ali

bye for 3 months

euro2008

Sunday, June 8, 2008 2:47:00 PM

euro2008.com

austria/switzerland
whats team champion in euro2008?
whats best player in euro2008?
you like whats team champion in euro2008?
photo of coachs .
photo of golden player in the next time.

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islam

Sunday, June 1, 2008 7:34:01 AM

Preparing for Hajj & ‘Umrah – II

After preparing oneself internally and financially for one of the most important events in the life of a Muslim, the pilgrim must plan and make actual logistic decisions regarding his/her journey. While one can always make the trip by himself or with a small group of individuals close to him, in this modern day this is not always the best choice. It is not uncommon for hotels to be fully booked for at least one year in advance. Furthermore, unless one starts searching very early, it is also hard to find airline reservations and available flights to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season and during Ramadhaan for ‘Umrah. Because of these challenges in planning, many individuals opt to join a travel group that specializes in Hajj and ‘Umrah tours. Since not all tour groups are equal and provide the same quality service, there are a number of items to look for in choosing the right tour group.

The first thing to look for in a group is the price of the trip. Most groups offer a variety of price packages that depend on a variety of factors. These factors include the type of hotel, number of people per room, use of private transportation, and whether or not food is included within the package. Hajj is not the time to go cheap. Since Muslims within the West are generally accustomed to a certain degree of comfort, some Western Muslims would find less expensive accommodations unacceptable and uncomfortable. For example, during Hajj some hotels accommodate up to 15 people per room sharing a single communal bathroom. Furthermore, many Western Muslims are used to a certain degree of cleanness in their hotel rooms and eating establishments that is not found in all hotels and restaurants. Another factor to consider is the distance of the hotel accommodations from the Haram (the Sacred Area). As a rule of thumb, if the price is too cheap, so is probably the quality of the package. In other words, the cheaper in price of the package, the higher the probability of encountering problems during your Hajj, which in turn, can make for a more difficult Hajj experience.

Another thing to look for is the number of years of experience of the tour operator. Generally, experienced operators are the best since they are able to handle any problems that can and will probably occur during Hajj or ‘Umrah. Also it is important to make sure that an experienced leader from the tour group accompanies the group for Hajj, since it is not uncommon to loose members of your group sometimes for hours or even days. Other problems that often occur include lost or stolen belongings and money, illnesses that require medical attention, and the death of a group member. It is important for the pilgrim to understand that their Hajj will not be problem free. Problems arise frequently and an experienced tour operator is needed to handle the situation. When looking for a tour operator, it is important to ask how they handle problems. If the potential tour operator tells you that you will have a problem free Hajj, continue searching for a better program.

Researching the business strength of your potential tour group is another important step in choosing a tour group. Generally, it is better to choose groups that have offices or contacts within Saudi Arabia. These contacts can make a Hajj experience run more smoothly in a number of areas which include helping facilitate and streamline the customs process in Jeddah (which can take between 8 to 20 hours) to providing private ground transportation and buses for the pilgrims. One thing that is highly recommended is to look for a company which offers its own private tour buses. This is especially important since the pilgrim can literally expect to wait for hours for public transportation.

Another important quality of the travel agent is the degree they are versed in the rules and regulations of the Hajj process. This includes helping the pilgrims with the VISA process from the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate to understanding the Hajj and ‘Umrah rites from an Islamic standpoint. For example, in order for a pilgrim to enter Saudi Arabia, there are certain requirements that need to be met from the Saudi Arabian government. These requirements include the necessary vaccinations; if the person has a non-Muslim name, a letter from a Mosque stating he is Muslim is needed. Women must have proof of being accompanied by a Mahram (non-marriageable relative). In addition, there are fees that need to be paid in advance for use of the public transportation system and use of the tents in Mina along with the necessary forms that need to be completed in full and approved prior to the trip. It is also best to use a travel agent that utilizes scholars as religious guides for the trip. Besides helping to keep the travel group focused on the worship of Allaah, rather than on worldly distractions such as chatting, playing cards, etc., he is also available to ensure that group members are correctly performing the rituals.

Making Hajj and ‘Umrah can be one of the most important events in a Muslim's life. However, one should not make the decision to go on Hajj or ‘Umrah at the last minute. The planning of this trip takes time and is a process within itself.

Besides the financial aspects of the trip, one needs to be ready for the trip from an Islamic standpoint. This includes studying Islam, knowing what is obligatory and what is non-obligatory in the rites of ‘Umrah and Hajj, and the development of a strong Eemaan (faith). While both the process and task of Hajj can be difficult for some, the rewards of Hajj can be underestimated. In a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah the Prophet said:

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Preparing for Hajj & ‘Umrah – I

Every year, millions of Muslims make the journey of their lifetime. They come from all over the world for the sole purpose of fulfilling one of Allaah’s greatest commandments to mankind – the Hajj. Abu Hurayrah narrated that “The Prophet was asked, ‘Which is the best deed?’ He said: ‘To believe in Allaah and His Messenger ().’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next (good deed)?’ He said: ‘To participate in Jihaad in Allaah’s cause.’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next?’ He said: ‘To perform an accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari] For over 1400 years, believers have been making Hajj to the House of Allaah in Makkah. It is an obligation for each and every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his/her lifetime if he is physically and financially able.

Pre-Hajj preparations

Due to the importance of Hajj, preparations for it should not be taken lightly. Besides planning the actually logistics of the trip, the Muslim needs to prepare Islamically, physically, mentally, and financially for this great act of worship. Islamically, one of the most important preparations for this journey is acquiring the necessary knowledge for performing the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah correctly and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet . This means studying and learning about Islam, acquiring a high degree of Eemaan (faith) in order to deal with the emotional and physical demands of Hajj, and learning correctly the actual religious rituals and requirements from the beginning to the end of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Studying and learning about the Hajj can be accomplished in a variety of fashions, from reading books on the subject or using computer programs which utilize a multimedia format, to actually taking classes offered by Islamic centers on the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Furthermore, many travel groups that specialize in Hajj and ‘Umrah trips offer Hajj preparation classes as well as scholars and students of knowledge that help those going for Hajj perform the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah correctly.

In addition, it is important to mention that spiritually preparing for Hajj and ‘Umrah is also a lesson on how to follow the footsteps of the Prophet who taught the Companions – a lesson that can be transformed into other acts of worship. Preparing for Hajj is a spiritual experience with a period of self-reflection and a lesson in piety and humility. The pilgrim must focus on his sole intention of performing Hajj. That it is solely for the pleasure of Allaah and in accordance to His Commandment regarding this act of worship. The believer also needs to resolve any conflicts or differences between him and others and seek forgiveness for any acts of transgression. This stage of preparation should take place long before the actual departure for Hajj.

Other preparations that should be planned long before the actual trip are financial in nature. Simply, going to Hajj costs money. Furthermore the pilgrim must pay off any old debts (this includes any type of loans), household bills, and leave enough money to pay any living expenses likely that other members of his family not making Hajj might need. Finally it is important to complete one's will (wasiyyah) before departing on Hajj.

Another important step in preparing for Hajj is the need to prepare physically for the event. Not only is Hajj a spiritual event, it also requires a lot of physical stamina from the participant. Hajj is not a picnic! Completing the rites of Hajj includes a lot of walking, mixing with many people, living in high temperatures (during summer), and exerting a great deal of effort. Another important step in preparing physically for Hajj is to make sure you are medically fit for the trip. Individuals with chronic health issues need to see their primary care physician in order to discuss any medical risks that need to be addressed prior to their Hajj experience.

Another recommendation is that these individuals also travel with a healthy caretaker in case any problems might arise during the actual Hajj. In addition, pilgrims must have the necessary vaccinations required by the Saudi Government for cholera and meningococcal meningitis. Because of these issues, it is also important to emphasize that one should complete Hajj and ‘Umrah as soon as one is able to both physically and financially. Some people wait until they are old to go for Hajj. This is wrong and makes Hajj more difficult than necessary for the participant and in many cases for his traveling companions. Performing Hajj as soon as possible corresponds to the Hadeeth narrated by Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas who said: "The Prophet said: ‘He who intended to perform Hajj should hasten to do so.’" [Abu Daawood]

The last pre-logistic preparation centers on preparing mentally for Hajj. This includes learning and accepting that the Hajj experience includes frustration, intense dessert heat (during summer), and various differences in culture and food. The pilgrim can expect to stand in long lines, be shoved and pushed by others while completing the necessary rituals, and be in an uncomfortable close proximity to members of the opposite sex.

One purpose of Hajj is for the individual to be tested. The individual will be tested on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

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1 comment

hafez

Thursday, May 29, 2008 2:27:11 PM

Birth:
Date:
Sometime between the years 1310-1325 a.d. or 712-727 A.H. The most probable date is either 1320, or 1325 a.d.
Place:
isfahan-central Iran
Name Shamseddin Mohammad
Family:
Pen-Name
Hafez or Hafez (a title given to those who memorize the Koran by heart. It is said that Hafez had done this in fourteen different ways).
Full Title
Khajeh Shamseddin Mohammad Hafez-s Shirazi
Other spelling variations are:
Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi,
or Khwaje Shams ud-Din Mohammed Hafez-e Shirazi
Father:
Baha-ud-Din
Brothers: He had two older brothers
Spouse: Hafez married in his twenties, even though he continued his love for Shakh-e Nabat, as the manifest symbol of her Creator's beauty.
Children:
Hafez had one child.
Important Events:
Teens He memorized the Koran by listening to his father's recitations of it. He also memorized many of the works of his hero, Saadi, as well as Attar, Rumi and Nizami.
Teens His father, a coal merchant died, leaving him and his mother with much debt. Hafez and his mother went to live with his uncle (also called Saadi). He left day school to work in a drapery shop and later in a bakery.
Age 21
(1341 ad) While still working at the bakery, Hafez delivered bread to a wealthy quarter of town and saw Shakh-e Nabat, a young woman of incredible beauty. Many of his poems are addressed to Shakh-e Nabat.
Age 21 In pursuit of reaching his beloved, Hafez kept a forty day and night vigil at the tomb of Baba Kuhi. After successfully attaining this, he met Attar and became his disciple.
Early twenties to early thirties Became a poet of the court of Abu Ishak. Gained much fame and influence in Shiraz. This was the phase of "Spiritual Romanticism" in his poetry.
Age 33 Mubariz Muzaffar captured Shiraz, and ousted Hafez from his position as a teacher of Koranic studies at the college.At this time he wrote protest poems.
Age 38 Shah Shuja toppled Mubariz Muzaffar, his tyrant father and re-instated Hafez. He began his phase of subtle spirituality in his poetry.
Early forties Falling out of favor with Shah Shuja.
Age 48 Hafez fled Shiraz for his safety, and went into self-imposed exile in Isfahan. His poems mainly talk of his longing for Shiraz, for Shakh-e Nabat, and for his spiritual Master, Attar (not the famous Farid-uddin Attar of Neishabour - who predates Hafez by a couple of centuries - but the lesser known Attar of Shiraz).
Age 52 At the invitation of Shah Shuja, he ended his exile and returned to Shiraz. He was re-instated to his post at the College.
Age 60 Longing to be united with his Creator, he began a forty day and night vigil by sitting in a circle that he had drawn himself.
Age 60 On the morning of the 40th day of his vigil, which was also the 40th anniversary of meeting his Master Attar, he went to his Master, and upon drinking a cup of wine that Attar gave him, he attained Cosmic Consciousness or God-Realization.
Sixties In this phase, up to the age of 69 when he died, Hafez composed more than half of his ghazals., and continued to teach his small circle of disciples. His poetry at this time, talk with the authority of a Master who is united with God.
Poetry:
Divan-e-Hafez It contains some 500 ghazals, 42 Rubaiyees, and a few Ghaseedehs, composed over a period of 50 years. Hafez would start versifying only when he was divinely inspired, and therefore he averaged only about 10 Ghazals per year. His focus was to write poetry worthy of the Beloved.
Compiler of Divan Hafez did not compile his poetry. Mohammad Golandaam, who also wrote a preface to his compilation, completed it in 813 A.H or 1410 A.D., some 21-22 years after Hafez's death.
Another compiler of Hafez's poetry was Sayyid Kasim-e Anvarone, of his young disciples , who collected 569 Ghazals attributed to Hafez. He died in 1431 A.D. some 42-43 years after Hafez's death.

Death:
Date:
Late 1388 or early 1389 A.D., or 791 A.H. at the age of 69.
Place:
Shiraz
Tomb: In Musalla Gardens, along the banks of Ruknabad river in Shiraz, which is referred to as Hafezieh.
Controversy: The orthodox clergy who always opposed Hafez, refused to allow him to have a Muslim burial. Yet his grass-roots support among the people of Shiraz created an atmosphere of conflict.
The Oracle: To resolve the controversy, they decided to use Hafez's poetry, by dividing his ghazals into couplets, and asking a young boy to draw a couplet. It was agreed that however the couplet directed them, they would all consent to follow.
The couplet that was chosen was verse 7 of Ghazal #79, which was a tongue-in-cheek response from Hafez to the orthodox clergy. It reads:

Neither Hafez’s corps, nor his life negate,
With all his misdeeds, heavens for him wait.

To this day, Hafez's Divan (Poetry) is utilized as an Oracle to give guidance to our questions, and direction to realize our wishes.

After His Death:

What others say about Hafez: Goethe: In his poetry Hafez has inscribed undeniable truth indelibly ... Hafez has no peer!
Emerson: Hafez defies you to show him or put him in a condition inopportune or ignoble ... He fears nothing. He sees too far; he sees throughout; such is the only man I wish to see or be.

Edward Fitzgerald: The best musician of Words.

Gertrude Bell: It is as if his mental eye; endowed with wonderful acuteness of vision, had penetrated into those provinces of thought which we of a later age were destined to inhabit.

A. J. Arberry: ... Hafez is as highly esteemed by his countrymen as Shakespeare by us, and deserves as serious consideration.

6 comments

arsenal

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:23:16 PM

arsenal Honours
League Champions (13)
2004, 2002, 1998, 1991, 1989, 1971, 1953, 1948, 1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1931
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FA Cup Winners (10)
2005 Beat Manchester Utd 5-4 on penalties (after 0-0 draw)
2003 Beat Southampton 1-0
2002 Beat Chelsea 2-0
1998 Beat Newcastle United 2-0
1993 Beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1
1979 Beat Manchester United 3-2
1971 Beat Liverpool 2-1
1950 Beat Liverpool 2-0
1936 Beat Sheffield United 1-0
1930 Beat Huddersfield Town 2-0
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League Cup Winners (2)
1993 Beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1
1987 Beat Liverpool 2-1
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Charity/Community Shield Winners (11+1 shared)
2004 Beat Manchester United 3-1
2002 Beat Liverpool 1-0
1999 Beat Manchester United 2-1
1998 Beat Manchester United 3-0
1991 Drew with Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 (shared)
1953 Beat Blackpool 3-1
1948 Beat Manchester United 4-3
1938 Beat Preston North End 2-1
1934 Beat Manchester City 4-0
1933 Beat Everton 3-0
1931 Beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0
1930 Beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1
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European Fairs Cup Winners
1970 Beat Anderlecht 4-3 on aggregate
---------------------------------------
European Cup Winners Cup Winners
1994 Beat Parma 1-0
-----------------------------------
FA Youth Cup Winners (6)
2001 Beat Blackburn Rovers 6-3 on aggregate
2000 Beat Coventry City 5-1 on aggregate
1994 Beat Millwall 5-3 on aggregate
1988 Beat Doncaster Rovers 6-1 on aggregate
1971 Beat Cardiff City 2-0 on aggregate
1966 Beat Sunderland 5-3 on aggregate

2 comments

saadi

Monday, May 26, 2008 1:55:44 PM

The lifetime of Saadi (also known by the name: Mosleh al-Din Saadi Shirazi) falls in a period of major political and social change in Iran and the whole of the Middle East (the decline of the Abbasid Empire with the invasion and subsequent wanton destruction by the Mongols). As a result of this, little is known about his life apart from what he wrote in his "so called " autobiographical works.

One of his nicest autobiographical stories, in the Golestan, tells the story of his release from slavery:

... He was imprisoned by the Crusaders and had to dig trenches in Tripoli until a Muslim merchant bought and freed him; but then his previous form of slavery was replaced by another, since he had to marry his benefactor's daughter....

What we know for sure is that he was born in Shiraz in the late 12th century AD (this is even questioned by some scholars who believe he was born in 1210) and began life as a student of the Koran, which he later exchanged for Sufism. During his life he travelled widely and returned to his native town some time around 1256. One usually assumes that Saadi travelled for some thirty years, and it was his experiences and his gift of acute observation that made him such a wonderful storyteller.

In 1257 he dedicated his Bustan, a book on moral virtues in the form of moralising anecdotes in verse, to Abu Bakr b. Sa'd (ruled Shiraz between 1226-60), and in the following year he completed the Golestan. The Golestan is mainly written in prose and contains stories and personal anecdotes. In it he contrasts the fate of those who depend on the moods of kings to the freedom of the dervishes. Its text is interspersed with a variety of short poems containing advice and humorous reflections.

Copies of both works were often penned by the masters of calligraphy and sometimes decorated with miniatures of great beauty.

Saadi displays great wisdom in all his works with an understanding of the human mind, and many of his lines and sayings have been frequently quoted.

He is also remembered as a great panegyrist and lyricist. He wrote many qasidas (long panegyrics) in Persian and Arabic, mystic ghazals (love poems) and satirical poetry.

Saadi is said to have died in 1290 and his tomb in Shiraz is a shrine. He remains the master of love poetry and one of the greatest poets that Persia has produced.

No comments

1 week 1 country portugal

Sunday, May 25, 2008 2:45:46 PM

portugal

Ponto de situação do QREN
Já estão a concurso 35% das verbas para apoios
O Ministro do Ambiente do Ordenamento do Território e do Desenvolvimento Regional apresentou o ponto de situação sobre a execução do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional ao Conselho de Ministros de 23 de Maio. Presentemente, estão aprovados os 81 regulamentos; foram abertos 258 concursos, em praticamente todos os eixos; e estão a concurso cerca 7,5 mil milhões de euros, o que corresponde a 35% das verbas do QREN. A nova orgânica revela-se mais simples e mais eficaz em relação ao anterior quadro comunitário de apoio (QCA III), nomeadamente no que toca à celeridade dos prazos de decisão

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O Primeiro-Ministro anunciou seis medidas de aplicação a curto prazo para responder às dificuldades criadas pela situação internacional, no debate quinzenal no Parlamento, em 21 de Maio: adiantamento dos incentivos aprovados pelo QREN, que pode chegar aos 35%, «desonerando as empresas de uma parte substancial dos encargos financeiros com a concretização dos seus investimentos»; «novo sistema de linhas de crédito para as PME colocando à sua disposição 600 milhões de euros»; reduzir de 90 para 30 dias os procedimentos de reembolso do IVA para o sector da construção; «pagamento a curto prazo de 600 milhões de euros de dívidas a fornecedores», da administração central, local e regional; «congelar até final do ano, o preço dos passes sociais para a utilização dos transportes públicos» e «aumentar em 25% o valor do abono de família para as famílias de menores rendimentos, uma medida que atingirá cerca de 900 000 beneficiários». Recorde-se que a partir de 1 de Julho também o IVA é reduzido em 1%.

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Os dois objectivos principais da visita do Primeiro-Ministro à Venezuela são prestar apoio e solidariedade à comunidade portuguesa e desenvolver as relações económicas, disse José Sócrates à chegada ao aeroporto de Caracas, no dia 12, onde foi recebido pelo Ministro das Relações Exteriores, Nicolás Maduro Moros. «Nestes três dias de visita oficial à Venezuela espero estar com a comunidade portuguesa, que é uma das maiores fora de Portugal; quero mostrar o apoio, a solidariedade e o acompanhamento que Portugal faz das suas vidas e do contributo que dão para o progresso da Venezuela», declarou. «Espero também desenvolver as relações económicas entre Portugal e a Venezuela, pois Portugueses e Venezuelanos são dois povos amigos, dois povos que têm relações muito próximas e não há nenhuma razão para que não se potencie essa cooperação». O PM viajou acompanhado por 80 empresários e pelos Ministros de Estado e dos Negócios Estrangeiros, da Economia e da Inovação, e das Obras Públicas, Transportes e Comunicações, e os Secretários de Estado das Comunidades Portuguesas, do Comércio Serviços e Defesa do Consumidor, e do Turismo. Imagens

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«Pela primeira vez este ano cerca de um por cento da riqueza nacional é afecto ao investimento na Ciência» destacou o Primeiro-Ministro no lançamento de novas medidas para a Ciência, num investimento global de 400 milhões de euros para os próximos 3 a 5 anos, em Aveiro, a 12 de Maio. As medidas incluem o lançamento de 5000 bolsas para estudantes com bom aproveitamento que se queiram associar a centros de investigação durante a licenciatura; a criação de 50 cátedras convidadas, financiadas pelo Estado e por empresas (as duas primeiras, em telecomunicações e em energias renováveis, foram criadas na cerimónia por acordos entre a Universidade de Aveiro e a Nokia Siemens e a Martifer; e a abertura de concurso para contratação de 500 doutorados, por cinco anos. José Sócrates sublinhou que que a política seguida «melhora as universidades, liga o conhecimento ao mundo empresarial e tem vantagens para a sociedade, que só pode andar para a frente e ter melhores salários com mais conhecimento». Mais...

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portuguese-books.com

Sunday, May 25, 2008 2:04:14 PM

Recordar um amigo e grande cantador do desafio
Por: José Brites

António Medeiros nasceu a 15 de Janeiro de 1945, em Santa Bárbara,
Além-Capelas, S. Miguel, Açores. Chegou aos Estados Unidos em 1970, e de
Fall River, MA, partiu para a eternidade às 8:30 da manhã do dia 15 de
Outubro de 2005.
O Medeirinhos, como alguns cantadores e outros amigos tratavam com
ternura, viveu assim a maioria de sua vida em terra alheia, a terra do Tio
Sam que o acolheu, e ele escolheu também como sua. Deixa esposa, Helena
Medeiros, dois filhos e uma filha, assim como muitos familiares na
América do Norte e Açores.
Conheci o António em 1999, e ouvi-o cantar pela primeira vez a 11 de
Abril do mesmo ano. Ano em que, alías, ouvi pela primeira vez na minha
vida verdadeiras cantigas ao desafio. Em 2000 publicaria o meu primeiro
livro de recolha de cantigas ao desafio, intitulado CANTIGAS AO DESAFIO
NA DIÁSPORA, edição da Peregrinação Publications, uma colectânea de
cantorias completas recolhidas in loco na Nova Inglaterra. O António
Medeiros abre esse livro com uma cantoria entre ele e José Gaudino, este
também micaelense e a residir em Taunton, MA. Cantoria essa que teve lugar
nos Amigos da Terceira, em Pawtucket, RI. Nesse livro anotei então
alguns dados biográficos sobre ele, e fiz uma pequena análise da sua arte
do improviso. Tocaram para os cantadores nessa noite, Luís Rodrigues
Melo, violão, e José Luís Melo, guitarra portuguesa.
Depois da edição dessa obra, conjuntamente com o cantador José Plácido
(outro micaelense residente em Fall River), editaria através da mesma
editora mais seis livros de cantigas. E o António Medeiros em todos está
representado, quase sempre com cantorias completas, e mais, visto
também me ter facilitado poemas da sua autoria, os quais foram igualmente
publicados nalgumas dessas obras. Mas confesso que foram a sua
simplicidade e amabilidade que permitiram o desabrochar de uma amizade rápida
entre nós. Igualmente é-me grato dizê-lo, que o António e sua esposa
sempre estiveram presentes nas minhas festas de S. Martinho, na Adega do
Zé, local de sagradas e sãs amizades.
A última vez que o António esteve neste meu convívio anual foi em
Janeiro de 2004, antes da doença o martirizar. Essa presença foi por sinal
documentada e divulgada globalmente pelo programa Contacto, da RTPi, que
de New Jersey veio para este efeito, (a abertura da aguapé), e para
filmar uma cantoria que no dia seguinte teve lugar no Clube Santa Maria,
East Providence, RI. Na noite da adega o António cantou o desafio com o
José Custódio e o Gilberto Sousa, e ainda cantou o fado. E teve a honra
de ser acompanhado por grandes músicos: Dionísio DaCosta, Francisco
Resendes, Nuno Puim e José Luís de Medeiros, este um dos guitarristas das
cantorias de hoje e que muito acompanhou o António em cantorias
oficiais e privadas.
Na noite seguinte à abertura da aguapé, na cantoria a que dei o nome de
Primeira Guerra de Cantigas ao Desafio, esteve de novo o amigo António,
que nunca falhava às nossas iniciativas culturais, fossem elas cantigas
ao desafio, ou cantigas de veteranos de guerras que também organizei
durante alguns anos. Não sendo cantador convidado para cantar nestas,
pois não era veterano de guerra, o Medeiros não deixava de ir a esses
convívios, e cantava sempre a desgarrada final com os “cantadores
guerreiros”, chamemos-lhe assim.
Porém, a última vez que ouvi o António Medeiros cantar foi a 17 de
Abril deste ano. Estava então já muito debilitado, mas mesmo assim não quiz
faltar à Segunda Guerra de Cantigas ao Desafio, no mesmo Clube Santa
Maria. Aí fez por sinal uma cantoria maravilhosa com José Plácido,
cantoria essa que felizmente ficou gravada para a eternidade em vídeo, CD e
DVD. Mesmo de precária saúde, o António cantou estoicamente. Mostrou
como sempre a sua veio poética, e a sua sensibilidade humana que tanto
tocou os presentes sobretudo ao focar a fim da vida que sabia
aproximar-se.
Recordo hoje com saudade - dois dias após a sua despedida de entre nós,
o Amigo António Medeiros, que vi pela última vez em sua casa no seu
leito de morte, a 2 de Outubro do corrente mês. Altura em que me fez o
favor de oferecer duas lindas quadras, as quais oferecerei ao público no
meu próximo texto sobre este grande cantador, folião, poeta popular e
romeiro, (chefe dos romeiros de Fall River), sobre o qual tenho tanto
para dizer.
Por sinal a última visita que lhe fiz, para além de passar um tempinho
a visitá-lo, foi na missão de cumprir uma promessa que lhe havia feito
dias antes no Hospital de Santa Ana, em Fall River. Aí lhe prometi
oferecer o CD de música de inspiração cristã de Dionísio DaCosta que
estávamos promovendo, o qual iroricamente seria lançado no mesmo dia que o
António Medeiros viria a falecer. São destas coincidências inexplicáveis.
Por agora deixo-vos este poema em quadras que ele escreveu já então de
volta com a doença, e que me ofereceu há cerca de um ano para um dia eu
utilizar num livro. Mas aqui fica antecipadamente na hora da sua
partida, esta reflexão poética sobre o seu estado de saúde e o percurso da
sua vida. Descanse em paz, Amigo António Medeiros. E OBRIGADO pelo seu
legado à língua, cultura e tradições populares portuguesas.
Podem ser vistas algumas fotografias de António Medeiros no portal da
Peregrinação, www.portuguese-books.com
FOI ATRAVE’S DO PECADO
(Escrito no hospital)

António Medeiros

Do pecado fui gerado
Por um amor tão profundo
Foi através do pecado
Que vim para este mundo.

Levaram-me a baptizar
Como na doutrina diz
Para eu poder ficar
Sem o pecado que não fiz.

Subi na vida cantando
Mas agora na descida
Vou muito triste chorando
Com saudades da subida.

Vou descendo lés a lés
Numa enorme corrida
Sem conseguir pôr os pés
Onde eu os pus na subida.

Sou diferente do atleta
Eu vou correndo com medo
Quero atingir a meta
Mas não quero chegar cedo.

Eu quero ir devagar
Com este medo imenso
Por causa de não chegar
Mais cedo do que eu penso.

Meu desejo é descansar
Estar um pouco em paz
Mas eu não posso parar
Nem posso voltar atrás.

Minha vida certamente
Nunca foi toda perfeita
Andei para trás, para a frente
Para a esquerda e direita.

`As vezes vou a pensar
Na vida que já vivi
Sem poder recuperar
Nada do que já perdi.

Perdi minha meninice
E a minha juventude
E sem chegar à velhice
Estou perdendo a saúde.

Meu Deus que cruz a minha
Que não alivia nada
Em vez de ser mais levinha
É cada vez mais pesada.

`As vezes quase desmaio
O peso da cruz é tanto
Estou a ver quando caio
E nunca mais me levanto.

Sinto o coração bater
Já não é um bater certo
Parece que estou a ver
O fim a ficar tão perto.

Estes sofrimentos meus
Enquanto vida tiver
Entrego nas mãos de Deus
Deus faça o que quiser.

A vida é tão pequena
E mais larga que comprida
Que até não vale a pena
Fazer as contas à vida.

10 /27/05

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زندگي live

Sunday, May 25, 2008 1:37:54 PM

زندگي مانند جوي آبي است كه گاهي روي آن يخ مي بندد و در عين حال آب از زير يخ ها جريان دائمي خود را ادامه مي دهد
نادان از ديدن يخ ها افسرده مي شود و عاقل متانت خود را حفظ مي كند و به جريان آب توجه مي كند و اطمينان دارد كه دير يا زود يخ ذوب مي شود و آب همچنان جريان مي يابد[/SIZE][/FONT][/ALIGN][/SIZE]

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