded by inflatable palms and stable animals. Like the little girl models in the catalog, I too cover my hair with a scarf. I am a Muslim woman that wears a hijab. Here under the soft department store lights that are somehow supposed to encourage rampant spending, I look a bit like the iconic Virgin Mary in the baroque style.

Really, I think I’m too old to look like Mary, but that just makes his comment all the more complimentary. Even if just a comparison in looks, I feel an immense honor to be mistaken for the mother of a great prophet. Isa or Jesus in the Christian tradition is also a prophet to Muslims. His mother Mariam (Mary) is revered as one of the four best women in paradise and the Quran has entire chapter written for her.

Loading my bags into my minivan, I realize that I still have a great big grin on my face. It will stay with me all day.

One of the scientists, who converted to Islam, noticed something about this Surah after a long time thinking and processing..….

 

Dr Millar, one of the mathematics scientists who converted to Islam, amazed me with his observation when he tried to read the Quran expecting that he would read things concerning the Prophet’s wife, his companions or a story about his life. Instead, he found a whole Surah talking about Mariam.

This scientist was astonished. While the four bibles didn’t specify a chapter for Miriam “peace be upon her”, neither her name was mentioned two nor three times, he found that Miriam’s name was repeated in the Quran 34 times. Moreover, there was positive reception and admiration about Mariam “peace be upon her” in all the verses that her named was mentioned in. If Muhammad “peace be upon him” was the one who wrote the Quran, why did he specify a large space to talk about the Christ and his mother…. And forget about his wife Khadija for example?

Eisa’s name (Jesus) was mentioned 25 times in the Quran, and the Christ’s name was mentioned 11 times. However, Muhammad’s name was mentioned 4 times only! If we glanced at all the Quran verses, we find that they come from a God source. More often, the speech comes in the glorifying (plural) format, for example: (Verily, We, it is we who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption) [ Al-Hijr:9].(Verily, We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to Us they all shall be returned) [Miriam: 40]. (Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book) [Ya-sin: 12]. (Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return) [Qaf: 43]. (Verily, it is We Who have sent down the Quran to you (O Muhammad) by stages) [A-Insan: 23].

Lets look momentarily to the format these verses were revealed in which couldn’t be written by Muhammad peace be upon him. If the prophet is the one who came up with the Quran, why does it speak to people in the plural format (Verily, We); why it did not say (I)? The reason is very simple; the one who revealed the Quran is ALLAH almighty. He who created the universe, he who gives life and causes death. Glorified (and exalted) be He above all that they associate with him.

In this Surah, the Christ and his mother “peace be upon them” were mentioned, and the Quran corrected the lies that the Jews made up for this great woman. It purified her from polytheism and disbelief and chose her above the women of mankind and jinn.

Here we ask the question: what does Muhammad “peace be upon him” benefit from correcting these lies. Why are all the prophets, in the Quran, mentioned in great honor, compared to Torah which claims  that Allah’s prophets had committed adultery, drinking, lying, and cheating…… why does this prophet (Muhammad peace be upon him) do these corrections and where does he bring this information from?

The answer is very simple; the one who taught the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is ALLAH almighty who knows the truths about everything. That is why this Surah witnesses the truth about the Quran, not as they claimed, that Muhammad took the information from the Torah and the Bible.

If that argument was true, we should have seen either a replication of the bible tale, or denying it. However, the Quran came with the true story which makes sense logically and scientifically.

It befits not the Majesty of ALLAH who created the universe, that he should beget a son. What does he need a son for? What is the profession of that son? Is he a God or what does he do? That is why we find that even a young child accepts the oneness of the lordship of ALLAH which is a proof that the humankind was created believing and witnessing that ALLAH is the one and the only God.

——————–

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

Peace be upon you and welcome back!

So I just finished watching a lecture by Khalid Latif (Chaplain of NYU) and it’s really made me think. It’s made me question myself on whether or not I am backing up my words with my actions. I think the lecture in a way summarizes what I was talking about in the posts I put up earlier this month. What really amazed me though, was how Imam Latif addressed so many key issues and still stayed on topic. (I really need to learn how to post the videos directly on here instead of posting the link =P) Anyhow, Happy watching!

http://vimeo.com/7156141

 I hope people benefit from this lecture and iA learn something that they can apply in their very life. Also, if you are interested, Khalid Latif has his own blog. Check it out: http://nychaplain.wordpress.com/

 As always, stay blessed and wassalam,

ur sis in faith and humanity,

poeT91 aka sanechange 

i support the campain for climate justice

time for climate justice

VISUAL ARTS

                                     Tribute to Ianis Xenakis

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in association with the Center for Music Composition & Performance (CMCP) is organizing a second series of events in tribute to the composer Ianis Xenakis.
The events are taking place from September 15 to October 11.

“Itinerary to Mount Athos, 1928-1930″

The exhibition “Itinerary to Mount Athos, 1928-1930” features a selection from the 400 photographs taken by Swiss photographer Frédéric Boissonnas during his travels to Mount Athos in 1928 and 1930.
The exhibition is organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, in Sofia and runs from September 16 through October 25.

MUSIC

                                     Jose Carreras returns to Athens

Legendary tenor Jose Carreras returns to Greece after four years since his last appearance for a concert with the ERT National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of David Gimenez, on 19 September at the Herod Atticus Odeon (Herodion) in Athens.

Amadou & Mariam in Athens

Amadou & Mariam, the two musicians who manage to overcome all obstacles to become international stars and ambassadors of Mali’s musical tradition throughout the world, will be appearing live in Athens 18 September at the Papagou Garden Theatre.

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra @ Badminton Theatre

Armed with over 100 instruments the Spaghetti Western Orchestra is performing in Athens the stunning music Ennio Morricone wrote for movies such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” “For a Few Dollars More” and “Once Upon a Time in the West.” At the Badminton Theatre from September 16 to 25.

In my sermon prep, movie watching, and reading, I come across some fantastic quotes. Here are some new & old favorites of mine!

“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” -Anne Lamott

“Impossible is not what it used to be.” -Tom Baldwin, The 4400 [very appropriate when applied to what Jesus can do in and through us]

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure! It is our Light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves: who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.” -Mariam Williamson, A Return to Love

“Christianity is most often seen as having to do with forgiveness and Heaven, not as a lifestyle of reorienting life to God’s story as a Christ follower.” -Todd D. Hunter, Christianity Beyond Belief

Musica musica de la buena!

(Khaled Hosseini was born in 1965. He is a novelist and physician currently residing in US. His debut novel, The Kite Runner, was a bestseller in 2003.)

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story of love, sacrifice and strength. It takes place in Afghanistan during war time and eventually Taliban rule. Mariam is just fifteen years old her father gets her married to Rasheed who is 30 years her senior. She lives with Rasheed despite his constant abuses that start after she miscarries his child. Then after 19 years, Laila loses her parents to war and ends up in Mariam’s household. She is then tricked by Rasheed into marrying him. Slowly Mariam and Laila become friends inspite of the unusual circumstances which had forced them together in the first place. They find solace in each others company and look forward to their simple ritual of 3 cups of tea at night. It’s a story about the lives of these women at a time when life is a constant struggle. The Taliban impose harsh rules for women such as depriving them of proper medical care, their right to work and study, to walk on the streets unless escorted by a male relative to list a few. Mariam and Laila’s  love for one another and the children gives them strength to act in ways otherwise impossible. It’s a story I will always marvel at because of some bits where I was forced to think whether women really did endure brutalities as mentioned in the book such as lack of anesthesia for women in hospitals because of which Laila has to go through a cesarian section without anesthesia.

It’s a book that will always stay in the readers mind because of the simple narrative.

Love can do wonders and give strength even to the weakest of all. Mariam teaches you that.

Thanks to the support of Washington resident Jerair Nishanian, more than 40 children from socially vulnerable families have an opportunity to study at Gavar State University, which was established in 1993 to help educate youngsters around the Gavar and Gegharkunik regions.

Mariam Margaryan, born in 1991 in village Noratus (famous for thousands of medieval khachkars), is one of the scholarship recipients. Mariam was 10 years old when both of her parents separately abandoned their family, leaving Mariam and her younger sister Mary in the care of their grandfather and grandmother. Grandfather Sargis is already 82 years old, but his aim is to live long enough to help his grandchildren reach their goals.

Mariam with her grandfather and grandmother

Credit : Levon Lachikyan

Mariam Margaryan is a student at the GSU Natural Sciences Department (Geographic faculty). Since her childhood she has always been fond of geography and has mentally travelled over many continents and visited various countries. However, most of all she loves her native country.  “Upon my graduation I will work as a teacher of geography at the secondary school in my village.” stated the smiling girl. She is very thankful for Jerair Nishanian, and though Mariam has never met Mr. Nishanian, his name symbolizes a legend in her family. Mariam is a stellar student at the University, and has clear ambitions. The two sisters have decided to buy presents for the grandparents with their first month salary: and this day is not far …

Mariam and her sister

Credit : Levon Lachikyan

coming soon ….

Holx Cxbrones y Cxbroncillxs!

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Hoy y despues de txnto tiempo, vengo con un post interesxnte y es que resultx que este fin de semxnx pxsxdo tuve lx oportunidxd de visitxr tierrxs regixs, porque?, bueno es que mis señores pxdres tuvieron que xsistir x un bxutizo en el cuxl erxn los pxdrinos es por eso lx vitxl importxncix (sin pxdrinos no hxy bolo entonces pierde el chiste XD).

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Xhorx lo importxnte del post, es que durxnte mi estxncix por xquellos rumbos no pude evitxr (mejor dicho mi lxdo friki nom dejo evitxr) unx visitx x un conocido punto de reunion de otxkus, fxmoso por ser el primer cxfe mxid de lxtinoxmericx y cito :

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Mxid Cxfe Oshimxi! se inxuguro el 29 de Febrero del 2008 en Sxn Pedro Gxrzx Gxrcix Nuevo Leon. Siguiendo los pxsos de grxndes mxid cxfes como el @Home Cxfe. Oshimxi trxjo x Mexico el sxbor de lx comidx populxr jxponesx xunxdo x lx ternurx post- modernistx victorixnx llxmxdx por los jxponeses “Mxid”. Siendo el primer mxid cxfe estxblecido en Lxtinoxmericx txmbien somos los primeros sin mxids orientxles recuperxndo un poco el sentido originxl pero sin perder el “Moé” que txnto debe cxrxcterizxr el servicio de unx Mxid.

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Fue dificil encontrxr el Cxfe Oshimxi! (x discrepxncix con lo que nos dijo cuervo, que estx detrxs de un Hotel Enorme!, pues si pero no soy locxl xD), pero unx vez que vimos el letrero nos emocionxmos solo de sxber que hxbixmos llegxdo.

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Fue curioso xD yx que llegxmos bxstxnte temprxno, todxvix ni xbrixn xD xunque hxbix gente jugxndo en el Wii x puertx cerrxdx ^^u.

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Tocxmos un pxr de veces y x nuestrx sorpresx nos xbrio unx Mxid( yx despues supe que su nombre erx Lulx). Xl fin entrxmos! se nos hicieron grxndes los ojos *_*Lx mxid dijo su frxse jxponesx (que luego tendre que preguntxr ^^u ), tomxmos xsiento y nos trxjeron los menus; fue dificil elegir yx que tienen unx grxn seleccion de plxtillos y lx descripcion de todos pxrecix sxbrosx *¬*  pero xlfinxl me decidi por el Txko rice! xD y un vxso de Cxlpis.

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Xntes de que sirvierxn los plxtillos, entrevistxmos xl buen Cuervo, el es uno de los cerebros detrxs de Xnime Oshimxi!, un progrxmx que se grxbx txmbien en el Cxfe y que es muy divertido (pueden pxsxr x ver los Levels xqui ), el nos explico que lx idex del progrxmx surge de videos que solix hxcer con sus xmigos, videos divertidos y sketches.

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[Estoy seguro de que no es su mejor foto xD pero me pxrecio muy buenx]

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Despues nos sentxmos x comer, el txko rice se veix suculento x lx vistx y pues nos dispusimos x comer, mi primx pidio curry, todo extremxdxmente delicioso *_* y xl finxl remxtxmos con unxs pocky de chocolxte de postre.

Lx verdxd es que lx visitx vxlio mucho lx penx, es un lugxr que no te puedes perder!

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Txmbien tenemos entrevistx con Xlin, que es unx mxid del cxfe Oshimxi!

pero eso lo tendrxn que ver en el blog de

Revolucion otxku, pxrx que pxsen cuxndo este listx lx edicion de los videos.

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Creo que de mi pxrte es todo, pero no sin dxrle lxs grxcixs xl stxff por recibirnos txn bien ^^, grxcixs x todos y pues mucho exito con el progrxmx, el cxfe y todos los proyectos k se propongxn.

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Sxludos

[Edgxr]

PS. Info extrx de Oshimxi! xqui! (click en el logo! xD)

Ps2. Este video me levxnto el xnimo hoy que me sentix mxl , espero hxgx lo mismo con ustedes xD

]]> http://rusdimathari.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/david-oh-david%e2%80%a6-1/ Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:38:00 +0000 rusdi mathari http://rusdimathari.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/david-oh-david%e2%80%a6-1/

Sejak awal Keluarga Hartanto sudah curiga, ada yang ditutup-tutupi menyangkut kematian David Hartanto Widjaja, anaknya yang berkuliah di NTU.

oleh Rusdi Mathari
PENGADILAN koroner Singapura akhirnya tiba pada keputusan: mendiang David Hartanto Widjaja mati bunuh diri. Ini keputusan kontroversial yang kesekian kalinya yang dibuat oleh aparatur di negara itu, setelah sebelumnya, David dituduh telah menusuk Profesor Chan Kap Luk. Nama terakhir adalah wakil direktur Biomedical Engineering Research Centre dan dosen pembimbing David di Universitas Teknologi Nanyang (NTU).

Sidang koroner digelar untuk mendapatkan izin menggelar pengadilan kriminal. Usaha itu adalah inisiatif Hartanto (ayah David) yang menginginkan kasus kematian David diusut tuntas. Menurut mereka, David dibunuh dan bukan bunuh diri. Dengan keputusan yang dikeluarkan kemarin itu, maka peluang untuk menggelar sidang terbuka lanjutan (open verdict) untuk menguak tabir kematian David menjadi semakin kecil.

David ditemukan tewas terjatuh dari gedung kampus NTU, Senin 2 Maret 2009, sekitar pukul 11 siang. Di tubuhnya ditemukan 36 titik luka. Beberapa saksi mata menuturkan, mahasiswa asal Indonesia itu sesaat sebelum tewas, David terlihat  keluar dari kantor Chan. Dia berlari dan entah bagaimana ceritanya, David kemudian sudah ditemukan tewas.

Tidak ada pernyataan resmi dari pemerintahan Singapura, tak juga soal kenapa David tewas: bunuh diri atau dibunuh. Satu-satunya keterangan, hanyalah penjelasan dari polisi setempat yang menyebutkan David tewas di lokasi. Asumsi polisi, David dipercaya telah menusuk Chan. Hanya itu tapi polisi tak menjelaskan, dari mana asal-usul asumsi mereka hingga sampai pada kesimpulan seperti itu.

Semula, berdasarkan keterangan asumsi dari polisi Singapura itu, media massa di sana menggambarkan David sebagai orang yang telah mencoba melakukan pembunuhan tapi tidak berhasil. Dia karena itu kemudian nekat melompat dari lantai empat.

Pemberitaan koran-koran itu juga mengutip keterangan Su Guaning, Rektor NTU yang isinya kurang lebih sama dengan penjelasan polisi Singapura: David memutuskan bunuh diri gara-gara beasiswanya diputus. Beberapa media itu terutama The Strait Times, belakangan memperbaiki pemberitaan mereka dan menyebutkan kematian David masih misterius.

Koran Jakarta edisi Minggu 29 Maret 2009 pernah memuat cukup lengkap cerita kematian David. Wartawan Rangga Prakoso, mendapatkan cerita lengkapnya dari Keluarga Hartanto.

Dilarang Polisi
Diceritakan kabar kematian David diterima oleh keluarga tak lama setelah David ditemukan tewas. Chua Poh Gaek dari NTU yang menyampaikan lewat sambungan telepon. “Saya Ms. Chua dari NTU, Singapura, mau mengabarkan bahwa David ada kemalangan,” begitulah Chua menelepon Keluarga Hartanto di Jakarta.

Ibu David, Tjhay Lie Khiun yang menerima telepon itu bertanya kemalangan apa yang menimpa anaknya.

“Ada orang lain di rumah?” tanya Chua lagi.
“Ada papanya David,” jawab Tjhay.
“David terjatuh dari lantai enam dan meninggal,” kata Chua.
“Terjatuh bagaimana?” tanya Hartanto.
“Sebelumnya gaduh dengan dosennya. Harap segera datang,” kata Chua.

Hartanto mengiyakan. Itu 2 Maret 2009, sekitar pukul 10 pagi. Hartanto bergegas memesan tiket pesawat Garuda. Pukul 14.55, bersama Tjhay dan putra sulungnya, William Hartanto Widjaya, Hartanto bertolak ke Singapura. Mendarat di Bandara Changi, Hartanto sekeluarga disambut Chua yang mengacungkan karton bertuliskan “David Widjaya.”

Terlihat ikut bersama Chua, dr Yo dan Mariam. Nama yang disebut terakhir adalah ahli psikologi di NTU, berdarah Hindustan. Dari Changi, mereka dibawa langsung dengan mobil Alphard warna perak ke kampus NTU. Hartanto sempat mengelak dan meminta agar segera ke rumah sakit untuk melihat jenazah David.

Mendengar itu Chua tampak panik. Dia mengambil ponselnya dan terlihat mengirim SMS, entah kepada siapa. Sejurus kemudian Chua memberitahukan bahwa pihak kepolisian Singapura melarang mereka melihat jenazah David malam itu. Izin baru diberikan, katanya, besok pagi.

Sekitar pukul 7 malam, waktu Singapura, Keluarga Hartanto tiba di NTU. Sudah sepi. Chua mengantarnya ke sebuah ruangan dan bertemu Rektor NTU, Guaning beserta beberapa petinggi kampus. Mereka menyambut hangat dan menyampaikan ucapan turut berduka.

Guaning bercerita, David membawa pisau dan masuk ke ruangan Chan. Entah apa pemicunya, David menurut Guaning sekonyong-konyong menusuk profesor itu. Setelahnya, David keluar ruangan dan memotong urat nadinya dan melompat terjun dari lantai enam.

Sebelum melompat, masih menurut Guaning, ada mahasiswi yang berusaha membujuk David. “He ngapain kamu di sana, jangan-jangan melompat.” Begitulah Guaning menirukan seruan mahasiswi itu kepada David.

Hartanto akan tetapi tak langsung yakin. “Benar kejadiannya seperti itu?”

“Ini keterangan profesor Chan Kap Luk dan saksi mata,” kata Guaning.
“Siapa mahasiswi itu?” Tjhay ikut bertanya.

Guaning memberitahukan mahasiswi yang dimaksud berasal dari Iran. Selesai. Dia lalu mengajak Keluarga Hartanto melihat-lihat TKP. Sejak melihat lokasi itulah, Hartanto mulai curiga. Hati kecilnya berkata TKP sudah dibersihkan dan tidak ada bercak darah maupun garis polisi. Guaning menunjuk ke atas, tempat David melompat, atap kaca itu.

Mereka juga diajak ke ruangan Profesor Chan, di lantai bangunan dosen, persis di sebelah kiri dari pintu darurat. William hendak membuka ruangan itu, tapi semuanya sudah dikunci. Mereka kemudian menuju ke tangga darurat dan tiba di lantai empat yang di bawahnya terdapat jembatan penghubung terbuat dari fiber bening. Kata Guaning, David naik ke balkon lalu melompat ke kaca dan menerjunkan tubuhnya. Singkatnya, Guaning mengarahkan cerita: David bunuh diri.

Keterangan Polisi
Menunggu di sebuah hall, sekumpulan mahasiswa Indonesia menyampaikan belasungkawa kepada Hartanto. Guaning kemudian memanggil Herdian, salah seorang teman David. Herdian bersaksi, sepekan sebelum kejadian David cenderung menyendiri. Malam itu Keluarga Hartanto menginap di kampus NTU.

Paginya, 3 Maret 2009 pukul 9 pagi, sesuai janji Keluarga Hartanto diantarkan ke Singapore General Hospital. Mereka menuju kamar mayat tapi hanya diizinkan melihat jenazah dari ruangan berkaca. Tak boleh mendekat.  Dari balik kaca itu, Hartanto  melihat jasad David sudah dibungkus kain putih mirip mummy kecuali bagian leher hingga kepala.

Di dahinya tampak beberapa luka goresan. Lubang hidungnya menyisakan bekas darah kering. Di leher ada tiga baris plester sepanjang kira-kira 10 cm. Bibir kiri atas sobek seperti dipotong. Mulutnya meringis. Giginya terlihat utuh. “Anak saya meninggal  penuh penderitaan,” kata Hartanto.

Hanya sebentar Keluarga Hartanto melihat jasad David, kira-kira lima menit. Dari kamar mayat, mereka  diajak menemui Soh Chee Ing, seorang reserse dari Kepolisian Singapura. Mereka diberi kesempatan bertanya mengurai kematian David. “Benarkah anak saya memotong urat nadinya?” tanya Thjay.

Chee menjawab, “Jangan percaya berita yang beredar.”

Thjay agak lega mendengar ungkapan si polisi tapi ketika Hartanto bertanya, soal plester yang ada di leher David, Chee terperanjat. “Oh itu luka ketika terjatuh. Mungkin terbentur beton saat jatuh.”

“Kok bisa di leher saja, sedangkan bagian tubuh lainnya utuh?”
“Bisa saja, mungkin akibat pergeseran,” jawab Chee.
“Mana mungkin, karena setelah terjatuh… buk… mau geser ke mana lagi?”
“Oh bisa saja,” kata polisi itu.

Hartanto semakin curiga tapi tak tahu harus berbuat apa. Hari itu, koran-koran Singapura menulis kematian David. Di internet kasus itu juga menjadi berita hangat.

Chee mengembalikan tas punggung David berisi air minum satu setengah liter penuh dan handuk—kebiasaannya sejak kecil.  Hartanto, Thjay, dan William tertegun saat Chee mengangkat plastik transparan dari bawah meja. Plastik itu berisi baju dan celana David. Baju kuningnya kini sudah berwarna merah karena darah. Tak lupa, Chee bilang penyelidikan kasus itu akan memakan waktu 3-4 bulan.

Keluar dari ruangan polisi, Hartanto bertanya kepada Yayan Muhyana, Sekretaris I KBRI di Singapura, yang turut mendampingi Keluarga Hartanto. “Kenapa begitu lama penyelidikannya?”

“Kasus David merupakan kasus luar biasa maka membutuhkan investigasi khusus dan akan memakan waktu,” jawab Yayan.

Soal Kremasi
Di kampus NTU itu pula, Chua Poh Gaek kemudian menyampaikan kepada Hartanto, jasad David akan diotopsi. Dia menyarankan agar usai otopsi, jasad David segera dikremasi. Itu kata Chua merupakan kebiasaan orang-orang Budha di Singapura.

Hartanto merundingkan sejenak tawaran Chua Thjay dan William, lalu menelepon keluarganya di Jakarta. Dari kerabatnya, seorang Budhis yang saleh, Hartanto mendapat saran agar jasad David segera dikremasi supaya arwahnya tidak gentayangan. Lagi pula, dalam iman Buddhis, anak muda mati dan belum menikah tak boleh dibawa ke rumah. “Sudah dirundingkan?” tanya Chua.

“Iya sudah, kami memutuskan untuk dikremasi,” jawab Hartanto.

Keluarga itu lalu kembali diajak melihat jenazah David. Kali ini bisa lebih dekat. Mereka kini memperhatikan tubuh David dengan versi berbeda dari seperti yang kali pertama mereka lihat. Mulut David terlihat sudah tidak meringis. Begitu juga luka robek pada bibir atas sudah tidak tampak. Namun Hartanto masih bertanya-tanya, mengapa tubuh anaknya dililit oleh plastik bening, penuh mulai dari pundak hingga ujung kaki.

Pukul 15.15 waktu Singapura, 3 Maret 2009, jasad David dikremasi. Tidak ketinggalan baju dan celana pendek yang penuh darah ikut dibakar tapi Hartanto baru menerima guci putih bermotif berisi abu David keesokan harinya, sekitar jam 10 pagi.

Iskandar, pegawai Mambai Crematorium, datang langsung ke NTU untuk mengantar guci berisi abu jasa David itu. Dia juga yang diberi mandat oleh NTU untuk melarangnya di laut, karena katanya ketentuan Singapura yang ketat melarang Keluarga Hartanto melakukannya sendiri.

Siangnya, Chua memberitahukan Hartanto, mereka diizinkan melihat kamar David yang terletak di hall 4 lantai 1. Kamar itu berukuran 3 x 4 dan kondisinya berantakan, karena katanya polisi telah menggeledah kamar itu. Laptop dan ponsel David sudah raib disita oleh polisi untuk penyelidikan. Hartanto hanya mengambil hard disk eksternal yang tertinggal di kamar itu. Isinya antara lain skripsi David. Beberapa foto David ikut disimpan oleh mereka.

Pukul 20.30 waktu Singapura, Mereka bertolak ke Jakarta. Namun saat boarding pass, betapa terkejutnya mereka melihat foto-foto tewasnya David beredar di internet. Sebagian besar berisi ketidakpercayaan David bunuh diri. Sebagian lagi menuding David sengaja dibunuh.

Penyesalan pun tak bisa ditolak: mengapa mereka terburu-buru mengkremasi jasad David. “Pada waktu itu pikiran masih shock dan kurang logis,” kata Hartanto. (bersambung)

There seems to be a lot of music dropping these past couple of days from new artists and  artists who are trying to get there career back together.

The first group with new music is Nina Sky, you may remember them from their 2004 hit song “Move Ya’ Body”. It’s been 5 years now and they are finally releasing their sophomore album Starting Today. Here is there first single from the album,\”Beautiful People\” The beat is sampled from DJ Sammy’s “Heaven”.

Usher is also working on a new album with Pharrell Williams and others. Here is a track from it called \”Certified\”.

Blind Nigertian married couple, Amadou & Mariam are sort of a big deal. Bullion has remixed there \” Ce N\’est Pas Bon\”, which translates into “It Isn’t Good”.

Finally, Dawn Richards from Danity Kane Fame is releasing music from her soon-to-be debut album. The song is called \”U.G.L.Y.\”. The chorus is kind of stupid but the rest of the song is tolerable.

Aaron & Moses’s sister Mary’s son Esa and the name of Amram’s wife was Joche- bed the daughter of Levi,whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt:and she bare unto Amram Aaron(haroon) & Moses (Musa) & Miri-am their sister (Number ch:26 verse 59).

Exodus 15:20 And Mari (Miri-am) the prophetess’ the sister of Aaron ‘took a timbrel in her hand;and all the women wentout after her with timbrels and with dances and Miri-am answer them ‘ sing ye to the Lord, For the hath triumphed gloriously, the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

You have seen in the Holy Bible that Moses & Aaron’s sister Mary had no son Jesus. Now we see the Holy Quran . Now she bring Prophet Esa and come to her nation. All started saying, “You have done big bad mistake Oh sister of Aaron Your father was not bad man & your mother was not sinful.” Mary pointed out to her own child. All started saying, “How can we talk to a child of lap?” Child himself said , “I am a man of God . ” He has given me this Book and sent me as a prophet.He blessed me wherever I am and he ordered me for prayer and Zakat. For how long do I live? Holy Quran Surah Mariam (verse 27-31) Surah al-Imran (verse 40-55).

Now you saw that Holy Quran also describes about Aaron’s sister Mary. Holy Quran is also saying that Mary gave birth to Hazrat Esa. It means that Hazrat Haroon & Musa’s nephew Hazrat Esa but infact Mariam was older than prophet Musa.

See the reference. See in Torah. And his sister Mary stood afar off to wit what would be done to him and daughter of Pharoah came down to wash herself at the river and the maidens walked along by the river side and when she saw ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child, behold ,the baby wept and she had compassion on him and said, “This is the one of the Hebrew’s children.” Then said his sister to Pharoah’s daughter, “Shall i go and call to the a nurse of the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for thee?”And she called his name Moses and she said,Because i drew him out of the water.Torah (Exodus ch 2: verse 4-10).

You saw in Holy Bible that Mary is quite older than Moses who also talked to Pharoah’s daughter. It means there would be a distance of few years between the birth of Moses & Hazrat Esa. Israel which is the history of getting out from Egypt. History of Exodus (1520 BC). Page no 973.it means that there would be a distance of few years between Hazrat Musa & his nephew Hazrat Esa. Muslim scholars say that Hazrat Muhammad was born in 571 AD. Now date of birth of Hazrat Muhammad is 22 April 571 but in fact there would be a distance of few years between of Hazrat Esa & Hazrat Musa. We take a look at the history of Hazrat Musa & Hazrat Muhammad. Birth of Moses 1440 BC, Birth of Muhammad 571AD+1440BC. Total is a distance of 2011 years. After Hazrat Esa who was the son of Mariam who was the sister of Aaron & Moses in 571 Hazrat Muhammad was born who came after Hazrat Mosa .Where did he go?

According to Holy Bible those Prophets are as follows:
Samuel,Prophet Ezra,David(on whom Pslams was descend),Solemon, Nehemiah, Job, Isaiah (who came 757 years before Christ), Ezekiel,Daniel,Hosea,Joel,Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah,Haggai, Zechariah,Malachi and many more Prophets came. Where did those Prophets go? Which Holy Bible tells right. Now see that Moses gives his burden to Prophet Joshua which we shall read the reference from Torah.

And the Lord said Unto Moses behold thy days approach that thou must die. Call Joshua and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation that i may give him a charge. Therefore Moses & Joshua went and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation. And the Lord appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.And the Lord said Unto Moses Behold thou shalt sleep with thy fathersTorah Deutronomy 31:14-16.

Moses is declaring Joshua to be the Prophet of Israel. It reveals that Aaron & Moses’ sister Mary had no son Hazrat Esa so year of Moses’s birth is 1440 BC and of Hazrat Muhammad is 571AD. Explain such a big distance of centuries and where do the rest Prophets go? We also want their answers. I will be waiting for your answer.

Estabamos mi prima y yo jugando al fútbol en el parque del Comillas y , de repente,  vimos a unos niños llorando al fondo del campo.  Fuimos a ver, cuando llegamos ya no estaban. Nosotras pasamos sigilosas  y cuando llegamos a nuestro sitio les volvimos a ver.  Cagadas de miedo salimos gritando.

MARIAM SERROUKH 2º ESO

More great music from Mali. Senegal Fast Food (Featuring Manu Chao).

Libanesiska sångerksan Mariam Fares vackra ögon (smoky eyes) och nakna läppar

Den libanesiska sångerksan Cyrine Abed Alnour (gorgeous vintage look)

Mittlerweile sind im Netz Hunderte Reaktionen zu dem Film “Weiblich, bärtig, ich” über Mariam bei brigitte zu lesen. Alles von “eklig” bis “bewundernswert”. Kaum jemand äußert sich neutral, es geht oft in die Extreme, mit aller Vehemenz.
Ich habe einen Forenbeitrag gefunden, der für mich etwas Besonderes ist. arouet58 ist kein Befürworter von Mariams Aktion. Eher das Gegenteil davon. Bisher ist es der einzige, der weder urteilt (“die Frau hat doch Probleme, das ist doch unnatürlich, unweiblich, sowas will doch kein Mann” etc.) noch Ratschläge gibt, was Mariam tun sollte, sondern sagt, wie es ihm selbst geht. Das bringt uns weiter und ich freue mich über arouet58’s Erlaubnis, seinen Text hier zu zitieren:

Ich muss gestehen, dass ich über meine Reaktion erstaunt bin.
Ekel ist zuviel gesagt, zu sagen, ich fände das Bild nur unschön, zu wenig, Diese Heftigkeit meiner Reaktion war es, die mich überraschte.
Stolz darauf bin ich nicht, denn sie wird dem Menschen hinter dem Bart nicht gerecht, aber diese Reaktion ist vorhanden, ich kann sie nicht verleugnen, weiß nicht, warum sie so heftig ist.
Sie erschwert es mir ungemein, dem Menschen hinter dem Bart auch nur eine Chance zu geben.
Ich sträube mich gegen diesen Anblick, sehr seltsam.
Mit meiner Reaktion auf Homosexuelle ist das überhaupt nicht zu vergleichen.
Tuntige Schwule nerven mich, ich finde sie lächerlich, aber alles andere als ekelhaft.
Das Gleiche gilt für Transvestiten oder Transsexuellle, deren Männlichkeit deutlich wahrnehmbar ist.
Unauffällige Schwule lösen bei mir überhaupt keine besondere Reaktion aus, weder eine positive noch negative. Ich reagiere auf sie wie auf heterosexuelle Männer.
Der Mensch kann mir da sympathisch oder unsympathisch sein.
Ich hätte keine Mühe, ihm eine Chance zu geben, mich auf ihn einzulassen.
Ähnlich geht es mir mit lesbischen Frauen, denen ich vielleicht mit einem gewissen Anfangsmißtrauen begegne, weil ich erwartete, mit erhöhter Wahrscheinlichkeit auf Männerverachtung zu stoßen.
Stelle ich aber fest, dass dieses Mißtrauen ungerechtfertigt ist, habe ich gegenüber Lesben keinerlei Berührungsängste, verbinde keine negativen Gefühle mit ihnen.
Das ist bei dieser Frau anders.
Warum ich auf eine bärtige Frau so heftig reagiere, ich weiß es nicht.
Es erstaunt mich, erschreckt mich fast.

An alle, die ähnlich heftig reagieren: ich bin neugierig. Und ich wäre sehr gespannt darauf, von euren Reaktionen zu lesen.
Was genau fühlt ihr bei Mariams Anblick? (Verunsicherung, Abwehr, Erschrecken, Aufregung, Faszination …? Herzklopfen, Ameisen in der Herzgegend?)
Welche Assoziationen kommen euch? Habt ihr euch schon mal ähnlich gefühlt?
Ändern sich eure Gefühle mit der Zeit oder bleiben sie?

Amadou Et Mariam, hailing from Mali, have consistently brought us all great tracks to listen to on the r or whilst lounging on a long flight. This new video for their cool track Masiteladi, is one of our current faves!

It’s taken from their new album called ‘Welcome to Mali’ ( not exactly a catchy title – but the music inside is good). Enjoy their new single below:

website: www.amadou-mariam.com

photo by: monsieur j (via flickr)

Mariam & Fatima presented their concept about personalities in these words, “A person is a piece of jewellery with numerous sockets. A personality is built when he selects a combination of gems to set in.”

The twins made a comment that people bother people, which is unfortunate. Therefore, their concept of Character Skins, which they have presented in their novel, I Know Who You Are!, would help the reader in understanding people. The Twins suggest that it is better to understand people by their Character Skins, overlooking their nationality, culture or religion.

They introduced the audience to the Character Skins by reading excerpts from the book. Some quotes were attention grabbing, like, ‘Live to learn and you’ll learn to live.’ The introduction of Sticklip was interesting, ‘Sticklip takes pride in being the air; permitting thoughts to travel through him and settle peacefully.’

The twins also elaborated on the plot of the story which is equally interesting and important to the book.

So lets talk about this conversation I had with my roommate:

Huong: Hey Mariam, can you do me a big favor?

Me: Well can I do it for you after i go to the bathroom?

H: Well, wait, can I borrow your laptop thing (makes shape of rectangle with hands)

Me: Case? my laptop case?

H: Yeah.

Me: Sure.. let me get it for you.

H: I already took it.

Me: Oh (…) Didnt it have things in it?

H: Yea I put the money in the drawer.

Me: (. . . . . . ) okay Thank you.

hm. yeah. Fail.