IBeNimages and Words

Have you ever wondered what inspired me on my blogsite name? It is probably neither catchy or sounds deep to you. But it really means something. As you read in the sub-title, it is "the expression of my thoughts, visual, and expression", which in essence are "my images and words". As it is a form of expression, I’m happy enough to post whatever in my mind, without knowing somebody ever read it, or take a look at it.

But let me share a story where I actually got that name. Since I was in college, for some of you who have known me for more than 10 years, probably is familiar with my "brand name": ibenimages. It was originally used for me to mark on any visual arts (paintings, cartoons, photographs) that I created during my leisure time. But really, ‘ibenimages’ was inspired by a record that, on my opinion, was one of the best ever made, and until now, stand still in the test of time.

It’s a record from a progressive rock band named "Dream Theater". Its first internationally distributed album, "Images and Words", is really a work of art. Their masterpiece, in my opinion. Musically and lyrically, any rock fans (or probably music fans) would appreciate the skills of musicians, depth of lyrics, and exploration of sounds found in this record.

The band is masterminded by fellow Berklee School of Music College graduates, Mike Portnoy (drums), John Petrucci (guitars) and John Myung (bass). They started the band in 1986, and finally attracted major label (ATCO Atlantic) to release "Images and Words" back in 1992 (read the full band’s biography here). It contains 8 tracks, including MTV hits "Pull Me Under". As we can expect from any Berklee graduates, their musical ability are outstanding, top-notch quality. And you can instantly recognize it from the first track to the last. I love ALL tracks in this record, and would not mind to listen to them over and over again, but specifically single out "Surrounded" and "Metropolis Part I" as my favourites.

If you happen to be a rock fans in any genre (70s rock, heavy metal, hard rock, or even in this current sickening-not-so-alternative music stream), and you have not listened to this record, this is probably the most valuable advice you would have: Buy one!

God, I love gadgets! If it is not my limited funds yet long list of other priorities, I would have played around with these ‘toys’ now. Here is my wish list for 2005, was not ranked in order of importance. Take a look, and tell me which one you would like to give me as a gift : *hehehe*

1. IPod Photo. I should have been ashamed not to have this ‘gadgets icon of century’. Now sports up to 60GB of storage, bright-sharp-and vivid screen to show photos or song lists, and unparalleled quality of sounds. I don’t need to mention its elegant looks, do I?
2. Sony PSP. Another beauty, and under the hood, it’s even more. Has similar capabilities of current PS2, its growing list of games will surely catch attention of any gamers. And it’s wi-fi capabilities promise hard-core gamers another countless hours of joy and pain. Winning Eleven match-up during lunch hours, anyone?
3. Treo 650. I still can’t understand why XDA II and Communicator series are more popular in Indonesia? Size? Unless you want to carry ‘bricks’ around, nothing beats the latest Treo model. Speed? Have you tried browsing with Nokia 9500? Painfully slow. Switch between applications in XDA II? Treo 650 snappy OS has left you at least two taps behind. Features? Try editing tables in Treo 650’s Docs To Go, and compare it with using Pocket Word in XDA. Which one maintains the table formatting when you sync to your notebook? Docs to Go does. It disprove your assumption that ‘because it is made by Windows maker, it will work better with Office documents". Wrong. Oh, no Wi-Fi in Treo? Who need it if I can be connected to internet anywhere through GPRS? I leave it to you to find nearby wifi cafe
4. Nikon D70. Taking great pictures nowadays is a lot easier than it was in Film era. Thanks to rapidly-developed digital photography industry. We can now try a lot more different angles, apertures and speeds without have to be worried of losing momentum due to run out of films. And still hasn’t got
   perfect shot? Post-shot Photoshop works can help us. Improved image quality in term of sharpness and color tones, both in-print or soft copy, are also reasons why I’m now convinced to convert to digital. Why Nikon? Well, I grew up collecting Nikkor lenses and accessories. I won’t throw them away, for sure. Why D70? Hey, if you’re serious about photography, better get SLR! Why not D100? Well, it’s the most affordable SLR! And I still need to take care my kids’ schooling, you know?!

Tied Trilogy: Mahabharata, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings

Is it only me, or you also notify that there are striking ties in Mahabharata, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings (LOTR)? I noticed it ever since before, but last night’s re-run of “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in HBO made me more convinced that either Peter Jackson (Director of LOTR) was big fan of Star Wars, or both him and George Lucas were influenced by Mahabharata.

Well, probably the ties were only coincident, because it may only because I dig into those trilogies too much that make me have this line of thinking. I grew up reading R.A. Kosasih’s Mahabharata comics, and have been fan of Star Wars since 10 years old. I was late in adoring LOTR, but now always watch the three series every time HBO re-runs it without feeling bored.

Anyway, let’s cut to the chase. Some interesting ties between them:

1. All have similar big plot. It started with a group of “heroes” who was in control of a kingdom/country. These heroes then would be ousted by their “foes”, and at the end of trilogy, these heroes will then resume their position. In Mahabharata, it is Pandawa who finally defeated Kurawa to regain their supremacy in Astina. In Star Wars, it is the “Jedi” who were sidelined by “Imperial Forces”, but then finally took command of the “Republic”/ And finally, LOTR has “Aragorn”, the king of “Man”, who finally re-crowned as the “King” after defeated Sauron in the Battle of Middle Earth.
2. All have colossal “Big Wars” that involve clone-alike soldiers. Mahabharata and its Bharatayudha, with the clone-soldiers of “Kurawa”. Star Wars in “Clone Wars” with Storm Troopers, and LOTR with Saruman’s Orcs in “Battle of Middle Earth”
3. The “hero” has his “spiritual teacher” on his side. Remember Luke Skywalker scene of “Jedi Training” with Yoda in “Return of the Jedi”? Don’t you feel the similarities of that scene with “spiritual moment” Arjuna had with Kresna in “Bhagawadgita”? In a not-so-similar scene, Aragon and Frodo in LOTR also have Gandalf as their spiritual teacher.
4. It may not involve Mahabharata. But the actor who played as “Saruman” in LOTR, is actually who played as “Count Dukou” in Star Wars: Phantom Menace. More interestingly, both Saruman and Count Dukou initiated the make of clone soldiers!

There are some more, I reckon. Let me try to remember those first. Anyway, you are free to put your comments as well if you find any! May the force be with you!

Mobile Blog Update!

I just found out that this friendster blog has this cool feature: MobileBlog Update!

I’m now in Marbella, Anyer, and I can still update my blogsite through my trusty T3 and T610.

Well, no particular topic I want to post at the moment. Just laying down inbed, staring the beach from my room view, try to relieve myself after sleepless nights in past two weeks!

But I believe tonight there will be inspiration drawn from this cozysurroundings. Keep in touch!!

I’m totally dumbfounded with Jakarta’s traffic today. Took me almost two hours to get into office from my house. Yes, I know it is in Cibubur, but how can you leave in sanity with this mode of transport everyday? Luckily, I can "lend" all the sores in my legs to my driver. But got stuck in traffic like this morning was just unhealthy for mind and soul.

I wonder if we can sue the RI’s government and Pemda Jakarta! What political will have they put in the last five years? Busway? Yea, right.

Five years ago, I went to KL and looked at their newly developed LRT. I was envy. Last November I went there again, and could only look in desperation. It’s all there. MRT, LRT, clean and tidy stations with private sector’s sponsors (there is Coca Cola Station, Telekom Malaysia station, etc).  What’s wrong with this nation? Our Saudara Melayu have left us in the dust. Not only about this transportation, but almost in all aspects.

Proper Mass transportation from rural to and within city of Jakarta is critical! I imagine Jasa Marga was involved in development of MRT throughout the tollroad lane. The RI Government or Pemda Jakarta can build the MRT lane in middle of tollroad lane. No need for subway. Make it monorel, or whatever mode the investor will look as feasible! They can also build it throughout all toll road lane in Jabotabek region. From Cikarang to Serpong, stopping at Bekasi, Jatibening, Halim. From Ancol to Jagakarsa, routing Sunter, Jatinegara, TMII.

So I imagine to park my car in ‘Cibubur’ Station, and it will take me to ‘Semanggi’ station in less than 30 minutes. I don’t mind to walk to JSX building. Or took "ojek" if needed. I can save my transportation cost, and can assign my driver to take care more of the kids. And hey, with that extra money, I can have more business case to buy an iPod! A perfect gadget for daily commuter!