Behind the Disappearance

It's been two weeks since the last time I blogged.
My PC was lightning-struck and I couldn't get online for several days.
Finally, after some days of panic and going back-and-forth to repair the damages done, we got the motherboard and LAN card replaced with second-hand spare-parts. What counted most was to have the computer run again, though in the near future we'll need to replace the parts with new ones.
Right after fixing the PC, I ran into an advertising program that I decided to join. Thus, you might find some link-ads showing up in my blog from now on.
These links are part of a pay per click advertising program called Infolinks. Infolinks is an In Text advertising service: they take my text and create links within it. If you hover with your mouse over these double underlined links, you will see a small dialog box containing advertisement related to the text marked. You can choose to either move the mouse away and go on with your browsing, or to press on the box and go to the ad page which is relevant to the text. Click here to learn more about Infolinks Double Underline Link Ads.

Bright Star

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness…”

The above verses are the opening lines of John Keats’ Endymion: A Poetic Romance. Throughout centuries now, Keats is acknowledged as one of the brightest stars in the history of English Poetry.
No doubt, he is my favorite poet.
It’s simply filling my heart with joy to find out that his biography is now filmed and already released in theatres in the US and Europe. Some of my friends in Keats’ fanpage already posted comments on the movie.
The movie, Bright Star, is about the life of the young poet, John Keats (starring Ben Whishaw), his struggle to be accepted in the circle of poets of his time, his love to Fanny Brawne (starring Abbie Cornish), and his tragic, early death at the age of 25.
For those of you who love history, biography and drama, this movie (directed and written by Jane Campion) is worth noted down on your agenda. I personally am looking forward to watching it soon.

Fritjof Capra's THE SCIENCE OF LEONARDO

Who among us has never heard of Leonardo da Vinci? As the most prominent artist and scientist of the Renaissance, Leonardo has won the recognition of people all over the globe and in every generation. We find him in encyclopedias, books on history, books on art, bulletins, journals, magazines, and so forth. In particular, with the rise of Dan Brown’s popularity after the publish of his book, The Da Vinci Code – which fictionally yet cunningly relate Leonardo’s art and existence to that of a secluded sect called the Priory of Sion – people have grown even more interested in Leonardo’s works of art.

But, so much for the art! Many of us don’t quite comprehend that Leonardo was not merely an artist. He was also an astounding scientist!

It was he who first drafted the idea of a helicopter! He was the one who dug into people’s grave and took dead bodies home for anatomy examinations! He gave invaluable contribution to the medical world by creating precise drawings on the anatomy of human body and tissues – thus laying out an essential and firm foundation for future surgeons. These are merely few of all discoveries and experiments he had made in science throughout his lifetime.

Fritjof Capra, author of Hidden Connections and the prominent philosopher of our time, unfolds the greatness and importance of Leonardo da Vinci’s efforts and discoveries in science in his latest book, The Science of Leonardo. It’s a recommended book for thinkers, scientists, writers, architects, scholars and academicians to collect.

Have you got a copy?

We have!

Sun-scorched Surabaya and Sunny Arizona

Indonesia is at the turn of the season. By the end of this month, the dry season will end and the rainy season will begin. And, as a natural side-effect, the weather has become extremely hot! October is always the hottest month of the year in this country.
Take Surabaya for example. This hottest city in Indonesia has turned even much hotter during the past few weeks. Everyday I read in Facebook statuses about how Surabaya is turning into hell or a fiery oven. And no wonder! In other months the temperature at noon is usually around 39º C (102º F) according to 2008 survey, let alone in October. The heat may go beyond that number!
Some friends of mine, who reside in Surabaya, complain about how they begin feeling uncomfortable living in this Crocodile City. In dry season, the weather is so hot. In rainy season, they’re always threatened by flood. One of my husband’s relatives calls her friend lucky. He’s moved to San Fransisco, CA with his wife and children, won a green card, got a nice job, and become a permanent resident.
“Why don’t you move to San Fransisco, instead?” I teased her.
“Oh, I don’t think I’ll adapt to the weather,” she shuddered. “Yes, we’re grilled to death in this city, but to think about moving to a four-season country… I don’t think I can stand the coldness of winter. You know it can go way beyond -2ºC (35º F) in USA.”
Oh, no. I guess she’s got the wrong idea about living in the States. They’ve got 52 states in USA, and not all of them have four seasons. The southern states in the continent have mild climate and temperature – a bit similar to tropical countries, only fairly cooler.
Take Arizona for example. The southern part of this Grand Canyon State does not experience the coldness of winter. The temperature is approximately 27º C (80º F) in sunny season. That is quite alike to some (cooler) cities in Indonesia. For other US residents, though, southern Arizona is considered warm and sunny, and many people choose to move there to improve their health.
Living in Arizona is a privilege for those who love nature and desire to gain a healthier life. Due to its warm climate and low humidity, southern Arizona is a good place to avoid pneumonia and other lung diseases. And what is more, it’s got magnificent scenery! The Grand Canyon is simply the icon of this state, not to mention the saguaro cactus (the state flower) that grows in its desert, the Colorado River, the church San Xavier del Bac, and the annual Parada del Sol (Parade of the Sun) in Scottsdale.
Real estates in Arizona are growing so as to provide comfortable housing for new residents. More and more are moving to this state since climate and scenery have stimulated tourism. Thus, many people from other parts of the USA as well as the world have been considering about migrating (and immigrating) to Arizona. The state government is working to keep a balance between preserving the natural resources, national parks and wildlife as well as providing an enjoyable place of residence for new dwellers.
So, are you thinking about moving to the USA yet desiring a climate much resembling Indonesia? Try Arizona!

Fragrance: It's Essential!

How important is fragrance for ladies? As a woman, I’d say it’s one of essential daily routines. Who would want to smell like prawn and tuna after preparing today’s meal? Or get stuck with the smell of dirt and mud after gardening? I personally hate the way I smell after giving my four dogs their weekly bath. They actually make me smell like canines – and it’s definitely uncomfortable even though I love them dearly.

After doing house chores that make me sweat and causes body odor, what I love doing is taking a real nice bath with fragrant soap and applying body lotion right afterward. Then, if the day closes with an evening party or formal dinner I would certainly spray some eau de cologne or eau de toilette.

Nina Ricci Premiere Jour and Estee Lauder White Linen are some of the perfume collections I’ve got for special occasions. But lately my favorite scents are Oriflame Northern Lights, Divine and Eclat for Women. I love the way these perfumes keep me fragrant and confident throughout the party, wedding, or other important occasions.

And, good news, ladies! These days, we can also purchase our favorite perfumes online. We can order them via Talk Perfume. Instead of going to malls or department stores to buy perfumes at the nearest agent or beauty shop, you can now shop online and choose your favorite scent or perfume without stepping out of the house or leaving the office. Visit the site, pick your favorite perfume, purchase online and have it delivered to your place - simple and convenient!

Perfume shopping is now a step easier!

Bad Translation!

One of the things an author needs to get his/her ideas spread and accepted by people in different parts of the world is good translators. Eligible translators convey the writer’s ideas precisely and as comprehensive as it can be in order to have others understand the intentions of the writer. The most important task for a translator is to have the readers understand the text and ideas the way the writer intends it to be.

Problems arise when a translator is not eligible of translating a certain text, making the readers even more confused rather than grasp the essence of the writer’s ideas. This is true in the case of several books on contemporary philosophy in Indonesia.

Take the example of Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation, for instance. This book has been translated and published by LKiS in Jogjakarta several years ago, with the title Galaksi Simulakra. Not only that the topic discussed in this book is difficult to comprehend, but the translator and editor themselves did not make it any easier for the readers to understand it! Upon reading the translated book, a reader would put it down and browse in the internet to find the real (English or French) copy. The translation simply doesn’t seem to translate the idea!

We need eligible translators to help us readers – academic readers, in particular – gain broader knowledge by studying other people’s ideas and way of thinking. Translators, editors, and publishers should always be wary about launching a book that really influences people’s mind. We wouldn’t want bad translation get mixed up with misunderstanding and miscomprehension, now, would we?

MP5/MP6 Digital Video Players from Alnect Computer

The growth of information and technology seems to move at top speed nowadays. Nearly a decade ago, people were thrilled at the rise of MP3 which enabled them to store up to hundreds of songs in a single piece of disc. It was a giant leap after years upon years having to cope with limitations of cassettes and compact discs. Then, a few years ago, we were pleased to find the upgraded version of MP3 which gave access to even greater storage: the MP4.

These days, digital technology ushers in the next generation of media players: the MP5/MP6 Digital Video Players. These gadgets allow us, users, not only to enjoy audio files, but view videos as well.

Below are two items and options from the latest trend in MP5/MP6.

Advance MP6 Video Player ME 1 (above) offers us 4 GB capacity. It’s got a wide 3.5” screen and 2.0 MP integrated camera to give us greater ease in viewing video files, taking pictures and recording. Plus, this gadget allows us to record television broadcasts via TV-In feature. This elegant and sporty MP6 Video Player comes in black semi-rubber (front) and stylish silvery metal (back) that weighs 1,000 grams with affordable price: only 875,000 IDR – best offer from Alnect Computer.

(Product code: 221844)

Alnect Webstore also provides another option in MP5/MP6 Digital Video Players with even more affordable price: Se-Yi MP5 Video Player PMP 2810 (below). With similar weight compared to Advance MP6 Video Player ME 1, this gadget provides 2 GB capacity and 3.0” screen. It is packed in glossy plastic material (front) and sleek light metal (back). The unique feature it offers is in the application: though displayed vertically, Se-Yi MP5 Video Player PMP 2810 is positioned horizontally when played. Price is set at 625,000 IDR.

(Product code: 222905)

Interesting offers, won’t you say? Visit Alnect Computer now for further details on products information and purchase!

Frank Herbert's DUNE: The Future of Our Earth?

One of the science fictions that really give me the shudder is Frank Herbert’s Dune. I shiver not because of what the book exposes, but the possibility that the fiction of this story might one day become real in our own world.

Paul Atreides was the heir of the Atreides dynasty, a highly honored clan in the universe. At 17, he and his parents moved to the planet Arrakis, the home of spice and the driest place in the galaxy. In this universe, spice is the means of transaction, a sort of “money” or “foreign exchange” as we may put it in our word. Whoever controls Arrakis controls the universe. But, the natives of Arrakis themselves are wretched people, scorched by the sun and lived in dunes – forever treasuring a drop of water like precious diamond.

There was an instance where Paul’s would-be mistress, Chani, asked him what his home planet was like. Paul explained of springs, streams, rivers and oceans – things she had never heard, never seen, and never imagined – and her heart melt with longing for such beautiful a place.

It is a wonderful and very complicated work, but the thing that stabs me most is the probability that one day, our beloved Earth will turn out exactly like Arrakis! Alvin Toffler, the futuristic scientist, once predicted that in the age to come, people won’t be fighting and struggling for solid gold or black gold (petroleum), but for “blue gold” – WATER! There will come a day when water becomes so rare, mankind will prize it like prizing pure gold!

The signs of this occurrence have begun taking place in our day. People start having difficulty getting clean water for their daily needs. Some springs have dried up. The oceans are polluted and contaminated. Environmentalists shout warnings against water contamination.

Has anyone taken heed?

If we continue taking these environmental problems for granted, it is not impossible that in the near future we shall be craving for clean water and won’t be able to find it! Will we rather let our next generations living in a planet like Arrakis, the center of the universe yet the most wretched planet in the galaxy – a place where its inhabitants would give away anything in exchange for water supply?

Save our planet! Love our forest! Be kind to nature!

Ann M. Martin's A DOG'S LIFE

Squirrel was a lonely street dog. She had been through tough times almost all her life. Torn from her mother and separated from her brother, she went wandering from city to city. Sometimes she spent an entire season in the woods, sometimes in the countryside, sometimes she got a companion, yet most of the times she wandered all alone. Twice she was “adopted” – and twice disappointed by man. In cold lonely nights she glanced at fireplaces through people’s window, desiring to be invited in – but no one opened the door. Until one snowy night came, that changed her days forever.

If you are a book-lover, pet-lover, and children-lover, I do recommend you read this book by Ann M. Martin, nominator for the Newberry Award. A Dog’s Life is a valuable book for both children and parents.

The reason why I treasure this book is that, personally (though the author might not put it that way), this story of a lonely street dog comes as a metaphor of human life. Most of human emotions, thoughts, and life-trials are depicted quite similarly to the life of the story’s main character: a wandering dog.

It is only human to experience sadness, forlornness, separation and struggles, just as it is natural for every person to long for warmth, acceptance, attention, appreciation, kindness and love. This story helps to sow the values of friendship, loyalty, humanity and kindheartedness in the hearts of our young ones.

In A Dog’s Life, we glimpse and reflect on the life of man. We learn from it, and become wiser and kinder.

I hope you enjoy and treasure this book as much as I do.

Promoting Your Blog

Want to promote your blog?

Sign-up with technorati.com!

After signing-up, you'll be able to register your blog and boost your traffic.

Copy-paste the code given, then claim your own blog:

iw4ndqja5e

Mitch Albom's THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN

A crippled old man was sitting on a bench of an amusement park by the sea. It was his 83^rd birthday. There he sat, watching the waves rolled and splashed on the beach, wondering why all the people he ever loved – his mother, his brother, his friends, his most-cherished wife – had all left him to live this wretched life in this wretched place, doing the same, wretched job decades after decades.

He was lonely. Very lonely.

Sitting all by himself on that bench by the seashore, he thought of when his time to die would come. He desired to go to heaven and be reunited with his family. And that wish was granted almost in an instant!

A few minutes afterward, an accident took place. The old man tried to save a little girl’s life and lost his in the attempt. As his birthday wish was fulfilled, he was taken into heaven. But the heaven he discovered was not the kind of place with the sort of people he had ever imagined!

Who was it he met in heaven?

To answer that question, I suggest you read The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a book by Mitch Albom. It’s a thought-provoking one, I’d say – a book that really makes you sit down to rethink of your life.

We, human, can never get the whole picture. We think of life as a series of jumbled, irregular pieces of a big, jigsaw puzzle – most of the time. But when life comes to an end (or halt, for us, readers), the time comes for us to comprehend its meaning in full. As our perspective in viewing life changes, we shall be able to understand that even the tiniest coincidence happens for a reason, and a total stranger we bumped into by the road may alter our entire course of life. Viewed from that angle, we may suggest that basically there is no such thing as coincidences or accidents, aliens or strangers.

Everything that happens, happens with a purpose. Every life we touch will – to some extent – be influenced by what we do. We are all linked in a loop that never ends. It is quite true.

This is the kind of book that makes its readers wiser, the kind that opens a window in the air and shows us a new (but familiar) kind of beauty without needing to add a single word.

Thanks, Mitch, for sharing it with us.