Bring Home Posh Animal!

Liven up your home by applying this individual, distinctive and unique Lotus Arts de Vivre products. What do you think? Last October, Niklas Von Bueren himself was coming to town, to promote this instantly recognizable and collectible products, at Grand Hyatt Jakarta.

Lotus Arts de Vivre specializes in exclusively designed, handcrafted luxury jewelry, accessories and home decoration products. Their style is blending far east asian art with modernized function and sensibility. Said, the products are individual, distinctive and unique.

Lotus Arts de Vivre has signature stores in Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia. Their representatives based in Hong Kong, Japan, UK, and USA. Should you interested more, check out their site.

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Coming Soon, New President Is About To Revealed

Just another fun while the world waits for the result to be revealed. Who will be the president? Not Paris for sure. Otherwise the world would turn pink(ish).

But first things first. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pick out a vice- president... I'm thinking [the singer-songwriter] Rihanna." Only then does she sign off. "I'll see you at the White House. Oh, and I might paint it pink. I hope that's cool with you guys."

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

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Indonesia in Bazaar Fashion Concerto 2008

“Bazaar Fashion Concerto 2008” was held in Plenary Hall – Jakarta Convention Centre last Thursday (23 October 2008), to commemorate the Indonesian legendary singer Chrisye. It is a biannual event of Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia magazine; this year's event theme was “Tanah Air” (motherland, local term literally translated as earth - water), as an appreciation of Indonesian artists especially in fashion and music. Designers contributing to the shows are Adrian Gan, Didi Budiardjo, Norman Ang, and Rinaldy A. Yunardi. Glenn Fredly, Lea Simanjuntak, Waljinah dan Gita Gutawa were accompanied by Erwin Gutawa Orchestra performing Chrisye’s golden hits in orchestral arrangements. And Jay Subijakto creatively directed the show.















{Glen Fredly, Lea Simanjuntak, Waljinah, and Gita Gutawa}

It is quite a blend of show between fashion and music, with some accentuation of singer’s characters that successfully hypnotizing audience. If you happened to know Waljinah (how I love her!), she was performing the song Semusim in her very own Javanese traditional singing style in orchestra. Glen Fredly, Gita Gutawa, and Lea Simanjuntak were also grabbing big applause to deliver Chrisye’s hits in their style.

Fashion shows was, I better let you have your own idea by seeing some of the shots below. It is indeed a show of exploration of Indonesian culture in theme. Designer Norman Ang (related to Heliopolis) was bringing the series of Indonesian cultural heritage entitled as Mahardika Imajinasi Ekspresi (expression imagination freedom). It was sown in an ancient Indonesian royal parade style.










{Kelana Apo Kayan, from Didi Budiarjo}

The romantic gown designer Didi Budiarjo was lively interpreting the theme Kelana Apo Kayan as a series of adventures of Dayak’s material and colors (Borneo’s local tribe). It was indeed a series of casual, elegant, and colorful gowns, which to my simple opinion as a futuristic modern Indonesian culture based gowns. Definitely having Indonesian flavors.

Cakra Manggilingan is the theme of Rinaldy A Yunardi’s collection performing drama of life. He explored materials, like peacock’s feather etc. and creating body size iconic symbols. To mention his series as a show is quite an understatement. Unfortunately I could not show you much better pictures, my excuse.

And so with Adrian Gan that was presenting a collection called Lembayung Nusantara. You would found the daily Indonesia in his gowns collection. Continue >>

Learning Bahasa, Learning Foreign Language

Many of you might have chances to learn other foreign language. Spanish, French, Dutch, Deutch, Mandarin, Yiddish, ... Those who commuting between countries, having a regular contact with foreigner, I believe, will have a self motivation to learn the related foreign language(s). It takes not only time, but also dedication to learn. And said, having a clear idea of why we are learning a language can help to motivate us in our studies.

English is (almost) always useful, but probably you will found out that speaking English doesn't mean everything. In meetings for example, the people on the other side can discuss things amongst themselves in their own language without the English speakers understanding, and using interpreters slows everything down. In any socializing after the meetings, the locals will probably feel more comfortable using their own language rather than English.


{Found in Youtube a funny 'play' of Australian students in Bahasa. I just realize that the word aduh and asik could be something 'matter' too. Haha.}

Thanks to technology called internet, and globalization, nowadays we could easily pick up some new understanding of other languages. Practical tips to learn the language, how to's, vocabulary & materials, translation service offers, and even reasons on learning other languages are abundantly available to be use.

Although learning resources available both online and at many learning centrals, lack of confidence in practicing the language could hold you back from not speaking out loud the new language. If you are learning any foreign language now, keep on practicing though, and do not mind others laughing on you, I would suggest. And don't let yourself entrapped in an instant-translation-software, available online or in your gadget. Once I have been dealing with a Chinese from Taiwan that does not speaks English or Bahasa, and I do not speaks any Chinese languages. Can you imagine, it was very frustrating hours of meeting, exchanging instant-translated-messages? You bet! Glad, there was something called 'body language' that could be very useful. I was unable to talk deeper, until I met someone else to interpret.

You know, if we do not want to learn the language, we won’t. If we do want to learn the language, take control. Choose content of interest, that we want to listen to and read. Seek out the words and phrases that we need to understand our listening and reading. Do not wait for someone else to show us the language, nor to tell what to do. Discover the language by ourself, like a child growing up. Talk when you feel like it. Write when you feel like it. A teacher cannot teach us to become fluent, but we can learn to become fluent if we want to.

Relax and enjoy yourself! That's what I believe. I myself still learn and keep on learning by listening to foreign language radios, and sometimes read foreign books. And well, do not worry about what we cannot remember, or cannot yet understand, or cannot yet say. It does not matter. We are learning and improving. The language will gradually become clearer in our brain, but this will happen on a schedule that we cannot control. So sit back and enjoy. Just make sure that we spend enough time with the language. That is the greatest guarantee of success.



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A Better Night (Could) Starts From A Better Tip

Hanging out on weekend with a bunch of crowd is always fun! There will always be jokes around, something come up to talks, and it could run much more when you have drinks to loosen up. But hey, there is also a few rules to understand, to make your night goes starry and fine. Mind to be a considerate patron who treats bartenders well and (most likely) you will be treated well in return. Whether you frequent a bar, pub, club, or dive you can have a much better night if you're on good terms with the bartender instead of acting like a jerk, and barfing all over your mate. Before, here some tips to share.

HOW TO GET SOME SERVICE AROUND?!
All you really need to do to get waited on is make eye contact with your money out, and have a bit of patience. If it's taking a while, a wave, nod or polite "Pardon me" will do. DON'T wave your money, whistle, snap, tap your glass on the bar, yell out the bartender's first name, or call them "pal", "buddy", "honey." Those are good ways to get a dog's attention, not a human's.

HAVE YOUR SHIT TOGETHER
Know your order before you go up. If you don't know what beers they serve, find a menu, list, or take a look at what's draft or the bottles on the wall. When you step up, give your entire order instead of announcing a new drink as each one's served. This is especially important in large groups. It's better to have 1 person walk up with six drink orders than six individual orders—it saves time and brain power. Have your money ready when the server gives you your drinks. If you're unsure how much that should be, ask while they're pouring.

MAKE YOURSELF MEMORABLE (IN A GOOD WAY THOUGH)
Two easy ways to make sure a bartender remembers you is to tip well and keep returning to the same one. A smile, wink, or nod are always pleasant but don't take over the bar flirting too seriously. They're used to being hit on by drunken mutants and are probably only being nice to give you better service for a higher tip. Chat sincerely with them if they start conversation, otherwise, just wait patiently and always say "please" and "thank you" when getting your drinks. Didn't your mother teach you anything?

DON'T BE HIGH MAINTENANCE
Cool it with the high maintenance shooters already. Don't order unknown or complicated shits that will only confuse and keep your server busy. Also, unless you're on friendly terms with the bartender, don't say "make it strong!" That implies that they makes weak drinks (which is insulting) and may get you a weak drink or one that tastes like rubbing alcohol.

SOME TIPS ON TIPPING
$1 per drink is average. $2 per drink is good (especially if the drink takes time to make). $3+ a drink makes you stand out. But first impressions are important, so always tip well on the first round of drinks. It'll pay off in quicker service, better drinks, and the occasional free one. Remember to tip, especially if the server gives you a free drink or round.
Not tipping is NEVER OK. You may think it's outrageous to pay someone an extra dollar for an already over-priced beer just for opening it, but that's just part of the game. If you're not going to tip (bad form indeed), don't spend too much time apologizing for it. Just walk away with your drinks, and send someone else up to the bar next time.

TABS AND FREE DRINKS
Running a tab is sometimes a good idea as sometimes bartenders won't remember to charge you for every drink. It's a bad idea however, if the server overcharges you and you're too drunk to remember what you had. So, as a general rule, remember how much you've charged on a tab. If the server undercharges you, tip well. If they overcharge you, state your case and listen to theirs. If a certain bartender usually charges you less on a tab, ask for them to handle it for you. If someone you're not used to runs your tab and doesn't give you free drinks, suck it up and pay the tab. Complaining that the other guy normally hooks you up may get him into hot water or make you look like a cheap ass who doesn't deserve free drinks to begin with.

{Photos: 1. La Biere Des Collines. 2 De Koninck. 3. Lindemans' Geuse & Kriek.} Continue >>

Verry Idham Henyansyah Affair

He is not Dutroux, neither Robert Pickton, and not even proved to be the killer, yet. But Verry Idham Henyansyah a.k.a. Ryan does the papers headlines nationwide. While the police investigation is ongoing, the ball is keep rolling. It was reported today, that he is also strongly suspected as the killer of the twelfth.

Ryan is the main suspect in the mutilation case of Heri Santoso (40) whose body parts (consisting of seven parts) were found in a suitcase, a backpack and a plastic bag in two locations in Jalan Kebagusan Raya, Pasar Minggu, East Jakarta, on July 12, 2008. He is also the main suspect in the murders of nine others whose bodies were found buried in the backyard of his father`s house in Maijo hamlet, Jatiwates village, Jombang district East Java.

Ryan who is 30-year-old Koran recital teacher, grabs public attention soon after he was arrested on Jul 15 - four days after the police found the cut up body parts of Heri Santoso. The Jakarta Post reported that Henyansyah confessed to stabbing and dismembering the 40-year-old man in the former’s rented apartment after the victim insisted on being introduced to the suspect’s boyfriend, Noval Andreas, 28.

According to Antara, National Police spokesman Abubakar Nataprawira said Verry Idham Henyansyah, the main suspect in a serial killing and mutilation case, may face the death penalty. The suspect would be prosecuted on charges of breaching article 340 of the Criminal Code which was punishable by 20 years in jail, life or death. "I think, the element of premeditation exists in the case. It is impossible for him to kill ten people if he had not planned it," the police spokesman said. Nataprawira said besides article 340, Ryan had also breached article 339 of the Criminal Code on murder accompanied by other crimes. This article carried a punishment of up to 15 years in jail.

Media reports, the suspect suffers not only from rage fits but has kept the belongings of the victims such as motorbikes, laptops, mobile phones and jewelry which have been retrieved from his house and his close relatives. Meanwhile, pro and counter opinions offered by a slew of experts such as psychiatrists, psychologist, criminologists and other academicians have been quoted by the mainstream media eager to devote substantial space and air time to the case. It shifted their focus on the psychopathic aspects of Ryan’s personality and homosexuality's nature.

Furthermore, openly LGBT organisations, such as Arus Pelangi, Gaya Nusantara and many others, have come under intense scrutiny by the media; in the end of July and early August no day passed without a phone call from a TV station or newspaper requesting for an interview or invitation for a (live) talkshow. Arus Pelangi has had to assign several spokespersons to fill the demand. It had the difficult task to counter all these unsavory pronouncements coming from experts, religious leaders and law enforcers. It is also reported that the police raided gay hang out places with the official reason was to look for people who knew Henyansyah. More details, here. Continue >>

Jakarta On Ramadhan

• Daily traffic jam before and after office hour is a bit changing. No jamming, at least on the first day Holy Month of Ramadhan. You can easily notice during lunch time, not much cars driving for lunch.
• During the fasting month period, beggars and homeless invade Jakarta. Said, people suddenly turned to be kind-hearted. So you know what to do, when you are on the streets.
• 3.000 Ta’Jil (certain menus typically served to break the fasting) served for free by the biggest mosque in town, Masjid Istiqlal. And if you are in public places around the fast breaking minutes, or even in a restaurant's queue, you will get Ta'Jil as part of their service. Don't get surprised.
• Please note that all discos, clubs, bars, massage-parlours, amusement centers, and alike, closed totally. Except the family recreation center. People have things to do other than, or they have other destination: Bali and Singapore.
• At least 3.000 police officers set up to anticipate sweeping by certain civil organization during Ramadhan and Eid ul-Fitr. Browse the net on what could be happened, when some people taking 'responsibility' in guarding The Holy Month.
• This year, Jakarta's government holding Festival Ramadhan at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta. Thee are at least 250 stands prepared, selling anything related to Ramadhan, include daily needs. This event will be held from 4pm - 10 pm, till 21 September 2008.
• And we shall see if Jakarta will fighting for purity and faith this year, like written last year.
Selamat menunaikan ibadah puasa! Continue >>

ARIS is Indonesian Idol 2008

So world, we have the result for Indonesian Idol 2008. As many predicted since the first day audition, well ... audition screening to be precise for us spectators, Januarisman Runtuwene is The Idol 2008. You might heard that he was a 'street singer', and gain the rough but powerful vocal character thru singing in the regional train (KRL). Right before the winning moment on the result's show (Saturday evening), his mother wished him to be humble and to keep on praying, as her mother notice that he was forgotten that. While on his personal gratitude he thanks his wife and daughter for support.

He has the vocal to be admitted. But some are complaining that he has no attitude, even gratitude. It turned out when he visited several media socializing and promoting the event. He was not respecting people, and so difficult to manage. Even some of his supporters do not like his overall look. One of the consideration is that he will also perform in the coming Asian Idol, where vocal is not the first to be judged. Perhaps as he win the game, several grooming session and treatment to shape him up will follow. Will he also be equipped and improved with the winner personal character? Hopefully. Life will never be the same for him. Kudos, Aris!


{A clip from the third performance on final, this is the same song that could made Titi DJ, the jury, to drop some tears on his audition. More of his performances to download, here} Continue >>

5th Jakarta Wedding Festival 2008

Regarding your coming wedding, or honeymoon (again), why don't you visit the 5th Jakarta Wedding Festival 2008? Taking place in Jakarta Convention Centre Jl. Jendral Gatot Subroto (Assembly Hall 1,2,3), this event will be held on July 24th - July 27th, 2008.


{Designed by Lotus Decor Jakarta}

Although there are several other wedding exhibitions along the year, this event is definitely the most anticipated wedding fair, several wedding vendors said. Choices of wedding venues, honeymoon hotels, bridal houses, suits, photography services, catering services, etc. are ready to welcome you with 'friendly' packages and freebies. Array of participants design their space the way they are actually (or philosophically), to seduce you all to spend some time in their space. Now, would you?
Further details: 62-21 310 7117. Organized by: PT Dyandra Promosindo Continue >>

Didi Budiardjo: Paramour

Didi Budiardjo was showing Paramour, his evening and wedding collection 2008-2009, at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta (23/07). He create hour glass silhouette collection, ranging from slim till spectacularly volume, using material such as chiffon, taffeta, lace, tulle, shantung and organza. The 46 gown and 20 kid’s gown was presented in Paris atmosphere at the 50’s, with the stage designed as a French-garden alike. He brought down the fairy tale world to real, as he is renowned so far.



"Designing with love, experimenting with new thoughts, as well as finding some innovations and new developments, it is inspired by Dior's flowery gown, flower fragrance of Jollie Madame perfume (Pierre Balmain), and the 50's haute couture," the Atelier Fleuri Delaporte Paris alumnus (1991) told. Joining him yesterday was Peter Saerang for make up and hair do, Rinaldy A. Yunardi for accessories, and Fendy Wong Hand Made Shoes. Continue >>

Sari's Farm: Gaze of Tranquility in Greenery

Visiting Sari’s Farm, on Friday afternoon, started my last weekend. Sari’s Farm is a valley-like 7000-m2 tropical garden, located in Bojong Neros, Semplak, Bogor. As the name suggest, it is owned by Sari Narulita, the editor-in-chief of Star Media Group (Indonesian Her World, Shape, and Maxim magazine), Indonesia. It is another way she did, to what it takes to inspire women.


{Imagine, brunch on an easy Sunday morning, and hear the singing bird, whispering leaves, and enjoy the breeze}

Her passion in doing the farm was started in 1991, when she bought the land. And now she wants to share it, by giving you the chance to hold an event in her farm, such as a farm weekend escape or outdoors party. To give an idea, many collections of plants are well treated and organized planted, with notes of plants' name/detail in this mini botanical. You may expect variety of exotic flowers like Heliconia’s, Ginger’s, Calathea’s, Amarilys, etc., accompanied by the greenery, and freshness air to breath.




Apart from the one hour drive from Jakarta (20 minutes drive from Bogor) and minimum direction signboards, please be aware of the rain. Renting Villa (3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen) is IDR 1.200.000,-/day, while Launching/Gathering/Seminar Package starting from IDR. 2.500.000,-/day. Further details, please refer to Sari’s Farm. Continue >>

Proposal of Essential Image

Een maand werken voor 1,3 iced lattes per dag
* Nog even voor wie wil weten hoe het is om in een islamitisch land naar Sex and the City the Movie te gaan: de censoren leken netjes te hebben geknipt - als er al blootscènes misten, hebben we dat niet gemerkt. Zinnen als ‘the guy had funky tasting spunk‘ kunnen hier ook gewoon. Enige verschil: de zaal lag elke keer in een deuk als er zoenende mannen in beeld waren.

Being a country with the biggest Moslem's population, is quite an image. But somehow it’s become a sort of responsibility. Many with concerns would do their best to save the nation’s integrity and moral standard. Eyes of the nation are on the movie industry, although the days of sensual, erotic, and bed-sizzling Indonesian movies that appeared in the late 80s and early 90s are over. Apparently, censoring movies, banning, even street demonstrating by certain religion or student association movement are all done in several cases. One would said it's annoying and wasting time. Changing the channel, or just get the next show will be the suggestion to mind. Let me quote Indonesian Dream's thought of movie banning case as an extra insight.

"I also find it very funny with the fact that overseas erotic movies can freely enter the mainstream media of Indonesia with ease, but a copy version with local taste is treated with fury. Doesn’t it defeat the purpose?"

Being said that Indonesian youths are already morally corrupted in every way, is such a moral tragedy. I am not a moralist, I think. Yet I have no objection to the idea of keeping moral standard, to save the integrity and moral of young Indonesians. Someone should do this. We are not talking about the older generation integrity and moral here anyway. Unfortunately I do not see this effort done essentially, structurally, and continuously. Having the censorship institution doing their job is indeed not enough. Clear guidance (rules) on public performances is important, for the audience and the entertainment workers itself. But obviously age restriction is not enough believed to protect the Nation’s youth. Or is it being common that people couldn’t judge things as it should be and react maturely? What so funny is that many who criticize did not watching the controversial movie yet. Silly but true.

I don’t know why not village elders or the religious leaders taking control of their congregation. Those could teach them for God’s sake, right? And moreover making sure if they are understood and passing the normal-behaviour-tendency-of reactions-test (is there any such things?). Yes, moral and integrity are values come from within. Ironically people are proud to show off values they believe rather than working their faith personally. It is more important to have an image, than to hold a real value. If it is just my naïve thought. Continue >>

Midnight Shopping

Did you all had fun on midnight shopping last Friday? It was two night before it is officially launched by the newest the city's governor, but it did a real sensation. I was finally reaching Plaza Indonesia at 10pm, and you bet, it was quite a queue to get a parking space.

The promise of sales discounts of up to 90% in 180 participants shops only at the plaza seems well anticipated since it turned out to gather the most number of drooling shoppers from all corners of the city, I guess. They were checking out the galore of bargains at the special extended hours shopping. I thought that was another rise of Ayat-ayat Cinta, seeing those queue in front of several cashiers in Debenhams. And Gucci, who is across the brand new Louboutin, gaining another crowds after the sale couples week ago.

The scene with a numbers of content faces was a real madness fun. But some found it as a too crowded atmosphere, yet killing the mood to shop around. In fact, not all of the crowds getting down to shop though. Numerous people were passing and not buying a single thing, just people-watching. No reports of crime's act though. I didn't buy that every-ones-favorites-pillow that evening, at least. And the Jakarta Great Sale Festival will still going on at majors shopping center till 27 July 2008. Continue >>