School. - Frederick

Sorry for this late post. My Internet can’t access www.blogger.com for some stupid reasons. I want to write about school today. School is like a must for all of us, but what makes me think is that people who is very successful always said that they are the bad ones in school and they try hard and blah blah blah and they got famous. Darn. Getting rich without school is like not fair, we got the super annoying part of being in school and it doesn’t guarantee you to be rich.

My dad said, he only got until bachelor degree and that’s his entire thing to work. For the old days I think that is possible, but why is he still rich today? Isn’t it many people there who got PhDs? He said to me that the one that he better than the other people is his experience. So if I got his experience, why would I need to go to school? There are a lot of PhD people that stays at home doing nothing. No one wants to hire them.

I really hate learning things, that’s why I take all logic subjects without the memorizing subject at all. And yes, why should we take science if we don’t need them? Isn’t it better if we can choose triple humanities for better knowledge in university later? You need to get 20 credits at all. And most of them are from the subject you are choosing right? Why would you need biology, chemistry and physics if you want to be a stockbroker? It just doesn’t make sense.

Oh, I really abhor school right now; I don’t know what to say anymore. Look, the more you learn, the more you forget. So why learn? Another one is practice makes perfect, but no one’s perfect except God, so why practice?

Again, sorry for the late post Miss Jessica!

-Frederick

short story entitled "Playing Doubles"

Another short story i made =P this one i made it real fast, so sorry if its not that good. hehe. sorry i was late due to internet problems . =)

Playing Doubles

In an international school, there were two female students that have been friends for a very long time and liked to share things with each other. These two girls were Cherry and Pauline. One day, a couple of new students came to their school. These guys’ names were Calvin and Dave.

Calvin was the type of guy that Cherry liked. Secretly, she had feelings for him. Pauline didn’t know that Cherry liked Calvin, but even so, she could guess from the first time she saw him because of the way that Cherry talked with Calvin; it was just so different. Dave and Calvin became best friends. They always studied together at school. If Calvin happened to choose to move to another school, Dave would follow him for sure. Calvin also secretly liked Cherry. She was very simple and fun to hang out with.

The thing that shocked Dave was that he was also crazy in love with Cherry, leading him to try to become close with her at such a fast pace; making his feelings extremely obvious. Because of that, Calvin backed off for a while because he just didn’t have the guts to try to become close with Cherry. But since Cherry didn’t like Dave, she made it straight to the point and completely clear that she didn’t like him. Cherry rejected Dave in a soft way by saying that they could only be friends because it was just impossible for them to be anything more.

After that event, Pauline secretly began to have a crush on Dave and then encouraged Cherry to get closer with Calvin. Cherry slowly but surely became closer to him, which she found to be quite difficult because she was very shy. Calvin obviously didn’t reject her closeness. He was happy with all of the care that Cherry was giving him.

At first, Dave who was crazy in love with Cherry couldn’t accept that Cherry was getting closer with Calvin. Dave got really mad with his best friend and thought that he was being betrayed. Their friendship became so messed up because of anger, jealousy, and heartbreak. Finally, Dave accepted Pauline’s love. Their friendship developed into a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. Unfortunately, Cherry’s and Pauline’s friendship became distracted as well as Dave’s and Calvin’s.

Pauline was the type of girl that is full of ego. Basically, everything that was hers couldn’t be taken away from her. Nobody could get close to the things and people that were hers. One day, the teacher divided students into partners. By the time Cherry was partnered up, it happened to be with Dave. While they were doing their project, Pauline became so jealous of Cherry. They looked so happy together, as if they really enjoyed being in a group together. She went up to Cherry and they almost had a fight. Finally, Dave came and stopped them. Annoyed he was at Pauline that they almost broke up. Pauline apologized to Cherry and Dave’s relationship with Pauline worked out smoothly.

After that event happened, Dave and Pauline planned to try to bring Cherry and Calvin together as boyfriend and girlfriend. Their plan worked and finally Cherry and Calvin began an amazing relationship. They looked perfect together and everything was in harmony. A lot of people from the school were jealous of them. Pauline and Cherry’s friendship as well as Dave and Calvin’s friendship became better and better. Double dating became one of their favorite activities.

-stePh-

my week

At last, there is a week to relax, after all the previous weeks that simply had tortured my life, and I felt like a major nerd. The two previous weeks had been very busy, LOTS of homework and tests. I had 2-3 hours sleep every day of that week and of course with the addition of basketball after school practice that made me really tired. But the only thing that made me wanting to go to school is because of that basketball practice, even though it’s tiring and sometime making me pissed. So far, this week had been good, at least better than the previous weeks; with little homework and so far, there is no test.

There are always problems in our life, either in school, friendship, family, relationship, and others. I’ve been through my hard moments in life where there are problems just keep coming up. When I have ended this problem, somehow, there are others problems keep appearing in my life. The hardest of all, when it comes to friendship problems. My friends are one of the important people in my life (after God and family). These days, I’ve been experiencing friendship problems and one of the problems ended so badly that I lost this one special best friend just because of my decision that I chose. It was an EXTREMELY hard decision to make, to pick between my friend and this thing I really love. I decided to not choose my friend because of this particular reason.

Lately, I feel that I’m not being me, as if like there’s another person in me. I have been in a bad mood all the time, I’ve been pissed to something that is not worth it, I’ve been complaining here and there, and just not being what God wants me to do. I really want to be better in everything. I want not to be selfish, not to be a complainer, to respect others, and mostly, to be PATIENCE. I want to CHANGE my attitudes, to be a better person and glorify God in everything that I do.

Everything changing, even though there are problems keep showing up, I know that there are my friends; a shoulder to lean on. I had this one really great AWESOME best friend; he is like a real brother to me. He keep supporting me and being there every time I need him. I thank God for having a friend like him and I truly cherished spending time with my friend. I appreciate my circle of friends that God had given to me. Friends that keep me alive, keep supporting me, and to just being honest.

I want to end today’s post by saying a BIG thanks to all of my BEST FRIENDS. THANK YOU.

[adela 11]

Busway

Busway


Once my father's business friend came and stayed over at our house. He is a very intelligent and critical man. After dinner, we talked about many issues that happened in Indonesia, particularly Jakarta. One of the topic was on the chaotic traffic at Jakarta. After several hours of interesting conversation, I realized that we all came to one voice; Jakarta's traffic is a huge mess and a responsive solution from the local government should be done quickly.

A couple months later, Jakarta's mayor, Sutiyoso, relish the potential solution to Jakarta's traffic chaos. Not long after that, many red lanes and white aluminum bus stations are built around streets of Jakarta. It was the first official mass transportation in that metropolitan city besides all the unofficial ones such as angkot, bajaj, and metromini. TransJakarta is meant to replace all those other alternative mass transportation as they tend to go against the traffic rule, taking a whole lane just to wait for a passenger to hop in, and added to traffic congestion. Busway, another name for TransJakarta, has grown more and more popular because they have better cared buses, affordable fares, traffic free lanes, and most of all it potentially reduces the demand for alternative transportations and have potential to reduce traffic congestion.

As time goes by, busway's demand has increased dramatically, but it doesn't reduce traffic jam as it is meant to do. Many places in Jakarta, such as Roxy and Grogol still has a lot of cars stuck in traffic even though there are TransJakarta stations nearby. Worse than that, local officials forced their way for Busway in unnescessary places such as Pluit and Pondok Indah recently. Citizens have protested because they don't need the busway as they all can afford cars. Additionally, places like Pluit and Kelapa Gading have barely enough roads for cars to pass in its own complex, by intergrating busway in these places, the lanes are reduced a lot and it causes more traffic jam.

Despite its boasting potential of helping Jakarta's traffic, I think that TransJakarta has not work as it is meant to work. Though not reaching its maximum benefit, local government should not force their system in places where it is not needed just to make more money.

James A2 HL English

short story entitled "Making Choices"

*i made another story. =) but since i didn't have much time, i made it short. enjoy reading it x)

Making Choices

Hannah was an ordinary girl. Her face wasn’t much to look at, mainly because it was the complete opposite of proportional; basically, she was not wanted or liked by her friends; especially guys. A lot of guys could only look at her as a friend, nothing more than that. But behind her ‘not so pretty face’, she was actually a very smart, kind-hearted and cheerful—although pessimistic—person. A lot of her friends liked talking and sharing secrets with her because she’s a fun person and she had the skills to solve unique problems and various other things.

One day, a new student showed up at her school, his name was Donny, and he was a foreigner. His face was very handsome and his body was looking fine! Almost every girl in the school was crazy about him. There was something special about Donny, more than any other guy. Somehow, he could attract everybody’s attention simply by standing there; doing nothing at all. Basically, every girl was attracted to him. No questions asked.

The next semester, another guy came into the school; his name was Rico. He is also very handsome and very nice! From that day on, Donny and Rico were continuously competing with each other without even realizing it.

Before Rico came to that school, no one knew why, but Donny liked to ask questions about subjects and homework to Hannah. Not long after that, they became really close. Surprisingly, Hannah and Donny were seated quite close to one another. When Rico came to the school, Hannah was the only person kind enough to greet him and show him around the school; which was how their friendship started. Hannah was a fun girl as said before; but still, she had a fair few characteristics that were pretty much below average.

Hannah was confused because the fact was that she liked Donny and Rico. After school, Rico asked Hannah if she’d like to walk home together, because there was a group project that they had to finish together. However, during their group project, Rico told Hannah that he liked her. She was so shocked because she never thought that he would like her. She wondered why this was happening to her but she couldn’t say anything. She just stood there and kept quiet.

The next day, the air was filled with gossip about Donny asking Hannah to be his girlfriend; this only created more confusion. Why everything was suddenly focused on me? Are they serious or are they just joking? Those questions kept on hanging in her mind. In a split second, everything had changed. All the girls in the school acted so cold and continued to pull various evil faces at Hannah. Hannah became so stressed out because there were two popular guys that liked her.

Hannah became so awkward that she couldn’t even concentrate on her work. She failed her exams and basically everything was just out of place. Because of all the stress that she had had to deal with, she went to the top of the school at the last day of the semester. She tried to jump off the building, but Donny spotted her and pulled her down.

Then they talked with each other, and finally Hannah was calmed. Donny; being the Christian that he was, encouraged Hannah to take better care of herself, and rather than having those stupid thoughts; she should just ask for guidance from the Lord. From that day on, Hannah prayed to God everyday so that her mind wouldn’t be filled with such crazy things. She went on to date Donny, and as for the others, they came to realize that it was all okay; even Rico fell for another girl.

-stePh-

extraordinary sport

When we feel passionate about something, we automatically feel happy, joy, cheerful, whatever, you can name it. Suddenly, there’s a smile, taking over the other emotions in yourself. That’s actually how I felt when I’m passionate about basketball. Basketball itself has made me into a better person both, in getting my body in shape, and also to build a better attitude and character. Also, it made me to appreciate the gift that God had given to me, and to enjoy playing for God’s glory. I realize that not everyone receives this gift, talent, of playing basketball.

Basketball expands my thoughts, experiences, and put some important values to my life. It turns my life brighter, although sometimes it also made my life a little miserable. At some point, it made me be happy, but sometimes it made me sad or pissed off, but neither way, I ALWAYS enjoy playing basketball. Even sometimes, it really wipes my pain away, and it is also a stress reliever for me.

From this gift that I got, I’d shared it with everyone else around me. I joined Karawaci Youth Sports League for this year, and the previous year, where we had to coach the little kids for 10 weeks. And by just doing that, I felt that I can be a better person who can influence somebody’s life. We’re not just teaching them basketball skills, but also manners, attitudes, and building a good character.

This year’s current basketball team is different than the previous. We’re just starting a season, and now we’re half way through. I really learnt a lot of things from this basketball team, both in skills, and valuable lesson in life. We have a new coach, and I think that’s what made this year’s basketball team to be different.

At the start of the season, there was a problem with jersey’s number. We know that Asian cultures especially Indonesia is different than the other cultures. Asian treats jersey’s number as one of the important things in basketball. But another coach wouldn’t let us choose our own jersey number because she thinks that it wasn’t a big deal, but for me it was. So I got #14, the number that I’m not even expecting it to get. I was so angry, and pissed. Eventually, He taught me to be patience, and try to forgive people. And I started to accept things the way they are, to look on the bright side by having the #14. This was just a small problem that I encountered.

The second valuable thing, yet IMPORTANT, that I got was about FRIENDSHIP. Basketball is all about friendship. In this sport, we build friendship to create teamwork and that what makes us a team. Well, I learnt that those who called as FRIENDS always support each other, in good and in bad times. BEST FRIENDS also wants each other to be happy. Moreover, BEST FRIENDS have to understand each other, and respect the decision that our friends take. The second I realize these things, I began to appreciate my team even more. This is the MOST valuable lessons to me, and my coach and friends opened my eyes and made me realize of these.

There were times when I felt lonely, and from that, I learnt to be STRONG by knowing that our GOD is always there for us. This is NOT just an ordinary sport, but an EXTRAORDINARY one for me.

P.S: Sorry I was late. Internet problems.
-del #14

Music = Joy of Living a Life :) - Frederick

This is my blog since I can’t write it on Thursday. So I write it now before it’s too late. *aaa*

Here it goes…

Today, I want to talk about music. Hearing music is kind of my daily activity. Personally, the type of music I like for this current time is instrumental rock, latin jazz, latin traditional and jazz traditional. I want to talk about my all-time favorite band, Dream Theater.

In my life, I think this is the only band that amazes me with their music composition. They have one song that is like 25 minutes length; we can assume that a 25-minutes-song will be very boring right? Well, this band that gives out their song “A Change of Seasons” breaks that assumption. This song is very cool and it is not boring. It is a medley of five or more songs and all of them are great.

I think this band is awesome since most of their songs are featuring a mood. The song “Hollow Years” give the sorrow feeling and at the refrain the song starts to be more into the feeling. The song “I Walk Beside You” is much more cooler. The beat on that song makes my heart pounding. I think almost all of their songs are good. Really good.

As we know, music makes the world go round. I personally think this statement is true because without music I don’t think I can concentrate on doing my work and be relaxed. Doesn’t believe me? I write this ‘amazing-fabulous-miraculous-sparkling’ blog while I am hearing music. Dream Theater music actually. Seriously, try it guys. :)

-Frederick

James' Post

Sorry, James couldn't post because of his Internet.

He will post his blog tomorrow.

Sorry for this inconvenient post.

-Frederick

True Freedom - Thompson IV

What is true freedom? That is the question I pondered when I just did my Bahasa Indonesia essay. We all know about freedom is; people who studies history knows what freedom is... freedom usually was put to the term when a country gain independence from a conqueror. Freedom also put in many different things like Freedom to speech, freedom to choose. So the basic thing is that using the word freedom is meant that we are free on a certain something that are constraining us.

I have heard a term which when one desire nothing one gains true freedom. I think it is the Buddhist term for enlightenment. Personally, I think people misunderstand this as a true freedom. I read a book once about some story of Buddhist monks, one of them said that "Our mind and soul are just like the mirror, we have to clean it everyday in order to make it clean" here it stated that to make it clean, what it meant is clean from the dust that attach to the mirror which is in this metaphor is the evil in the world . A smarter monk argued that "If our mind and soul are pure there are is actually nothing, therefore no dust or impurities are attach to us" from this argue the monks decided to take the idea of the smarter monk. This means in my theory is that having no desire is not true freedom, they just free from desire, they have nothing that constraining them. What they have is emptiness and nothingness not a true freedom, in my opinion though.

Another type of freedom are the freedom from fate. We born as human, either a woman or a man. We can call that fate, but nonetheless we are not able to free from that fate, does true freedom also included this freedom of fate? We born to live as humans why not animals? we don't have the power to do so thats why we call it fate.

I read some people about True Freedom in a Christianity point of view that "True Freedom is not the freedom to sin but the freedom from the power of sin" quiet an offset what the True Freedom that I have in mind. Even if we are free from the power of sin we are not free from the power of fate isn't it?

What I had in mind about this "True Freedom" is that not a single soul can achieve this True Freedom. True Freedom is obtained by God and God himself. Even if we died we did not gain any "True Freedom". We do not gain the freedom to manipulate time and space or to create a world out of physical reality. Only God is the only one that can do such things. Any comments about this opinion?

-Thompson-

a short story entitled "A Second Chance at Life"

*just a random story I wrote. It's based on a true story. Sorry if it's boring or if the grammar is really bad. enjoy reading it ! xD

A Second Chance at Life

Susan came from a bad family background. Her dad died when she was young and her mother had remarried. She was unloved and that was probably why she likes going out during the night to party and participate in bad and dangerous things. Luke, on the other hand, came from a good background, and a much respected family. His childhood was pleasant and memorable, and he was brought up by great parents and brothers. He got the chance to do all kinds of crazy, outgoing stuff without his parents knowing; probably because he was a trusted young boy.

Susan was around 16 years old when she became pregnant to her boyfriend, Luke. The two of them weren’t surprised about this news, but both of their families were shocked; especially Luke’s family. Who would’ve thought that Luke would fall in love with a nightlife girl and have a baby before marriage?

Keeping the baby was an instantaneous decision; they were so young, but they thought they were meant to be. Other than that, both of them felt prepared to accept the role as parents. Susan didn’t want to have an abortion because she thought that the key to keeping her relationship with Luke alive was the baby. In a way, she also wanted the baby because she didn’t have the heart to have an abortion, and she didn’t see the point in killing an innocent child. After all, the baby was also a part of her flesh and blood, for goodness sake; basically, there was no way she was getting rid of it.

They were so excited that they bought so many things for the baby. Everyone around them saw them as the perfect couple even though their parents never agreed.

Susan got pregnant without telling Luke’s family and her family. Because Luke came from a very good background, his parents were really upset when they found out about the whole thing. So, Luke’s parents came to a conclusion that Luke had to take responsibility for the baby, even though his parents wished that they could just turn back time and prevent this baby from ever being conceived – it was the right thing their son should have done.

Both families finally had a small gathering between them and a couple of others; this was to keep the marriage quiet because they didn’t want anyone else to know about it. During the pregnancy, Susan always went to Luke’s house to spend the night.

Afterwards, the baby was born and he was the healthiest baby that they had ever seen! They were overjoyed. But the problems had just started. After they got out of the hospital, Susan decided to live in Luke’s house permanently.

Every morning, babies have to be taken out to the sun because it improves their skin. But Susan never did that because she wasn’t responsible enough to do it. Basically, the one who took care of the baby was either her mother in law or her maid. Every night she would hang around with Luke and their other friends; they’d do things such as clubbing, racing cars and all of those crazy and dangerous things! Everything was just too over the top!

One day, she was racing the car with a friend before she lost control. She yelled to give signals of help… But no one understood them. They all thought that it was some random thing that she was saying. BANG! She hit her head on the steering wheel. Blood started spilling everywhere and her friends started freaking out. Luckily, she was saved because her friends were fast enough to get her to the hospital and the doctors worked really hard to save her.

When she was still unconscious, she had a dream that made her realize that what she had done and that the person she had become was someone that was not satisfied with what she had. When she opened her eyes and saw Luke in front of her and the people that cared for her; the ones that were with her the whole time, she thanked God for it. From then on, she realized that her life was filled with amazing blessings… especially her baby, who should be taken care of very well because he was a true blessing from God.

She promised God to spend more time with Him and start from the beginning to have a better life in return for saving her life. She thanked him for giving her a second chance to fix all of the mistakes that she had made in the past.

-stePh-

Laptops Anyone? - Frederick

As we know, laptop these days are very good and catchy. Me myself want a laptop for my study since I don’t have one. When I browse in the Internet, I found a very cool looking laptop. That laptop is the Alienware. Alienware is the best gaming laptop out there. It has the specification just like a desktop. Which is amazing.

At first I asked my parents if I could buy that shiny-black-onyx laptop. This laptop’s main material is not made of steel. It is made of lithium metal that is lighter and environmentally friendly. This laptop is like a dream item for me, because the price is not cheap. Alas, I should find another substitute for this laptop.

I browsed the Internet. When I look at Sony Vaio’s website, I see another cool looking ultra-portable laptop that is only 11.1” inch. This laptop is also good since the specification of this laptop is also good. Well not as good as the Alienware, but it is quite good. After drooling so much, I was frightened by its price. It says that it is about US$4000 for this ultra-portable laptop. I think I should find another one. But when I want to browse to other websites, I saw the advertisement of a cheap Sony Vaio laptop. It is only about US$3000 and with the quality above the US$4000 one. I checked, how can this happen?

After I checked why, I found out that it is only because of the size. This US$3000 one is 13”. Gosh… the difference is only 1.9”. Is it really worth to pay US$1000 more for a 1.9” smaller size? I guess not. So yes, I post this blog to let you all know how much is the difference in price of a smaller size laptop with less memory and stuffs. I tell you, it’s not worth it. J

-Frederick

life..

Life in IB had been very busy, especially this week. As if like this week is the climax out of the past 2 months. I am becoming a temporary nerd this week. There was a biology test today, and the day before I was studying extremely hard. Moreover, there is a Business test tomorrow, and math test the day after tomorrow. Thank God, the biology test was over, I was so happy, but at the same time, I realize that I still got 2 tests to go for THIS week. Just after school, I went to study business together with Jacqueline Utomo, Tara and Shelly at coffee bean. It really helps a lot in studying for the test tomorrow as we were discussing about the case study and all of the information that was being given by the teacher. Today I was plain stressed out because a lot of things, including all those problems in my life, but mainly, because of the test tomorrow. I know I can’t afford failure as the result of the test because if I fail, I’ll fail business for my term one. I didn’t want that to happen.

Today I also had math tutor with my teacher in my house. She was shocked after seeing the result of my previous math test. Then, she made me do a lot of math questions. I was so tired until I fell asleep that time, with my head on the book, still holding the pencil. My teacher woke me up then, and I was so embarrassed.

Besides studying, my days are filled up with basketball! Even though sometimes, I got frustrated and pissed, but I don’t know why, I’m still joining every practice. Actually, joining the basketball team is what makes me love school! Especially if there is a game right after school. Playing basketball makes my study time lesser, and also my rest time. But I simply don’t care, as long I’ll do my BEST in everything and work hard on it everyday.

All of the stress, I’ve been going through, thank GOD, my friends are always there for me. I’m so grateful having friends like them; they are there in all of situations. And because of them, even though I’m having a difficult time, but at the same time, I can also enjoy my teenage life with them by my side. (:

Now, it’s exactly 10: 43 pm. I am writing this blog with my half eyes only. I have to get enough sleep, but I got to study for business test tomorrow. There’s something just came across to my mind. You know what, Thank God; we don’t have homework for English. Thank you Ms. Jess!!!!

Sorry, this time going to be a short blog from me. I apologize, Miss Jess! I’ll write much longer next week. I promise =)

Adela R

What Mobile Phones have Become

I am 16 years old this year and i can still remember clearly what the Motorola my dad owns about twelve years ago look like. It was black, with the conventional 12 buttons keypad under the ridiculously huge flip. The black and white screen could only project 5 x 20 pixels supported by dim yellow LED with a "Pro-XL" plus small battery and signal indicator on top of it. The insanely huge and heavy black plastic case with the addition of a weak 2 hour talk-time li-ion battery made the early model of mobile phone look unproportional, not to mention the shame of having a huge bulge on the pants. Nevertheless, my whole family would boast on how they can make a call from anywhere anytime and the fact that they could send messages ( unlike pagers ) and receive them in one "small" handheld. If I look back at what we had years ago, I can not but be marveled by the advancement of mobile phone technology in the last 10 years.
Compared to the early huge and hulking phones, we can be proud by the drastic evolution of mobile phones in the last decade. Nowadays, 2 phones can be placed in the pocket and still be confidently walking on streets. Screen technology has developed from 2 color into 6 million colors, battery life multiplied its lifetime into 5 hours with the size shrunk into a fraction of its early model. Organizers, calendar, radio, video players, games and even applications such as bible can be inserted into the small hand held gadget. Cameras and video recorder are now an integral part of the phone since the invention of digital cameras and camcorders, and these image capturing phones are not jsut ordinary ones, they can take still images like standard digital cameras. As mobile phones shrink in size and increase in its usage, its price also fluctuate to both low and high end prices. Many giant phone producers such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson have created a lot of very affordable phones and the community seem to respond very well to the decreasing price. Now, more people from more economic backgrounds can afford to buy a phone, unlike what happened a decade ago where phones have the same price as a motorcycle. These money-friendly phones also have all the standard requirement such as messaging, calling, and contacts. While on the other end of the innovation, high end phones that cost a ton of money are also created. The difference is that they have way more features in it. Some of the more expensive phones would have very sharp cameras, large memories, huge display, wireless connection ( bluetooth, infrared, etc ), and music players intergrated in it. These few features have been the most demanded and innovated technology in the phone development and companies are racing to improve on these few areas. These expensive phones could only be bought by fortunate people, but now middle class citizens can also own a phone with music players and cameras in it. While on the extreme, some models are just indulging the consumers with its elegant design and ridiculous materials with nearly unimaginable prices such as Vertu and some Nokia, LG, and Motorola models. Interestingly, some still manage to buy it.
Looking at these facts, we can see that the development of hand phones have been rapid. With the decreasing costs of service providers, hand phone have become a trend rather than communication media. Yes, modern trend is what mobile phones have become.

James A2 SL

Language Problem - Thompson III

Language, the tool of communication between one thing to another. Language are useful to communicate your share of idea to another one. Without language there will no community. This tool is very significant for humans and several animals used it too.

I realized that I have a problem in my language. Whether in Bahasa Indonesia nor in English. I started to realize this when I came to SPH which my grade for English and Bahasa Indonesia is very low.

My frustration is that I could not write very well... Grammars, sentence structure, etc. This weakness will drag me down, especially for my academic scores. Most subject are really required to have a good language, in order to have a good mark. This happened because teachers check to know our understanding of our subject... which is using language, if we could not express it good, the teacher would not understand thus assuming that we do not understand the subject it clearly.

As you can see, I have a major language problem, when you are reading this post, you would probably see many errors in this writing perhaps even this sentence might have error(s) in it. This problem is one of the top priority that needed to be fix! I could not stand it when I tried to share my though and ideas where I could not communicate clearly that people do not understand me.

Thus by writing this blog, I hope that i could improve my writing in this English language where most humans uses.

You know what, math is the most common language that human used, not English and I'm not good at them both...

I just hope that this problem will fix A.S.A.P
I'll pray to God for it.

This is an old post that I forgot to put my name on it, sorry

-Thompson

school sucks ! !

In my 2nd entry, I chose to talk about school. I know it's probably a boring subject, but yea, I 'm not even sure myself why i chose this topic. In fact, maybe it's because a lot of tests and work coming up. I've got economics test and TOK essay next week, and another economics test, math test, biology test and biology practical. Other than that, there's still other tons of things that i have to do, aside from school work. Basically, in the next two weeks, i can't seem to enjoy school anymore. It's like living in the worst place that i could've think of. Just imagine... my birthday is coming up soon, and that school is killing me softly with all the homeworks that's piling up! Dang! I officially hate school right now! Not really, but kind of. =P

Other than school homeworks that's piling up, I am annoyed with other things. Like how the basketball game today is canceled (even though its going to be changed to Monday), and the fact that some people (not mentioning any names) can't just appreciate what others do. I mean, when those 'others' are trying so hard to get better when doing something, in a way they just don't get noticed. But when the good ones do better, they're noticed. How unfair is that? Even though some people might not be as good as some others, but at least they tried (maybe even harder) !! I get so angry when people just can't appreciate what others do. =(

Overall, i hope that in the next two weeks, at least there's not going to be as much homework as i have right now. =) I also hope that we can win the friendly game on Monday and Tuesday. My feelings are so messy right now, so i think i have to stop the blog now. I know I'm not suppose to act like that, but I'm just so confused with the things that is happening around me right now that i don't even know what else to write when there is a lot of things that i can share with you guys.

-S-

FastNet. Good or Bad? - Frederick

As we know, lately there is a super fast Internet that you can get with only small amount of money. The Internet provider is called first media, and it is the one that we usually call with the term kabelvision. First media releases this service of Internet with a very low price and with the quality that is above the standard of Indonesian Internet. No, I should say waaaaaay above the standard. This Internet is called the FastNet.

You may wonder about the title and what I just say. It looks very different. Well, it is. In that first paragraph I only tell you what is my positive comment about it. Monday, 2 September 2007, 16:14. I told my dad to change my Internet from Telkom Speedy to this FastNet service. My dad has not told the customer service after I told that. Yet. Still on the same day, on 21:00 sharp my Internet went off. I asked by friend, Edward, he says that he has the same problem with me. I thought it was just a usual power off. Then I choose the option ‘wait’.

Tuesday, 3 September 2007. For one day my Internet was not active. I start panicking a little since Thursday is the time that I should write my blog. What if the Internet still off and I could not post my blog entry? Miss Jess would be mad at me for sure. I called my dad’s computer technician; he tried his best during that day to fix this problem. He said that he never seen this problem before. 4 hours until 22.45 he tried his best. And at the end we gave up. I asked my friend Edward again, he said that his Internet also has not up yet. Then I choose the option ‘wait’ again.

Wednesday, 5 September 2007. I tried to call the customer service of this first media company. I asked about many things and all of the questions are referred to this FastNet Internet. I started wondering, why would he refer me to this FastNet thingy? I just asked him about the power-off. That’s all. 16:07, I pissed off. Finally I cannot choose another option other than to switch to this FastNet media. When I check this Internet service in my hand phone, I found out that the kabelvision group makes this Internet service, which is the provider of FastNet. I am so pissed at them. Before I went to sleep I asked Edward again, he said that his Internet have not up yet also. I have no choice left. I waited again.

Finally, until today, my Internet is still not working. I should make this blog entry in my Microsoft word and post it later in the library. I think the one who causes other Internet to stop working is from the modem itself. Oh, I abhor them. To the one that make this happen, please think again for what you are doing. Many students suffer about this issue. I just want to tell this for a critique. Not as an offensive statement to all of their staffs. So, I guess I can put this into my blog since it should be a good critique to the people there. Last words: FastNet, Good or Bad? J

PS: THIS IS ONLY SOMETHING THAT’S ON MY MIND. IT IS NOT THE TRUTH BECAUSE I HAVE NOT PROVEN THIS STATEMENTS. WELL, MAYBE IT IS A TRUTH, BUT I WOULD NOT SAY THAT THIS COMPANY IS FILLED WITH BAD PEOPLE. MAYBE IT IS ONLY ME WHO FILLED IN ANGER AND CONCLUDED ALL THINGS FASTLY. AGAIN, SORRY FOR ALL THE CRITIQUES I HAVE MADE.

-Frederick

a hero who serves God

In the dictionary, hero means a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. That’s true. Sometimes we see heroes in TV series, or movies; simply like Batman, Superman, etc. Of course we know who our everlasting hero is: Jesus. But do you ever consider yourself as a hero? Do you notice a hero in your society? My perspective for a hero is “an ordinary person doing extraordinary things.” Everyone can be a hero to others; they can do things that influence other people’s lives. Sometimes we didn’t recognize our self as a hero, and sometimes we didn’t recognize the hero right next to us. To be honest, I sometimes do consider myself as a hero, also a villain at a same time. How to be a hero? It’s simple. You can take a look situation around you and analyze yourself what to do. Don’t limit yourself in doing extraordinary things, because even though there are problems, you know God will help you. Do your part, and God will do the rest.

One of the things to be a hero is helping the poor. I experienced being a hero one day. I joined a youth group called Youth For Christ (YFC) which taught me this thing: to be a hero. We were having this concert called GK concert (Gerakan Kepedulian) that the purpose was to support and helped one of the poor sites in Indonesia which was Dumpit (located near Tangerang). As a youth, we support the concert by doing some dance performances that takes 7 weeks of practicing. For me, that’s a hard work, to get to the place for practicing, keeping up with my school works, and to perform in front of lots of people. But it is my privilege to served God by this. During those 7 weeks, I experienced LOVE by reaching out to the teenagers from the Dumpit site and Joglo site that was called SIGA (Serving In God’s Army). I found out that they also love dancing and they were all talented people. I cherished my days with a lot of happiness, smile, laughter, and joy. We hang out with the SIGA and I felt as if I am a hero to them. We dance with them, chat; share stories, even play with them made us felt that we are one. To see them smile and laugh, gave me the feeling of heroism and what I hope is that the smile on their faces never fades away. Just after the concert, the feelings of overwhelmed joy and pride of serving God by doing this. Serving is really a privilege, and faith without service is a dead faith.

This year of 2007, there was YFC concert that was being held this August. It’s a concert for the young generation to get to know God and to worship Him. Again, the youth performed some dances to support the concert, created a worship team; and made this concert happened. And I felt the same way as before, and also experienced FRIENDSHIP; got a lot of new friends. I really love to continue serving HIM through much other stuff and also to continue being a HERO, not a villain.

-adela.rinadi

SPH Basketball Boys

In the recent years, our school has gradually improved. Several changes have been made to the school facilities. Computer labs have gone through screen changes and hardware evolutions, while the library was intergrated with wireless internet, and of course the classes which get flooded including the auditoriums are all fixed and improved with new floors.
These may already seem a lot but the sports department have the most significant changes in the recent years from my point of view. Improvements ranging from personel to facilities and to programs have evolved to a higher standard. Since Coach Jason joined us again in our big SPH family, now in the PE department, and Pak Andi with his new role in teaching seniors, SPH basketball teams have also undergo a lot of changes.
The selection of the team has been raised to a different standard. Individual skills and physical condition stayed as one of the most important aspect in the selection, but beside that; personal engagement, school works, discipline, commitment and teamwork have been included in the selection criteria. Many new faces have been enthusiastically joining the try-out; though not everyone "survived" the hard competition and practices during the selection, but those who have been chosen to be in the team were proven to have strong character and physical condition. Practices have also undergo a lot of changes. Lunch time work out sessions are now a part of the commitment each players have to fulfill. Weight lifting room has grew more usefull not just for the team but also for the other students. It helps the players to gain more strength so they can have more physical presence in a game. New strategies such as basic offence, heat press, diamond press break, etc have also been intergrated in the team's plan. These tactics have been proven effective and brought the team to the SPH SMP cup trophy.
Each year, the number and the quality of players increased. Seniors players have improved and helped freshmens to play the game. They have developed not just basketball skills but also leadership and initiative both on and off court. New comers also proved their value in the team and those who worked their butt off showed significant improvements and got a place in the first team as the season went on. This have proved that each year, the Eagles basketball team are always going in higher level, both physically and mentally.
In conclusion, Eagles Sporting team have improved a lot in these few years. They have developed strong characteristics and skills. I am just hoping to see more of the strong-willed people to play better and improve each pracitce.

James A2 SL

Upsss... - Thompson II

Ups, I forgot to write my schedule blog Monday... Uhm...
Uhm... Just recently I just left badminton activity, I have been doing playing badminton for a year.
I find myself badminton is full of competition and many people joined it. It is so many that we have to take turns to play.

I still remembered that the badminton supervisor told me that "your grips is a tennis grip". I know that I have a tennis grip because when I was 5 I started to play tennis with my mom. I played tennis for 3 years, at the age of 8 I stop playing it, the reason is unclear, I could not recall the reason why I stop playing it.

After that, I rarely do any sports at all... I probably play soccer but only occasionally. When I'm grade 10 I started to play badminton, even though I'm not good at it I still plays though. I don't play badminton outside school though. Those who are very good at it probably did play outside from school. Which I can't really do.

After 8 years of absence playing tennis, I started to play again in SPH. I saw a lot of opportunity there... If it is tennis I could play outside school, and my mom still plays tennis. I saw a greater opportunity there, also there are few people that actually plays tennis at SPH, so I could fully utilize my time rather than just sits and queue for other people to finish playing. I hope i could fully utilize this opportunity.

I don't really know what future holds but... I know that "the most dependable thing about the future is its uncertainty" -FFIX.

-Thompson