Have you ever seen these?

These are Indonesian Rupiah bills used in 1964. An American, Ronnie Oldham residing in Texas, is the owner of these extraordinary collections. Respectively, they are 25-cent, 10-cent, and 1-cent bills.

Religious Calculator

When I was surfing from blog to blog for getting references, I found this very interesting online quiz. It's called the Religious Calculator. It is trying to find out how your principles fit the religions' tenets. To use it is very easy. Just try to answer 20 questions provided. Here are my results:

1. Islam (100%)
2. Orthodox Judaism (100%)
3. Sikhism (79%)
4. Bahá'í Faith (79%)
5. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (75%)
6. Reform Judaism (74%)
7. Mainline - Conservative Christian Protestant (70%)
8. Jehovah's Witness (70%)
9. Orthodox Quaker (70%)
10.Jainism (62%)
11.Seventh Day Adventist (60%)
12.Eastern Orthodox (58%)
13.Roman Catholic (58%)
14.Liberal Quakers (56%)
15.Hinduism (46%)
16.Unitarian Universalism (46%)
17.Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants (44%)
18.Mahayana Buddhism (42%)
19.Scientology (35%)
20.Theravada Buddhism (34%)
21.Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (32%)
22.Neo-Pagan (32%)
23.New Thought (30%)
24.New Age (29%)
25.Secular Humanism (20%)
26.Non-theist (20%)
27.Taoism (16%)

Based on the results above, I have no complaint about the calculator. What about you? Try and find out the truth about you :)

A glimpse about geography

pic: maps.google.com/

God, please make 'em useful (sigh....)

Again and again, our House of Representatives members dissapoint people of Indonesia. They keep making the same mistake every year. Do you know what it is? I bet you already know what I'm talking about. Yes, it is the so-called comparative study a.k.a travelling abroad. This year they go to US, France, and Netherlands. FYI, if they go to Netherlands, they won't see any HoR members there coz they're on recess now. So what's the point of the comparative study? Does it benefit people of Indonesia? If so, why haven't we improved our country? What do they learn from the study actually? Big question mark.
God, please knock at their hearts. I know they're not mean. It's their greed and selfishness which have driven them into ignorant people. Can't they see what's happening now in Indonesia, our beloved country? Fuel crisis, Energy crisis, Avian flu, Poverty, Famine, Low currency exchange rate, so on and so forth. How many problems are we gonna have just to make them realize that something has to be done? Does Indonesia have to be such a very miserable country so that they don't have any money to go abroad?
Please....please......please.....this is not a new story but why do they still do that? They are well-educated people. Make 'em useful, God. Stop them from being waste.
pic: www.tempointeraktif.com

Living in an apartment can be annoying sometimes

New neighbors just came in today. They live upstairs. Boy, there are so much noise they make. I know that moving stuffs isn't a simple thing to do. But please! They keep walking and the floor is squeaking all day long. I cannot take a nap peacefully. Even I don't think I will sleep tight tonight. Maybe you will say, "why don't you help them?" My answer to that will be "Na a. Not tonight :)"
By the way, I got not-too-good news tonight. It's personal problem. One thing that I hate is that I can't do nothing to help solving the problem. It's beyond my control. All I can do is sending my prayer. May it'll be over soon......

Final.....final.....final

Final....final....final.... wish me luck, guys. Thank you very much. God bless you all.....
pic: www.math.niu.edu

Idle hands are devil's playground

What a shocking quote, isn't it? I just heard about it today. When I worked in my office today, I met Ms. Anne Lech and Ms. Nancy Hardee. We talked about this busy summer class. Finally we ended up with that quote. After thinking about it, it does make sense. If someone does not have anything to do, he or she tends to get bored. In boredom, people can do something that they never do. It tends to be negative though. So, maybe that's where the quote comes from. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
pic: schools.sd68.bc.ca

Every cloud has a silver lining (Quote of the week)

Every cloud has a silver lining means that you should never feel hopeless because difficult times always lead to better days. Difficult times are like dark clouds that pass overhead and block the sun. When we look more closely at the edges of every cloud we can see the sun shining there like a silver lining. Every cloud has a silver lining means that the sun shining at the edges of every cloud reminds us that every difficult situation has a bright side.
Source: www.goenglish.com
pic: www.cs.utah.edu

Why does time fly so fast?

Sometimes we never realize that time flies so fast. Just like me today. I woke up this morning and read my mails. Few minutes later, I made breakfast and took a shower. It was really refreshing. Taking shower in weekends is so different from in weekdays. On weekdays, I usually do it only within 10 minutes. Indonesian people call it "Duck or chicken shower." LOL. Don't blame me for not having more time. Weekdays are busy days.
After taking shower, I got some work to do related to my job. Then, I watched TV. Soon, I just realized that I did not do many things today and it's already 4 pm.
Oh well, I'd better start thinking what I'm gonna do later. Otherwise, today will just go like that.
pic: reslife.missouri.edu

Quibbling over semantics

Meeting different people with different backgrounds like culture, language, etc., is interesting. When people communicate, they will talk in their own way. At certain points, there must be some differences that they cannot cope with. One of the them is language difference. For example, "mangkuk" means bowl and "cincin" means ring in Indonesian (Bahasa). Meanwhile, in Japan, if you say those two words, people will think that you do not speak politely. Apparently, the first word means female genital and the latter means male genital. LOL!
More example, "ayan" means epilepsy. In India, it is a name. What a difference! Last example is OK. If I'm not mistaken, OK in Bahasa means good. After living in the States for 7 months, I just noticed that OK means so-so.
Above all, the differences, particularly, make the world more colorful and more interesting :)
pic: www.krysstal.com

No Homework ^_^

Whew! Knowing my mid-term grade really cheers up my day. Can't stop smiling today, weird huh ;) My grade was not the highest in class but it was still above average. The average was 8.2 if I'm not mistaken. What makes today more beautiful is no homework. It's a relief. That doesn't mean I don't have to study, though. Studying is a must otherwise I'll be sorry for myself. It's not because I am dilligent but I have so much reading material.
Anyways, I found e-book of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last night. I don't know whether it's fake or real. Big deal! No matter what, I'm definitely gonna read it. At least, it helps me improving my reading skills, which I lack of. In 2003, I also received e-book of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. After reading some chapters, it turned out to be fake. I hope it won't happen again with this new e-book.
Can't wait to read it soon. Ciao ^_^
pic: www.nbp.org

FYI - All Time USA Box Office

source : www.imdb.com

Sunday isn't a weekend

Most of people don't like Monday, but not me. I don't like Sunday because Sunday is the end of weekend. Many homeworks and readings wait for me on Sunday. This Sunday, I have one case study to finish, one chapter and three articles to read, and one article to work on. What a day! Maybe I won't have any leisure time today.
OK there's no more time for complaints. Keep the spirit!

pic: www.toothpastefordinner.com

Par of the course (Quote of the Week)

"Things don't always work out as we want in life, and that's just par for the course; we do our best and go on. We should not get too bothered when things happen that are par for the course, because they are regular parts of life."

source: www.goenglish.com

Willy Wonka

Oh my God! I can't believe that I just spent $4.75 for watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (C&CF). It was crappy movie. Indeed, it is a movie for children but I've seen many other movies for children that were much better than C&CF. Good visual effects? Yes, I have to admit that it has good visual effect. Soundtrack? Hmm, it's quite funny. The rest? In general, the movie dissapointed me. The story was too simple. Some parts were not logical. For example, when their children encountered problems, the parents did nothing. They just looked at their terrified children from a distance without taking any action. I wonder which parents will do that. Some people admired Johnny Depp. What about him? He really looked weird and creepy.
I wish I watched War of the World, instead of C&CF. Since my friends wanted to watch C&CF, i had to go with them. Well, let bygones be bygones.
pic: pub.tv2.no

Being different -> not a new thing, just a contemplation

Talking about diversity is always interesting. A friend of mine, Rodney, visited my house today. He had to do some interview for his mid-term exam. The topic was Diversity. He found out that I was one of the best source to dig some information about it. Basically, we discussed about how diversity affects my life in the States.

The interview lead me to something, "being different." In this case, different and unique can be used interchangeably. Some people think that it is OK to be different from others. Other people think the opposite way. They said that we have to blend into the community and not be different. If i have to choose one of the opinion, I'd rather agree with the first opinion. Nonetheless, being different is not as easy as it is said. Not all people take difference in their life. There is always prejudice out there. If you decide to be different, you have to be ready to be judged. That's the risk.

What about the difference that you get since you were born? For example, difference of race. It often leads to racism. People are judged by their race. Race is associated by personal traits. It also happens backhome. Ethnicity becomes the base to judge someone's personality. We often hear about Slow Javanese, Materialistic Sundanese, Stingy Minangkabau, Rude Batak, Arrogant Lampungese, Minahasa party animals, Harsh Madurese, Mystical Dayak, and a bunch of ridiculous things like those.

I have no clue who started the notions and when they were started. What I know the best is that those are not true. One cannot be judged by one's race or ethnicity. "We are unique and so everybody is." Thus, it is better not to generalize people. To be frank, it is not an easy thing to do. I also did that before I went to the States. Here some people do judge me before they know me well. Being judged is not comfortable. Nevertheless, there are also many people who accept me just the way I am. I really appreciate that.

Thus, don't judge people from the way the differ. Difference makes the world more colorful. The more colorful the world is, the more exciting the life is. This is only contemplation for me, hopefully for you, too.
pic: (L-R> Andhyka, Lok, Lisa, Wang)

...you pray to God for her or him more than for yourself

Mary Linn Performing Art Center once again was filled with people tonite. They watched "Diary of Mad Black Woman." Why were there so many people? Coz it's free :) Thanks to Northwest, I can enjoy free movie every Tuesday.

Anyways, there were good lines in that movie that I won't forget. They are about the symptoms of loving somebody. One of the symptom is that you cannot think anything except your love when you're not with her or him. The other symptom, which I like the most, is that you pray to God for her or him more than for yourself.
pic: www.postsmile.com

Cloudy night

I'm not sick but I'm not feeling well, either.
Don't know what happens with me tonight.
It seems that I don't feel like doing anything tonight.
Hope it is over soon.
pic: www.thealbumonline.co.uk

Great Ad

pic: www.erinhoops.ca

Legally Blonde

It was not an outstanding movie, I agree. Despite of the quality, I like that movie. The reason is the moral lesson of it. It tells us about the struggle of a girl, who is underestimated (people think that she is not smart enough). Even when she enters Harvard Law School, people still underestimate her. She proves that being blonde is not necessarily being stupid. Eventually, after her struggle, she becomes the representative of graduatees for delivering speech in the graduation day.
The movie wants to show people that nothing is impossible. As long as people dream, struggle, keep being persistent, and say prayer, they can achieve their goals. It's tough but it's possible. I like possibility :)
pic: www.patriciaezzell.com

Fried rice tragedy ;)

Full ! That's all I can say for now. Couple hours ago, I cooked fried rice, as usual the experimental fried rice. As you might think, yup the result was not perfect :) It was because the rice was too soft to fry. In addition, the seasoning I used didn't taste good. Actually, that was a special fried rice seasoning. So, it should taste good. Unfortunately, it was not. Nevertheless, no matter what the fried rice tasted, it gave the same result. I am full.
Allah the Great, hope You always bless my girlfriend and my family. Give them your mercy. There is no one else I can pray to besides You, the Almighty. Amin ya robbal 'alamin.
pic: www.coles.com.au

Bye bye free swimming

A friend of mine, L (he forced me to mention his name :), just told me that Northwest swimming pool is closed for maintenance until Fall semester. What a bad news! I can't swim for free 'til September. It kinda ruins my health program (is there any? nope LOL).

Class starts getting harder these days. Sometimes, I just can't understand what to do with my homework. Challenge! Yup, living and studying in States are full of challenges. Can't avoid those. Just face them. No pain, no gain. No free lunch. Boy, I wish those sayings were wrong.

I want to send my condolences for the victim of London blast. Wondering about who did those bombing makes me sick. Moreover, reading news about attitude of our House of Representatives members worsens it. What the xxxx are they thinking? After raising their lumpsum, now they went abroad for the so-called "Comparative study"? Those people are really ridiculous.

Oops, my tummy makes some weird sound. It's time to eat.
pic: www.whitworth.edu

Vacation....Bali....T_T

This afternoon, my family will go to Bali, the paradise island of Indonesia. I really want to go because I never go to there before. Well, actually, I did in 1986. Who will remember the trip in the age of 4 (even less)? So it didn't count.
Anyways, have fun, pa, ma, dik. Don't forget to buy something for me :p Take care......
pic: www.pbs.org

Wishing I can hold the world as I hold this 'lil guitar (pic by L)

Back to class

Today I started my 2nd graduate class, Managerial Accounting. From its name, this course seemed fun (LOL, i guess many people will disagree with me). I found that this class was very active. When the lecturer asked questions, some people raised their hands right away. This is the class I prefer to be in. It will encourage us to enrich our knowledge about the subject so we can participate in class better.

Nonetheless, this course has many assignments for us to finish. Hmm I have to cancel my plan to go to the free movie. The Performing Art Center plays "Guess Who" tonight. It should be a funny movie. I can't go there because I've got homework to do and articles to read. Kinda dissapointing but 1st thing 1st.

Above all, I am happy because some people send me songs that I've been searching for last couple months. Thank you, guys...
pic: www.tla1.com

ID 4 strikes back

4th of July,
Hmmh it is indeed a very memorable day for the Americans. They commemorate their 229th independence day. One of the most important thing in celebrating ID are fireworks.
Anyways, there was a firework show in Mozingo Lake, the pearl of Northwest Missouri, as the press claimed. The fireworks were very beautiful. They burst in air continuously. Despite their beauty, I still felt some things were missing. What is it? Yup, togetherness. It would be wonderful evening if I could spend the night with my family and my girlfriend. I miss them so much.
I am looking forward to their coming here.
Lastly, Happy Independence Day, Americans.
pic: www.kinopolis.de