Kamar Armanadi

Love in Peace

2012-01-30T19:04:00.002+07:00

Among a group of deer, I found these two undisturbed by the others.

Orang Utan

2012-01-27T13:34:00.002+07:00

Orang utan is an endangered species of apes which lives in Borneo and Sumatran Island. In native language, 'orang' means people and 'utan' means forest. So, may be they call this species like this because of their similarity with human. Nowadays, they have some problem to find a friendly neighborhood and also food supply. Is the similarity between orang utan and human is anatomically only?

When You're at the Top

2011-11-29T16:53:00.001+07:00

When you're at the top,

Never shot it off to the other.

Especially to the lower one.

Since you will never know,

when will a small wind can make you drop.

May be it's just matter of seconds.

Smashed Fruit Salad Seller - in the crowd of curious children (Rujak Gebeg)

2011-11-29T10:47:00.001+07:00

Children are always curious. Their life is fulfilled with recognizing and learning a new thing everyday. That day they faced a new kind of fruit salad which processed by smashing the fruit into a wooden vessel. We call it 'rujak gebeg'. We can see how busy the seller was.

Street Entertainment: The Musician

2011-11-21T16:50:00.001+07:00

Yesterday

Just a photograph of yesterday

And all its edges folded

And the corners faded sepia brown

And yet it's all I have of our past love

A postscript to its ending

~~|~~

This is the lyrics of a song titled 'Spain'.

Long time ago, I knew this song for the first time, sung by Al Jarreau, a very famous jazz singer.

A few years later, I found this song music score, composed by Chick Corea., also a famous jazz musician.

And then a few more years after that, I hear this song played by a street flute musician in the street corner of Dubai city during 'Dubai Shopping Festival'.

Finally, yesterday I was in travel by the train in Jakarta with my family. We met some street musician doing some entertainment for the train passengers who are waiting in the station. Honestly, it reminds me to that beautiful song. I also remember my young age. When I need to entertain people to collect some extra money.

~~|~~

Brighter days

I can see such brighter days

When every song we sang is sung again

And now we know

We know this time it's for good

And we're lovers once again

and you're near me....

Daddy's Suitcase

2011-11-01T18:39:00.002+07:00

Among the visitors to my place today, I found a suitcase on the floor.

Our New Kitteh

2011-10-24T19:33:00.000+07:00

The Kitteh fell asleep after a few hours game play with my kids.

The new kitteh were fighting with my backpack.

When my family visited my parents in Kebagusan, we met a new kitteh there. It looks very similar with our previous kitteh which dead a few days before (see "Bye bye Kitteh"). And this new kitteh also still have infection in its left eye. The difference is its condition which is much better than the previous one.

Thanks God. Now my kids has a new friend to play around. I wish the infection will be cured soon. It really amazing. Life and death happens every time. But nobody has a good understanding about that.

Biodiversity in Indonesia - Pieridae Delias, Butterfly Moth

2011-10-24T19:21:00.001+07:00

Under view of a butterfly moth wings. I bought this species sample in Bogor zoological museum. This species ranges from Nicobar Islands, Southern Thailand, Mainland Malaysia and Singapore, (Other subspecies from S. India, E. Nepal, Bangladesh, NE India, Throughout Indo-China, Sothern China, Taiwan. The Indonesian Archipelago as far as Lombok, Borneo, and the Philipines)

Butterfly moth.

Welcoming Rainy Season in Indonesia

2011-10-23T00:29:00.002+07:00

Flowering rambutan tree in the farm. It happens only once in a year. This fruit once saved my life by produced a great harvest product during my serious medical treatment in my teenage time.

My wet roof during the rain. Time to check any leakage.

After some dry and hot months, finally we face the beginning of rainy season. For big city resident, some of them may be worries about the flood that may affect their property and also their productivity. But for a humble farmer like me, rainy season is just a sign to prepare our farm harder to get a better harvest. Thanks God.

Culture Shock (Gegar Budaya)

2011-10-23T00:10:00.000+07:00

Nowadays, in this 21st century, everything has changed rapidly. The time when I was born, people created semiconductor chip for the first time. I am sure they could not imagine how will it affect our life today such drastically.

My parents used to communicate via mail only a few times during their romance story. Now I can call my family a few times per day easily. And my kids can find a lot of information around the globe with only a few clicks on the keyboard. I can only wish that they can differentiate the bright and dark side of the cloud. So they can take the benefit of the technology as much as possible. And throw the dark side away as far as possible.

Nugi, my little son, watching an online video over fiber optic computer network. He was ignoring his sleepy eyes, some food remains near his lips not even me taking his picture. His favorites are some videos regarding animals like fish, ocean, birds, etc. He likes also some video regarding robotics. While his sister prefer to watch online cooking recipes and cartoons.

Jebel Hafeet (Mount Hafeet, Arabic: جبل حفيت‎)

2011-10-17T21:18:00.000+07:00

I am making this post as my promise to a friend to continue the story "Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, an Oase in the Dessert" The first story was made more than two years ago. After collecting some pictures from my friends camera archives (I did not bring any good camera in that time :[ ), and taking also some related literature, the post is ready. If there is anyone who want to donate some impressive pictures regarding the area, you can contact me directly via email or comments. And it is absolutely welcome.

Jebel Hafeet is a mountain primarily in the United Arab Emirates on the outskirts of Al Ain city. The mountain actually straddles part of the border with Oman. The mountain rises 1240 meters and offers an impressive view over the city, with a drivable road extending to the summit.

Jebel Hafeet was a well-known landmark through out the area's history and is a contemporary tourist attraction. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jebel Hafeet. It is often incorrectly labelled UAE's highest mountain (as it is certainly the most well-known); this honor actually belongs to Jabal Yibir.

3D Terrain Simulation for route peak rest area (A), limestone mine, then to Green Mubazzarah, Al Ain city (B). Thanks to satellite GeoEye and Google Earth. This route takes approximately 90 minutes using a car.

One of the view from the bus during the route to Jebel Hafeet.
The cliff that bordering to the street is approximately 20-30 meters height. We can see how the natural wind shapes the red stone.

There are some accommodation alternatives in this area. We can choose from luxurious hotels to a simple tent. In the peak area, there are some resting place with canteens and groceries. And in route Al-Ain to Jebel Hafeet, there are also some places to take a short break or to enjoy the view.

Canteens and Grocery Stores in Jebel Hafeet peak rest area.

It's me sitting in peak area of Jebel Hafeet. In the background, we can notice an impressive view of Al Ain city, more than 1000 meters below. This kind of red stone is usually located far below the earth surface. But it is an anomaly in this mountain. Thus, sometimes people can find a fossil of sea shells on its surface aged hundreds of thousand years ago.

The expedition team.

An Old Man in Deira Old Souq

2011-10-13T12:18:00.002+07:00

One evening in Deira old souq, me and my best friend was having some fresh air in this winter. Among some old spice shops in that area, we saw this old man took a break there. His expression was very calm and patient. It was very contrast compared to the enthusiasm of the merchant and buyer surrounding.

Unfortunately I could not capture his expression successfully after a few photo shooting test. And I surrendered to the poor lighting condition and wondered if his privacy was disturbed. And here is the result after hard raw photo processing. Critics and suggestions are welcome.

Fruit Sellers in Citayam (Inter-time Rendezvous)

2011-10-11T14:08:00.000+07:00

Just for information, my pen name is Tukang Buah in Indonesian language, which means fruit seller in English. I like this name because I actually was a fruit seller. In my childhood, I need to sell some fruits on dawn time before I went to school. The money I got from the trading would be collected by my parents. Usually if I required to buy something like books, shoes etc, then my parents would asked me to sell fruits again and collect the money.

Nowadays, every time I see a fruit seller, I will remember my childhood. Then here is a picture of some fruit sellers in Citayam station, Depok, West Java. They were still doing some business, ignoring the train which is passing by a few feet away.

Rusty Chain

2011-10-10T17:42:00.003+07:00

In trading, we always find some intermediate player. For example, a farmer can not sell his product directly to the consumer. Instead of he uses an intermediate player to distribute his product. Usually people call this 'market chain'. For me, personally, I call this 'rusty chain' since it always need some repairing.

Bye-bye Kitteh

2011-10-10T17:02:00.002+07:00

A few days ago, my daughter found an ignored kitty on the neighbor street. The kitty's back legs has been severely wounded by a motor bike. His both eyes are blind. My daughter unintentionally hit his fore legs her bike. She felt very sorried about that. And she brought the kitty to our home to take care of it. She and her brother gave some anti infection medicine for its eyes. And also some milk to drink.

Unfortunately, the kitteh could not make it. Last night, it passed away. Bye-bye kitteh. Thank you very much to teach some compassion to my daughter and son. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.

Traditional Japanese Rhytm

2011-10-09T07:47:00.000+07:00

I like traditional ethnic music. Perhaps because we can learn some of their culture characteristic from that. From European baroque, Latin flamenco, American Dixie, African-American Blues, Middle-East traditional scale, and many of ethnic music in Indonesia.

Since I have interact with some Japanese people in the last few years. Then I would like to write a note about their ethnic music. The energetic beat they use, together with solid teamwork to produce, and skills from a very long practice. Finally they can make an amazing music with only few people.

[pictures was taken during a Japanese dance performance]

Kebagusan, Oct 2011.
Learning music with only one ear (since I lost my other ear capability).

LED Theme

2011-10-06T19:34:00.000+07:00

It is always exciting to try new technology. This picture was taken during construction phase of a receptionist area. The indoor lighting is provided from LED which made in Thailand. The extremely low energy consumption and more than 10000 hours life time is a typical characteristic of this lighting. I am still wondering how will technology change our life within the next 10 years. May be there will be fiber optical lighting, wireless energy transmission, holographic images or something else.

Harvest Time in Cikupa

2011-10-05T23:07:00.001+07:00

I always have a pleasant feeling every time I see the harvest time of the farmers. After months of hope and hard work, finally they can get the result. Just like everything in our life, we always have to hope and do some hard work to get a good result. What is the different among us?

Cikupa, 2011, re-energizing after some works.

Life and A Ship

2011-10-04T10:40:00.001+07:00

Life is like a ship.

Sometimes we need to decide the direction that we should use.

Fortunately, some people has a navigation tools for that.

For some people who has not the tools. Please find a good one.

Peace be upon you.

Tigaraksa, 04 Oct 2011, trying a new route..

Lost in Light

2011-09-30T20:49:00.002+07:00

I don't understand what is the reason. Sometimes I still get a lost. Even with so many light and signs surrounding.

Trap in Our Life

2011-09-30T12:59:00.001+07:00

Just like a flytrap. The higher position, the bigger temptation. And both the higher and the lower fly who is trapped, they will have the same fate. Which one do you want to be? For me, I prefer a free one of course.

Swimming Pool Paparazzi

2011-09-29T21:01:00.002+07:00

During the latest swimming session with my kids, I saw one paparazzi there. That's why I did not want to use any swimsuit.

Your Mother Loves You

2011-09-23T17:49:00.007+07:00

[The photo and the story below is from someone page in internet social network. I just want to share it.]

This is a true story of Mother’s Sacrifice during the Japan Earthquake. After the Earthquake had subsided, when the rescuers reached the ruins of a young woman’s house, they saw her dead body through the cracks. But her pose was somehow strange that she knelt on her knees like a person was worshiping; her body was leaning forward, and her two hands were supporting by an object. The collapsed house had crashed her back and her head. With so many difficulties, the leader of the rescuer team put his hand through a narrow gap on the wall to reach the woman’s body. He was hoping that this woman could be still alive. However, the cold and stiff body told him that she had passed away for sure.

He and the rest of the team left this house and were going to search the next collapsed building. For some reasons, the team leader was driven by a compelling force to go back to the ruin house of the dead woman. Again, he knelt down and used his had through the narrow cracks to search the little space under the dead body. Suddenly, he screamed with excitement,” A child! There is a child! “

The whole team worked together; carefully they removed the piles of ruined objects around the dead woman. There was a 3 months old little boy wrapped in a flowery blanket under his mother’s dead body. Obviously, the woman had made an ultimate sacrifice for saving her son. When her house was falling, she used her body to make a cover to protect her son. The little boy was still sleeping peacefully when the team leader picked him up.

The medical doctor came quickly to exam the little boy. After he opened the blanket, he saw a cell phone inside the blanket. There was a text message on the screen. It said,” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” This cell phone was passing around from one hand to another. Every body that read the message wept. ” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” Such is the mother’s love for her child!!

Broadcasting Minaret

2011-09-22T11:49:00.004+07:00

Perhaps some people believe that they can make a better prayer call with additional microwave transmission and six broadcasting antennas.

Another Cup of Coffee

2011-09-20T18:00:00.002+07:00

This is my loyal partner for some hard work, a cup of coffee. We have a clearly scope of work. And we have good understanding with each other.

Cranky Blacky [captured by Nugi]

2011-09-16T20:35:00.004+07:00

This is what happened to si Item (Blacky), when we force him to move from his favorite bed.

Chopstick Wooden House

2011-09-12T19:08:00.003+07:00

I like creativity. As I visited my nephew and my new granddaughter, I saw a nice wooden craft. It forms a miniature house, with some accessories.

Trying the Old Cam

2011-08-25T15:24:00.003+07:00

I made a reunion with my old cam. I'm still have unique feeling to touch it. Even with only half resolution and one quarter diaphragm compared to my latest cam.

Back to Late 80'es

2011-08-24T21:05:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Street Artist, Topeng Monyet (Masked Monkey)

2011-08-22T15:26:00.003+07:00

Here is a 'topeng monyet' artist, performing his show while cleaning his nose dirt ;>).

another street performance...

Time to Play..

2011-07-22T19:49:00.005+07:00

This is one of the rare moment in my life. Thanks to God for the wonderful moment. Now I work quite far from them. And most of the time I can only see them when they sleep. Because I returned home after they sleep and I depart before they wake up. Sometimes they wake up at midnight time. So I can sleep with them, rub their head, for just a few meaningful minutes.

The Earth Guardian

2011-07-15T15:00:00.001+07:00

I am the earth guardian. Please do not disturb me. Too much 3D movies last night...

For All Hard Thinkers

2011-07-12T12:01:00.002+07:00

In our environment, everything is very very simple. So, some hard thinkers prefer to think about chess puzzle in the train station instead of think about social issues, politics, economy, technology etc.

My Youngest Brother Wedding

2011-07-12T10:58:00.006+07:00

Even though I was quite busy with some schedule, I need to spare time to attend this wedding. Usually I do not attend any wedding invitation. But this time is special. And I came late to the ceremony ;D.

The couple and their parents

I don't understand. Why some people always symbolize the wedding as a ring.

For me, myself, a wedding is a sacred promise between the couple and their Creator

And hopefully, we can enjoy happiness ever after.

Bird and Bee

2011-07-11T08:11:00.002+07:00

One day afternoon, in Al Warsan ranch, Dubai, UAE

Fresh Souvenir from Hospital

2011-06-13T07:34:00.000+07:00

Cirebon Duck

2011-05-30T18:16:00.002+07:00

Beautiful duck feather pattern from Cirebon area.

The Thinker

2011-05-25T18:08:00.004+07:00

from an ancient artist

from internet

from my farm

After Rainy Days

2011-05-23T16:56:00.003+07:00

May be it is because of tropical archipelago climate. With some effect of global warming that speed up water vaporation. So the rain occurs almost every single day in Indonesia. And my duct farm has just experienced some flood. :>[.

Thanks God, My ducks are still alive. Even though they have to swim for almost one full day without enough eat and rest.

Pray for Japan

2011-05-06T19:23:00.003+07:00

Recently, I just got a visit from a Japanese friend. He came to Jakarta and brought me a shirt with solidarity theme regarding the disasters that happened there. Here is the pix. Please do not comment on anatomy, especially the waist size.

Surprise from A Friend

2011-04-14T15:00:00.002+07:00

It is always be a pleasant feeling to have some friends who still remember the good times that happened long time ago. And I feel the same way when a friend posted a picture in social network. Special thanks to TDA. I miss that old times.

Abstract Statue

2011-04-12T22:57:00.002+07:00

Three Women Statue

2011-04-12T21:28:00.001+07:00

Located in one of the roundabout, this statue has expressive mimics and pose of three women. It is hard to say what impression did the artist want to say.

Morning at Cikupa

2011-04-12T20:26:00.002+07:00

After some morning exercise, around 6 am, this lake is like a natural light polarisiser.

Tangerang Green Village

2011-04-12T18:54:00.004+07:00

For the last 2 months, I have stayed in remote Tangerang city area. It is more than 4 hours travel from my own home. Actually it is a nice environment, with so many green areas, good pedestrian way and road crossings, and also so many nice statues. I will add some pictures about the statues later.

Outlaw Routinity

2011-04-08T19:31:00.004+07:00

I took this pix near a tollgate in Tangerang city. It was a truck fully loaded with soccer supporters of local football club. The picture tells the story.

Lesson from Japan

2011-03-17T12:41:00.002+07:00

After their biggest earthquake in history, followed by a massive tsunami in Japan, perhaps even more impressive than Japan's technological power is its social strength. With supermarkets cutting prices and vending machine owners giving out free drinks as people work together to survive. Most noticeably of all, there has been no looting. Wanna give big salute for their moral values.

Playing with Kids

2011-02-21T03:38:00.003+07:00

Rei. I guess she has watched too much Bollywood movies.

Nugi, trapped by his own parachute toy. Made from recycled plastic bags.

Me and Rei, 10 yrs old. Photo taken by Nugi, 8 yrs old.

Lotus Paradise

2011-02-21T01:48:00.006+07:00

The garden

Lotus flower, back lighting

Surely it could be more beautiful, especially after drink some milk and threw the bottle properly.

An Old House

2011-02-18T08:29:00.002+07:00

I saw this unique building near Zoological museum. We can see some typical styles from Dutch colonization era. Unfortunately, after my first two shots, there were two couples of young people blocking my view with their own photo session. Perhaps I should come back later for better lighting and better gears. Later I found out that this house is rent for some personal events.

Love and Messaging

2011-02-13T15:18:00.003+07:00

It always happens that we care about our special one. And it's just okay, even if they are more interested in other things like replying some messages or playing games on the phone. Taken from street in Jakarta.

Big Condolence

2011-01-30T14:32:00.002+07:00

It has been more than 100 people died In Egypt during the riots in Egypt for the last 5 days. I can only appreciate them with my big condolence. So many young scholars are making some demonstration to ask governmental change. And it is really touching when they took a prayer break during the demonstration. It seems that the Tunisian spirit from Muhammed Bouazizi (see previous post ‘People Power’) has spread to the neighboring countries, especially in middle east. I guess that many of Arabian leaders is worrying about their supports from some western countries.

In Tunisian case, their former govermental supporters showed their hypocrisy. And they left their puppets to be vanished. Good bye Ben Ali! I am sure that you do not need Sarkozy anymore right now. And for Mubarak, after 30 years of his leadership, I hope he can remember how is the situation of Palestinian people during Israel invasion when he closed the border to Egypt.

I am still wondering what has happened in Sudan and Yemen now.

“There is no charity more beloved to God from speaking the truth” (from a Hadith).

Temptation

2011-01-29T02:48:00.002+07:00

Mirror (occasionally in life)

2011-01-27T19:34:00.002+07:00

Sometimes I feel shame to myself when I see a mirror. A lot of my imagination will be ruined within seconds. The hair that is mostly white and makes some part of my head to be bald. The eyes that are not as not as sharp as they used to be. My ears that are not always ready to hear. No more strong memory. A mind that sometimes is filled with ego and greediness. Yes, time is passing by. No one can escape from its effect. That is why I need a mirror. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah (There is no change or power except through God).

An Afternoon in Custom Port

2011-01-27T12:43:00.003+07:00

Enjoying the fresh sea water flavor, I stopped for a while in this custom port. The weather was mild cloudy with so many seagulls flying around. This port was one of biggest custom port in Dubai after independence.

Previously they used traditional ports in the old souq (market) area nearby. It has been several years for them to build their business in finance, tourism and trading. And their current biggest custom port is in Jebel Ali area now. Since the recent financial crisis, I think they are now prioritizing their business to trading and tourism.

Historically, they are the trading hub between Asia, Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Europe. But nowadays, I think Asia take more dominations in trading. Especially for trading from China, Japan and India. Even though I usually meet some Persian seamen here, but most of their cargo is not from their country. Within this situation, I am wondering. Why don’t we learn from China and Japan, the 1^st and 2^nd foreign exchange reserved in the world?

Old Tree

2011-01-26T14:12:00.002+07:00

It’s been standing there for years

passed on from generations

the limbs have grown stronger

the roots are even deeper

engraved in each circle

is a story to tell, a memory to share

Knowing the Limit [in Souq al Samak Dubai]

2011-01-24T14:11:00.006+07:00

When we face something extraordinary, usually that is the time we can meet someone's real personality. Usually I experienced this kind of moment when meet the mother nature. Just like a thunderstorm in the middle of the sea, coldness in the mountain peak, silence in the dessert and so many places around us. After dealing with some fear and ego, we can feel how tiny we are. Thanks God, the Lord of the universe.

Cloudy Weather, isn't it?

2011-01-23T17:34:00.001+07:00

It has been a cloudy weather in Dubai for the last few days. Differently from previous years, we do not have any thunderstorm for this winter. The rain pours slightly and longer than usual. But it’s not a problem for me to chill down for a while, even though without my poor previous jacket. ;D May be because of some good news that I got. My children and their friends have been recovered from their illness. They had hospitalized for a few days because of dengue fever. It’s a reminder for all of us to keep our environment healthy.

And I gave a special assignment for them to patrol our neighborhood for any stagnant water that can be a home for the mosquito. Since it could be somewhere in our home or may be in nearby area. Save the planet!

The Wheel is Revolving

2011-01-20T20:05:00.001+07:00

Roda-roda terus berputar

Tanda masih ada hidup

Karna dunia belum henti

Berputar melingkar searah

Terik embun sejuta sentuhan

Pahit mengajuk pelengkap

Seribu satu perasaan

Bergabung setangkup senada

Sudah lahir sudah terlanjur

Mengapa harus menyesal

Hadapi dunia berani

Bukalah dadamu

Tantanglah dunia

Tanyakan salahmu wibawa

[from a song in 70's]

People Power

2011-01-18T00:02:00.004+07:00

Dedicated to Muhammed Bouazizi, a jobless scholar, 26 yrs old. Who was struggling to trade some vegetables when Tunisian cop took the asset. He protested to the government in 17 December 2010 and burned himself. Then he passed away a few days later. Peace and blessing upon you, brother. Last Friday, 14 January 2011, their regime ran away. And now the people is reforming to a better state.

It is always like that, brother Every revolution is always giving birth A number of traitors and sycophants Do not you angry, brother Every revolution is always confronts us To some people that be afraid to change Do not you upset, brother Every revolution that is going to win Always bring some fake heroes That will only appear near its end. It is always like that, brother

Warsan, 17 January 2011. wishing peacefulness...

Time to Say Goodbye

2011-01-17T00:34:00.003+07:00

I do respect for all you have done.

One Cloudy Afternoon (Union Square Station)

2011-01-17T00:06:00.002+07:00

Trying an experiment with diffused sun light and interior lighting. Critics and suggestion are welcome.

A Flying Bird in the Afternoon (Ada Burung Sore Melayang)

2011-01-13T12:33:00.002+07:00

Ada burung merpati sore melayang
Adakah desingnya kau dengar sekarang?

Ke daun telingaku, jari Tuhan memberi jentikan
Ke ulu hatiku, ngilu tertikam cobaan
Di aorta jantungku, musibah bersimbah darah
Di cabang tangkai paru-paruku, kutuk mencekik nafasku
Tapi apakah sah sudah, ini murkaMu?

Ada burung merpati sore melayang
Adakah desingnya kau dengar sekarang?

[translation]

There were pigeons flying in the afternoon
Can you you hear their sizzle now?

To my earlobe, fingers of God gave the flick
To my abdomen, a painful trials
In my heart aortic, blood-soaked disaster
In the branch of my lungs stalk, the curse choking my breath
But is it legitimate, that this is your wrath?

There were pigeons flying in the afternoon
Can you you hear their sizzle now?

(A piece of poem from Taufik Ismail, "Ketika Burung Sore Melayang")

City Center Metro Station

2011-01-12T12:31:00.002+07:00

People is waiting for the next bus or cab, after exit from the station. In the background is the opposite entrance pod. I am still wondering when is it possible to have such a system in my hometown, Citayem.

Good Morning All

2011-01-12T11:55:00.000+07:00

Negeri Mafia

2011-01-11T18:31:00.001+07:00

Kau catat petugas Rusia itu mafia, kawan?

Tak usah kaget, catatanmu bocor ke seluruh jagat.

Berjuta orang sudah membacanya.

Mungkin sudah jadi pembungkus cabe di negeri kami.

Dengan harapan penambah rasa pedas.

Jangan harap bertemu mafia di negeri kami, kawan.

Tanyakan saja pada petugas pajak dan hukum.

Yang ada hanya penjual jasa foto dan paspor.

Karena kami cintai nilai hidup kami.

Yaitu keuangan yang maha esa.

Serta kekuasaan yang adil dan tampak beradab.

Selamanya itu kami jaga,

Jadi tak akan ada itu mafia.

Palm Deira, 11-1-11.

Am Looking for a Home

2011-01-10T11:49:00.007+07:00

Am looking for a home

With gigantic pillars that support the world

With stable foundation that should be secured

With beautiful view so I can admire the universe

With comfort rooms to recharge my strength

With clear mirror to recognize myself further

With huge library to let us learn a lot of consciousness I need

Then someone bring me a book and carpet to pray

Welcome home my dear!

What a Nice Kidnap.. Pakistani Parotta

2011-01-09T11:44:00.004+07:00

This morning, one of the Pakistani people kidnapped me. Just as I arrived to the office, he dragged me directly. But don’t worry, he is not from Taliban, hehehe. Actually he is one of my colleague. A few days ago, I have challenged him to show me a non oily Pakistani parotta. And he wanted to prove that some Parotta is not so oily.

Parotta is common layered flat bread of southern Indian. Usually parotta is thicker than northern Indian paratha. But for common people, it looks almost the same. There are some other variations in cooking these kind of bread. And they name it differently like Chapati, and roti paratha. Shavarma bread also almost similar with this paratha with the difference on topping and the cooking method. Since there is a lot of migration of people, this kind of bread spread from Indian to other countries like Pakistan, Arabian, and also Malaysia.

Well, after a few minutes breakfast, I have to admit that this Parotta is different with the others. It is not so heavy oily. Eventhough I can still smell some olive oil aroma from this bread. Since it is impossible to share the bread, so I can only share the picture of the parotta maker.

Tick.. Tock.. Tick..

2011-01-08T17:09:00.002+07:00

Time is passing by. Uncertainty will always be the part of my life. In a situation like this, I feel that I am absolutely nothing, even though to turn my old and rusty steering wheel. All I can do is just struggle, hope and pray.

This time, I really want to remind myself for a few things. How much blessing have I realized? How many chance that I wasted? How much time that He spared for me? How much time did I utilize for nothing just a fake proud and false happiness? One thing for sure, and it’s really hard to mention it. Most probably, I am just a big looser.

When all the things get fade,

And the hour seems more clear,

To Your home we shall land.

Tick..tock..tick.. while reading QS:103 Al Ashr in a big empty hall.

Burj Khalifa Fireworks, New Year 2011

2011-01-06T14:46:00.003+07:00

To be honest, I am a little bit shame to show this picture. I don’t know why I never get any good shot of this burj. May be the problem is my skill, or my tools or just that this object is not so amazing for me. But to fulfill a request, let we see the result. I used APS-C CCD sensor, 48 mm, F/3.5, ¼ sec, ISO 800, compensation +0.5 step, inverted, without any tripod, and in extremely need to pee (kebelet pipis).

Critics and suggestion are welcome.

Their Assignment

2011-01-05T19:15:00.002+07:00

I have three active children. To be honest, I cannot say which child is my most lovely one. Being their father is not so simple. Sometimes they fights each other and then become a peaceful environment and happily together in the next few minutes. That is very humane, to have our own opinion and try to argue with the others, even though it is our brother or sister.

To train their teamwork, yesterday morning I gave them a special assignment. Firstly, I asked them to write a wish regarding some food that they want to eat. After that, they should find any information about how to cook it. Then they had to make a shopping list for the ingredient that is required. I assigned my daughter to arrange the list, my eldest son to find the information, mostly from internet, and my youngest son to help his brother and sister in the kitchen for cooking. They sounded very exciting for the assignment.

One of my friend commented, ‘Don’t you worry about how your kitchen situation will be?’. Actually, I was not worried about my kitchen. I wondered if they find out that their father is not a very good chef. :>[

Framed

2011-01-05T17:37:00.001+07:00

One of my best friend told me, ‘Basically, every religion wants to teach some good things to the people. And if we found something bad, it is because of the people’. I think she is right. Logically, it is impossible for a supreme Being for having a bad mistake. Unless He is not so supreme. So, what mistakes do we have? May be framing is one of them.

A Definitely Dead Duck

2011-01-04T03:33:00.000+07:00

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away." The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am sure. The duck is dead," replied the vet. "How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something." The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck." The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!" The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

Just a Tiny Present

2011-01-03T17:47:00.000+07:00

Burj Khalifa Fountain

2011-01-02T20:10:00.003+07:00

A picture of Burj Khalifa fountain. It was quite slippery there. So I need to change my position.

It's Just a Wild Lily - Hanya Bunga Bakung Tumbuh di Halaman

2011-01-02T14:06:00.003+07:00

‘It’s just a wild lily flower grown up in our yard’. Well, that was a lyrics from ‘God Bless’ album in 2001. People usually assumes white lily flowers as symbol for purity and friendship. Then during my last day in 2010, I found a beautiful white lily flower near Dubai corniche. Good bye flower! I know every beginning has its end. But my sympathize is forever.

Happy New Year Kid! Wish U Can Enjoy It..

2011-01-01T17:39:00.003+07:00

I found this child fell asleep among his parent handbag, hundreds of tripods and photographic peripherals, and also approximately 100.000 visitors during new year evening celebration in Burj Khalifa, UAE.

Demokrasi dan Keterbukaan, Pasangan Lawan Kata?

2010-12-13T18:31:00.001+07:00

Entah kenapa, ujug-ujug kok jadi penasaran dengan istilah demokrasi. Katanya Wikipedia, demokrasi yang asalnya dari kata Yunani δημοκρατία – (dēmokratía) "kekuasaan rakyat", adalah sebuah pemerintahan dari rakyat, oleh rakyat, dan untuk rakyat. Menurut mereka sih, ini merupakan sebuah definisi sederhana dari demokrasi. Mmmm… sederhana?? Apakah ada definisi lain yang tidak sederhana?

Tentu saja kesederhanaan adalah kejadian yang sering terlalu muluk untuk didapatkan. Sampai-sampai ada istilah 'demokrasi kriminal' yang dilontarkan seorang ekonom sehubungan dengan timpangnya dana untuk melangsungkan demokrasi ini dengan tujuan awalnya yang 'untuk rakyat'. Tertarik? Sila kontak om google untuk baca opini ekonom tersebut.

Mari kita kunjungi yang katanya salah satu negara dempkrasi terbesar saat ini, yaitu USA. Bahkan mas Obama juga turut sibuk menghandel gejolak demokrasi di sana. Termasuk juga pemaparan ratusan ribu kawat diplomatik yang dibocorkan disana-sini oleh wikileaks-nya Assange. Entah kenapa juga, setelah itu Assange mendapat tuntutan hukum kejahatan seksual di Swiss. Walaupun kemudian ternyata tuduhan bohong, dan mungkin saja tidak ada hubungannya dengan semboyan wikileaks, 'Keep governments open' dan juga serangan-serangan a la cyber war.

Indonesia turut membuat situs bocoran dokumen yang mereka namakan Indoleaks. Tentu saja tidak seperti media-media konvensional sebelumnya yang bisa diborong jika ada berita yang mengkhawatirkan. Kelihatannya media ini memanfaatkan kerangka hukum yang sudah ada tentang ITE. Dalam edisi perdana nya Indoleaks memuat laporan visum kematian para pahlawan revolusi tertanggal 5 Oktober 1965. Walaupun ada perbedaan dengan kisah-kisah sejarah yang sering diceritakan, tapi terlalu dini untuk menilai akan sejauh mana pengaruhnya terhadap keterbukaan dan demokrasi Indonesia.

Sebuah gejolak yang menarik lagi, ketika suatu kelompok yang meatas namakan diri mereka dengan nama demokrasi, mengeluarkan pernyataan bahwa pendapat mereka adalah tergantung pimpinan. Bahkan suara masyarakat yang mencoba bersuara dalam demonstrasi (mungkin dari kata Yunani juga) menjadi mengambang seperti tanpa ada kesimpulan dan keputusan nyata.

Saya jadi berfikir. Apakah 'demonstrasi' dan 'keterbukaan' adalah pasangan lawan kata? Atau mungkin definisi demokrasi perlu disesuaikan??

Sambal Party for Gastronomy Fans Club

2010-11-27T11:16:00.001+07:00

During our research for some particular sambal, we made an experiment how to enhanced the sambal from Bali island using local ingredient and resources. After some quick preparation and arrangement, finally we can substitute the requirement of virgin coconut oil with crude palm oil with almost the same enthalpy, adjust some process parameter. And finally we get the sambal.

Thank you for Ketut Restu Giri, Herlia, Harbud, Bang Zei, wife with their lovely son.

Pedes bok.

Akar Masalah TKI di Dalam Negeri?

2010-11-24T13:24:00.000+07:00

http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2010/11/11/183485/68/11/Akar_Masalah_TKI_di_Dalam_Negeri

Dalam perjalanan saya dari Jakarta ke Yunani pertengahan 2008 lalu, saya berkesempatan transit di Dubai (Uni Emirat Arab) selama 6 jam dan bertemu begitu banyak TKI yang tidur dan duduk di sepanjang koridor dalam bandara. Naluri sebagai peneliti muncul dengan memanfaatkan waktu transit untuk mewawancarai para TKI. Hal yang mengejutkan, hampir seluruh TKI yang menjadi 'sampel' wawancara saya mengungkapkan berbagai masalah yang memprihatinkan. Dari mulai tidak menerima gaji sama sekali, bekerja 20 jam per hari, disiksa majikan, hingga ditipu para calo yang berkeliaran di bandara. Apakah para TKI tersebut melaporkan masalahnya ke pihak berwenang? Ternyata tidak. Jawaban paling sederhana, tidak tahu bagaimana caranya dan apa manfaatnya.

Kesempatan kerja
Perekonomian Indonesia mengalami surplus tenaga kerja. Jumlah penawaran tenaga kerja melampaui permintaannya. Pemerintah memperkirakan angka pengangguran turun dari 7,9 persen di tahun 2009 menjadi 7,6% pada 2010. Tetapi sebenarnya masih banyak orang dengan status bekerja, namun melakukan pekerjaan yang tidak layak. Sebelum krisis ekonomi 1997, angka elastisitas penyerapan tenaga kerja cukup tinggi. Setiap 1 persen pertumbuhan ekonomi menyerap lebih dari 400 ribu tenaga kerja baru. Sementara pada masa puncak krisis (1998-2000), penyerapan tenaga kerja menurun drastis hingga di bawah 200 ribu penyerapan untuk setiap persen pertumbuhan ekonomi.

Setiap tahun sekitar 2,5 juta tenaga kerja baru masuk ke pasar kerja. Jika angka penyerapan tenaga kerja saat ini sekitar 250 ribu untuk setiap 1% pertumbuhan ekonomi, setidaknya 10% pertumbuhan ekonomi dibutuhkan. Padahal kenyataannya, pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia saat ini jauh di bawah angka 10%.

Sulitnya memperoleh pekerjaan di dalam negeri mendorong sebagian pekerja "mengadu nasib" di luar negeri. Tekanan penduduk (population pressure) dalam beberapa tahun mendatang akan semakin besar. Sekitar 56% pekerja Indonesia hanya lulusan SD ke bawah. Semakin sedikit kesempatan kerja untuk para lulusan SD. Hal ini diperburuk tidak adanya sistem jaminan sosial. Setiap orang bertanggung jawab atas dirinya sendiri. Tidak ada pilihan lain, sehingga harus bekerja termasuk ke luar negeri.
Aliran pekerja ke luar negeri menjadi salah satu solusi untuk mengatasi surplus tenaga kerja dalam negeri. Tetapi, jika tidak dikelola dengan baik, maka akan terus menimbulkan masalah. Data Badan Nasional Penempatan dan Perlindungan TKI (BNP2TKI) menunjukkan adanya tren kenaikan TKI bermasalah dari sekitar 14% pada 2008 menjadi lebih dari 20% pada 2009.

Awal masalah
Pemerintah mensyaratkan bahwa TKI harus legal, dikirim melalui agen resmi yang membantunya untuk membuat paspor dan visa, memperoleh surat keterangan kesehatan, membayar asuransi dan kewajiban lainnya, memiliki keterampilan dan kemampuan bahasa.

Kementerian Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi (Kemenakertrans) memperkirakan pada 2010 terdapat sekitar 2,7 juta TKI bekerja di luar negeri. Namun jumlahnya dapat lebih besar mengingat banyak TKI ilegal tidak tercatat. Sekitar 45% TKI memilih bekerja di Malaysia karena kemudahan komunikasi. Sementara 35% TKI bekerja di Arab Saudi. TKI berperan besar bagi perekonomian Indonesia.

Nilai remitansi TKI tahun 2008 mencapai sekitar Rp60 triliun per tahun (15% PDB Indonesia).
Masalah TKI muncul sejak proses awal di Indonesia. Umumnya penyaluran TKI melalui agen tenaga kerja, baik yang legal maupun ilegal. Agen TKI mengontrol hampir seluruh proses awal, mulai dari rekrutmen, paspor dan aplikasi visa, pelatihan, transit, dan penempatan TKI. Banyak TKI baru pertama kali ke luar negeri, direkrut makelar yang datang ke desanya, dengan janji upah tertentu, pilihan pekerjaan yang banyak, dan menawarkan bantuan kemudahan proses. Rendahnya pendidikan calon TKI mengakibatkan mereka menghadapi risiko mudah ditipu pihak lain. Mereka tidak memahami aturan dan persyaratan untuk bekerja di luar negeri. Rendahnya laporan TKI yang mengalami kasus tertentu ke pihak berwenang juga didasarkan kekhawatiran mereka karena memiliki identitas palsu. Banyak TKI usianya masih terlalu muda, namun demi kelancaran proses, usia di dokumen dipalsukan. Pemalsuan tidak hanya usia, tetapi juga nama dan alamat. Oleh karena itu, tidak mudah melacak para TKI bermasalah di luar negeri.

Langkah ke depan
Pemerintah perlu menertibkan para agen TKI ilegal untuk menghindari permasalahan sejak proses awal. Kita semua perlu menyadari bahwa permasalahan TKI berawal dari dalam negeri, meskipun akar masalah di luar negeri juga tidak bisa diabaikan.
Pemerintah harus lebih fokus untuk mengungkapkan solusi dan bukan sekadar mengungkapkan masalah.

Semua pihak harus segera duduk bersama. Instrumen kebijakan untuk mengatasi masalah TKI tidak harus terkait langsung dengan urusan TKI itu sendiri. Karena pada dasarnya, Indonesia saat ini membutuhkan komitmen kebijakan kependudukan yang kuat dan secara tidak langsung akan mengatasi masalah TKI pada jangka panjang.

Oleh Sonny Harry B Harmadi, Kepala Lembaga Demografi FEUI

Nudist Crossing

2010-11-24T12:51:00.000+07:00

Motorist along a busy highway are getting an unusual reminder to slow down in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Caution: Nudist Crossing” declares a sign erected by Danny and La Vonna Scheurich on their property on Stroudsburg Pike in East Lampeter Township.

The Scheurichs says they were concerned about the safety of their two sons and two daughters, ages seven through thirteen. “It’s more or less a joke, but there is seriousness behind it,” Mrs. Scheurich said. “But believe it or not, they are slowing down.”

Struggling with the English language, the foreigner was frustrated by the reasoning behind the pronunciation of words like tough, bough, though. He gave up when he read this newspaper headline: “BAZAAR PRONOUNCED SUCCESS.”

Good or Bad? El Alim Allah

2010-11-21T12:07:00.000+07:00

Yesterday, most of the villagers near erupted Mt. Merapi has returned back to their home. For some people, it’s their usual routines that always repeat every few years. Evacuations and emergency procedures is not a strange things for them. May be other people cannot understand why they want to live in a potentially high risk area. Most of us, have some criteria for the preferred environment like safety, transportation, access etc. But If you have stay there for a while, then you can see what are the difference in their environment. The clean fresh air and water, fertile land, surplus of commodity is only some parts of Merapi comfortness. Thanks for the volcanoes and its natural fertilizer that makes Merapi (and Java island also) become one of the most fertile land I’ve ever known.

Back in time, while watching BBC documentary series titled as ‘Staying Alive’, it give me one consciousness about living. Theoretically, it is almost impossible to find living creature who can stay survive in this universe. Even in our 20 bill-years old planet. Alhamdulillahi rabbil alamin, thanks to God, the Lord of the universe. (For reference: Human creatures was identified for just around the last 200 thousand years).

PD, trying to enjoy this cold winter.

Capturing the Motion

2010-11-20T18:29:00.002+07:00

An experiment with shutter speed option during Indian and Kenya dance performance. Critics and suggestions are welcome.

Pulang Kampung Nih

2010-11-10T13:19:00.000+07:00

I always like a good speech or literature. I do not mind it at all if it is a political speech or religious sermon. One of the best orator I know is prophet Mohammad pbuh. I love to read his sermons and speech that has recorded by the people for more than 1400 years. Sometime I also the read his sahabah’s Friday sermons in that era like from Umar, Ali and others. In the later era, one of my favorite is ‘Mathnavi’, Rumi poems, around 800 years ago. To be more objective, sometime I read Pope speech, Dalai Lama writings, Hindu priest opinion even some atheist articles. Thanks to internet that provide me most of the literatures. And today Obama started his speech humbly with bahasa Indonesia, ‘Pulang kampung nih (return to hometown)’, less than 5 km from my home, after visiting our mosque. I am sure that he didn’t mean to ask me to do ‘pulang kampung’. Unfortunately I haven’t read his whole speech.

Why do I need to read so many speech and literatures? Don’t we have enough problem so far to resolve? Can we expect them to give the solution? Well, even the best speech or literatures cannot give any solution to our problem. Believe me, the solution is only available in your own hands, willing to change, and persevere.

Old man in old souq

2010-11-09T19:16:00.002+07:00

One evening in Deira old souq, me and my best friend was having some fresh air in this winter. Among some old spice shops in that area, I saw this old man took a break there. His expression was very calm and patient. It was very contrast compared to the enthusiasm of the merchant and buyer surrounding. Unfortunately I could not capture his expression successfully after a few photo shooting trial. And I surrendered to the poor lighting condition and wondered if his privacy was disturbed. And here is the result after hard raw photo processing. Critics and suggestions are welcome.

Welcome and have a nice change Mr. President!

2010-11-09T12:42:00.001+07:00

Today, Mr. Obama, as a president of US, come to my country. Long time ago, during his childhood, he lived in Menteng, a neat neighborhood in old Jakarta. It is the same area where I spent my time during high school. I cannot imagine how much effort the he did to become the number one person, also the first black president in US.

For me personally, Obama has proved that racist is not an applicable and logical consideration in this tiny world. I really appreciate what he did when he visit African people for HIV campaign during his career as senator. Or when he, as a president, gave permission to build a mosque in ‘ground zero’. Sometime, I still remember what he said during his president campaign about the ‘change’ that he promised to them. Let we see some silly comments from his competitors. McCain and Palin, for comparison, who claimed that she was the voice of ‘real Americans.. you know what I mean’. J. I can see that probably the most logical argument they have is from his side and Clinton’s.

Despite of the pro and contra from his own parliament, Obama has made some agreement in China and India. Why? I think the reason is because he realized what they have to consider from the number-2 reserved currency in and also the most economical growth rate in the world.

Back to his promises during the campaign, what has changed in US recently? What we can see is the impact of financial impact that has not cured totally. Inspite of a decreasing of dominant factor in their currency, poor economic indicators compared to the other G20, some collapsed big company like GM and also more than 100 collapsed financial institutions within months. I am really sure that psychologically they need a big change. Unfortunately, not all the people like to change. You will find similar situation in our hometown Mr. President. Welcome and have a nice change!

Water, Sun and Yachts

2010-11-08T14:35:00.002+07:00

The Ring of Fire

2010-11-07T18:50:00.001+07:00

Today, in my country, we are having a mass burial of around 80 people body because of mount Merapi eruption. Just one or two weeks before, we had lost more than 400 people in Mentawai earthquake and tsunami. Before these disasters, we had also lost more than 100 people in massive flood in Papua. My deep condolence are along with all the news. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun (QS-2:156), “We belong to God and to Him we shall return” . I wish they are still have strength and spirit to face what is happening there. Laa haula wa laa quwata illa billah, “there is no change or power except through God”.

Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcano eruptions are not rare affairs in my country. As a joint of continental drifts between Asia and Australia continent, usually we have some moderate tectonic earthquake every year. But not as big and surprising as this 7.7 Richter scale quake. And it took hundreds of our life within a few minutes.

We also have hundreds of active volcano. And usually they use the word ‘the ring of fire’ to call them. For example, mount Merapi that is having an eruption. Usually it has small eruption every a few years. Unfortunately I do not have any statistical data about Merapi eruption. I think it was about 4 or 5 years. And I do not know why it took so many life in this disaster. I really salute to some volunteers that risk their life in rescuing operation. Especially for the volunteers who lost their own life, I do dedicate my highest respect.

And for all of us, I do really hope, that we can take a good lessons from all of these. Whatever it is, I am sure there are a lot of things need to rectify in our life.

I can only see a mountain from far distance

2010-11-07T16:53:00.000+07:00

Before it comes, we cannot see the whole one.

We don’t know what does everything means to us.

How much bless that He has given to us.

Until it comes, silence and repentance.

Deira, thinking and repentance.

The Sun is Closing Down, And There Will Always be a Brighter Tomorrow.

2010-11-07T14:18:00.001+07:00

While enjoying the last few weeks in the city, we witnessed a nice sunset in the top of the creek (Raz al Khor). Nevertheless what I did, it still reminded me about the coming farewell. There always sadness and happiness every time we pass this stage.

What is in a Name: 'Hero'

2010-10-24T17:13:00.001+07:00

We can find the word ‘Hero’ (heroine for females) or ‘Pahlawan’ (Indonesia language) in our dictionaries. Then we will see some definitions varied. In Merriam-Webster dictionary, we can find definition as ‘a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities’. We can find also that, we can find keywords ’courage’, ‘honesty’, ‘bravery’, ‘selflessness’, and ‘the will to try’ as just a few of the overlooked qualities of a hero. I prefer the last three qualities as the basic values to the definitions of a hero.

May be it is true that the real hero doesn’t exist in this world . It is because of subjectivity of the criteria we used. Let me give some examples to simplify. Can we put Julius Caesar as a hero for Egyptian people. Even though the Greek Roman will call Caesar as a big hero, most Egyptian still remember that Caesar is the one who destroy ancient Egyptian empire during Cleopatra era. May be we can remember Vasco the Gama, the maritime pioneer that encouraged European people to start so many expedition on the ocean. But some people also can blame him as a pioneer that make the colonization in most Asia and Africa countries. Many people will respect prophet Muhammad SAW as their hero. But some other people may have no idea or ever hate Him a lot. It is the choices, and everybody can choose their very own option.

But in recent case, when some people want to give the title ‘hero’ to one of my former leader, who is famously known as one of the most corrupt leader in the world, it really makes me sad. I cannot relate any of the criteria to him. It’s too far to believe,… Lebay bok.

Palm Deira lage,

Just killing the time.

armanadi.blogspot.com

This Masquerade

2010-10-18T13:59:00.000+07:00

Are we really happy with

This lonely game we play

Looking for the right words to say

Searching but not finding

Understanding anyway

We’re lost in this masquerade

Both afraid to say we’re just too far away

From being close together from the start

We tried to talk it over

But the words got in the way

We’re lost inside this lonely game we play

(*) throughts of leaving disappear

Each time I see your eyes

And no matter how hard I try

To understand the reason

Why we carry on this way

And we’re lost in this masquerade

We tried to talk it over

But the words got in the way

We’re lost inside this lonely game we play

Repeat (*)

We’re lost in a masquerade

Pfuuh… It’s not easy to play this very old song without any music instrument and without a good hearing capability. It is the 10^th days of the medicine treatment so far. Frankly, I don’t feel any improvement. In other hand, it has a good point, I don’t need to care about any misspell nor mispronounced word. LOL.

Back to the theme, this song tells us a story about one of the habit in our life. That we get used to pretend and not being honest to ourselves. And usually we will get lost inside the lonely game only for saving the masquerade.

During the last few days, I have been tried to be honest at least to myself and made some self introspection. Believe me, that is not an easy task for me who used to criticize on everything. I have realize that a lot of God’s gift that usually forgotten by me. My hearing is only small part of it of course. How we waste our talent, energy, time, and opportunity in this life… We’re lost inside the lonely game we play.

Decrescendo

2010-10-17T19:59:00.000+07:00

Decrescendo is usually used at the end of a choir. We can recognize it by the slowly vanishing voice which ends with a silence. It is the opposite of crescendo which has a smooth increasing louder voice.

It has been more than two weeks since the last time I can hear voice normally. Now it is always mixed with the buzzing noise from my internal ears. It sounds so funny. Sometimes I can hear rhythms just like the songs from my childhood, but it repeats continuously. Or sometimes I can hear it ‘buzz….’ continuously like a rotating fan. And the most funny thing is, if some of my friends talk louder to anticipate the noise, then the noise will become louder also. LOL. So it’s useless to talk louder to a half deaf man like me.

Well, perhaps it is my ‘decrescendo’ time in my life. Hopefully, we will have a ‘crescendo’ instead of prelude, fortissimo, moderato etc. Thanks God. Only You whom I expect to cure the illness.

(Silent) Palm Deira

October 17 2010.

Chile Miners Rescue Operation - The Lesson

2010-10-14T12:46:00.000+07:00

Alhamdulillah, after 69 days buried by around 700 thousand tons of rocks landslide in a depth of a half mile , all the 33 miners in Chile has been rescued today. It is just like a miracle for all of them. I cannot image how happy they and their families are. It also increases the solidarity, humanity, and morality of the community. We cannot be sure how it will affect the entire society there. It is really impressing the whole world. Even me that is not related at all with Chile.

What will happened after this? Will it similar to Brazil when they win the soccer World Cup after hit by severe political and economical crisis? Only God knows. During that World Cup, soccer became a symbol of their spirit of oneness. Now the symbol is a humanity solidarity in Chile. But one thing for sure, we cannot do so much without spirit, oneness and solidarity. Otherwise we can only find random chaos of wildness and stupidity.

Palm Deira, 14 Oct 2010.

Playing with Children

2010-10-06T14:07:00.014+07:00

[Some of the pictures was taken by Nugi, My 7 yr old son]

Children, as always they are, was really impressed me. Before I arrived at home, they asked me to take some long journey. One of them asked me to bring him a real train because I work in a railway project. Previously they asked me to bring them a real camel. They also prohibited me for having a headache during my vacation. And so many other requests they have.

But once I was home, they had just forgotten their own request. We got so many activities in our neighborhood. Playing with cats.. with the other kids around.. with plastic ball.. walking to a nearby lake.. testing the new watercolor I bought for them.. bla..bla..bla.. It seems the even a very simple activity can become an exciting and challenging task.

And one routine program before we sleep. One of my loyal bodyguard will sleep on my right side and another bodyguard on my left side. Listening to the storybook I read for them. Otherwise they will protest by not brushing their teeth. ;D

Btw, I need to repaint my home again this year.

My Little and Naughty Daughter

2010-10-06T12:45:00.001+07:00

Glass Stair

2010-10-06T12:27:00.003+07:00

I do not understand.. Why they did not make the steps from translucent glass as well?

Glass

2010-10-06T12:04:00.002+07:00

Glass material has become more and more dominant in construction industry. One interesting point for me regarding this material is ... sometimes we can see some stupidity happenned, without realize that it is my own reflection. LOL, can you find me there? ;D.

Eid Mubarak, Ma Jakarta

2010-10-04T14:07:00.005+07:00

It was still early morning when we celebrated Eid Fitr day in Jakarta. The city was still blanked with thin fog. And magically, once in a year, this busy overloaded metropolitan become quiet, just like a small village. Most of its resident has left their daily activity, gone back to hometown to celebrate the holy day with their family and relatives.

During this year Eid Fitr, I went back to Jakarta lately. So they did the prayer, while I was still flying to the airport. Thanks to the flight delay for almost 2 hours. My city...! I am coming..! Mana ikan asinnya..?

note: Eid Fitr was 10 Sept 2010

Chinese Revenge

2010-09-01T18:34:00.001+07:00

A Chinese Man went into a bar in Hawaii to have some drinks. At the counter he was amazed to see that he was sitting next to the famous Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg. After a round of beer, the Chinese man sensed that the famous producer was glaring at him. Suddenly, in a flash the Chinese crashed down from his stool, felled by a vicious punch from the director. Picking himself up, he yelled, "What the hell was that for?" The Director ranted, "That's for the bombing of the Pearl Harbour you ##@!!*#!. My dad perished in that bombing!" "I am not Japanese. I am Chinese." "Yeah, yeah, yeah......... Japanese, Burmese, Chinese, you are all the same," retorted Spielberg. Regaining his composure the Chinese took his seat and ordered a double from the bartender. A few seconds later, the Chinese turned around and delivered a mighty punch to the director, sending him flat onto the floor. "What was that for?" exclaimed the director. "That's for sinking the Titanic! I had ancestors on that ship!" the Chinese replied. "You ignorant man! The Titanic was sunk by an iceberg!" shouted the director.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah.........Iceberg, Carlsberg, Spielberg......... you are all the same!"

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Moral of the story: Do not generalize people.. ;D