Sun for Everyone
Thea January 31st, 2007
Never moan about the difficulty we face as each of us has capability to go through it. Just keep believing that in our struggle, sun shines for us as well.
Archive for January, 2007
Phewwww!!!!
Thea January 25th, 2007
To have a safe, comfortable, and cheap public mass transportations and clean air is such a luxury for Jakarta residents, including me. It resembles my dream to have S5 Mercedes. Meaning, to make it realized needs hard efforts. Yet, we can’t predict when it turns available. Overall, we only hope someday Jakarta with good public transportation. Hence, its people would prefer taking public transportation to driving or riding bike. At last, bad pollution in Jakarta can be diminished.
To my opinion, our government is failed in providing safe, comfortable and cheap public transportation. It can be seen on the growing figures of car and bike in Jakarta. That growing figures contribute to the bad air quality in Jakarta. Transjakarta, which has been recently operated, is proven to decrease the traffic jam in Jakarta. At the moment, DKI’s government is constructing other busway’s corridors, which I believe will trigger more people to use public transportation. In addition, Transjakarta, I think is a clever option. It’s clean, safe, and affordable. Another advantage of using Transjakarta is freedom of traffic jam. It’s kind of incentive that will attract more people to use public transportation.
Our government has to learn to our neighbor, Singapore, where public mass transportation is well managed. The possession of car there is low. The S’pore rapid mass transportation (RMT) is good, clean, safe as well as cheap. Rarely can we find awful traffic jam there. In many developed countries, well-managed public transportation can reduce the possession of cars. Besides, government imposes high tax to the cars’ owner. That’s why people like to take public transportation.
A growth of good public transportation and the decreasing number of cars will end up to a condition we are dreaming of, in which there will be no terrible traffic jam. In addition, we will breathe good air more often than now. Yet, still clueless when it will happen. Phewww..better back to work for Mercedes S5. Hehehe just kidding!!!!!
What Outstanding Women!!!
Thea January 22nd, 2007
Saturday night I watched Oprah Winfrey Show, one of my favorite TV show. The guest stars were two amazing women who struggled for a better live of their country, namely Queen Rania of Jordan and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. The former is the wife of King of Jordan and the later is the president of Liberia, a country which is situated in North West Africa and has ever gone through bloody civil war.
Queen Rania spoke out about her visions. She’s dreaming of eradicating illiteracy in Arab land, especially in Jordan. She’s smart, which was shown once she delivered word by word in the interview, she answered Oprah’s questions cleverly. Besides her dream on improving education quality for Children in Jordan, Queen Rania expects to be able to bridge wide gap between Arab and America. Mutual misunderstanding between those countries, she believes, is the root of the existing wide gap. Therefore, she endeavors to narrow the gap and urges the importance of continuing communication and dialog between Arab and America.
Different from Rania, who becomes a queen sue to her marriage with a King, Ellen Johnson turns in to the first person of Liberia after being elected through democratic election process. Though, both of them are wonderful. Ellen is a well educated woman who went to Harvard for pursuing her master and doctoral degree. Twice, she’s ever been thrown in jail because of her struggle against the absolute and undemocratic power in Liberia. As she had a chance to run for election, she took it and grabbed people’s attention with her visions and missions. Hence, she won the election democratically. Now, she becomes a president of Liberia and the first female president in Africa. It’s definitely a remarkable benchmark of women’s struggle in recent decades.
Both of Rania and Ellen are concerned with education and poverty eradication. They believe there’s a close relationship between education and poverty. The greater access for people to education, the greater opportunity for them to improve the life quality. Education is decisive in any solution of poverty eradication.
Well, I believe, there are still many women out there who do the same things. While in some parts of the world, uneducated and unskilled women remain trapped in poverty, there are other women who are fighting to reach a better life for all, women and men. To build a civilization, it needs involvement of all parties. It means all people, regardless their sex, religion, and social background, have to be involved to contribute. Hence, there’s no excuse any longer to leave women behind in development process.
Jakarta International JavaJazz Festival 2007
Thea January 16th, 2007
A friend sent an email informing the show below:
It’s time for Java Jazz Festival 2007, so don’t miss it!
Friday – Sunday, 2 – 4 March 2007
Plenary Hall, Jakarta Convention Center
Artists Schedule:
Friday, 2 March 2007
Sergio Mendes • Level 42 • Jeffrey Osborne & Deniece Williams • Sadao Watanabe • John Scofield • Richard Bona • Shapes • Frank McComb • Tortured Soul • Reel People DJ Set • Diane Schuur • Kyle Eastwood • Kenny Rankin • John Tropea • Rick Braun • Austin Peralta • Adam Klipple • Ello • Humania Feat. Marcell, Nina Tamam, Angga • Indonesian Voice of Soul (Ello, Rio Febrian, Mike, Angga & Pasto) • Cindy • Ecoutez • Logic • Maurice Rugebregt “Sioh Maluku” • Rien Djamain & Bambang Nugroho • Balawan Trio • Jorge Diaz Leon • Eldar • Sam McNaly • Otti Jamulus • Benny M Van Diest Project • Indra Aziz • Hypersax • Kelasik • Tiga Mawarnih
Saturday, 3 March 2007
Chaka Khan • Gino Vannelli • David Benoit & Michael Paulo • Daughters of Soul • Marcus Miller • Richard Bona • Airto Moreiro & Flora Purim • Super Fusion Feat. Jeff Lorber, Rick Braun, Brian Bromberg, Eric Marienthal, Dave Wekcl • Kyle Eastwood • Tortured Soul • San Fransisco Jazz Collective • Reel People DJ Set • Bugs In The Attic • John Scofield • Eric Legnini • Ron Carter & Harvey Mason • Kenny Rankin • Maurice Rugebregt “Sioh Maluku” • Jorge Diaz Trio • Dwiki Dharmawan “World Peace Project” • Jamie Aditya • Maliq N d’essential • Soul ID • Parkdrive • Indra Lesmana “Brothers of Revolution” • Manga Warrior • Lica Cecato Feat Idang Rasjidi • Geliga • Groove Avenue • Jopie Item • Endah Widiastuti • Glenn Dauna & Friends • Arief Setiadi & Friends • Iga Mawarni feat. Dodo Zakaria • Zarro • Jilly & Bandabrama • Adjierao Unlimited Percussion • g.d.e
Sunday, 4 March 2007
Jamie Cullum • Level 42 • David Benoit & Michael Paulo & Magenta Orchestra • Sadao Watanabe • Vikter Duplaix Feat Eric Bannet • DJ Anecy • Allan Hinds • DJ Maestro • San Fransisco Jazz Collective • Diane Schuur • Omar Sosa • Koji Gotoh Feat. Harvey Mason • Kimiko Itoh • Lisa Ono • Yosuke Onuma • Tony Monaco • John Hondrop • Adam Klipple • Eric Legnini • Slank Big Band • Beatles Nite with Impromptu feat Oele P. & Yance M. • Dian PP Special Project • Tribute To Karimata • Tribute To Krakatau • Emerald • Trio Scape • Deviana Trio • Bubi Chen • Bambang Nugroho • JIS Big Band • The Profesors Band • Gadiz & Bass • BIS Big Band • Bass Attack • Harry Toledo • Six Element • Java Jazz Festival Tribute to The God Father Of Soul “James Brown”
Ticket:
Early Bird until 5 February 2007
Daily Ticket Rp 300.000
Multi Pass (3-Days Ticket) Rp 750.000
Special Package:
Friday + Sergio Mendes Rp 500.000
Saturday + Chaka Khan Rp 500.000
Sunday + Jamie Cullum Rp 1.000.000
Regular Ticket start from 6 February 2007
Daily Ticket Rp 400.000
Multi Pass (3-Days Ticket) Rp 950.000
*Special Show:
Sergio Mendez (Friday) Rp 250.000
Chaka Khan (Saturday) Rp 250.000
Jamie Cullum (Sunday) Rp 800.000
* Special Shows ticket must be accompanied by Daily ticket
What surprises me is the ticket price. My friend who sent me this email said that he would prefer saving his money to spending money for the shows ticket. First, I thought it’s interesting shows not to be missed again. Again? Yes as I couldn’t go for Jakjazz Festival few months ago. I already bought the ticket, but I was sick just a day before the show so I couldn’t hang out with my friends in that festival. Anyhow, knowing the price is pretty much expensive; I reconsider my wish to attend this Java Jazz festival. Oh my goodness, why must it be so expensive…..
Positive Thinking
Thea January 12th, 2007
The popular talk show, hosted by Tukul, broadcasted last night reminds me of one thing, which I consider as the greatest challenge in my life. What is it? To think positively!!
Never in our daily life can we avoid prejudicing somebody, something, or thinking negatively someone else. I always try hard to conceive a moment, a thing, or other person through many sides. It’s not easy, but it’s worthy to attempt. Like what I ever had. More or less a year ago, I was very optimistic on my opportunity to go to Bradford for furthering my study. I met all requirements, GPA, IELTS score, organization experience, voluntary activities, etc. I passed all tests until I had to wait for the foundation and university approval. My referees were optimistic as well. In the end of 2005, a letter came to me and there was stated that the opportunity didn’t go to me at that time. They said that I was too young for pursuing master degree. I was 22 years old.
I cried as I already skipped many working opportunities for fully concentrating on the scholarship. Many efforts had been done and I was afraid that I made my parents disappointed with me. Then I wondered what God was planning on me? Did he prepare something else for me? I was sure that He did.
In the beginning 2006, I started seeking for other scholarships again. Step by step, I gained my self confidence and tried to be more relaxed and enjoy every process. A good new came along. A university in Korea and Australia offered great opportunity for me. While looking for scholarship, I tried to apply to a telecommunication company. Shortly after applying, I was invited to attend several tests. I had no idea which one that I would pursue more, scholarship or working, as at that time I could pass every step of the test in that company. On early May, I was informed that I was officially invited to join with that company.
By choosing working, I reluctantly have to escape my dream furthering study for a moment. It’s very hard but it has to be like that. Working in company where I am now, at least I have to concentrate for more or less 3-5 years.
And the next, I still have no idea. But I have a firm idea on how God answers my prayers: He answers my prayers in His own time. And He plans the best for me. And one more thing: I don’t believe it’s a failure that I face if I enjoyed the process preceding.
Well, thanks to Mas Tukul Arwana for reminding me to conceive everything positively. As my above-stated avowal, it’s hard but it’s worthy to attempt.
Wise Words
Thea January 4th, 2007
“…….but if our expectations, if our fondest prayers and dreams aren’t realized, then we should all bear in mind that the greatest glory of living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall”. (Nelson Mandela)
My First Horrible Night of 2007
Thea January 2nd, 2007
I have never imagined that my first day of 2007 would turn horrible. It was in the night of 1st January 2007, when I took airplane to get back to Jakarta. Everything was alright until I entered the gate of airplane. Once the plane took off, I started thinking that the trip wouldn’t be as well as usual as there were many shocks accompanying the plane during the flight. Moreover, the current weather is unfriendly as well. Anyhow, I tried to calm my self and enjoy the trip.
Having flied for more or less twenty minutes, the situation got worse. The shock occurred more frequent, and much shoddier. Passengers, including me, screamed out when the plane got down abruptly. The pilot announced that the plane got into bad turbulence which caused unwanted tremors. It was horrifying. I fastened my seatbelt while repeatedly praying to the God, asking his assistance as well as merci so the plane could get out from that terrible condition. I kept saying prayer and I was convinced that all passengers did.
Then, the situation got better, though many shocks still annoyed us. I couldn’t wait hearing the stewardess broadcasting that the plane would soon arrive in Soekarno Hatta airport. Hence, when the tires of the plane touched the land, I was very glad. Once arriving, I even couldn’t think whether taking the plane in the night was a good idea. Whether it’s purely coincidental or not, I used the service offered by the company whose airplane lost in its Surabaya-Manado trip. And I flight in the same night, four hours later than the lost plane.
Well, before going back to Jakarta, I spent all day with my old friends. As it was long time we never met, hence our gathering was so exciting. We laughed and chatted (and gossiping a little bit). One of my friends treated us as he’s successfully passed the test in foreign ministry. The day was so cheerful, yet the night was unexpectedly awful. How about your first day of 2007? Was it as awful as mine? Or much better than mine? Anyway, happy new year for all!