Jack In and Enjoy

The Obamania

2009-01-21T19:49:00.003+07:00

So, America officially got a new president, Barack Obama. I watched the inauguration ceremony last nite, cancelling the CSI Season 8 that has been waiting since last month hehehe.. I am sure that this ceremony is a lot different than any other before it. They just elected the first afro-american president, a leader that came from many backgrounds that for sure have shaped him into a great leader with vision.

Here in Indonesia, the reaction from the people are various. Some are very proud and happy because Mr. Obama spent four of his youth age in Indonesia. He went to an elementary school here in Jakarta, spent his days with some of our local residents. Many of them still remember him as "Barry", a big dark colored foreign student who -at first- spoke little Indonesian language. Then he moved to Hawaii and started his teenage time and career in the States.

His father is Kenyan, Hussein Obama, who got married with American woman. They got divorced and she married an Indonesian man, Soentoro, who at that time worked for Pertamina (state owned oil company). Of course, even his time in Jakarta was only short (about 4 years), but this enough to ignite a thing what they call "Obamania". People talk about him, read his biography and book, even visiting the school he was once attending. They also founded a fans club for him, where his picture is idolized just like they did with Martin Luther King or JFK.

As for me, Barack Obama is a very unique figure. Not because he spent some of his childhood here, but because of what he represents. He represents freedom, equality and hope. I'm sure it's a big challenge for the Americans when they knew that Obama will run for presidency. C'mon, who are you kidding here? Even many countries have claimed to be a democratic society, racism and stereotyping are still the biggest culprit in their social problems. Hatred and negative suspicion are common in almost every society. So, this is a challenge that needs exact proof of democracy, proof of equality.

This could be seen as a freedom realization that every citizen has the chance to run for presidency. They are no longer limitations that focus more on what color is our skin, whether our hair is straight or curly, do we have blue eyes, or which faith we believe in.

These things had attracted me from the beginning of his campaign. Of course I didn't follow his day-to-day campaign or speech, or rally. What I mean is, from many of his speeches, many of his promises, and many of his extraordinary approach, this man is a promising leader. A leader that would not only lead Americans out of their crisis, but also a leader that hopefully will re-shape the prominent image of American Government and society.

Barack Obama represents equality, that all mankind are the same. Each of us needs wealth, needs a comfortable zone whether at workplace or at home. The projection of our hope and needs are as real as the life itself. We all hope that this equality will bring us out of these global problems and it will start in America.

He represents hope, the last thing we have and beyond our dreams. People put their hope on him. Not only his people, or his political party. But people from every layer of societies and countries. People from many backgrounds and ethnicities. Those who have been waiting for so long to see the dreams our previous leader unable to create. This marks the beginning of a journey, not only for the man himself, but for us as a citizen of the world.

Too bad that I'm not an American or I could try to be there in National Mall, listen to his voices of hope and unity. Then perhaps at the end of his speech, I could scream out and do standing ovation with the other two million souls out there in the cold day of January. And perhaps... perhaps I would also shed a tear with the others for we just got one great leader that would shape our modern history into a new beginning.

Congratulations Mr. Obama, and congratulations America.

Things do not change; we change.
Henry David Thoreau

Another Day In Another New Year

2009-01-12T00:47:00.004+07:00

It's been exactly one month since my last posting *sighs*. What can I say? I've been too lazy and busy lately with all the errands. So, now I will try to sum up what have happened in my merry life for the last couple of weeks.

I or we to be precise, have moved into our new house (yay). As some of you already know, moving houses just sounds like an easy stuff to do during holiday. Things that most of us might think, "Oh, hell, what's so hard moving things from old place into a new one?". Well, it is actually more than that. The more time I, again, we, spend in the our new house, the more things are needed to be fixed. Ceilings, bathtub, lights, door handles, and the list goes on.

Another thing is, I already have enough routines everyday. Teaching in the morning, another teaching outside the school time in the afternoon, going home, watering the plants, spend time with wife and daughter, dinner, then movies or computer games, perhaps one or two cans of beer. Repeat that for 5 times a week, and weekends is unpredictable. We could have a relax weekend, or just truly tiring hehehe..

Like now, it's already 1 a.m. but yet I'm still awake writing this entry. Well, the only good thing this would bring is that some dudes are lucky enough for not have to play against me in the Battlefield 2 servers lol! I still enjoy the game until now. Maybe because it's more complex than DoD: Source and of course much more complex than the infamous CounterStrike. To be honest, I miss playing DoD: Source and CounterStrike: Source for some reasons. Not the repetition gameplay, but in CS:S and DoD:S, I've met players that are not only enjoyable to play with but also to have a chat. More of them are already aware the needs of teamwork and positive communication.

Heck, even I've played with a housewife who enjoys spending the Friday night havoc playing DoD:S as a machine gunner. That was when I'm in Australia tho. As the community in here, people are tend to spend time on trash-talking or insulting others hehehe.. not a pretty thing to have during weekends, but what can you do?

Back to the moving house topic, moving into a new settlement also needs extra time and money. After almost a month, now we are agree that we need some more items for the house. First, we need a portable air-conditioning device. The thing that blows air (cool air, that is) and can be moved around the room. I don't care about any brand because of the tight budget.

Second thing is we need another extension of our desk in the study room. A bigger space is needed to put all the peripherals of our desktop computer PLUS a laptop. Now it's just too small for anything that an computer screen and printer.

Third thing that is also importantly needed is an office chair, the one with comfy arm rest and good for the backside hehehe.. if we're going to spend much time on the Internet or computer, than this is a strike one item that would make things a bit easier.

Our fourth items needed is a mail box. The real mail box, the one that you can put outside your front door. Because this is a housing complex, all houses don't have fence. So, anything that the postman put in our front yard or terrace would also easily been accessed by anyone. Not good when you're having or expecting important postage.

The last but not least is a microwave. The-God-blessing-invention is very helpful for reheat the food or defrost meat. Of course we can always go natural like letting the damn meat sitting for hours just to sweat hehehe..

But I can't deny that moving into our own place is one of the greatest thing you could get. I mean, you arrange what you want to eat, what you like to watch, which channel you want to tune-in, etc, etc. Anyway, don't forget that "with great powers come great responsibilities". Meaning that if something is needed to be fixed then I have to drag my sorry @ss to fix it first hehehe.. also checking that windows and doors are locked before I hit the hay.

As for weather update, it becomes cloudy here. The rainy season might hit our place faster than they are expected. Example for today, it's been raining all day long since brunch time. It is a good thing, because the air is so much cooler and easy to enjoy. It's just the flooding thing that makes me worried. Two years ago Jakarta was forced into a complete stop as 85% of our region was flooded. By "flood" we don't mean a water as high as your leg. Our definition flood could go up to 7 m in some places and on average it's about 60 cm deep. The scene is also so surreal. Our flooded capital will make swamp looked like a heavenly paradise.

Oh well, that's everything I can think of now. After this, I might hit some rounds of games in Facebook or trying harrassing my friends mwahahaahha.. cya when I cya (WTF??)

Chapter I : A New Beginning

2008-12-13T00:29:00.002+07:00

So I have to admit that I've abandoned this blog (for many times before). I also can't deny that I had been too busy with things that I wasn't be able to spare some extra minute just to update my blog *sighs*.

Anyway, I decided to have some changes with the blog. First, I changed the main title, and I'm now looking for a simple and calm layout. If I can find the one I feel most suitable for my blog, then I will change it. If not, then I'll stick with this one for a while.

How's everybody been doing? I hope the late global economic crisis won't drag you into deeper sh#t, than it already is. Many might find difficulties to pay the mortgage, and little money to spend on our family. I feel deep terribly sorry.

Just today, I or we had moved into our own new house. It has been postponed so many times because so many occasions. Some were nice to be remembered, the others were just like endless nightmares.

I took a day-off from work and had been busy since the morning. Exactly minimum rest and my stomach was kinda acting uncomfortably. BUT, *drum rolls* we are in now! I can't believe that this will happen hehehe as the house has already finished months and months ago. Then we have to sort things out such as water system, garden, kitchen, etc, etc.

Now it's already pass midnite, and I'm seriously sleep and tired. My wife even already fell asleep hours ago. Poor her. Well, because now I live in our own place, I really hope I could -at least try- updating my blog in more regular manner.

I hope you will enjoy it too...

Cya in the next posting.

Zero Sugar = Zero Fun?

2008-06-27T13:23:00.003+07:00

So last Monday I've got my chance to try the infamous Coca Cola Zero. It means that the every can or bottle will give its loyal consumers zero sugar. What's the difference than Diet Coke? Well, CCZ is designed with the real taste of cola, while Diet Coke has a very very subtle coke taste.

Then why they don't just name it Diet Coke Zero Sugar? Apparently, in the States they call it "calorie-free" instead "diet" since the young males always associate "diet" with women. LOL. Can't agree more on that anyway.

So, I took one slim can of this little bastard and had a sip. Good taste on the palate tho, even I was expecting a good sweet taste. Usually, when some 'diet' drinks that claim have zero sugar aka calorie, it still has a very decent sweetness.
But I kid you not that CCZ has no -if not then very weak- sweet flavour. It is still carbonated drink, but the taste is so light. It's not flat, it's just missing something, there is no kicking in the taste hehehe..

For me, zero sugar is like watching Jackie Chan's movies without the funny stunts, or , watching Jerry Springer's show without the midgets. However, if you're one of those healthy-life enthusiasts then you will probably like this little bastard.

I don't have anything against it, just not enough sugar for me hehe.. Enough babbling for now. I'm on holiday, taking days off before I rejoin with the class for the new term. I will teach primary class. They said it will be very challenging, and I'm sure it will.

Little update on my blog, I've put some funny, if not, smart quotes. They're randomly set and it will show different one everytime you refresh the page. Have fun!

Reporting For Duty

2008-05-04T21:52:00.004+07:00

For about the last couple of weeks, I've been 'away' from my ritual and sacred activities on the net. That includes e-mail, chatting, browsing and playing games. Perhaps I was too tired and I got some withdrew from this mighty cyber world. Now, it started to kick back again. Starting from last week, I've got myself a chance to re-enter the realm that has shaped me hehehe..

One of them is getting back into Ultima Online, a cyber realm where we could take a role of magician, paladin, thief, merchant, knight, necromancer, even ninja. A world that has painted me with memories, with moments that would stay until the end of my timeline. (Ok, I think I gotta stop exaggerating now hehehe) Also I'm starting to gear myself up and taking position into the world of Battlefield 2. If Ultime Online is a medieval world, Battlefield 2 offers a world of modern day combat experience. Taking up yourself with a challenge being a Spec Ops troop, Medic, Sniper, etc.

It gives a very fast phase of fight, with a split second being a victorious army or a defeated enemy. The intense battle in places from all over the world, fight for every inch that will turn the result of the war. I re-join this brother-in-arms, and I realized, this is actually my world. A world with fake blood and damn pixels of bodies lying around. Corners where you see your enemies' rifle muzzles, dust where you think you see a silhouette of your damned enemy, or rooftop where snipers will ambush your sorry ass without any hesitation. Well, that what have been happening lately.

I play in an unofficial server. It's better than nothing tho. Some players are great and challenging, some are just trash talker as usual but nothing to worry hehe.. I'm still down in the low rank officer, but it doesn't mean it has no fun to play it. They also provide each soldier's status in a website, and this is my status page. You're free to browse and have a look around.

Ok, have a great week everyone!

I Hate Monday!

2008-04-06T12:40:00.002+07:00

Perhaps most of you will say "That's not new, we all hate Monday already!" haha.. well, I have my own reasons. Because on Mondays, I have to do PE. Yes, PE - Physical ~~Ejaculation~~ Education. Jumping and stretching, hopping and kicking! Hehehe.. IF I have to do it with some hot, young chicks, I might enjoy it, LOL! But I have to do it with underage kids. No, you got it right, underage kids. As young as 5 years old. So, yes, this is my other confession that now I'm a kindergarten teacher. I know some of might already rolling on the floor laughing your ass off or fall off the chair haha.. I teach kindergarten B, that means my students are at the age of 5 and 6 years old.

So, while most of you enjoy your weary days in some freaking cubicles or got abused by b*tchy superior comrades, I spend my days with kids. I'm being thrown back in a mixed-and-weird realms of Power Rangers and Barbie dolls, a world where Naruto will meet with Cinderella. Thank God, we haven't got anybody with the idea of marrying Naruto and Barbie. That would be awesome, wouldn't? A kicking ninja with legs like Paris Hilton lol..

Anyway, also on Mondays I will spend the time on swimming pool with these kids. Even until now, I'm still saved that I will spend the Mondays on an elementary school because my boss actually want me to be a teacher in her elementary school. Anyone who knows me in real person might still laughing until now.. so.. shusshh hehehehe.. It's because I'm a person with great appetite of sarcasm. If this is American Idol, I would be Mr. Cowell.

I can't believe that now I am a teacher, and I enjoy it. Even I enjoy more teaching and spending the day with female kids. They're more calm and easy to take care. While the boys always jumping around, kicking around, and no, I don't hold any personal grudge against it, I'm just worried that my balls would got kicked one day hahaha..

Ok, that's the latest update from me. I hope everyone enjoy the day. Any comment, sarcasms or just silly opinions, feel free to write them down hehehe..

One Month Old!

2008-03-14T22:46:00.002+07:00

Last week we celebrated the anniversary of our daughter, she was 30 days old. It was not only marking her age but as well my survival being a dad lol! We were preparing for the food and we also ordered some pretty tarts with her pictures on them. Clarissa was so excited, even she couldn't say it but we KNEW that she was. Usually, after morning bath, she falls asleep, but not that day! Not at all. Since morning she was truly awake. She knew that she was the queen of the party!

And because everyone wanted to hug her, she was excited that she didn't sleep at all. So she kept awake until about 5 p.m. then we decided to take her into our room because she was tired. She slept so well the whole night, only awake one time I guess asking for milk around 4 a.m. She is getting bigger now and people keep saying that she looks like Liv, the others said she looks like me. Even some of them said that she looks like my sister-in-law. I guess we have to wait a while until we know whom she really looks like hahaha..

Now she could see further and further, and every morning she refuses to sleep. She wants to see things like bottles, paintings, hanging lanterns, fan on the ceiling, etc. I guess she was curious and attracted with those colorful things. We also found out the she could sleep with white noises. However, she also would easily startled with loud noises. She also now knows the difference between days and nights. It's a good thing tho that she sleeps longer during the night. But it has been her bad habit that she doesn't want to be put in bed. She always want to sleep in someone's arms. For a few minutes, this is ok, but after 30 minutes or so, your arm could go numb.

Anyway, I'm off now. Will put the pictures next time.

I Need To Put A Title????

2008-03-06T14:58:00.004+07:00

Last night I got myself a chance to have a short chat with one of my friends. I've known her for years and we met through an IRC channel. She really made me realize that time flies, and sometimes it's a lot faster than you think. I could still remember those days when I was still actively involved managing an IRC channel on DALnet server.

At that time, we usually had around 8 to 12 people at a time. I accidentally stumbled into the channel during my first months of using IRC. Soon, we actually had some little gathering (only about 8 or 9 people) and the channel's owner gave me an authorization to manage the channel on her behalf. The channel's main purpose was to gather any Indonesian student who was living and studying in Perth, Western Australia.

I was really trying hard to maintain the channel to be occupied with more people and friends. As I was also into the mIRC scripts and bots, I was able to build my own bots. Bots are automatic program that can do a lot of things, from replying a message, greets users to stand guard the channel against spammers, and also provide some games and entertainments. So there we were, expanding and the number of visitors were growing fast. With the helps of my other friends, we were able to have about 80, even during weekends we could have about 120+ users. It was one of my glorious Internet moments LOL.

Anyway, I (or I should start use the word "we"), we were able to do more gatherings. Bbq parties at Millpoint during weekends, continued by going to the cafe afterwards, or catching movies, etc. Truly, we had a bonding more than just virtual friends, some of them, like me, have been friends until now, some had became a very close friend. Even we don't chat much as we have our own hectic days, we still keep in touch with each other. I would not be very proud with I had done with the channel, as there were also disputes and most of us were involved. That's the thing I'm not proud of.

And now, with the vast arrays of community website such as Friendster; Facebook; and MySpace, keeping touch with friends have never been easier.

We have to be very grateful for we still have the chance to access the Internet. Its revolutionary of information sharing systems have brought another dimension of human's interaction. Friendship over the Internet is no longer seen as a weird thing, people even end up in a marriage with people they met on the Internet. We learn how to interact, communicate, even we learn how to fall in love over the Internet. Indeed, it is an amazing tranformation on how we communicate these days. So people, expand your horizons, take your chances, who knows that your soulmate or best friends are yet to be found on the Internet.

Next time I will upload the latest picture of our daughter, Clarissa. She'll be 30 days old on the 9th April.

"Each friend represents a world in us; a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only in meeting them that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin

Little Update

2008-03-01T14:03:00.002+07:00

Yesterday, our ISP suffered a massive blackout throughout the country. Their fiber optic network was cut-off due some unxeplained incidents. I called them in the morning (for those who know me well, this is not something new!) hehe.. and they said that the fix was still undergo and hopefully by mid-day everything would get back to normal. But it took more than just some hours, until midnight last night, the only site I could browse was my ISP ~~homopage~~ homepage.

This morning I could access my Internet again. I did some couple updates on my blog such as changing the friend list, I also removed the media player tool which used to play a song. This time I really hope that I could post entries in a more regular manner.

Anyway, another cloudy and rainy day again today. Trying to write some poems but I'm afraid it's gonna be another gloomy one hahaha.. Maybe I should try to listen to some warm-hearted songs hehehe...

Another Babbling Posting

2008-02-26T22:18:00.004+07:00

Lately I allow myself to sink watching the videos of Jeff Dunham. He is ventriloquist, and has about five or six talking dolls. He's so excellent, no matter how many times I watch his videos, they always made me crack. He had released two DVDs: Spark of Insanity and Arguing with Myself, they are very brilliant! My fave doll (I know it sounds so wrong!) is Walter. Find or rent the DVDs, I'm sure it will be a very different stand-up show you ever seen.

Last night was a bit hard for me and wifey. Our daughter could not stop crying. We have no idea what made her cry all night long. I mean, we had done all the things we could think of. Changing nappy, checked. Giving her milk, checked. Dim the room's light, checked. Adjust the room temperature, checked. Sing her lullaby, checked. Pray before go to bed, checked. Every loose end has been checked and re-checked, but she couldn't stop crying. It last from 1.30 a.m. to 5 a.m. Even I used to live as an insomniac, last night was very very tough hehehe.. Anyway, we hope tonight everything would be manageable. Now she is sleeping safe and sound in her cradle. I'm just waiting for her next milk schedule.

Usually I spend my waiting time by playing emulator games. It's really fun and very nostalgic to be able to play some old games we used to play in our young age. I always have a soft spot for old school games. By "old school" I mean really really old. It traces back to the days when Atari with their Atari 2600 was really a hit and popular video game console for household. With a long history of video games or computer games development, you also could play sh*tloads of old games. Games that were so popular during the 80's and 90's, but you couldn't find the consoles anymore these days.

My fave emulators are Nintendo, MAME, and Sega. Using these emulators you could enjoy the nostalgic journey of Link from Zelda (Nintendo) to the famous Sonic in Sega platform or Golden Axe (arcade version). These games were awesome because they had the originality of storyline and characters, games where graphics were not the only selling point or value. In giving a more comparative picture, imagine the current computer games that come in 1GB or even more in size, some even requires a massive 4GB space and another 2GB free space. Nintendo games on average reached only some KB in size.

So, if you grew up with NKOTB, used to listen Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U, watching Elvis on TV, or drooling over Jane Fonda's ~~sex~~ sexy scenes on TV then you might also like to play these emulators. For a start, you could use ROM-World as a basic guideline. Don't worry about other people saying "What a corny game", tell em to go and stay in the kitchen (wtf?). Only a true gamer would understand the beautiful nostalgic memories of old games.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."
Cesare Pavese

Our Beginning

2008-02-25T23:08:00.000+07:00

Slowly, life has begun a different pace. Streaming down the memory lane, I could still remember the points of my timeline. Junctions where I was required to make a decision. Some decisions that had shaped me, my life, and people around me to become what we are now.

The roaming will of creating a new life with family, which subdues all my selfishness, our selfishness for a little love that have just arrived into our life. An eternal seal sent by God, will keep reminding me about one unconditional love, a love without demanding something to be paid back. A love that will create a delightful memory, that one day we will cherish together and stay forever as long as there is life.

Welcome, Clarissa. Daddy and mommy love you so much. Thank you for bringing a new color for us. Let us stay simply as a family where love and warmth are our daily bread.

Jakarta,
25th Feb 2008

Good to be back!

2008-01-13T22:24:00.000+07:00

Good to be back in Perth again, it's also a good reminder on how life could go so easy. And to enjoy it, one shouldn't have to worry about nothing. Weather is nice even sometimes it's just too bloody hot. The transportation system is even a lot better than before, at least that's what I think. I've went to the city, there's nothing much changing since I left Perth one and half years ago. Only some new cafes and bookshop, the rest are still the relax and lay-back downtown.

However, I haven't got myself a chance to visit Northbridge during weekends or especially on Friday night. Gotta hit there to visit some good ol' Chinese restaurants I used to go with my friends. Well, sometimes it's just too humid and hot that make you feel that you won't to do anything except staying home. Ya know, couch potato, with cold icy beer and watching some good movies. Because I'm not a type of person that can enjoy sitting down a beach and having some tanning, I never really plan my time to pay a visit to the beaches.

Oh, I hope everyone had a nice new year party this time. Although I just spent the rest of the night staying home. I can't really see the points to drag myself out under the rain just to blow some silly trumpets or screaming along the street hehehe..

This time I allow myself to stay in the most eastern part of Perth. It takes about 20minutes to go to downtown by train BUT as long as the train is safe and comfy, I don't mind it at all. Compare to what we have in Indonesia, it's a lot safer and comfortable taking public transport in here.

The Internet is good (oh yeah...), in fact, it is more enjoyable that it used to be hehehe.. Ok folks, I wish you all have a lovely week!

Lag Country

2007-05-06T11:28:00.000+07:00

Just got our own ADSL here. They said the speed is 384kbps, the truth? I've been only on 64kbps since the first day we go it. Never even reach 128kbps. Scam? I don't think so. Misinformation on purpose? YES.

While accessing local sites is pretty ok, trying to open overseas sites is another story of struggling and patience. Sometimes I can't even access Yahoo! Mail for instance. So I think I'm back to square one again. The foreseen needs of fast information flows (that includes Internet) haven't been reached to the top priority here. Anticipation to avoid the emblem as 'lag country' seems never been taken as serious matter. We enjoy more on fighting over some religious-based disputes; gossip about our celebrities; who got killed on last night robbery; supertitious TV programme; and corny-cheap-stupid-irrational-plagiaristic sinetron (soap operas). It's sad, but our society is very consumptive. Example, like the malls here. In Jakarta itself, we currently have above sixty malls, while some others are coming. And that info was written six months ago on November 2006. Being consumptive is good, however it needs a wise justification and consideration.

If someone asks about the keen of our people about technology especially electronics devices and gadgets, the answer is clear. The people here are very keen, well at least down here in Jakarta. Some do have a large amount of sources to feed their needs such as mobile phones shops, computer shops, game shops (even almost every of them only sells pirated copies) and stereo systems shops. However the government haven't concentrated wholefully on providing the adequate Internet facilities for the country. I know it's hard, even they decide to issue a tough copyright protection law and cyberlaw, the practice will be far from what they wish. Then as the others might feel the same, the only thing we can do is waiting.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Over and out.

Jakarta's Under Water World

2007-02-28T20:05:00.000+07:00

Jakarta is recovering from its worst flood in national history. About 70% of its area was covered with muddy water, mainly came from its thirteen rivers that run through the city. Yes, thirteen, one three. Imagine if everyone one of them is filled with rubbish, households and industrial wastage that are being dumped everyday. Then imagine they do it for, let's say 5 years. When the raining season comes, people will worry more about the flood than the crime rate. It is actually a cycle, a 5-year cycle. Yet there are not enough efforts to prevent the seasonal flood (it sounds wrong but hey it is what happen here).

During the disaster, the city was forced to halt its daily activities. Everything and everywhere was flooded. Commercial areas, shopping malls, offices, and of course people's houses. How high was the water? some might start to ask. Well, I'll give one example in an underpass, with 5.5 m height. The flood almost touched its ceiling, only leaving about 20 cm from the top. Some worst area, the flood covered up to 7 meters height. Some lucky citizens only got the muddy and thick water up to their ankle. Then problems started arise from it, starvation, not enough medical supplies and evacuation area, including the poor health and sanitation, and the most critical one is the inadequate amount of clean water. The floods have forced the closures of several main roads across Jakarta, electricity and water supplies remain cut in large areas of the city. Some major rail lines and some roads have been closed. Most schools also stayed shut, as forecasters warned that more rain is on its way.

Thousands were forced to flee from their houses, leaving their belongings behind. Many even haven't got chance to take any single thing. Between the 2nd to 4th February, there was nothing I could do except watching the news. Can't really go anywhere. I had to take emergency day off from work. I'm a bit lucky as we live near the outskirt of Jakarta and it's higher than the capital town. So heavy rain wasn't a problem.

A week after the flood, more problems arise. Diseases started to spread. Diarrhoea and dysentery are the main threat including illness spread by rats. It was clear that there was an epidemic in most refuging area. It took another 4 to 5 days before the condition become a bit better. However, the government was facing a renewed criticism as it hasn't done enough to prevent the disaster. Then we watched people started to blame each other. The people blamed the government for the inadequate programs and plannings to anticipate it. Within government, people also started to point their fingers on others. Of course some politic parties took this moment to discredit the current government and expose their inabilities to provide what their people need.

Aside from the blaming and the pointing fingers, we should really re-assess ourselves. Have we done enough? Do we start the "do no litter campaign" from ourselves? Have we built enough awareness among ourselves? In my opinion, it's not someone's fault, but everyone's fault. I do feel guilty for those little rubbish I threw on the roads. Tissues, ATM receipt, shopping receipt, candy wraps, etc, those little things I admit threw away on the streets. Eventhough many said if the government could fix its east flood canal and west flood canal, the flood won't be a problem anymore. At least it won't be this bad.

So, rather than trying to find the scapegoat, let's adjust our behavior and consciousness that flood is harmful. Houses, properties, and even our lives are at stake. Everyone should do something -no matter how small it is- or else in five ears the flood ravage one day might become a tourism commodity if we don't do anything about it.

"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned".
Peter Marshall

Movie Muncher Mark 1

2007-02-16T22:19:00.000+07:00

Ok, I want to make something different. From now on, any post that discuss, share or a review of a movie would be titled "Movie Muncher". The number will continue starting from number one. What I expect and hope from this is people could read information or even discuss the movie on subject. And perhaps, the viewers might get a recommendation of what movie is good. Some movies might be a little bit too old, but I'm sure not everyone has watched them. Ok, here we go.

The first movie I would like to share is The Sentinel. A story behind the daily basis work of a Secret Service Agent. Starred by Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria and Kim Basinger. Douglas is a veteran agent who has been on duty from the Reagan's era. He is old but he doesn't loose his touch. Suddenly, his job was getting complicated especially when his love life got into the line. He had to prove that he is the good guy who is trying to stop the bad guy from killing the president of the United States of America and his marriage. While on the other side, Sutherland is an agent that adore rules, strict and always play by the book. The two were racing against the time, to stop the bad guys and to prove someone's innocence.

Overall, the movie is good. It shows the common procedures of Secret Service agent, how they work or organize the daily schedule of an American president. Storyline is average, simple plots and good characters especially Basinger. Even you might forget about the movie pretty fast, however you could enjoy every bit of it while you are watching it. Rating: B-

Next is Crash, a movie of inter-related of some characters in L.A. It shows how prejudice, stereotyping and racism still exist and strongly affect our everyday life. People treat others based on skin colors, physical appearance ignoring the dividing line of social status. Being Afro-America, being Hispanics, being Asian, being Mediterranian, and so on. That is our status. People are labelled and marked with invisible stain that focus more on our accent rather than your nationality status in your passport.

This movie quite a stirring. It brought 3 Oscars, another 37 wins and 56 nominations. The storyline will show how explicit we could be sometimes. How prejudice directs us away from compassion, and stereotyping that tears a society apart. Starred by Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton, Ludacris, Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, and Ryan Phillippe. Full of dedicated and talented movie stars, this movie surely would bring something different. And you might start to re-think if the shop-attendant of the exclusive boutique you visited last week, served you based on your accent, your expensive clothes or simply on your nationality without any prejudice. Rating: A+

Have a nice weekend, everyone. Happy Chinese New Year for those who celebrate it. Gong Xi Fa Cai. Xin Nian Kuai Le, Wan Shi Ru Yü. Zhu Ni Shen Ti Jian Kang, Gong Cuo Shun Li.

"Our thoughts are unseen hands shaping the people we meet. Whatever we truly think them to be, that's what they'll become for us."
Richard Cowper

Newly Wed

2007-02-16T21:40:00.000+07:00

Phew.. All those plannings and discussion had met its end. Our preparations took about a year. It includes the early reservation for the ballroom, decoration design, to pre-wed pictures. Everything went well, no major problems arose. Couple things were going off the schedule but it's not a big deal tho. Now I'm a married man, joining the oldest club in the world lol. Can't say much tho as it's only a change of status. We've known each other quite a while. We know what our other half feels, thinks, likes or dislikes. We would like to thank everyone that participated in our wedding reception. Friends, families and close relatives who had spent time and effort in helping us to held such a wonderful reception.

Special thanks to our friends Zarija and his sister Anuskha Stankovic from Perth, Western Australia. Also to the notorious Michael Kleger aka znacke from HK (ok, he's originally a Swiss-German) hehehe.. The pictures are half developed, including the video coverage. I hope I would be able to share some of them here.

"Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place."
Zora Neale Hurston

Hohoho!

2007-01-02T22:10:00.000+07:00

Merry Christmas 2006 and Happy New Year 2007. May Lord bestows a heavenly peace and earthly blessing for thee and thy loved ones. For this Christmas we might enjoy a simple joy, a love to be shared and fond memories to be remembered. Also in this new year, our dreams and hopes will come true. Ok, y'all know I'm not good with words hahaha.. Happy holiday!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful".
Norman Vincent Peale

Going Places part 1

2006-12-07T20:27:00.000+07:00

If you are happen to love travelling, which destination do you love the best? Or which place you really really love to go? A place to die for. Be it a landmark, museum, historic site, landscape, shopping malls, or even a red light district. I have erm, let's call it the "T Project" hehehe.. T stands for Travelling =P

I don't put them in order as they're all exciting spots for me:

1. North Korea. (1,2,3)
Some of you might think "WTF is this dude gonna do in NK?" Well, once I've read a posting (most prolly a Russian, seeing from his language) that told this dude's trip to the unfortunate land. Even though it's strongly ruled by communist government, doesn't mean it's forbidden to go there. Well, at least because I'm not an American as NK is one of the country that shows a great anti-America attitudes. From the storytelling, it sounds that NK is pretty left behind. Socially, economically, or technologically. He even said being in NK feels like in 1950's. While the whole world is going forward, NK on the other hand is crawling back into the stone age. Ok, it might be too exaggerating, but from the pictures he showed us, it really looks that everything is venerable. Why I chose NK as a holiday destination? Because by then we will get the chance to see the real living in a country where the government oppress their people strongly. And it could glorify our understanding to be thankful of what we have. It teaches us the value of humility.

2. Omaha Beach, Normandy
Normandy was the concentration of Allied Troops' landing in 1944 during the Operation Overlord to liberate Europe from the grip of Nazi. With some 326,000 troops from Allied forces, Normandy was one of the bloodiest battlefield known in our modern history. The first wave of the liberation was happened in Omaha Beach. Another place I'd love to go is Pointe du Hoc. The liberation showed that bravery -no matter how small or big it is- could change the whole world. For me, visiting Normandy might teaches us the true meaning of valor.

3. Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Most of us have known the history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These two Japanese cities were bombed in 1945 by U.S.A. and marking the end of WWII. Thousands of people died within seconds after the atomic bombs were dropped on them. In both cities, we could still see the ruins that left from the bombing. Standing quietly just like a silent witness of something that is dreadful. Frankly, being there could give me a chance to honor and commemorate the victims. And perhaps, we also could learn that such calamity would never happen again. From the ruins and what are left, we might be able to understand more about compassion.

4. DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
For what is standing between North Korea and South Korea, DMZ also is one of interesting holiday destination for some people. Acting as a clear borderline that divide the land that once was one country, with same origins and culture. DMZ offers more than just a place to visit but also the crystal clear sign of the dispute. There is a room in DMZ where we can find a soldier or military police from each party. They can stand for hours, as indication of each country's present. Anyway, it's always best advised to visit DMZ from South Korea. Different than its counterpart, South Korea has always been one of the most attractive holiday spots after Japan and Thailand. DMZ can give us the little glimpse inside the dispute that is preserved, be it for good or bad reasons. Should we surrender a peaceful future for something that is not even tangible? However, from visiting DMZ we might be able to taste the meaning of sacrifice.

5. Tibet
Why Tibet? Because two things, I love quiet place and mountainous landscape. I heard that in Tibet you can feel yourself so close to the nature. The tranquility can give a deep peaceful feeling, where we also might realize that humankind came from nothingness. From quietness. From peace. That is why we should always cherish the amity of the world. Peace can teaches us about the goodness of spirituality. I don't mean in religion context but as human's spirit.

Whew, ok at last I've completed my entry this time. I've always wanted to write such posting. It's not because I want to brag what I know about world's history. But because by visiting those places, it won't solely allow me to see the world, it will also open our eyes. Learning to be more beholden of what we've had in the past and we are having now. I hope by reading my blog, we can learn much from each other.

"I am a part of all that I have met."
Alfred Lord Tennyson - English poet

Congrats!

2006-12-05T20:46:00.000+07:00

For the last three weeks, four of my friends have been blessed with lovely and cute babies! One of them is Jeffry Setiawan, he is my supervisor aka team leader. His newly daughter is Vanessa Patricia Renata. He turned up at work one day with the biggest smile we've ever seen! Hehehe..

The next one is Stephanie, one of my closest friends. She and Sam name their son: Sergio Jaco Rachmat.

Third one is a funky couple, Miracle & Firdaus. Their son's name is Fernando Firdaus Widodo. I believe he will grow up and familiar with cars and big bikes from his dad's hobbies hehehe..

Last but not least is a cute daughter of Novie. Her name is Vaneska Maira Lee. Exotic name, dare I say.

Congrats guys! I believe your kids will grow up to become great people and great personalities just like their parents. Really, I can't describe how happy I am seeing all my friends are blessed with such cute and lovely babies. We'll see them as a better generation. Once again, congratulations and God bless we all! Suddenly I'm feeling so old hehehe... now they're gonna call me "uncle" soon! Yay! LOL.

“Only mothers can think of the future-because they give birth to it in their children.”
Maxim Gorky

What A Day!

2006-11-29T20:24:00.000+07:00

Today is very unproductive (I hope there's such word in English) for me. Nothing much to do and the weather is really f*cked. It was showering for a while, then the next minute the sun came up again. Mixing humidity with rain is like having a milkshake with chilli powder LOL!

Well, I hope tomorrow is gonna be a lot better for me. To be honest, even my work is so challenging, but I don't feel like giving up. That's why everyday I believe that there is no bad day until you pass it through hehehe..

Anyway, the wet season has came! No, not that 'wet' ok? I mean the raining season. I love rainy season. Not because it feels romantic as some people think or feel. Rainy days are giving something peaceful and calmness, well at least for me. In the other side, I also love thunderstorm. Weird isn't? :P

Time to go, enough with my babbling! I need my beauty sleep haha.. I'll leave you guys with one very beautiful quote. Over and out!

"By seeing the seed of failure in every success, we remain humble. By seeing the seed of success in every failure we remain hopeful."
Mel Ziegler - founder of Banana Republic

Killing Me Softly

2006-11-28T19:42:00.000+07:00

Ugh, the traffic in Jakarta is really unpredictable. It's ruthless even sometimes can be so forgiving. Every morning, I left for work around 0630, and the trip cannot be predicted. In some days, I arrived at the office around 0800 or the latest at 0815. But this morning was different. I was already in the office at 0730, yes 7.30 in the morning LOL. Perhaps it was because I had less breakfast, so the car ran faster haha (it's possible tho... theorically mwahaha..)

However, I still enjoy looking at those high rise buildings around the city hehehe.. Indeed they are pretty things. I haven't seen much of this city anyway, so travelling around is an exciting trip for me. Even though I still could got lost easily here (boy, I think my grammar is slowly decreasing) So, killing me softly, Jakarta! But I gotta admit the city has a lot to offer.

I've just finished watching X-Men III: The Last Stand last night. Great movie, cool visual effects, even for me the storyline offered nothing special. The sub-plot were also not that great, but the whole package could satisfy the curiousity from the audience and fans. Same thing happens with The Matrix: Revolution.

I was hoping that the X-Men III's main plot could get more complicated and contains many twists but at the end, it was pretty simple. There's a movie I really want to watch, James Bond: Casino Royale. I heard that the movie itself is cool beside the on-going arguments about Daniel Craig as Bond.

Ok, I'm pretty tired and I don't know what else I gotta write. So, that's it for now. I'll see you guys later.

"Patience will achieve more than force."
Edmund Burke

I Went to the Toilet... for the 14th Time!

2006-11-12T13:45:00.000+07:00

Yes, I think I got a diarrhea (what other proof do I need? Hehehe..) So, yesterday morning I woke up about 6 a.m. it's a rare occassion considering it was Saturday. I went to toilet as my stomach was acting weird. Then after that, the show continues. By 8 p.m. yesterday, I've went to the toilet for the 13th times! Ugh, it's really bad. I don't what I ate wrong. I just had what the others did, and everyone is ok except me.

It's getting better now even tho I can still feel something wrong with my body. I hope it will gone away by tomorrow morning as I'm gonna have a very long day *sigh* The only good thing about this diarrhea is it makes my belly's shape better hahaha.. Ok, everyone, have a good Sunday!

Canis Canem Edit

2006-11-12T12:36:00.000+07:00

It’s Latin, means Dog Eats Dog. The motto that is used in Bullworth Academy. Welcome to the deepest shit hole you could find in the education world. The game was created by Rockstar Game, the same game developer who also designed the GTA Series.

Bully aka Canis Canem Edit offers a quite broad adventure game. You can do a lot of things, and it gives you an endless gameplay and gaming experience. You’ll play as Jimmy Hopkins, a broken home kid who had been expelled from many high schools because his ‘charming’ attitude. His first year in Bullworth is tough. Help the nerds to get their books from lockers and they might get friendly with you, but the bullies will try to kick your sorry ass even more.

The game itself is cool. It will record just about anything you do in it. The number of sodas you drank, the distance you traveled by foot, the numbers of art class you’ve skipped, etc. You can sneak into the girl’s dorm, and do your own business there. Or lockpick some lockers, maybe the one that is owned by that hot chick you’ve been watching, where you can steal her pinky underwears LOL. Just joking! But it’s true that you can do some lockpicking to the lockers in the school. And you can steal things inside them such as clothes, slingshot, marbles or even textbook (who the f*ck steals textbook these days?)

However, as it always happen in this fair life (FYI: I’m not being sarcastic this time hehehe), the game itself has created some debating topics. Many people or gamers –like myself- think that this game is cool. Beside of what it allows us to do in the school, I love its offer of freedom. In one game time day, there are classes you can attend (you don’t have to). So you can choose either to go to the class, be a good student and licking your teacher’s ass. OR you can roaming freely in the school, doing your own things, or even go to the nearest town (or perhaps village) for your own pleasure. There is no obligation or frame to follow, unless when you’re doing a mission, or errands that are asked by your friends.

While me and some thousands gamers think that the game is great, some think differently. They refuse to let this game come into the market because the nature of the game encourages its players (especially underage students or young kids) to do things like bullying, vandalism, violence, theft, etc. Or at least, they ask the game to be classified as R Rated. They are afraid that more and more students will do and follow what they can do in the game. It sounds fair though, because you can at least try to shoot those poor football players with your slingshot while they’re doing their stupid warm-up exercises. Or you can bully those skinny nerds with a reading glasses that is bigger than Oprah’s bum LOL.

However, it’s now depending on how you’re gonna see the game. For me, the game itself is a reminder for all of us that no matter what country we live in, or which school we are or were studying, the practices of bullying do exist until this minute you’re reading this. It is a very clear and blunt reminder that kids in school do these types of behaviors. So perhaps, with this game we could pick up the morale value on how we are gonna avoid such situations.

The debates around this game reminds me when “Gone In 60 Seconds” just about to have its premier screening couple of years ago. Many people also refused to have such movie in the market. The reason: it will teach the audience how to steal cars, and it is very inappropriate because it could trigger more social problems within the society. Well, if someone said that to me now, I’m gonna say “Give it a break”. It doesn’t show you exactly how to steal a Porsche that always parked next to your house. Of course in the movie, you’ll see that to access an automatic garage –the one that using a remote- you have to have a reader device to see on what frequency the garage’s automatic transmitter is operating in. C’mon, do you really think it’s gonna be that easy? It’s not a walk in the park. Even you can open the damn garage door, but do you really can handle the car’s lock?

Many movies had shown us that to open a locked door or car door, we need two little bars. Then just slight them into the hole, do some twirls, and voilà! The door is unlocked. Or a fake key that is made to copy the original one. Is it really like that? Even IF there’s a company which specializing in producing and selling such tools, unlocking a key lock won’t be that simple. At least you won’t be able to unlock it within 3 minutes or without triggering the damn alarm. For me, what in that movie was no more than a glimpse insight on the world of grand theft auto. It never actually teach you how to overcome the freaking car alarms or how to start the engine using no keys. However, on the other side, the movie itself might encourage some nitwits to try stealing cars because they think it might be cool for them to do so.

Banning a movie or video games nowadays is like mixing black and white. You’ll end up in gray area. Allow it to be sold freely in the market, then it might create a new wave of social problems. Classify it into R Rated (Adults Only), then there is still chance underage kids could access or play it. Remove it from the market, this is a big no no, with a global commerce like today including online transaction over the Internet, it is gonna be a tough job. Banned in Australia, then you still can buy it off the Net from some 40 years old ~~pervert~~ nerd who still lives with his parents in a peaceful country house down in Sweden. Beside, even the game itself possess or threatened the society especially to the young teens, the budget could be spent elsewhere such as public medical services or helping homeless off the street. (Even though you can learn how to do it effectively in GTA Series *winks* hehehe)

So, even I have to admit that Canis Canem Edit does possess a chance of creating new social outcasts, but it is now up to us (adult gamers) how we are gonna handle it. We could just ignore the debating crap and keep playing, and let your 15 years old niece to play it too. OR, we can, at least try to be a responsible adult, which keeping R Rated games from the reach of young teens. Never induce them to try the game or give it as birthday or Christmas present. Maybe, with the less numbers of adults who let underage kids to play a R Rated game, indirectly we are helping and supporting the game community. Also we could still preserve our title as a gamer and our responsibility as a parents. Remember, guns don’t kill people, but people with guns do.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom."
Raymonde Uy

Back to San Andreas

2006-11-11T19:03:00.000+07:00

So here I am, just finishing my visit to San Andreas. For quite a while, I’ve avoided San Andreas with all its lurking temptations and challenges. However, since three weeks ago I’ve been running some (or perhaps so many) errands. I did some jobs for some ruthless people throughout San Andreas. One of my fave place is Las Venturas. The city offers so many great things including various entertainments in some casinos, strip clubs and bars. And one of the most famous features of Las Venturas is its long and wide main roads. People also park their cars (fancy and fast cars too) just on the street. So it is a hard temptation to refuse not to hijack those hehehe..

In San Fierro, I met a cool Chinese dude name Wu Zi Mu aka Woozie. He is blind though, but he is a great character. Wise ass who thinks that his way is the best lol. But he respects the people around in wholefully. He runs a casino –Four Dragon Casino- in downtown Las Venturas. He took me into robbing Mr Salvatore Leone’s famous casino, the Caligula. Oh well, shit happens. Even he threatened me that he’ll get me and my next generation and my next next generation, but I’m sure I’m gonna be ok. He is getting older by the minute and most prolly I’m gonna attend his funeral before I even hit my second puberty LOL!

Also, I’ve revisited the lovely Los Santos. I took care of everything including removed those damn drug dealers off the street for good. Now at least I find less homies in neighborhood consuming those damn shit anymore. The Vagos boys probably would never show their balls again in Los Santos for sometimes in the long future. I’ve took over all of their territories. Of course there are some prices to get them… their freaking life, and their rotten bodies perhaps still stinking on some street corners. It’s now the time for me to show to those Ballas Boys who had been acting tough. I’ve fought em many times, even most of their territories has fallen into the Grove Family’s hand, but the Ballas are still messing around sometimes. They’re like cockroaches, they just wont die even you try to hit em some hundreds times.

I’ve paid my debts to that jerk police officer Frank Tenpenny. I hope he likes for everything he had got so far. Now my hood is back to normal. Cesar is still running his damn garage in Doherty, San Fierro. Along with the noisy Zero lol. He just cant stop annoying everyone with his stupid accent. Ok he’s a genius but his brain perhaps doesn’t know a processor that would allow him to be aware when he has to stop yapping hehehe..

So everything’s back to its track now. I’m sure this will last long. Ok, I gotta hit the road now. I still have to jack some cars and drop them in Easter Basin Docks in San Fierro. The money is not bad though, even that’s not the reason I’m doing it.

"We could shit on you from such a height, you'll think God himself has crapped on you".
Officer Frank Tenpenny - GTA San Andreas

Noob On The Loose

2006-08-09T18:17:00.000+07:00

So, eventually I'll be a citizen of Jakarta - our lovely capital city. The biggest challenge is to adapt and remember the streets of Jakarta. I mean, I can get lost very very easy here. It's so complex and the most frustating thing is the traffic. Miss a turn, then you have to go many kilometres before you could get back. In some days, it takes only 40 minutes from here to go to downtown. Sometimes, when the traffic jam is awful, it could take more than an hour and half.

I don't know how long it will take for me to remember or get to know around in Jakarta. Many days, I've tried to remember the roads here by looking at advertisement boards. Boy, that is one fatal mistake considering how many thousands of them out here. So, this would be a tough job. Just wish me luck (no, really, I'm gonna need it a lot).

Perhaps, I'll buy the best map in town, then I can start erm learning the road map. I dunno how many millions people living in this city now. For sure it's more than 6 millions. Well, more people means more places to go for food, unless you live in North Korea hehehe... Eating out would offer a great thing in Jakarta. The basic thing is your budget. If money is not an issue, then for you Jakarta is a food heaven. Oh well, I guess that's everything for now. I hope I could write more. Hamlet signs off.

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
Thomas Stearns Eliot, aka T. S. Eliot