Protect Your Privacy When Using the Internet

1. Limit the Personal Information You Give Out

Once you post personal information on the web, you lose control over how that information is used. Changes to the “context” in which that data is used can harm you. A classic example is the information students enter into social web sites like MySpace or Facebook for their friends’ amusement, only to find it resurfacing later to harm their employment opportunities or their careers.Both sites offer privacy controls that easily allow individuals to avoid such consequences but most users don’t apply them.

People unknowingly assume risk they can not measure at the time they assume it. The selling of personal data is a largely-unregulated business in the United States. It’s a multibillion dollar industry called information brokering. People who give out their personal data expose themselves to manipulation or harm. Even the U.S. government is researching the harvesting of personal data from social networking sites for public surveillance. And why not? People voluntarily post the information. Fans of social networking will consider these cautions anachronistic.

Please read how people expose themselves to manipulation or harm by posting personal data, found in authoritative books such as The Digital Person , The Soft Cage, or The Future of Reputation: Gossip, Rumor and Privacy on the Internet. We need legislation to assure minimal privacy rights for social network users, much the way we apply consumerprotection legislation to the credit card oligopoly. Meanwhile, protect yourself by educating yourself.

1. Don’t Let Web Sites Track You

Cookies are small files that web sites store on your computer’s disk. They allow web sites to store information about your interaction with them. For example, they might store the data required for you to purchase items across the several web pages this involves. However, cookies – originally called tracking cookies – can also be used to track your movement across the web.

Depending on the software using them, this data could be used to create a detailed record of your behavior as you surf. The resulting profile might be used for innocuous purposes, such as targeted marketing, or for malicious reasons, like spying. Most browsers accept cookies by default. To retain your privacy, set the browser not to accept any cookies other than exceptions you specify. Then only web sites you approve can set cookies on your computer. A few web sites won’t let you interact with them unless you accept their cookies — but most will. You can also set most browsers to automatically delete all cookies when you exit. This allows web sites to set the cookies required for transactions like purchasing through the web but prevents tracking you across sessions.

To manage cookie settings in your browser, access these panels 

To turn cookies on or off
Internet Explorer Tools | Internet Options | Privacy | Advanced
Firefox (version 2 on) Tools | Options | Privacy | Cookies
Opera Tools | Quick Preferences | Enable Cookies
K-Meleon Tools | Privacy | Block Cookies
SeaMonkey Edit | Preferences | Privacy & Security | Cookies
To allow specific web sites to set cookies –
Internet Explorer Tools | Internet Options | Privacy | Edit
Firefox Tools | Options | Privacy | Cookies | Exceptions
Opera Tools | Preferences | Advanced | Cookies | Manage cookies
K-Meleon Edit | Preferences | Privacy
SeaMonkey Tools | Cookie Manager
To “clear” (erase) all cookies currently on your computer for the specified browser –
Internet Explorer Tools | Internet Options | General | Delete Cookies
Firefox Tools | Clear Private Data
Opera Tools | Preferences | Advanced | Cookies
K-Meleon Tools | Privacy | Clear Cookies
SeaMonkey Tools | Cookie Manager | Manage Stored Cookies | Remove All Cookies
To automatically clear all cookies whenever you exit the browser –
Internet Explorer Not available
Firefox Tools | Options | Privacy | Cookies | Settings…
Opera Tools | Preferences | Advanced | Cookies
K-Meleon Tools | Privacy | Settings…
SeaMonkey Not available

Source: How to Secure Windows and Your Privacy with Free Software, Howard Fosdick

Book’s Review: Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau is one of dominant philosophical thinkers that associated with the “Social Contract”. His idea of social contract has significant effect to the society in general. His argument in the social contract has some differences with other thinkers such as Hobbes.
When Rousseau discusses about his ideas of social contract, he emphasizes the establishment human in society through association. He tries to make an explanation that how society is formed and established.

He comes with an idea that, people come together to establish a civil society by the social contract in order to benefits with one and another. He regards that the public concern is come first then the individual. His concept of social contract is differ from the Hobbes’s social contract when Hobbes regards that, people come to the social contract for sake of the own protection and preservation that resulted from the state of nature that a leader must take the responsibilities. As a result, Hobbes concept of social contract is absolute monarchy but Rousseau’s social contract rejects the concepts of absolute monarchy.

This is because; absolute monarchy will demolish public freedom and eliminate the power of people to govern. He stress that the decision making is only in the hand of people and these people have the rights to choose their decision in collective way. He also rejects the concept of slavery in people’s life. He also regards that, people come to the social contract because of the social instability for example, rights of property ownership and development of technologies. In avoiding this kind of in stability, people come to social contract.

In his Book 1, Rousseau advocates the concept of people’s sovereignty. This concept is dominant when he introduces the absolute sovereignty is undivided and unrepresented. He agrees that people’s sovereignty is preserved in one state by forming direct democracy. This is to ensure that; mutual consensus of governance is there. He tends to construct the people sovereignty in order to ensure the loyalty to the sovereign. He stress that if people live under their own consensus law and regulation, the freedom will be existed. If the law institution is not elected by the people and not able to bound the law, their freedom will be degenerated. However, the most lacking part of his concept of sovereignty is unclear category of community that has full sovereignty. He only describes about people living in conflict within the state of nature but at the same time, conflicts in community are differing by time and space.

People are also bound to the law although they do not give voice to the law. In addition to that, his description the essential of community than the individual is absolutely contrast to the definition of individual human rights that are practiced in modern states. The rationality of freedom when we live in the civil society is become crucial. He regards thing that distinguish people from animal is rationality of taking action. This rationality of taking action is more or less come from basic teaching of Islam when Islam regards one of the differences between human and animal is the using of reasons. Human has reasons during taking action but animal is not.
In the Book 2, he discuss about the rights and duties of the sovereign power and its limitations. He tries to give a full authority to the sovereign within the law that must be obeyed by the people. This sovereign authority is also should be free from any unrelated interference. Although during Rousseau’s time, the absolute monarch is practiced, but he disagrees with the concept of absolute monarch because it can demolish the freedom and liberty of people. On the other hand, his idea on social contract results to the question how people can live in the society but in same time they can maintain the rights of freedom. According to him, the sovereign power that formed and entrusted by people can ensure their freedom and liberty. In his ideal republic, people use the sovereign authority to gain what is called common good that can be found in general will. However, in absolute monarch, the interest is accordance the will of monarch or the king. Rousseau disagrees with the private interest that state should pursue general will to preserve the freedom of people. He enriches and encourages the interest of the common good as a whole rather than the private interest. In contrast, his idea of general will is differ with the modern states that are usually based on the private or own interest.
The other thing is important of his social contract is the formation and establishment of the law as described by him on his social contract. Initially, he assumes that, if people are restrained by the law, their freedom is missing. In order to resolve this problem, he suggests that, the law must be formed by people decision making, so the law is in the hand of people. The law must be based on the mutual agreement to maintain the freedom and liberty of the people in society. He believes that, the good government is that, when people abide by the rules and regulations that can be better benefited to them. However, he does not have any mechanism to form the law in the proper manner. As a result, some restrictions those come from the law. This is to ensure that, the law will be interpreted for the common good that formed by the people itself.
The, he also give the different types of people who differ from time and space that need different types of law. His social contract also highlights the law that applicable in general to function as a whole. Besides that, the important of liberty and equity should be maintained in a political association. He asserts that the maintaining of good balancing between the size of the state and the number of people is in order to avoid conflict. Hence the applicable law can be applied and implemented accordance to the balance of the state. The preservation of the common good of the state can be achieved by dividing the law into three types of law: political law, civil law, criminal law and moral and customs. This division of law according to him is somehow is supported by the sovereign people.
In his Book 3, it shuffles from the theoretical part to the practical part of the state. This practical part of the state advocates the governance of the state. He found that, the practical part of the state is about how the governance of the state that deal with the bodies of the government. The bodies of government for example, magistrate can use its authority to interfere in some cases related to the state. Sovereign to him is differing with the government in which it can be explained through force and right. He also explains the republic or state in term of mathematical angle but it tends to be unrealistic because there is not precise variable for the political authority to be legitimate. According to him, the measurement of the strong government does not depend on the size of the government. It is can be clear when he assumes that the smaller state is more powerful than the other bigger state. This is because the general will is applicable within the small group of the people. His idea and theory of the smaller state is more powerful than the other bigger state is maybe true if this idea apply to the modern state today, for example, Singapore, as a small state is stronger than bigger state, Indonesia in term of the political stability.
After that, Rousseau divides states into three main categories: democracy, aristocracy and monarchy, but according to him, the most stable government is aristocracy type in which the skilled of magistrates will serve and apply their duties as a legitimate executive power. The problem with the democracy is that, direct democracy. This is because the executive and legislative power in direct democracy seems to be ambiguous. On the other hand, the failure of the monarchy is that, the kind of monarch is not regarded as a representative to the whole people for the common good and finally, the monarch makes the decision based on his will and own interest. Furthermore, he cannot represent the interest of people as a whole. This type of government can be corrupted by the monarch itself. As a result, the general will cannot be applied to the state. Although he suggests that, the most stable of government is aristocracy, but in some extent, this type of government is not always stable and applicable form of government. That is why mixed of these types of government maybe applicable when democracy is suitable for the smaller state and the monarchy is suitable for the lager state.
Besides, he discusses some important thing about governmental assembly. He asserts that the assembly that must be taken part in the governmental related is very crucial. Some of the matter of the state according to this assembly will be solved by sitting and participating in that particular assembly. In order to ensure that the general will exists, people must present in the assembly to make sure that the government action is not contradict with people interest and the common good can be still exists. His idea of assembly is somehow similar of some characteristic of democracy takes part in the modern state. For example, Britain implements House of Representative and House of Lord in his assembly and Malaysia has Upper House and Lower House. His idea of governmental assembly tries to ensure that the people needs are accountable and transparent by the state should be maintained. The sovereignty of the people can be decreased without appearance of the people in the assembly and finally, general will cannot be implemented and executed. So, his idea is somehow emphasizing that the sovereignty cannot be represented in any types of conditions. It is to ensure that the freedom and liberty of people can still exist. People have their own incentive in order to make sure that their sovereignty is well maintained. Furthermore, the survival of the social contract is still valid by having enthusiasm. If they are not interested, their civil freedom cannot be preserved. The government exists by the law but not by the social contract while the magistrate of the government is represented as officers but not the rulers who have legitimate authority.

Next, the general will according to Rousseau is to advocate the common good of people that sticks the best for all as represented by the sovereign. It is absolutely differ with the individual will that intent to advocate the individual interest. He believes that, an healthy state, people realized with the public concern as a whole for their best and benefits. Conversly, an unhealthy state is when it tries to make its own interest to become primer while the common good is secondary part of it. As a result, the state abandon the general will for the best of all. It is also important discuss what Rousseau terms as popular vote. People have to vote when they feel that their vote will be regarded as an advantage to the state and general will.

Although it is contradict with their own interest, the common good for the best for all is still become a crucial goal for them. Finally, people vote toward the assembly is for the sake of the civil good that should be preserved. However, Rousseau do not give any mechanism that how people can recognize or be the decisive factor for their general will that can lead to the ambiguity of determining that particular general will. In an unhealthy state, the particular will is become more important than the general will itself that can cause a huge distinction between these two types of will and in some extent the conclusion can be made that the election is failed to look whether the general will is expressible or not to that state.

When he introduce that “tribunate” as a body outside from the legislative and executive power, it indicates that state still need a free body to ensure the security of the law made by the sovereign’s people. In addition to that, he also suggests that, the establishment of other body, namely “censorship” in which it can act as a mediator between government and public opinion. This kind of bodies is somehow to provide check and balance for the state in order to ensure the integrity of people living in the state. In my point of view, the establishment of these two bodies is similar of what German’s country has today, which is called, Ombudsman. The duties and responsibilities of the Ombudsman of the German’s country is similar and more or less same of what “tribunate’ and “censorship” have to carry their responsibilities. From this, the continuity of the common good will is promoted as a whole part of system of the state.

In the last topic that Rousseau discuss on his social contract is what we call civil religion. This idea of civil religion is to bound between tradition and people in public. Then, it is an idea that holds the precede idea and the belief of people in society. After making relation between these two thing, he concludes that, Christianity is somehow cannot be replaced by any race’s religion. His idea of civil religion is about making people to become an obedient and loyal follower but at the same time, people’s productive is still valid there. However in the time of the separation of religion and state, any effort to combine between these two things can be faced some difficulties.

In conclusion, among the most important principles of social contract in this book is about the general will that can ensure people or citizen in the society to have political rights and duties towards their sovereign state.

After analyzing Rousseau’s social contract and general will in particular, there are some communist and socialist states that have some similar characteristics with the general will introduced by him. For example, Republic of Cuba. This kind of state can be considered that having some concept of general will in its constitution. This kind of state has some articles in its constitution that can be an indicator for the general will. For instance, in Article 1, it emphasis the solidarity of human for political freedom that sovereign has for the good of all.

Then, it also discuss about assembly of state that belong to the people’s power in which recognized by law in the Article 2. These two basic concepts stated in Cuba’s constitution are somehow similar in what general will is about. It is clearer that when state carries out of the will of people by preserving the sovereignty of the state and coming to guarantee the power of the people and for the people that recognized in the constitution. It is become dominant when the constitution emphasis the context of the whole of society that represents people in the bodies of the state, official and so on.

In order to preserve the common good, this constitution ensures the all people have their equal duties and right towards the state. In the Article 69, the constitution recognized that, the highest body of the state power can be expressed to the sovereign will of the people is through “The National Assembly of People’s Power”. This national assembly may be regarded as works as collective leadership. Although this constitution is more or less same what Rousseau suggests in the general will, but it has one important difference between this constitution and general will. In Article 21, it clearly states that, the ownership of people is guaranteed by the state. Hence, this constitution emphasizes the important of individuals aim for particular interest. However, in general will, the common good is become the aim of the will when people have to sacrifice their own interest for the sake of the best interest for all citizens.

In conclusion, general will introduced by Rousseau is still valid in the modern state when some states now still practicing what we call some basic principles of the general will in their legitimate constitution. The idea of social contract is somehow advocating the formulating and establishing of state in order to ensure that the state continue practicing freedom and liberty for the citizen.

Prime Ministers and Parliament

Regarding to this journal, it is discussing about prime ministers and parliament written by Peter Riddell. The author is talking about the viewpoint of the power holders or authorities in governing a state. According to Harold Macmillan , BBC interview, April 1971, he says that, ‘if you can impress upon the House of Common that the Government is strong and the Prime Minister is in control… then gradually it begins to go out into the country as members go back to their constituencies.

Then gradually the press begins to show a certain surprise at the success of the government in overcoming one obstacles or another. ‘

However, according to the author, he assumes that prime ministers still have to govern through parliament. In other words, doing well in parliament still matters to prime ministers. The media focus is also much more on the prime ministers as the leader or head of government, who is seen as controlling the government and taking all key decisions.

They now have many other ways of announcing decisions and communicating with the public, and other more direct sources of political authority and legitimacy. But the House of Commons remains central both to the power and accountability of prime ministers. He also said that prime minister cannot afford to ignore parliament, and particularly the opinion and interests of their own party’s backbench ( one of the seats in the British Parliament where ordinary Member’s of Parliament sit ) MP’s, as even prime minister with large commons majorities like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair have found to their cost.

Furthermore, they have to spend most of their political careers either seeking to become members of the commons or competing with fellow MP’s to advance. And even they weighed heavily with parliamentary duties, they are also suppose in socializing with MP’s or listening to debates in the commons, and they still have to carry their formal parliamentary duties seriously.

The author in his opinion, that there are two tasks as prime ministers : first, in the nature of a prime minister’s accountability to the parliament; and second : in his or her accountability outside the parliament.

Based on Riddell, this is a caricature in view of the shared nature of power at the top of any government, but the media unquestionable fuels the ‘presidential’ image. It is, of course, a two-way process between the King or Royal Highness as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government, and projection of the leader as apart from the rest of the cabinet.

As with all ministers, the prime minister is accountable to parliament for his decisions and actions. He or she will determine about the decisions or actions after get the agreement by whole or majorities of members of parliament. This leads directly to a final point. Parliament remains as central representative in making any decision or action.

In addition, the discussion of the changing forms of participation show that the events in which prime ministers still participate, notably questions and statements, are less time-consuming that speaking in debates, where a prime minister is not only expected to make his or her opening speech but also to listen to at least the opposition speeches from the frontbench and the closing speeches.

An Analysis of the Constitution of Madinah: Hobbes theory

In general, social contract is one of the fundamental terms that involved agreement between people in society in order to create a state. According to some western scholar, social contract is a theory that used to explain the origin of society in social structure. For example, Thomas Hobbes who is one dominant western thinker that associated with the social contract theory. Similarly, in Islamic history, there was also social contract namely, The Medina Charter or The Constitution of Medina.

The Medina Charter was established by our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. Between these two social contracts, there are many significant aspects that make its difference that distinguished between western and Islamic social contract. However, there also share some similarities.

According to Thomas Hobbes, the origin of society in social structure or founding the state is divided into two different stages, whether by acquisition or by institution (Gregory, 1986: 180). Acquisition refers to when dominant family leader or tribe has power to conquer others. For him, leader is regarded as sovereign when the group of dominant is large enough to prevent invasion. In contrast, by institution exists when people create a common power over themselves by a mutual agreement. This mutual agreement occurs in order to give an authority to the sovereign leader so that people can live in peace and secure after the state of nature, when people live in self preservation. On the other hand, the social contract of Medina exists because of several reasons. Among those main reasons are: to unite multi racial people, non Muslim and Muslim whether Muhajirun (The Emigrants), or the Ansar (The Helpers from Madinah) who live in Medina. This united can be seen in the charter when our prophet tried to unite different types of tribes in Medina such as Banu ‘Awf (‘Awf clan), Banu Sa’idah (Sa’idah clan) and Banu al Najjar (al Najjar clan). This charter also tried to define the rights and obligations of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W as a sovereign leader in Medina. The other reason is to provide rules and regulations that must be abide by the people in Medina. These main reasons of the origin of this social contract is somehow to ensure the political conglomerate and to defend the Medina city from enemies attack by introducing one single constitution, but at the same time, it is not based on winner and loser between two parties or mutual agreement after people living in chaos and failure.

Then, Hobbes also believes in the social contract that people must abide by the law as command by sovereign leader but this sovereign leader is not bound by the law. People also cannot complain whether the law done by the leader is right or wrong. People must give their rights and total obedient to the sovereign leader or monarch. He also has unlimited and undivided power or authority over the people.

This is because, according to Hobbes, people depend on the sovereign leader because of giving their rights to him so that the leader can bring them peace and security. However, in Medina Charter, people have to abide by the law based on the concept of justice. This is because, some of the responsibilities of sovereign leader, Prophet Muhammad is to bring justice regardless the colours, tribes, and religions. All people have equal rights and opportunities to participate in the government.

Any form of injustice and false conduct will be eliminated and abolished. As a result, the government cannot simply abuse it responsibilities and must apply justice as a basic foundation in administration. All the actions of the sovereign leader must be parallel with the concept of justice. As a result, the concept of total obedient in social contract that introduced by Hobbes is totally different from social contract introduced by our Prophet.
Besides, Hobbes also regarded in the social contract that there are some responsibilities of the sovereign leader. Among these responsibilities are legislative and law making, law enforcement, formulation and execution of foreign and military policy.

These responsibilities are actually not based on religion teaching but based on the interest of the sovereign leader in order to bring peace and security to people in the society. This is because, Hobbes rejected the involvement of religion’s element in politic. What the most important thing to him is only political obligation that finally resulted to the political obedience although the sovereign may exceed his limit in fulfilling his obligations in politic. But, in the social contract of Medina, there was a combination of revealed knowledge in political obligation. That is why the highest law of administration in Medina at that time is based on the revelation. Al Quran and As Sunnah are the two main sources of the highest authority in the social contract. As a result, Islamic punishment, for example, Qisas, is implemented in that social contract in order to bring people live in peace and security, as mentioned in article no 52 : “Authority of Allah and the prophet Muhammad (SAW) shall be final and absolute authority in all disputes instigating any quarrel.” (Muhammad Tahir, n.d) So, any final decision must be referred to God and to Muhammad S.A.W as a sovereign leader.

Although these two social contracts have some differences, there are also some similarities between the contracts. Among these similarities are, both of the contracts somehow created in order to bring peace and security to people in the society. For example, people need the peace and security when people live in self preservation in the state of nature as mentioned by Hobbes. Similarly, the Medina Charter was also tried to promote peace and security when the people in Medina live and share in different ethnics, races and religions. In order to ensure these people live without any conflict in Medina, they agreed to come out with the social contract.

The second similarity between the contracts is both recognize one single ruler that is sovereign over them. In the agreement, people select this single sovereign leader to rule over them as their leader in the state. They regard absolute government has the rights and obligation towards people in that state. After that, both social contracts have its own significant of jurisdiction when all people in the society are bound within it. Once people have entered into the contract, it becomes permanently binding. People are somehow have an obligation and must abide by all the rules and the regulations as stated in the social contract. Their peace and security is guaranteed as long as all the contents of the agreement are protected and preserved. As a result, people are responsible to ensure the social contract is functioned properly and not abused by any parties from improper conducts that can cause the illegitimacy of the agreement.For example, when the social contract is broken. In this stage, legitimacy of the social contract becomes essential and crucial.

In conclusion, there are some differences and similarities between social contract as introduced by Thomas Hobbes and during the development of the Medina state. Although the western’s social contract is incomplete, but it has several significant consequences and impacts. However, we as Muslims, must believe that, Islamic social contract in the constitution of Medina is the most complete because it connects the relationship between society and God as well as promote justice to all people.

Bibliography

Gregory, S. Kavka. (1986). Hobbesian Moral and Political Theory. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Qadri, Muhammad Tahir (n.d.). Constitutional Analysis of the Constitution of Madina. n.pl: n.pub.
http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piagam_Madinah

Beware Of Cancerous Food

DEAR, SATAY LOVERS BEWARE

If you eat satay, don’t ever forget to eat the cucumber, because eating satay together with carbon after barbequing can cause cancer.Cucumber should be eaten after we ate the satay because satay has carsinogen (a cancer causing element) but cucumber is anti-carsinogenic. So don’t forget to eat the cucumber the next time u have satays.

SHAMPOO

Cancer-causing substance in Shampoo. Go home and check your shampoo. Change before it’s too late Check the ingredients listed on your shampoo bottle, and see they have a substance by the name of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, orsimply SLS. This substance is found in most shampoos; manufacturers use it because it produces a lot of foam and it is cheap.

But the fact is, SLS is used to scrub garage floors, and it is very strong!!! It is also proven that it can cause cancer in the long run, and this is no joke. Shampoos that contains SLS : Vo5, Palmolive, Paul Mitchell, l’Oreal, the new Hemp Shampoo from Body Shop etc contain this substance. The first ingredient listed (which means it is the single most prevalent ingredient) in Clairol’s Herbal Essences is Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Someone called one company, and  told them their product contains a substance that will cause people to have cancer. They said,

“Yeah we knew about it but there is nothing we can do about it because we need that substance to produce foam. “

By the way Colgate toothpaste also contains the same substance to produce the “bubbles”. They said they are going to send me some information.

Research has shown that in the 1980s, the chance of getting cancer is 1 out of 8000 and now, in the
1990s, the chances of getting cancer is 1 out of 3, which is very serious. So I hope that you will take this seriously and pass this on to all the people you know, and hopefully, we can stop “giving” ourselves cancer causing agents.

INSTANT NOODLES

Dear instant noodle lovers, make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet! Please read the info shared to me by a doctor. Many People stopped eating instant noodles  after hearing about the wax coating the noodles – the wax is not just in the styrofoam containers but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do not stick to each other when cooking.

If one were to examine the ordinary yellow noodles in the market, one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.

Wantan noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice he cooks them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again. This process is repeated several times before the noodles are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together. The hawker then lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry.

Cooking instructions for spaghetti require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump of spaghetti!

There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles. The doctor told him that our body will need up to 2 days to clear the wax.

There was also an SIA steward who after moving out from his mother’s house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost every meal. He had cancer, and has since died from it.

Nowadays the instant noodles are referred as “cancer noodles”.

Politics in Islam

Robbie’s Blog – Understanding Politics in Islam – Fiqh al Siyasah Adapted and rearranged from the book Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi.

1. What is the aim of politics in Islam?

According to Al-Mawardi from his book Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah, it is hirasatud din wa siasatud dunya – to uphold the religion and administer the world. Politics is not munkar – is not a depravity – real politics is noble virtuous because it administers the affairs of all creatures, bringing man closer to good and away from fasad – evil. According to Ibn al-Qayyim, politics is really the justice of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet Muhammad s. a. w. was a politician as well as the messenger conveying the risalah, murabbi – teacher, Qadi – Chief Justice, Head of the nation and Imam of the ummah. The Khulafa’ al Rasyidun – the rightly guided leaders who succeeded him were also politicians following the Sunnah – way of the Prophet, establishing just administration, practising ihsan – the betterment of good and providing the leadership of ‘ilm – knowledge and Iman – belief.

However in the present time, due to ‘politics’ man faced suffering as a result of deceit and political ploys and scheming and devious politicians, whether in the form of past colonialists, treacherous rulers, tyrannical leaders and regimes preaching Machiavellian philosophy (the ends justifies the means!). It became common to label and describe committed Muslims as ‘political’ so that they are regarded warily and wickedly for the purpose of disassociating and furthering apart the people from them, intending that society will shun and hate what is called ‘political Islam’. It has been such that symbols of Islam like the headscarf, the proper attire and congregational prayers – Salat jama’ah are attempted to be labeled ‘political’. It is a blatant lie for those who say that there is no religion in politics and that there is no politics in religion. This deceit was once tried in the form of an attempted fatwa – a decree while the members of the Ikhwan al-Muslimun were imprisoned in the detention camps in Egypt in the 50’s. The regime wanted to influence the masses to regard the activists and the Dai’ (the very people who wanted to uphold the Syari’ah, Al-Qur’an and Al-Sunnah) as the purveyors of fasad – evil by using corrupted ‘ulama – paid scholars.

2. The Fight against Fasad and Zulm (Evil, Transgression and Tyranny) is the utmost in Jihad

From the understanding of the Prophet’s tradition (mafhum hadith): Munkar (transgression) is not limited to khamr – liqour, gambling and zina – – unlawful sex but degrading and defiling the honour and dignity of the people and citizens is a major transgression, so is cheating in the elections, refusing to give testimony – neglecting to vote, letting government be in the hands of those who are not deserving and undesired, stealing and squandering the nation’s wealth and property, detaining people without crime or just cause, without judgement from a fair court, torturing human beings in prison and the detention camps, giving, accepting and mediating in bribes, cowering up to, praising evil rulers, allowing the enemies of Allah and the enemies of the Muslim community to be leaders and shunning the believers – the mu’min. These are all grave transgressions! When a Muslim remains quiet upon seeing all of these it means that he or she does not deserve to live (is not alive) from the mafhum of al-ayat and al-hadith.

Islam requires that every Muslim has political responsibility. A Muslim is required by his Iman – faith to be truly concerned with the affairs and problems of the ummah – community, helping and defending the meek and the weak, fighting tyranny and oppression. By retreating and abstaining oneself, it will only invite divine retribution and being seized by the flames of hell (mafhum ayat).

3. Political Freedom is Our Utmost Need Today

Islam is always rejuvenated, its message spread across, its resurgence, its reverberating call heard by all even if it is given some limited freedom. Therefore the first battle is to obtain freedom to deliver the message of da’wah, the risalah of tawhid (Unity of God), spread consciousness and enabling the existence of Islamic movements. True democracy is not the whims and desires of the tyrannical rulers or their cronies, it is not the place to jail and incarcerate its fighters and not the place to torture its proponents.

Democracy is the simplest and proper way to achieve the aims of a noble life, to be able to invite all to Allah and Islam, to be able to call others to Iman without having our souls being imprisoned and our bodies sentenced to be executed by hanging. It is the space for a free and honourable nation to have the right to choose, evaluate the ruler, change governments without coups and without bloodshed. The theory, way and system which looks alien maybe adopted if it benefits us and as long as it does not contradict clear Islamic edicts and the rules of Syariah. We appraise, amend according to our spirit, we do not adopt its philosophy, and we do not allow what is forbidden and vice versa. We do not relinquish or compromise what is ordained or compulsory – the wajib in Islam. The gist of democracy is that the public, the people can choose the rulers who are going to administer them; the people having the right to select, criticise and terminate; and the people are not forced to accept systems, trends, and policies which they do not agree to and they are not abused. They are free to hold elections, referendums, ensuring majority rights, protecting minority rights, having opposition, have multi parties, have press freedom and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. But once again to constantly uphold and safeguard the principles of Islam, the firm rulings, the al-thawabit: the determined laws – hukm qat’i, the daruri – the essentials of religion and the non-ijtihadiy must not be compromised or neglected.

Syura: Syura or consultative decision making must be followed and not just as a debating factor. By practising syura, it is closer, hence even better than the spirit of democracy. It is but the lost jewel found, the lost wisdom – al-hikmah which has been rediscovered. Syura enables musyawarah to be conducted, obtains views and opinions, becomes the responsibility of the people to advise and counsel the government (ad-dinu nasiha) and establish amar ma’ruf nahy munkar – enjoining good and forbidding evil. Among the obligations of amar ma’ruf nahy munkar is the highest jihad (struggle) that is to voice out the truth in front of the unjust tyrant. The State of Politics in the Ummah:

The musibah or calamity of the ummah then and now is the absence and the abeyying of the system of syura and the adoption of an oppressive dynastical ruling system. In the modern era, dictators stay in power by the force of arms and gold – power and wealth resulting in the syariah being hindered, secularism being forced upon and cultural Westernisation being imposed. Islamic da’wah and the Islamic movement being victimised, brutalised, imprisoned and hounded viciously.

4. Qur’anic Examples of Tyrannical Rulers The Al-Qur’an denounces all powerful rulers such as Namrud, Fir’aun (Pharaoh), Hamaan and Qarun. Namrud is taghut – the transgressor who enslaves the servants of Allah as his serfs.

There is the pact or collaboration of three parties: Fir’aun – he claims to be God, carries out tyranny and oppression throughout the land, enslaves the people Hamaan – the cunning politician, experienced, having self interest, in the service of taghut, propping up and supporting Fir’aun and cheating the people, subjugating them. Qarun – the capitalist or feudalist who takes opportunity from the unjust and oppressive laws, spending fortunes for the tyrannical leader in order to profit and amass more vast returns, bleeding and exploiting the toils of the people. The origin of Qarun was that he came from Prophet Musa’s own clan who colluded with Fir’aun due to the love of worldly life and materialism. The combination of taghut and Zulm results in the spread of mayhem and the destruction of the community, subjugating man by force and degradation. The People:

Al Qur’an denounces the people or citizens who are obedient and loyal to their oppressive rulers. The people who remain under the tutelage of taghut are fully responsible and accountable because it is due to their attitude that brought forth these fir’auns and taghuts. Al-Junud (the collaborators): These are the armies and enforcers of the rule and order of the taghut. They use force, fear and repression to eliminate and subdue all opposition and dissidents of the tyrant.

5. An Example of Leadership

Balqis, the Queen of Saba’ as told in the Qur’an was a woman who lead her people well, just and administered them with intelligence and wisdom saving her people from a war that was destructive and made decisions by syura-consulting them. Alas, the story ended with the acceptance of Islam. She led her people towards the goodness of the world and the hereafter. Leaders like her are much more capable and qualified with political acumen and wise administration than most of the present Arab and Muslim ‘male’ leaders. (Prof. Yusuf Qaradawi purposely avoided the term ‘al-rijal’)

6. Pluralism and Multi Parties in Islam

The existence of various parties or movements is not forbidden as long as unification is not achievable due to differences over objectives, approaches, understanding and the level of confidence and trust. Variety and specialisation are allowed as long as they do not become contradictory and confrontational. However everyone has to be in one united front when facing the challenges to aqidah – belief, syariah, ummah and the survival of Islam. Relations between parties and groupings should be in the atmosphere of non-prejudice, forgiveness, nobleness, counselling truth and steadfastness, wisdom and engaging in healthy cordial debate. Even when the Islamic State is established there is no reason to feel distraught at the existence of pluralism and differences.

7. Counselling and Corrective Participation in Politics

Without the shedding of blood, the most effective way as the outcome of long and painful struggles is the existence of political forces which the government in power is unable to contain or eliminate: that is presence of political parties. The ruling regime can get rid of individuals and small groups of opponents but it is difficult for them to defeat or wipe out larger organisations which are well structured, organised and rooted in the masses of society. Political parties have the platform, machinery, newspapers and publications as well as mass influence. Political parties or political movements are necessary to fight oppression, to enable criticism, bringing back the government to to uphold truth and justice, bringing down or changing the government. These parties are capable of monitoring and appraising the government, offer advice and criticism.

8. Voting

Voting in the elections is a form of testimony. A just testimony is considered as long as one is not convicted of crime. Whoever so votes or abstains from voting in the general elections causing the defeat of a trustworthy and deserving candidate but on the other hand allows the candidate who is less trustworthy and undeserving to win, one has gone against the command of Allah concerning giving testimony.

Danger on the Internet

Robbie’s Blog – You know , When you are connect to the Internet, you are potentially communicating with any of others people who are also on the Internet. Suddenly, your little spinning hard drive is really fair game. Some people variously called hackers, whackers, crackers . Sometimes, they just snoop and delete files. Sometimes they deposit viruses, worms, logic bombs, or other trouble.

As we know. Many businesses and private individuals do not report virus or hacker attacks, for the same reason that physical assaults often go unreported. People are embarrassed, and they don’t want to make their vulnerability public knowledge. There are some tricks which are effectively help you guys protecting your system from intrusion right now.

I Know Where You Live

Another feature of a high-speed connection is that you never have to dial into the Internet. Your high-speed connection is always on, like TV. But here’s the rub: with an always-on connection, your virtual door is always open to the big, bad outside world. Broadband connections give you a permanent Internet (IP) address. The Internet address to your computer never changes. Stop and think of the implications :To a hacker, it’s the equivalent of I know where you live!.

When you use the old slow, modem dial-up Internet connection, a different IP address is dynamically assigned each time you dial in. But with the new high-speed connections, you get a stable, lasting IP address, just like your permanent phone number or house address. Chapter 7 goes into detail about the dangers you face from these new connections, but be aware that your personal exposure to hackers becomes considerably greater when you open your computer to the Internet world with an unchanging IP address that’s always “on.”

Understanding Windows Internet Security

When the various versions of Windows are installed, they don’t offer, by default, the greatest protection against Internet-based hackers. Windows is designed to permit various kinds of networking—connecting different computers together either locally (LAN, local area networking) or over long distance (WAN, wide area networking). It’s obviously a trade-off between sharing and protecting: You want to be able to share files and other resources, such as printers, with your friends or co-workers. On the other hand, you don’t want to share things with strangers, especially hackers. Later chapters go into more detail on some of these topics, but it’s good to get an overall view of the inherent problem.

The Best Solutions to Hacker Probing

If you get disturbing results from the Shields Up! tests, you can read the various pages in Steve Gibson’s site that show you how to block probes, turn off ports, and otherwise solve problems. Another approach is to install the free, powerful, and excellent utility called Zone Alarm. This personal firewall will cloak your computer in a stealth shield— your system will appear less substantial than a ghost’s smile. If you want to get protected right now, turn to the instructions in the section titled “Set up a Zone Alarm” It’s easy, sturdy, and fast. And—unless you’re a business, government, or educational institution—it’s free.

SOURCE: Richard Mansfield “ HACKER ATTACK “

Indonesian elections

Robbie’s Blog – Honestly speaking, political parties In Indonesia have emphasized their individual leaders, rather than policies, There are 170 million eligible voters. And Also, our current President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, is a good leader and  he is a reform-minded career general elected in 2004, he has driven economic growth significantly and tackled graft, putting him in the lead in opinion polls with a personal approval rating of 45-52 percent. His Democrat Party is expected to win about one fifth of the parliamentary vote.

That puts it ahead of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s PDI-P and Vice President Jusuf Kalla’s Golkar, two parties which may form a coalition in order to challenge Yudhoyono. Susilo Bambang yudgoyono Has emphasized reforms and tackling graft as a means to attract investment, create jobs, and spur economic growth. and Also he launched a cash handout program for the poor last year, to compensate for higher fuel and food prices.

Besides that, There are PKS [PROSPEROUS JUSTICE PARTY ]

PKS is The Islamist party and PKS has won a couple of key provincial elections with its commitment to “clean, caring, and professional” government.

The PKS manifesto stresses a need to fight graft and improve civil service efficiency, both areas that fit with Yudhoyono’s reform agenda and which would encourage foreign investment.

But it also wants to renegotiate energy and mining contracts “unfavorable to Indonesia’s interests,” subsidize basic goods, promote and protect local agricultural products, and create a trade bloc with other majority Muslim nations, giving priority to trade with those countries.

Tifatul Sembiring, PKS chairman, has said the party would peg the fuel price so it was the same as the market price, to avoid the subsidy trap.

There Are many Parties In Indonesian Election Which are always make A New Hope and Hope, Some residents didn’t believe all political party promise, because they said” they only need Us When they are still in campaign other than that The political party will leave us and never give some benefits”

Dewa 19 : An Indonesian Rock Band

Robbie’s Blog – Dewa 19 is an Indonesian rock band originating from Surabaya, known as East Java. Dewa 19 was foemed in 1986, and there have been a number of changes to the lineup. The current members are: Ahmad Dhani (keyboard), Andra (guitar), Tyo (drums), Yuke (bass guitar), and Once (vocals). The name Dewa originated as an acronym of the founding members’ names: D from Dhani (keyboard, vocals), E from Erwin Prasetya (bass guitar), W from Wawan Juniarso (drums) and A from Andra (guitar). Dewa is also an Indonesian word meaning ‘god’, or ‘deity’. furthermore, The first album Dewa 19 was released in 1992. Exceeding expectations, the album received awards from BASF in the categories of Best Newcomer and Most Popular Album of 1993.

The second album” Masa Depan” which was released in 1994, Wawan left the band again due to incompatibility between the members. After their 1995 album “Terbaik-Terbaik” which enjoyed sales of more than half a million units was completed, Wong Aksan joined the band as drummer. Wong departed too after the following album Pandawa Lima was finished in 1997 and was replaced by Bimo Sulaksono, a former member of Netral. Not long thereafter Bimo left Dewa 19 and together with Bebi formed the band Romeo.

In addition to the problem of frequent changes to the lineup, Dewa 19 also suffered from the implications of the alleged drug problems of two other band members. Erwin entered a rehabilitation program to end a drug dependency which was ultimately successful. Ari Lasso also experienced difficulties and Dhani insisted that the vocalist role be filled by Once. The vacant drummer’s seat was filled by Tyo Nugros.

In their fifth album “Bintang Lima” released in 2000, the band changed their name from Dewa 19 back to Dewa. Bintang Lima was a hit, selling over 1.7 million copies[citation needed]. Erwin returned to the band as bass guitar player.

After the 2002 release of the popular album Cintailah Cinta, a number of problems emerged. The song “Arjuna Mencari Cinta” was plagued by copyright issues and eventually the band was forced to change the name to “Arjuna” only. Erwin left due to differences with the band’s management and was replaced by Yuke Sampurna, formerly the The Groove bassist.

In 2004 Dewa released a live album entitled Atas Nama Cinta I & II followed by the studio album Laskar Cinta. In the same year Dewa changed its name to Dewa 19 again.

In 2006 the eighth studio album Republik Cinta was released. The album has spawned three radio hit singles: “Laskar Cinta”, “Selimut Hati” and “Sedang Ingin Bercinta”.

The importance inner beauty For Women

Robbie’s Blog – As far as we know that, Women generally want to appear himself always beautiful and glamor. Nowdays, There are many ways that can be done to achieve that goal Which through traditional and modern methodes. However, there is a fairly simple way to be able to appear beautiful from the inside are as follows:

[ 1 ]

Beauty is more than what is visible from the outside. As beautiful as any look you would be far better if the beauty comes from health and vitality in yourselves. Tighten the skin, hair, and nails, and you also should consume nutritious food such as protein, vitamins, and minerals (such as vitamin E, folic acid, calcium,).

[ 2 ]

Taking advantage of the sports
Sports can help to burn excess calories so that is able to lose weight. In addition, the burden of sports for both the formation of muscle. Start the sport with a significant warming and the consumption of healthy foods, like fresh fruit about one hour before exercise.

[ 3 ]

The Consumption of Special type of healthy fat for the skin shine and a strong immune, Special type of fat that is healthy can be found in everyday foods such as fish, nuts, avocado, and olive oil. Fat is very important for skin and nerve health, and to increase the body’s immune, prevent inflammation, and maintain the body in order to keep oily.

[ 3 ]

People Should Increase the body’s antioxidants to look younger. Free radicals, which damage cells and cause the skin layer and can trigger diseases such as cancer ect.

[ 4 ]

Drinking 8 glasses of water per day and when the sports drink 1-2 glasses of water every 15 minutes. When the exercise starts, the body will begin to lose fluid through sweat, and eventually will affect your appearance.Drink lots of water to bring the nutrients dissolved in water, adjust the temperature of the body, and also removing the materials that are not needed by the body. Adequate fluid consumption will also keep the skin stay healthy and fresh.