There's only one thing people can't steal from you...

your KNOWLEDGE.

Sentence above is one of my all-time favorite motto given by former high-school principal of Santa Ursula Catholic Girls School and the author of THINK: Notes of An Educator, Sr. Francesco Marianti OSU during freshman parents' briefing.

It was the first and the most undebatable argument when few parents were whining about how expensive the school-fee costs. At that time, IDR 12 million ($1,300) was subjected as entrance fee and IDR 350,000 ($39) as the monthly fee.

I admittedly didn't have that much money, and for that I'm very grateful to be able to spend my 3-year-senior-school there; a school with a very good reputation of discipline and achievements of the alumnus. Generally, most of Catholic Schools provide cross-subsidy for lower middle class student who has a good potential, so you don't have to be afraid to apply at the first time.

Well, expensive school fee doesn't guarantee you it's a good school, but I'm sure a good school will cost you pretty expensive. Don't forget to consider the facilities given e.g. computer lab along with super-fast internet, science lab, amphitheater, gymnasium, and so on.

Gee, sorry, I didn't mean to give lecture how-to-choose-school-for-your-children. My point is, there's a price for a quality.

I believe that to broaden knowledge I can't just take it for granted. There's an ironic fact I can't deny myself; most people are willing to splurge for leisure, but not to education. Lately in my contemplation, I ended up shaking my head and throwing a grim smile, thinking... Why do I need to take a long time to buy books (unless I have to) and not to magazines? It applies the same way too on movies, gourmet, fashion & beauty shopping cos I love them so much. A-ha! Stupid me.

Fortunately some people have reminded me how important to bring education to life. I think so. Thanks guys!

Anyway I've found 2 great seminars that I really wanted to attend; "BRANDING YOU" by Mario Teguh, my favorite business consultant, and 2-day-seminar "Shout it Loud: Women in Leadership Festival 2008" by Meutia Hatta, minister for women empowerment, and other great speakers like Betty Alisjahbana (Former CEO of IBM Indonesia), Josef Bataona (Director of Unilever), Sari Narulita (Editor in Chief of Star Media), and many more. The show will be hosted by former Miss Indonesia 2004, Artika Sari Devi.

I missed Mario Teguh's seminar on April 2 due to my classes at university, and also the price of the ticket; IDR 1,25 million ($138). Regret always come late.. BTW, if you want to see his summary of Business Art talkshow in O Channel, you can download the PDF file (in Indonesian) or just want to read it here.. for free.

As for the Meutia Hatta's, it will cost me IDR 1,2 million ($133), not so different from the first one. I really want to, unfortunately I really don't have that much money currently. Besides, I also have classes to go before my mid-session running next week.

Any advice, anyone?

saya baru coba beli di www.bukabuku.com setelah membandingkan harga buku di Gramedia :D ternyata memang lebih murah (ada diskon2 khusus dari bukabuku), pelayanannya sangat baik, dan sangat saya rekomendasikan :) saya baru pesen 2; The Naked Traveler (yg selama ini saya cari2) dan Law of Attraction. 

Aduh, begini nih nasibnya klo selalu tergantung PC. Tadi sekitar jam 20.30 pas saya mau nyalain, ehhhh ga bisa! PC itu ga mau hidup. Pas buka tutup casing, tidak ada indikasi power on pada lampu indikator motherboard, kipas tidak bergerak sedikitpun. Kirain kabelnya ada yg kendor, jadilah saya coba2 mengencangkan dan plug-unplug, dgn harapan besar tuh PC bakal nyala lagi. ga taunya... UGH, tetep ga bisa. BETE BETE BETE.

Yesterday I was very lucky, I finished my last class on 1 PM (It should be finished on 3 PM according to the schedule, however, my university-level teacher wanted to have fast forward LOL). It was so relieving to go home earlier consider for the last two weeks I went home late. Yes, in this semester I have 4/5 classes that finish on 3-5 PM. Heavy rain, flood, and traffic jam didn't make any easier. T_T

Anyway my mom picked me up and asked me to have lunch together at Pacific Place. Yay! I was so excited. It was my very first time to go there. Apparently she had a meeting appointment with her sister and friends. Never mind. At least I could relax for while.

We had lunch at Rakuzen Japanese Restaurant on the fifth floor. The place was very unique yet sophisticated with half-crescent-moon wood exterior decoration.

When a waitress handed me over the menu, I was a bit confused. There were so many Japanese Food offered. And unlike Sushi Tei, it didn't provide moving sushi bar. I thought it is truly understandable, because Rakuzen doesn't offer many regular sushi (read: affordable).

It was very obvious that Rakuzen wanted to create image as one of the high class exclusive Japanese restaurant. Do you wanna know the most expensive menu in there? It's Itacho Omakase, the Chef's Special Assorted Sashimi, costs you IDR 625,000. (x_x)

Below are thumbnail images of menu that I ordered. Click to enlarge.



1. Unatama Roll, avocado & omelette roll topped with roasted eel, IDR 80,000. There was nothing new to tell, it was just too ordinary.

2. Cranky Salmon Roll, salmon, tempura chips & spicy mayonnaise roll topped with bonito flakes and flying-fish roe, IDR 45,000. Definitely the BIGGER and the MORE EXPENSIVE version of Sushi Tei's crispy roll.

3. Chicken Katsujyu, fried chicken cutlet topped with egg sauce on rice, served with miso soup, IDR 50,000. I felt the egg was too dominant over the chicken. That was weird, but it tasted pretty good.

4. Cheese Cake, as dessert, Price by request. Why? Cos they didn't put it on the menu, but available by request. Very funny. As an avid cheese cake lover, I've been falling in love with this dessert! It was small portion but satisfying my passion on dessert, and I had little surprise about it; it wasn't just a cheese cake. Yummy! I think it was worth IDR 40,000.

*All price excluded 10% Government Tax and 5.5% Service.

Overall: 4/5
Worth for special occasion with your family, clients or best friends. However, it's not a very cool place to get regular lunch or simply a hang out place. For student and not-so-rich person like me, Rakuzen will make me broke all at once!


RAKUZEN
Pacific Place Mall #5-68
Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD)
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Jakarta Selatan

Reservation: (021) 5140 0499 Fax: (021) 5140 0498
E-mail: Marketing@rakuzen.co.id
Business Hours: Mon-Sun 10.00 AM-10.00 PM

I've been a loyal user of Telkom Speedy for two years, yes, since March 2006. I realize that there are so many negative feedbacks upon them before and after I submitted my registration form. Nonetheless, thank God, I've never experienced the very bad things with Telkom Speedy, other than over quota :(

On March 1, I found something wrong with my internet connection. It couldn't open any of my daily-visit websites like Google, Blogger, Yahoo, Fashionese Daily, Multiply, and some other [dot] coms. I really didn't have any idea about this news, so calling the customer service at 147 was the best way to find answer. A woman responded my call nicely and explained what cause the connection dead. It had something to do with Palembang fly-over she said. Yet she asked my contact number in case she wanted to make confirmation later.

And the next day, March 2, the internet connection worked perfectly well again. I didn't think that I have to tell them because perhaps they already figured it out. I mean, they promised to fix it ASAP... and they did. Kudos!

Suddenly, a moment after I went offline, another woman from Telkom Speedy customer service called me to follow up my complaint. It's already back to normal, I ensured.

Secondly on March 4, the stupid thing was happening again. Fortunately, I didn't have to hold for 10 minutes or so to reach the customer service. This time it was a guy. I submitted my complaint like the other day, left my number, and back to the PC. Surprise surprise... the connection was back to the track right after I hung up the phone! I wasn't really sure of what really happened and didn't think about it cos I was way too excited.

The follow-up call came to my mobile on March 5. Nice.

It really proved that they have improved their service quality since back then they didn't do such thing. I believe the tight rivalry from other internet providers force them to do the evaluation. The most important thing now, for my very own Telkom Speedy, time-base and quota-base are OUT-of-date. Can you pleaseeee offer me your products by speed-base and more affordable price? I promise you I'll be the first one standing up to support you :)

Just because I am not one of environmental activists nor writers, it doesn't mean that I don't give a damn to global issues like stop-use-plastic-bags campaign or recently—what people all over the world talk about—global warming. The world has been getting hot for sure, I can feel it myself right here in Jakarta.

If USA requires a perfect storm to cause blackout on southeast coast, a six-hour-non-stop rain is all what it takes to do so in Jakarta. Flood becomes our special guest coming every year. Soon after the presence of flood, the city undergoes a blackout for few hours or even days. This cycles have been running until now.

Once upon a time in early February this year, the blackout happened in my residence at the middle of the night. Me, who was about to go to sleep, apparently stayed awake until the sun rose because I couldn't tolerate the heat, remember? I desperately needed the air-con to keep me comfortable while I were sleeping.

I felt so miserable without electricity that night. Suddenly I realized how important to save the energy from now on.

Below are the easy, painless, and harmless tips for saving energy (by BBC News);

1. DON'T LEAVE APPLIANCES ON STANDBY.
   TVs: On average a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) television set uses 100 watts of power when in use and about two watts on standby. Newer LCD and plasma screens are higher users of energy, with the largest models consuming up to 400 watts when in use and about four watts on standby.

DVD players: Consumers can safely switch off most DVD players/recorders, hard disk recorders or video recorders purchased in recent years, according to the Energy Saving Trust. They should not need to retune the devices when they are switched back on or have to contend with the dreaded flashing clock as the machines usually retain their settings.However, manufacturers recommend that some satellite TV receivers be left in standby when not in use so they can receive updates.

Computers: It may not be practical to turn a computer on-and-off if it is to be used throughout the day. However, the Energy Saving Trust suggests turning the monitor off when not in use. Peripherals like printers and scanners should also be turned off when not in use. Leaving unnecessary items on standby is said to costs each household an average of £37 a year.

2. UNPLUG CHARGERS WHEN NOT IN USE.

If chargers for devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players were unplugged when not in use, the UK could save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes. Chargers are not huge energy consumers in their own right, but across the UK those left plugged in unnecessarily waste over £60m and are responsible for a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. If a charger feels warm when it is plugged in without being attached to a device it is still converting energy.

3. TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN LEAVING ROOMS.

UK households spend £1.9bn on electricity every year for lighting. According to the Energy Saving Trust there is no truth in the belief that turning lights on causes a surge that uses up more electricity. "If you are going out of a room for half and hour, or even 10 minutes, turn the lights off," said Dr Paula Owen, of the Energy Saving Trust. "It does not harm the electricity supply or the bulbs. There is no point in burning electricity for no reason." If all UK households replaced one light bulb with an energy efficient one, the money saved could pay about 75,000 family fuel bills a year.

4. WASH CLOTHES AT LOWER TEMPERATURES.

Washing clothes at 30C as opposed to 40C, uses 40% less energy and is generally as efficient, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Modern powders are designed to be more effective at lower temperatures. Over-dependence on tumble dryers can also contribute to energy wastage. Consumers are being encouraged to make sure they buy Energy Saving Recommended models when buying new appliances such as washing machines and fridges.

5. TURN THE THERMOSTAT DOWN.

Turning the thermostat down by 1C can cut more than 10% from the average central heating bill. Similarly, reaching for a jumper rather than turning the thermostat up when it gets really cold can be effective. Check that your water isn't too hot. The cylinder thermostat should not need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F. And dripping taps can waste enough water in a week to fill a bath. Households with boilers over 15 years old are also advised to think about having them replaced it with a newer energy efficient model. High efficiency condensing boilers can save a third on heating bills. A major source of heat loss is through walls and windows so double glazing, closing curtains, cavity and loft insulation can prove to be cost-effective ways to save energy.

Source

*Image is taken from here

Apart from shopping and fashion-related stuff, I always eager to go to places offering new dining experience. At the first grand opening, I was passing by to Carrefour ITC Permata Hijau when I saw a glimpse of a new red house. There were lots of cars parked around. I thought it was an office, LOL.

Soon after, reviews and publicity of this first pancake house in Indonesia are around the blogosphere, magazines, and newsletters. WOW! Even my bff was dying to taste the famous original pancake with almonds and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It looks the same with J.Co's alcapone for me; must be sweet and yummy.

I've been there 3 times in the last 4 months. I've bitten blackforest pancake, smoked beef pancake, original pancake (only with butter and maple syrup), chicken steak, and the sandwich club.

Finally I've made up my mind that I will not eat any sweet-category pancake anymore. It's just too much sugar, too many calories to get me closer to diabetes. The sandwich club is fine, however there's nothing to be proud of. Nevertheless, the chicken steak is great! I love the fresh salad and the crispy fries.


Pancious has indoor room and outdoor tables, which offers another view on the pool side. It's a good place to enjoy family day, or chatting with friends. If you live nearby and don't really have much time to spend, don't worry, it provides delivery service too. Call for details.


Pancious Pancake House
Jl. Permata Hijau Blok A No. 12
Jakarta Selatan

Phone: 021-5304325
Fax: 021-5305617

Or available at Pacific Place Mall #5-39.
Phone: 021-57973360
Opening Hours: 10.00-22.00 Mon-Sun & public holiday.

[diambil dari forum]

Tanpa disadari terkadang sikap apatis menyertai saat langkah kaki
mengarungi tuk coba taklukkan ibukota negri ini. Semoga kita selalu diingatkan.

Sekedar berbagi cerita di forum orang orang super dalam keindahan hari ini :

Siang ini February 6, 2008 , tanpa sengaja ,saya bertemu dua manusia
super. Mereka mahluk mahluk kecil , kurus ,kumal berbasuh keringat. Tepatnya
diatas jembatan penyeberangan setia budi , dua sosok kecil berumur kira kira
delapan tahun menjajakan tissue dengan wadah kantong plastik hitam.
Saat menyeberang untuk makan siang mereka menawari saya tissue diujung
jembatan, dengan keangkuhan khas penduduk Jakarta saya hanya mengangkat tangan lebar lebar tanpa tersenyum yang dibalas dengan sopannya oleh mereka dengan ucapan "Terima kasih Oom !". Saya masih tak menyadari kemuliaan mereka dan Cuma mulai membuka sedikit senyum seraya mengangguk kearah mereka.

Kaki - kaki kecil mereka menjelajah lajur lain diatas jembatan , menyapa
seorang laki laki lain dengan tetap berpolah seorang anak kecil yang penuh
keceriaan, laki laki itupun menolak dengan gaya yang sama dengan saya,lagi
lagi sayup sayup saya mendengar ucapan terima kasih dari mulut kecil mereka
Kantong hitam tampat stok tissue dagangan mereka tetap teronggok disudut
jembatan tertabrak derai angin Jakarta . Saya melewatinya dengan lirikan
kearah dalam kantong itu , duapertiga terisi tissue putih berbalut plastik transparan .

Setengah jam kemudian saya melewati tempat yang sama dan mendapati
mereka tengah mendapatkan pembeli seorang wanita , senyum diwajah mereka
terlihat berkembang seolah memecah mendung yang sedang manggayut langit Jakarta .

" Terima kasih ya mbak .semuanya dua ribu lima ratus rupiah!" tukas mereka
, tak lama siwanita merogoh tasnya dan mengeluarkan uang sejumlah sepuluh
ribu rupiah .

" Maaf , nggak ada kembaliannya ..ada uang pas nggak mbak ? " mereka
menyodorkan kembali uang tersebut. Si wanita menggeleng, lalu dengan
sigapnya anak yang bertubuh lebih kecil menghampiri saya yang tengah
mengamati mereka bertiga pada jarak empat meter.

" Oom boleh tukar uang nggak , receh sepuluh ribuan ?" suaranya
mengingatkan kepada anak lelaki saya yang seusia mereka . sedikit
terhenyak saya merogoh saku celana dan hanya menemukan uang sisa kembalian food court sebesar empat ribu rupiah .

" Nggak punya , tukas saya !" lalu tak lama siwanita berkata " ambil
saja kembaliannya , dik !" sambil berbalik badan dan meneruskan langkahnya
kearah ujung sebelah timur.

Anak ini terkesiap , ia menyambar uang empat ribuan saya dan menukarnya
dengan uang sepuluh ribuan tersebut dan meletakkannya kegenggaman saya
yang masih tetap berhenti , lalu ia mengejar wanita tersebut untuk
memberikan uang empat ribu rupiah tadi. Siwanita kaget , setengah berteriak ia
bilang " sudah buat kamu saja , nggak apa..apa ambil saja !", namun mereka
berkeras mengembalikan uang tersebut. " maaf mbak , Cuma ada empat ribu , nanti kalau lewat sini lagi saya kembalikan !" Akhirnya uang itu diterima
siwanita karena sikecil pergi meninggalkannya.

Tinggallah episode saya dan mereka , uang sepuluh ribu digenggaman saya
tentu bukan sepenuhnya milik saya . mereka menghampiri saya dan berujar " Om , bisa tunggu ya , saya kebawah dulu untuk tukar uang ketukang ojek !".

" eeh .nggak usah ..nggak usah ..biar aja ..nih !" saya kasih uang itu
ke sikecil, ia menerimanya tapi terus berlari kebawah jembatan menuruni
tangga yang cukup curam menuju ke kumpulan tukang ojek.

Saya hendak meneruskan langkah tapi dihentikan oleh anak yang satunya ,
" Nanti dulu Om , biar ditukar dulu ..sebentar "
" Nggak apa apa , itu buat kalian " Lanjut saya
" jangan ..jangan Om , itu uang om sama mbak yang tadi juga " anak itu
bersikeras " Sudah ..saya Ikhlas , mbak tadi juga pasti ikhlas ! saya berusaha
membargain, namun ia menghalangi saya sejenak dan berlari keujung
jembatan berteriak memanggil temannya untuk segera cepat , secepat kilat juga ia meraih kantong plastik hitamnya dan berlari kearah saya.

" Ini deh om , kalau kelamaan , maaf .." ia memberi saya delapan pack
tissue " Buat apa ?" saya terbengong

" Habis teman saya lama sih Om , maaf , tukar pakai tissue aja dulu "
walau dikembalikan ia tetap menolak .

Saya tatap wajahnya , perasaan bersalah muncul pada rona mukanya . Saya
kalah set , ia tetap kukuh menutup rapat tas plastic hitam tissuenya .
Beberapa saat saya mematung di sana , sampai sikecil telah kembali
dengan genggaman uang receh sepuluh ribu , dan mengambil tissue dari tangan
saya serta memberikan uang empat ribu rupiah.

"Terima kasih Om , !"..mereka kembali keujung jembatan sambil sayup
sayup terdengar percakapan " Duit mbak tadi gimana ..? " suara kecil yang lain
menyahut " lu hafal kan orangnya , kali aja ketemu lagi ntar kita kasihin
..." percakapan itu sayup sayup menghilang , saya terhenyak dan kembali
kekantor dengan seribu perasaan.

Tuhan ..Hari ini saya belajar dari dua manusia super , kekuatan
kepribadian mereka menaklukan Jakarta membuat saya trenyuh , mereka berbalut baju lusuh tapi hati dan kemuliaannya sehalus sutra , mereka tahu hak mereka dan hak orang lain , mereka berusaha tak meminta minta dengan berdagang Tissue.

Dua anak kecil yang bahkan belum baligh , memiliki kemuliaan diumur
mereka yang begitu belia.

YOU ARE ONLY AS HONORABLE AS WHAT YOU DO

Engkau hanya semulia yang kau kerjakan.

Semoga pengalaman nyata ini mampu menggugah saya dan teman lainnya
untuk lebih SUPER.

Aryadi N SM 0304
QHSE Manager I BHM Corp I 0817 149369 I Oil and Gas

terus terang, setelah selesai membaca cerita ini, saya terharu... dan mulai menitikkan air mata...

Source

Buat pecinta film.. ato pecinta Blitz Megaplex ya?

Pengumuman singkat aja.

Besok, tepatnya hari Kamis tgl 27 Desember 2007 (one day only), harga tiket masuk Blitz Megaplex diskon 75%. Surprise! Jadi tiket yg harganya Rp 30.000,- (tiga puluh ribu rupiah) untuk weekdays, jadi tinggal Rp 7.500,- saja!!

Mau?

Tapi sayangnya, priviledge ini hanya berlaku untuk pemegang kartu kredit Mandiri titanium

<table width="400" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" background="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/gowhere/images/back.jpg"><tr><td valign="top" colspan="4"><IMG SRC="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/gowhere/images/corner1.jpg"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="2" style="padding-left:10px;"><h2>Your travel type: Party Animal</b><br></h2> <img align=right src="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/gowhere/images/partyanimal.gif">The Party Animal always wears sunglasses during his vacation. He likes a good hotel, with a swimming pool and room service. A couple of drinks at night, maybe see a show, maybe roll the dice, that's the way to spend the evening.<P>
Culture? A museum? The others can go while the Party Animal stays in bed. You'll find him by the side of the pool when you get back with a martini to get rid of the hangover.
</td><td rowspan="2"><IMG SRC="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/gowhere/images/number2.jpg"  align=right></td></tr><tr><td></td><td style="padding-left:10px;"><h3>top destinations:</h3><a href="http://www.world66.com/world/northamerica/unitedstates/nevada/lasvegas">Las Vegas</a><br/><a href="http://www.world66.com/northamerica/unitedstates/newyorkstate/newyork">New York</a><br/><a href="http://www.world66.com/northamerica/mexico/acapulco">Acapulco</a><br/></td><td><h3>stay away from:</h3><a href="http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/karnataka/hampi">Hampi</a><br/><a href="http://www.world66.com/southamerica/colombia/ciudadperdida">Ciudad Perdida</a><br/><a href="http://www.world66.com/centralamericathecaribbean/panama/dariengap">Darien Gap</a><br/></td></tr></table></ br><a href="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/gowhere">get your own travel profile</a>

PT. Exelcomindo Pratama (XL), operator selular swasta di Indonesia, menyelenggarakan lomba karya tulis dan foto, XL Award 2007 Writing and Photo Competition. Lomba ini diselenggarakan tahunan, bertujuan antara lain untuk mendapatkan masukan dari media dan masyarakat pemerhati selular atas berbagai persoalan industri selular. Selain itu, lomba ini juga diselenggarakan dalam rangka memperingati ulang tahun XL yang jatuh setiap Oktober.

Kategori:

1. Wartawan
2. Masyarakat Umum
   
   

Lomba Karya Tulis

Tema

1. Regulasi Pemerintah bidang telekomunikasi dan konsekuensi bagi industri selular
2. Kontribusi operator selular dalam percepatan daerah tertinggal
3. Masa depan industri selular di antara perang tarif murah
4. Mencari layanan nilai tambah (VAS) selular paling efektif dan bermanfaat bagi publik
5. Masa depan 3G di Indonesia
6. Konvergensi IT dan Telekomunikasi dan keuntungan bagi masyarakat

Persyaratan

1. Peserta terdiri dari masyarakat umum dan wartawan media cetak/online
2. Tulisan atau artikel telah dipublikasikan di media cetak atau media online antara Juni 2007 hingga 13 Oktober 2007 (untuk kategori wartawan)
3. Tulisan atau artikel telah dipublikasikan di media cetak/online/homepage/blog antara Juni 2007 hingga 13 Oktober 2007 (untuk kategori masyarakat umum)
4. Tulisan/artikel sesuai dengan tema yang ditentukan
5. Setiap peserta dapat mengirimkan maksimum 3 (tiga) judul artikel
6. Karya tulis tidak sedang diikutsertakan dalam lomba sejenis
7. Lomba ini tidak diperuntukkan bagi Panitia XL Award 2007 Writing & Photo Competition

Kriteria Penjurian

1. Kedalaman tulisan
2. Aktualitas dan relevansi masalah yang ditulis
3. Akurasi konten
4. Penggunaan bahasa
5. Obyektivitas (ketidakberpihakan) dalam menganalisa
6. Magnitude tulisan

Lomba Karya Foto

Tema Foto

1. Selular dan Kebutuhan Masyarakat Telekomunikasi
2. Edukasi dari Operator Selular kepada pelanggan dan masyarakat
3. Penerapan 3G dalam kehidupan sehari-hari
4. Keberadaan Jaringan Telekomunikasi dalam Mendukung Pembangunan Daerah
5. Kepedulian Industri Seluler kepada Masyarakat dan Pelanggan

Persyaratan

1. Fotografer diharuskan mengirim 2 lembar foto ukuran 30 x 20 telah dipublikasikan di:
   
   • Media cetak nasional/daerah  (khusus wartawan). Bukti cetak harap dilampirkan.
   • Blog pribadi dan umum (khusus untuk peserta umum)
2. Kurun waktu pemuatan adalah Juni 2007 s/d 13 Oktober 2007
3. Fotografer diperbolehkan mengirimkan maksimal 3 jenis foto yang akan dilombakan dengan mencantumkan tema foto dan caption foto pada sehelai kertas yang direkatkan dan dilipat di bagian bawah foto.
4. Karya foto tidak sedang diikutsertakan dalam lomba sejenis.
5. Permukaan foto yang dikirimkan harus bersih dari tulisan.
6. Identitas fotografer harus ditulis di amplop yang meliputi:
   
   • Nama
   • Alamat (kodepos)
   • Telepon/handphone
   • Alamat email
7. Lomba ini tidak diperuntukkan bagi Panitia XL Award 2007 Writing & Photo Competition

Kriteria Penilaian

1. Kesesuaian dengan tema
2. Visualisasi
3. Teknik foto

Pengiriman Hasil Karya dan Pengumuman

1. Hasil karya artikel tulis dan foto serta bukti pemuatan (menuliskan alamat URL bagi peserta umum yang mempublikasikan tulisan atau fotonya melalui blog/website) dikirimkan ke Panitia XL Award 2007 Writing & Photo Competition: KATA Komunika (cq AAJKomunika), Jl. Yado I Villa Z1B, Radio Dalam, Jakarta Selatan 12140, Telp. 0217231149, 0217264537.
2. Soft copy karya tulis (MS Word) dan foto (maksimum 2MB) dikirimkan ke: XLAward@xl.co.id
3. Peserta kategori wartawan/umum diminta untuk mengirimkan bukti tulisan/foto yang telah dipublikasikan ke panitia lomba dan diterima panitia selambat-lambatnya 16 Oktober 2007 (cap pos)
4. PR Agency, XL dan para juri akan memutuskan pemenang pada akhir Oktober 2007.
5. Pengumuman pemenang diadakan pada akhir Oktober 2007. (Waktu akan ditentukan kemudian)

Pemenang dan Hadiah Lomba
XL Writing & Photo Competition 2007 akan memilih juara 1, 2, 3 masing-masing kategori: Karya Tulis Wartawan, Karya Foto Wartawan, Karya Tulis Umum, dan Karya Foto Umum

Hadiah

1. Juara Pertama
   Rp 18.000.000,-, beserta Sertifikat, Hadiah Hiburan, Voucher Isi Ulang XL Rp.200.000,-/bulan selama 6 bulan
   
2. Juara Kedua
   Rp 13.000.000,- beserta Sertifikat, Hadiah Hiburan, Voucher Isi Ulang XL  Rp.200.000,-/bulan selama 6 bulan
   
3. Juara Ketiga
   Rp   7.000.000,-, beserta Sertifikat, Hadiah Hiburan, Voucher Isi Ulang XL Rp.200.000,-/bulan selama 6 bulan

*source: website XL

Pas iseng browsing kompas.com, headline paling atas judulnya "Warga Pondok Indah Tolak Pembangunan Bus TransJakarta". Alasannya ya jelas aja, jalan arteri pondok indah kan cuma 2 jalur. Kebayang ga sih klo dibikin 1 jalur utk busway? Jalanan itu aja hari biasa uda macet2an, masa mao dibikin tambah macet lagi?

Menurut kompas.com sih warga2 pondok indah uda nyiapin pengacara utk nuntut pemprov di pengadilan melalui "class action". Entah lah apa namanya. Klo jawaban dari Gubernur Sutiyoso sih--kurang lebih spt ini; "yg menolak kan cuma warga kaya, yg miskin lbh membutuhkan transport cepat".

Agak membingungkan jg sih, Pondoh Indah kan dikenal sbg kawasan elit, kebayang ga sih klo tiba2 jalan arteri-nya penuh halte bus?

Link

Link

Apakah diantara teman2 ada yg menggunakan layanan indosat juga sebagai operator telepon genggamnya? Apakah kemaren sekitar jam 3-5 sore sinyalnya hilang/bermasalah? Ada masalah apa ya? Terus terang gw sebel banget. Uda beberapa kali problem ini terjadi, dan disaat gw lagi butuh buat hubungin nyokap gw! Amit2 deh.. kayaknya gw mo beralih ke operator lain. Ada saran?

Duh iya ngaku, dulu pertama kali bikin account di Multiply gara2 apa ya? Pengen balesin komen buat orang2 yg uda komen di view point eve, hehehe.. Berhubung baru dan jujur, agak males utak-atik Multiply, jadi keterusan deh dodolnya.. tiap kali selalu ngeluh "duh ni Multiply apaan sih, navigasinya susah bener, smuanya serba warna-warni, jadi bingung sebenernya ada apa aja sih??"

Ternyata.. I missed some personal messages, a lot of invitations... doh doh.. maaf ya teman2 klo kelamaan accept-nya, bukan maksudnya sombong, tapi emang ga tau klo ada notification itu hihihihi...

Sekarang uda ngerti dikit2, jadi ya... salam kenal smuanya!!

Wise story...

Pada suatu hari di salah satu TK (taman kanak-kanak), guru TK tersebut mengadakan "permainan" menyuruh anak muridnya membawa kantong plastik transparan 1 buah dan kentang. Masing-masing kentang tersebut di beri nama berdasarkan nama orang yang dibenci, sehingga jumlah kentangnya tidak di tentukan berapa...tergantung jumlah orang2 yg dibenci.

Pada hari yang disepakati masing2 murid membawa kentang dalam kantong plastik. Ada yang berjumlah 2, ada yang 3 bahkan ada yang 5. Seperti perintah guru mereka tiap2 kentang di beri nama sesuai nama orang yang dibenci. Murid2 harus membawa kantong plastik berisi kentang tersebut kemana saja mereka pergi bahkan ke toilet sekalipun selama 1 minggu.

Hari berganti hari kentang2 pun mulai membusuk, murid2 mulai mengeluh, apalagi yang membawa 5 buah kentang, selain berat, baunya juga tidak sedap.

Setelah 1 minggu murid2 TK tersebut merasa lega karena penderitaan mereka akan segera berakhir.

Guru:"Bagaimana rasanya membawa kentang selama 1 minggu?"

Keluarlah keluhan dari murid2 TK tersebut, pada umumnya mereka tidak merasa nyaman harus membawa kentang2 busuk tersebut kemanapun mereka pergi.

Guru pun menjelaskan apa arti dari "permainan" yang mereka lakukan.

Guru: "Seperti itulah kebencian yang selalu kita bawa-bawa apabila kita tidak bisa memaafkan orang lain."

Sungguh sangat tidak menyenangkan membawa kentang busuk kemanapun kita pergi. Itu hanya 1 minggu bagaimana jika kita membawa kebencian itu seumur hidup? Alangkah tidak nyamannya...

Sebuah penelitian dari Richel Dursin (Maria Richelda B. Langit Dursin- Mahasiswa S2 LTBI).

ENGLISH-ONLY POLICY DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD

"Speak English only! If you speak in your home language, you will be suspended!" This policy is common in schools all over the world, including Indonesia.

Believing that immersion in English is the most effective way to learn the language, teachers compel their students to speak only in English and ban them from speaking in their mother tongue. Students who break their school's English-only rule are often suspended, asked to pay a penalty, made to stand outside the classroom or are taken to the principal's office to be reprimanded.

By pushing students to only speak English, teachers believe their students will learn to read and write more quickly in the language and thus advance in their studies faster. They also think that the younger these students are immersed in English, the more proficient they will be in the language. For them, early age is a strong foundation and the earlier children master English, the better their chances of succeeding. An old argument is that children's brains are more flexible than adults, thus making it easier for them to learn additional languages.

The differences in the rate of second language acquisition, however, may reflect psychological and social factors rather than biological ones. The measure of success in language learning also cannot be determined only by the amount of exposure received.

By forbidding students to speak in their mother tongue, teachers are doing them more harm than good.

Prominent linguist Jim Cummins argues that forcing students to speak only English in school is disadvantageous to children. Such a policy, he says, denies students the opportunity to maintain their home languages as inheritances and as important parts of their cultural identities. Students lose a vital aspect of themselves when they are coerced to leave their native language and culture at the schoolhouse door. As a result, they can suffer from the loss of identity or alienation from their parents, grandparents and other family members.

By forcing students to discard a part of who they are, educators are immersing them under water without teaching them how to swim.

Imagine a teacher who keeps explaining a lesson in English to students who only understand Bahasa Indonesia. Can the students grasp the lesson? Children cannot learn through a language they do not understand. They listen passively, stare blankly at the teacher and are unable to actively participate in discussions and activities.

Worldwide, schools still have a long way to go before children's mother tongues are considered resources to be nurtured rather than problems to be solved. Educators should keep in mind that a strong home language supports the learning of a second one.

Instead of enforcing English-only policies, educators should build on the student's language and knowledge foundations in order to provide them with a fruitful learning experience.

If the home language is strong, the second language will also be strong. Students learn English or acquire a second language more rapidly and effectively if they maintain and develop their proficiency in their mother tongue. When children are able to develop their mother tongue vocabulary and concepts, they come to school well-prepared to learn English or another language and succeed educationally.

Studies have revealed that there is a direct connection between proficiency in the mother tongue and proficiency in the second language. The child can broaden his or her experience and learn more even through other languages in his wider environment once a solid educational foundation is laid in his first language. Research has also shown that many skills acquired in the first language can be transferred to the second language.

Noted educator Stephen Krashen says it is easier to learn to read in a language we understand and that once we can read in one language, we can read in general. Likewise, the skill of being able to plan out a piece of writing can be applied in the second language once it has been learned in the first. Thus, when students continue to gain abilities in two languages throughout the primary school years, they develop a more thorough understanding of language and how to use it effectively.

Teaching in English only is not a panacea for English learners and the recognition of the mother tongue is an essential aspect of any successful additional language learning approach. Teachers have a responsibility to nurture, not destroy their students' mother tongues.

Providing mother tongue classes is one way of nurturing students' home languages. Teachers do not need to be the only ones teaching in the classroom. They can ask for help from parents and other members of the school community. Parents should picture themselves as partners with the school in teaching children their native language. At home, parents can read to their children in their mother tongue and provide reference materials in their own language. Learning does not just occur within the four walls of the classroom.

Another way of fostering students' mother tongue is by creating a multi-literate print environment in the classroom. Although monolingual teachers cannot teach students' native languages, they can build a multi-literate community. They can also create opportunities for students to share children's literature in their first language and have some signs written in different languages. These steps may seem small, but they can have a big and positive impact on students' appreciation of their native languages, as well as their second-language learning.

The writer is a postgraduate student of Applied English Linguistics and also the Primary Years Program coordinator of Sekolah Bina Nusantara. She can be reached at mdursin@binus-school-jkt.sch.id

She's got very good point, hasn't she?

Menurut berita yg tersebar dari mulut-ke-mulut, forward-an SMS... akhirnya gw dapetin berita Rencana Penutupan Sogo Plaza Indonesia di Suara Pembaruan news;

[JAKARTA] Pengelola Sogo Department Store akan menutup gerainya di Plaza Indonesia mulai 28 Februari 2007. Rencana penutupan Sogo, yang sudah beroperasi di sana sejak 1 Maret 1990, karena PT Panen Lestari Internusa (PLI) sebagai induk perusahaan department store itu memutuskan tidak meneruskan sewa gedung di Plaza Indonesia.

Sejak dibuka, Sogo yang menjadi pionir tumbuhnya gerai berkelas premium, berkembang di sejumlah kota-kota besar. Di Jakarta, selain di Plaza Indonesia juga terdapat di Kelapa Gading Jakarta, Pondok Indah, dan Plaza Senayan. Perusahaan itu juga membuka gerai di Surabaya, Denpasar, Medan, dan Bandung

Pengembangan tersebut pun telah menyerap cukup banyak tenaga kerja. Jika pada tahun 1990, Sogo hanya memiliki 500 pekerja, pada tahun 2007 jumlah pekerjanya telah mencapai 3.200. Khusus di Sogo, Plaza Indonesia terdapat 362 karyawan.

Berkait rencana penutupan Sogo Department Store di Plaza Indonesia, dalam siaran pers Serikat Pekerja Mandiri Sogo Indonesia, yang diterima Pembaruan, Selasa (13/2), di Jakarta, menimbulkan keresahan para pekerjanya. Ratusan pekerja itu resah lantaran, sampai saat ini, pihak PLI tidak memberikan penjelasan mengenai jumlah pekerja yang akan dimutasikan ke gerai Sogo lainnya atau yang akan dikenakan pemutusan hubungan kerja (PHK).

Aneh

Menurut dia, rencana penutupan Sogo Plaza Indonesia dirasakan aneh karena pada saat bersamaan PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk selaku pemilik 90 persen saham PT PLI berencana membuka gerai baru bernama Seibu di Grand Indonesia yang berseberangan dengan Plaza Indonesia.

Seibu adalah gerai yang termasuk ritel premium terbesar di Indonesia. Pembukaan gerai Seibu di Grand Indonesia membutuhkan sekitar 800 pekerja. "Makanya, kami minta keadilan bagi para karyawan Sogo Plaza Indonesia karena tidak ada jaminan mengenai kelangsungan hubungan kerja mereka dengan pihak PT PLI," ujar Odie.

dengan pihak serikat pekerja untuk membahas penutupan Sogo Plaza Indonesia dan dampaknya terhadap para pekerja. Dalam pertemuan itu tidak ada penjelasan mengenai berapa jumlah pekerja yang dimutasikan dan berapa yang bakal terkena PHK.

Sebelumnya, perusahaan pun memanggil secara diam-diam 34 pekerja untuk menerima pemecatan tanpa melibatkan serikat pekerja. Dari 34 pekerja tersebut dapat dipastikan adalah para pekerja yang memiliki kondite dan prestise yang baik selama bekerja. Bahkan ada di antaranya yang menjadi pekerja terbaik di Sogo.

Mereka menolak rencana pemecatan tersebut, sehingga menimbulkan keresahan. Upaya meredam keresahan telah dilakukan pengurus Serikat Pekerja Mandiri Sogo Indonesia dengan mengeluarkan sebuah maklumat. Namun upaya tersebut malah ditanggapi negatif oleh direksi. Ketua SPM Sogo Indonesia, Patris Jaya dan Andhika, Ketua Sogo Cabang Plaza Indonesia diberi teguran keras dan diancam PHK. [J-9]

Good news nya sih.. konon.. karena uda mo tutup tgl 1 Maret 2007 nanti, maka Sogo Plaza Indonesia ini mengadakan sale up to 70% atau cuci gudang sampe tgl 28 Februari 2007. Jadi ya.. buruan deh klo butuh barang2.. hehehe..

Menurut gw sih Sogo PI ini termasuk yg sedikit barang2nya dibandingin sama Sogo PS ato PIM 2 (disini ga ada Sony Center, Kinokuniya, atau Apple Store). Berikut brand2 yg bisa gw inget... Burberry, Salvatore Ferragano, Samsonite, GUESS, Giordano, Crocodile, Polo, (X) SML, Braun Buffel, Shiseido, Biotherm, Boots, SK II, Swarovski...

Happy hunting!

Gw termasuk orang yg hobi dapet gratisan dan suka nyoba2, jadi ya suka ikut berbagai macam online quiz yg gampang dan payless, hehehe. Emang sih chances buat menang kan kecil, tp ya coba2 aja terus. Sampe akhirnya hari Kamis kemaren, tgl 8 Februari 2007, gw dpt kiriman buku dari majalah Femina. Sempet bingung, tapi ada suratnya, yg blg gw salah satu pemenang quiz di femina-online.com hehehe...

Belum sempet baca2 sih, baru awal2nya doank, dari judulnya sih: "SEE JANE LEAD: 99 KIAT SUKSES MEMIMPIN BAGI PEREMPUAN" karya Lois Frankel, Ph.D keliatannya menarik untuk dibaca. Cuma agak membosankan juga ya, apa mgkn ilmunya belum nyampe?

Sebenernya gw termasuk orang yg demen baca, tapi entah kenapa sejak kuliah rasanya malessss bgt baca buku lagi, malah demennya majalah hehe.. abis bayangin aja klo baca textbook2 dan diktat2 kuliah gw yg tebel. wekz.. rasanya butuh hiburan lah yaw.. hehehe.

Mudah2an aja gw bisa selesai membaca buku ini (mgkn ga dalam waktu dekat) dan memberikan sedikit review kali yah. Hopefully..