Sunday, June 25, 2006

10 minutes by Ahmed Imamovic-Best Short film in Europe

10 minutes by Ahmed Imamovic. 1994. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Rome, Italy. How many different things can happen for only 10 Minutes. The film won the award for the best European short film in 2002.

This short film, as its title indicates lasts only 10 minutes, but it tells a much longer story which unravels only in our imagination upon seeing the end of the film. While 10 minutes in someone's life mean nothing, they can be fatal in another: a boy and his loving family, tragedy in a war-torn city, death and destruction. All in just ten minutes. The film follows two simultaneous story lines: one set in Rome, and one in Sarajevo, in 1994, the worst time of the war in Bosnia. Although the Rome part was not filmed on the original location, that does not take away anything from the quality of the film, it was just a symbolic element anyway. Cast is great, story is very compact and well written, direction dynamic and precise. There is nothing out of place in the film: well structured, stripped of false pathos, realistic, it is very straight forward. In other words, this is a jewel of a film, and it was not by chance that it won the award for the best European short film in 2002. 10 minutes for me is definitely one of the most moving and powerful films about wartime Sarajevo. Behind the scene: I read that the director Ahmed Imamovic, in search of Japanese for the role of the tourist, had to go to the Japanese Embassy in Sarajevo and ask one of the staff to perform in the film. Luckily for the director, the Embassy allowed one of their employees to star in the film.

The story tells how SERBS have killed civils, old people and children!

Take home messages:

  • Dilayarkan di dua latar tempat yang berbeza, hanya dalam masa yang teramat singkat, iaitu 10 minit, ianya meninggalkan impak yang bermakna untuk setiap daripada kita yang mungkin boleh memikirkan pengajaran dan iktibar yang cuba disampaikan oleh En. Ahmed Imamovic.

  • Cuba bayangkan jika diri kita berada di pihak lelaki Jepun yang menghabiskan masa 10 minit untuk menunggu gambarnya siap diproses hanya dengan menghisap rokok. Kalau difikir secara logiknya, memang jelas yang dia sedang membuang masa yang sangat bernilai. Lagi teruk ialah kerana merokok itu sendiri mengancam kesihatan dirinya sendiri. Kesimpulannya, amatlah rugi bagi lelaki tersebut.

  • Berbalik kepada kanak-kanak lelaki di Sarajevo yang sebenarnya bertarung nyawa demi mendapatkan air minuman daripada tangki untuk ahli keluarganya. Dalam masa 10 minit itu, dia menggadaikan nyawanya dan akhirnya, dia pulang dengan satu perasaan yang hampa, hancur-luluh oleh sebab kehilangan semua orang yang tersayang. Ini tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah atas tindakan kejam lagi tidak berperikemanusiaan tentera Serbia. Astaghfirullahal’azim, lihatlah. Kanak-kanak kecil itu pada akhir ceritanya tidak mendapat apa-apa, tiada lagi yang tinggal untuk dirinya. Namun, lelaki Jepun tadi telah mendapat satu kepuasan iaitu gambarnya siap diproses dalam masa yang cepat (dikatakan ianya adalah Rekod Dunia). What a contradictory!!!

  • Melihatkan tragedi yang cukup tragis ini menyebabkan hati kita tersentuh buat seketika. Namun, disebabkan kita hidup dalam suasana yang aman, bangun pagi dengan sarapan yang sedia terhidang, tanpa perlu kita memikirkan bagaimana untuk mendapatkan secicip rezeki…kita mungkin tidak mampu menghayati perasaan dan hati kanak-kanak kecil itu tadi. Dia dan juga orang-orang yang berada di tempat kejadian, sememangnya telah bersiap-siaga untuk mengorbankan diri mereka (mati syahid) pada bila-bila masa sahaja. MashaAllah, ana sendiri tidak mampu untuk meletakkan diri ana dan berteguh hati seperti mereka. Justeru, bukalah minda kita untuk sentiasa prihatin dan bersimpati atas nasib yang Allah sudah tetapkan pada mereka. Andai kita dihujani derita yang sama, apakah kita mampu tegar? Apakah kita tidak bisa goyah iman? Ana tidak ada jawapan untuk soalan-soalan retorik ini. Terpulanglah pada sahabat-sahabat sekelian untuk memberi response yang sewajarnya.

Akhir kalam, ana sebetulnya tidak arif dalam membuat Film Review…tapi ana cuma terasa ingin meluahkan isi hati ana dan pandangan ana yang dhaeef ini terhadap intipati short film ini. inshaAllah, moga ianya dapat memberi sedikit manfaat buat sahabat-sahabat yang ana kasihi sekelian. Bersama kita susuri medan perjuangan yang menagih seribu satu pengorbanan baik dari segi diri, tenaga, harta dan seumpamanya. Ana al-faqeerah ilallah.. Moga Allah memberi ketabahan dan keteguhan hati seteguhnya karang di dasar lautan..berkorban itu bermakna diri kita turut sama berkorban dan terkorban..Allahu ta’ala a’laam...




Thursday, June 15, 2006

Selamat Hari Lahir, Aina…



Assalamualaikum wbt..specially dedicated to my dear friend, Ukhti Aina Farhana…may Allah shower you with His bless and countless Bounty, Ameen!

Today, 15th June is your 21st Birthday..but I’m so sorry for being too late to wish you..but anyhow, I suppose that does not really matter as long as I remember it…Happy Birthday Aina!!!

Just a few words from me;


“I rarely take the time to say it,
But I’m glad you’re my friend.

We’ve shared some special moments together,
Memories we’ll never forget;

We’ve laughed, cried, and believed.
Through extraordinary times;

You’ve been there to lean on
When I needed a shoulder;
You’ve extended your heart and accepted me as I am;
You’ve listened to my dreams and schemes and my problems.

Again, I’m so grateful
For being granted a close friend like you;
The one who is always by my side,
In times of pains and sorrows;
When it feels like there’s no tomorrow
You’ll stay, my dearest friend.

Truly, friends will have differences, friend will fight;
But in the end, everything will be fine and just right.



MashaAllah, I shall share something about the Concept of Friendship in Islam which I have just got to know it..may it benefit others as well…

*************************************************************************************

In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend." [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee]


In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him." [al-Bukhary and Muslim]


In his commentary of this Hadith, Imam an-Nawawy said that the Prophet (s.a.w.) compared a good companion to a seller of musk and spoke of the virtue of having companions who are good, who have noble manners, piety, knowledge and good culture . Such are those who grant us from their virtue. And he ( s.a.w.) forbade us to sit with those who do evil, commit a lot of sins and other bad deeds, as well as with innovators, backbiters, and so forth. Another scholar said: "keeping good company with the pious results in attainment of beneficial knowledge, noble manners and righteous actions, whereas keeping company with the wicked prevents all of that." Many times a Muslim is encouraged by his friends to do evil and to forget his duties. The result is that Muslims themselves are often ashamed to leave them to perform prayer, their friends thus causing them to clearly deviate from the Right Path.

Last but not least, I just want to reiterate this authentic hadeeth from our beloved Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.;

Narrated Anas r.a.: The Prophet S.A.W. said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of Faith: the one whom Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W.) become dearer than anything else; who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake; who hates to revert to atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 1 Hadeeth no. 15]


*************************************************************************************

Ana uhibbuki fillah abadan abada…=)




Min,
Ukhtil Mukhlisah,
Ukhti Siti Yusrina Nadihah Jamaludin.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

A day with Anatomy...





Assalamualaikum wbt to all…alhamdulillah, I have been so silent for a short time as I am drowning with my preparation for the final exams..but anyway, May Allah grant you with His bless and mercy, Ameen!

First and foremost, I do apologize for my friends out there who are not doing Medicine or any equivalent course…because this entry will be all relevant to only students from medical faculty..Asifi jiddan, I’m not an Art stream student, anyway...and I have no knowledge regarding it =)

MashaAllah, yesterday’s paper was a bit alright even though I hardly prepared for it..The paper was coded as BMS2011—Structure of the Human Body (a.k.a. Anatomy). It was set up for 3 hours and I sort of struggling to answer 50MCQs as well as 6 Essays in that cold examination hall, at Caulfield..Subhanallah, what a freezing week! The funny thing was that, I could not really draw the structure of bones and the heart properly as my hand was shaking…but then, inshaAllah, it was over now and I just have to let bygone be bygone and definitely be as submissive as possible to Allah..He always knows the best!!

Frankly speaking, I do regret for not learning to appreciate Anatomy in the first place..hence, I would like to advise my other friends to not repeat the same mistake..Anatomy is something enjoyable because you learn more about yourself..and to all Muslims, particularly, this subject can help us increase our Faith towards the Glory of Allah’s power..Wallahu a’laam..this is just my humble opinion..and it is definitely arguable =)

To make it short, here are some sample essay questions given by Nigel Wreford…most importantly, “expect the unexpected from Nigel.” To all 2nd year Medic students in Monash, I’m sorry if these questions are not really covered in your course or exam (as you guys have only covered the Upper Limb, Lower Limb, Thorax, Head and Neck)...but inshaAllah, going through the essays is somewhat helpful towards understanding the theory (for MCQs)..

InshaAllah, I’ll rank the questions based on what you guys have already covered…hope it helps =)

***BMS 2011 2006***

Upper and Lower Limb

1. Peripheral nerves in the limbs have contributions from multiple spinal nerves. Explain the anatomical basis for how C5, 6, 7, 8 and T1 contribute to the radial nerve.

2. Review the factors involved in venous return from the lower limb.

3. Compare and contrast the quadriceps and hamstring groups of muscles in respect of their function, innervation and blood supply.

4. Review the mechanisms available for stabilizing a fractured bone.

5. Management of a severely arthritic knee can include arthrodesis, administration of antiinflammatory drugs, tibial osteotomy, and joint replacement. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of these options in respect of a physically active thirty year old and a physically inactive seventy year old patient.

6. Discuss the factors that contribute to the formation of venous thrombosis. How can the risk of thrombosis be minimised?


Thorax

7. Define the mediastinum and its subdivisions.

8. Review the structure of the heart. Include in your discussion vessels entering and leaving and communication between chambers.

9. Compare and contrast the mechanisms involved in quiet and deep respiration.


Head and Neck

10. Review the ligamentous factors that contribute to stability of the vertebral column.

11. Review the structural elements of the scalp including a brief discussion of blood supply and innervation.

12. Discuss the formation, circulation and removal of cerebrospinal fluid.

13. Discuss the factors that provide positional stability to the brain within the cranial cavity.

14. Review the relationship of the spinal cord (including the cauda equina) and meninges in relation to the spinal canal.


Other set of questions on Abdomen, Pelvis, Embryology, Anatomical Terminology, Osteology, Surgery and Medical Imaging

15. Review the anatomical position and associated planes. Why is the anatomical position important in descriptive anatomy?

16. Describe the formation of the primary germ layers. Relate the individual germ layers to the primary tissues they form.

17. Describe how long bones grow using the humerus as an example.

18. Describe the major components of a synovial joint and review major factors that contribute to stability.

19. Review the relationship, with examples, between power and range for skeletal muscles of different form.

20. Review the layers found in the wall of a typical hollow viscus. Using an example of your choice expand on each layer.

21. Review the structural components involved in a somatic reflex arc. Illustrate your answer with reference to a diagram showing the formation of a typical spinal nerve.

22. Compare and contrast the major feature of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

23. Review the structure of the arterial wall and how it is adapted to varying function in the progression from aorta to capillary.

24. (a) Explain with examples what is meant by true and potential anastomoses.
(b) Some tissue lack anastomoses, describe two examples of tissues which are vulnerable as a consequence of this deficiency.

25. The abdomen is commonly divided into regions for descriptive purposes.Describe the manner in which the abdomen may be divided into nine regions (diagram) and list one structure lying in each of those regions.

26. What is meant by the term “retroperitoneal”? Briefly describe the structure of the posterior abdominal wall including its musculoskeletal and neurovascular components as well as the organs that lie in the retroperitoneal space.

27. Review the anatomical features of the male reproductive organs that modify or contribute to the ejaculate.

28. Review the structure of the bladder and how micturition is normally regulated. Briefly consider the consequences of section of the spinal cord in the lumbar region on urinary continence.

29. A surgeon decides to make a paramedian incision from a level just below that of the xiphisternum to a level just above that of the pubic symphysis. Review the structures the surgeon will have to deal with in the passage from skin to abdominal cavity. Do the structures vary in different parts of the incision?

30. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound, CT and MRI in imaging the human body. Illustrate your answer with examples.


That’s pretty much about it.I have some sample answers for some of the questions..inshaAllah, may Allah ease your tasks then! Ameen…


Truly from,
The only Malaysian student of Biomedical Science in Monash,
14 Jamadil Awwal 1427H.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Suatu hari...bila Si Ayah berbicara...

Benakku tersentuh tatkala ayah mengucup dahiku
Kata ayah, kini aku sudah dewasa
Perlu matang mengemudi hari esok.


Mengapa perlu ayah mengeluarkan kata-kata itu?
Tidak lagikah ayah sayang padaku?
Adakah hari esok menandakan bermulanya kehidupanku bersendiri?
Termangu diri dibuatnya...


Hatiku berat menerima pemberian ayah
Kemas dan rapi tiap sudut ditudungkan
Ayah, inikah pemberian terakhir darimu buatku, puterimu?
Hatiku berkelana mencari segala yang tersirat.


Akhirnya terungkai;
Senaskah al-quran pemberian ayah...
Puteri, hati kita dikawal oleh Allah
Puteri perlu banyakkan zikir pada Allah
Kelak seandainya ayah tiada lagi
Pasti, pasti Allah akan menjaga puteri.


Islam, indahnya ajaran dan didikanmu
Mengenalimu menyayangimu cukup membahagiakanku


Memudahkan ayah, menyenangkan ayah pergi jauh dariku
Kerana menurut ayah,
Mengenali Islam, menyayangi Islam menjanjikan kebahagiaan yang abadi.
Mengenali Allah, menyayangi Allah menjanjikan kebahagiaan yang hakiki...