Last Sunday, Addeana came out of the room, and with some relief in her voice said "Mama, the Israelis are leaving Gaza...". With some apprehension, and slight joyous disbelief Julie said "are you sure?" It surprised me that Addeana took notice of the war, but I guess I underestimated her, or maybe the obscene lack of morality in this particular invasion has permeated into our lives more than I have anticipated.
In the aftermath the numbers arise, more than 1300 lives were lost, more than 500 of them women and children. The cost of the damage is more than $400 million some estimates it. But how can you put a cost on loss of humanity.
Lets step back from our guarded relief and examined what has happened... Why did the Israelis invade Gaza.
a) The official reason is to eradicate Hamas, so as to protect Israel from the rocket fire into Israeli territory. If this was the reason, was the invasion a success? From the beginning, nobody believed that Hamas could be eradicated in this manner. Now as the invasion is over, as the troops pull out, they obviously did not acheive this goal. I doubt very much that this could be the reason.
b) The second reason is to "educate" Hamas. In the war with Lebanon recently, when they were trying to rid of Hisbollah, it was reported that the Israelis "lost" that war. This was the first defeat of the modern Israeli army. But did they really lose, or did they acheive their goal. Their goal was to undermine the support that Hizbollah has from the people and the silent tolerance that the Lebanese government has for the Hisbollah. Did they acheive this? So it could be that the invasion of Gaza was to undermine the support that the people have for the Hamas. To teach the government of Palestine and people of Palestine that if they dont stop the Hamas then the cost to them will be an Israeli invasion. That the 1300 plus people lost their lives because there is support for the Hamas, to teach them a lesson.
c) The third reason could be a distraction, to distract the people of Israel from some internal issues and galvanise them, or to distract the world from the economic crisis that looms over the whole world today.
d) The last could be simple revenge, an eye for an eye.
None of the reasons above give Israelis moral high ground yet they still pursued their course of action, there is still no logic to it and it is a matter of time before the rockets start again as one thing is for sure, the war has ignited more hatred for the Israelis than before, definitely in Palestine if not, then a larger amount of people in the world.
What have we done as we sit watching our televisions, or reading of the horrors of the invasion, looking for pictures on the net to convince ourselves or to get more proof that this is an atrocity? The protests and demonstrations occured around the world. We talk among ourselves. Osama Bin Laden used this as an opportunity to further his cause to call for the Muslims to fight, but who appointed him leader of the Muslim world anyway. We showed our anger from our posts in the net, from our letters to magazines and newspapers. Has it had any effect on the scheme of things. Maybe it did, some of us may feel contented that we have done something, and some carry on with our lives with the possible guilt of saying... "thank God it is not happening to me..."
This particular invasion may be over, but when will it happen again. The overall scheme of things have not changed from before and after the invasion so I doubt that this is the end of it. Do we then wait till it happens again and start our protests yet again, or is there anything we can do to continue our protests and prevent it from happening again. What could we do?
Could a boycott of products of Jewish owned companies work? There are many websites that list down Jewish owned or friendly companies. The difficulty is that it is racism to boycott these companies as they are Jewish owned but not necessarily supporting the Israeli cause. To say all Jews should pay the price for the invasion is almost equivalent to saying that all muslims are terrorist and should pay the price for "Islamic driven" terrorist attacks in this world.
Could we plan what to do next? We have always said we are not united and not strong enough in this world to make a difference. But is that true or is that an idea we have implanted in our minds. What if every single person who opposes the invasion, in the whole world, stop work completely and stand outside our houses and stop work until something is being done. What standstill it will bring to the world and unfortunately chaos too. But what is that compared to the chaos of the people of Palestine. It will mean a big sacrifice on our part, and great risk but if done in unity and only in complete unity, it will also mean a big impact.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My view on Gaza
The world awaits the end of the year in anticipation, what disaster shall strike us this time. Another tsunami, another natural disaster to wake us from our slumber? As I worked, the screen shows another disaster unfolding, not something that will make us jump to our feet and organise ourselves to assist, but something that is ever so familiar. The Israelis are bombing Gaza, again. In retaliation to rocket attacks, the Israelis have a right to defend themselves so the American says. The rest of the world watch, not as much in horrow like they would at the disaster of the Tsunami, or September 11 but with such impotence and helplessness that the Israelis will do as they wish, in the name of "self defence".
The whole world will protest, hundreds and thousands may take to the streets, the UN will call for a ceasefire, the European Union will give blistering speeches and the US will remain in silent support like a huge serpent with shackles in one leg, that quietly bows and watches as her master slaughters his neighbours the way one will just spray insecticide onto an ants nest.
The muslim community around the world are up in arms chanting slogans and signing petitions as if anyone will listen and read. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Suddenly we had brothers in Palestine that were being slaughtered. Suddenly we realise that even without war they do not have the basic necessities to live a comfortable life. Suddenly we scramble to get donations to help our opressed brothers. Suddenly we doa and pray for their safety. Suddenly we decide that we will not support brands that is "Pro Jewish", or jew owned companies, after literally cherishing and endorsing the same products and brands for months and years before. What does that speak of our intelligence and unity. What does that speak of foresight and wisdom.
Everyone has an opinion as to what we should do and how peace has to be restored. Almost everyone wants Israel to stop the invasion.
I ask myself what can i do, then I remember the words of a Palestenian doctor who addressed us at the FIMA meeting in Jordan in 2005, he said "if you want to help us in Palestine, don't come and join us in our fight, we have enough fighters. Do what you can to make our ummah stronger where you are from..."
The whole world will protest, hundreds and thousands may take to the streets, the UN will call for a ceasefire, the European Union will give blistering speeches and the US will remain in silent support like a huge serpent with shackles in one leg, that quietly bows and watches as her master slaughters his neighbours the way one will just spray insecticide onto an ants nest.
The muslim community around the world are up in arms chanting slogans and signing petitions as if anyone will listen and read. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Suddenly we had brothers in Palestine that were being slaughtered. Suddenly we realise that even without war they do not have the basic necessities to live a comfortable life. Suddenly we scramble to get donations to help our opressed brothers. Suddenly we doa and pray for their safety. Suddenly we decide that we will not support brands that is "Pro Jewish", or jew owned companies, after literally cherishing and endorsing the same products and brands for months and years before. What does that speak of our intelligence and unity. What does that speak of foresight and wisdom.
Everyone has an opinion as to what we should do and how peace has to be restored. Almost everyone wants Israel to stop the invasion.
I ask myself what can i do, then I remember the words of a Palestenian doctor who addressed us at the FIMA meeting in Jordan in 2005, he said "if you want to help us in Palestine, don't come and join us in our fight, we have enough fighters. Do what you can to make our ummah stronger where you are from..."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Walking in Manly
Saturday 27 dec 2008 - Sydney
Took a trip to Manly, set out of apartment at 11 am and made way to Circular Quay. Being a Saturday morning the crowd was considerable, bought ferry tickets for AUD12.80 return trip on Manly Ferry.
Day was slightly overcast so not the best to get a wide angle shot of the harbour, hope the return trip is better.
At Manly I have 2 choices, either to walk the 9.8 km track to The Spit or walk to Manly beach and onto the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve and then to Shelly Beach and onto the Sydney Harbour National Park. Will do the Sydney harbour national park route today.
Arrived at about noon, headed through The Corso. Found a Coles supermarket so could get some stuff on way back. Also some bargain shops, selling like 2 dollar shampoo etc, another stop for the way back.
After about 800m, found myself on Manly Beach. Crowded with bodies everywhere, sunbathing, playing ball and frisbee, swimming and surfing. Not the most pleasant of walks, as it was too crowded. Passed the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve and then onto to Shelly beach. And there were people snorkelling! Must bring my snorkels the next visit here. Apparently there are groupers, squids and the occasional sharks.
Following shelly beach, the trail starts becoming uphill in the form of steps. There is much less people now. The vegetation changes now, more Australian Bush type of plants, Thick barks and branches as if twisted by the shifting winds, plants have thick spiny leaves indicating not much water, not surprising as the whole ground is standstone, with a layer of soil here and there, and there the plants thrive.
At the top of the first climb there is a lookout and it is already 1.30 pm, feeling hungry and a bit faint, guess it is poor fitness or time for lunch so on top of a cliff overlooking Manly, had my lunch.
Walked further on the trail, past a car park and into a track between bushes and suddenly I was completely alone. Followed a trail towards the coast and at after about 10m found myself at the edge of the cliff. All alone, wind on my face, the sound of waves against the rocks below, enjoyed the solitude, the overlooking the Tasman Sea. About to get comfortable when a German family came to the same location, climbing all over the rocks, there goes my solitude and so set out to walk further. Magnificent sandstone rocks formation, some layered after centuries, some on top of another. Came to another cliff and looked at where I was earlier, the rock I was on actually protruded over the Cliff!
The walk took about 1 hour henceforth even though it was only 800m , saw the old quarry that is now a swamp though high up in the cliffs with no obvious water source except for the stagnant water that is likely from the rain, and collecting where the quarry was.
The sandstone wall, must find out why it was built, actually just a wall right in the middle of the cliff, as if separating two sides of property. Climbed through the hole in the wall to go on and finally came to a road. Walked down the road to see there is no one there anymore, so just walked till found a closed gate, walked back and saw 3 people, one lady about 60, another about 30s and a girl of about 7. They seemed happy to see me and must be lost. They were looking to find the beach again and seeing that I had my fill of walking decided to guide them back, Introductions around and the middle one was Jo, a surfer chick, which explain shoulders broader than mine and more deltoid muscles than I can hope to have, the older lady Cheryl and the child Katrina. Further conversation found that they are from………NEW ZEALAND!
Clouds were coming in so best to head back to the beaches and then home. The walkback was faster and less stops for me. Talking and getting to know my new tramping companions.
Arrived back to Manly, said goodbyes and then it was the shopping I wanted to do earlier, spent about AUD20 at the cheap shot and another AUD20 at supermarket. Stopped at a bench to finish my food and also repack bags. Finally I thought my adventure was over, and going to settle quietly on the ferry to continue writing this. In the ferry found a quiet corner for myself and a group of 3 ladies sat on the same row. The clouds started looking really menacing and whipped out my camera again… when the ladies asked if I got good photos. We talked and when they found out I was looking for places to see they came down with a list. Journey was over soon enough got a picture of the three ladies and off I went back to the apartment, oh yes, in the rain.
Took a trip to Manly, set out of apartment at 11 am and made way to Circular Quay. Being a Saturday morning the crowd was considerable, bought ferry tickets for AUD12.80 return trip on Manly Ferry.
Day was slightly overcast so not the best to get a wide angle shot of the harbour, hope the return trip is better.
At Manly I have 2 choices, either to walk the 9.8 km track to The Spit or walk to Manly beach and onto the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve and then to Shelly Beach and onto the Sydney Harbour National Park. Will do the Sydney harbour national park route today.
Arrived at about noon, headed through The Corso. Found a Coles supermarket so could get some stuff on way back. Also some bargain shops, selling like 2 dollar shampoo etc, another stop for the way back.
After about 800m, found myself on Manly Beach. Crowded with bodies everywhere, sunbathing, playing ball and frisbee, swimming and surfing. Not the most pleasant of walks, as it was too crowded. Passed the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve and then onto to Shelly beach. And there were people snorkelling! Must bring my snorkels the next visit here. Apparently there are groupers, squids and the occasional sharks.
Following shelly beach, the trail starts becoming uphill in the form of steps. There is much less people now. The vegetation changes now, more Australian Bush type of plants, Thick barks and branches as if twisted by the shifting winds, plants have thick spiny leaves indicating not much water, not surprising as the whole ground is standstone, with a layer of soil here and there, and there the plants thrive.
At the top of the first climb there is a lookout and it is already 1.30 pm, feeling hungry and a bit faint, guess it is poor fitness or time for lunch so on top of a cliff overlooking Manly, had my lunch.
Walked further on the trail, past a car park and into a track between bushes and suddenly I was completely alone. Followed a trail towards the coast and at after about 10m found myself at the edge of the cliff. All alone, wind on my face, the sound of waves against the rocks below, enjoyed the solitude, the overlooking the Tasman Sea. About to get comfortable when a German family came to the same location, climbing all over the rocks, there goes my solitude and so set out to walk further. Magnificent sandstone rocks formation, some layered after centuries, some on top of another. Came to another cliff and looked at where I was earlier, the rock I was on actually protruded over the Cliff!
The walk took about 1 hour henceforth even though it was only 800m , saw the old quarry that is now a swamp though high up in the cliffs with no obvious water source except for the stagnant water that is likely from the rain, and collecting where the quarry was.
The sandstone wall, must find out why it was built, actually just a wall right in the middle of the cliff, as if separating two sides of property. Climbed through the hole in the wall to go on and finally came to a road. Walked down the road to see there is no one there anymore, so just walked till found a closed gate, walked back and saw 3 people, one lady about 60, another about 30s and a girl of about 7. They seemed happy to see me and must be lost. They were looking to find the beach again and seeing that I had my fill of walking decided to guide them back, Introductions around and the middle one was Jo, a surfer chick, which explain shoulders broader than mine and more deltoid muscles than I can hope to have, the older lady Cheryl and the child Katrina. Further conversation found that they are from………NEW ZEALAND!
Clouds were coming in so best to head back to the beaches and then home. The walkback was faster and less stops for me. Talking and getting to know my new tramping companions.
Arrived back to Manly, said goodbyes and then it was the shopping I wanted to do earlier, spent about AUD20 at the cheap shot and another AUD20 at supermarket. Stopped at a bench to finish my food and also repack bags. Finally I thought my adventure was over, and going to settle quietly on the ferry to continue writing this. In the ferry found a quiet corner for myself and a group of 3 ladies sat on the same row. The clouds started looking really menacing and whipped out my camera again… when the ladies asked if I got good photos. We talked and when they found out I was looking for places to see they came down with a list. Journey was over soon enough got a picture of the three ladies and off I went back to the apartment, oh yes, in the rain.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Alone in Sydney
Enjoying my time in Sydney, it was great that I am given an apartment instead of a hotel so I can cook and not have a housekeeper in the room everyday!
Sydney posting will be almost all the weekdays from now to January.
So far the work has been ok and as usual, as an outsider it will take time to make friends.
Days are spent at the gym in the morning then off to work and then home in evening, cook dinner and tomorrows lunch and then sleep. Any other free time is spent taking photos!
Doing chores and cooking is accompanied by either Micheal Bubble, or ColdPlay or Robbie Williams.
So far not too bored yet as there are things to do. The grouse that I have is that there is no internet in the room! But, this makes me go out to the gym and take pictures so that is good, except no facebook access.
will put in pictures soon, like this one,..... dinner on 25/12/2008, cooked in about 30 minutes inclusive of boiling the pasta.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/rhino1966/?action=view¤t=IMG_6637.jpg
Will update more soon
Sydney posting will be almost all the weekdays from now to January.
So far the work has been ok and as usual, as an outsider it will take time to make friends.
Days are spent at the gym in the morning then off to work and then home in evening, cook dinner and tomorrows lunch and then sleep. Any other free time is spent taking photos!
Doing chores and cooking is accompanied by either Micheal Bubble, or ColdPlay or Robbie Williams.
So far not too bored yet as there are things to do. The grouse that I have is that there is no internet in the room! But, this makes me go out to the gym and take pictures so that is good, except no facebook access.
will put in pictures soon, like this one,..... dinner on 25/12/2008, cooked in about 30 minutes inclusive of boiling the pasta.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/rhino1966/?action=view¤t=IMG_6637.jpg
Will update more soon
Thursday, August 7, 2008
How the thermal pot works....
I became interested in this pot as I think it is an energy saving device.
Standard cooking over stoves and fires, done for centuries actually means loss of heat and hence energy to the surrounding by way of convection, evaporation and conduction. Most of the heat I think is lost through evaporation. Not only is heat lost but also valuable moisture.
The thermal pot is basically something like the old thermos flask but this time it is a pot. What it does is that if there is enough heat put into the pot by cooking, and the pot along with all its contents are put into a thermal system then the heat is contained along with the moisture. The contained heat continues to cook the contents of the pot and at the same time keep the moisture in.
Understanding this principle, then one has to regulate cooking in terms of how much heat is in the system and how long the food remains in the pot.the other advantage is that the food remains warm hence has the benefit of
a) having warm or hot soups at any time without having to reheat hence using more energy
b) great for outings where a nice hot bowl of soup will be great as it travels down the oesophagus and hits the spot in the stomach... ahhh
The pple that made it, I understand it was originally Zojiroshi then now of course there are many brands that make it too. In my last trip to Japan I found some made by thermos and it is a fraction of the cost of the Zojiroshi brand.
Standard cooking over stoves and fires, done for centuries actually means loss of heat and hence energy to the surrounding by way of convection, evaporation and conduction. Most of the heat I think is lost through evaporation. Not only is heat lost but also valuable moisture.
The thermal pot is basically something like the old thermos flask but this time it is a pot. What it does is that if there is enough heat put into the pot by cooking, and the pot along with all its contents are put into a thermal system then the heat is contained along with the moisture. The contained heat continues to cook the contents of the pot and at the same time keep the moisture in.
Understanding this principle, then one has to regulate cooking in terms of how much heat is in the system and how long the food remains in the pot.the other advantage is that the food remains warm hence has the benefit of
a) having warm or hot soups at any time without having to reheat hence using more energy
b) great for outings where a nice hot bowl of soup will be great as it travels down the oesophagus and hits the spot in the stomach... ahhh
The pple that made it, I understand it was originally Zojiroshi then now of course there are many brands that make it too. In my last trip to Japan I found some made by thermos and it is a fraction of the cost of the Zojiroshi brand.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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