The Three Malady Of A Man

On Saturday ago, when I accompany and entertaining best customers at a night club, I met my two best friends there. Then we gathered together at the bar, ordering beers and then... Cheers! Ha..ha... very enjoyable to drink together with friends, especially with the atmosphere full of music, lots of beautiful night worker ladies. Maybe just theatrical smile from the sadness heart, I think. My wife knows it so I don't have to worry ha..ha...(Psst... I said this is bussines interests).

While chat together, one of friends asking me an interesting question, and our chat are as below (translated in English):
Friend: "Tikno, did you know the three malady of a man? For no.1 & 2 I will pay it for you but for no.3 I will resign."
Me: "Ha..ha... another temptations. Why you are ready paying for no.1 & 2 but not to no.3? what's that?", I shouted.
Friend: "No.1 is drunkard. Money still safe until sprawl". Immediately other friend shouted "Agree! Let us drunk, we get a sponsor now", ha..ha...
Me: "What is no.2, hope sponsorship again"
Friend: (shouted with loud) "No.2 is playboy! The rest of money still safe because certainly you'll tired". Then we appoint to one another and shouted "You are playboy!" and everyone laugh with loud ha..ha...
Me: "and what is no.3, which it makes you resign?"
Friend: "No.3 is gambler! All money finished until grass root and the rest only a pants". Then all roar with laughter.

Hmm... just a light story of the madness male group for the night. After midnight we went home and all illusion was ended. Just temporary pleasure, because the real pleasure was when I arrived at home I saw my wife waiting for me.

Hi readers, what is the next malady from a man? Surely from you there is amazing replies especially from ladies. So, be careful man! Ha..ha....

Five things I am proud of

I am typing this post while accompanying my baby sleeping at night. Jim Belshaw from Personal Reflections site, as I read on his short profile is a manager, strategic consultant, freelance researcher and social commentator, has asked me to write about 5 things I am proud of. And below is my duty for Jim.

1) Become a father. I do not have a child during the first three-year marriage. Problem? maybe not in western but few bother here. In a relax chat people often ask "You have how much child?". While joke my best friend ever said "You not yet being a real father until you have a child". Hmm... an uncomfortable habit. But now I have Ely and Alexander. Maybe Jim or readers will be laughing at me for this one, ha... ha...
For fairness to Ely, I should takes her photos here like her brother Alexander at previous post, so that she does not jealous one day.


2) Not an unemployment. I will low-self if it happened.

3) Harmonious with my siblings. Care each other when in trouble. Of course I need harmony with other people but with own siblings is the fundamental thing.

4) My parents live with me. Yes, the Confucius philosophy has influencing my family.

5) My child successful in life. It is pride for me when seeing my child have an achievement at school and live more successful than their parents. Moreover if I can see my grandchild.

I also would like to say thank you to Ramana Rajgopaul from Ramana's Musings site for given me "One Lovely Blog Award". Lately I'm lack of sleep since Alexander was born but I'm happy that my duty for Jim and Ramana has been completed.

Alexander, New Born and The Miracle In The Womb

With happiness and cheerful I'm create this post because on Thursday 11 June 2009 at 10:20 pm (Indonesian time), I have a male baby, Alexander Guyana. Born with weight of 3 Kg & length 50 Cm. There are no words that can describe how happy I am with the whole family. Hopefully, the photos below able to describe of my beautiful moment.


My brother's wife, Lidya, tells me a site "Baby Names" to find out what is the meaning of the name "Alexander" and I find its meaning is: Defender Of The People.

Do you know of what I think when I see the birth of my baby? Have you ever imagine when you are in the womb? In there, a miracle was happened from an embryo become a perfect baby and LIVE. Yes, the life itself. TRUTHFULLY IN A MOTHER'S WOMB... GOD HAS SHOWED HIS GREATNESS TO HUMAN. AMEN!

Mother's Day - A Tribute for Mother

About Mother's job:
It's 24 hours job, NO pay, NO day off, SELDOM appreciated and IMPOSSIBLE to resign, but still proud be a mother.

Welcoming Mother's Day on these May, DO NOT put your mother to the Old people's home. Before you want to do that, HOLD ON! read this first!

So..., would you like to bring her back to her home-sweet-home for sharing the love, at least for these great moment. It's depend on you.

== Post Update 1 ==
Below, I quoted a part of comments from LaVonda R. Bailey in this post which I think is her call to us:

"... Women and children are always raped, killed and abused as a part of war and history proves this fact to be true. I have a problem with the government dropping bombs on women and children in Pakistan, because those are women who love and care for their children just like I do and it would be wrong for a country to drop bombs on my neighborhood and kill my children and we as women should believe and and work to stop war around the world so another women does not have to suffer the lost of love one or her home or security. WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND WE ARE ALL INTERCONNECTED NO MATTER WHAT COUNTRY WE LIVE IN WE ALL LIVE ON THE PLANET EARTH!!"

I think the sad situation on there for Mother's Day.

== Post Update 2 ==
I am very impressed to the post on Jeanne blog entitled: Mother's Day For Infertile Patients. Truly this post gives a different sense, as said by Jeanne in comment:
"...my Mother's Day post dedicated to infertile patients and the serious emotional impact of Mother's Day on them..."

In these Mother's Day moment, it could be a few couples who you met was being struggle in some kind of battle and you never know when your sincere words by saying Happy Mother's Day have an impact on their heart. Another challenge for Mother's Day.

Reflection From Hunger For Us

I found a video through Mel Avila Alarilla's blog. This video is truly very very touching and with humility I want to share with you, a tragedy for humanity.
See this film about the hunger and poverty brought by globalization: Chicken A La Carte, written, photographed and directed by Ferdinand Dimadura.

During life, do you ever felt hungry? How it feel? Did you stomach ache? A simple question for reflection! Maybe in your heart will say that I can only make this post and doubting to the real act. Well, I want to say that in the blogging world, here's what I can do and differ from what I have done in the real world, especially because I ever had experience where I only could eat once a day when young and living in a city far from family. Felt hungry and ashamed to request from parent because I have grown. That is my UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES and never forget. So, now I am truly grateful to God with what I have, even God gives more to me, especially a loving wife and a cute baby.

Do not feel low-self with what you have now because there's still a lot of people under you. Conversely, there is still the sky above the sky. If you feel touched by this post, with humility please spread this video on your blog by your own writing.

Swine Influenza - Watch Out!

I am surprised when reading Kaltim Post newspaper (Monday, 27 April 2009) about the outbreak of Swine Influenza virus (Swine Flu). Immediately I browse the internet to find more information about these outbreak, and here of what I found for sharing.

What is Swine Influenza ?
According to World Health Organization (WHO), Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza.

Apprehensive Outbreak
On April 25th 2009, upon the advice of the Emergency Committee called under the rules of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General declared this event as Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

On April 26th 2009, the Government of United States has reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 (8 in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio). All 20 cases have had mild Influenza-Like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Also as of 26 April, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.

On April 27th 2009, on second meeting of The Emergency Committee, considered available data on confirmed outbreaks of A/H1N1 swine influenza in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada. The Committee also considered reports of possible spread to additional countries. On the advice of the Committee, the WHO Director-General decided to raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4. The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

On April 28th 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Canada (6), New Zealand (3), United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

On April 29th 2009, the situation continues to evolve rapidly. Nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

Click here for daily updates from WHO about Swine Influenza and Click here to read frequently asked questions about Swine Influenza.

Meanwhile according to Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. dr. Siti Fadilah Supari, Sp.JP(K) to the journalist in the press conference about Swine Influenza (Tuesday, April 28th 2009, in Jakarta), this virus usually only live in cold areas that have four seasons. Possibility, H1N1 virus will not be able to live in the tropics such as Indonesia. However, the Ministry of Health has undertaken vigilance steps and prevention in order not to spread to Indonesia.

Why Vote for Nuances Religious Party Go Down

In Legislative Election 2009 in Indonesia, happened the trend of decreasing vote for party with religious nuance, both the nuances of Islam or Christian. This phenomena was attract me in making this post.

I see party in Indonesia can be divided into two parts that is, nuances religious and nuances moderate / nationalist. In the history of national scale election in Indonesia, party nuances Christian has not been able to show significant vote. This could be happened, perhaps because the percentage of Christians population is very small. Which is the interesting matter is, there was decreasing trend of vote for party nuances of Islam in Indonesia (the world's most populous Moslem), except PKS party. The success of PKS party to maintain their vote is because they have an effort to divert the issue of religious sentiment into general issue.

According to a researcher from The Indonesian Survey Institute (Lembaga Survei Indonesia / LSI), Burhanuddin Muhtadi (Jawa Pos newspaper, Saturday, April 11th 2009), analyze that the defeat is because among Islamic political party snatch the same base voters, so the vote obtained is decrease. "I call this cannibalism among Islamic political party. Mutually eat each other" said Burhanuddin. Still according to Burhanuddin, Islamic political party can not yet reach the market of voters with nationalist background, who generally to be object by majority of the party. "That because of selling the wrong issue. They are still selling religious issues, such as pornography, Jakarta Charter (Piagam Jakarta), or Syariat Islam. Whereas voters society no longer consider to the religious dimension, but more to the real problems", said him. It seems "rift of market" from the voter for Islamic political party has seized by moderate parties.

From all of that, my mind come to some conclusion below:

1. In political matter, modern society more thinking (interested) to the real issue such as education, health, housing, economy, social guarantee, employment availability, corruption or clean government, tax policy, national stability, environment, etc.
2. The higher the average education level of society, then they will be more critical in determining their choice. They no longer choosing based on "individual charm" but more seeing the vision, mission, and policy from a party. Maybe more interested to what has they done.

Are you have another conclusion? or seeing the differ cases with the same topic on other country? or maybe in your own country? Feel free to add it in comment.
If you interested to view the number of obtained vote for each participant party, on Indonesia Legislative Election 2009, please visit Pusat Tabulasi Pemilu Nasional 2009 (National Election Tabulation Center 2009) which managed by Komisi Pemilihan Umum / KPU (General Election Commission).

Pssst... there is some proverb in political world, that is: There is no eternal opponent or fellow, there is only eternal interests. -or- Politic is who gets what. Believes it or not.

Dam Burst Tragedi and Three Important Notes

On Friday, March 27, 2009, Situ Gintung dam at Cirendeu, Tangerang, southeast of Jakarta, has broken-down and the water flooded like a small tsunami, washing away cars, houses and settlement area. Ninety nine people were killed and 102 others were missing (update the number of victims from www.kompas.com on Tuesday, March 31, 2009)

From all of that, I am interested with the three important notes that I find on a blog of Jusuf Kalla, who at this time as Vice President of Indonesia.

First, it is indeed the embankment that broken-down was caused by excessive water debit. Situ Gintung levee was originally built on Dutch colonial authorities era, only able to accommodate 1 million cubic of water, while the debit of water before the incident has reached 2 million cubic of water debit. There should be early warning for residents who live around the embankment when felt there was something that threatens the safety of citizens. In Situ Gintung actually already there, but work less well.

Second, allotment of land around the flood plains has been infringe the rules. If refer to the rules then there can be no building within 30 meters distance from flood plains, in order to become water absorption area if overflow occur unexpectedly. But, housing has been built in flood plains at Situ Gintung region, so there is no water absorption area and at the time the embankment (dam) broken then the water immediately flooding in settlement residents. Therefore he request that allotment of land around the flood plains all over Indonesia should be re-standardization, for the sake of safety for all of us.

Third, for people who live in areas prone to disaster, need to prepare emergency response system independently, which can be used when something happens while waiting for help from the authorities. In that way, the number of victim could be minimized.

I hope to re-standardization of flood plains can be done immediately. End of word, this is another "natural process" from God which can not be avoided, even though I feel very sad to know these disaster. All that we can do is using technology for early warning, prepare ourselves and give rapid-help to minimize the victim. What is your opinion about this?

Children of WAR!!! Kurdistan, Iraq, Iran

First, I apologize to you all because no update for a long time. I'm very busy lately because I have to give time and thought to the company, for the life of many people involved in it, and to achieves our big goal.

In this post I want to share a video clip that I found on YouTube. This video clip has touched my heart even though I do NOT understand its language, a proof that the art (song) is universal. Many people said that a picture can reveal a thousand words, moreover a video. And I use this video as a MISSILE to shoot your heart. So, DO NOT close your eyes and hopefully can reach your HEART.

Chinese New Year 2560 - Gong Xi Fa Cai

On January 26th 2009 (Indonesian time) the Chinese people around the world celebrate the Chinese New Year 2560th (old enough I think). It's sometimes called the Lunar New Year. Following tradition, at the night (one day before the first day new year) all family members gather together for dinner and usually the chosen venue will be near or at the home of the most senior member of the family. After dinner, usually followed by giving the red envelop (Hong Bao in Mandarin; Angpau in Indonesian) from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors, and the juniors give respect by saying the hope for health, happiness, and long-aged to the elderly. Prayer at the temples and visiting the other elderly relatives is the next schedules.

In Indonesia, I noted that since the era of President Abdurrahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur), the Chinese culture such as Barongsai performance, the use of Chinese characters, and the use of Chinese red lantern as decorations has been getting wider space in front of public. This made possible since President Abdurrahman Wahid has removed Instruksi Presiden (Inpres) No.14 Tahun 1967 (Presidential Instruction No.14 Year 1967), and replaced with Keppres No.6 Tahun 2000 (Presidential Decree No.6 Year 2000). Further-more, the Chinese New Year (in Indonesian called Imlek) has officially become a national holiday, not a tentatively holiday anymore. You will see that this holiday has marked with RED COLOR within Indonesian calendar.

Happy Chinese New Year 2560 - Gong Xi Fa Cai