Distraught and Enlightenment

"Life is precious to the old person. He is not interested merely in thoughts of yesterday's good life and tomorrow's path to the grave. He does not want his later years to be a sentence of solitary confinement in society. Nor does he want them to be a death watch."

~Dr. David Allman

Two months ago my gramps underwent angioplasty/stenting due to mild heart attack he had had during his midday bicycling activity. Ever since that day, he'd never be the same again. Despite all the endless courage and moral supports everybody's been giving him, he looks frustrated all the time.


I feel you, gramps.


You had always been as healthy as a horse. You did everything you could to keep your heart intact; morning jog, bicycling, doing some housework, you quit smoking over 30 years ago and you watch your diet. Occasionally you indulged yourself with few cans of beer while you were watching boxing match. You're a living proof that there's a normal life after 80.


I have no idea if your military background has something to do with your well-being now. You're still my inspiration regardless.


My heart is broken everytime you mention that you want to die. How could you say something so selfish?! You still have gran by your side, you stupid geezer! You...!!!


Sigh.


I was running out of words. I looked at you and kept silent. I was distraught. And then I saw a glimpse of myself on you. I was you.


Somehow I could see it clearly. I remembered when I was in my weakest condition. My temper sent my rationality far away. I wish I was dead. The more people came to cheer me up, the more I got mad. "Yeah rite, it looks all so easy for you since you're not the one who got sick!" That's what I was keep shouting.


I guess you were fighting the demon within yourself too, gramps. I don't know what makes you so hard to say it, but I believe deep down you are just too afraid to be left alone. You didn't mean any of your words. I know you still have a huge spirit to live. You consented to the procedure that cost price-of-a-car without giving second thought. You might take it as a faint, unreasonable proof but I believe that you treasure your life.


You grabbed me right when I was losing grip, gramps. I will never forget that moment. I was too tired to fight against both my illness and the evil in my mind. I felt like a loser, until you stood before me and told me that you love me. You said that you still have faith in me, and that I'll be a great doctor. You promised me that you will attend my graduation ceremony.


It's my turn now to accompany you throughout your darkness. You're physically fine, gramps. However if you let the evil mind remains in your head, you won't stand a chance. He'll wreck your body and soul. Please don't let him win, gramps.


I'll try to do my best to keep you sane. You know you can always rely on me, gramps. I know it's hard for others to perceive this. Even mom was angry at you when you were nagging me to come and spend a night in your house because I was in the middle of my finals. We knew we couldn't blame her, right? She just wanted me to focus on my study first. As for me, well, how can I say NO to you? Tee-hee.


Hang in there, gramps. I'm trying to astonish you one more time. You'd better keep your own words.

Almost Famous

Note: I couldn't find the printed copy to be uploaded here. If any of you have yesterday's edition and don't mind having it scanned for me, I'll really appreciate it. Last but not least, thanks to Michelle for the opportunity!

June 22, 2009
Michelle Udem

Indonesia has around a million bloggers, according to one leading internet publisher. 

(Photo: Prasetyo Utomo, Antara)

Blogging In English


Michael Jubel Hutagalung, a Web designer based in Bandung, West Java, started Jubel and the Unessential, an English-language blog, primarily to improve his written English. The blog offers Hutagalung’s random musings on Indonesia’s politics and culture.


Within a year of Hutagalung starting the blog in October 2007, the traffic to the site was so high that it was exceeding the bandwidth limit on the platform he was using, and he had to move his blog to another host. The traffic explosion, mostly from Indonesians living abroad, gave him an incentive to do more than just improve his English skills.


“I want to tell the world what Indonesia’s really like — how the people really live,” Hutagalung said. But readers may not always get much on how Indonesians are living on an up-to-the-minute basis, or even about the day-to-day concerns of his countrymen.


Hutagalung last posted on Monday, after a two-month hiatus, filling readers in on his university plans and his personal debate in choosing between studying in London or the Netherlands.


The total number of Indonesian bloggers is difficult to quantify due to the constant deletion and activation of blog accounts. A top Indonesian-language blogger and internet publisher, Enda Nasution, says that Indonesia has about one million bloggers, based on blogger.com information, Wordpress information and blogs hosted personally — there are about 20 blogging communities in Indonesia, one in ever major city.


For Indonesians blogging in English, many are simply interested in trying to reach an audience beyond their own country and to give a perspective not available in the foreign media. Out of the 10 bloggers listed here, seven do not have a degree in English, nor have they studied abroad.


Budi Putra, a freelance writer and full-time, self-employed blogger living in Bintaro, South Jakarta, writes in English about new gadgets from an Indonesian perspective. Though many of his topics involve global technology news, he feels he provides a unique perspective as an Indonesian.


“My main demographic is both Indonesians and foreigners, especially those who love technology and digital life issues … Blogging is about conversation, so I want to talk to them through my blog. That’s why my blog’s tagline is ‘Talk With Me.’ ”


Hutagalung and Putra’s blogs focus on specific topics, but the majority of the Indonesians bloggers writing in English are diarists, who post as the mood strikes.


Devi Girsang, a 22-year-old medical student born, raised and living in Jakarta, operates the site “It’s My Life,” last updated May 5. With a tagline, “Love & Tears. Laugh & Cry. Achievements & Regrets. Welcome To My Life!” Girsang’s blog ranges from discussions on everyday topics such as poor customer service to inquiries on why people do bad things.


Such topics written from an Indonesian perspective and in English help readers realize that people worldwide run into the same problems and share the same emotional inquiries.


In another blog, “Republikbabi,” 23-year-old Calvin Sidjaja from Bandung posts updates about growing up with a mixed heritage in Indonesia. On his blog, Sidjaja discusses the role of mixed heritage Indonesians, such as Dutch-Indonesians and Chinese-Indonesians. He delves into the history of mixed heritages in Indonesia and how society views these people today.


“Many international students were helped because of the personal essays [on my blog],” he said.


But the Internet is not always the safest place to express personal and sometimes controversial opinions.


Girsang has “been accused of being an ‘American-wannabe’ from an anonymous commenter,” and Sidjaja notices how any type of neutral post he writes on religion always causes controversy.


Regardless of the hate mail and negative feedback, the bloggers find that voicing their thoughts and opinions in English is beneficial. “Though difficult to write in English, I like challenges. I love the rhythm of English words. It’s more personal and subjective,” Budi Putra explains.


To these bloggers, writing in English is their key to communicating to the outside world as they find freedom in abandoning their own tongue for just a few moments a week or month.


“Bahasa can be so difficult because of the formality of the language. I can express myself more casually in English” Girsang said.
These ten English-language blogs appear in the top 50 Indonesian blogs tracked by Web site www.indonesiamatters.com


Three Popular Blogs Written by Expats Living in Indonesia:


These three blogs written by expatriates living in Indonesia are ranked in the top six on blogs.indonesiamatters.com.


1. Brandon Hoover
thejavajive.com/blog
Consisting of high-resolution photographs, Brandon Hoover’s blog takes a look at Indonesia’s natural beauty and his life here as an American. Aesthetically pleasing, Hoover’s blog illustrates how Indonesia has influenced his thoughts and photography. A fan of Indonesia, Hoover’s blog provides an American’s perspective on the joys of living in the country.


2. Jakartass
jakartass.blogspot.com
Jakartass, written by a Westerner living in Jakarta, consists of witty posts chronicling the life of an expatriate in Jakarta. Posts on the blog discuss local news as well as personal experiences illustrating quirks in Indonesian culture. Most recent posts discuss power cuts in Jakarta and a list of books by bloggers. Information on Indonesian acronyms and slang words are found on the sidebar of the blog.


3. Treespotter
Treespotter.blogspot.com
Treespotter is a personal blog containing posts mostly on daily life in Indonesia and current, local events. Posts include idiosyncrasies in Jakarta culture, such as how there is always a place to smoke. The personal posts are both entertaining and in depth, while the posts pertaining to politics are written from an outsider’s point of view.




Ten Blogs by Indonesians Who Are Writing in English:


These ten English-language blogs appear in the top 50 Indonesian blogs tracked by Web site www.indonesiamatters.com.


1. Michael Hutagalung
michaelhutagalung.com
Web designer Michael Hutagalung maintains a blog that consists of his personal perspectives, his design portfolio and discussions on Wordpress themes and Indonesian social issues. His blog offers readers the opportunity to learn about the Wordpress program as well as read an Indonesian perspective on the upcoming election.


2. Budi Putra
budiputra.com
Blogger Budi Putra of this self-titled blog provides commentary on local news and technology gadgets. Mixing local technological news, such as Indonesia’s launch of digital TV, Putra also updates readers on more esoteric news such as the discovery of Indonesian sea horses. Technologically-savvy Putra comments on how information from the upcoming election will be broadcast via SMS.


3. Devi Girsang
devigirsang.blogspot.com
Attracting both Jakartans and foreigners, Devi Girsang’s personal blog gives insight into the life of a young, Indonesian medical student. Girsang blogs on topics ranging from laptop malfunctions to bus-riding etiquette. Girsang’s blog gives expatriates the opportunity to observe a young Indonesian’s experiences, while peers can relate or rebut Girsang’s critiques of Jakarta culture and society.


4. Merlyna Lim
merlyna.org/blog
Blogging from her home in Arizona, Merlyna Lim’s blog focuses on her craft as an artist and her thoughts on both Indonesian and American issues. In between posts of her personal drawings and collages, Lim touches on local topics such as the construction of urban space in Bandung and internationally relatable topics such as inequalities within society.


5. Martin Manurung
martinmanurung.com
Martin Manurung’s self-titled blog covers topical news issues in Jakarta. Providing his own commentary and critique of social, economic and political topics, Manurung tries to counterbalance foreign media reports that he feels are often “misleading.” Straying away from gossip, Manurung’s blog gives foreigners an inside look from a local’s perspective.


6. Calvin Michel Sidjaja
republikbabi.com
Touching on sensitive topics such as his search for his family tree and being of mixed heritage, Calvin Sidjaja’s blog consists of posts on his personal life and experiences. Sidjaja’s Indonesian heritage is a main theme of his blog, a topic that many young adults can relate to.


7. Ecky
cisayong-girl.blogspot.com
Known on her blog as Ecky, the blogger writes from Australia. Though she mostly posts on personal subjects such as shower rituals and the perks of being a woman, Ecky also writes about the difficulties that come with change and leaving the comfort of her home country, Indonesia. Ecky also posts topical news from Jakarta, such as the upcoming election and President Obama’s effect on Indonesians.


8. Carla Ardrian
socialindividualist.blogspot.com
Blogging on various topics from gardening to photography, Carla Ardrian provides an Indonesian perspective on everyday things. Accommodating her Indonesian readers, Carla posts innovative recipes and political commentary, while foreigners may be more attracted to her travel and cultural tips. One of Carla’s posts comments on her experience of receiving incorrect directions as a tourist in Bali.


9. Nana Podungge
afeministblog.blogspot.com
Nana Podungge’s most recent post on her blog, “A Feminist Blog,” discusses the topic of religion. Podungge considers herself a secular Muslim. Her religious views are mixed with the other main focus of her blog, a woman’s role in society. A unique combination, Podungge’s blog provides insight into controversial topics.


10. Martha
mamahit.net/blog
“Frank and Martha’s Blog,” written by Martha, captures the life of a young family in Jakarta. Martha’s updates illustrate the charms shared by all families worldwide, such as receiving her first written letter from her elementary school-aged son. Chronicling the life of a mother, Martha shares her thoughts on baking experiences, the workplace and raising a young child.


Source

Apple Service Center in Jakarta

I believed there were 3 things wrong with my Intel Core Duo Macbook back then; I couldn't run Photo Booth application, relatively small-volume speakers and low charge capacity battery. Wanna know what happened when I filed a complaint? Keep reading.

ERROR: Photo Booth cannot open because no camera is attached or the camera is in use by another application.

The first time I got this message was someday around the end of 2007, but I never thought it was a big deal. Since I don't use the built-in iSight on regular basis (I have an external webcam attached to my PC), I had ignored it for a while. Besides, I wasn't sure I can live without my Macbook even just for a week (by leaving it to the service center LOL).


Of course I had done my homework to solve this problem myself. Below are what I did in chronological order;

1. Closed any other applications which related to iSight, checked.
2. Restart the computer, checked.
3. Unplug the computer, take off the battery and hold the ON button for 5 sec, checked. Still... Nothing's changed.
4. Resetting PRAM, checked.
   
5. Firmware update, checked.
   

FYI: I still use Tiger OS, not the Leopard one. I believe there's huge differences if you're using Leopard OS.


Last month however, I admitted my loss and decided to bring it to one of the trusted service centers as my brother had suggested; iBox Ratu Plaza. Obviously I was too conceited that I forgot my own stupid foibles.

On April 13, 2009 I went there accompanied by Andrew. Slightly being overconfident with my Apple insurance, I came without any intention to spend a dime on repair fee.


There wasn't a long queue on that day so my brother and I took a seat while still observing other consumers' problems (and took a picture too! Tee-hee). Anyhow based on my observation that day, most of them were having troubles with the batteries. A young executive man who sat next to me voluntarily told me that his recent purchase Macbook Air was also having a low charge capacity battery! Tsk-tsk-tsk. What surprised me the most is the fact that the fifth generation (and up) iPods are prone to battery problems. The cost to replace it with new battery is IDR 800,000 for all generations except for iPod touch it'll cost a bit more at IDR 1 million. Alas.


When it came to my turn, a guy (later I found out that his name is Joe) received my complaint and checked my computer to confirm.


Firstly he checked my battery problem through System Profiler (which had never sprung to my mind before) and as figured, the battery full charge capacity was 1000-something whereas normally it should be more than 5000 mAh. Bad news was, AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) doesn't cover any accessories damages which mean it won't cover battery and charger problems. Gah!


Well well, that was the time I had to make an improvisation. I was babbling about Apple Battery Replacement Program on May 2008 and explained why I had skipped the program. My battery performance was still pretty good back then, unfortunately it started to show symptoms of an affected battery soon after the program had ended. *sob* Anyway to set the record straight, I did tell him nothing but the truth. Pardon me, I couldn't afford to spend IDR 1,6 million for battery only! Especially when nobody can guarantee that the new battery won't be affected too.


Secondly, he figured out that the Photo Booth error had something to do with a broken camera. He told me not to worry cos it would be covered by APP. I was so relieved.


Lastly, regarding the speakers volume.. That guy totally pissed me off. I never said anything about unworkable speakers at the first place. What I was saying was merely the fact that I had compared my Macbook volume with my brother's and found out that mine had had a lower volume. Instead of carefully listening to my speakers volume, that guy continuously spoke derisively to me about nothing but overly hasty in drawing a conclusion about my knowledge; the significant volume differences between regular Macbook and Macbook Pro, bla bla bla. He even had the nerves to tell me that I probably got low quality MP3s! Dude, I'm not that stupid. I had tested it by playing YouTube videos. In addition to that, he said if he filed an incorrect problem to Apple headquarter, he would be charged for his recklessness.


Seriously if Andrew hadn't reminded me that I had to leave my Macbook for a week under his supervision, I'd be more than happy to give him an uppercut! Nonetheless, it came to my apprehension that I had to be patient for the sake of my favorite Macbook. No need to waste time and energy for such a scum. Even though he didn't submit my third problem, I tried my best to give him my warmth smile and shook his hand before I left. And yes, he indeed looked astonished.


On the fifth following day, my patience paid off! That was quick. A woman called me on my mobile to let me know that my Macbook was fixed and ready to be picked up. She also had a good news; Apple was agree to replace my battery for free! YAY!


Thank you very much for the fast response and despite what happened earlier, I still recommend iBox Ratu Plaza as one of the best Apple Service Centers in Jakarta.


Moral of the story: "Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances" (Thomas Jefferson) and yes, ALWAYS purchase an AppleCare Protection Plan! *grin*

I'm Not Dead

Sorry for lack of updates. For the last two weeks I was coping with my mid sessions which completely turned my world upside down (hmm maybe I'm a bit exaggerating here, LOL). It's true however, that I had a tension headache when I was doing my pediatrics and neurology exams! *snickers*


I've acknowledged lots of things happened during my absence in the blogosphere, like what happened to some of the losing candidates after Indonesian Legislative Election and recently the new Swine Flu outbreak. Not sure though whether I have a word or two regarding those events. My first priority at the moment is actually to enjoy my semester break but I really want to bloghopping for a while.


Anyhow, no need to worry. I've been preparing several drafts for my upcoming posts and I think it'll be ready within a week. Thank you for your patience! :)


*Image Courtesy: cairns.com.au

Fir Tree Found Growing in Lung

Another bizarre case that becomes one of medical mysteries; 5-cm fir tree found growing in a Russian man's lung. (I'm totally freakin' out!)

Source: Reuters.com