The Sequence.

Dying.

2011-03-02T01:22:00.001+07:00

I'm dying to die just to come back, so we can meet again
I'm dying to say what I always should have said
It's a strange emotion this, but there's still hope in this
As long as there's a breath..

I'm dying and I can't live without you
I'm dying and I can't live without you again

— Dying (Five for Fighting)

January 8.

2011-01-08T00:35:00.006+07:00

And still I dream she'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed..

Take me back to the start..

2010-06-20T00:00:00.001+07:00

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions
Oh, let's go back to the start
Running in circles, coming up tails
Heads on a science apart

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh, take me back to the start

— The Scientist (Coldplay)

Wildflower.

2010-05-07T00:27:00.002+07:00

She's faced the hardest times you could imagine,
And many times her eyes fought back the tears.
And when her youthful world was about to fall in,
Each time her slender shoulders bore the weight of all her fears,
And her sorrow no one hears, still rings in midnight silence,
In her ears...

And if by chance that I should hold her,
Let me hold her for a time.
But if allowed just one possession,
I would pick her from the garden, to be mine.

Be careful how you touch her, for she will waken,
And sleep's the only freedom that she knows.
And when you walk into her eyes, you won't believe,
The way she's always paying for a debt she never owed,
And the silent wind still blows, that only she can hear,
And so, she goes...

Let her cry, for she's a Lady,
Let her dream, for she's a Child,
Let the rain fall down upon her,
She's a free and gentle flower, growing wild.

— Wildflower (Skylark)

Do you think that so many will love you?

2010-03-25T01:00:00.001+07:00

Guido, sai che ti voglio bene figliolo mio.
Guido, do you think that so many will love you, as I do?

— Guarda La Luna (Sophia Loren/Mamma Contini from Nine)

Friends, lovers, or nothing.

2010-03-01T00:20:00.001+07:00

Friends, lovers, or nothing
We can really only ever be one
Friends, lovers, or nothing
Don't you know
We'll never be the in-between
So give it up

Anything other than yes is no
Anything other than stay is go
Anything less than I love you is lying

— Friends, lovers, or nothing (John Mayer)

A bad dream.

2010-02-21T11:35:00.002+07:00

I wake up, it's a bad dream, no one on my side
I was fighting, but I just feel too tired to be fighting
Guess I'm not the fighting kind

Wouldn't mind it, if you were by my side
But you're long gone, you're long gone now..

— A bad dream (Keane)

Oh, I'm falling in love again.

2010-01-28T10:49:00.002+07:00

With one of these.

Lies.

2009-11-04T00:21:00.003+07:00

The little cracks they escalated
And before you know it was too late
For making circles and telling lies

You're moving too fast for me
And I can't keep up with you
Maybe if you slowed down for me
I could see you're only telling
Lies, lies, lies
Breaking us down with your
Lies, lies, lies
When will you learn?

Stop this train.

2009-09-18T13:44:00.003+07:00

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I'll never stop this train.

— Stop this train (John Mayer)

More than just a car.

2009-03-30T16:24:00.003+07:00

Quoting Jeremy Clarkson's view on cars from Times Online:

"We do not buy cars like we buy dishwashers and toasters. It’s not a decision made on cost or practicality and it certainly has nothing to do with the environment. Otherwise everyone would have a Hyundai Accent with a three-cylinder diesel engine. Or a bus pass.

The reason we don’t is that cars, here, are status symbols, they are penis substitutes, they are cherished members of the family, they are heart-starters, they are art, they are sex, they are glamorous, they are cool, they are something you probably don’t need. But, my God, you want one so badly that it hurts. Giving up your car is like giving up an emotion. It’s like giving up love, or happiness. And that’s why people will sell their children before they’ll sell their wheels".

[Link]

I wonder.

2009-03-25T00:05:00.000+07:00

I wonder to myself how on earth I ended up here. I decide not to think too hard about it in case someone realizes there's been a mistake.

In the wee small hours of the morning.

2009-03-20T00:26:00.005+07:00

In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world is fast asleep
You lie awake thinking of the girl
Never even think of counting sheep

While the whole wide world has learned it's lesson
She'd be yours if only she would call
In the wee small hours of the morning
It's the time I miss her most of all

— In the wee small hours of the morning (Jamie Cullum)

The documentary for the rest of us.

2009-02-12T01:03:00.001+07:00

Union Square Peeler Peddler Joe Ades.

2009-02-06T21:41:00.006+07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

He is now Rest In Peace. [Link]

Sticky Screen.

2009-01-12T03:30:00.001+07:00

Brilliant idea. Sticky Screen is free to use and doesn't require a sign-up. [Link]

The Art of Faking It.

2009-01-04T01:37:00.002+07:00

I was at (ak.'sa.ra) bookstore a few hours ago and I found just the perfect book meant for people like me. And here it is:

The Art of Faking It:
Sounding Smart Without Really Knowing Anything

[Link]

Apple's apples.

2008-12-12T02:34:00.003+07:00

This guy loves Apple more than just a box of apples.

An owner of a Fuji apple orchard printed up custom stickers of iPods and the Apple logo. He then put the stickers on his Fuji apples while they were still young and on the trees. A month later after the apples had matured, he removed the stickers. And as a result, the lack of sun reaching the apple cause them to keep the stickers original design. [Via]

Hate it or love it?

2008-12-12T01:33:00.007+07:00

"It's always the people like her, who start the noise and bang things, who make you feel the worst; they are the one who get your love".

— Anywhere But Here (1986) by Mona Simpson

Radio-Controlled Key Finder is exactly what I need.

2008-12-09T00:43:00.001+07:00

My poor memory brain, meet the cure.

The Radio-Controlled Key Finder consists of a fob and a "credit-card transmitter". You attach the fob to your key and forget all about it. When you need to retrieve the key, just press a button on the transmitter and the fob starts beeping and flashing to let you discover where the little rascal is. Simple, huh ? The radio-controlled device has a range of about 80-feet - enough to alert you even you have left the key behind in a neighbor's house. The contraption is available for around $23. [Link]

[Via]

Test Drive: The All New Honda City.

2008-12-07T20:44:00.008+07:00

I was invited to the All New Honda City Test Drive at Senayan City earlier today to find out if the brand new baby was any good. And so I took it for a spin at Jl. Asia Afrika. Because it was road tested within the shopping center entrance area, I couldn't unleash the car to its fullest, and besides after the third spin, the other attendees were started to get annoyed by me for the time I spend with the car.

Honda City was first introduced to the Asia Market in 1996 and was meant to be an economical city car in a form of subcompact sedan which uses Honda's Global Small Car platform. But with today's model having priced at IDR 60 Million more expensive than the previous (2005) version, I couldn't really see where it is going.

I was tested the top of the line version Automatic Transmission with fancier interior in sort of blended black, more gadgets, and reclining seats, and IDR 8 Millions price tag more expensive than the normal one (for no obvious reason). In the Drive mode, there was a slight time-gap when the gear changing catching up with the speed, the same problem as it is with the current Honda Civic A/T as well. But once I put it in the Sports mode, the Formula-1-styled paddle shift gear box was working rather well.

There was nothing to complain about the interior styling of this particular version except maybe for its on-board display which seems to look like it was made in a same way as the cheap plastic toys from Chinese illegal toy manufacturer. It could as well be a lot better if only it has the Civic's LED head-up display instead, it was however not, and never going to be.

Although I said there was nothing to complain about the styling, there was quite some for the funcionality. Take the reclining seat for instance, it was rather useless, as I tested myself, I couldn't feel any difference before and after the seat was reclined. And what makes it even worse is that, the IDR 8 million price differences between the top of the line version and the normal one is entitled for this bloody seat that doesn't even make any difference when you use one. Yes, there was an additional sign mirror, and the black interior, and the cup holders, and the 16" wheels, but why the hell did they choose to name the package after the reclining seat? "The All New Honda City A/T with Reclining Seat" is what they called it. it could be named "The All New Honda City A/T with More Cups Holders Inside" instead, or "with Black Interior", or "with Sign Mirror", or even "with IDR 8 Million More Expensive Than The Normal One Because I'm a Little Bit More Successful Than Those Who Bought The Normal One", it doesn't make any sense you block head idiots who made the package name, and who decided the pricing. And there is also no point of having the sign mirror if the only thing that could possibly happen is to find yourself collecting bits of it after it was smashed by the undignified motorcyclist during the traffic jam.

BUT, IF (I put capital letters there on purpose), let say: IF, IF I ignore those drawbacks of having cheap on-board display, useless reclining seat, and enormous price tag for a city car. Getting rid of all those thoughts in mind, this car would go round the city of Jakarta just fine. Even more, with the F1-styled paddle shift fitted in behind the steering wheel, this car was rather fun to drive as well. I mean really, what would you expect from driving around this city of Jakarta more than having just lots and lots of fun? Yes, it won't be more fun than driving a Civic, but it is at least economical to drive. And on that bombshell in mind: IF I were to buy a city car, I definitely better off with this All New Honda City, I really am completely sold.

Mother In Law.

2008-12-07T18:30:00.003+07:00

Wilma: Fred, I wanna thank you for being so nice to Mother.
Fred: I'm tryin', Wilma, I'm tryin' hard.

That was that really. I was having a sh*t time of my life.

Venice under water.

2008-12-06T04:58:00.004+07:00

A woman walks through floodwaters on Piazza San Marco during floods on December 1, 2008 in Venezia. (ANDREA PATTARO/AFP PHOTO/AFP/Getty Images). The flood was the deepest in 22 years. [Link]

Phone conversation.

2008-12-06T02:02:00.001+07:00

Me: Gw udah OTW ke EX naek taxi.
X: Jalan kaki?
Me: ...

Tut..tut..tut..tut..tut..

The 10th JiFFest.

2008-12-04T02:56:00.003+07:00

The 10th JiFFest (Jakarta International Film Festival) is kicking off tomorrow, meanwhile I haven't got time to read the program guide and decide which screening should I attend and which membership should I collect. This is for the event I've always been looking forward every single year within the last 3 years, and now I couldn't seems to be bothered.

But I'll be there, fingers crossed.

The Giant Garuda Indonesia-shaped building.

2008-12-04T01:03:00.004+07:00

Graha Garuda Tiara complex at Cileungsi, Bogor, Indonesia is nothing more than just a collection of ordinary buildings and facilities left unnoticed until you get to see it from the air, and thanks to today's advance satellite imaging from Google, many people are now realizing the fact that there is more to this architectural landmark than just a group of buildings, they're actually forming some sort of symbol, and as we can see above, that's the Coat of arms of The Republic of Indonesia.

The project started in 1995 to build some 58,000 square meters 3 stars hotel meant to host the 1997 Sea Games XIX which was held in Jakarta. Sadly however, the progress had eventually spatted to a halt in just well under 8 months with 70% of the project completed. [Link1] [Link2] [Link3]

Overtime.

2008-12-03T01:22:00.001+07:00

It's hard to believe but the sheer fact to the matter is, I'm still at the office at this time, and it's currently 1:22 A.M.

The Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics.

2008-11-30T02:50:00.003+07:00

The Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics lets us know which electronics manufacturers are being kind to the earth and which ones could care less. "The world is consuming more and more electronic products every year. This has caused a dangerous explosion in electronic scrap blah.. blah.. blah.." says The Greenpeace. [Link]

The Joker's jacket at (X)S.M.L

2008-11-30T02:05:00.006+07:00

I found the Joker's jacket (and trousers) at (X)S.M.L and it was on discounted price!

Fortune: The Genius Behind Steve.

2008-11-30T01:10:00.009+07:00

I was at Kem Chick Pacific Place the other night after office hours and found this issue of Fortune magazine covering "Apple The Genius Behind Steve".

One of the thing people want to know from Apple these days is the status of Steve's health, he had a treatable form of pancreatic cancer about 4 years ago in which he said he got it fixed, but the fact is he looks frightfully skinny and pale and has got people concerned about his health. The second thing is, who would replace Steve Jobs if he were to step down the CEO. And this issue has got it all wrapped, so I bought one.

Watch the video preview from Fortune here. [Link]

Oh, I think it's time to do this again.

2008-11-30T00:09:00.004+07:00

I'm currently lacking of any creative idea to write, there's been quite a lot of manuscript of thought I've prepared but the sheer fact to the matter is none of those could make into production. There are so much I've planned ahead but not as much as something I could actually come up with, and that's been quite a problem to me. And so here I am, struggling to survive this little internet page of mine, yet again.

Well then, what do I have? Cars, yeah right, cars. And so, Just some couple of minutes ago I was driving away from the shopping center back to my place when I suddenly got the Volvo C30 in front of me (the very weird hatch back - like it was made by accidentally chopped at the back body in certain degree - which I used to - rather - like), and because it was night already I found out that the back lamp of that car looked pretty odd when it was on, especially at night time. I've got a picture of it below, which I recreate myself from the picture on the internet, and would you laugh at this:

It does look like those japanese cartoons eyes when they're smiling, this really:

(^ _ ^)

hihihihihi...

Like that, doesn't it? It was like she was laughing at my car.

The very menacing of Double-Oh.

2008-11-09T14:48:00.004+07:00

Too violent, too savage, too brutal, too much action, too much Ford, less Aston Martin, tedious soundtrack, the lot. What they did was turning a proper gentleman into some kind of hit man who happened to have a fragile heart and 'take-it-too-personally' attitude, and that's so wrong, even if it meant to avenge for the death of his bitch. I watched the movie the other night at PIM 2 after the previous two cinemas I went on were all fully-booked (well, it was friday night I wasn't so surprised). But for crying out loud it disappoint me. It didn't excite me as much as Casino Royale and it was therefore a complete, utterly, waste of time watching the movie on midnight show.

Brand New Pepsi.

2008-11-03T01:06:00.005+07:00

The Pepsi cola logo has had a number of face lifts over the years. So now Pepsi have updated their globe logo, and would you look at this. The white band in the middle of the logo will now loosely form a series of smiles. A “smile” will characterize brand Pepsi, while a “grin” is used for Diet Pepsi and a “laugh” is used for Pepsi Max. To give you an insight into the new Pepsi logo, check out the video below. [Via]

Find more videos like this on AdGabber

Tornado Intercept Vehicle from Storm Chasers.

2008-10-29T02:27:00.006+07:00

Have you seen this sh*t? This is a special customized vehicle for the TV show Storm Chasers on Discovery Channel. The Storm Chasers take to the field in a fleet of customized vehicles, each with its own special role to play in the overall mission of filming tornadoes and collecting severe weather data. The most formidable is this, based on the Dodge 3500 Truck body, the TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle) is a heavy, armored juggernaut designed for direct tornado intercepts and close-in IMAX filming.

I haven't yet to see the show, but I saw this vehicle from their ad somewhere on the internet, and I was stunned by its rigid tank-like body structure which looks similar to the Batman's Tumbler, and which I rather like. I used to dream of having this kind of special customized vehicle, others may include the modified Marcedez-Benz W163 used in The Lost World Jurassic Park, Batman's The Tumbler, or at least the immortal Toyota Hilux.

Awesome tunnel car chase from Quantum of Solace.

2008-10-29T01:35:00.010+07:00

Ups.. I might have put the wrong picture there, but the clip of the tunnel car chase from the upcoming bond movie below is just as awesome as Olga Kurylenko. [YouTube]

Videos of Steve Jobs at NeXT.

2008-10-29T01:35:00.005+07:00

Steve Jobs was not only a master of the slide presentation, he was a clear and thoughtful presenter at the whiteboard as well. See the video after the jump and you'll get an idea. There are series of this video on YouTube from this guy, go check out yourself if you still have not had enough. [Via]

Part 1

Part 2

Traffic jam before the journey even started.

2008-10-29T00:41:00.001+07:00

This is exactly what happened when I went home from work, just today. It took me millions of years from the parking building to reach the gate and just to face another endless volga. The weather has been just perfect, but not for the traffic though, it's been appalling.

Saturday Night Live satirical show on presidential race.

2008-10-27T03:36:00.002+07:00

I've just received an email from my friend showing me links to this hilarious satirical show run by NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL). And after weeks of poking fun at Republican candidate Sarah Palin, SNL made a bold move by inviting the controversial politician to their stage. Watch the videos after the jump. [Link1] [Link2]

Photos of Heath Ledger in his last film.

2008-10-27T02:08:00.002+07:00

Newly released photos show Heath Ledger in the film role he never completed. [Link]

The hunt for retro bowling shirts.

2008-10-25T15:25:00.001+07:00

Inspired by Charlie Harper's wardrobe for Two and a Half Men, I'm currently looking for the kind of duo-toned, short-sleeved bowling shirts. They say of the wearer, "I don't take myself too seriously," which is kind of me. [Link]

Perfect Symmetry by Keane.

2008-10-22T01:41:00.003+07:00

I've been listening to Keane's new album Perfect Symmetry to find out if it's any good. And thus far, it hasn't been anywhere near.

Quantum of Solace trailer.

2008-10-22T01:07:00.006+07:00

The moment Bond falls off some scaffolding through a glass roof, that one’s worth the ticket price on its own. The car chase is also awesome. Watch the trailer after the jump and you’ll get the idea. [YouTube]

I bought a new camera, and it hasn't gone well on paper.

2008-10-18T23:56:00.022+07:00

I bought a new camera, Nikon Coolpix P50, after I lost my previous one at the Airport (I suspect) on my way to Kuala Lumpur last month. God, I hate opening up my luggage at the Airport, it always cost me something quite expensive, first a full bottle of Acqua Di Gio Men at KLIA back in 2005, then the camera at Soekarno - Hatta last month, simply because I forgot to put those things back into my suitcase.

Back to business, this new one (Well, not so new actually, since it's not the latest lineup of Coolpix) seems bigger, thicker than the 'late' Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10 I had. I haven't got time to compare the result, but it seems that cameras.co.uk rated the DMC-FX10 better than this P50 by 4 points (DMC-FX10: 83, P50: 79). The P50 however, offers better value for money with its 8 megapixels and 3.6x optical zoom lens compared to the DMC-FX10 which was limited to only 6 megapixels with 3x optical zoom lens. Nevertheless, I used to set the size behind 6, either 3, 4,or 5. So, it's not quite applicable as a plus point is it? Still, the lack of features, and the bulkier form factor set it behind the DMC-FX10.

I bought the DMC-FX10 for its Leica lens, since I couldn't afford to buy the 'whole-body' of Leica, I thought maybe the lens only was fine for me. It was meant to be the travel companion (as it is for the P50), and it has produced a lineup of very nice symphony of colors captured from various trips I've been in the last 2 years. The simple fact to the matter is, it's now gone from me, and gone from production as well, all that left is a box, and some cables.

And to put the P50 into better perspective, here's I present some facts I found on the internet between the two cameras I had in my life (thus far. Because I might have a Leica in the future though). Enjoy:

DMC-FX 10 Summary

"There is more to the Panasonic DMC-FX10 than its low price tag. It is hard to think of a better pocket sized digital camera available at a lower price. Picture quality may not be perfect, but it is some way above average."
[Cameras.co.uk]

P50 Summary

"This is a fairly solid camera. It takes a decent photo in most situations, although you need flash pretty quickly when the light starts to drop. It scores well for ease of use, despite having one or two extra features, including a manual exposure setting."
[Cameras.co.uk]

DMC-FX10 Usage This Year

[Flickr]

P50 Usage This Year

[Flickr]

Hell, this post is just point out that I bought the wrong camera. Never mind, because the picture it produces is all that matters, no that doesn't really help does it? Well, at least the flickr's usage graphic does suggest some kind of confidence. So what?

Fine, I admit I bought the wrong one (full stop).

Prospekt's March EP by Coldplay.

2008-10-18T04:00:00.006+07:00

It's been announced that Coldplay will release the Prospekt's March EP at the end of November (depending upon where you live). It contains eight songs that were not finished back in May but that has just been completed. They are:
Could somebody in UK buy this EP for me? [Via The Messenger]

[Update]
They have also put the video preview of Glass of Water in the website.

The new MacBook family.

2008-10-15T01:43:00.002+07:00

The new MacBook family redefines notebook design while dramatically lowering the entry price for advanced notebook features, including all-metal enclosures, pro-performance notebook graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays, and new large, glass Multi-Touch trackpads. The industry’s greenest notebooks, the entire MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold, and RoHS environmentl standards. [Via] [MacBook] [MacBook Pro]

As it unfolds.

2008-10-14T22:46:00.007+07:00

From the 'brick' of the new aluminum case to the latest (as of this minutes) clickable glass trackpad on the new MacBook, lots of Apple die hard fans across the globe has been overdosed with rumors for months now. But all those forecast will eventually come down to one staggering town-hall event in San Francisco today. In fact, with today's Apple event right around the corner, Apple has just taken down the online Apple stores around the world. And now everyone is wondering as it unfolds.

If you're inclined to follow the whole spoiler live blog thing, then here are a few sites that will be providing live coverage of the event via staffers on site:
TUAW
Engadget
Ars Technica
Gizmodo
CNET
SlashGear
Macworld
MacRumors (via Twitter)

October the sodding 13.

2008-10-13T21:56:00.000+07:00

And I already began to face the bloody traffic.

I show you the future.

2008-10-08T04:02:00.000+07:00

Chevrolet Volt
That's a looker!

Powered by a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, the Detroit savior lets you go up to 40 miles without using a drop of gas. And when your battery's dead, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly picks up to keep you going. Back at home, the Volt can be plugged into a standard outlet for charging. The battery's more than 220 lithium-ion cells produce the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. [Via]

Lamborghini Estoque.

2008-10-08T02:46:00.003+07:00

Not as good looking as the Reventón if I may say so, although not to be said garsly either. Named after the sword a matador uses in a bull fight, the Lamborghini Estoque is still in the concept stage. [Via]

The Blaze Sega Megadrive Handheld console.

2008-10-08T00:36:00.005+07:00

I've gotta get me one of these

The Blaze Sega Megadrive Handheld console is an ultra portable video game player, which is pre-loaded with 20 classic games from SEGA:- Alex Kidd, Alien Storm, Altered Beast, Arrow Flash, Columns III, Crack Down, Decap Attack, Dr. Robotnik, E SWAT, Ecco, Ecco Jr, Shinobi III, Flicky, Gain Ground, Golden Axe, Jewel Master, Kidd Chameleon, Ristar, Shadow Dancer and Sonic & Knuckles. There is therefore no need for game cartridges or a TV as the Sega Megadrive Handheld console displays the retro games on its bright LCD display. The Portable game player has an A/V connector and with the included cable the player can be connected to any TV set to relive the full Sega Megadrive experience. Playing your favourite Megadrive games on the move has never been easier!

Watch the video preview after the jump. [YouTube]

Nokia 8800 and battery problem.

2008-09-29T23:02:00.006+07:00

I've just bought a new battery (IDR 305,000) for my Nokia 8800 couple of minutes ago from Electronic City SCBD near my place. The original battery has been leaking for months, and getting even worse. This replacement has strengthen my title as a battery killer for quite an apparent reason, which is, for every tangible object I owned with battery in it, each of those must have been experiencing a replacement for at least once. My O2 XphoneII (leaked, replaced, leaked again, sold), my first car (car won't start/power intermittent or weak, replaced with the new battery), my first notebook: Toshiba M30 (leaked, replaced), my firs Mac (listed on Apple's battery exchange programme, replaced), and now my Nokia 8800's turn.

I found this classy phone whilst I was in Hong Kong. At that time I've been looking for this specific model for quite sometimes but it was quite difficult to find one which was still original in Jakarta or Malaysia, the used one was also tagged quite competitive to the price of the other new cellphones for reasons I couldn't understand, but not until I had a chance to pass by one of the small gadget shop in downtown Kowloon near the hostel where I lived during my trip to Hong Kong. I was glad they still kept the new-unopened set of this phone. And so I bought one (well it was two in one deal actually) with quite a bargain (although many has refused to agree with me at this point). But of course having been kept for considerably long period of time had effected the battery life a bit. And, when I said a bit... I was a bit wrong.

But I don't care with any of that, because I prefer the style, state of the art, and rare exclusivity over the rich functionality, or agility, or battery efficiency, or anything. I don't need the 3G capability, or HSDPA, or Push Email, or any nerdy stuff on my phone. What I need instead is a pure, honest to God, form of art in a body of a cellphone with some essential communication functions. Because to me, that's all that matters.

Praise for Singapore GP.

2008-09-29T19:52:00.000+07:00

Last night the world witnessed the first ever Formula One night race at the street of Marina Bay in Singapore. The South-East Asian city-state whose staging the inaugural of a spectacular and innovative race under floodlights has left the motor racing world stunned with admiration. I watched the race on telly last night and I still couldn't work out how they could manage to get the street ready for the race. But all in all, it was an action-packed roller-coaster of thrills, drama and daredevil driving, exactly the perfect ingredient for a fan-bleeding-tastic night. See more pictures of the smothering moments I found on the internet after the jump.

Nelson Piquet Jr. (BRA) Renault R28 crashes into the wall.

The green light within his cockpit told Massa he could restart, but the re-fuelling hose was still attached to his car. He knocked over a mechanic as the hose tore away, and fuel spewed everywhere. The vital pit-stop errors has ruined the Brazilian’s race and cost the Italian team the lead in the constructors’ championship.

The car of Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari F2008 is recovered after he crashed out of the race Formula One World Championship.

Fernando Alonso was crowned Formula One's prince of darkness and will be forever noted as the Singapore GP's first winner.

Waiting for a little something more.

2008-09-29T17:18:00.007+07:00

After the launching in Thailand and India couple of weeks ago, followed by the official debut at Istanbul this coming October, I think I'd rather wait for the better. Puasa lagi deh for another 2 months.

British comedians discover Clarkson Island.

2008-09-29T16:52:00.003+07:00

Jeremy Clarkson is a lot of things to a lot of people. He's unique and iconic. Entertaining and informative. But what he's not is inimitable. That's what British sketch comedy duo Harry and Paul discovered when they stumbled upon Clarkson Island. The magical isle off the southern coast of England (and not to be confused with the Isle of Man) is inhabited exclusively by clones of the celebrity automotive journalist, who all... talk the same. Watch the video after the jump. [YouTube]

On tricking a policeman and luck.

2008-09-23T21:43:00.010+07:00

The picture above is not necessarily represent the actual situation

I was suppose to be summoned by a traffic policeman last night after breaking a straight line whilst queuing for the red light at Senayan. I had no option but to change line because I was in the wrong one and I was chasing a flight. The policeman was already pointing his (I don't know what's the stuff's name, the red light thing Nidji vocalist used to swing around during their perfomance) and blew his whistle, Dini was panicking (although she realized it a bit late compared to other human being in the same level, normal for her anyway), but I chose to escape rather than dealing with a policeman in that current condition, with no capacity of producing any frequently friendly human voice level. Because I bet I would either loosing my 50 grand or my license got suspended, in which neither of those are ever going to be a deal to me, in anyway. I was lucky because the policeman found no bike around him to chase me.

Because I was once being chased by a policeman in his bike at Jalan Merdeka after ignoring his warn, and I tell you what, that thing was darn quicker in not to 60 mph than any car currently being driven in Jakarta, well maybe apart from those Lambos or Astons or 911s we could rarely find (but they are exist). At that time I was quite lucky as well, because after the policeman named Fahmi (I still remember his) look at my license, he fond that we were actually living in the same neighborhood, and so he let me go.

Thus far, I've always got luck in dealing with traffic rules breaking in Jakarta. ;-)

Sick.

2008-09-21T16:05:00.007+07:00

flu originally uploaded by taylorbrinton

I feel unwell.

[Update]
My condition is getting worse, even after I started taking antibiotic pils. My voice is gone, my body temp is high, and this is fasting month! I was driving along with my friend, Dini to the airport last night to pick up a special delivery package brought by a rare species of alien named Kikized (We called him/it Kiki anyway), and all the way (to and from Airport) we communicated with nothing but sign language because she couldn't catch any words that escapes my lips. It was difficult to be in the situation whereby you are in a car with someone, trying to establish some communication link and all you've got as a reply was the word: 'What?'. Fortunately though, she could understand my sign when it comes to Food, because I was starving and dying for Bubur Ayam anget and Ovaltine milk. Thank God I lived in Jakarta in which you could find those stuff in just a blink of an eye.

Zhuma Japanese.

2008-09-20T10:29:00.002+07:00

We tried the new Sushi Resto yesterday named Zhuma Japanese at Senayan City (or more precisely, the expensive Japanese resto with some sashimi in their menu that my friend, Hexi, claimed misleadingly as 'Zuma Sushi', but that was so wrong). Surprisingly however, none of us ordered sushi, Eh? didn't we make this plan to try the new sushi resto? and the answer was no, because we planned the event for the celebration of Iwan's Birthday (In which we set up the date, because Iwan never know exactly when he was actually born), and for the Debenhams Midnight Sale, and for the ifthar together, and then for the sushi (in which we couldn't be bothered to try one). In fact, all the objectives were being missed too. I tell you why, first: Iwan didn't show up, second: although we went for the Debenhams Midnight Sale, we all went home empty handed. And the third: we all came late for the ifthar, so that was considered a usual dinner. About the Zhuma, here's the only thing I could say: I ordered one of their Ramadhan set, it cost around IDR 80,000 + tax, and it tasted like rubbish with some salt and slice of carrots on top of it. That should deliver my verdict.

Nike Bazaar at Plaza Bapindo.

2008-09-17T23:14:00.002+07:00

My brother bought this sneakers last week for IDR 700,000. Earlier today I found exactly the same Nike Zoom at Nike Bazaar Plaza Bapindo for half of that price. So I think what we need to do is just watch for the timing, and nail the deal, really.

I found myself at the bazaar during office break today and it was jammed up with the army of shoppers. At first, I couldn't be bothered to go there until my colleague at the office told me that today will be the last day, and suddenly we found the reason why we should go there, and so we went there, rushing!

I only look for the rare stuff at the bazaar (or some kind), and we all know exactly why, to avoid wearing the same stuff with others, the one that I usually bought is either found at the bottom of the pool, tagged the most expensive one, or the most ridiculous looks. And often I would later on realize that I was buying the wrong stuff with a bad deal. but I was disappointed not to find the Nike Vintage Elite there though I found something else.

A package arrived on my table.

2008-09-17T20:30:00.003+07:00

At the same time a text arrived in my inbox. [Eh?]

Suzuki SX4 and Fiat Sedici.

2008-09-17T05:12:00.007+07:00

Eh? I just find out about this while I was visiting Fiat. The Suzuki SX4 got a twin from Italy, which is Fiat Sedici.

The Suzuki SX4 is a compact car developed by Japanese and Italian automakers Suzuki and Fiat and produced since 2006. An expected 60,000 units will be produced — 2/3 to be sold by Suzuki and 1/3 by Fiat, rebadged as the Sedici. [Link]

Fiat will keep quiet about it but it's Suzuki engineering that underpins both the Sedici and SX4. Which should mean good reliability, though Fiat customers are likely to pay more for it on a like-for-like basis - making the choice a no-brainer for informed buyers. [Link]

The Sticky Note Experiment.

2008-09-14T03:20:00.000+07:00

EepyBird's Sticky Note experiment from Eepybird on Vimeo.

[via]

Addicted to Two and a Half Men.

2008-09-12T02:38:00.009+07:00

One of my friend at the office gave me this series Two and a Half Men of season 4 about two weeks ago. He said he couldn't stop watching it and see if that would happen to me as well, and it did. It only takes me around 2 days to finish the season 4 and have been constantly repeating every single disc for about a week since then. This is some good stuff from CBS that he said, and I quote, "so funny that it could swept the problems off your mind for a while", though I asked back if there is a single thing that could possibly swept all my problems forever, what would it be? and he replied in gesture by pointing a hand-gun to his head, I knew exactly what he meant: blow your head off. Well anyway, now I'm bored with the season 4 and looking forward to buy the forthcoming season as well as the prior season. And this is recommended, especially for those who fancy the movie 'About a Boy', well then this is the TV sitcom version of American's 'About a Boy' with additional homeless brother. Watch the video preview after the jump.

Across the Universe OST.

2008-09-11T06:03:00.003+07:00

I haven't watch the movie but I once read the review somewhere in one of the local magazine for this soundtrack album. So I bought the album last week and having been listened to it for a week now, I say it's not disappointing for recycled The Beatles' songs. Standout Tracks: "I Am The Walrus", "Something", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Across The Universe", "Hey Jude", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds."

Three cheers for sweet revenge.

2008-09-11T05:05:00.003+07:00

Croatia 1 - 4 England

Theo Walcott fired a sensational hat-trick as England stormed to victory in Croatia. The final result was indeed sweet revenge for England, beating the team that ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. It was like watching England at their Euro 96 best as they passed the ball around with devastating accuracy says Jonathan Stevenson of BBC. [via]

Apple introduces new iPod nano, iPod touch, and iTunes 8.

2008-09-10T01:45:00.004+07:00

iPod nano.

Available in nine vibrant colors, the new fourth generation iPod nano — the thinnest iPod ever — features a sleek new design with a curved aluminum and glass enclosure. It also incorporates Genius technology and features a built-in accelerometer that automatically switches to Cover Flow when rotated and automatically goes into Shuffle mode when lightly shaken. iPod nano (4th generation) comes in 8GB ($150) and 16GB ($200) models. [Link]

iPod touch.
Perfect for music, movies, and games, the new iPod touch ($229) features an amazingly thin contoured metal design, a gorgeous 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch interface. Available now in 8GB ($230), 16GB ($300), and 32GB ($400) models. [Link]

iTunes 8.
Apple today unveiled iTunes 8, which includes breakthrough Genius technology that, with a single click, lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library. iTunes 8 also features new ways of viewing your music and video libraries, and it adds television programs in stunning high definition for sale on the iTunes Store. [Link]

Energyville.

2008-09-07T19:14:00.008+07:00

Chevron presents: Energyville at willyoujoinus.com, an energy game developed by The Economist Group which is really nice and simple. Basically, we are to choose energy sources to power our city today and through 2030. And then we'll see how our decisions will affect the city's environment, economy, and security. [Play Energyville]

Power blackout at PIM.

2008-09-07T05:09:00.003+07:00

I was at Sushi Tei PIM 2 yesterday having iftar together with friends when the power down suddenly happened and we were in total darkness for about 30 seconds. Wasn't that bizarre for one of the most sophisticated shopping center in Indonesia happen to have struck by a power down? But all in all it was just hell lots of fun to boos and hisses at out loud.

Let's Rock.

2008-09-04T23:32:00.005+07:00

As Apple has officially announced a special “Let’s Rock” media event in San Francisco on September 9, 2008, it’s pretty apparent that new iPods (possibly Nano) are in the offing (along with possible iPod touch price drops), mostly because the invitation (picture above) clearly shows and iPod display and because new iPods have been announced at the last three years’ September events. And so I'm awaiting. [Link]

Coldplay at Radio 2 Live.

2008-09-04T23:01:00.007+07:00

Coldplay perform an intimate gig for Radio 2 in the BBC's Radio Theatre in London. Presented by Dermot O'Leary. Click here to listen to the entire hour-long show.

The band has also been giving away a free MP3 of their exclusive track called Death Will Never Conquer, which is unavailable anywhere else, which is kind a nice. Click here to download.

Love in what you do.

2008-09-04T01:39:00.004+07:00

I received an email from Dicky about the reason behind resignation of Andy F. Noya (K!ck Andy) from his position as Editor-in-Chief at Metro TV which had occurred on May 1st, 2008. And it might be a good lesson learned to be shared.

[In Bahasa Indonesia]

Lentera Jiwa
Andy F. Noya

Banyak yang bertanya mengapa saya mengundurkan diri sebagai pemimpin redaksi Metro TV. Memang sulit bagi saya untuk meyakinkan setiap orang yang bertanya bahwa saya keluar bukan karena 'pecah kongsi' dengan Surya Paloh, bukan karena sedang marah atau bukan dalam situasi yang tidak menyenangkan.

Mungkin terasa aneh pada posisi yang tinggi, dengan 'power' yang luar biasa sebagai pimpinan sebuah stasiun televisi berita, tiba-tiba saya mengundurkan diri.

Dalam perjalanan hidup dan karir, dua kali saya mengambil keputusan sulit.

Pertama, ketika saya tamat STM. Saya tidak mengambil peluang beasiswa ke IKIP Padang. Saya lebih memilih untuk melanjutkan ke Sekolah Tinggi Publisistik di Jakarta walau harus menanggung sendiri beban uang kuliah.

Kedua, ya itu tadi, ketika saya memutuskan untuk mengundurkan diri dari Metro TV.

Dalam satu seminar, Rhenald Khasali, penulis buku Change yang saya kagumi, sembari bergurau di depan ratusan hadirin mencoba menganalisa mengapa saya keluar dari Metro TV. ''Andy ibarat ikan di dalam kolam. Ikannya terus
membesar sehingga kolamnya menjadi kekecilan. Ikan tersebut terpaksa harus mencari kolam yang lebih besar.''

Saya tidak tahu apakah pandangan Rhenald benar. Tapi, jujur saja, sejak lama saya memang sudah ingin mengundurkan diri dari Metro TV. Persisnya ketika saya membaca sebuah buku kecil berjudul Who Move My Cheese.Bagi Anda yang belum baca, buku ini bercerita tentang dua kurcaci. Mereka hidup dalam sebuah labirin yang sarat dengan keju. Kurcaci yang satu selalu berpikiran suatu hari kelak keju di tempat mereka tinggal akan habis. Karena itu, dia selalu menjaga stamina dan kesadarannya agar jika keju di situ habis, dia dalam kondisi siap mencari keju di tempat lain. Sebaliknya, kurcaci yang kedua, begitu yakin sampai kiamat pun persediaan keju tidak akan pernah habis.

Singkat cerita, suatu hari keju habis. Kurcaci pertama mengajak sahabatnya untuk meninggalkan tempat itu guna mencari keju di tempat lain. Sang sahabat menolak. Dia yakin keju itu hanya 'dipindahkan' oleh seseorang dan nanti
suatu hari pasti akan dikembalikan. Karena itu tidak perlu mencari keju di tempat lain. Dia sudah merasa nyaman. Maka dia memutuskan menunggu terus di tempat itu sampai suatu hari keju yang hilang akan kembali. Apa yang
terjadi, kurcaci itu menunggu dan menunggu sampai kemudian mati kelaparan. Sedangkan kurcaci yang selalu siap tadi sudah menemukan labirin lain yang penuh keju. Bahkan jauh lebih banyak dibandingkan di tempat lama.

Pesan moral buku sederhana itu jelas: jangan sekali-kali kita merasa nyaman di suatu tempat sehingga lupa mengembangkan diri guna menghadapi perubahan dan tantangan yang lebih besar. Mereka yang tidak mau berubah, dan merasa sudah nyaman di suatu posisi, biasanya akan mati digilas waktu.

Setelah membaca buku itu, entah mengapa ada dorongan luar biasa yang menghentak-hentak di dalam dada. Ada gairah yang luar biasa yang mendorong saya untuk keluar dari Metro TV. Keluar dari labirin yang selama ini membuat saya sangat nyaman karena setiap hari 'keju' itu sudah tersedia di depan mata. Saya juga ingin mengikuti 'lentera jiwa' saya. Memilih arah sesuai panggilan hati. Saya ingin berdiri sendiri.

Maka ketika mendengar sebuah lagu berjudul 'Lentera Jiwa' yang dinyanyikan Nugie, hati saya melonjak-lonjak. Selain syair dan pesan yang ingin disampaikan Nugie dalam lagunya itu sesuai dengan kata hati saya, sudah sejak lama saya ingin membagi kerisauan saya kepada banyak orang.

Dalam perjalanan hidup saya, banyak saya jumpai orang-orang yang merasa tidak bahagia dengan pekerjaan mereka. Bahkan seorang kenalan saya, yang sudah menduduki posisi puncak di suatu perusahaan asuransi asing, mengaku tidak bahagia dengan pekerjaannya. Uang dan jabatan ternyata tidak membuatnya bahagia. Dia merasa 'lentera jiwanya' ada di ajang pertunjukkan musik. Tetapi dia takut untuk melompat. Takut untuk memulai dari bawah. Dia merasa tidak siap jika kehidupan ekonominya yang sudah mapan berantakan.

Maka dia menjalani sisa hidupnya dalam dilema itu. Dia tidak bahagia.

Ketika diminta untuk menjadi pembicara di kampus-kampus, saya juga menemukan banyak mahasiswa yang tidak happy dengan jurusan yang mereka tekuni sekarang. Ada yang mengaku waktu itu belum tahu ingin menjadi apa, ada yang jujur bilang ikut-ikutan pacar (yang belakangan ternyata putus juga) atau ada yang karena solider pada teman. Tetapi yang paling banyak mengaku jurusan yang mereka tekuni sekarang -- dan membuat mereka tidak
bahagia -- adalah karena mengikuti keinginan orangtua.

Dalam episode Lentera Jiwa (tayang Jumat 29 dan Minggu 31 Agustus 2008), kita dapat melihat orang-orang yang berani mengambil keputusan besar dalam hidup mereka. Ada Bara Patirajawane, anak diplomat dan lulusan Hubungan Internasional, yang pada satu titik mengambil keputusan drastis untuk berbelok arah dan menekuni dunia masak memasak. Dia memilih menjadi koki.

Pekerjaan yang sangat dia sukai dan menghantarkannya sebagai salah satu pemandu acara masak-memasak di televisi dan kini memiliki restoran sendiri.

''Saya sangat bahagia dengan apa yang saya kerjakan saat ini,''

ujarnya. Padahal, orangtuanya menghendaki Bara mengikuti jejak sang ayah sebagai dpilomat.

Juga ada Wahyu Aditya yang sangat bahagia dengan pilihan hatinya untuk menggeluti bidang animasi. Bidang yang menghantarkannya mendapat beasiswa dari British Council. Kini Adit bahkan membuka sekolah animasi. Padahal,
ayah dan ibunya lebih menghendaki anak tercinta mereka mengikuti jejak sang ayah sebagai dokter.

Simak juga bagaimana Gde Prama memutuskan meninggalkan posisi puncak sebuah perusahaan jamu dan jabatan komisaris di beberapa perusahaan. Konsultan manajemen dan penulis buku ini memilih tinggal di Bali dan bekerja untuk dirinya sendiri sebagai public speaker.

Pertanyaan yang paling hakiki adalah apa yang kita cari dalam kehidupan yang singkat ini? Semua orang ingin bahagia. Tetapi banyak yang tidak tahu bagaimana cara mencapainya.

Karena itu, beruntunglah mereka yang saat ini bekerja di bidang yang dicintainya. Bidang yang membuat mereka begitu bersemangat, begitu gembira dalam menikmati hidup. ''Bagi saya, bekerja itu seperti rekreasi. Gembira
terus. Nggak ada capeknya,'' ujar Yon Koeswoyo, salah satu personal Koes Plus, saat bertemu saya di kantor majalah Rolling Stone. Dalam usianya menjelang 68 tahun, Yon tampak penuh enerji. Dinamis. Tak heran jika malam
itu, saat pementasan Earthfest2008, Yon mampu melantunkan sepuluh lagu tanpa henti. Sungguh luar biasa. ''Semua karena saya mencintai pekerjaan saya. Musik adalah dunia saya. Cinta saya. Hidup saya,'' katanya.

Berbahagialah mereka yang menikmati pekerjaannya. Berbahagialah mereka yang sudah mencapai taraf bekerja adalah berekreasi. Sebab mereka sudah menemukan lentera jiwa mereka.

So long, pal.

2008-08-13T22:38:00.009+07:00

I just get back from a private farewell dinner (well, that might just be the appropriate words, as it was just me, him, and Riza) of a friend of mine, Dicky Ekklesia. He's going to Amsterdam this Saturday to work with one of the newly set up IT consultant company in Netherlands. It was a follow up event for my and Riza's absence on his main event on Sunday (11/8). And so the three of us were having a Sushi Groove at Setiabudi One, followed by a little coffee break at Amadeus (always my favorite place to enjoy oneself) where we met some blokes I haven't quite noticed.

Anyways, Dicky is a great Programmer, he had helped me a lot in programming stuff during my time at UTP, in fact, without whom, the degree might not be possible. Back then, we made a great project team, and when I said a great team, I meant.. to me. Because being brutally honest, he did most of the hard work while I was fooling around, messing around, and acting as if everything was in a cruise control even when it was in the dying moment of a deadline and the application hasn't been properly run. But still though, he hasn't gave up on me attitude.

He is the only friend I know, who (I'm quite sure) is capable of being just about any role the Chinese* people can take in their lifetime: a Businessman, a Programmer, a Chef, a Catering Service Owner, a Notebook Fixer, a Teacher, a Private Teacher for Female Thai Students (special service), an Accountant, a Banker, a Private Wealth Manager, a Chinese* (obviously), a Chinese* Food's Chef (have I mentioned one?), an Event Planner, a Travel Agent, and the last two has proved without shadow of doubt.

One of which was the Hong Kong Trip he arranged last year, where nearly everything - the flight, the stay, the transportation, the day-to-day activity, the Disneyland, the Macau, the lot - were fitted in to a limited amount of budget (apart from those of mine and Yuna's), and we survived the cruel world of China, in fact, we enjoyed it.

As I'm writing this post up to this moment I realize something I haven't been concerned, that is, I haven't got enough chance to thank him for those things and (not to mention) a lot more others. At long last, for once, I am concerned about my colleague, and so herewith I would like to say the words I should have said long time ago: Thanks pal, it's been an absolute joy having you around. You surely will have a great time there, and the white christmas, and the girls (get a life man).

See you when I see you,

*: I didn't mean to be racist, that's the fact.

Aston Martin One-77

2008-08-09T13:33:00.004+07:00

I can't help myself not to post this one. The Aston Martin One-77 (£1 million) is the UK automaker's latest flagship model. One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world's most desirable automotive art form. Boasting a 7.0-liter V12, a carbon fiber chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and performance to match — including a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph, this super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers (only 77 will be produced). [via]

While I was away.

2008-08-06T00:57:00.007+07:00

I haven't got much time to post lately since I've been employed. So what do we have while I was away?

The Darkest Knight.
Oh, the Batman of course, I've watched it twice, though I missed the premier (intentionally), because initially I didn't want people to think that I was too excited about it, but nevertheless, I couldn't help myself that much, as I queuing up for the show on its 2nd day midnight, just as dark as the movie went on screen. And now, my PC at the office is covered by The Tumbler screensaver, everyday at lunch break I talked about how epic the movie was that everyone in my office should've watched one, and I told them that I've watched it twice, both midnight (though they said I've just wasted 5 hours of my life for that), and I told them that I planed to buy The Tumbler Die Cast for 700 grand (damn! the tag). Yeah, that's just not too excited, huh? What can I say? I couldn't help myself.

But on top of that, the movie was indeed a master piece, an epic. I reckon it's better than just about any movies that came along thus far, in 2008 (currently achieved the highest score on IMDB Top 250). The Dark Knight was one of the movie that I've been waiting for so long (apart from the sequel of Casino Royale, Quantum of Soloace), and it turns out to be not disappointing. I wish Jakarta had IMAX.

And one more thing, the Joker, he was just, out of his mind, flat out, which makes it a master piece of role acting, really, may God bless Heath on his journey to the Pearly Gates. He was one great talented actor.

The work and the new place.
The second, I'm now working. I know, I'm not the type. I know, I said I didn't fancy one. I know, I know, I know, but let's just face it, the sheer fact to the matter is I am, and I'm doing just fine. I have now, as a result of that, moving to the new place near the office, so I found this (considerably) perfect piece of peaceful, closed environment, townhouse, with the small garden at the center of it. There is a room larger than the one I used to live previously, upstairs, facing the beautiful scenery of the Jakarta Stock Exchange building, and there's where I lived. Just couple of minutes away (walking) to the office, or even more couple of minutes driving (I told you, I'm in Jakarta), just near the central vein toward the heart of Jakarta business district, and I'm pretty much in my own little heaven, just like the one I got in UTP back then. Even my parents asked me how did I find the place? and I told them, I have a vision, and they knew it was a bollock.

And so that's it for tonight, and I hope there will be more to follow.

Nothing will ever stay the same.

2008-07-28T00:50:00.002+07:00

I can't remember when it was good
Moments of happiness in bloom
Maybe I just misunderstood
All of the love we left behind
Watching our flash backs intertwine
Memories I will never find
In spite of whatever you become
Forget that reckless thing turned on
I think our lives have just begun

On Arisan June 2008.

2008-06-26T11:26:00.012+07:00

Bismo took the picture, Jandi left early.

I gathered with friends (again) couple of days ago (22/6) at Tomodachi Cafe, The Bellagio for the 3rd Arisan, and that day's winner was Jandi. I thought I would've taken responsibility for suggesting Tomodachi Bellagio in the first place (and for being dead late), as some of our friends were failed to attend the gathering, which I assume due to lack of information about direction and/or ga ada ojyek di hari minggyu. But surprisingly the place was quite enjoyable, we were the only group occupying tables, and the rest were empty, only couple of guys came over for a while then leave, it was like reserving the whole cafe just for 9 of us. More snaps after the jump.

The food was, well I ate Sirloin and it was well served, although it cost me the same Sirloin in Abuba (which is a lot better in size and taste), but I can't say it was bad either, it's just that the size does matter, if perhaps they served it in bigger size it would be just perfect. The price as I mentioned, not overpriced, everything were tagged just so. So, if I may recommend the place, it could as well be the perfect place for your event.

Wrong number asking for facial treatment.

2008-06-26T09:19:00.004+07:00

I swear to God I'm not making this up and I've got the picture of it here.
I received this text message the other day which at first I didn't have any idea what this anonymous person was into. It was obviously a wrong number but I thought he/she was looking for a liquid container (vessel), until later that day I discovered that 'fesel' is sort of slang word for 'facial', which is facial treatment usually done at.. well, we all know where.

Emang eke salon bo?

Bruce Wayne on Gotham Tonight.

2008-06-25T17:25:00.005+07:00

Watch Gotham Tonight at Gotham Cable News (GCN) as it unfolds the tragic, mysterious, and flamboyant life of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. GCN's premier news program looks at Bruce's life then, and now. Gotham Tonight gets sneak preview of Bruce Wayne’s new penthouse as well as exclusive comment from District Attorney Harvey Dent, who's rumored to be dating Bruce's old friend Rachel Dawes. [Link]

For some reason I can't explain.

2008-06-23T19:57:00.004+07:00

I finally got my own copy of 'Viva La Vida' the album, and for some reason I can't explain, I loved it.

Long live!

Top Gear is back!

2008-06-22T21:15:00.009+07:00

Until 8pm (UK, GMT +1) this evening on BBC Two, nothing else matters...

TG TV is back! (0 Days To Go)
It's been a while, but my favorite Top Gear is ready to snap, crackle and misfire its way back onto the telly screens on Sunday 22 June at 8pm (UK) on BBC Two. [Link]

Awaiting for the DVD or the High-Res downloadable version.

Iron Man Bust.

2008-06-16T16:15:00.005+07:00

I want that in my pad.

Sideshow is proud to partner with Stan Winston Studios to create a stunning Iron Man Life-Size bust in celebration of the upcoming Iron Man movie. Iron Man has been captured in 1:1 scale in his unique powered armor, taken directly from the molds used to create the film costume. The bust is cast in high-quality fiberglass, hand finished and hand painted to exacting standards, and features LED light-up glowing eyes (battery operated). The Life-Size Iron Man Bust is sure to be the centerpiece of any collection, and the perfect complement to any office or home theater. [Link]

More pictures after the jump.

TV One and UniCredit Group logo.

2008-06-15T04:16:00.007+07:00

If you're Indonesian and you've been watching Euro 2008, you probably have spotted this. I was watching one of the match the other day when I noticed the UniCredit Group logo, one of the official sponsor for Euro 2008. Which made me realize that the logo of the new national television network named TV One is nearly a duplicate of UniCredit Group logo.

TV One is a national television network in Indonesia previously known as Lativi. The name was changed due to changes of ownership in the middle of February 2008. While UniCredit Group is a leading European financial group. An international network with over 9000 branches in 23 countries.

Of course it could be just a big coincidence..

Beautiful cupcakes from Lamoda.

2008-06-15T02:37:00.008+07:00

I got this beautifully made cupcakes from Lamoda Grand Hyatt which comes in an equally beautiful box. I quite like the simple color combination of yellow and black in the package, reminds me of the same color combination found in the very edition of an iPod's print ad. I didn't manage to finish the cakes because it was just too beautiful to be eaten, I kept the cakes untouched until it was expired.
I was there at Grand Hyatt Jakarta for a family vacation. My room faces Jl. Kebon Kacang which wasn't that cool compared to those of which faces Bundaran HI, but it was still comfortable and interesting though.

New Coldplay album out this week.

2008-06-12T01:30:00.005+07:00

Coldplay's new album, 'Viva La Vida', is released worldwide over the next few days. The album is out in Japan today and the UK tomorrow, with worldwide release dates following between now and the beginning of next week. But if you can't wait for 'Viva La Vida' to be released, you can hear the entire album right now at Coldplay's MySpace profile, www.myspace.com/coldplay.

The Hunting Party.

2008-06-11T17:20:00.002+07:00

I watched The Hunting Party last night and it was, the way Richard Gere said, f*cking great. My friend describe the movie as: "I've never find Gere swearing that bad in a scene." This is the second movies I watched with Gere in it, the other one was I'm Not There, it's a story about Bob Dylan which I couldn't understand any of that philosophic nonsense. Seems like Gere try to find his way back to the movie business eh?

Rannie Turingan’s 20x2: What’s the Difference?

2008-06-11T16:23:00.003+07:00

Back from a long hiatus or most likely temporarily dead, I'm back, up and running, and this time with the wonderful Rannie Turingan's video piece. It's a start for more to follow.

Everyone’s favourite photographer Rannie Turingan presented his two minute video piece entitled “What’s the Difference?” at the annual 20x2.

20 x 2 : What's The Difference? from photojunkie on Vimeo.

On last night's party.

2008-06-08T09:54:00.005+07:00

We were having a poolside party at Vermont Parkland Sport Club BSD City last night and it was fun-tastic, the place was cozy, the food was great, the music was lovely, the weather was perfect, and the guests were, well, perfectly behave, it was simply a perfect ambiance for the night, until.. there was one unfortunate guest who found herself soaked for falling into a kid's pool, and it was, well let's face it, a bag of laugh, as me and my friends were waiting for that, counting: ok guys, here we go...one down!

At Starbucks Senayan City.

2008-06-04T17:00:00.004+07:00

At Shisha Cafe Citos.

2008-05-31T23:22:00.001+07:00

FYJ.

2008-05-12T13:04:00.001+07:00

~~Yeah, f*ck your job.~~

On Violet Hill by Coldplay.

2008-05-02T08:55:00.005+07:00

Coldplay is giving away a free downloadable single 'Violet Hill' of their forthcoming album 'Viva Lavida'. But I'm not quite sure I'm liking this one very much. I just think that: It's wrong, it's a bit like those 'play-and-forget' track, it's just so unnoticeable, I didn't even noticed that the track has ended and my iTunes is already jumping on to the next track, and even worse, it's nothing like Coldplay, at all, really. You may still want to grab the song at their official site though, if you like, I mean, if you're sure you want one. [Coldplay]

On TDK update.

2008-05-02T08:27:00.004+07:00

New trailer coming up this Sunday at http://www.whysoserious.com/happytrails/
I'm looking forward to see.

Obsessions.

2008-04-30T12:59:00.003+07:00

"Obsessions in my head, don't connect with my intellect".
— Obsessions, Suede.

Bond's Aston Martin crashes into lake.

2008-04-22T03:39:00.020+07:00

James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS has sensationally crashed into Lake Garda, Italy. The problem is, it wasn’t a stunt.

A stunt driver was on his way to deliver the £120,000 sportscar to the set of Quantum of Solace when he drove off a narrow bend in heavy rain, producers said. [Telegraph.co.uk]

The car was reportedly the same DBS that was used in the Casino Royale, and was ~~the only one~~ available for use in the new movie, Quantum of Solace. Meanwhile, the driver was quickly rescued and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Click here for footage of the crash. More picture after the jump. [Via]

[Update]
It wasn't the only one available for use in the movie.

Ow.. bugger!

2008-04-17T10:10:00.004+07:00

Nyenggol pager garasi kos.

The thing I don't like from the small garage is that, it always has such precision for not tolerating fools, and I am a fool.

Skenario Masa Muda by White Shoes & The Couples Company.

2008-04-15T01:29:00.006+07:00

I personally like this band, I don't know, there's just something about this band that others are lacking (especially those in the main stream), the concept, maybe, the passion, may as well be, or the soul, sounds more like it, although nothing I've mentioned above means anything to anyone, because I have no idea to what I'm talking about. The only thing in fact is the ingredient that they've served in that binary plate called Compact Disc which have brought the bona fide from the past to the present. The feel of sensation when you hear those vintage sounds of radio station from the 80's is by no means quintessentially classic and that is what exactly they've got lined up in this album.

Mind you that if you buy this album you won't get the normal 12 tracks you'll expect to find in just about any album in any record store, oho this one is just so isn't, instead you'll only get 9 with 3 of those are very short. The way to look at this album then is nothing like the usual, it's like an EP or to what they prefer to call it as a 'mini album'. This 9 tracks album will only last around 22 minutes a-round, with 3 footage clip from the very Indonesian movies, or what they called back then as film. When you play this album in your car stereo you'll feel the car's engine turn into a way back machine, you'll see the world through the lens of those vintage theme Lomo camera, and you'll suddenly feels better. It all sounds pretty good to me so plainly this album then is the perfect blend for my relaxing afternoon.

Standout tracks: "Today Is No Sunday", "Aksi Kucing"

How many five year olds could you take in a fight?

2008-04-08T06:22:00.002+07:00

Well, not bad. [Link]

Sideshow Collectibles Jurassic Park diorama.

2008-04-08T04:44:00.011+07:00

I've got to get myself one of those. Click the image for the larger version.

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you the T-Rex Vs. Velociraptors diorama, launching the line of Jurassic Park collectibles. In this dynamic diorama, the prehistoric creatures clash in a visceral tear-down fight, perfectly capturing every detail of the final battle scene. Each piece is cast in high quality polystone, hand-finished, and hand-painted to exacting standards.
[Slideshow Collectibles]

More picture after the jump.

Standing alligator.

2008-04-08T02:09:00.009+07:00

Jeez, this could be the worst nightmare I've ever had. Only this one is for real. An alligator standing up? what could be worse than that? an alligator flying? an alligator shopping for a purse made from the human skin? what? tell me. Read the complete story after the jump.

Daigoro is an alligator that stands upright when doused with water. He lives at Marine Plaza Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. From Mainichi Daily News:

Named "Daigoro," the 80-centimeter-long male alligator was first spotted standing up about two years ago, when water that a keeper poured on plants in his cage splashed on him at Marine Plaza Miyajima in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.

From this year, Daigoro, a three-year-old dwarf caiman alligator from South America, has been entertaining visitors by performing the stand-up show every noon when a keeper pours water on it. [Mainichi Daily News]

[Via]

Instapaper.

2008-03-22T21:15:00.007+07:00

Given the nature of overloaded information across the web, efficiency is a luxury that escapes the vast majority of us. If you’re like me, who often keeps millions of tabs open for later reading, a new service (well, not so new maybe) is now available that could make your web-surfing life a little more easier. Built by one of the guys behind the fancy Tumblr, Instapaper offers a free solution for shelving content for later consumption. After creating an account, a simple bookmarklet is used to add material to the reading list. I've been using it for a month now and it begins to shed some light. I can use it as a 'To-Blog' list whenever I found an interesting material on the web. And because it is built in the same mould as of Tumblr, it looks like one too, which is great, Instapaper shared the same monk-bare appearance as its elder brother, offering pure, unadulterated utility without a shred of fluff.

On self-centered and speed.

2008-03-18T19:28:00.013+07:00

Steve Jobs once asked his Zen master, Kobin Chino, back in 1975. 'What do you think of speed? You know, doing things fast?' He was really serious about it and was really into this idea that the quicker you could do something, the better a person you were. Well, I have to admit, that I'm not, in any way, that kind of person. In fact I used to do things slowly and often hangs it to my mood, and perhaps the same principle applied to my driving style. I'm not the type of petrol heads who can stamp on the gas flat out on a motor way, I've never good at speeding, I can't do back wheels spins, nor getting smoke tail coming off my car's tyre, I'm a bit more to the Captain Slow who put comfort before performance than The Stig who spread dread all over the track by his speed.

But that day was different, I was driving from Bandung to Jakarta, in my reasonably priced car, rain bucketing down, on a slippery highway, approaching 160 km/h, like never before, that was my closest attempt to speeding. I even overtook a Civic for pete's sake. But I was staggered, drown in an fizzing excitement, I think that I've pushed my car to the limit, and I think that speed could eventually be great fun as well. And it was all could happen because I was told earlier that day for an appointment at 6 p.m. in Citos.

It was at half past 5 on Cikampek when I realize that I couldn't make it on time, so I send a text to let the person know that I might be late, but the reply I've got has swept the excitement off my face. It was a disappointment as the appointment was cancelled due to some reason I couldn't be bothered to notice. And suddenly it was all cooled off and the fizz was dissolved, I was suddenly doing 80 instead of 100 something and I felt like it's been an absolute pointless approaching those speed, not to mention risking my life. If he/she would've told an hour earlier I wouldn't be driving for nonsense, and I would've laid down on a couch watching infotainment, something a little bit more valuable to my junk-yard brain.

And then I was asking, what's with being a self-centered, a selfish, an egoistic? That person just being one by selfishly cancelled the appointment without notice, and there's Angkot driver who pull over in the middle of the motor way to load his passenger, which made him another one, and there was also a truck driver in front of me that just being one by driving on the right, and there's another, and then another, and then another, and then another, endlessly.

I begin to think, maybe that's the right that we all share in common, thant could even be quite fashionable these days. Maybe our life could've been better by being one. Maybe I would've sat down on a couch watching infotainment that evening if I was one. That principle of: 'My life is mine, and not to care for others' has started to become a lifestyle of 21st century where everyone is an island and equipped with all they could possibly need. And what's more? I could as well be one instead. And about speed? I've got back to my default in dealing with speed, sluggish but comfort.