Padi Merah Jambu

Reading level : Primary
Softcover : 24 pages
Publisher : PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama
ISBN : 118 0110 0007

When the sun sets, farmers at Dusun Kadiri do not know that fairies there paint the paddies which have grown tall and stoop golden yellow. But, suddenly Dewi Sri (the mother of the fairies) who also paints the paddies is sick and cannot work at all. That is why she asks frogs at the rice field help to the fairies painting the paddies, and they agree. On the next day, Dewi Sri is really shocked finding out the frogs has painted the paddies bright pink! The farmers there are confused with this strange phenomenon. What will Dewi Sri do? Do the frogs can finish their task? A flowing plot, a unique story, and cute pictures makes this book deserves to be categorized as “a must-have book for children”. Clara Ng and Herlina genuinely combine fairy tale and folklore and that is why this book is brilliant.

Reflecting Rectoverso

When I was senior high student, I read the first book of Dee (Dewi Lestari) entitled “Supernova: Ksatria, Puteri, dan Bintang Jatuh”. After reading that book, I knew I will fall in love with her and her books such as “Supernova: Akar”, “Supernova: Petir”, “Filosofi Kopi”, “Rectoverso”, and her newest book, “Perahu Kertas”.

Let me introduce to you the most unique book of Dee: Rectoverso (2008). Why unique? Because actually “Rectoverso” is not only a book with 11 short stories but also a CD with 11 beautiful songs. You may buy it separately, but it will be better if you enjoy it together. You will experience the new way to appreciate both fictions and songs.

Back to the book, there are 11 awesome short stories in “Rectoverso”. The themes of the short stories generally are still about love, but Dee gives other tastes of love like a friendship love, an unconditional love, and a forbidden love. Different with her recent books, Dee wrote “Rectoverso” with simple dictions—not as complicated as in Supernova Series. So, you won’t meet any difficulty to read this book.

Well, I have my own favorite short stories. They are “Curhat Buat Sahabat”, “Cicak di Dinding”, “Peluk”, “Grow a Day Older”, and “Tidur”. Here they are my responses to those stories:

***

“Yang aku butuhkan adalah orang yang menyayangi aku... dan segelas air putih. Keinginan itu... tidak ketinggian, kan?”
(What I need are someone who loves me… and a glass of water.
It is not… too high, right?)

“Curhat Buat Sahabat” tells about a friendship between a guy and a girl. This long term relationship makes them know each other very well—or maybe the guy knows more about the girl. In his deepest heart, the guy loves her—even though the girl loves another guy that makes her sometimes happy or sad (page 6, paragraph 5).

One day, the girl realizes; she is tired for waiting her ‘prince charming’ (page 6, paragraph 1). Then, she decides to wait someone who can love her the way she is—that will come to her side when she needs, with a glass of water (page 6, paragraph 8).
This short story gives a value of friendship. The guy is symbolized as a loyal person that always available whenever his best friend, the girl, needs him.

Meanwhile, the girl symbolizes a person that does not too care to her best friend since she fell in love with the other guy. She also does not see and realize that the guy who is always on her side—is her ‘real prince charming’ with a glass of water when she got sick.

In this short story, Dee makes a comparison between a glass of wine and a glass of water. Wine is symbolized luxury—the ‘prince charming’ that the girl fell into five years ago. Meanwhile, a glass of water symbolizes a pure love that the guy always gives to the girl, even though she does not know it yet.

***

“Kutitipkan mereka untuk menjaga kamu... mengagumi kamu.”
(I entrust them (the geckos) to watch you… to admire you)

First time I read the title, I thought “Cicak di Dinding” would tell about a child who really loves a song with the same title. But, yes, I made a mistake. After reading it, I conclude that this short story is the most romantic story in “Rectoverso”.

“Cicak di Dinding” tells about a guy who loves a girl that, unfortunately, is his best friend’s fiancée (page 86, paragraph 5). His best friend and the girl will get married soon. As a painter, the guy will give them a present—especially for the girl that really adores his art paintings (page 86, paragraph 1). He has a plan to draw an art painting in the small room in their future house with fluorescence. So, what kind of art painting that he will give to the lovely girl?

Dee succeeds to make a disgusting animal like gecko into an amazing animal that has a sense of romance. Gecko, in this story, symbolizes a person who is patient and never tired to give his/her love even though they know that someone he/she loves will not be theirs forever.

In this short story, Dee gives a message that you do not need to be her boyfriend or girlfriend officially to love him/her.

***

“Seseorang semestinya memutuskan bersama orang lain karena menemukan keutuhannya tercermin, bukan ketakutannya akan sepi”
(Someone must decide to be with another one because he/she finds his/her completeness reflected, not his/her fearfulness of being lonely)

“Peluk” brings us to a story about a guy that suddenly stops loving his girlfriend (page 54, paragraph 3) after six year relationship (page 57, paragraph 5).
The guy has no idea why he must do it—to break up with his someone special—, so does the girl. She really disappointed with what he done. She is hopeless (page 56, paragraph 1); she does not know how to find the other guy to replace him. Is the guy still willing to break-up?

“Peluk”, in my opinion, is the saddest story in “Rectoverso”. Can you imagine when your someone special come to you and say that he/she does not love you anymore without any clear reason? It might make you stressful and wonder why he/she can do that to you.

When first time read it, you may think that the guy is a bit insane. But, do not worry. He will try to explain the reasons why he wants to break-up, even though on the first until third paragraph you can see the guy still doubts with what he feels.
From this story, Dee shows that sometimes love, even though you have experienced it years, is still being an unexplained mysterious thing. It is also similar with separation. Most of people may think that separation is something hurts. But, in this short story, separation is better than being together with your special one that not special anymore in your heart.

***

“For me, a perfect chocolate bar should be bitter sweet, not all sweet, and certainly not all bitter, for then you lose all the fun.”

“Grow a Day Older” is one of two English short story in “Rectoverso”. It tells about a forbidden love between a girl and a guy. The girl has a lovely boyfriend and just made a beautiful pre-wedding picture (page 72, paragraph 5). So does the guy, he has a lovely girlfriend and would make a beautiful wedding picture. They have known each other, and they also know there are something happens between them; between their hearts (page 71, paragraph 1).

They are making a ‘friendship’, until the girl realizes that she cannot have another love in her heart and life (page 73, paragraph 1). So, she decides to give a farewell present to the guy on his birthday (page 73, paragraph 5)

This is my new experience to read an English short story of Dee. I thought it will be complicated, but Dee smartly wrote it in some simple words—dictions. So, the readers who do not fluent enough in English can understand and get the message from this story.

Talking about the message, this story teaches us how to make a decision even though you are in a complicated situation. You must follow your heart’s voice. Do not let the common proverb such as “go with the flow” lead you. Why? Because, ‘the flow’ just will lead you to nowhere but ‘ocean’, and I am sure you do not want ‘the ocean’ to be your last destination to continue your life.

***

“Sudah cukup lama aku tertidur, memejamkan mata demi melewatkan mimpi demi mimpi bersama kalian. Sekarang, biarkan aku yang terjaga”
(It’s been a long time I was sleeping, closing my eyes to allow dream by dream with you. Now, let me stay awake)

“Tidur” is the longest short story in “Rectoverso”. Having different theme with the others, this short story tells about a woman who will go home after working two years in the other country. Sounds simple, right?

Generally, someone will be very happy to go back to home after years. Actually, she is happy, but she feels nervous too (page 122, paragraph 1). She does not ready yet to feel her freedom and meet again with her husband and children (page 128, paragraph 8). Now, it does not sound simple anymore, right?

.About the character symbolizes a person who was willing to exchange her ‘home’ with ‘unknown place in a dream world’; her family with the new company (page 127, paragraph 6). She admits that she was sleeping and living in a dream world in the recent two years (page 127, paragraph 6). It makes her does not want to ‘sleep’ anymore and decides to stay awake until she arrives at home—watching her lovely husband and beautiful children who have grown up sleep (page 131, paragraph 6).

***

In my opinion, reading Rectoverso is like standing in front of the mirror. You may see your reflection in some stories in this book, whether it reflects your experience or feeling.

Overall, “Rectoverso” is a brilliant piece of work!

Paris Je T’aime

I always remember one of my favourite films when I heard about France. The title of the film is “Paris Je T’aime” (Paris I Love You). Actually, this film consists of 18 short movies. Different actor and actress, different director, different script-writer, different setting, but same theme: Paris. You’ll feel that you’re travelling around Paris when watching this film. Why? Because, this film serves you several beautiful places around Paris. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Paris (or more) after watching this film.

My favourite short movie in this film is a story about the young French Boy and Moslem Girl. They met at the street that next a big river in Paris. The boy helped the girl that slipped because of the little stone. After that, they talked very close. This is the conversation between them that makes me very like this short movie.

Franois : You have a beautiful hair. Why are you forced to cover it up?
Zarka : I’m not forced. It was my choice.
Franois : Too bad. Because you are pretty.
Zarka : Thanks. But, do you mean that with it I’m ugly?
Franois : I didn’t mean that.
Zarka : You and your pals only insult women. Why do you talk like that, even though you know they don’t like it?
Franois : . . .
Zarka : It’s enough that I find myself pretty. When I wear my headscarf, I feel I have a faith—an identity. I feel good, and that’s also beauty.

***

Desperate Supermodel

Schedule for today is photo session for “Passion for Style” magazine at 2 p.m. And… what time now? What?! 1 p.m.! Oh, darn! I must arrive there as soon as possible! I need taxi!

I take my cell-phone and call Blue Bird Taxi. The taxi will arrive to my house in 15 minutes. While waiting the taxi, I put my make up in front of my big classic mirror. Look at my reflection, what a perfect face. I stand up and try to pose, and… yes, this sexy body makes every man stare at me. They want to touch me, I think. But, I’m not as cheap as they though. I’m a super model. Only a lucky guy who is able has me full.

The taxi has come. I take my Luis Vitton’s bag and wear Manolo Blahnik’s stiletto, also Dior’s sunglasses. Yes, Bandung is so hot this afternoon, I can’t stand it. I sit on back seat taxi after locking my own little house. My Peugeot is repairing at auto service station and it will be done tomorrow.

What time is it? 2 p.m.? Wow, I’m on time. Maybe because there’s no traffic jam at Bandung now. I arrive at “Passion for Style” Office. For your information, “Passion for Style” Magazine is one of the biggest and precious fashion magazines in Indonesia. I’m really grateful that I can be a cover model for the next month.
I’m welcomed by Disha, assistant of editor magazine. She leads me to the photo studio.

“Do you know Febrian Palevi?” asks Disha.

I crease my forehead. “Is he a photographer?”

“The best photographer that we have in this business,” says Disha.

When Disha said “the best photographer”, in my mind, Febrian is a 50 years old man with gray’s hair on his head. But, I see Disha’s expression when she said “Febrian Palevi”, she smiled brightly. Hm, it makes me curious. Maybe I’m wrong to guess the appearance of Febrian.

“There he is. Febrian!” greet Disha.

I’m seeing a young, athletic, and tall guy. He wears a tight white T-shirt and black skinny jeans. Is he Febrian? The hot one? Oh, yes, he is!

Febrian is staring at us while preparing his camera. He rises and approaches us.

“You must be Vivian Adelia, the supermodel,” Febrian is shaking my hand gently. Somehow, it feels that there is an electrical wave from his hand that makes me really adore him. Gosh, he’s so damn charming. And I think he’s 29 years old. Perfect!

“And you must be Febrian, the best photographer,” I smile.
“My pleasure you know my name.”
“Oh, Disha told me…”
“Yeah,” says Disha. “Vivi, you can come in to the make up room. There’s our make up artist who stand by for you.”

I’m walking to the make up room. I don’t know whether Febrian is still staring at me or not. Therefore, when I sat down in front of big mirror with ten lamps on the frame, I have the make-up artist not to close the door. Why? Because I’m able to see Febrian is preparing his camera and the settings for photo session in the mirror.
After the make up is done, Disha comes to the make up room while brings four Anne Avante’s kebayas. I had wear Chanel’s blazer, Dolce-Gabbana’s shirt, Vera Wang’s wedding gown, and other kind of stuffs. But, I think the best clothes that I’ve ever wear is kebaya. Kebaya makes me feel so beautiful and sexy.

I’m walking to the photo set. Again, Febrian is staring at me.

“You’re very beautiful,” says him.
I can’t hide my smile. “Every body knows it.”

The photo session begins. Febrian takes my photo very quickly. I approach him whom sees the photos on his laptop. Wow, the results are amazing! Kebayas that I wore were look so classic but classy. Now, I know why Disha calls Febrian as the best photographer.

“Are you busy after this?” asks Febrian suddenly.
“No,” answer me.
“Do you mind to enjoy some coffee at Starbucks with me?”

I’m a little bit surprised that he’s very aggressive. But, ya… no wonder! Every man always likes that if they face me.

“Sure, why not?” I take his offer.

An hour later, Febrian and I are at Starbucks Coffee at Bandung Indah Plaza. We have talked a lot: music, film, magazine, holidays, etc. you know what? I think we have the chemistry mysteriously.

No, I don’t see my bastard ex-boyfriends in front of me. I see Febrian now.
No, I don’t see Febrian, I see a perfect guy in front of me for my life now.

My heart has empty for two years. There’s no one can fill my emptiness. But, when first time I saw Febrian, I know that he can fill me.
What time is it? 7 p.m.? I must go home now. Febrian will take me home by his black Ferrari.

We’re walking to the basement. Febrian opens the car’s door and let me in. When he will start the car, we look each other. I know that he wants to make this moment is unforgettable. His face closer and closer to my face. I close my eyes. His right hand touches my left’s cheek. There’s something cool of his hand. I’m shocked and grasp his arm. A little thing that doesn’t visible until now: a ring on his finger. Febrian wears a ring. Is it a wedding ring??

Spontaneously, I slap his face. I have been cheated by Febrian. He’s married! But, why he flirted to me? And, he would kiss me a minute ago!

I get out from his black Ferrari and yell, “BASTARD!!!”

I walk to exit door.

I wipe out my tears.

This is my fault. I’m too easily falling in love to someone. Maybe because of that silly thing I’m still single at 27 now, even though I’m a supermodel.

I look back, and the Black Ferrari is gone. Arrgghh, it should be that I didn’t look back. It makes my tears fall again.

I think Febrian is just not that into me.

[ ]

Raden Ajeng Kartini

Kartini is one of the most famous women in Indonesia. She is the first who try to fight Women’s right in the post. Because of her struggle and big influence in Indonesia, she is categorized to be one of the heroines and the most well-know woman in Indonesia.
Raden Ajeng Kartini was born in Jepara, April 21st 1879. She was a daughter from The Regent of Jepara, Raden Mas Adipati Sastrodiningrat, and also a grand daughter from The Regent of Demak, Tjondronegoro.
When Kartini became an adult, she saw the women’s fate was full of darkness, emptiness, hopelessness, and just being men’s ornaments. So, she tried to change it. She socialized with ordinary people (not the riches one) and developed her ideas and ambition which would reorganize women social status. She had slogan like this: “We must make a history, we must decide our future which are suitable as woman, and we must get enough education as much as men get!”
In 1903, Kartini was married to Raden Adipati Joyoningrat, The Regent of Rembang. A role from her husband increased her activities in education. And because of his help, Kartini could build Sekolah Kepandaian Putri (Girl’s Accomplishment School) and she taught about woman’s accomplishment like sewing or other woman’s activities there.

Kartini passed away in 1904 when she was 25 years-old. Yes, she was too young and full of passion to die. But, her fights and dreams still exist until now. It’s proved that in developing period like now, those are some women who hold the important roles not only in the government but also in private domain (bidang swasta).

So, Kartini’s fights have been succeed to replace the women on the suitable “place”. She also raised the women from the dark side into the bright side, as suitable as her famous and phenomenal book, “Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang”.

* * *

Translated and edited from
http://pkk.pemkab-tanjungjabungbarat.go.id/

ANTI ISRAEL DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUED

In Jakarta, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy to stop exporting oil to the United States, which is Israel's leading ally.

In other cities like Sukabumi, West Java or Jombang, East Java, demonstrators expressed their opposition to Israel's offensive against the Gaza Strip by calling for a boycott of American goods, urging Muslim unity and raising funds for the Palestinians.



source : metrotvnews.com/indonesiathismorning

He Wants to Meet Kachiew!!

It has been 4 months since I studied in Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia University of Education) Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. I have so many new friends who always make me happy every single day.

Let me introduce one of my funniest friends. She is Citra Dewi Saraswati. You can call her Kachiew, but she will be happier if you call her “Kachiew Geulis” (Beautiful Kachiew). She is really tomboy. If you don’t know her, you’ll think she is a boy.

Do you want to know a funny story which involved her?

Okay, let me tell you. One day after Listening Class, I saw Kachiew was so busy with her cell-phone. She replied the message quickly and smiled. Hm, what was happen?

Suddenly, Icha—one of my classmates—said loudly, “Guys, Kachiew will meet a boy!”
“With who?” I asked.
“A boy who study in Faculty of Technique and Profession. He was in the same team with me when Orientation Week,” explained Kachiew.
“Oh my God… really? Cie cie . . .” I said.
“No, no… It’s not like that!” Kachiew rejected.
After that, Kachiew, Icha, Kidung, Yana, Chae, Dian, and I went to the parking lot in front of Faculty of Language and Art (out faculty). “The Boy” whom Kachiew would meet was there. Because my friends and I were so curious about “The Boy”, we had been pretending not to be Kachiew’s friends.
Four minutes later, there was a red motorcycle approached Kachiew.
“The boy is coming!” I said.
“Hm… nothing special about him,” Icha complained.
“Except the motor cycle, I think,” I replied.
After chatted about five minutes, Kachiew approached us with a book on her right hand.
“Guys, look at this,” said Kachiew.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“His English homework.”
“WHAAATTTT???!!!” We yelled together.
“Be quiet, guys! Let’s do this homework,” said Kachiew.
“So… he is…” Yana confused.
“He doesn’t miss you? He just needs your help to do his home work? Oh my God! That hurts, Kachiew! That hurts!!” I complained.
“It’s alright, guys!” Kachiew laughed.

So, after that, sometimes when my friends who are in the other faculties suddenly text me or call me, I always consider that probably they just want me to do their English home work. I don’t want it! Except they promise me that they will treat me Chicken Noodle someday! Hehehe… ~

First Time at UPI , , ,

When I was second grade at 24 Senior High School, my friends and I participate in drama festival at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia University of Education). I never had visited UPI before and I was so curious. After arrived at UPI, I swore that I didn’t want to continue my study there because UPI is so far from my house at Cibiru, Bandung.

But, I don’t know this must be called “fortune” or “bad luck”, I was accepted at UPI now with the major English Language and Literature. The next day, my friends—who accepted in UPI too—and I went to UPI for the registration. After that for the first time we explored the whole UPI. I knew UPI is big, but I was shocked that UPI is bigger and huger than my imagination! There are so many new buildings from each faculty (including Faculty of Language and Art, I study there) that makes me feel that I’m the lucky one who is able to study in this university. There is a unique garden too. It’s so quiet and matches for you relax your mind, chat with your friends, or just walk around there. And the mosque is so huge, unique, and beautiful! So, you can take a pray with peace, calm, and cool.

Moreover, when I knew that UPI is the 4^th rank at the best university in Indonesia after Universitas Gadjah Mada, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and Universitas Indonesia, haha… I’m really proud because I can study inone of the best university! But, if I remember the journey from my house to UPI needs two hours and a lot of money, sometimes I get bored and tired.

Ranna on UPI's Logo

But life must go on! Every single day, I try to motivate myself. Hopefully, I can survive in this leading and outstanding university!

Soulmate = Pembawa Esensi Romantis?? Check this out!!

Gw juga baru ‘ngeuh’ soal itu waktu gw nonton Oprah Show. Entahlah episode berapa, tapi yang jelas waktu itu Oprah mengundang pengarang buku best­-seller “Eat, Pray, Love”, Elizabeth Gilbert.

(kurang lebih beginilah percakapan antara Oprah dan Elizabeth)

Saat itu Oprah bertanya, “Apa kau menganggap bahwa suamimu adalah belahan jiwamu?”

Kontan ia menjawab, “Sayangnya bukan.”

Terdengar suara “hm...” panjang dari penonton. Ia melanjutkan kalimatnya.

“Percaya padaku Oprah, belahan jiwa tak selamanya memberikan esensi romantis ketika sang belahan jiwa datang ke dalam kehidupan kita. Dalam kehidupanku, sang belahan jiwa datang justru memporakporandakan hidupku. Ia menghapus kehidupan lamaku yang depresi berat akibat bercerai dari suami pertamaku, lalu ia mengajarkan cara bermeditasi ketika aku di India. Dan... di sinilah aku sekarang!”

“Jadi belahan jiwamu adalah sahabatmu, bukan suamimu?” Oprah tersenyum—tanda ia menemukan suatu hal baru, begitu juga para penonton.

“Ya, tentu saja. Suamiku—yang aku nikahi di Bali—adalah partner hidupku yang terbaik. Tapi untuk belahan jiwa, sahabatkulah yang terbaik. Aku dulu juga sempat bingung. Aku baru saja bertemu dengan sahabatku ini—dan suasana sedihku tentu saja masih kacau balau. Dan ia membuat hidupku tambah kacau balau dengan memaksaku keluar dari kesedihan dan juga mengubah cara pandang hidupku. Awalnya sangat tidak nyaman, tapi sekarang... Oh My... aku bersyukur telah bertemu dia di India... Dialah soulmate-ku...”

You know what?

Akhinya gw bisa menerjemahkan perasaan sesungguhnya sama “dia” setelah nonton Oprah Show... Ternyata gw emang sama sekali gak FALL IN LOVE sama “dia”... Tapi yang jelas, peran “dia” sama persis dengan sahabat Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat, Pray, Love” itu...

Mengobrak-abrik hidup gw...

mengubah cara pandang gw soal hidup...

and.. voila! Semenjak ketemu sama “dia”...

gw jadi manusia yang baru...

manusia yang lebih dekat dengan Sang Maha Kuasa...

Have u find ur soulmate??

To Be The 2nd of Drama Festival

achievement

April 2007

Mrs. Dedeh and Mrs. Elly told us (24 EC) to join at all of competition by UPI, except debate competition (because until now we don't have a good team for that). We agreed to join the competition, and share the 'works':

# Endah was participates for Story Telling Competition

# Yuliani and Devi was participate for Scrabble Competition

# Nelma was participates for News Reading Competition

# Me, Fatia, Rachmi, Farida, Dhea, Endrio, Ani, Dianing, Ache, Koko, Chita, Satrio, and Tommy was participate for Drama Festival.

I concerned to Drama Festival as co-director. And I helped just a little bit Farida wrote the script. Oiya, we took a traditional folk from West Java, "Lutung Kasarung", with some improves. I asked Farida for the complete story of Lutung Kasarung but it was so ordinary!

Me : We must make a unique drama with unique script!

Farida : How?

Me : Ng… I want to ask a question… who's cursed Prince into Lutung?

Farida : How about fairy?

Me : Fairy? Hm… interesting…

Farida : The Prince is peeping the fairy whose has take a bath at the river. Because the fairy is so angry, she curses the prince into a Lutung.

Me : Hoho… that's interesting. So, who'll be a fairy?

Farida : … you?

Me : (shock) ME!? Why must ME?!

Farida : Because you're the best candidate to play this role. Please… for our victory…

Me : (thinking… thinking) OK, OK… I'll take it!

Finally, I've been a fairy… a ridiculous fairy…

me, rachmi (narrator), and Fatia (maid). do you think I'm beautiful? Come on!

# the day…

We've got the sixth turn, so we could see the other participants. The 1^st turn was from Alfa Centaury High School and they made the highest standard. Huh… I was doubt that we could be the first winner. But, I must do the best that I can.

# Time for us to show… our show was so smooth although the music scores couldn't be played and with a little improves. Because the end of that show still needed more time, we went back home firstly.

# The next day, when I came into my class (XI IPA 4), I saw my friends really happy. It was make me wonder to ask. They said that we were being the 2^nd winner of Drama Festival! Oh my God, I was so exiting…! I really happy! And of course, I wasn't forget to say thank a lot to my Lord, Allah SWT. Because his blessing, we could be a winner… even though we were not be the 1^st winner, we were happy for that!

The Baby Steps to Save Our Earth

explanation

Don’t ever think that your baby step influential nothing. Because, the big problem likes global warming, truly is the accumulation impact of individuals. Let’s pay attention the points that can we do for the mission for minimal of green house effect.

1. Bring Your Own Fabric Bag

Probably, we still hard to say ‘no’ to product that uses plastic. But, minimally you can reject plastic bag when you going to shopping anytime anywhere. How to? Always bring your special own fabric bag. This campaign of decreasing plastic bag is also being popular by Anya Hindmarch., an England designer. She works together with organization “We are What We Do” design a canvas bag with tagline “I’m not a Plastic Bag”.

2. Green Transportation

If the distance isn’t too far, it’s better for you to walk or use your bicycle! Or use public transportation. Besides able to decrease traffic jam, it’s also can minimal for vehicle using. It means decreasing CO₂ emission.

3. Choose The Product that Friendly for Environment

Obviously, throw the trash into the garbage is not enough because the trash truly can be recycled. Recycle a newspaper stack until 1,2 meter already able to save our big tree! OK, maybe you still hard to do it. So, choose the products that friendly for environment.

4. Plants Tree!

What’s tree do you like? Just plant on it at yard of your house; so that the carbon in air can pull back. Don’t forget, use tissue and paper as less as possible. This is one of efforts for save the tree.

5. Switch Off!

Switch off your lamp (or you can change it into CFL Lamp because more economical up to 60%). Don’t leave the DVD player, computer, or TV with stand by mode.

6. Decrease AC

Use a fan, or open your window for circulation because AC is dangerous sometimes. Besides that, wind and sun’s heat is better than use dryer cloth machine that can produce a lot of carbon emission.

7. Join for Campaign

Don’t be so doubt to join in campaign of green house anticipation! For example, with write or talk in forum or media. Or you can join into organization like Greenpeace, WWF, Walhi, etc.

Let’s become part of the movement to prevent global warming.

Because if we’re just wait and see and do nothing, maybe we’ll wake up one day, but it’ll too late!

Earth's Call

report

The earth is getting hotter. Because industrialization and uncontrolled CO₂ using, the temperature of earth increases. The research’ result of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) that reported to all of the countries, extremely shocked, be a bad address for human being, plant, and animal. If the use of CO₂ not quickly decreased, in the middle of 21^st Century, the earth’s temperature will increase 4,5⁰C.

Island or ice continent at North Pole (Arctic) and South Pole (Antarctica) is melting. There is increase of billion cubic water volumes in ocean. The impact, thousands of little islands are sink, the big islands’ region are smaller. The abrasion sinks coastal area and the climate is change.

The phenomenon of global warming directly influences earth’s life. Those are appearing new ills that not existing before in the most modern medical science, which are like mad cow, SARS, and bird flu. Those are “call” from earth to all human being. The various disasters like flood, tsunami, and dried; are also another signs of “earth’s call”. The earth’s capacity to life is decrease. Limited source. Clean water as prominent life is decreasing. Appears global hunger, human’s fight till war of inter-country become another impact of green house effect.

Earth’s call already calling to all of the country, Indonesia too. The flood that attacked mainland Jakarta and other place at Java is example of “Earth’s Call”.

What we must do? Save our earth. Started from simple thing. Just boycott the refrigerator or AC Freon. Plant on something useful like tree on empty land, stop illegal logging, decrease traveling using car or motorcycle, watch out of CO₂ emission, maximally alternative energy that friendly for our environment, etc.

If human’s civilization agreed want live on earth forever, they must campaign “Save Our Earth” together. Because “Earth’s Call” still waiting the answer from human, without exception.

Why companies need female managers

news item

Ms Fisher says a good business needs both male and female staff

When Helen Fisher speaks, the politically correct members of her audience are likely to flinch.

Declaring that she's "definitely not a feminist," the American anthropologist from Rutgers University dissects the differences between men and women.

Men are more analytical; women are better long-term planners.

Each gender has a different way of falling in love.

And the invention of the plough did more to set back gender equality than anything else since.

What Ms Fisher says is not psychobabble. She bases her findings on archaeological evidence, MRI brain scans, genetics and large-scale surveys of how men and women behave.

And understanding that male and female brains develop and behave differently is important not just if you are in the dating game.

It also helps us to hire the right people, improve teamwork and can - to quote part of the title of her talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos - grow a company's bottomline.

Once upon a time

Double-income families are not an invention of modern times.

Your ring finger apparently says a lot about you

"In prehistoric times, double-income families were the norm, and women provided 60-80% of the evening meal," says Ms Fisher.

But following the invention of the plough and with the resulting need for hard manual labour, the power balance shifted.

Only since World War I are women re-entering the workforce and regaining their status in society.

But there are much more fundamental differences between men and women, says Ms Fisher, that have been shaped over millennia of evolution.

For starters, men and women are thinking differently. Brain scans prove it, as does plenty of other research.

On average, women gather more data, consider the context, are intuitive, have a sympathising mind and think more long-term. Ms Fisher calls it "web thinking".

Men, on the other hand, are more focused, think linear, focus on rules and the short-term - "step thinking".

The culprit

Blame testosterone for the difference. From the moment the embryo's brain develops in the mother's womb, high testosterone levels will make you focus on details in later life.

Blame your time in the womb if you aren't a great detail person

Now lift your hand and look at your palm. Is the ring finger longer than your index finger? Then you were the recipient of high levels of testosterone.

Chances are that you are an analytical thinker (or very musical), regardless of gender, while a shorter ring finger suggests you have a more sympathising mind. And men tend to grow up on lots of testosterone.

You want proof? Research shows that film scripts written by women are more complex and have more ambiguous endings than those written by men.

Male doctors focus on the illness and its treatment, while female doctors take a more holistic approach.

The long-term thinking of women makes them better investors.

It's even true in the bedroom, says Ms Fisher. Men tend to focus more on what they are doing, while women are easily distracted, she says to slightly embarrassed laughter from her audience.

And when men get older and their testosterone levels sink, their brain starts to work differently - they become more sympathetic to the plight of others.

But why the difference? Well, over the ages men tended to be the hunters and needed to focus.

Women, in contrast, had much more diverse tasks, like bringing up children (which Ms Fisher also believes may be the reason why women are better talkers: language is the key tool to control children).

The business case

So what does all this mean for business leaders?

Combine the long-term thinking of women with the short-term focus of men.

And bear in mind that different thinking also results in very different behaviour.

Men think more in terms of status and rank. Women prefer flat hierarchies.

Men can have tunnel vision, women may fail to get to the point.

Women find it difficult to counter aggression. When men push back, it earns them the respect of other men.

When women apologise, they are not really sorry. For men it's a serious affair, a perceived weakening of their status.

Ms Fisher's list goes on and on, but her message is clear.

Managers, says Ms Fisher, have to realise that men and women act differently, and that they complement each other.

Having only men or women on your team would be like hopping on one foot instead of walking.

As the status of women is on the rise again, says Ms Fisher, we "move forward to a lifestyle we had a million years ago".

source: news.bbc.uk

Annan hits out at Kenya 'abuses'

news item

The Rift Valley town of Nakuru has seen some of the worst violence

Former UN head Kofi Annan has condemned "gross and systematic abuses of human rights" in Kenya, after a visit to violence-hit parts of the country.

Mr Annan said conflict may have been triggered by disputed elections, but it had evolved into "something else".

The facts had to be established and those responsible held to account, Mr Annan said.

On Saturday, police brought 16 badly burnt bodies to the mortuary in Nakuru, the capital of Rift Valley province.

Mr Annan - in Kenya to mediate attempts for a political solution - was flown over Nakuru on Saturday as part of a tour that also included visits to Eldoret and Molo district.

Inter-ethnic strife in Nakuru In pictures: Nakuru violence Press sees long road ahead

Hospital staff in Nakuru said they had received the bodies of nine more people, hacked by machetes or killed by arrows.

Earlier the authorities had imposed an overnight curfew across the city in the wake of renewed inter-ethnic conflict.

Rival gangs of young men battled with machetes, metal bars, bows and arrows, while thick smoke billowed up from burning buildings.

The violence came despite hopes of progress after President Mwai Kibaki met opposition leader Raila Odinga for the first time on Thursday since December's disputed polls.

Burnt forests

Mr Annan set off from Nairobi shortly after first light on Saturday to see for himself some of the destruction and human misery caused by more than three weeks of violence.

On Friday Mr Annan held talks with religious leaders

He visited some of the thousands of people in Eldoret whose homes have been destroyed or who moved to the town to try to find shelter.

The former UN chief also boarded a helicopter to fly to Molo district where many have been killed. A statement said Mr Annan was surprised by the extent of the destruction.

Tanzania's former President, Benjamin Mkapa, travelling with Mr Annan, said: "The political crisis in the country [has caused] a state of agony and despair. We console the people."

On Friday Mr Annan held talks with Kenyan election officials and religious leaders in Nairobi.

He said he had "pleaded with the religious leaders to use their leadership, their churches and mosques, to encourage the people to get involved, to work with the leaders for peace.

"The leaders may not be able to do it alone. We all need to play our part."

Barricade

Nakuru is said to be relatively quiet following the overnight curfew. But there has been sporadic gunfire in the city on Saturday.

The BBC's Adam Mynott says that some protesters erected a barricade across the main road and many homes have been burnt in the town.

Hundreds of people have sought refuge in churches or friends' homes.

There are also reports of truckloads of many young men being moved overnight to a village on the outskirts of the town.

The unrest triggered by the election on 27 December has driven 250,000 people from their homes. Mr Odinga says he was robbed of the presidency.

source: news.bbc.co.uk

Hairstyle oh Hairstyle,,,

analytical exposition

Being teenagers like us actually near with trend, especially hairstyle. Which like Mohawk, emo-style, spike, army-look style, bald, etc. We are free to choose one. Unfortunately, in our ‘lovely’ school there is a rule that boy students’ hairstyle must be ‘neat’; it can’t be longhaired or ‘disorder’ hair. But, I think that rule exactly not too important and the limitation isn’t clear enough. Why I can say that?

Firstly, school doesn’t clarify the rule. How long is hair that permitted or not by school. Don’t make us (the boy students) confuse!

Secondly, I think the hairstyle not influence student’ skill competence when we study. As long as not disturb the other people… I think it’s OK.

Last, school doesn’t know the hairstyle that being happening for teenager now. The theme of the newest style is ‘disorder’ but neat, not neat but ‘disorder’!

So, the conclusion is … the rule about boy’ hairstyle must be completely removed because not effective for us, especially the boy students of 24 Senior High School. I’m sure that although our hairstyle called ‘bad haircut’ by school, we still able to do our best… to create our future of course.

What do you think about the rule? Is it effective?

Minor Threat

report

Who’s the pioneer of straight edge? Absolutely the answer is Minor Threat, a hardcore punk band. They formed in 1980’s by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson who’s before had a punk band called The Teen Idles. After dispersed, Ian MacKaye (vocalist), Jeff Nelson (drum), Brian Baker (bass), and Lyle Preslar (guitar) made Minor Threat.

The power of Minor Threat is Ian MacKaye’s ability to create a song with fast beats ala hardcore punk. Their first single was “In My Eyes”. This song was really popular and with this song, they acquainted straight edge for the first time.

There were many controversies for this band. For example, the song “Guilty of Being White” made this band accused racism. Minor Threat begins dispersed when the guitarist, Lyle Preslar, moved to Illinois to college and he made a new band named “Big Black” there.

While at Washington DC, Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson made a new project. Because they didn’t have the chemistry again, finally they were totally dispersed. Although just three years, their name always be a legend for the punkers.

Straight Edge

report

Do you know this idiom: “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll”? It means rock ‘n roll band always near with free sex, drugs, and alcohol. Uh… so scary, isn’t it?

But, hei… don’t be so apathetic especially think that they only can happy and do not care to around. Because in 1980’s, there was a movement called “straight edge” (or called sXe and xXx).

Hm, what is straight edge?

Straight edge is a movement that rejects some activities like smoke, use drugs, drink alcohol, and free sex. They who follow this concept never do those activities. Simply, we can know that straight edge is gain profit for our health.

We also can say that straight edge as positive philosophy of punkers, their fight to they dislike. For example, torture. So, straight edge is also as a life style, individual commitment, philosophy, till to subculture of hardcore punk music.

By the way, the movement of straight edge also identical with sign black “X” on the backhands of left and right. In the beginning, sign “X” is used as sign that the punker that still young (under 18) can’t buy an alcohol.

Do you know? The others who don’t follow the straight edge movement will respect you. So, you don’t need to compel you for smoke, drink, use drugs, or also free sex. You can get the respect with being the best you. So simple…

So, interesting to follow straight edge movement?

How to be Healthy in 10 Steps

Ten steps to make your health better:

1. Eat the nutritious food everyday.

2. Exercise minimal three times a week in the morning

3. Don’t smoke!

4. Don’t eat too many foods!

5. Avoid hi-fat foods

6. Always take a bath twice a day

7. Don’t drink coffee too much

8. Always check your health to doctor

9. Sleep enough

10. Keep to clean of our environment

Ready from Now for UAN!

explanation

UAN… what your reaction if you hear, read, or say it? Happy? Afraid? Or make you crazy?

Huehehe… don’t be afraid or nervous because I have some strategy for us to pass UAN without study all day long.

1. Stronger your will that you extremely want to pass UAN

2. Just positive thinking, guys! Delete your negative thinking in your mind and change it with positive thinking. For example, change the words, “I can’t do it” into “I’m sure that I can do it”,

3. Follow the positive suggestion. You able to look for an environment that can motivate you for success, not make you down,

4. Manage your time! Don’t tow study until the time for UAN just one week left or one month left,

5. Read and use your potential. Only people who able to know their potential that can be a winner,

6. Keep your health, well exercise, enough sleep, eat more nutritious food,

7. Don’t forget to pray! As strong as you work, only God the Almighty who decides.

Then, let’s try those strategy from now on! Insyaallah we can pass UAN and SPMB.

KEEP STRONG!!!!

Make Some Resolutions for 2008

explanation

2008 had comes, and it’s time to make resolutions! Have you ever make a resolution for the New Year?

The Director of Management Institute and Developing of Human Resource “Performa Optima” Bandung, Mohammad Ridwan reveals some tricks in order to make resolutions, plans, or commitments in the future. He gives “SMART” technique that is able to use for general. SMART is stands for Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Bounded.

Ø Simple, it means just make a simple resolution, don’t too bombastic or difficult. The example of ‘bombastic’: “I want to buy an apartment”. But, for daily you still beg some money to your parents. The example of ‘simple’: “I’ll got exercise 2 times a week”, because during 2007 you just got exercise 2 times a month.

Ø Measurable, it means that the target, which has made must be something measurable. The example of ‘immeasurable’: “My life will more healthy or better”. The example of ‘measurable’: “I will lose my weight 5 kg.”

Ø Attainable, the example of ‘unattainable’: “I will lose my weight until 40 kg”, but that person has weight 100 kg. The example of ‘attainable’: (student) “I’ll be the first winner next year in my class”.

Ø Realistic, it means… ya… just be realistic! The example of ‘unrealistic’: “I want to be a president”, but that person as long as he lives doesn’t active in any organization. The realistic desire is a target that actually appropriate with your job or your interest.

Ø Time bounded, this point is the most important. In order to make resolutions, also input time bounded for reach it. For example, lose your weight 2 kg could be reached at February or March.

To remember your resolutions, it’s better to write it on paper, notebook, or diary. You can also adhere it on refrigerator, on bedroom’s door, etc. it can motivate or remind you about something that you must be pursuit.

So, have you make some resolution for this year?