Sunday, May 18, 2008

DaNte's Post

DaNte's Post
18-05-2008

On this very day, we are celebrating a very special event that happens annually. This event has been a blessing for humanity, and all the creatures of this planet. It is the BIRTHDAY OF OUR PIMP: JONATHAN MARSHALL PANGKEY II!!! For your information Ms. Jess, Jonathan Marshall Pangkey is this ugly... no, HANDSOME, dashing, bold, intellectual, and awesome man on our grade. He is IRRESISTIBLE for women and he is a chick magnet. He is the ONE AND ONLY PIMP!!! Well that is beside the point of this blog... let's just start:

Of Trailers and Spoilers

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's always something that we look forward to in the cinemas right? If you are not a movie enthusiast, then there is something to look forward in the video games console. This is all thanks to trailers that are posted everywhere, especially before the movies in the theater start. Trailers, are very, very well... annoying, in a way. If the trailer was shown a year before the actual movie/game/electronics is released, people will go 'UGH! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE THING!!! HURRY UP!'. In economics term, this will make the demand for the good more inelastic, since trailers are a form of advertisement.

The iPhone advertisement/pictures were revealed around a year before the actual item was released. When the iPhone was officially released in the U.S., Apple aficionados went hectic and the amount of iPhones sold went skyrocket. When the infamous Sony PlayStation 3 was released, people lined up even before the store was open and the stock for PS 3 in all retailing stores in Japan was finished. This is what happens to advertisement, or trailers. My friend, Jason (formerly known as James) was so exhilarated when the Iron Man movie was released. I myself had been a victim to trailers. I became and act like a crazed lunatic waiting for the new season of Heroes. Well, I acted like that when I watched the trailer, but now I became normal again... sort of. I went rampage when I watched the trailer of Kingdom Hearts 3. There are a lot of trailers that have drove me insane and obsessed.

Despite the fact that trailers are thrilling and exciting, there are some crappy trailers that boils your blood and irritates your eyes. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read my previous previous blog post, or watch the trailer of 'SUMPAH POCONG'. That is the definition of sh*t, friends. Really. I can't think of anything worse than that. Not yet, at least. That trailer is degrading the media of Indonesia. Some items or products weren't as expected as when they are in the trailers too, especially Indonesian horror movies. The Jumper wasn't as I expected it to be. I thought the movie was going to be awesome, but turns out it's just decent.

Trailers are the minions of evil, my friend. They are brainwashing you! Actually no, trailers are fun and adrenaline-rushing. At least with trailers you'll know what upcoming movies are there, and there is something that keeps you excited. Just be sure that you don't become obsessed and forget about everything else, ok? And watch out for crappy trailers.


Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Scope of Channel Providers


"Don't work harder, work smarter" is what I could say to all us for the upcoming exams...

Anyways... Donny's spirit for badminton is ignited by the biannual Thomas and Uber Cup, and he is neglecting all of his school works!! (except for this blog, since it is pertaining to badminton)

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The badminton spirit within Indonesians is on its climax. Numerous people from different ages are excited. These include me and my friends who watch the Thomas Cup in a teacher's room during lunch time and study period! However, when I go home and decided to watch the rest of the match, there are not any tournaments. It is not because the tournament have finished already or suddenly got canceled, but because of my provider.

I use Kabelvision for my TV provider, and it gives me many channels - national and international - with a clean vision. Not to mention that it is cheap and we can access the upcoming schedule for every channels. Such facilities can also be found in other providers such as Indovision and Astro. However, it is surprising to know that these providers are unable to broadcast live shows that is held in several Indonesia channels. For example, the Thomas and Uber Cup are held in Trans TV and Trans 7 at one and six o'clock. If we watch these channels during those time through normal TV antenna, we can watch the competition. But during the same time, if we watch the channels through providers, we will only watch a black screen with background musics. Yet, the schedule on the provider indicates that the competition happening right now. What makes these providers take such actions?

Maybe the providers does not have the agreement from the TV channels to broadcast the events, or they have to pay more to do that. Thus, the providers decided not to broadcast it at all. Another reason maybe because these providers does not feel that the broadcast is important. Note that such providers are often use by expatriate denizens, who does not have the same badminton spirit like most of the islanders. They are assuming that even if they broadcast the competition, majority of users will still watch other channels like Star World, MTV, Disney Channel, etc. It is a business strategy and and economic decision.

Even with those purposes, providers (especially ones who are owned by Indonesians) should realize that many Indonesians would be disillusioned. I, for example, lived in Lippo Karawaci where Kabelvision is offered since the day I moved here. Because I am not using normal antenna, I cannot watch the tournament at home unless I buy an antenna. Even with antenna, the screen quality is less clear than providers'. It is just sad how business sometimes makes people too blinded with money, that it forget the happiness of its fellow citizens.

this article does consist of a bias perception since I'm a badminton lover. But this issue is often argued by many people, especially during sports seasons. I hope that providers will consider this blog, and use it to improve the customer satisfaction. :)

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[just a short response to Dante's post]

I'm also concerned about the axis issue. Me and my bus-mates discussed about this earlier, and we come to a conclusion that this is just a business strategy.

It is possible that this fanatical gossip is a "sabotage" from other national cellphone operator. With the chain text-messages regarding the issue which threatens people's live, the operators like Telkomsel and Mentari will get more income through it. Keep in mind that with this issue, the text-message senders are mostly from non-axis users.

Users of "axis" who believe in such myth will decline dramatically; decreasing its demand and forcing the operator to quit from Indonesia's market for cellphone operator. This might also a predatory strategy to kick foreign newcomers.

All of this are just opinions, and are not meant to be taken seriously or offensively. Thanks

Sunday, May 11, 2008

DaNte's Post


DaNte's Post
11-05-2008

Hoam... another week passed, and we are getting closer to the exams. So we better prepare ourselves and STUDY LIKE A POSSESSED MAN FROM NOW!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHA

The Axis of Evil

What strikes your mind when you read this title? Russia? World War 2? The Allied? Well, this 'Axis' is not about World War 2 or the like. This 'Axis' I'm talking about is the recent cellular phone operator in Indonesia. I am pretty sure you all know what I mean by 'The Axis of Evil', right? I think everyone got the sms... The stupid sms... I don't know who started the sms but it is certainly stupid to jump into a conclusion that 'Axis' is a satanic and brainwashing product when it just came into Indonesia's market.

The advertisement of Axis with the repeated number of '6' makes it egregious for promoting the number of the devil. I guess not all big scale advertisements really promote their products well yeah?

However, is it really true that 'Axis' is actually satanic and they are scheming an evil and diabolic plan? The number '6' that they continuously use could be a sign of evil. Not to be racist or anything, but their country of origin is Arab, where most of the population is Muslim. The advertisements are very large in scale as well. I saw the advertisement took a whole page in the newspaper. But nevertheless I don't think people should really be afraid of the product and spread such ridiculous rumors.

But the rumors are not actually an entirely bad thing at all! I mean, this could make us more caution about what the media is trying to tell us right? By giving such fearsome rumors people will be more aware of what the advertisement offers and they are less likely to fall into the sweet euphemistic yet deceptive messages of media.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Of Sausages and Advertisements


I don’t watch television often – in fact, I think I can count the number of times I’ve sat in front of the TV per annum. However, sometimes I’d catch a glimpse of what my other family members are watching. This evening, as I was having a snack in the kitchen, I saw one of the advertisements on TV. It was an Indonesian advertisement that was trying to promote sausages. It was decent enough, until it came to the company’s jingle. I didn’t remember how it went precisely, but I can assure you the tune was very cheesy and the lyrics were, well, ridiculous! In a nutshell, the singers in the advertisement were singing how awesome and nutritious the sausages are. And yes, they used the word ‘nutritious’ in Indonesian.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Sausages? Nutritious? How absurd! They comprised of the excess meat of pigs and cows and chickens that the meat companies couldn’t sell directly to the consumers! The sausages can very well contain the snouts and the disgusting what not of those animals that have been butchered into pieces! In addition, sausages contain this red dye that can be toxic to our bodies when consumed in a large amount. So are sausages healthy? I think not!

Now don’t get me wrong, I love sausages! Despite knowing their origins and how they’re made (an episode of The Simple Life covers this process!) I still eat them anyways. But even so, I wouldn’t consider sausages as ‘nutritious’ at all. I can’t believe the sausage company had the nerve to promote sausages as healthy; I know it’s technically legal – especially in Indonesia – but imagine the reaction of the not-so-educated people who have watched this advertisement. I’m afraid they’re going to believe the company’s incorrect jingle. I know I’m probably making a big deal about the whole sausage promotion, but I know that every other company is also implementing false advertising or censoring what the consumers should be informed with. As a result, the society continues to be unaware, ignorant, and well, naïve of the consequences that they might reap from buying those products. And that is dangerous.

What Was Then and Now


Have you ever wondered the amount of movies and advertisements that you’ve seen in your life? Countless, I’m sure. An American youngster would watch TV at an average rate of four hours per day - let alone SPH students who could go to the nearest pirated dvd store and purchase tens of movies for an unbelievably cheap price. Over the years, I’ve realized that all the chick flicks, thrillers, musicals, comedies, action and horror movies that I’ve watched as well as the advertisements that I’ve seen on highway billboards and magazines have shaped my mindset in such an inconspicuous – and dangerous – manner.

I remember that I was in third grade when ‘Sex and the City’ first aired on HBO. I never stayed up late enough to watch the show, but I remember how I was so horrified at the name, even though I didn’t even know what ‘sex’ was back then. During those years, I felt that it was inappropriate for movies to show sensual activities – even a mere kiss on the lips! In addition, I’d cringe at the slightest profanity and condemn all violent actions as ‘inconceivable’!

…How I’ve changed over the years. Now I spend my weekends watching television shows such as Desperate Housewives, the O.C, Gossip Girl, and Cashmere Mafia, all those which are filled with endless sensuality, implied sexual activities, profanity, violence (kind of). Many times I’d watch a movie that is not supposed to be shown within my age range. For instance, a couple of months ago I watched the Atonement. Although I really think the movie is amazing – the casts, script, cinematography, and background music – the movie is actually R rated due to sexual references. Do I think some of the scenes are inappropriate? Well yes. But did it stop me from watching the rest of the movie? Not at all. Furthermore, I actually do not mind when people curse around me – it slowly integrated to what I deem as normal and appropriate.

It’s unfortunate, I know. However, I’m still wondering whether one should abolish all means of media. I think the viewers ultimately have the power to control the negative influences of media on their lives. But I also know from personal experience that tv shows, movies, and advertisements are hard to resist. Thus, even though the best course of action would be to eliminate the kinds of media that we know would contaminate our minds, this would lead to ineffectiveness. Besides, it’s hard to cut off every single media whilst living in such an image driven world. Eh. I’m confused.

(Forgive me for writing such a dull post.)

A

DaNte's Post


DaNte's Post
04-05-2008

I KNEW IT! Sooner or later someone is going to write a blog about the stupendous and epic IRON MAN!!! YEAH! GO IRON MAN! I think it's the best superhero movie I've ever seen. Or probably it is just how they visualize the creation and assembly of the iconic red and yellow metallic armor. I was going to write something about Iron Man, but I had to abandon that idea thanks to Jesse. Nevertheless, I'd like to write something that was related to Iron Man, in a way. It's about an advertisement of an Indonesian horror movie (we all know in this case it wouldn't exactly be a horror movie at all) before the movie started.

Three high school students sneaked through the school corridors, with one of them holding a video camera. They stood upon the threshold of the biology lab, and in the distance there is an old, filthy and mysterious school cleaner watching them closely. The students opened the door, and it turns out it was a birthday surprise for one of the students. The old man, however, stared at them with a cold and malicious look on his face.

Hours later the principal found out about the birthday surprise and summoned the three students who sneaked into the school late at night. The principal was infuriated and scolded the trio. It was unclear who gave the video camera to the principal and why he was uncontrollably irate. The trio pretended to be oblivious about the video camera, and they swore that they don't know anything about the whole birthday surprise. Suddenly, one of them said "Sumpah pocong pak!" which means they swore to the 'pocong' ghost. The lights went off for a while, and the principal was appalled in silence. The trio walked out of the corridor, and once again the lights in the corridor dimmed and faded. The trio ran up to the stairs, and on end of the corridor the old man once again stared with an intimidating stare on his emotionless face.

This is when the horror movie advertisement crumbles. Suddenly a girl with red dress appears and asking the audience if they are interested with the story. Unexpectedly, the setting changes into a movie cinema, where the girl appears in a casual clothing. The woman started advertising a new system the cinema had implemented. Advertising a lame horror movie is still fine, but to elongate it with a completely different product is outrageous. Not only the advertisement has no relation whatsoever, the latter advertisement is even longer than the former. At the end of the advertisement, the old mysterious man seen on the previous advertisement appears and says "Nonton filmnya!" with the girl supporting his statement.

This is a pathetic advertisement. It doesn't conjure any image of an epic horror movie that will strike fear in the hearts of the audience. First, the horror movie doesn't even make sense and doesn't look intimidating at all. Second, the latter advertisement ruins the whole image of the horror movie and it doesn't even relate to a horror movie. This kind of advertisement depicts the degradation of media. Advertisement is everywhere. It is displayed anywhere even in the inappropriate place and time. The purpose of advertisement is no longer to educate and inform its audience, but to brainwash and define concepts and terms for society.


The Vision of Reality


Let us not forget another form of media, the proof of humans' creativity, called novels.
A written literature which consists of nicely put words and touching lessons
Who says that only Western literature can create a huge impact to this Earth?
I, as an Indonesian, proudly present an Indonesian novel that touches the heart of many...
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Chapter 2:
Laksar Pelangi (Rainbow's Army)
- a novel that motivates and makes you feel sinful if you don't appreciate life.

We are might be bored with novels about friendship where controversies arise and ceases in the end. Although it might be endearing, such works does not truly open our eyes to the friendship circle we lived in. Let say that they are utterly fictional.

Laksar Pelangi, however, tells us about the life of 11 students (classmates) from unfortunate backgrounds who study at a provincial school. Written in the pages are their relentless journey to search for knowledge and dreams. What makes this book special is the fact that the story is based on a true story of the author itself! Some people might grasp it incredulously because the event is too tragic or too fictional to be true.

Lintang, one of the student, never skip a day of school even though he must bike for 40km to go to school everyday. He still comes even when all they did at school is singing a song for a festival. When he went home (another 40km) he help his dad as a human labor and can only study, using an oil lamp, when everyone have slept. Yet, he realizes that he is a natural genius; an Einstein and Archimedes who lived in a unfortunate village. Even in one scene, he dares to rebut a scientific analysis of a PhD Physician. This character truly amazes me. His intelligence has opened his friends' eyes and see that they can have a dream about their future, instead of continuing their dads' path as labors.

Mahar, another student, is gifted in arts. His creative mind has make their school to achieve the 1st place during an Independence Day competition. And the materials used are not festive either. His scatter-brained persona and vivid imaginations had once lead him to believe in paranormal activities, which sometimes provide some scientific proof on some myths - a somewhat myth-busters. Readers will be surprised with how these poor students can change the society where they lived in, the society of Bangka Belitong (a town in Sumatra)

Aside from these two are other students with unique, yet not as significant as Mahar and Lintang. Altogether, with their different dreams and ambitions, they build up a tight pact and make every events in their life meaningful and memorable.

This first book of the tetralogy is narrated by the author himself, one of the 11 students. Although he seems very insignificant throughout the story, readers should realize that every single detail is sophisticatedly described and the flow of words is just....amazing. When reading this novel, readers will feel as if they see the scenes with their own eyes. Maybe it seems like an exaggeration, but it is true.

I honestly cannot say much about the details, since every single pages consists of sentences you don't want to be spoiled with. As the back of the book says: this book is dedicated to those who believe in the magic of childhood and to those who trust a miraculous door that can change the future, known as education.

This book has been commented and praised by Indonesian well known authors, as well as other public figures. They keep on stating how this book is full of emotions and originality. The author is even invited to Kick Andy (Indonesia's Oprah) and is reunited with the characters in the book - his teacher and friends.

All of us will witness the ironic life of these students. Who would expect that their future is not as it is expected as what they have shown during their school life? It may seem bitter to be told about, but it truly is...a vision of reality. Yet, when everything goes wrong, friends will always be there to help us with our dilemma!

This is why, high school is the best period of our life! savor them... *cheers*



-it seems that this novel is going to be filmed too! -

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Idolized Superhero with Wicked Computer Effects


“Idolized Superhero with Wicked Computer Effects” 02-05-08

There is for all time a superhero within us that we admire as a child since our eyes have set upon one of the media. May it be actual people such as a hardworking father, a loving mother, your mathematics teacher, or people in the past who have contributed to society in the past such as the wise Confucious, Isaac Newton (Father of Modern Physics) and many others, or the typical fictional superhero that media has greatly enhanced in making it such a realistic figure such as Spider-Man.

I, myself have been endowed and inspired by many characters that might and most probably did shape me to the person I am presently. I revere my mathematics teacher, Thomas Wiryanto, who have such a great influence in teaching and telling me how we should deal with life (an of course the mathematics side of it), I adore John von Neumann (1903-1957) a mathematician who is illustrious for his contribution of the ‘Game Theory’ (theory of life expressed into mathematics – well, he tried, and was very much complex) and from the fictional perspective, I idolize the recent big hit in the blockbusters, Ironman.

Marvel Productions have yet again generated a realistic interpretation of a mere comic strip through the use of high technological media. Other productions include the X-Men Trilogy, Spider-Man Trilogy (soon to be Quadrilogy) the Hulk, and many more Marvel characters. Ironman is currently the latest production with the remake of Incredible Hulk on its way.

Ironman, like any other Marvel superheroes, concerns with the story of how one became a hero. Protagonist Tony Stark was renowned to be the owner of Stark Industries, producers of the best, most hi-tech weaponries a country can ask for. The story started with him being captured by “terrorists” and was forced to build a weapon. He was astounded after his traumatic experience in Gulmira, Afghanistan that the weapons he produced are bought to kill people and sadly, Americans. Determined to change the principle of his industries through his moral consciousness, he stopped the company’s production, isolated himself into creating something to destroy all his weapons manufactured. His greatest challenge was to face what he created falling into the wrong hands.

As an entirety, the movie is filled with wicked computer effects that rendered within the scenes and has captured many audiences into being enthralled by such high technology. One of the accomplishments is due to the protagonist itself which was described to be this hi-tech geek graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a billionaire that has helped made the storyline flow as if he was the genius in making such technology.

One of the scenes that strike my with amazement was the part where he created his “heart” through the use of scientific ingeniousness by injecting his nervous system with a modified techno-organic virus to save his own life and thus his circular light in his chest that is said to generate 3 gigawatts of energy to prolong his dying body. (A lightning alone is approximately 1.21 gigawatts). If anyone could build that right this moment in time, they can be billionaires like Tony Stark himself for global energy resources are dilapidating.

There are several reasons why I idolize Ironman. One of the fact is that he is a billionaire (that is a lot of money, everyone wants to be wealthy), he graduated from an Ivy League MIT with magna cum laude and that he is not one of those superheroes who has naturally gained “superpowers” such as Spiderman, yet he is a self-made superhero. *Yes I know, all the descriptions in the last paragraph are realistic fiction, but nonetheless, I don’t mind idolizing fictional characters, everyone does that*

There are hints that the movie showed to insinuate a sequel to this wicked geeky movie. The fact that in the Marvel comics, James Rhodes (the Air Force Military partner) will become WarMachine due to Tony Stark’s declining lifestyle of both financially and biologically, there was this particular scene where Rhodes in the movie almost took the Mark I armor, second prototype of Ironman but specifically said, “Maybe next time, baby”

It’s a must-watch movie especially to all those physics, chemistry and biology geeks and those who especially adore outstanding computer effects that has enhanced media to the next level.

Thus, Tuesday’s Saturday with Jesse – What Would Jessica Do?

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Media: Something Everything Is...


“Media: Something Everything Is…” 27-04-08

As they say that the definition and meanings of certain vocabularies change through time, the understanding of the word media on present day has also been slightly converted. Taking back to the early twentieth century, media is known to be the plural form of medium where medium means something. To elaborate on the vagueness of a medium, it is basically an object which is generated from ideas or information. As medium is considered to be single information, media is considered to be massive information. With this axiom deliberated, we can assume that everything around us is basically media, and in this reality, it is.

The forms of media has not just changed within time but has also grown and become miscellaneous in making the world smaller and smaller. From the times of which information was passed down through teachings and Chinese whispers, became more creative through the use of engraving in stone tablets and scrolls, a few decades later evolved into newspapers and in today’s world, we can see that information has been vastly portrayed through computers, books, television, radio and even handphones. We are constantly viewing some things (taking it back from its actual definition) and media is not just news or advertisement (people are usually mistaken in this) but anything that encompass information or ideas of any kind. Thus, even children’s books and movies are media, textbooks are media and taking the definition to the extreme, even the calendar should be a media.

It is not peculiar in knowing that media has such a great affect upon viewers, knowing that media surrounds us all the time. One of the most reckoned media, advertisement has been notorious in depreciating society’s morality and ethics, plays a huge role on media in even bluffing consumers to buy products. But we are obligated in these things that the world surrounds us with; lies, deception and trickery’s in the manipulation of information.

To close the introduction of media, I would just like to say not to consider those remarks made by people through products and such; know that everything is advertised and that everyone is constantly giving information in all sorts of ways to convince such that our minds are molded into it. Beware; our study of media is to look at things not just from what it is showing but from what it is not showing and abstractly, the hidden messages.

*Aside from a brief history and explanation of the actually entity a media is, the next few blogs would be analysis of different medias, responses and hopefully, see the hidden side of everything.

“The medium is the message.”

Marshall McLuhan (1911 - 1980), "Understanding Media", 1964

“The biases the media has are much bigger than conservative or liberal. They're about getting ratings, about making money, about doing stories that are easy to cover.”

Al Franken, "Lies and the Lying Liars who Tell Them", 2003

Thus, Tuesday’s Sunday with Jesse – What Would Jessica Do?

When Two Chinese Action Actors Collaborate...


It has been a long time since I have blogged here...

I have returned and starting from now I will bring to you synopsis of the media world around us!!

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Chapter 1: Forbidden Kingdom - the path is unsafe, the place is unknown, the journey is unbelievable


Through the Drunken Master tetralogy and The One we have recognized the adroit martial artist who is short, yet swift - Jet Li. And through Police Story trilogy, Medallion, and Rush Hour we have witness the humorous and robust Jackie Chan, who is well known for its non-stunt man actions. Those two have their own debut which lead them to fame and glory, but have you ever seen them act together? The Forbidden Kingdom gives you the answer!

The Forbidden Kingdom
is about Jason Tripitikas, a kungfu-obsessed American teen who embarked a journey to China. With the help of martial artists warriors (Jackie Chan) he is on a mission to emancipate the Monkey King (Jet Li). Throughout the journey, Jason learns that kungfu is not as epic as it is described in comic books nor video games.

As a whole, this movie imbues perfection in terms of story line and visualization of scenes. This is because the setting has captured the audience's attention and brought them to a typical yet thrilling world of kungfu. Such achievement is also supported with the choice of casts and their position within the storyline. Jackie Chan gives the humorous ambiance along with his symbolical martial art style - a drunken master. Jet Li provides the exhilaration of action movies with his originality of kungfu. It is enjoyable to see how Jackie Chan's carefree attitude collides with Jet Li's serious nature. Not only they create a must-watch fighting scenes and humor, but there are times when they send a word of wisdom to the audience - typical Chinese movies.

However, the portrayal of a perfect Chinese action movie is disillusioning, to some people, because of a Western cast as the main character. Jason Tripitikas, played by Michael Angarano (Sky High), caused the story to mostly revolve around his naiveness; resulting a minimized action scenes. However, other viewers might see this as a reminiscences of old American martial art movies due to his facial resemblance to past's actors. It's all about perspective.

Rumor had said that Jackie Chen was first displeased with the script. Maybe it is because the storyline is distorted by Western movie cultures.

The fact that it is make to be watched by everyone caused the nonexistence of gore killing scenes. Yet, several swear words are said, possibly to give the antagonistic feeling. The Forbidden Kingdom labeled as PG-13.

The type of jokes in this movie are classic Jackie Chan jokes: twisting other character's sentences and playing around with his enemy during battles. Jet Li also displays his wittiness as the Monkey King. The funniest scene in this movie, for me, is when Jackie Chen tries to summon rain but what sprinkles him is not rain but Jet Li's urine :)

"Jason Tripitikas: He needs wine. It's his elixir.
Medicine Monk: We will send a walking monk.
Lu Yan (Jackie Chan): Can't you send a running monk?

Although this movie possesses a Western movie cliche, it did not hide the amazing collaboration of Jackie Chan and Jet Li but make the most out of it instead. What is disappointing is the cut (or badly edited) scenes. The anti-climax is also very brief and cliche as well. But nonetheless, it is a recommendable movie to those Jackie Chan and Jet Li lovers. But don't set a high expectation when watching it! I would rate this movie 8 / 10...


DaNte's Post - the newest!


DaNte's Post
27-04-2008

Hey everyone! DaNte's posts are back! Yeah! Aren't you guys happy? So anyway, since it is a new term in the wonderful world of IB, there will be a new topic as well. We are currently studying about media and its dreadful effects to the society! Bad bad advertisements. However media is not only about advertisements. Turns out it is about movies and TV shows as well! The blog topic for this term is commenting about the medias that we are engaged with recently. Hence, we will be talking about movies, advertisements, TV shows and many more. Us prodigious Miss Jessica's A2 English HL class will show you the true power and the heinous purposes and meanings of the MEDIA!!! *dum dum dum*

STAR MILD: ''MORE TASTE! MORE OBSESSED!''

A few weeks ago (when I was still in my prime condition. No spots or poxes) when I was on the way home, I saw an advertisement on a huge billboard in front of me. The advertisement was, not surprisingly, a cigarette advertisement. The brand for that particular cigarette was Star Mild, the one where they always question you with "What's your obsession?". The advertisement I witnessed was a newer product of the Star Mild cigarette. It portrays a picture of a man pushing away another man (who is in the advertisement of the previous Star Mild product) to the edge. On the advertisement were inscribed "Lebih Punya Taste! Lebih Terobsesi!" which means: "More Taste! More Obsessed!". On the left corner, in tiny words, were inscribed the hazards of smoking.

This is absurd. Really. This is absurdly preposterous. I mean, what the hell?! "More Taste, More Obsessed"? What kind of fricking advertisement was that! Well, it is like saying: This cigarette is tastier than the others, you'll get more addicted with this! The advertisement has a subliminal message of making people addicted more to smoke by instilling the word 'obsessed' in their minds. Star Mild is probably insane. Looking at other cigarette ads, I haven't seen one who tells the audience to get addicted to cigarette, or maybe they didn't say it blatantly. Luckily, children may not understand this message clearly. But for bright and astute teenagers such as me, it might have an impact on our lifestyle. We might think: cigarette - obsession - addiction - trend - cool. This is really devastating. Imagine the increasing number of smoking-addicted teenagers if they think this way. So be very careful when seeing these cigarette ads.

Do not succumb into the temptation to be 'cool' or 'trendy' by smoking. It is bad, my friends. There are unwanted health consequences by smoking, so you mustn't fall for the euphemistic language of advertisement. They are just covering the hazards of smoking! Beware of the evils of advertisement. They are liars! WASPADA! WASPADA! (Beware! Beware!)

Friday, March 7, 2008

DaNte's Post: 9th for 3rd Term


DaNte's Post

07-02-2008
(11:12 PM)

Yes I just finished playing Dota! The result: ABSOLUTE DEFEAT! Damn Hendru for being an ATM machine. If the next day is holiday, the best thing to do the night before is PLAY DOTA ALL NIGHT LONGGGGGG!!! Nah, I'm not that much of a dork...

Erratic Picture of the Day (again)

Strange Facts!

In 1958 the US sent two mice called Laska and Benjy into space.

Word of the Day (Again)

bounteous (adj) - giving or disposed to give freely; generous; liberal.

Topic of the Day (Again)

Well, I just finished playing Dota and I still don't know what to write. Maybe this post is going to be another random babbling from me. No! Random babbling is bad... I should come up with something... Hmm... I wonder what is interesting to write for a post...

To get an idea for my blog post, I asked a friend of mine in MSN. His name is Comeback Kid. So here goes:

me: hey, I don't know what to write for my blog
Comeback Kid (CK): Huh? since when did you blog
me: I'm in Ms. Jess's class
CK: OH yeah! A1 or A2?
me: A@
me: A2
CK: hmmm
CK: MARSHALL'S PIMPINESS!!!
me: Uh...
CK: MARSHALL'S PIMPINESS!!!
me: okay... what about the pimpiness?
CK: MARSHALL'S PIMPINESS!!!
me: ........ okay fine but you help me. Give me a testimonial about Marshall
CK: okay... actually I can't... I wouldn't know what to write either
me: - -"
CK: MARSHALL'S PIMPINESS!!!

Okay the conversation wasn't exactly like that, but sort of. Anyways, so I'm still stuck here all alone and it's 12:04 AM already. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WRITE! Oh yeah, I got one thing that I want to write.

I hate the current Naruto episodes. They suck! All they do is waste chapters while leaving readers in curiosity and suspense. First Sasuke was 'fighting' Itachi, and Itachi was stabbed, but turns out Sasuke was hit by a genjutsu (illusion). Sasuke then somehow appeared behind Itachi and stabbed him (he backstabbed him... ha-ha-ha get it?). Then it TURNS OUT (AGAIN) that it was an illusion. Finally they fight for real. Sasuke was striving hard to defend himself, and finally Itachi got him and the chapter ended by him plucking out Sasuke's eyes. BUT it TURNS OUT AGAIN THAT IT WAS A FRICKING ILLUSION!!!!!! )($#*@()$_*#@_!!!! Then they talk-talk-talk and then Itachi used Amaterasu... and it seemed that Sasuke died. BUT THEN IT TURNS OUT SASUKE WAS USING A REPLACEMENT TECHNIQUE OF SOME SORT THAT HE GOT FROM OROCHIMARU _)$#(_$)#@*$_()*#!)$!!!!!

The point is: I hate the recent Naruto manga chapters

Joke of the Day

A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asks her very nicely if he could see her license.


She replied in a huff, "I wish you guys could get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you."

DaNte's Post: 8th for 3rd Term



DaNte's Post!

07-03-2008

Sorry I didn't post on time last weeK! There's so much stuff to do (play Dota, open Facebook, chat with friends, etc) and I was doing my homework and assignments! Anyways, so tonight (hopefully) I will post 2 posts! Whee!

Erratic Picture of the Day


I don't know if that's true or not, but that's AWESOME! I should definitely go there as a refugee. (joking!!!!)

Strange Facts

No word in the the English dictionary rhymes with "MONTH"

Word of the Day

Ruminate (v) - to meditate, ponder

Topic of The Day

Hmm! It's another blog post, and I really don't know what to write (as always). So for this post let me just tell you some things about myself. My name is Edward Bud... :D nah, just kidding. Anyways, sometimes when unfortunate things happen, I just want to spill every single feeling into a blog post. But, the events occur anachronistically, and later I don't feel like writing anymore. Its just hard sometimes to bear misfortunes all by yourself. You just hope someone will catch you when you fall. However due to this unjust world and its vile denizens, we don't always get what we want. *Sigh*

I know, I know this is quite a depressing topic, but I've just been thinking to write this from last week, you know. Anyway don't you think it's easier if you could erase any memory in your brain? For instance if you want to forget about a traumatic experience, you can just forget about it and the thought of that trauma will not emerge anymore. Yeah it's nice to dream but I have to get real!

Lets move on from such a lugubrious conversation! Anyways there has been 3 birthday parties for 3 weeks in a row. Some people are not able to come to some of the birthday parties because their parents don't allow them to go that often. That sucks! We need more people in the party so it will be crowded and fun! But then again, some people are shy and they kept quite when the MC tells them to do stuff or something. Ugh we need more ME! I am fun! But then again if there are a lot of Me's, the global temperature will rise thus the global warming issue will be more severe.

I got to tell you about this stupid friend of mine. This is a big clue, he is in my physics class and his hair is NOT BLACK. So what he did is he pulled a measuring tape (the measuring device where you have to pull this tape to know the length and all) to TAKE the tape. It is like pulling a ball of string to get the ball. Oh yeah, my physics teacher is leaving. Great. He's such an enlightened and fun teacher. And he has an aerodynamic and stylish hair. Oh come on! Who's going to teach physics next year?! I don't want the other teacher to teach my class... He's... weird.

I'm in need of a new phone here. My phone kind of sucks. It's slow, has no camera, and battery life kind of sucks. However it's kind of an okay phone actually. I'm just kind of a materialistic person :P. Ugh, bad attribute of mine. Personally I think I prefer Nokia more than Sony Ericsson. Probably it's because I used Nokia longer than Sony Ericsson. The problem is, Nokia phones are relatively more expensive than SE. SE phones are decent quality with an affordable price. Nokia phones are money drainers. They're just like vacuum cleaners. They clean your wallet well.

Anyway, enough of my random babbling for tonight, I'm gonna play dota again now, CHAO! :D

Joke of the Day

The Marriage-Go-Round

There are two times when a man doesn't understand a woman:
Before marriage and after marriage.

Married men live longer than single men.
But married men are a lot more willing to die.



Monday, February 25, 2008

DaNte's Post 7th for 3rd Term



DaNte's Post

25-02-2008

Happy birthday to Stephanie T., William D., Fo Vania and Jessica T.! This upcoming Saturday all Indonesian IB schools will be attending the TOK conference crap... Blah... so boring. Then the next morning at 7 I must assemble in school to go to this community service... I also have to do my EE... Ugh... I just got a pretty bad grade for Physics Test... Anyhow, I must not be enervated! I shall exult and be grateful of what I have got!

Erratic Picture of the Day


Hahahahaha!

Strange Facts!

A headache and inflammatory pain can be reduced by eating 20 tart cherries

Word of the Day

Voluptuous (adj.) - relating or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure

Topic of the Day

Why Indonesia Dwells in Misery

Yes, I have decided to pick this controversial topic due to a folly and horrible moment I experienced yesterday. So anyway, I had a drum grade test in Jln. Gatot Subroto. My parents were gone, and I have no driver available on weekends. So the only option is Taxi! Yay! So I told my gardener to find me a cab. The test was 11.30 by the way, and I have to be there in 11.00. Finally my gardener got me a cab approximately 10.30, and the cab wasn't Blue Bird. For your own safety and sake, PLEASE never use any other taxis other than the Blue Bird Group. NO ONE can guarantee your safety if you ride other taxis. Anyways, so yeah, I rode the taxi anyway, since there was no other choice and I'm rushing. Due to my fatigue and sleep deprivation, I fell asleep in the cab. THIS IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I'VE DONE!!! Remember that the test was in GATOT SUBROTO, and when I woke up, I was in TEBET!!! Which is quite far from GATOT SUBROTO!!! Curses! $(#@*$@#()Yes, I have decided to pick this controversial topic due to a folly and horrible moment I experienced yesterday. So anyway, I had a drum grade test in Jln. Gatot Subroto. My parents were gone, and I have no driver available on weekends. So the only option is Taxi! Yay! So I told my gardener to find me a cab. The test was 11.30 by the way, and I have to be there in 11.00. Finally my gardener got me a cab approximately 10.30, and the cab wasn't Blue Bird. For your own safety and sake, PLEASE never use any other taxis other than the Blue Bird Group. NO ONE can guarantee your safety if you ride other taxis. Anyways, so yeah, I rode the taxi anyway, since there was no other choice and I'm rushing. Due to my fatigue and sleep deprivation, I fell asleep in the cab. THIS IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I'VE DONE!!! Remember that the test was in GATOT SUBROTO, and when I woke up, I was in TEBET!!! Which is quite far from GATOT SUBROTO!!! Curses! $(#@*$@#()$&@()*!!!!!! Lucky I was able to manage my anger otherwise I would've punched the friggin driver and left the cab. I was almost yelling when I was talkin to him. I had to pay around 20 thousand more than what I should have payed. Damn stupid driver. Then I told him to stop at the nearest crossing bridge and I had to walk. Since that catastrophic, menacing and unfortunate event my day hasn't been so good, and during the test I made couple mistakes. #)(*@)($*#@)$*!
amp;@()*!!!!!! Lucky I was able to manage my anger otherwise I would've punched the friggin driver and left the cab. I was almost yelling when I was talkin to him. I had to pay around 20 thousand more than what I should have payed. Damn stupid driver. Then I told him to stop at the nearest crossing bridge and I had to walk. Since that catastrophic, menacing and unfortunate event my day hasn't been so good, and during the test I made couple mistakes. #)(*@)($*#@)$*!

Liars. Cheaters. Fakers. That's what our country's full of. Visit Indonesia 2008 my a$!!! C'mon, if taxi drivers are like this, how the hell are tourists supposed to go traveling in Indonesia with absolute security? Well, it was sort of my folly too, to sleep in the cab. Never do that! Especially when the cab is not from a well known company. Indonesia's trapped in destitution and misery because people do not want to work honestly and they always want the easy way. Indonesians also never try to be different from everyone else. Their paradigm is "oh, if he's doing it, then I'll do it too!". Oh yeah, forgot to tell you another reason why Indonesia sucks. Later that day I went to Kelapa Gading to visit my aunt. During the trip, the road was CRAP. I mean, ABSOLUTE CRAP! The CRAPPIEST OUT OF THE KING OF THE CRAPPIEST CRAP!!! Okay, I'm not making sense. I'm just stressed out at the fact that the road there was really bad. The holes were about the size of a school table with a depth of around 20-30 cm deep. That's really bad. And to make it worse, it's not just a patch. Its like the road for the next 30 meters are like that!!! WHAT THE HELL DO WE PAY THE FRIGGIN TAX FOR?!?! Seriously. Most leaders of Indonesia is MYOPIC AND SELF CENTERED! How can we grow if we don't solve the simplest problems in our country? How can WE FIX OUR COUNTRY IF WE DON'T START BEING HONEST TO EACH OTHER!!!

I apologize for mocking my home country, but I really think this issue should be addressed. If anyone is reading this post, HEED THESE WORDS! BE HONEST TO EACH OTHER ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE DOING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES! INDONESIAN GOVERNMENTS, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT OUR BELOVED INDONESIA!!! OUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT.... OUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT..... YE YE YE YA YE YE YA YA! okay I'm being random and not making sense at all. This is Alpha 06, over and out.

Joke of the Day

Sour Grapes?

A duck walks into a bar. Cutest little duck you've ever seen. He walks up to the bartender and asks, "You got any grapes?"

The bartender says, "No, we don't have any grapes." The duck walks out.


The next day, the same duck walks in and goes up to the bartender. The duck says, "Got any grapes?"

The bartender says, "Look, I told ya yesterday we ain't got no grapes." The duck walks out.

The next day, here comes the duck, up to the bartender. The bartender looks at him, and asks, "What'll it be today?"


The duck says, "Got any grapes?"

The bartender is pissed now, and he says, "Look pal, you come in here one more time and ask for grapes, I'm gonna nail your beak to the bar! You hear me!?" The duck walks out.


The next day, same duck comes right up to the bartender. The bartender looks at him across the bar and says, "Yeah?"

The duck says, "Got any nails?"


The bartender, kinda confused says, "No."

The duck says, "Got any grapes?"




Sunday, February 17, 2008

A Spectacular Weekend: Nervousness, Smile, Tears - [The 18th Blog]


****************************************************************************** Bahasa of the Day

Rekayasa -
A planned and fake event ******************************************************************************
Ah, procrastination is in the air. It has been weeks since I haven't posted any blog and without realizing it, it's another weekend.

Life is sad when our hopes are absorbed away by our false assumption of failing. This is suffered by me for years and it keeps haunting me forevermore~ *random*

Anyhow, this week has been a relaxing week. This year's Valentine's Day is an okay one; I am still single and I am proud of it! Looting chocolate from friends was worth savored for. Last Friday I went to this Indonesian event regarding an appreciation towards Indonesian most beloved poet: Sapardi Djoko Damono. It was awesome! I get the chance to meet and take pictures with him! *but I blinked in the picture, sigh* The show started at eight, but I arrived at home at two in the morning, since Gary and Karina kidnapped me to go to eX at midnight to eat dinner. As i entered my room I, literally, fainted on my bed until morning.

Six hours later, I went to badminton practice as usual. I received my badminton uniform with my name envisaged on its back. Juan misprinted Jesse's name and when he gave it too Jesse, the name on the back is spelled "Yesse" instead. Juan felt really bad for it and we all laugh. It was hilarious.

During the practice, however, Pak Mikoyan (our coach) announced to us that I will participate in this BBS cup tournament next Friday. I was happy about it since I really need to train my mental (extreme field fright). The thing is, I was playing doubles with my best friend and it's gonna be a nightmare! We haven't practiced together for ages! It makes me panic even until now.

Kicking away those stressfulness, I went to Supermall with Vania to fix our rackets and to loiter around for a short amount of time. Just as I went home, Karina sms-ed me and asked me to the mall to have a movie-marathon, and she's on her way to me house. It was so sudden, I immediately took the quickest shower I ever had. The movie-marathon was worthed though. We watched "Jumper" and this Indonesian movie entitled "Love."

Jumper was great, the second half of the movie was full of suspense. The scene where the main character jumped, with an annoying character to the top of Sphinx and leave him, was entertaining. The movie also makes me imagine what would I do if I have that power (Karina wants to rob LV hehe). This is a must watched movie people! I will not write the summary of this movie since it might spoil the plot. Besides, I am going to write a lot about the Indonesian movie.

Love is a very dramatic movie. Why? Because it made Karina cried and made me almost cried. Although I think this movie was inspired from various love movies such as 50 First Dates and A Walk to Remember, the playwright endows a contribution that makes this movie high quality and doesn't look plagiarized (usually, Indonesia plagiarized movie look suck). Just a summary, this movie talks about five couples with different love background, and how their love is depicted through their worst time and controversies (or should I say tragic?). The different love backgrounds are: having different wealth status, a deadly illness, Alzheimer disease, affair, and been betrayed. Love will find a way in them, even though not all true love ends happily ever after. What I adored from this movie is the way they shoot it. These five couples are connected somehow even though they don't know each other (I don't know how to explain verbally, that is why you should watch it in order to get what I mean). The reason why I recommend you to watch it is not because of the plot alone, but because of the casts as well. All the casts in this movie are well-known and experienced Indonesian actors and actresses; some of them even considered as legends. For those Indonesian who read this blog, these casts are: Luna Maya, Darius, Acha, Irwansyah, Wulan Guritno, etc. Oh yeah, the soundtrack and background songs are arranged by Erwin Gutawa as well! I am so going to buy the DVD when it's released! This is the best Indonesian movie so far! Hopefully, this movie marks the beginning of the rise of Indonesia's filming agencies.

I love this weekend.

DaNte's Post 6th for 3rd term


DaNte's Post

17-02-2008

Happy Valentine's Day... bla3 okay whatever, joy to the couples and catastrophe for singles. At least I got something from my parents. This Saturday was allright, but part of it sucks. Anyhow, life goes on, and here's another ass-kicking post from me ;P (joking). By the way, prepare lots of presents for the 4 people who's having their birthday next week!

Erratic Picture of the Day


Beat that Yoga!

Strange Facts!

In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapon combined. Holy #*$@!

Word of the Day

avarice (n) - extreme greed for wealth or material gain

Topic of the Day

Love?

Valentine's Day! Love is in the air... couples are holding hands and being mushy and corny (not horny, well maybe some). It's a nice sight, seeing everyone loving each other from the bottom of their hearts (hopefully) or crushes giving their sweethearts chocolates with fascinating aesthetic design or bouquets of roses or flowers. However, not everyone is always happy in Valentine's Day. Rejection, loneliness, depression, hate, and others still exists in Valentine's Day. Thank God in our grade there's no fights or huge conflict between couples or whatever (I think). Valentine's Day is supposed to be a joyful day for lovers and other people as well. After all, all of us need love , care and affection.

At some point in life, some of us will wonder why do we love? I think everyone will think of this, especially those who are melancholic or pessimistic. If we experience heartbreak, rejection, loneliness, we all stumble upon that question. However, we are all helpless creatures who can't help ourselves from falling in love. We can, actually, but it's just hard. Personally, I don't think you can control your feelings. Everyone falls in love once in a while. But, I have to agree that love sometimes sucks. A famous quote I saw once is "When you love someone you gave them the power to hurt you", which is very true. The person you love can easily break your heart. Love is painful, most of the time. That's why we should carefully choose someone we love, but then again, it's hard to control our feelings.

Why do we love anyway? Because God created us to love. Just like His famous commandment: "Love everyone and your enemies", we are told to love everyone in our lives. Well, it's literally impossible to love everyone we see, but what He meant is just be nice to everyone. However, personally I don't know why God created 'love' and 'emotions' when sometimes it's better not to love or care at all. When we are in a state of heartbreak, the term 'love never fails' is just mere bullcrap, let alone 'love your enemies'. Really, I don't get why God created emotions. But, who am I to question God's will or plan? So, I guess all we have to do is 'bite the bullet' of heartbreak and pain.

I am sorry for my dour depiction of love. Love is not bad at all actually, if we love the right person at the right time. To be honest, love is actually one of the major motivation that I have. I remember trying really hard to get my body shaped because a girl I loved told me to. It was funny. Love can actually be a big motivation for some of us. And off course, love makes us fly. We flyyyy higggghhhhhh beyond the skies and the stars if we fall in love. Especially when the person we love responds to our love. You feel like the whole world is yours. Anyway, I won't spoil all the awesome things about love to all of you. Go feel it yourself!

When you love someone, choose carefully. Let me say this emphatically: CHOOSE CAREFULLY. If you fall in love with someone, it might be hard to get over them. You have to be able to control your emotions and see if that person fits your description of a 'lover'. Love in movies or fairy tales or stories are mostly bullcrap, because they use 'love last forever' or 'true' wrongly and only to gain profit. They don't exist in real life, if they do, rarely. So, choose well.

Joke of the Day

A Member Of Airheads Synonymous

An airhead goes for a job interview in an office. The interviewer starts with the basics. "So, Miss, can you tell us your age, please?"

The airhead counts carefully on her fingers for half a minute before replying. "Um ... 22."

The interviewer tries another straightforward one to break the ice. "And can you tell us your height, please?"

The young lady stands up and produces a measuring tape from her handbag. She then traps one end under her foot and extends the tape to the top of her head. She checks the measurement and announces, "Five foot two!"

This isn't looking good so the interviewer goes for the real basics; something the she won't have to count, measure, or lookup. "Just to confirm for our records, your name please?"

The airhead bobs her head from side to side for about fifteen seconds, mouthing something silently to herself, before replying, "Mandy!"

The interviewer is completely baffled at this stage, so he asks, "What were you doing when I asked you your name?"

"Oh, that!" replies the airhead," I was just running through that song, 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...'."




Friday, February 8, 2008

DaNte's Post - 5th for 3rd Term


DaNte's Post

08-02-2008 (again)

Yeah... It's double post time... woo hoo (very very enthusiastic)

Erratic Picture of the Day


Strange Facts!

In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.

Word of the Day

hmm... learn 2 words in a day!

debacle (n) - failure

Topic of the Day


Reminiscence - Part 2

I remember during 8th grade, me and my friends used to go to the mall every week. My mom even got pissed at me because I go to the mall every week and spend a lot of money. I didn't, really. I spend most of my money only in the movies, and a little bit on food. Probably 100 thousand. But my allowance was pretty small at that time, so I have to preclude from being a spendthrift.

We did many things together. I remember watching a bunch of movies with them. Me, Ryan, Sylvia, Jacqueline, Swedian, Giovanni, and sometimes other people joined us. We watch some boring, crappy, yet romantic (in girl's point of view) movie such as The Phantom of The Opera, tedious-documentary movie such as Fahrenheit 9/11, and I remember watching other funny movies with them, but I can't really remember. Afterwards we probably play bowling or billiard. I remember Jacqueline and her best friend became hyper after drinking 'stuff'. It was pretty disturbing and embarrassing, yet funny at the same time. Jacqueline also told me not to tell her boyfriend (now ex) that she drank without her boyfriend's approval. She was red and her eyes were red as well. Such stupid and useless stuffs we did. Gary Kong, a now prominent brilliant, geeky and girly IB student slipped and fell once when he was going to throw a bowling ball. That was hilarious.

Oh yeah, this girl (I won't mention her name) was very, very famous during 8th grade. Everyone liked her. Even the seniors liked her! Unfortunately she just broke up with her boyfriend at that time, and she was still into her ex. I liked her too. And many more boys says so too. I remember Me, Jesse Lybianto and Gary Kong liked her at the same time, and each one of us gave her a testimonial in Friendster. People called it the "Testimonial War" or something. It was funny if I think about it now. But then after a while I was the only one left to like her. My pursue for her ended up in a debacle after she dated this dude for like what, 15 minutes? (don't worry, they got back together weeks after). That's the strange thing about girls. If you chase them too long, they'll just move on and date some other guy who barely know her well (the dude I told you previously just sms-ed her once or twice or something and they never talk, or rarely in school).

Anyways...

Time goes on, and we all landed on the 9th grade. 9th grade was more or a bit less chaotic and bizzare than 8th grade. I became close with Jacqueline's boyfriend (now ex), and this dumb guy named Jeffrey. My class, 9.4, was filled with crazy people except 2 geeks. One is previously mentioned in part 1. Yes, he is DONNY!!! *clap clap clap*. The other, Gaby.

Our class was pretty hectic. Everyday Jacqueline's boyfriend brought candies to our class, hence the nickname 'Candy Man'. He was also a hair-freak, meticulously styling his hair with wax every morning. He was a pretty lazy and very funny boy. I really liked him, and he was really fun to be with. He's a talkative person in MSN Messenger, and convivial boy in class. I remember he always make fun of this other boy in class, named Arief. No, he makes fun of everyone actually. But mostly Arief. He always call him Black Beauty, Dark Chocolate, and other things related to black due to Arief's skin color. More over, the whole class always mocks him. I know its wrong to verbally harass a student, but it was really funny and he doesn't really care about it. He cares actually, but people don't. It is sad, but amusing at the same time.

There are plenty of things that happened during grade 9 and I am eager to tell you. But I will have to continue the story later, so see you later!

Joke of the Day

A Computer With Attitude

Todd complained to his friend, "My elbow really hurts. I guess I should see a doctor." His friend offered, "Don't do that. There's a computer at the drug store that can diagnose anything quicker and cheaper than a doctor. Simply put in a sample of your urine and the computer will diagnose your problem and tell you what you can do about it. It only costs $10.00."

Todd figured he had nothing to lose, so he filled a jar with a urine sample and went to the drug store. Finding the computer, he poured in the sample and deposited the $10.00. The computer started making some noises and the various lights started flashing. After a brief pause, out popped a small slip of paper on which was printed:


You have tennis elbow
Soak your arm in warm water
Avoid heavy labor
It will be better in two weeks.

Late that evening while thinking how amazing this new technology was and how it would change medical science forever, he began to wonder if this machine could be fooled. He decided to give it a try. He mixed some tap water, a stool sample from his dog and urine samples from his wife and daughter. To top it off, he masturbated into the concoction. He went back to the drug store, located the machine, poured in the sample and deposited $10.00. The machine again made the usual noise and flashed its lights and printed out the following:

Your tap water is too hard
get a water softener.
Your dog has worms
give him dewormer medicine.
Your daughter is on drugs
put her in rehab.
Your wife is pregnant
It ain't yours----get a lawyer.
And if you don't stop jerking off,
your elbow will never get better.





DaNte's Post - 4th for 3rd Term


DaNte's Post

8-2-2008

I apologize for the delayed post! Last week my neighborhood was flooded and there was blackout for 3 days. Thank God I have an aunt who lives in the Kedoya Elok Apartment, so I was allowed to sleepover at her apartment there for a night. Anyways, let's begin.

Erratic Picture of the Day

that's actually a dog... It's kind of cool, but poor dog...

Strange Facts

Some ribbon worms will eat themselves if they cant find any food

Word of the Day

Reprieve (v) - cancel or postpone

Topic of the Day

Reminiscence...

This reminiscence goes back around 3 to 4 years ago, where I was oblivious to a hell called the 'International Bachaleurate'. It was when smiles were upon our faces and laughter fill the hallways of the Junior School building. We were enjoying our everyday lives, yearning for the company of friends in school, hanging out in the canteen together, savoring our moments together. It was an enjoyable moment. I really wish I could go back and live in that era again. But time goes on, never to return again. The only thing I could do to satisfy my wants to go back in time is only to remind me of what I did in the past, and think of it when I am alone.

I remember when I was in 7th grade, me and my classmates used to do some very,very idiotic stuff. I barely remember what we studied, really. The only thing I remember was I think it was some shape stuff in mathematics, making some book for english, for sciences... hmm... who taught science... oh we learn about invertebrates... and uhh... that's it? Anyhow... I also remember the Food Technology teacher, Mrs. Bernadette. She used to tell us ghosts stories. Some are creepy, some are funny, some are R-rated. When me, James, and Yansen (who left SPH already) went to the Outward Bound field trip, we didn't sleep and we kept screaming "Nipple!" in the middle of the night. Some guy's bag was also drifted away by the high tide. We all ate some ham which is dominated by ants. We made some raft and when we made it to the shores, we walked on mud and someone lost his sandals.

Oh yeah, I also met Donny for the first time. Man, I was agitated the first time I look at him. He was a loquacious geeky-looking white guy. WAS. In english class, we were supposed to make a chain story, but then someone wrote explicit things and the teacher was irate. In BI class, the teacher was a murderer. She was a sadist maniac who loves to torture her students. She made us HANDwrite 50++ paragraphs with a length of the above paragraph. But anyhow, it was a memorable experience, and it was really fun being with friends at that time.

Grade 8 was pretty hectic as well, I tell you. But out of all the field trips I had (this opinion differs to people who went to the Bali trip in grade 10... Ughh... Screw William for this... haha joking) grade 8's Thailand field trip was the best. I was close with Swedian, Ryan, Sylvia, Giovanni, blah3 people who's in 8.4. It was very fun. During the field trip the girls (Sylvia, Angelica, Giovani and Jacqueline) went to the boys dorm, which is RESTRICTED. It was an infringement to the field trip rules. Oh yeah, I was very close with this super messed up, funny, chaotic girl named Jacqueline Kurniawan. The tall girl in grade 11. She's a tomboy but sometimes feminine. Anyhow, yeah we did some pretty stupid stuff in grade 8. In the field trip, Marshall and I made some very idiotic drama for the talent show. But everyone liked it.

For you who has a curious mind, let me tell you about the drama. I vaguely remember the story though. It was about a boy who had a dad, and he was a criminal of some sort. And uhh... I got a part to be this religious teacher or something... and I was supposed to sing this amusingly corny song called "Romans 16:9 Says..". I think that was the title. And I have to humiliate myself in front of the 8th and 7th graders with this ugly dance I made. I made the criminal and his son repent. I think.

Other groups' drama are crappy and not funny at all, but people laughed when we performed. Swedian was also a dork when we were in grade 8. He made some review questions before tests. Creep. I remember he dated this girl, that made him emo everyday. Really, he was a big geek/creep (I hope he won't read this post).

I could go on and on reminiscing, but I have to stop now. I'll share with you some of my past experiences next time. I enjoy telling stories of the past, because it also reminds me of what I did and the feelings I have at those moments. It is good to think about the past and enjoy yourself in those moments. Good memories should last perennially, and share it with your friends!

Joke of the Day

Advantages Of Breast Milk

The not necessarily well-prepared student sat in his life science classroom staring at a question on the final exam paper. The question directed, "Give four advantages of breast milk." What to write? He sighed, and began to scribble whatever came into his head, hoping for the best.

1. No need to boil.


2. Cats can't steal it.

3. Available whenever necessary.


So far so good -- maybe. But the exam demanded a four-part answer. Again, what to write? Once more, he sighed. He frowned. He scowled, then sighed again. But suddenly, he brightened. He grabbed his pen, and triumphantly, he scribbled his definitive answer.

4. Available in attractive containers.