If D-day marks the victory of the World War II, I'd say its more like the same as today. The results were out today. Alhamdulillah I got through, and I could proclaim myself as a first med! Don't ask how I fared, I know where exactly it went wrong. I'm just another lucky chap!
Man, first med is going to be a hell lot harder! I swear, I will pack my laziness and throw it away in the bin. Its such a cumbersome attitude to live with. No more laziness, now its time to feel the wind of change.
It is a fact that human breaks promises. Doesn't it sounds like being drowned in hypocrisy?
Alhamdulillah!
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
Good news: More and more Dubliners will be flying off for home in this week.
Not-so-good news: I'm not one of them, but I bet I have something better to trade off.
So long farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight... (yeah right)
So long farewell...
Funny duh... sometimes people just can't wait any longer even they're far from being ready for it. Hold on. Did I mention haste? Maybe blindness (or visual & mind agnosia in rocket sciences) coupled with bravery would suit the meaning perfectly.
Oh, I am just flabbergasted upon reading the new article featured in SCIAM May 2004 (I know its kinda old now) on the origin of universe. Entitled "The Time Before Time", it unfolds another hypothesis churned out by physicists concerning Big Bang. For years, they have striven hard to explain the origin of universe. That's how the Big Bang theory was conceived. Now, they're suggesting the Big Bang was not the start of all. It may simply the outcome of a preexisting universe. Now the intellectual pendulum swings again for another change in perspective towards how the Universe actually begins. Phew! I am still yet to understand all these mumbo-jumbo especially regarding String Theory. Any physicist around that can enlighten me up?
Speaking about Big Bang and the theory of universe, all these postulates were made based on what we perceive. What about things that are undetected by our senses? There is no doubt that we are still shrouded by the unknown. We're merely humans, aren't we?
More reads:
Harun Yahya
SCIAM
To those we are to go back soon, bon voyage!
Postscriptum: Exam results will be out soon (today). Now I can feel my sweat trickling down...
Additional info: The cover of SCIAM May 2004 was taken from SCIAM website. Buy the magazine... its truly worth every dollar you paid.
Not-so-good news: I'm not one of them, but I bet I have something better to trade off.
So long farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight... (yeah right)
So long farewell...
Funny duh... sometimes people just can't wait any longer even they're far from being ready for it. Hold on. Did I mention haste? Maybe blindness (or visual & mind agnosia in rocket sciences) coupled with bravery would suit the meaning perfectly.
Oh, I am just flabbergasted upon reading the new article featured in SCIAM May 2004 (I know its kinda old now) on the origin of universe. Entitled "The Time Before Time", it unfolds another hypothesis churned out by physicists concerning Big Bang. For years, they have striven hard to explain the origin of universe. That's how the Big Bang theory was conceived. Now, they're suggesting the Big Bang was not the start of all. It may simply the outcome of a preexisting universe. Now the intellectual pendulum swings again for another change in perspective towards how the Universe actually begins. Phew! I am still yet to understand all these mumbo-jumbo especially regarding String Theory. Any physicist around that can enlighten me up? Speaking about Big Bang and the theory of universe, all these postulates were made based on what we perceive. What about things that are undetected by our senses? There is no doubt that we are still shrouded by the unknown. We're merely humans, aren't we?
More reads:
Harun Yahya
SCIAM
To those we are to go back soon, bon voyage!
Postscriptum: Exam results will be out soon (today). Now I can feel my sweat trickling down...
Additional info: The cover of SCIAM May 2004 was taken from SCIAM website. Buy the magazine... its truly worth every dollar you paid.
Today's ramble
I hereby declare that I am broke. Full stop.
Few days back:
We were wondering around while deciding which cafe we should go for the final lunch with Izham. Rakesh opted for Italian. Islah & Izham reckoned that Japanese cuisine is worthful to try. Me? No comment. If I'd say Rupyana (again), surely the laughter will be for hours!
"Yamamori!"
"No... South Street is waaaayy much better!"
"Errr... Yamamori? Why not?"
"C'mon dude! Decide! I'm dying!"
(Drum rolling)
Finally... the tribe has spoken! Yamamori, here we go!
The decision truly has jeopardised my financial equilibrium. ?10 dude! I can't believe I wasted that much. Not that I am so stingy, but since neither my dad or my mom is printing euro notes for a living, I would say it was a cutthroat of my own.
So my dear - next time, spend wisely. The rich man is rich because he got what he had spent, while poor man spend so much with nothing in return.
Today, the moving-out campaign has just begun. Pile of boxes already could be seen in my room, my friend's room, and even at the hostel entrance. Perhaps I was exagerrating too much. Hmmm... I'm yet to complete my packing-up spree, not to mention tasks that were due yesterday! Now it is so true that: Proscrastination x Over-confident = Screw-up. Wow. Another formula to be understood. Must be damn true, to be exact it is a pun to particular people who infected by this disease.
In the afternoon, I engaged myself with some important, not-to-be-disclosed discussion with Umar and Abdullah. Armed with little experience on the issue, I'd say the matter of bringing the agenda to the masses is totally a different basket. Maybe I was a bit pessimistic this time around, but I have to stress out that if not us, whoelse? The bottom line: I believe it could be done, although the gradient is a steep one.
As a reminder for myself, I'd like to quote a hadith narrated by.... argh! The content is more or less like this:
"If you face these two things, just becareful : abundance of ni'mat and your spare time."
Why? There's so many of us have fallen into this trap. *sigh*
Few days back:
We were wondering around while deciding which cafe we should go for the final lunch with Izham. Rakesh opted for Italian. Islah & Izham reckoned that Japanese cuisine is worthful to try. Me? No comment. If I'd say Rupyana (again), surely the laughter will be for hours!
"Yamamori!"
"No... South Street is waaaayy much better!"
"Errr... Yamamori? Why not?"
"C'mon dude! Decide! I'm dying!"
(Drum rolling)
Finally... the tribe has spoken! Yamamori, here we go!
The decision truly has jeopardised my financial equilibrium. ?10 dude! I can't believe I wasted that much. Not that I am so stingy, but since neither my dad or my mom is printing euro notes for a living, I would say it was a cutthroat of my own.
So my dear - next time, spend wisely. The rich man is rich because he got what he had spent, while poor man spend so much with nothing in return.
Today, the moving-out campaign has just begun. Pile of boxes already could be seen in my room, my friend's room, and even at the hostel entrance. Perhaps I was exagerrating too much. Hmmm... I'm yet to complete my packing-up spree, not to mention tasks that were due yesterday! Now it is so true that: Proscrastination x Over-confident = Screw-up. Wow. Another formula to be understood. Must be damn true, to be exact it is a pun to particular people who infected by this disease.
In the afternoon, I engaged myself with some important, not-to-be-disclosed discussion with Umar and Abdullah. Armed with little experience on the issue, I'd say the matter of bringing the agenda to the masses is totally a different basket. Maybe I was a bit pessimistic this time around, but I have to stress out that if not us, whoelse? The bottom line: I believe it could be done, although the gradient is a steep one.
As a reminder for myself, I'd like to quote a hadith narrated by.... argh! The content is more or less like this:
"If you face these two things, just becareful : abundance of ni'mat and your spare time."
Why? There's so many of us have fallen into this trap. *sigh*
The summer is here!
Glad the summer is here! But don't get overexcited too much, the weather is not always what we've expected.
Summer. Hot. Dry. Dehydration.
Which brings me to wonder: How hot it'll be? Dublin is merely nothing to shout about if you're under scorching hot sun in Middle East.
Just keep thinking... just keep wondering...
In the evening I cycled to Ranelagh to meet Abang Ismail. Hmmm... simple advice sometimes penetrates deeper in your heart. Hours of lecture will be a total time-waster if you don't even give a thought about it!
While sipping the coffee, I feel it is really funny - how time flies just like that. I can't really believe that I got back at 12.30 am! No wonder I could cycle safely without being honked at as there was no traffic at all. But surely my life was at stake: I forgot to ask Alif for the blinker when I rode away the stolen bicycle. Nevermind, wearing seasoned yellow jersey (6 years old) will do. Warning: Cycling at night is seriously dangerous!
Oh I've got a lead saying Fahmi is already in Mecca for Umra. Now I should be prepared for my turn. I just hope my journey will be the sound one.
Summer. Hot. Dry. Dehydration.
Which brings me to wonder: How hot it'll be? Dublin is merely nothing to shout about if you're under scorching hot sun in Middle East.
Just keep thinking... just keep wondering...
In the evening I cycled to Ranelagh to meet Abang Ismail. Hmmm... simple advice sometimes penetrates deeper in your heart. Hours of lecture will be a total time-waster if you don't even give a thought about it!
While sipping the coffee, I feel it is really funny - how time flies just like that. I can't really believe that I got back at 12.30 am! No wonder I could cycle safely without being honked at as there was no traffic at all. But surely my life was at stake: I forgot to ask Alif for the blinker when I rode away the stolen bicycle. Nevermind, wearing seasoned yellow jersey (6 years old) will do. Warning: Cycling at night is seriously dangerous!
Oh I've got a lead saying Fahmi is already in Mecca for Umra. Now I should be prepared for my turn. I just hope my journey will be the sound one.
Burrpp...
On Saturday I spent whole day in the kitchen with Abg Eddy, Dr Oteh, Abg Mail, Lan, Katun and banyak lagi (I can't recall names, so please excuse me). It was exciting tough. What a perfect Saturday perhaps?
Actually, the GPPM is having their family day I suppose - they all went for bowling tournament in the morning, before being adjourned for a big feast at the end. As of us, for hours, while we were doing the cooking, I stuffed myself with whatever that is edible - not to mention Lan effortlessly entertained us with silly jokes all day long. Still, the spirit of brotherhood plus muhibbah was there.
Menu of the day:
- Laksa Johor
- Popia Goreng
- Satay Ayam & Daging
- Cendol-like drink (I don't know the exact name: silly me!)
- Lepat Pisang
- Sirap Bandung
Man, if only I have four stomachs like cow... ish tak bersyukur betul haha
I had a good time today albeit I was tasked to be a kitchen assistant. But, urgh...
- photos of TCD & UCD prayer rooms
- loads of photos to scan for Alif
- tidying up my laptop files so that I could happily send the completed wallplanner ads
- packing up stuffs
- meet with Izzuan
Now I just uttered this : Why can't I just turn back the time? *sigh*
Human, always not being thankful for what you have right now, until its gone. Then, the ego slips in, and you will complain and or even worse, drowned in your own self-denial!
Note: I missed an important meeting on Sunday because I overslept. Argh!
Actually, the GPPM is having their family day I suppose - they all went for bowling tournament in the morning, before being adjourned for a big feast at the end. As of us, for hours, while we were doing the cooking, I stuffed myself with whatever that is edible - not to mention Lan effortlessly entertained us with silly jokes all day long. Still, the spirit of brotherhood plus muhibbah was there.
Menu of the day:
- Laksa Johor
- Popia Goreng
- Satay Ayam & Daging
- Cendol-like drink (I don't know the exact name: silly me!)
- Lepat Pisang
- Sirap Bandung
Man, if only I have four stomachs like cow... ish tak bersyukur betul haha
I had a good time today albeit I was tasked to be a kitchen assistant. But, urgh...
- photos of TCD & UCD prayer rooms
- loads of photos to scan for Alif
- tidying up my laptop files so that I could happily send the completed wallplanner ads
- packing up stuffs
- meet with Izzuan
Now I just uttered this : Why can't I just turn back the time? *sigh*
Human, always not being thankful for what you have right now, until its gone. Then, the ego slips in, and you will complain and or even worse, drowned in your own self-denial!
Note: I missed an important meeting on Sunday because I overslept. Argh!
Ingat lagi aku?
Tadi terjumpa dan sempat berborak dengan Elyas Nordin dari Case Wester Reserve Uni. Banyak rupanya kawan setaman di luar sana.
Yang masih aku ingat (not in any order):
//Taman Cempaka dan kawasan berdekatan:
Imran, Nora Aini & Nora Aida Ramly, Ehsan & Jimal Jaafar, Elyas Nordin, Fadley, Farid, Fuad, Muhaimin Mohammed, Adem Rono Sujak, Yusry, Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Supian, Shahrul Adli Baharuddin, Munzir Badron, Fizman Noor Azmi, Malinny Kamal, Firdaus jamal, Khalil & Azlan Hashim, Izwan Mansor, Baizura, Naqib, Syed Hawarizmi, Bashir, Faisal, Shahmi, Saifuddin, Azlan Hamdan, Salleh, Amar, Aim, Nabil, Aimi Musfirah, Saiful, Alif, Husairi, Ihab Ismail, Farah Juliana Nasri Huang, Khairul Nizam Abdul Rahman, Diana Adman, Raja Salehuddin, Lim Song Feng, George, Siti Hajar Othman, Shamir, Farouk, Anisah, Nurhainani, Sharifah Nur Artini, Raja Ili Airina, Diana Zaidi, Raudhah, Aiman, Hartono Rashid, Azlan Shah, Radzif, Shafinas, Ummu Sulaim, Asiah Fasehah, Hazley, Yusri, Megat Noor Azrin, dan banyak lagi...
//Sekolah Agama Nurussaadah Taman Maluri:
Arif Anuar, Fahmi, Helmy Rosli, Arif Dahlan, Hadi, Khairil Anwar, Nurhasrina Hamzah, Putri Ibrizah, Nurhafizah Masram, Khalis Jamalina, Fadhil, Ustazah Faridah, Ustaz Feroz Mustakim... lain aku dah lupa.
Mula-mula sekolah ini menumpang dewan orang ramai, dan ketika itu memang uzur sungguh keadaannya. Tiada tingkap kaca sebagai penahan angin atau tempias hujan, hanya jaring besi semata-mata. Kalau hujan lebat, menitis air hujan di tengah-tengah kelas, kadang-kadang di atas meja guru, dek atap yang bocor. Aku ingat lagi, loceng tangan (loceng aiskrim) digunakan untuk menandakan waktu rehat dan waktu pulang. Kelas-kelas diasing-asingkan dengan partisyen papan, dan kami ketika itu boleh menyelinap masuk ke kelas orang lain dengan merangkak di bawahnya. Sekarang ia sudah pun mempunyai kompleks sendiri, bertempat di Masjid Imam Asy-Syafie, jauh lebih lengkap. Kebanyakan kawan yang aku masih ingat adalah sebab semuanya menaiki van sekolah yang sama bertahun-tahun... Aku cukup bersyukur aku disekolahkan oleh keluarga...
//Taski ABIM:
Fahmi Suhaimi, Syazwan, Cikgu Aini... ini memang banyak dah lupa. Berbelas tahun lepas, manalah ingat sangat.
Belajar mengaji, doa dan macam-macam. Origami pun ada!
Ke mana agaknya kalian semua?
Yang masih aku ingat (not in any order):
//Taman Cempaka dan kawasan berdekatan:
Imran, Nora Aini & Nora Aida Ramly, Ehsan & Jimal Jaafar, Elyas Nordin, Fadley, Farid, Fuad, Muhaimin Mohammed, Adem Rono Sujak, Yusry, Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Supian, Shahrul Adli Baharuddin, Munzir Badron, Fizman Noor Azmi, Malinny Kamal, Firdaus jamal, Khalil & Azlan Hashim, Izwan Mansor, Baizura, Naqib, Syed Hawarizmi, Bashir, Faisal, Shahmi, Saifuddin, Azlan Hamdan, Salleh, Amar, Aim, Nabil, Aimi Musfirah, Saiful, Alif, Husairi, Ihab Ismail, Farah Juliana Nasri Huang, Khairul Nizam Abdul Rahman, Diana Adman, Raja Salehuddin, Lim Song Feng, George, Siti Hajar Othman, Shamir, Farouk, Anisah, Nurhainani, Sharifah Nur Artini, Raja Ili Airina, Diana Zaidi, Raudhah, Aiman, Hartono Rashid, Azlan Shah, Radzif, Shafinas, Ummu Sulaim, Asiah Fasehah, Hazley, Yusri, Megat Noor Azrin, dan banyak lagi...
//Sekolah Agama Nurussaadah Taman Maluri:
Arif Anuar, Fahmi, Helmy Rosli, Arif Dahlan, Hadi, Khairil Anwar, Nurhasrina Hamzah, Putri Ibrizah, Nurhafizah Masram, Khalis Jamalina, Fadhil, Ustazah Faridah, Ustaz Feroz Mustakim... lain aku dah lupa.
Mula-mula sekolah ini menumpang dewan orang ramai, dan ketika itu memang uzur sungguh keadaannya. Tiada tingkap kaca sebagai penahan angin atau tempias hujan, hanya jaring besi semata-mata. Kalau hujan lebat, menitis air hujan di tengah-tengah kelas, kadang-kadang di atas meja guru, dek atap yang bocor. Aku ingat lagi, loceng tangan (loceng aiskrim) digunakan untuk menandakan waktu rehat dan waktu pulang. Kelas-kelas diasing-asingkan dengan partisyen papan, dan kami ketika itu boleh menyelinap masuk ke kelas orang lain dengan merangkak di bawahnya. Sekarang ia sudah pun mempunyai kompleks sendiri, bertempat di Masjid Imam Asy-Syafie, jauh lebih lengkap. Kebanyakan kawan yang aku masih ingat adalah sebab semuanya menaiki van sekolah yang sama bertahun-tahun... Aku cukup bersyukur aku disekolahkan oleh keluarga...
//Taski ABIM:
Fahmi Suhaimi, Syazwan, Cikgu Aini... ini memang banyak dah lupa. Berbelas tahun lepas, manalah ingat sangat.
Belajar mengaji, doa dan macam-macam. Origami pun ada!
Ke mana agaknya kalian semua?
Book Review & Synopsis : Hunt For Red October by Tom Clancy
Truly said, I am not good in writing a review for a book. But why not I just give a shot?
Frankily speaking, I bought this book few years back after I watched the movie on tv. Suffice to say, I was blinded by the hype of US Navy dominance against the handicapped Soviet naval fleet, and at that time, I was engrossed in reading military magazine and playing computer games (something to do with shooting and killing) as well. What I did was on the spur of the moment. I just thought - why not I just buy the book, and compare what is written between what is filmed?
To begin with, Jack Ryan is a military analyst working for CIA. He was summoned by the Chief Admiral of US Navy to brief all the top gentlemen about a recent intel relayed from US spy in Kremlin, whereby a missile submarine Red October had just sailed and his commander left a mysterious letter to the Chief Admiral of Soviet Navy. Soon after that, a whole fleet - submarines, destroyers, frigates, you-name-it, were dispatched to hunt this submarine and if necessary, sink her. This of course raised alarm in US Navy intel, as why would they like to destroy their own submarine? The US, as a reaction, ordered all the fleet to fully alert and sink her as well if she is detected. Somehow Jack Ryan believes that the commander of this submarine is trying to defect by predicting that the letter is a solid proof stating he is seriously wants to defect. And nobody believes him except one, and he was given a chance to prove his theory. If not, they will hunt Red October down.
For your information, Red October is a Typhoon-class submarine, and the most technologically-advanced in its class. It is equipped by secretly developed ultra-quiet propulsion, chiefly addressed as 'caterpillar' in the book which works on basis of creating a jet of water as a mechanism to drive the submarine forward and in quietest manner possible. In submarines' world, being the most silent is the utmost priority - submarine is detected by 'listening'. In a nutshell, this submarine is really dangerous as it can sneak in any waters without being detected and delivery its nuclear payload in no time.
In the beginning, I was astonished by calmness of Captain Marko Ramius, the skipper of Soviet's most powerful missile boat, and also a legend in Soviet naval fleet especially for underwater warfare pertaining to tactics and doctrines of Soviet submarines. Or should I say - He is the hero. Now why he would like to defect to US by surrendering the whole submarine he is in, which is Red October?
Deep down in his heart, he was on rage of venegeance all the time. Years back, his beloved wife was purposedly put to death, simply due to irresponsible actions done by indisciplined doctor who is the son of one of the Politburo officers. To make it easier to be understood by readers, since that incident he has no faith in fulfilling the dream of Soviet's utopian nation under the helm of Communism. So he'd like to have a new life, by embracing the so-called democracy advocated by US.
Despite his detailed plan, several villains also came out to make sure his 'selfish' ambition is just merely a dream. His political officers happened to smell the rut, and in order to keep the plan in secrecy, Ramius murdered him, and made up an unbelievable incident (if there any chances you'll be dead if you slipped on your tea?) to cover it up. Adding salt to the wound, there was a sabotage. A spy disguised as a cook (much like Casey Ryback I think) sabotaged the ultra-silent propulsion system in attempt to foil Ramius' 'evil' plan. That's one. He also almost incinerated the whole submarine by triggering the nuclear missile's rocket motor. Now its two. Too bad, the hero got shot by Jack Ryan (the hero is this novel) and died in honor, leaving behind Ramius and the officers to continue on as planned.
In comparison with the movie shown on the tv, I noticed several cutbacks. In the movie, Red October was never hit by any torpedo, but in the book, it was hit once. And hey, in the opening credit it says Based on a book? Yeah right. Actually, there was an incident that took place in late 80s where a Soviet missile submarine sunk in the Atlantic after surfaced for a while. Then Tom Clancy imagined that it could be made up like this - a Soviet missile submarine surfaced, then the captain contacted the US Navy stating that he wants to defect to US, and the submarine plus the officers minus the crew will be given as a 'gift' from him. Wow! That would make a best-selling book!
What I get out of this book:
//Several Russian military jargons like:
Politburo - Political party (obviously a Communist party)
Zampolit - Political officer aboard a ship or submarine
and much much more...
//Some American military jargons as well:
Birds - missile (eg. Birds away! - Missiles away!)
and much much more...
//Communism from an American's point of view
Tom Clancy believes in his country's system. Surely he is proud until now, as the world saw the fall of Communism about a decade ago. Who knows the dream that they have paved for years turned out to be the biggest fiasco of all? Nonetheless, by simply being the winner does not mean you are flawless. In this book, it is potrayed that under Soviet empire, people are oppressed all the time, and the Soviets have dreams about freedom and happiness in America. Maybe that give rise to 'American Dream' phrase. Maybe. Apart from that, I truly appreciate the beauty of Islam more soon after I read this book - Communism bla bla bla do not sit right with me. Tak kene pada fitrah manusia!.
//Details regarding US Navy strength
Based on his credentials I've looked at and his photo with US Navy cap at the book cover, I reckon he must in the military sometime ago. So he knows his stuff well. That's why I could be military analyst if I continue on reading with passion, as so many information were given in the book. Despite that, sometimes I am getting bored reading the praises made by the author for the US Navy. Too much boasting I suppose. IMHO, all the navymen fight as hard as you were, maybe even more! I just feel uneasy when it is mentioned an American navyman is so intelligent and has sound judgment, as opposed to the Soviet's which more like an inefficient mindless drone with low morale. Nevertheless we cannot deny the waves of technology that already revolutionised the military equipment industry, has to do with the morale of a militaryman.
//I need to read more!
Yeah, reading from just one source is basically not enough to get all the ideas out there. Sorry Tom Clancy, I envy your thickness of your wallet so I will not buy any of your books again. Nonetheless, this book is certainly one of my favourite.
//Insights about being a skipper and the machinery of a submarine.
I wonder how a skipper could navigate a submarine. They could not see what's ahead and around them. They just rely on the accuracy of underwater chart for not hitting any of the cliffs and mountains. Its more like driving a car with windscreen and window painted on, and use map and stopwatch to guide you and make sure you do not hit anything. That's tough man!
Final say:
Go out and buy one! It is really worth the money if you are into military gadgets and stuff like that. If not, that I'd reckon this is not a good book to read. Seriously. And, if you like computer games, get yourself Fleet Command to feel how it's like to control a naval fleet.
Postscriptum: Hisham of Perth made a review about The Prize - The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin. Hmmm... maybe I'll buy if money is not an issue :P. Waaaa... I'm broke!
Frankily speaking, I bought this book few years back after I watched the movie on tv. Suffice to say, I was blinded by the hype of US Navy dominance against the handicapped Soviet naval fleet, and at that time, I was engrossed in reading military magazine and playing computer games (something to do with shooting and killing) as well. What I did was on the spur of the moment. I just thought - why not I just buy the book, and compare what is written between what is filmed?
To begin with, Jack Ryan is a military analyst working for CIA. He was summoned by the Chief Admiral of US Navy to brief all the top gentlemen about a recent intel relayed from US spy in Kremlin, whereby a missile submarine Red October had just sailed and his commander left a mysterious letter to the Chief Admiral of Soviet Navy. Soon after that, a whole fleet - submarines, destroyers, frigates, you-name-it, were dispatched to hunt this submarine and if necessary, sink her. This of course raised alarm in US Navy intel, as why would they like to destroy their own submarine? The US, as a reaction, ordered all the fleet to fully alert and sink her as well if she is detected. Somehow Jack Ryan believes that the commander of this submarine is trying to defect by predicting that the letter is a solid proof stating he is seriously wants to defect. And nobody believes him except one, and he was given a chance to prove his theory. If not, they will hunt Red October down.
For your information, Red October is a Typhoon-class submarine, and the most technologically-advanced in its class. It is equipped by secretly developed ultra-quiet propulsion, chiefly addressed as 'caterpillar' in the book which works on basis of creating a jet of water as a mechanism to drive the submarine forward and in quietest manner possible. In submarines' world, being the most silent is the utmost priority - submarine is detected by 'listening'. In a nutshell, this submarine is really dangerous as it can sneak in any waters without being detected and delivery its nuclear payload in no time. In the beginning, I was astonished by calmness of Captain Marko Ramius, the skipper of Soviet's most powerful missile boat, and also a legend in Soviet naval fleet especially for underwater warfare pertaining to tactics and doctrines of Soviet submarines. Or should I say - He is the hero. Now why he would like to defect to US by surrendering the whole submarine he is in, which is Red October?
Deep down in his heart, he was on rage of venegeance all the time. Years back, his beloved wife was purposedly put to death, simply due to irresponsible actions done by indisciplined doctor who is the son of one of the Politburo officers. To make it easier to be understood by readers, since that incident he has no faith in fulfilling the dream of Soviet's utopian nation under the helm of Communism. So he'd like to have a new life, by embracing the so-called democracy advocated by US.
Despite his detailed plan, several villains also came out to make sure his 'selfish' ambition is just merely a dream. His political officers happened to smell the rut, and in order to keep the plan in secrecy, Ramius murdered him, and made up an unbelievable incident (if there any chances you'll be dead if you slipped on your tea?) to cover it up. Adding salt to the wound, there was a sabotage. A spy disguised as a cook (much like Casey Ryback I think) sabotaged the ultra-silent propulsion system in attempt to foil Ramius' 'evil' plan. That's one. He also almost incinerated the whole submarine by triggering the nuclear missile's rocket motor. Now its two. Too bad, the hero got shot by Jack Ryan (the hero is this novel) and died in honor, leaving behind Ramius and the officers to continue on as planned.
In comparison with the movie shown on the tv, I noticed several cutbacks. In the movie, Red October was never hit by any torpedo, but in the book, it was hit once. And hey, in the opening credit it says Based on a book? Yeah right. Actually, there was an incident that took place in late 80s where a Soviet missile submarine sunk in the Atlantic after surfaced for a while. Then Tom Clancy imagined that it could be made up like this - a Soviet missile submarine surfaced, then the captain contacted the US Navy stating that he wants to defect to US, and the submarine plus the officers minus the crew will be given as a 'gift' from him. Wow! That would make a best-selling book! What I get out of this book:
//Several Russian military jargons like:
Politburo - Political party (obviously a Communist party)
Zampolit - Political officer aboard a ship or submarine
and much much more...
//Some American military jargons as well:
Birds - missile (eg. Birds away! - Missiles away!)
and much much more...
//Communism from an American's point of view
Tom Clancy believes in his country's system. Surely he is proud until now, as the world saw the fall of Communism about a decade ago. Who knows the dream that they have paved for years turned out to be the biggest fiasco of all? Nonetheless, by simply being the winner does not mean you are flawless. In this book, it is potrayed that under Soviet empire, people are oppressed all the time, and the Soviets have dreams about freedom and happiness in America. Maybe that give rise to 'American Dream' phrase. Maybe. Apart from that, I truly appreciate the beauty of Islam more soon after I read this book - Communism bla bla bla do not sit right with me. Tak kene pada fitrah manusia!.
//Details regarding US Navy strength
Based on his credentials I've looked at and his photo with US Navy cap at the book cover, I reckon he must in the military sometime ago. So he knows his stuff well. That's why I could be military analyst if I continue on reading with passion, as so many information were given in the book. Despite that, sometimes I am getting bored reading the praises made by the author for the US Navy. Too much boasting I suppose. IMHO, all the navymen fight as hard as you were, maybe even more! I just feel uneasy when it is mentioned an American navyman is so intelligent and has sound judgment, as opposed to the Soviet's which more like an inefficient mindless drone with low morale. Nevertheless we cannot deny the waves of technology that already revolutionised the military equipment industry, has to do with the morale of a militaryman.
//I need to read more!
Yeah, reading from just one source is basically not enough to get all the ideas out there. Sorry Tom Clancy, I envy your thickness of your wallet so I will not buy any of your books again. Nonetheless, this book is certainly one of my favourite.
//Insights about being a skipper and the machinery of a submarine.
I wonder how a skipper could navigate a submarine. They could not see what's ahead and around them. They just rely on the accuracy of underwater chart for not hitting any of the cliffs and mountains. Its more like driving a car with windscreen and window painted on, and use map and stopwatch to guide you and make sure you do not hit anything. That's tough man!
Final say:
Go out and buy one! It is really worth the money if you are into military gadgets and stuff like that. If not, that I'd reckon this is not a good book to read. Seriously. And, if you like computer games, get yourself Fleet Command to feel how it's like to control a naval fleet.
Postscriptum: Hisham of Perth made a review about The Prize - The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin. Hmmm... maybe I'll buy if money is not an issue :P. Waaaa... I'm broke!
We are travellers, aren't we?
Been crashing in for the past 3 days. What a good weekend I suppose :-)
Now I feel kinda touched after reading anecdotes (not really though - more like a daily digest for me) from my respected friend currently in Egypt. Read it here.
We travel to and fro to anywhere everyday, and we always forget to pick up leads given by those travelled before us. Let alone ponder about them - how they made it so far? How this and how that?
How many fellow-travellers have I known? I cannot count.
How many corners of the Earth? I cannot tell.
Now that my wanderings east and west are done,
There is but one last corner left: my grave.
Eleventh century travelling poet - guess who?
Its good to hear I am allowed to stay here until 23rd of June. So there's no need to rush to pack up my stuff. Phew.
I'm off to Lucan now.
Now I feel kinda touched after reading anecdotes (not really though - more like a daily digest for me) from my respected friend currently in Egypt. Read it here.
We travel to and fro to anywhere everyday, and we always forget to pick up leads given by those travelled before us. Let alone ponder about them - how they made it so far? How this and how that?
How many fellow-travellers have I known? I cannot count.
How many corners of the Earth? I cannot tell.
Now that my wanderings east and west are done,
There is but one last corner left: my grave.
Eleventh century travelling poet - guess who?
Its good to hear I am allowed to stay here until 23rd of June. So there's no need to rush to pack up my stuff. Phew.
I'm off to Lucan now.
Books Galore!
Yesterday I paid a visit to my friend's place. To my surprise, many of them are still here. Maybe rotting at home has been a good choice for them. Haha.
Seeing friends for a while is a wonderful pastime. Why? There's alot more of stories to be told, and more secrets to be unveiled as well. Haha again.
We talked about many things, it started with our daily happenings, but somehow we are drifted to discuss about books as time pass by. Books? Errr... honestly, I'm no bookworm. Why? Not many books I really know of. That is my weakness that I must overcome before its too late.
Online bookstores that I think its really worth a visit:
Dawama
- Dewan Bahasa Pustaka's online bookstore. Highly recommended. Downside - payment by credit card is not accepted yet.
Kinokuniya
- Japanese book readers surely go for this.
MPH
- Wide range of books.
Abebooks and Alibris
- find used, rare-to-find books here. Loads of them!
Amazon
- a zero turned into hero during the dotcom boom. Now it has reigned the God of online shopping title for years!
With regards to Pakdi's entry on Ultraman and Transformer, I can't agree more if you I ask me. We have little to be proud of - Anak-anak Sidek, Kampung Boy, Usop Sontorian, Putih, Kluang Man et cetera. Despite that, I truly hope the cartoon industry still holding its progressive effort - maybe more Lat's clones are to emerge perhaps?
The point is, we must try to create and sell our own product. Full stop.
Read:
Jepun ada Ultraman, kita ada apa?
Seeing friends for a while is a wonderful pastime. Why? There's alot more of stories to be told, and more secrets to be unveiled as well. Haha again.
We talked about many things, it started with our daily happenings, but somehow we are drifted to discuss about books as time pass by. Books? Errr... honestly, I'm no bookworm. Why? Not many books I really know of. That is my weakness that I must overcome before its too late.
Online bookstores that I think its really worth a visit:Dawama
- Dewan Bahasa Pustaka's online bookstore. Highly recommended. Downside - payment by credit card is not accepted yet.
Kinokuniya
- Japanese book readers surely go for this.
MPH
- Wide range of books.
Abebooks and Alibris
- find used, rare-to-find books here. Loads of them!
Amazon
- a zero turned into hero during the dotcom boom. Now it has reigned the God of online shopping title for years!
With regards to Pakdi's entry on Ultraman and Transformer, I can't agree more if you I ask me. We have little to be proud of - Anak-anak Sidek, Kampung Boy, Usop Sontorian, Putih, Kluang Man et cetera. Despite that, I truly hope the cartoon industry still holding its progressive effort - maybe more Lat's clones are to emerge perhaps?
The point is, we must try to create and sell our own product. Full stop.
Read:
Jepun ada Ultraman, kita ada apa?
What the???
It is totally unbelievable for such a reputable medical journal to publish this kind of article, at least for me. Argh! I wonder how many 'intelligent' doctors or namely anyone out there that has become advocates for this notion, and this clearly illustrates that being way advanced apparently has let more stupidity to emerge. Hmmm... what exactly they are believe in is beyond me. If they said this is some sort of evolution process which is natural, I beg to differ - what they are saying is merely a lorry-load of rubbish!
Oh what an inverted world I'm in...
Read:
Homosexuality is akin to organic farming - BMJ
- this article is kinda old (29th May). I didn't notice it was that old - blame the exam fever.
Oh, I received SMS from ayah today. Thanks ayah for your support - I hope it'll be okay soon. Hmmm... it's good to know that everyone is embracing the technology now. No more technophobes perhaps!
Since the exam is over, I am going to resume my physical and mental jog soon. Jangan hangat-hangat tahi ayam sudah!
Oh what an inverted world I'm in...
Read:
Homosexuality is akin to organic farming - BMJ
- this article is kinda old (29th May). I didn't notice it was that old - blame the exam fever.
Oh, I received SMS from ayah today. Thanks ayah for your support - I hope it'll be okay soon. Hmmm... it's good to know that everyone is embracing the technology now. No more technophobes perhaps!
Since the exam is over, I am going to resume my physical and mental jog soon. Jangan hangat-hangat tahi ayam sudah!
When it is over...
When it is over, one should not overjoy or shed tears in remorse. Instead, one should just stay put.
Today's pick
If you are a nasyid freak, go to:
ftp://sudin.no-ip.com
If you are not, too bad I do not have any links to share with. Use Kazaa or eMule - I'm sure there's hell loads of music files that are up for grab.
Now, I have lots of work that I need to get it done. Not to mention a pile of books to read. Hmmm...
Today's pick
If you are a nasyid freak, go to:
ftp://sudin.no-ip.com
If you are not, too bad I do not have any links to share with. Use Kazaa or eMule - I'm sure there's hell loads of music files that are up for grab.
Now, I have lots of work that I need to get it done. Not to mention a pile of books to read. Hmmm...
If the intention is sound, so is the action
Assalamualaikum. I am still in exam fever at the moment. Few days passed by with supplementary medication in handy just to keep myself energised all day long. Speaking about medications, it brings me to wonder about Phase II drug metabolism (oh that glucuronic acid conjugation, sulfonation and glycine conjugation...) that sometimes screws my mind up. Truly said, I just cannot wait for my last paper, which is on Wednesday, although I am damn nervous!
Anyway, I'd like to share this hadith with all viewers. It is taken from a book - Imam Nawawi's Forty Hadith. Scroll down, and have a look. It's full of wisdom!
From Umar Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:
I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), saying, "Actions are only by intentions, and every man has only that which he intended. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire, or a woman he will marry then his emigration is for that for which he is emigrated.
In a nutshell, this hadith indicates that intention is the measure for rendering actions true, so that where intention is sound, action is sound; and where intention is corrupt, action is corrupt. Good intention = good action, nonsense intention = nonsense action. Add 'planning' and 'perseverance' to the equation, and voila! you will get the secret formula of living out our life!
In reality : If we are to do something good for the sake of Allah, Allah will make it easier to be accomplished. That's how merciful Allah is. So, make full use of this golden opporturnity. Even at times if it did not turn out as expected, you still gain necessary experiences that really aid us in future undertakings.
So, showing off, insincerity, and seeking a good report, and all such have no place to sit with us. Or should I say an absolute no-no. So try to avoid at all cost, as a simple flick of these can be much of a dent to the action! Eg. You donate �100, then you automatically broadcast it through your YM or MSN. Hmmm... little did you know that what you have done goes up in smoke!
Generally speaking, what we are aiming for is the intention. It is very much like missions and objectives in our daily life. Course outlines, project proposal whatsoever are the good example to look at. Remember : Aiming is one thing. Getting it done is another. We need both, and if we have only one, we are daydreaming!
All in all, it's easier to say rather than to do, which I am very much tangled to now. But as long we have the effort and we keep focusing, I bet it is doable.
"If there is will, there is a way"
postscriptum : Why I am writing this entry? For what purpose I am surfing the net? Ouch!
Anyway, I'd like to share this hadith with all viewers. It is taken from a book - Imam Nawawi's Forty Hadith. Scroll down, and have a look. It's full of wisdom!
From Umar Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:
I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), saying, "Actions are only by intentions, and every man has only that which he intended. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire, or a woman he will marry then his emigration is for that for which he is emigrated.
In a nutshell, this hadith indicates that intention is the measure for rendering actions true, so that where intention is sound, action is sound; and where intention is corrupt, action is corrupt. Good intention = good action, nonsense intention = nonsense action. Add 'planning' and 'perseverance' to the equation, and voila! you will get the secret formula of living out our life!
In reality : If we are to do something good for the sake of Allah, Allah will make it easier to be accomplished. That's how merciful Allah is. So, make full use of this golden opporturnity. Even at times if it did not turn out as expected, you still gain necessary experiences that really aid us in future undertakings.
So, showing off, insincerity, and seeking a good report, and all such have no place to sit with us. Or should I say an absolute no-no. So try to avoid at all cost, as a simple flick of these can be much of a dent to the action! Eg. You donate �100, then you automatically broadcast it through your YM or MSN. Hmmm... little did you know that what you have done goes up in smoke!
Generally speaking, what we are aiming for is the intention. It is very much like missions and objectives in our daily life. Course outlines, project proposal whatsoever are the good example to look at. Remember : Aiming is one thing. Getting it done is another. We need both, and if we have only one, we are daydreaming!
All in all, it's easier to say rather than to do, which I am very much tangled to now. But as long we have the effort and we keep focusing, I bet it is doable.
"If there is will, there is a way"
postscriptum : Why I am writing this entry? For what purpose I am surfing the net? Ouch!
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