Ze` Avenue

2009-11-18T17:24:00.000+07:00

Rage Against The Machines

Zeva's Comments for Identity and Violence,The Violence of Illusion - Amartya Sen

2009-10-23T21:45:00.000+07:00

Zeva's Globalism, Modernity, and Nation-State Class Quotes Assignment. Lecturer: Roy Voragen
My Comments:

In Amartya Sen's chapter: The Violence of Illusion, he questions and explains back the sense of the term identity in his point of view. How a sense of identity can firmly exclude many people and at the same time can embrace others warmly as well. He also mentioned how a particular self-identity forms by seeing ourselves as members of a variety of social-interests groups. Our interests have formed ourselves the selves we have become. We then learn about the importance of choice in becoming parts of groups that has an impact towards identity itself and that choice also needs reasoning behind it on why that choice is made. Sen mentioned as well the fact that self-perception can bring misinterpretations towards others on their identity because the insistence of human commonality and the illusion of a singular identity. He then explained his views on civilizational imprisonment that then leads to his views on divisive categorization which leads to the increasing reliance on religious-based classification. Sen also noted a bit about how the religion Islam is stamped a cliche image by the West.

Interpretations of identity are subjective. Different experiences affect the prototypes that populate one person's cognitive map in their brains of the social world that makes it different from another's. The more people share a common culture, the more likely that their social prototypes will be similar. What is needed is common cultural background. Without it, interpretating identity signals will vary.

From what I see, out of all the explanations given on the chapter, I see that there lies a complex paradox on this illusion called identity. From the start the paradox first appears on how in one hand identity gives a sort of pride until warmth to a community, but on the other hand it shows the existence of strong solidarity that could lead to the producing of social gaps, exclusivity, until violence. This second view that leads to disintegration is where problems lie ahead. There are two main problems that I would like to try to explain, which is about the paradox between the defining process of identity and human rights of identity, and the second is about how identity could lead to the emergence of extremism.

Paradox between the definition process of identity and human rights of identity

Saying that identity is something unimportant and bias, we face the facts that identity is a core part of human's life. Identity -how we perceive and make sense of each other- is fundamental to all social interaction and to the construction of our society and culture. Identity is an illusion made by as simple as a person's own self, to give a certain statement on all the things he/she is, until ones made by a large group. This identity-making process includes the defining of one's self according to groups that are joined, for example, or of a community. From political views until simple evryday thinga of social interests groups that has a connection with hobbies we like.

At certain points, after finishing on defining by making choices in life (what we like, what we want to do and be), making others accept our definition of identity can be some what complicated and limited. We are made as individuals with its ow characteristics, interests, and perception. This creates diversity of the human kind. In a way identity shows that we are uniquely different from one another because we are not robots. It is a classification and categorization. We have the right to define ourselves and develop ourselves in our own way according to our identity. But we are also a part of a community, as small as the district you live in until being a part of the largest race, the human species. Being a part of a community / group develops an internal connection that produces a feeling of solidarity and social-togetherness that sometimes we have to let go of some things that we feel are a part of ourselves in order to fit in and become accepted to this illusion of identity.

For example, in Australia, lies an old problem of "The Lost Generation". Although Kevin Rudd has "apologized" to the aborigine community, it is only solved at the surface (though still, his administration is making good progress on ethnicity cases of aborigines). This "Lost Generation" is a term for the aborigines that live in Australia. They have been alienated because of the categorization that has happened in Australia, directly and indirectly towards their race. These aborigines have self-definition, strong cultural identities, but they have to face the paradox of staying with their own traditions (self-identity), or making revolutions in life so that they can live like the rest of the Australian communities (defined identity that have modern-west views). Young aborigines were taken from their families (even in a forceful manner) and placed in orphanages or foster homes to be taught how to live in modern ways, so that they can recieve the identity of what they suppose to be as Australians. It is for a good cause, but the way it is done is wrong (taking away the children from their parents forcefully or un-forcefully).

Does identity ciolate human rights if seen in a constraining manner? Because it is stated that priorities are supposed to be given and in these priorities lie freedom to determine them (recognize, value, defend).

There is a concept of social identity in guaranteeing the right to equality, freedom, justice, and socio-political developments. The evidence of recognizing the concept of social identity could be traceable, in the customary international law. Australia, in this case as discussed above, has signed a resolution on human rights for indigenous people in 1995, but has not maximized it.

Identity could lead to the emergence of etremism

After the disaster of 9/11, the problem of extremism has become the subject of many discussions, articles in academic literature, and endless debates. Some say that extremism is rooted in historical, cultural, or religious factors, whilst other say that the focus should be on the "root causes", whereas a third approach views extremism as a strategic tool in politics and conflicts.

However, there are two factors that cause extremism because of identity in my opinion. The first is strong solidarity and the second is categorization that leads to unsatisfaction and revenge.

One of the major flaws that identity has developed is the sense of upholding supra-solidarity in a community, organization, political view, etc. Because of the strong bond an identity makes, if there are things that does not suit the likings of a group which has the same identity, arguments until violence can erupt in order to protect the dignity of the group. This leads to extremism.

Example is the Al-Qaeda. They became extreme, created terrorist networks, and harrassed certain parts of the world. They are an example of a group of people that are dissatisfied by capitalism and the disjunction of political and social gap between the East and the West. This dissatisfaction is then developed by the minds of extremists to create actions of extreme.

Amartya Sen mentions how recognition of competing affiliations can challenge the power of competing identities. In my opinion, this can only be tried to apply to individuals, because individuals have a more free opportunity to do the "rule of choice". To top it off, it does not guarantee it will work even in the individual level because a powerful affiliation might dominate out of the rest of the affiliations in an individual but does not guarantee it will take over another identity. Then again, if we come in to problems that are more intangible, for example, in levels of between organizations or states, it is complicated to do. They have different affiliations from one another, and even though if there is a strengthening of an affiliation on one side by this "rule of choice", it does not guarantee it willl have any significant effect on the other, that the problem between them will still exist anyway. So, there are no guarantees of competition.

Example for the individual level: Raul Castro is a strong, assertive, and influencing socialist. He dislikes America for its capitalism, but he approves of the telecommunication technology (a part of capitalism). Even though now his country at last has access to telecommunication (handphone), it does not decrease Castro's dislike towards America.

Example for the state level: In Myanmar, the respects of the Junta towards the monks. The Junta is an authoritarian bunch. They are stiff, dislike the media, but still have respect on the Buddhist religion because it is a strong part of their country. But still, their respect on the Buddhist religion has no effect whatsoever on their violent actions towards the monks. About the monks, they are a pleasant bunch and follow their belief which upholds peaceful actions, but in the end they fought against the Junta anyway by hand and stones to defend the people.

Through all of my arguments elaborated above, it shows that we cannot simplify problems and competing affiliations are not a way out.

Zeva's Comments for Foundations of Comparative Politics - Kenneth Newton and Jan W. van Deth

2009-10-23T19:07:00.001+07:00

Zeva's Week 5 Comparative Politics Class Quotes Assignment. Lecturer: Roy Voragen

"...[t]he lesson is that successful democracy cannot be imposed by constitutional law, [...] democratic polities must also be accepted and practiced by political elites and citizens alike,"

My Comments:

As to what Newton and Deth have explained, constitutions are the basic rules in politics and are important because they have a profound influence over how the game of politics is played. These influences lay out the most important institutions and offices of the state and define their formal powers.

From the quote above, it can be defined that a constitutional law is not something flawless and cannot be applied on its own and then succeed in its implementation as easy as that. Constitutions, specifically democratic constitutions, can also fail. The failing of a constitution can happen towards any state, even in first-world countries.

First world countries have the enhanced capabilities that are derived from the close and highly integrative nature of their relationships with their societies, as a case study here is the European Community / European Union. As written by Kamrava, for a viable democratic polity to thrive and to survive, the institutions and the underlying premises of both the state and the society need to mutually reinforce each other. So far, the links that bind state and society together appear in the form of a series of highly evolved and complex political institutions designed to formulate and to give expression to the popular will, through the legislative, executive, and judiciary branch.

A fact exists that even the EU can experience a constitutional failure. Big integrated countries or regions do not guarantee that every constitutional proposed or applied will be fully accepted and applied.

Over the decades, the EU gradually developed a material constitutional arrangement, with very little public input. Since 2001, the Laeken constitutional process which produced the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, has been greatly politicized.

When the heads of state and government in October 2004 put their signature on the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, it was a major milestone in European history.

The ceremony was meant to re-affrim the principles of European integration. This shows that constitutionalism is the key to European's normative identitarian self-understanding. The constitutional treaty would improve the social and political rights of European citizens and enhance civic participation in EU decision-making.

But behind that lies the problem of the European Community.

Different to other Member States, the French and Dutch rejected the Constitutional Treaty after 7 months it was published within their respective national referenda. The Treaty was rejected. If we see the condition, in some quarters, people should approve a constitutional text whose presumed effect would be to expand their rights and enable them to participate more effectively in the decision-making process at the supra-national level. But then there are those who disapprove. These participants and analysts were preplexed when they found out that large portions of the people of Europe did not care or did not take up the offer.

There is a need of understanding of the reasons behind people's reactions to look at the structural determinants of mediation and public communication between European constitution makers and their diversified costituencies. After 2005, low turnouts in European Parliamentary elections illustrate that there is limited public enthusiasm and probably a declining interest among European citizens to make use of European channels for voicing their concerns.

This focuses on the importance of the public sphere as a core requirement of any modern constitutional system.

Fossum and Trenz wrote that there are three possible explanations for ratification failure. The first is that constitution-making, if want to proceed successfully, must rely on pre-existing resources of common trust, solidarity, and understanding, which are constitutive of a shared public sphere. The second is that a process of constitution-making has a catalytic function that in turn can constitute a shared public sphere. The third is that ratification failure is closely connected with mediatisation that affects public communication in the EU.

Ramadhan Month and the Medical Benefits of Fasting

2009-08-21T21:13:00.008+07:00

21/08/09

I just got back home from my first Taraweh Solat, in this first day of the Holy month of Ramadhan for all muslims all over the world, at a nearby mosque from my place. It was a nice start. I did 11 raka'at and that included the witir part. The khutbah wasn't boring and unclear. I got the message. 1 part I would like to quote from the Imam's khutbah is as follows:

"A good muslim is a muslim who applies the teachings of Islam, has a broad perspective, has patience, and is willing to contribute the things they have for the empowerment of the society around them," - pre-mezzo (haahaa naon, emg ada yak istilah ini?Ngarang-style..zzz)

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Talking about the month of Ramadhan, for this note, I would like to write down about the benefits of fasting, as comprehensive but condensed as possible. Why? A non-muslim friend came up to me the other day and asked me why us muslims have to fast for 1 month. This friend of mine sees it as "soft torture", well it was being sarcastic, but still!! Hmph, I smiled =/. I remember also how there are other religions whom teach their followers to fast for a couple of hours or a couple of days for certain purposes, but in Islam, it is fard (obliged) to fast 1 month in the holy month of Ramadhan. Here, I won't preach about why in Islam we need to fast, where it is stated in the Koran or Al-Hadist, because that step would be too deep. (& not that I'm an expert at it anyways. LOL) So, I'm writing for this friend of mine specifically, since he/she requested, but I hope this will be of useful information for everyone reading this. I will write the medical benefits of fasting connected to the fasting of Ramadhan, so in this way, we take a small step forward in understanding the benefits of Ramadhan fasting for our health in general!! Oh btw, in Islam, the point of fasting is not to "soft torture" the ummat, no. Haha. To make it simple, we can learn the meaning of being thankful, patience, the art of giving, manners of non greed and all this stands on the foundation of faith. It also gives the people who practice it, a psychological spiritual peace within. A self-purification and self-discipline measure. Islam obliges (fard) its ummat to fast because it is explained and stated in the Koran, and as for the medical benefits, is a result of fasting itself.

[2:185] "Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation,"

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Ok, to start, I am not an undergraduate of medical school, but i was in the Natural Science Class in senior high (IPA) of Bandung 3 Senior Highschool, so I know general biological terms. I have also read some valid articles and books on medicine (though i guess not very scientific ones, but understandable for lay people), so Insya Allah, what I'm writing here won't lead you all into the wrong deep dark pitch black darkness *haha.naon euy ah, yu mari*..... But if there are mistakes, mind you, correct me, but I also want explained on the correct info. Oh, i would like to underline that medical fasting is different to Ramadhan fasting (the definition & process of each) but both has medical benefits!!

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If we define fasting of Ramadhan connecting it in general, more or less, fasting is the complete abstinence from all substances from before dawn until dusk(maghrib), in an environment of total rest. Ramadhan fasting is actually different from medical fasting used for medical reasons such as total fasting, for weight management, digestive rest, and lowering lipids. Ramadhan fasting has enough calorie intake and is far from making oneself malnutritioned. Haha. Muslims fast from before dawn where they eat an enough & reasonable amount of food, and when the maghrib time comes (dusk), eats again (reasonably). Everything (food&drinks) that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities. Starts with niyat and ends with a prayer.

Probably one of the challenges to fasting is our thirst. Water is actually of desperate need for humans than solid food. But actually, abstinence from water during Ramadhan fasting is not bad at all, peoples! It causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity. Remember your biology?? Or picture a cactus... if we give much water, it will shrink, shrivle up, and decay. Haahaa. I once had a puney cactus & it died because i over poured water on to it =p I learnt that if we give a reasonable amount of water to the cactus, it'll grow fine. This goes for other plants as well. My mom is a "green finger" hobby-ist, she approves this statement as well.. Teehee...
I read in Dr. Athar's article about an event in 1994, the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. There were no assumptions nor final information that fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. But well, if someone has a severe disease, well that's another story, of course that person can't fast or can't try to (under serious medical perscriptions).
Move on now. Ok, let us read through some medical benefits of fasting. Ramadhan fasting stabilizes the glucose in our blood. This has a positive effect on our temper because it decreases possibilities of hypertension (high blood pressure). This then helps the dropping of cholesterol within the body. Next up is that it decreases back and neck pain. This is also helped by chiropractic manipulation (but doesn't have to, depends). It has a connection to the autonomic function of the nervous system that has a "duty" to flow blood to the brain. Well, to make it simple in words, fasting makes our mind clearer and the process to transmit "information'' to other parts of the body, becomes more clear. But if you suggestify to yourself that you feel tired, weak, and want to pass out...well, it won't work & you'll miss this benefit! Lol. Ok, other than that, it can help your gastrointestinal system! In Ramadhan fasting from before dawn until dusk we rest this system of our body. We then rest this system to hinder from not only the continuous hard-working peristaltic movement of most of the organs in the system, but also hinder us from esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, constipation, bloating, and the symptoms associated with so-called “candidiasis". Oh, have I mentioned about diabetes?? People with diabetes are benefited by fasting! It helps control the glucose levels within the transportation of the blood system, without medications!
Frank Sabatino, D.C., PhD said that basically fasting is simply a process of deep physiological rest. This rest period helps you rebuild functioning power and recover from the energy dissipation caused by hectic daily schedules and abusive living habits. He said, let me quote:

“When outside stressors, dietary and therapeutic influences are eliminated during the fasting state, fasting reveals the baseline status of your body. This enables you to become more sensitive and connected to your body. This connection fosters a greater awareness of the instinctive biological and emotional requirements that are essential for the maintenance of health and wholeness.”

See, seeee....... Ramadhan fasting is not "soft torture" >> refering to a "sarcastic" comment a friend said. Lol.. It has physiological, psychological, and spiritual benefits.

So, Happy Ramadhan Fasting for the people who does it.
May Allah bless you, amin!

xoxox.
Zeva

Addition:
The main point of this post is to elaborate on the health benefits of fasting. But, i would like to add on additional information on why (well, in my opinion at the least) that fasting in the Ramadhan month is a blessing. In the month of Ramadhan, the ummat is told to do good deeds., specifically on charity and financial actions to help the needy. Not that in other months we don't have to, but I see this month becomes a great reminder that we should do good deeds in other months also. But, according to Islam, if we do good deeds in this holy month, the "spiritual reward" would be much higher. This then becomes some kind of suggesty I should say, and makes the ummat want to do good deeds more. Though ideally it should go on for the rest of the year. I'm being a realist here, it's the fact. Anyway, it is known that on the month of Ramadhan there is an increase of poverty alleviation. Poverty is decreased because many people pay the zakat. This gives a positive effect towards the needy. People can personally give a part of their wealth (every small amount counts!!) personally, through the Baitul Mal, or through programs of zakat. Now, what is the zakat?

Zakat is the 3rd point of the rukun of Islam. It means "grow", "develop", "cleans". But in the syari'ah term, zakat is defined as an activity to give a part of our wealth in a certain amount and calculations for certain people as dealed. Different to shadaqah which is not a fard but a sunnah (in other words considered as charity), zakat is fard (obliged) in Islam for all muslims with certain criteria (yes, i will explain the criteria bellow...junior high knowledge! HAHA). Zakat is an ibadah just like shalat, fasting, and hajj that is based on the teachings of the Koran and Hadist. It then also becomes a society social charity and is very humane in the society to increase poverty alleviation.
There are 2 types of zakat. Zakat Maal and Zakat Fitrah. Zakat maal consists of the wealth from farming, trading, mining, fishery, found wealth, gold, silver, and wages/salaries we get from our professions. Each type has its own way of counting how much percent of zakat from our wealth we should give. Now, what about zakat fitrah? Well, it is a fard zakat given by muslims counting down / nearby to the Idul Fitri / Ied time on the Ramadhan month. The amounts of the zakat is parallel as 2.5kg of staple food. It usually is in the form of fund.

Now, who has the right to receive zakat?? The fakir (people who practically has nothing materially in their life), the poor (they can't fulfill their basic needs), the amil (whom collects zakat & distributes it), the muallaf (those whom just entered Islam and needs guidance & adaptation towards the Islamic beleif), the slaves / hamba sahaya (those who wants to taste freedom), The gharimin (they who have debt for positive needs but can't fulfill it), the fisabilillah (those who struggles through Allah's way- dakwah people, those studying abroad, and those in war), and the ibnus sabil (those who have run out of money in their journey). Subhanallah!! Merinding gw tiba2 nih..hahaa...

Ok, to finish off this additional part, what are the visible benefits of zakat in this fasting month, specifically (but it goes to zakats in other months also)??

decreases the gap between the priviliged and the poor (any measurement counts & is meaningful)
spreads the benefits of Islam teachings to the society
it cleans the bad akhlak of the ummat personally from within. Have to be ikhlas though..
it cleans our wealth. This means that we are not using wealth for actions of riya / boasting and showing off to people how wealthy we are. Its a no-no!!!
To be thankful to God, to Allah, of what we have. In my opinion, we look "up" to motivate ourselves. Not good to just give up. But it is important to look "down" at the conditions of people not as privileged as us, learn to be thankful. This gives us an enlightenment!!
it develops the social and spiritual potential of the ummat
gives moral support for everyone
increases the injection of fund for the government to do good positive actions for the people, Insya Allah =))

Bill Clinton and an Accomplished Mission: Will Senator Webb Follow These Footsteps?

2009-08-16T21:15:00.018+07:00

16/08/09

The world was surprised when Bill Clinton, former president of the United States and husband to the US Secretary of State: Hillary R. Clinton, arrived in North Korea to broker the release of two American journalists detained there since March, putting aside Pyongyang's "Nuclear Crisis". Well, for the close time anyway. Haha. US White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that this was a "private mission" for humanitarian purposes, nothing to do with the Obama Administration's foreign policy on North Korea (no state officials accompanied Clinton btw). Hmmm... in my opinion, that statement is not purely true. True, but not purely. Haha. I mean, we are facing the NORTH KOREANS, here! These people are as stubborn as a rock & just by relying on personal mission is not strong enough to convince them. There must be strong formal diplomacy between the two states behind the curtains involving Obama's foreign policy in the country! Anyway continue, Clinton is widely known for his astounding soft-approach diplomacy skills, which I am personally in awe of. He also has good relations with the NK's, you know, looking back at formally ending the Korean War in the year 2000. So, Clinton has a "special" place in their hearts (lebay..haha). Clinton has managed to give a "sweet topping" in the end after the strong diplomacy before-hand. North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il issued a special order granting a "special permit" to free the two American journalists who were captured in March on the Chinese-North Korean border, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, where they have been trying to report on North Korean refugees. Alhamdulillah, they were released and took off from Pyong Yang together in Clinton's plane.

Now, will Senator James Webb follow the accomplishment of the previous release in North Korea but now for the Myanmar case?? I surely hope so! & he did! On Saturday, August 15th, Sen. Webb traveled to Naypyidaw and arranged for the release of John W. Yettaw, an American prisoner, meeting with top hard-line military government officials of the Junta, especially General Than Shwe, the cold blooded man! Haha. General Than Shwe reminds me of Voldemort. Anyway, Yettaw was sentenced last week to 7 years imprisonmet for intruding on Aung Sang Suu Kyi's guarded home, swam across a lake (LOL) to get to Yuu Kyi's place to warn her that he had had a vision in which she was killed by terrorists! This violates security & immigration rules in Burma. Okay, that sounds funny, but Yettaw does suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, because he is a military veteran. I feel sorry for veterans who have disorders. Most go gaa-gaa, but they've sacrificed a lot for their country. Anyway, now Yettaw must be greatfully thankful because of strong diplomacy, he is free without any charges! Again, like what is said on the Clinton mission, the US National Security Council said that this was a humanitarian mission unlinked to US policies. I don't get it, I have to study more, but even if it is linked to their policies, I don't see it as a bad, dishonorful thing? Can someone who understands this explain it to me? Anyway I can see the difference between Clinton & Webb is that Clinton has no position in the US government, although his wife does, but Webb, he is the head of the Senate's Foreign Relations Sub-Committee on East Asia & Pacific affairs. So I see here that Webb's actions somehow does interconnect with the foreign policy there somehow, looking at his position. But correct me if I'm wrong. Haha.
After my reads on various articles on these 2 issues, these releases also show that the US is open for talks and peaceful negotiations can happen without having to blow up the "opponent".. Hidup cinta!! (naon euy..lol) & adding on to that, I hope that these cases make the Indonesian government to really care more and take seriously towards their citizens that have cases overseas.
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Some of the West Java Language Ambassador 2009 Activities

2009-08-16T20:03:00.005+07:00

Duta Bahasa Jawa Barat 2009

2009-08-14T20:17:00.018+07:00

14/08/09

Hello! It's been such a long looong time since I've written / posted any THING on this blog. I've been busy lately & hectic with all routines & non-routine events in life that I haven't found a nice comfy time to write down posts for this beloved *neglected* blog of mine...

Now that I'm back again, all these things are stuffed in my mind to write down & I don't know where to start!! Lol.. But hey, I'll start with an important event this year. Probably my biggest achievement so far this year *& YES, I'm CRAVING for more!!* is that I became the finalist of "Duta Bahasa Jawa Barat 2009". Later I found out that I came in 4th place, & if you want to find why I didn't make it to become the main winner, well... you just gotta read on to find out. It made me regret that I didn't give my all when I could've. Haha. Well, I gave my all but you see, I entered this contest in the beginning just out of curiosity & the word "iseng". I dunno what "iseng" is in english though btw..haha. BUt as i was quarantined, i realized how important this event was. I changed a lot. I would also like to write this blog in Indonesian and a little Sundanese, but the concept of this blog is in English. Hopefully in the future I will make something to fulfill that blank space.

DUTA BAHASA JAWA BARAT 2009
(West Java Language Ambassador 2009)

On the month of July, I entered a contest. A competition to show our ability of language skills that we have: the balance between our mother toungue languages, and foreign languages that we are fluently good at. The slogan of this competition is "Bahasa Daerah itu Pasti, Bahasa Indonesia itu Wajib, dan Bahasa Asing itu Perlu". In other words, we have to maintain balance between these three scopes of languages: our ethnic language, the language of our nation, and foreign languages. We cannot forget even one of them, because that'll mean we cannot balance between our roots and what we are urged to develop into. Your language skills, written and orally, show how your skills of thinking, brainstorming, and way of making perspectives is like. Language is the main foundation of all knowledge and education, that is why the balance between languages that we learn and our capability of maximizing it is a great importance for oneself.

This competition is a regional contest where if we become the main winners, the next step is to become the representatives of West Java in the Nationals, which is held later in late August in Jakarta. I entered the qualifications, managed to beat hundreds of participants to become one of the Semi Finalists, and alhamdulillah, I managed to become the finalist.

The quarantine i found very useful because I learnt many things regarding the subject of language and culture (especially language). I also had to go through written and oral tests, which some were nerve-wrecking!! I grew great respect for the art of language, a form of oral & written art which in our own country still does not receive the amount of respect it should. I also felt ashamed of myself. I am learning French and currently fluent in speaking and writing English and Indonesian, but I lack skills of my ethnic language. I am born as half Sundanese and half Javanese, with a little hint of Arabic and Dutch blood from my great-late ancestors, but I cannot speak nor write fluently in Sundanese especially Javanese. Through the quarantine, my eyes, mind, and heart opened wide to respect my Sundanese and Javanese blood. Well, especially Sundanese because in Indonesia I grew in West Java. I actually cried a bit in one of the seminars when a speaker named Mr. Satria gave a deep, beautiful speech on Sundanese & Indonesian language and culture within the globalization era. Call me a cry-baby, I don't give a damn, but I felt bad. The material given wasn't lecturing at all and it penetrated within me. Since Mr.Satria's speech, I promised myself to learn slowly but surely and effectively on Sundanese language.

On the final night located at Saung Angklung Udjo with many local TV stations and journalists from local newspapers standing by, I prayed to myself that this final night will give me great luck. Of course the points gained throughout the quarantine days are much bigger than the final night, but at least I want to give the audience especially my family & spectators a great show!!

All finalists are located at the side stands, sitting down in the most delicate manner. The lady finalists wore beautiful night kebaya's and the men finalists wore gorgeous ethnic Sundanese costumes. That was the night. I had to give my best... & this is how i felt...............

* *

"Man... you know how nervous I am?! Heyyll yeah I am! Right now I am sitting by the sidelines waiting for my turn to get up there to explain sudden themes from one of the little-rolls-paper-of-hell from that small bowl that I will have to pick out. One of those small rolls of paper with the theme written inside it will decide wheteher I will make a fool of myself or not this night!! Terra, my friend, number 7, who will go forward before me is blabbing on about things and trying to make me not so nervous, which is a nice thing for him to do, but still I am! I have been praying over and over again, chanting the verses of Al-Fatihah and doing dzikir to calm my mind, because I don't want to make a fool of myself. Hahaha. Why am I like this?? It's because we wont know what theme we will pick out of that small bowl! Whenever I look at the bowl, it looks like it's giving me an evil grin!! So cynical, wanting to watch me fall. Haha... Ok, what makes me nervous is if suddenly I pick out a theme in SUNDANESE LANGUAGE. I then have to explain the theme in Sundanese!! I'd rather the earth swallow me whole!! My Sundanese isn't fluent... it's crap. Haha. (I am able, but it isn't qualified enough to become a winner) & those video cameras rolling from the media, and journalists scribbling jotting notes for their papers..... I shan't make a fool of myself! I am praying so hard that Allah will give me a chance to shine & let me pick out a theme in Indonesian or English...,"
"Finally, my number was called: Nomer 8, Zeva Aulia Sudana, dari Universitas Katolik Parahyangan Bandung!!! I can hear the cheering and clapping but my mind and eyes was set to the podium. I walked the most feminin & elegant walk I could do in these 7cm high heel sexy hot damn shoes (yeah they are, I searched AGES for these black stilleto high heels)........ & guess what......... I went to the wrong direction & stepped up the podium on the wrong side.... HAHAHA... I was like........dammit!! But I put on my most confident smile & didn't think about it. Because I am at the wrong side of the podium, I struggled a bit to climb on to it since on the left side there are no steps to climb onto the podium.. Oh Allah, I don't want to look too stupid, so I tried to get on to the podium as elegant as possible..........but the fact is, since my long kebaya batik skirt is tight and "gejet", my mom said that my legs looked stiff, as stiff and straight as Arnold Schwartzenegger's face when saying "hasta la vista...baby". But anyway.... so, I wanted to try to impress the audience. I decided to sing two verses of a Sundanese SOng "Bubuy Bulan". Hahaha.... don't get me wrong, I've been practicing! Well....... when I sang the song, I got the words jumbled up a bit, but when I finished, I saw the other finalists cheering me on & going berzerk because they know that my Sundanese is... well.... satisfactory, but I'm trying my best & gave my all. HAHAHA. After that, the moment of truth........ I put my dainty fingers into the bowl, & picked a small roll out. I took the deepest breath and exhaled......... Ya Allah, please, OH PLEASE, not SUndanese.... I winced and peeked through. My cousin said I looked like a little girl peeking, wanting to see what's inside a present given, lol.........& guess what?????????????? I got a theme... IN ENGLISH!! YESS!!! ALhamdulillaaah, Ya Rabb! HHAHAHAHAHAHA...... I smiled a wide VICTORY SMILE! Victory is mine!! Well at least for this quick presentation anyway. The theme I got was written: "National Products". I had to think quick & spontaneous to speak in just 3 minutes. I mind-mapped quickly, & voila! I did it. I connected between globalization-free market-tax-national products-income for lay people & the state. I was satisfied and I was so happy that I heard an encore. I can see that the audience is pleased with my answers and the way I deliberated. After that, I was given questions by the judges, not in english, because the theme I got was in english. I felt soo SATISFIED. I closed this event with a sweet topping!

Though I didn't become the main winner (Angga and Farida got it), I am still proud of myself for getting this far & is still craving for MORE experience and MORE knowledge. I asked one of the judges, which is the winner of last year's event of this competition. His name is Abul. Abul said that my only flaw was my capability of speaking and writing in Sundanese. Though the Indonesian language and all Indonesian language tests has the ace card of the most wanted points, to become the representative of West Java needs the balance between those three factors.

I learnt alot from this event. It is no use & actually an unwritten shame if you forget your roots. I will, and I promise, to work on my SUndanese language! Oh, my Javanese too. But one by one though, Sundanese first.... =-) ,"

North Korea,,, what are you up to and what do you want?

2009-05-26T12:03:00.010+07:00

Heads of the political world have turned towards North Korea, a country who openly shows the world their nuclear proliferation for the military programs. The proof is there, nuclear and missile tests. According to Russia, North Korea succeeded in a nuclear test of making one as powerful as the US atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki in World War 2. Bigger than the missile launch on April.This is a violation of a UNSC resolution.

You know what? Military Shows will just create tension and maybe this is just what the North Korean leaders want. Their acts on these direct tests have caused alarm among other state leaders, especially members of the UNSC like China, France, Britian, US, etc. The North Koreans seems to want to "challenge" the international community. Well, at the least they want to show their strength and improvement on their military sector. Even international sanctions as vital as economic sanctions won't make them budge (but actually make their actions of "threat" increase). The stability of the region around North Korea is at stake. They are already isolated and how long will they stand that? It won't do any good to it's people anyway.

The world is so dark. Is there still hope? The global society faces new problems day by day. All because of human conduct.
Humans are basically greedy. But the ones that increase greed to a higher level really does become a great problem. Conflict is transformed and cannot be stopped. Thinking about transformation, I remember how I learned about parasites in Senior High biology class. Yes, conflicts are parasites. Once it's satisfied with one conflict, it moves to another conflict. There goes the circle of satan. Once you pop........ you can't stop. (haha...like the Pringles ads... I LOVE PRINGLES. Oh dear, I'm in need of Pringles chips now..gotta gooo)

Star Wars - - The Next Rising Star Jedi =))

2009-05-23T12:53:00.005+07:00

Zeva Becomes a Jedi

Not just another ordinary jedi... I have kick-ass moves!! Muahahahah!!
Hmm... these light sabers can become of multiple use! From chopping enemies until chopping vegetables in the kitchen.......lol.

In the picture above, this is the protagonist version of Zeva The Jedi.. The good jedi, like the long-gone Obi Wan..huhu. Though I smile, I kick some serious butt!! HAHA. Decepting Smile, peoples...

In the picture above, this is the antagonist version of Zeva The Jedi... Like how Anakin then becames one of those evil Darth descendents... My face looks so feisty and ready to battle here. hahaha

Ooooh... i'm lovin it. This is fun... I wonder what i'll be next...

Netball ... The Sport I Used to Breathe In ;-)

2009-05-21T09:32:00.009+07:00

Ok..ok.. some friends in Indonesia have been asking me.. "What's Netball, Zevs?" "is it like basketball,,but u use a net not a basket??" (??) Lol. Okay..okay. Here is the sport that i trully fell in love with playing, but sadly I don't play it anymore because in Indonesia there is no such sport & netball is played in Commonwealth Countries. If only Indonesia is still invaded by the UK up until now..... hahahahah

Netball is a non-contact team sport similar to, and derived from basketball. The inventor was Clara Gregory Baer, a pioneer in women's sport. Netball is very very popular in Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and the UK.
Well, I mentioned how the roots of netball is basketball. The inventor of modern basketball is James Naismith in 1891. He was a teacher in the School for Christian Workers (YMCA, now). The female teachers wanted to formulate a "girls" version of the game, because in those olden days, girls wore flowing outfits and couldn't execute moves in basketball such as running and dribbling (yuppo), so the gave had to be modified.
Netball was first played in England, i forgot what year but it was at the end of the 1800's. It then spread throuought British Commonwealth territories. Rules over-time have been enhanced since then.
Netball is a part of the Commonwealth Games after becoming a recognised olympic sport in 1995.
The standardization of the rules was by England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies, thus was established International Federation of Netball Associations. World championships is held every four years. (hwhwhw... i wanted to be a professional netballer too when I was little).

DESCRIPTION & RULES
*Well, peoples... the objective of a game of netball is for players to pass the ball to a teammate within the opposition's goal circle and score goals. The team with the most goals at the end of a game is the winner. There are 1 point, 2 point g
goals.
*For the court & It's dimensions... a netball court is divided into thirds which regulate where individuals of each position are allowed to move. Like basketball, netball is played on either hard or soft court with scoring hoops/rings at both ends. The court is slightly larger than a basketball court. Yup! it's longer also. The longer sides are called "sidelines" and the shorter lines are called "goal lines". The goal posts are 3.05m high from the top of the ring to the ground and have no backboards like what basketball does. Both the height and diameter of the rings are smaller than basketball hoops.
*For the ball... it is similar to a basketball ball, but it is lighter, smaller, slightly softer in construction, and generally the color white. The patterns enstitched to it is similar to a volleyball!
*NOOOW!! POSITIONS!! I usually play Goal Attack (GA), Center (C), or Goal Defence (GD). My coaches at that time said that I'm an accurate shooter and a fast mover and my long hands are good at defending, so they rotate me through those three positions. But I felt best in Goal Defence. I usually piss-off oponents because when they're about to shoot, i jump high and block them and pass the ball back to my team's offence position. HAHA. stuff!! Ok... lets go on...
There are seven players on each team, who are given named positions. Each player must wear a "bib" showing the abbreviations of the indicated position of that player. The positions are:

Offence>>
Goal Shooter (GS)-attacking third including the goal circle-player to mark: Goal Keeper ;;
Goal Attack (GA)-Attacking & centre-thirds, including the goal circle-player to mark: Goal Defence ;;
Wing Attack (WA)-Attacking & centre thirds but not the goal circle-player to mark: Wing Defence ;;
Centre (C)-Attacking,centre&defending thirds,but not the goal circles-player to mark: Center
Defence>>
Wing Defence (WD)- Centre & defending thirds but not the goal circle-player to mark: Wing Attack ;;
Goal Defence (GD)-centre & defending thirds including the goal circles-player to mark: Goal Attack ;;
Goal Keeper (GK)-defending third including the goal circle-player to mark: Goal Shooter ;.

*Well now... how do you play?? How does a game of netball start and restart play?
Netball has 4 quarters, each one lasting 15 minutes, with intervals lasting 3 minutes. There is also an interval of 5 minutes in half time. At the beginning of every quarter or after a goal is scored, play starts from the centre of the court with a "centre pass". These passes alternate between the teams, regardless of which team scored the last goal. Fair enough. A centre pass is made by a player in the "Centre" position. As the game restarts, only the player in the "Center" position from each team are allowed in the centre third of the court. When the umpire blows the whistle to restart play, players in the position "Goal Attack", "Goal Defence", "Wing Attack" and "Wing Defence" can move into the centre third, where the centre pass must be caught.
If the ball touches the ground outside the court boundaries, then a member of the team that was not the last to touch the ball before it went out is able to throw the ball back into the court to restart play.

*About Stepping, footwork, and passing!! Netball rules do not permit players to dribble like in basketball and do not permit players to let their landing foot touch the ground agaiun if it is lifted at all while in possession of the ball, so players can take 1.5 steps while holding the ball. That is why i call this game a "PussyCat Sport" haha... u land like a cat and move like a cat! Consequently the only way to move around the ball is by passing through teammates. The ball cannot be held by a player for more than 3 seconds and players may not tap the ball to themselves more than twice (replay) and the player cannot catch the ball, drop it, and pick it up again (replayed ball), that is why though you cannot dribble, it is a fast playing game. These rules, combined with the restrictions on where one player of a particular position can move, ensure that EVERYONE on the team is regularly involved in play. That is an extra point what i like about netball. You have great chance to edvelop your skills because chances of play on the court for every position is even.
These are just the basics. I hope it'll be a nice introduction. In my past, I played for Malvern Lightning, Malvern Twisters, and the Red-A Team... I miss those days when I was incredibly fit, though kind of skinny per-usual. Haha.

I MISS PLAYING NETBALL SOMEONE TAKE ME TO A NETBALL MATCH!

Star Trekking...

2009-05-18T20:12:00.003+07:00

Remember in my Post called "My Childhood Dream" Under the label: and this is what i say... ???
I wrote one of my goals in the future (when I was still young in Primary/elementary School) is to become an astronaut..... Well......... here it is!!!!!! HAHAHAHAH

Zeva Aulia Sudana-The Space Cadet
... The Next Women on the Moon!!
Wait for me Obi Wan! Anakin! I'm working with the light sabers after I get used to the non-gravitational surrroundings! Heheh...

Coming Soon........Zeva becomes a Jedi...
x)

MY FINAL GMNS GRADE!!

2009-05-18T19:32:00.003+07:00

YYYYEEEEEEEEAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

WooooHHOoooooooooooooooooooooo!!

You, know what? I could go craaazyyyy zipadeedoodaaaahhh rite now, peoples!!

Well... lets go back in time first...

*ding dong ding dong... dong dong ding dong*

It was after my final exam for International Organizations...
Outside the weather is shitty, all cold, wet, and cloudy... i nearlly stumbled on the stairs *gawdd i'm a walking disaster*.. & found out my freakin left sandal's side parts came off! I didn't want to go all nyeker alias bare footed to the front of the campus, so i walked ngesot-ngesot *lebay* dragging my left foot accompanied by Denish to buy some SWALLOW SANDALS all the way at 7/11 (Tujuh Sebelas translated in Indonesian.... how gay) a store infront of UNPAR, my campus. You should know about Swallow Sandals btw, for u international readers... (pede amat yah.. haha..bodo)..It's those rubber sandals people here usually use to go to the backyard, frontyard or WC alias toilet/bathroom..hhahah... so, I bought the red colored Swallow Sandals to match my veil.. HAHAHAH. (wait...it was Denish's idea.lol). The lady in the cashier smiled at me when I gave her the empty swallow plastic wrapper.. i pointed at my feet to show her i'm already wearing the Swallow sandals. with a stupid goofy smile. I then asked her for a plastic bag to wrap my damned useless-branded-sandals in...(brands DO NOT always guarantee QUALITY).

Anyway..off i went home, and when i got home...

*ringtone of my house's wireless phone...it has a cute ringtone btw, makes u wanna boogie...hahha....NOT. Drives me crazy when nobody is stuffed to pick up an incoming call*

Zeva: Yelloo... assalamualaikum!
xx: *girl's voice.. i use the "xx" chromosome symbol, if it was a guy, i'd write "xy"* (oh iyyaa bangga dong dulu anak IPA di SMA 3 Bdg, u think???)*
Halo, assalamualaikum, zevanya ada?
Zeva: yow, ini zeva. & this is?? (haha..nyolot yak...ga ini tambahan lebay aj)
xx: Ini Dianndrraaaaaaaaaa zeeeyyy!!
Zeva: *hmm..what's with her voice?*
Dee: Zeeeyyy!!! *blablabalablablablblablbalablablablabla* (forgot what she said she was blabbing on like a Kookaburra bird...u know those Aussie birds that goes: wuoookakakakkakakakak... HAHA)...........*blalbalbalbalbalablablablblblblblaaaahhh* ZEY!! GMNS KITA DAPET A!!
Zeva: Beneran Dee?? Emg liat dmn lo?
Dee: Ada di email dr Rooy!!
Zeva: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (yea, this much i trust this girl, why would she lie anyway when it comes to grades? Seesshhhz..)
*seriously i was jumping up and down like a crazy buffoon or sumthin*
Dee: Kita doang yg dapet A, zeeyyy!!! tp ada si yg dapet 79, tp ga taw apa itu masuk nilei akhir A ato ga..
Zeva: Nilai UAS gw brp Dee??
Dee: hmmm... UAS lo 82 zeyy! Nilei akhir lo 80! A!
Zeva: how bout u??
Dee: UAS Diandra 82, nilei akhir 82!!
Zeva: Woohoooo!!
*and the convo continued*

AH SENAAANG!!! ZEVA AULIA SUDANA DAN DIANDRA DEWI BERHASIL MENAKLUKKAN GMNS!! Jangan kira gampang naklukin Roy...eh... GMNS.. hahahahaha

Jadi semangat uas nih... Tinggal Reskon ama Komin...

Woohoo!!
*say it, Homer Simpson's way*

The Movies: Angels & Demons - feat. My Views on Religion =)

2009-05-15T21:10:00.009+07:00

Dan Brown is (according to me) one of the most genius writers of all time!! I thank him for writing his books: The Da Vinci Code; Angels and Demons; Deception Point. What I like about Dan Brown is that he puts real research to become the basic "theories" of his book. This then makes his books so "alive" with a fiction twist.

* *

But, I ain't gonna talk further about the book and Dan Brown, I am going to talk about the kick-ass movie of it that I just saw (two days in a row I watched a movie in a day. Wonder what awaits me tomorrow... haha)!! Well, first of all I would grant Ron Howard as the director a round of applause. Great job!! Not many novel-based films are great. One I always will remember is Lord of the Rings, for example. Compared to the previous Da Vinci Code, this one is foshooo way waaay better (I didn't like TDVC...it sucked). Tom Hanks's acting as Robert Langdon has improved far and Ewan Mc Gregor as Carmelengo was also geeuud =). Though in this movie there are many parts from the novel that is deleted (of course it'll be hard to fit everything in) but Ron Howard's pick of scenes didn't ruin the flow of the story whatsoever. For example, a big character was deleted and re-modified. In the novel there is the character: Hassassin, who assassinates the preferitis, he actually is described as a Middle-Eastern man, but in the movie, maybe for particular reasons, the assassin's name wasn't told and the distortion of the character was that....he was not a big bulky Middle-Eastern man sent by the internal of the Catholic Church himself (no i aint giving spoilers here..haha), but a blonde-english-accented-eyeglasses-dude who was far from the bulky-body-image (but pro-gun-handling-skills..lol). Anyway, I do prefer the novel more.. (work of art), but for a novel-adaptation, this movie is great!

* *

"RELIGION IS FLAWED BECAUSE MAN IS FLAWED"

Ok, this quote that was said by Cardinal Mortati to Robert Langdon appeared at one of the last scenes of the movie. Hmm.. and this quote made me think. (i then felt a dejavu because when I finished reading the novel back in highschool, this quote made me smile).

Well, now I see and hear people around me asking questions about religion, and even some questions if religion is important because they say it is institutionalized/whatever, and even questions the existence of God. Yesterday I read a blog of a friend whom critisize emotionally on the importance of religion and critisized God-self. I guess this friend of mine is an atheist. Well anyway, there are also people saying things like: Religion is the reason why wars happen throughout time, the Cross War for example, or even nowadays conflicts between ethnicities with different religious backgrounds.

You wanna know something? The quote above explains it = religion has no fault. It teaches peace, purity, and how to see the world and live through it. It is the acts of man that ruins the image of religions itself. Man, a creature with hawa nafsu or we can say emotions of various kinds, can distort the true essence and teachings of religion itself. Man-conduct. Man has a power to change things through "politicising" the substance of religion. I myself beleive that religion is not just about rituals. I look beyond that. If you say that rituals are forced, it means you do not talk to your heart and you do not understand that it is not something forceful. You feel forced because you don't beleive. It is a state of mind. Rituals are there to make you remember that you exist in this life for positive reasons, positive purpose and to do positive acts and that a great energy exists out there. God, the Creator. Anyway, the main focus, in my personal beleif, of religion is not the rituals... no-no. It is beyond that. & beleiving that it is beyond that does not mean I think rituals as unimportant. In my case for example, The Five Times Prayer. Though I am not perfect because I got to admit sometimes I forget to do it but most of the timesI do it, but I feel something beyond than just a set of "rituals" for this Five Times Prayer. I also take the essence out of it.

People are born through religions of their parents and it is something that we all should respect why we differ from others that are "religiously different" to oneself. We cannot blame that there are various religions, why, because it is a result of a process through time. I am personally born as a muslim, and until now I still hold on to it. I find peace within this religion and it's teachings has an end point to protect and guide. I don't see it as only a bunch of rituals. I feel beyond that. The Al-Quran is a beautiful holy book which it's substance has never been modified or changed but the teachings inside can reach the world and life in any Age. I am not an extremist and I am actually more of a moderate muslim, but I beleive that this religion teaches peace like all other religions do. It is acts of man that distorts the meaning of its teachings. We shan't then naively blame world violence because of religion and because of God's carelessness. I, blame it on the acts of irresponsible man.

Islam, Christian Protestant, Christian Catholic, and so on and so forth I see as religions of peace.It is more than just a bunch of rituals. We have to see the essence of it and look beyond and ask your heart. I beleive in God and I beleive that God made various religions with a purpose. Not only because every holy-book through prophets was sent down to suit the people of its time and the teachings are then purified through time in such ways until it could scope as a vast guidance of life through any Age/time, it is also for us to learn and accept diversity. It is a test from God to see how we handle that. Religion is also not something institutionalized and made by man. The process of the appearance of religion expands to an amazing long timeline and the appearance of major world religions in different times has its purpose (i will not expain here because it will be too long..HAHA). I also beleive and pity that there are teachings of particular religions that have been "edited" by man for their own political benefits of their time... it loses the purity of the religion itself.

Then comes the old debate of knowledge versus religion. I like how Dan describes in this book how both religion and knowledge actually mutually fulfill each other. If referring to the teachings of the religion I hold on to, Islam, we are obliged to search for knowledge and gain knowledge. It is said in the Al-Quran that "Knowledge is the pillars of religion". Knowledge then becomes important for us to understand the universe. I also interpret this that religion is there to protect knowledge itself because knowledge is something with no end. Just say knowledge is a baloon filled with unlimited gas. It will always go higher and higher, up and up... religious teachings (the ones with no distortion of human-interests) are there to become a guidance for the knowledge itself and it is the energy to pull / hold slightly and protectively the strings of this "knowledge-balloon" down if it goes in speeds of wildness. Wildness i mean here is because of questionings. Humans are gifted with the ability to think. To become critical. Questions have no end and will always expand. Religious teachings by God is there to become a pedoman, or some kind of guidance so that we know our boundaries. But boundaries does not mean we have no right to think and to expand what we know. It is like a guidance. As I said earlier, knowledge and religion mutually benefits. It is a blessing from God. Its a matter of what we see and beleive.

Everyone has the right to choices. If you want to hold on to a particular religion or not.
In Islam for example: "Your religion is yours, and my religion is mine". Respect.
Critisizing is easy, judging is easy, swearing is easy. What is complicated is the ability of wanting to understand and respect.
What I'm trying to say is that religion is not something to blame, God is not to blame. It is human conduct.
Peace comes from our actions and from within.
As for knowledge vs. religion, i see it as wrong. Both fulfill each other.
I am among those who beleive and I find peace within the religion I still hold on to.
What about you...

Hmmmm...

The Bliss of the Informal Economy

2009-05-15T08:02:00.008+07:00

I went to Cihampelas Walk yesterday arvo with my friends; Denish, Devi, and Andit. We just had to watch a movie flick yesterday. Me, Devi, and Andit watched Push, whilst Denish watched Crank in seperate (Denish hated that movie...lol). Well, whilst we waited for the movie to start, me and Denish accompanied Devi to get some money from an ATM at a deserted mall across of CiWalk. Lol... Anyways, on the way that automatically means we have to pass Cihampelas Road, a place full of stalls, shops, and such. A road which is also a shopping tourist attraction for people outside of Bandung (Well, inside of Bandung too, though I admit I'm a real Bandung citizen I have never shopped anything on that road before..lol).

Suddenly, two words came into my mind: Informal Economy. It got me thinking how the informal economy plays such an important role in many people's daily lives. Informal economy is a strong part of our lives and has a more direct effect towards the society compared to the formal economy. It can happen in developed and developing countries. Hmmmm... ya ya.

I read this article by Peter J.M. Nas and Tanja A.J. Houweling and here i quote:

"..[n]ew urban form is characterized by simultaneous concentration and deconcentration; globalization and localization. A dual structure is emerging in which some cities are included in a global, interdependent network dominating economic, political, and social life, while other cities are excluded from this network,"

Well, then I looked around me again... the obvious one was Mc Donalds. It surely has been localized. When I was in Melbourne I didn't remember there that Mackers served Rice and fried chicken or sambal ABC satchets.. lol... & I gotta say there ain't no musholla for praying in the Mc Donalds over there nor a small Buddhist temple or an altar or a confession box or whatver..hahaha. So, Mc Donalds here have adapted with the majority of the society so that it can blend in and become accepted more easier. Other than Mc Donalds, I see some weird brands in those clothes stores that "distort" the overseas brand such as: The glasses brand "Police" becomes "Polisi", Guess Jeans become Gezz (oh my)... well actually for the brand thing I guess it is more of a plagiarism, but we can say it as glocalization by the view of the price (HAHAHA).

Well, that was a comment for the first sentence of the quote. Now, onto the second sentence. Hmmm... yea, true that the development growth of urban cities may vary. It especially usually happens in developing countries. Globalization has an impact, like, everywhere, but it doesn't mean that the impact will take effect and influence every part of a country.

Take first for example: Indonesia. If we look closely ya'll, we see that globalization exceeds fast in the major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. They are called the "nodes". Nodes are like you know where a variety of processes intersect in particularly pronounced concentrations. These nodes are of strategic importance politically and economically for the global society like MNCs, Multi National Workforce, government cooperation and such. Well, then I think again. Hmmm... yayaya... so it's like this phenomena shows the space for the transmigration of cultural forms, the re-territorialization of "local" sub-cultures. But what about other areas apart from cosmopolitan cities such as Bandung and Surabaya?

Okay, zipadedoodaaah, let's go back to Bandung city! HAha. Now, take for example: Bandung. Bandung is a sub-region city with a fast developing modernization. Though I don't consider it as a very fast growing one like Jakarta of course. I see it more as what is called a desakota. A combination of traditional characteristics with the influence of a more modern way of life. Anyways, still, the effects of global way of life are felt in this city. It is a multicultural city that has affected the way of life of it's citizens. Even in the bottom layer people the majority of them already use cellular phones for example. Heheh. Now, we step down to a more smaller city. A kabupaten (i dunno what it is in english, can't be stuffed to look it up in the dictionary or translator.HAHA). Subang! Subang is a more traditional city and the globalized interdependent network does not have a big effect on the city, though TV shows shows globalized views, but it is far from cosmopolitan if we look around the city.

Hmm... I"m drinking hot chocolate. So nice-nice..yummy!! Ok, ok, i continue... erhm! Well, then I think again.. yeayea...In order to have an influence in a certain city, globalization needs to blend in and inject with local interests. Glocalization. Combining the local with the global. See my first paragraph, peoples!! Well, just say, globalization with a mixture of localization is taking effect in Bandung. It is connected to the lifestyle of Jakarta (well, not all, when I see my Jakarta friends...certain ones though, I see them as very... hedonic. Haha), the mega-cosmopolitan city of Indonesia, and because Jakarta is the capital city and has globalized mixed lifestyle of the international society, this influences Bandung as well in certain aspects.

Then at the end of the day, I say that this dual structure in the scope of Indonesia shows the network boundaries globalization could have.

Over and out ! =B

A (Sudden) Topic Between Roy's Conversation With Me...

2009-05-15T00:51:00.006+07:00

Hmm... the clock shows it's nearlly 1 am in the morning and I don't even know why I am still capable of keeping my eyelids open because I usually already get drowsy at around 10pm... lol. But because of my changed UAS pattern (sistem-kebut-semalam: SKS.. HAHA) of sleeping...well, now i am wide awake...
So, to make myself drowsy, I'm going to share with you a rather surprising (to me) short conversation between me and my GMNS lecturer, Roy, that I still remember up until now.
Well...it was actually around 1 month ago or less.. me, Roy, and diandra were waiting for GMNS class to start (around 3pm, this was). We were lightly discussing on education in Indonesia and our views on how to improve the system, and we discussed also about the material we will be discussing in class, when suddenly we went on to a more of a "social" conversation. Hhahaha.. me and Diandra asked him about his family, until I asked him how his wife that he dears was doing... (haha..okay, this was to fill in that "intermezzo" moments between blahhblaahh conversations)

WHEN SUDDENLY.............

Roy: "So, Zeva.... what about you, do you have a pacar?"
Zeva: (ok, man, was i surprised he suddenly asked that... I mean, c'mon, ur lecturer... HAHA. It was real cute tho how he said "pacar" with a western accent of his... pacar here refers to boyfriend, universally speaking...lol)
"Ummm..."
Roy: *raised his eyebrows with his signature smile*
Zeva: "Nope! No, atm. Hahah... Why you ask so suddenly?"
Roy: *takes a blow on his cigarette like what he usually does in spare times*
"Hmmm... just surprised someone like you is still available...,"
Zeva: "Hahahahaha...."
(okay...awkward moment, but we both laughed off anyway)
#^_^'#

Well, the point is I've never ever had anyone EVER say to me since my last break-up which was...in 1st class of senior high (wheeww..long way off,hey): "just surprised someone like you is still available," apart from close family and friends.

I find it very thoughtful of him to say that..lol.
& it makes me wonder if I am too much of an idealist for this kind of thing.
No, I am not.
I just haven't found the right one just yet...
Haha.

GMNS Class, Roy, & UAS..

2009-05-14T23:10:00.005+07:00

Today's exam is a closing for the exams so far for this week..& GMNS (Globalism, Modernity, and Nation STate) was the post-finale for the week (yupsies, still got 1 more week to go, peoples)...

How do I FEEL? GREAT!!! Seriously, I actually enjoyed answering the questions! Lol.. but,well, about the substance of my answers only Roy will know (oh, btw, he's the lecturer) & we'll see... haha. But anyway, so far I feel good about the answers I gave, though I could've done better. Way better. But I analyzed pretty good, I guess. But I dunno if it's good in Roy's eyes. Haha. But anyway! Hey!

Well, I'm not exactly going to write about my answers to the exam, I'm going to write about the class in general and on ROY VORAGEN. Our beloved lecturer who just got a cool new haircut (it suits him I prefer this one, the previous one looked messy, now he looks more neat and his thin facial hair makes him (kinda) look like Justin Timberlake and his glasses makes him overall has a resemblance to Chester Bennington... AHAHAH..

Well, Roy is a nice fella. We all from the 07 GMNS class respect him. He teaches a small class (which actually I like the form of small quantities of students) that consists of me, Diandra, Denish, Devy, Agatha, Andit, Pascal, Yosef, and Aswin. Yup, 9's a lucky number...Roy is also actually a lecturer at the faculty of Philosophy, has an M.A title and will one day go for his phD! He should! He's so smart and we all enjoy the material he gives us. It might be complicated at first but as the time goes by we got used to it. Actually students overseas read waaay more material than our class do, especially compared to regular-INA-classes. Well, most of the material was in heavy language, but amazingly we got through it. Though lazed up at times..hahah.. The matter started with basic globalization and expanded to Global Justice. Global Justice is actually extra material that he gave us out of the curriculum plan, but that was fine. Me likey! Hehe. Especially Diandra, she was so exited about it like a worm exposed under the sun...hahahaha.

So, the system for GMNS class of this year is an enhanced one of the previous year. Roy wanted students to participate more in class and he wanted to find a way that will show if we actually understand the material he gives us. So, everyday two people have to give a presentation on the day's material that was given a week before. There is the 1st and 2nd speaker. The 1st speaker's job is to summarize and re-elaborate verbally the context of the material. The 2nd speaker's job is to give feedback towards the material by using related theories as a base and giving a critical comment. You can negate, or you can become an affirmative. We didn't use the projector at first for the 1st speaker presentations, but eventually we did. Devi was the first to give a presentation by using posters, and I was the first to use the projector and later on everyone else followed. Now, what about the other students apart from the week's 1st and 2nd speaker?? Of course we get assignments making Quotes! So, we're suppose to quote any important info off the material and give analytical comments on them. Me and Diandra usually make around 4 quotes per-material, but if we want to (try) dig deep, we use 3 quotes. If we're lazy we make 2 quotes. HAHA. But others usually only make 1 quote, so.... hahaha...

I really like the concept of this class. Too many students in one class are not beneficial. If GMNS had, say, like more than 10 people, I think it would suck and not be as great as having less than 10 people in the class. The presentation technique is suitable for few students in one class so everyone gets multiple turns to presentate & it automatically means we have more chances to improve our grades! 9 students is enough, I consider, hahah. Imagine if GMNS class have many students... Though we'll get great material, but the situation would feel different and not as efficient.

At the end of the day I would like to say that we all feel a chemistry with Roy's way of thinking and lecturing. It is so interesting. We hope that he'll teach other classes in HI UNPAR! Exclusive style!! Hahahaha (exclusive as in only few numbers of students per class). Call me selfish, it ain't selfish! This is how the education lecturing system (basically) at least should be...

Estetika =D

2009-05-14T21:01:00.004+07:00

Estetika (Aesthetics)! Some students say: "Get real, why do we have to study this s*^t??" or "aesthetics is sooo unimportant, a waste of time!" or "why on earth should we learn this? We're in university, we don't need to learn this s%$t, I can learn art from any other place," or... yea you get my point. But as for me? Ok, some of the classes for aesthetics was like.. boh-riing, but some of them aren't. I actually find most of the meetings really interesting, like when we watched this music documentary. I think it was called "Pulse"... man! Effin cool! We get to see music applicated in different ways from different cultures. Maybe cuz I love music and culture, so I enjoyed it. If it's in Indonesian I would say: "santaiii aja cuy!" which means; just chill! Learning something extra like this won't hurt. It's all a matter of looking beyond, really. & I sih enjoy2 aj tuh...hahah.

Like in this pic, it's my group making a final exam assignment. So we had to make something artsy. My group: Me, Shirleen, Dhea, Icha, Yayo, and Martin...came together and discussed on what to make. Suddenly...voila!! I remembered back in Aussie in primary school, I made this artwork, the combination of papier mache and sculpture. I made this cute wooly sheep back then. Haha. Anyways, so I tried to modify that basic idea & I came up of an idea of making something abstract. We as a group basically wanted to make a theme on juvenile's, so we came up of the idea (well, it was mostly by me..HAHA..& it took us days to finally decide on what to make) to make an abstract sculpture of juvenile emotions! Then Shirleen added an idea of making a base for the sculpture. It was a sick idea, i loved it! So the idea was we use triplex/some thin wood and we glue on bits & pieces of breaked glass (shattered glass) above a painted black wood base to show the labile side of juveniles. So the sculpture on top represented the bubbly and spontaneous side of teenagers, and the bottom base of breaking glass showed that the foundation of juvenile emotions is basically fluctuative and fragile. COOL HEY?!! Anyways, unfortunately, we didn't end up making the base of breaking glass, which was a bummer, because we couldn't find time to make it.

Anyways, we made it at Martin's place. We painted and did finishing touch-ups there. We named it: "Juvenile Fiasco". It turned out...........cute. Hahahahaa. Actually we didn't want it to look CUTE, we wanted it to turn out COOL, but God knows why it ended up looking cute.HAHA...maybe because the core idea came from me and it ended up looking cu...haha..I wont continue for safety reasons ;)

Well, the sculpture made me think of frozen yoghurt, especially Shirleen thought up of an idea of making a melting accent on top of the artwork. To me, it made it look like glaze topping. It makes me hungry just by looking at it. Hahaha..but anyways. Overall I enjoyed all of the process, especially I get to know new people and make new friends from different majors. Icha and Shirleen are from the Architecture Faculty, Dhea from the Economics Faculty, and two friends i've known since ages; Yayo from FISIP Faculty, and Martin from Civil Engineering. Anyway I'd like to say thanks to them and hopefully for our presentation tomorrow, we get an A with the score of 100/100!! hahaha.

Mi Corazon.... Alone.

2009-05-03T23:08:00.007+07:00

I just came back home from this event of my major called "Table Manner". The SOR division made it. It was nice, got new knowledge. It was cool. Everyone looked handsome and beautiful in their own ways. I got to wear a black gown... and it makes me feel like a princess... hahah...
Well, after it was all over, after I took steps further and further away from that ballroom... Something struck me. I felt a chill of sadness. I wanted to write a post on politics (that was my plan before-hand yesterday), but I guess I wont... I want to write something more real...
Mi Corazon. My heart.

*Mi Corazon*
When your ribs are tingling... Feeling a part of u missing
It might just be me... It might just be me...
When your apple chokes... your self it aches
It might be a sign... I should be in mind.

I have no clear clue and on what to do
I dont know who you are.... or if I do
Nor what u look like, the scent and touch
Not sure if we've met or if we're far apart

I've been searching you... & longing you...
But I face the problems all over again
I am chasing pavements, endless and a maze
I am embracing mist, wind, and emptiness

I have been searching,
too tired to search
I have been waiting,
now it has come to an end
I might as well give up... and give my all to fate
Until that one historical day..
we will be

I have no clear clue and on what to do
I dont know who u are.... or if I do
Nor what you look like, the scent and touch
Not sure if we've met or if we're far apart

Mi Corazon.

.:ZevaAuliaSudana:.

Escape...

2009-05-03T09:11:00.008+07:00

On the 2nd of May, I had a really bad day. I dunno, something happened at PMKT night on the 1st of May that got me thinking and then my mood went stuffed. Haha.
Soo... I just needed to get OUT. To go out and runaway with the wind into a faraway land called.... Lembang (lebay c..haha).

Yes, I had stuff coming into my mind. & it just got me thinking and I needed answers n inspiration, so off i went to Lembang (not by myself tho, r u kiddin me...)

Well, this post I'm not gonna bla..blaa...blahh curhat-on-line, but... I'm gonna write about a "RUMAH MAKAN SEDERHANA" Yg enaaak bgt!! Hahah. (btw in english: Simple Restaurant.... yea....sounds weird, but that's the translation.haha)

Rumah Makan Sederhana : Simple Restaurant (hahah... corny translation) is located at Sersan Bajuri Road-Cihideung-Lembang. I dunno the number tho. But It's located after Graha Puspa Residence and before Triniti Residence (The one with the Kampung Daun Resto in it).
Before, I was going to have lunch at Kampung Daun... but yahh... bohong. Hahah... I didn't feel like spending much money on just occasional non-special-event lunch, so I went around n found this place. At first what I thought was... "is it hygenic?" but when i went inside, it was. Its a very simple place and food was taken by "prasmanan"... (dunno the english word for this, whatevveh).. and the food was yummy! It makes u full. I was so damn hungry i ate two big fat squids... hahaha...and i mean BIG & FAT... and some soup. and emping. U know emping? its from melinjo. Have no idea what the english name for it either (oh stuff, I'm trying to be soo international.. puh,,puh,,lol)

Anyways, I love eating. After I eat I become happy. hahaha. You know, a very empty stomache (but when I fast -puasa- is an exception =>) makes my face fold a hundred folds i look soo ugly, uglier than Ugly Betty...hahah

Hidup Makan!!! HAhahaha

My Childhood Dream...

2009-04-30T21:18:00.009+07:00

I was a dreamer back when I was little... I wanted to become so much. I had reasons why I wanted to become those occupations. I found it in a journal I wrote back in Primary School for this Creative Writing Class. It's so surprising finding old writings written by yourself in such a young age. So weird also, yet funny. Here I quote from random pages of what I wrote when (I think) I was 10 years until 11 years of age....

1. I want to become a docter, a child docter because I want to help sick children. Children are leaders in the future so they should be healthy and not sick. I want to own my own stethescoop!! (20 year old Zeva:ok...maybe what I meant was STETHOSCOPE. haha)

2. I want to become the 1st Female astronaut that fly to the stars. Who knows I'll find heaven and who knows fairies exist out there. People go to the moon, why don't they go to the stars?! (20 year old Zeva:ok...well, now I know the exact definition of stars..)

3. I want to become a cook so I can cook yummy food for myself. I want to be a great cook like mom (20 year old Zeva:haha..yeah, my mom's great at cooking...will i be her descendent? hahaha.Working on it...)

4. I want to sing like Britney Spears and dance like her (20 year old Zeva: bwahahaha...yeah I remember those teen-pop-superstar days! I mean, who doesn't like Britney back then? Haha. Well, I like to sing though my vocals aren't pro...haha...I like to dance, i modern danced, though now I don't)

5. I want to own a charity thing, i don't know the name for it but it starts with an F (20 year old Zeva: Zeva dear, it's called a Foundation... haha. Ok, now I'm talking to the young-me....)

6. I want to become a scientist too! I want to know more about the universe!! (20 year old Zeva: ok.. I was in Science class in senior high -IPA- but physics wasn't my expertise I guess.. lol. BUt I love biology n chemistry back then...hmmm... the road has taken me to another direction now, though...)

7. I want to own a reserv.. something, with rare Australian animals in them! I want to protect them because I love animals! (20 year old Zeva: Reservation is what I meant back then, lol)

8. I just want to be useful and help others (20 year old Zeva: huhuhuh... yea, the point was I wanted to be a medical docter primarily and when I dreamt about it years later in senior high, I wanted to be that and work also in WHO and UNICEF, do experiments and research and own a foundation...hhaha...I wanted to take that crazily expensive Space Tour that Russia has to reach my dream of going outerspace..FOR FREE. Haha. Well, I didn't pass the test to a state uni into medicine because of my darned PHYSICS score... =p )

* *

Anyway, to conclude... I am now in a road a bit far off from the main points above... I study majoring International Relations/Affairs..which is politics and it has nothing to do with natural science. lol.
But yes, i'm loving it anyhow and I have found that the human brain does not stop u from doing what u love.
Though I'm not a medical student, I still like reading medical stuff (but not complicated ones, it is not my field of expertize..haha),
Though I'm not as astronaut (not that i want to be one now, haha) i still like watching astronomy stuff in the NGC on cable TV and read about the solar system.
Though not a cook, I will become good at it one day. HAHA.
I dont own a foundation just yet, but who knows in the future I will! When I have enough money to establish one!

I don't want to be like Britney Spears, though i think she's effin gorgeous and effin attractive (no, not in a leso kind of way, i'm soo straight,peoples..haha), but i still like to sing... to myself.hahaha.And dance........infront of the mirror.hahahh...

About owning a reservation of Australian animals..hmm..that's not possible, I'm in Indonesia right now..hahah

The Point Is:

"Never, NEVER Stop Dreaming... But Include a Hint of Effort"

Politician Profile: Veronica Michelle Bachelet

2009-04-30T10:16:00.009+07:00

"When I heard that Michelle Bachelet - a doctor who devoted her life to helping the people of Chile, a daughter who lost her father to the violent regime of Augusto Pinochet and a leader who experienced personally the brutality of dictatorship but never lost hope in the people of her nation or the promise of democracy - was running for presidency of Chile, I was enthralled.

This was a woman who had overcome so much herself, rising to become Health Minister and then Defense Minister -the first woman in Latin America to ever hold such a post. And I remember thinking how wonderful it would be for a woman to break through yet another barrier- and to help her country break through barriers too.

When we first met in January 2005 during her campaign, she spoke with deep passion and even deeper expertise on the challenges facing her nation, from modernizing the military to modernizing the health-care system. I had been very eager to finally speak with her in person. Being a woman in politics can be tough business, and Bachelet made it look effortless. In our meeting, I learned why: because Bachelet, 56, speaks and leads from her heart. She won, of course.

In Chile, Argentina, Liberia, Germany, and around the world, women are not only blazing new trails but bringing others along as well. In every country, on every continent -in places where women are soaring to new heights, and in places where too many women remain second class citizens- women and men can draw inspiration from leaders like Bachelet, leaders with grace and courage, leaders who never give up and never give in.

Count me among the inspired,"

Hillary Clinton, former New York Senator and former First Lady, now the Foreign Minister of Barack Obama's administration

When I read this statement made by Mrs.Clinton, I felt a shiver of spirit. Her statement was very uplifting, I just had to quote it here. I personally agree with what Mrs.Hillary Clinton wrote. Michelle Bachelet is very, very inspirational to women all over the world. Bachelet is a doctor-turned-politician that has shown the world that behind the feminine characteristics of a woman lies the strength like no other. Here are some of Bachelet's signature quotes:

"We have to put people first" - source: France 24

"Women are stronger than men in every aspect as they give birth to the human kind.. Empowering women is of utmost importance in today's world," -source:WEBINDIA 123

"Russia may regard Chile as a floor for the development of relations with entire Latin America," -source:ITAR-TASS

"We must learn from the errors in past crisis and show... our citizens that the South American and Arab Nations are walking together," -source: Middle East North Africa Financial Network

"I would say that because of our decision during the good times, we decided to save some money during the bad times," -source: Edinburgh Daily News

I may not be a political feminist, but I do respect women's rights and I do agree with the way of thinking of Michelle Bachelet in the terms that I know of so far.

Like Mrs. Hillary Clinton.

I am also among the inspired.

Itchy-Celebs... Which One Looks Better?

2009-04-29T23:57:00.008+07:00

Oooh.. cmooon... u say ur Chuck Bass, how could u be such a turn-OFF to me?? HAHAHAH... Zeva: "Why do u pick ur nose?" Chuck: "...becoz I'm Chuck Bass" Dig deep, buddy... u gonna find sum gold in there somehow... haha

OR
Awww.. u cute thing! Suri Cruise looks cute anyhow even when she picks her nose =))

Mauuuu punyaaa anak selucu diaa... hahaha.

OR
Jake Gyllenhaaal... STILL looks cute anyways, even when he picks his nooose! hahaha... he's cuter with sunnies on than off =p

2009-04-29T22:46:00.005+07:00

THIS is one hectic family! Gawd.. I can't imagine myself in the future having 8 kids... But these kids are sooo gorgeous! Especially their parents are like: East meets West. Heheh.
They could start a football team by just "making" 3 more babiees =) This couple from Pennsylvania-USA; Jon and Kate Gosselin, must be very VERY fertile..haha. Well, it was because Kate had fertility treatments on their early days of marriage...and look at where it took them... Jon and Kate sees their family as "Multiple Blessings from God" . The kids names are: Madelyn and Car (twins), Alexis, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Hannah, and Joel (sextuplets, lol!) Watch this reality show family on TLC
........& I don't have that on my cable though.
ROTFL. ^.^'

Obama in Vanity Fair!!

2009-04-29T22:29:00.005+07:00

Okay... Hands up... Obama is just one way cool president... i mean, have u ever seen George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Soeharto, or even Jacques Chirac POSING in Vanity Fair?? A fashion magazine?? Hahahahah... i can't even imagine!
But, voila! Look at Barack! He sure shows a politician with ties on does have a sense of style...

My Beloved Special BFF's......Part ONE

2009-04-29T08:24:00.007+07:00

Okay.. I have various circle of special friends... and now I'm going to write down a little bit about my inspiring BFF's of all time! So here goes....

RACHAEL HEATH JEFFEREY

Me and Rach have been BFF's since..... decades!! HAhah.. actually since kindergarten. Not only both of us but our families are close to one another. What's cute is that we're BFF's, my brother;Iqbal n her brother;Patrick are BFF's and our mom's are BFF's also!! I met her in Hawker Kindergarten in Canberra-Australia (yups... lived there). She has alwaaays been a charming, nice person! We had to be far apart with one another because I had to go back to Indonesia after living a year or so in Canberra..and when I came back to live in Aussie, I didn't go back to Canberra, but I went to Melbourne...this was in 2nd grade. What makes Rach soo inspiring to me is the fact that we alwaaays had strong communication for now more than 10 years!! She's very smart, humble, adventurous, helpful, and very very mature. Now she studies at Queensland Tech... Memories with her I remember most?? Hmm.. when she came to Indonesia to visit me in 2007!! It was crazy!! We haven't met in so long.. last time I met her was in 6th grade in Melbourne. Luv u Rach! Luv u always!! xo

NICOLE HOPE

Nic!! Luuv this girl, totally! We met in Malvern Primary School when I lived in Melbourne & we share about nearlly.. everything! I have so much in common with her, like,,,we luv sports, we love hanging out, we used to like the same guy..hahaha. I love her house it's sooo rock! it has a tennis court n i once said to her, why cant she turnn it into a swimming pool instead? haha. I love her family, they're soo nice. My family, though not as close like with Rach's family, but we get along great. Nic has such a funny dad! haha. What inspires me from Nic is the fact that she is soo strong and all-rounder good at everything. Sports? yes. Smart? Heyll, yes. Friendliness?Dont ask..haha. totally! Like Rach, Nic also keeps strong communication with me for nearlly ten years and i find this sweeeeet! She also gives me birthday presents though the ocean separates us. Hehe. Now she studies at University of Melbourne majoring Biomedecine.

CHRISTIANE DEAN
Chriss..is my beloved neighbour! hehe. We dont actually live on the same street, but Finlayson Street and Hunter Street is not far off... On this pic, CHriss is the one on the right. Gorgeous blonde! haha. We hang out a lot. Cute how we used to go to a mall called Malvern Central on our scooters... We buy make-up, hang out, and buy clothes (even make clothes) together! She's sooo PRO at playing the piano though she's so humble about it. That's inspiring. She hates sports, but fashion, shopping that suits us both most. HAha. Her family is also very lovely n our families know each other... (hey, i guess the similarities of my all time BFF's is that our families know each other). I keep contact with her, though a couple of years back we lost contact with each other but then we came back on BFF track... hahaha.

BEC WATSON
Bec,,bec... sooo SILLY, yet LOVABLE! This party girl sharess manymanymanymany interests with me. I can go crazy with her back then! HAHAHA. One of the craziest things i've done with her is recording on my laptop us rapping... but not just any rap, we did it with weird different accents and noises..hahah. & i rolled down a sand dune with her at Wilson's Promontary Camp, laughing. HAhahaha. We laugh alot together, our families are close, she plays the piano but lazy at practicing it, plays the violin and ditto about it..haha. She's so fun to be with, never bored when I'm with her. When I'm with her, my silly stupid side comes out. We love jumping on her trampoline getting all goofy with back flips, front flips or just doing stupid moves and don't forget the hose undrneath the trampoline spraying us with water getting us both sooo WET & SEXY..hahaha. She studies at Monash now

MARIA HANA
Maaars-Baaars! Hahaha... u know what? Out of all my BFF's, she's the chameleon.. the then chubby-wubby little girl has turned into... WHAM! A gorgeous one ^o^ (not that u weren't gorgeous,MArz, but now ur waay gorgeous than ever..hehe) Again n again, our families are close... love her parents.. MAria has a Greek background n i looove her mom's greek snacks, like the dips, souvlaki, etc... yum2! I remember with MAria, i laugh...alot... in 4th grade, our classmates called us the "LAughing Hyenas" fCOL... hahah. yup, when we laugh at something, its freakin hard to stop, it gets tiring but funny at the same time. We laugh until it hurts in the stomache (fortunately we never laugh until we wet our pants) hahha.... What inspires me about Maria is that she is soo proud of her Greek background, even though in Aussie, she upholds the line in her blood with pride. She's not "culturally" lost..hahah... she's also very fun to be with and nice at giving feedback on stuff........though at the end we laugh like stupid all over again.hahah... luv u!!

MEDI KAMIA
Medi is one sweeeeeet-sweeeet girl! We met at 3 Senior High School.. yuuppoo... in Indonesia... she's just so-so niiice! We hang out alot in chill places at Bandung.. from cafe's until "warung tenda"..hahaha...she's a shoulder to lean on and an ear that will hang anytime for all those sharing times :) She's studying Dentistry n will become a sexy-hot-mama dentist one day!! Ahahaha... she's sooo damn TALL and SLIM..gawd..hahah....she's taller than any average Indonesian girls...haha... Oh ya..she's mature also n when i'm not mature she's the mature one n vice versa... so we fill each other in...haha. BUt since her campus is faaaar away fromm mine n i'm busy n her also, we rarely meet now in person... but we try to catch up in empty times.....gawd, the medicine students r soo damn BUSY. Luv u Meddz!

DESIANA PRILIA
Dedeeees! hahah.... my senior high mate! SHe's so damn SMART! seriously.. she studies in environmental engineering now at my country's leading technic university! Her logics brain inspires me,,, she's so bubbly, the ratio of her bubbliness n her moodyness are like. 211:1 ... ahahhaha. Desi is a sweet, fun, loving person. Makes friends with absolutely anybody... She's also very silly n she does silly, stupid things with me but especially with our friend Devy. We record short movies inbetween class through her handphone... no, not movies like by Steven spielberg tho..haha...we make spontaneous stupid movies that are really..hahahahha... the ones I remember most was called: "Hujan Duit" (Raining Money).. The "star" was Devy, Devy is like...very2 "kopet"...i'm not sure what it is in english, but its when ur toooo careful with ur money n ur very picky at controlling it..haha...anyway, so the scene was directed by Desi herself..It was short...it shoes Devy saying a tag-line that (unfortunately) I forgot, then she put "magical coins" on top of her eyes..and POOF! Money out of nowhere falls on her (it was actually real money taken out of our wallets, in class we were throwing money down at her, u SHOULD see Devy's face, her eyes bulging out staring at the falling money...i think a saliva dripping down her lips was recorded.HAHA) Well... if desi didnt get into ITB, she could've gotten into IKJ (this arts Uni).

ARIANA ALISJAHBANA
This girl..is HECK of an inspiration! She totally inspires me! We became close since year 12... She's soo damn SMART (now in Boston Uni, majoring in 2 majors; economics and environmental analysis&policy), CONFIDENT (dares to be different n she's like,,,wtf to people who judge her),,, BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS (yea, just look at the photo of her), mature.........& western minded. Hahahahahahha.... though now far off in Yankee Land, she still loves her home country,Indonesia. I once asked her if she'll go live forever in the US n she's like: HELL YES! haha... but she wants to contribute to indonesia. The proof? That double major she's striving for to graduate from! Arna said that Indonesia's environmental policies are lacking n she wants to fix that..n she gave a link reason to the economics sector but i dunno how to explain it as well as she does here, so...hahah...well, she came to visit me again awhile ago (beginning of 2009) n i thought it wasn't enuff! SHe'll be back to visit in September though (Yupp...she's an American citizen now)... xoxo

Well2... for now... these are my most inspiring BFF"s!! I'll make the Part 2 later on...heheh....
It is sooo totally true that:

True friends are diamonds... precious & rare...
Fake friends are leaves... found everywhere...

That is why... when you are sure you have found a BFF.. have BFF's..cherish them. No matter if one day distance separates you from your BFF. They are hard to find. This type of friend is for keeps! In a world so plastic, finding true friends is something to be thankful of =)

That is why...

My Blog!!

2009-04-28T21:19:00.001+07:00

Ok..ok.. i've been making blogs but then i just leave them uncared for..
but now i promise i'm gonna make this one in good handles..heheh