Maudy Ayunda, The Next Indonesian Heartthrob

Maudy Faza Ayunda was born in Jakarta, December 19, 1994 and one of Indonesian rising stars who will be featured in both music and film industries in years to come. She made her acting debut at the age of 12, starring in a movie titled Untuk Rena (For Rena) in 2006.

In 2009, she was involved in the most eagerly anticipated movie of that year, Sang Pemimpi (The Dreamers), portraying a beautiful Malay girl named Zakiah Nurmala, one of the main characters’ love interests.

However, unlike the other young actresses or actors, Maudy, who is currently studying at Mentari International School, always prioritizes her education ahead of her acting career. “I’m very selective in choosing a movie. I will only act during my school holidays. I will never skip classes just to act in a movie,” she revealed during a press conference some time ago. She justified her commitment in her study by winning a second place in a speech competition and receiving various awards in her academic record.

She also launched a single titled “Tiba Tiba Cinta Datang” (Love Comes Unexpectedly) in 2009 (I think)…and recorded some songs in you tube. I will post two of her clips that will make you in love with her. She’s pretty talented musician, in my opinion, and she could be the next big thing in music industry if she continues her impressive performance in the future.

As a douche bag, after watching her latest movie, “Tendangan dari Langit” (A Kick from Langitan) last week, I was really impressed by her look, not her acting ability. You know what; I think her singing ability is ‘so so’ as well. I don’t think she’ll emerge to become one of Indonesian divas in the future. That would become her major obstacle, wouldn’t it? People might overlook her acting and musical ability because of her looks. Time will definitely tell if she has what it got to be a superstar. But in the mean time, let’s caress this moment, enjoy her innocent, mesmerizing beauty before she reaches her twenties and become a snob. I mean I’m not implying that she will become one, but the potential is always there. It is common knowledge that young celebrity has potential to push that ‘self-destruction’ button in their early 20s. Let’s hope our Maudy will end up differently. I think she will become an Indonesian heartthrob in film industry in five years (not sure about music industry).

In the end, I’m just going to say this once: “Girl, despite your fluent English, you need to improve your acting and singing abilities to silence your doubters or people will always, I mean, forever and ever, remember you as a beautiful girl who takes part in Indonesian blockbuster movies.” Douche bag out.

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The Reds March On with an Impressive Victory Over Bolton Wanderers

Ola….welcome,

I was really happy last week after watching my team, Liverpool defeating Bolton 3-1 at Anfield. I was happy to see everything went according to plan and to see that Liverpool is doing well at the beginning of the season. But, let’s not get carried away with the early results because we will have our first real challenge next week when we have to play against Stoke City. Here is the match report that I obtained from Sky Sports.

Liverpool produced an impressive performance to overcome Bolton 3-1 at Anfield and continue their strong start to the season.

The opening goal came on 15 minutes when Jussi Jaaskelainen brilliantly denied Stewart Downing following a sublime Luis Suarez cross, but Bolton could not fully clear their lines and Jordan Henderson rifled an excellent finish into the top corner.

Any chance Bolton had of getting back into the game was snuffed out in the space of a couple of minutes in the second half as Liverpool extended their lead from one goal to three.

First it was Martin Skrtel who made it 2-0 with a powerful header from a corner on 52 minutes, before Charlie Adam fired in a low shot from the edge of the area.

Bolton grabbed a late consolation thanks to Ivan Klasnic but the final whistle blew moments later to leave Liverpool top of the table on goal difference ahead of Sunday's action.

So, I’m looking forward to see our performance against stronger opponent, Stoke City next week. Hopefully, we can get three points as it would give us a major boost to face Man United in the following week. And I’m really really desperate to see us beating Man United again this year. See ya next time. Good bye.

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2011-2012 English Premier League Matchday 2: Arsenal 0 - Liverpool 2

Ola, This week has been great for me and my fellow Liverpool fans (Liverpudlians) following a 0-2 win at Emirates Stadium. This is our first win over Arsenal at their own stadium (both Highbury & Emirates)in 11 years. So, I'm really delighted with this win. The man of the match goes to the usual suspect,Luiz Suares, who just came in on the second half of the game. HIs rapid movement and energy lifted up the Reds to nail this game, which was under their control following the dismissal of Emanuel Primpong (another promising Arsenal youngter) for a challenge on Lucas Leiva. I personally didn't watch the game but I do believe that this could be a sign of bright future ahead for Liverpool FC. It would be foolish if I said Liverpool would win the premier league this season. However, the current performance is encouraging and I hope we'll get better every week. They said Liverpool won because Arsenal was having problems with injuries and suspension issues, but a win is a win, so at the end, we had the three points, fair and square. Alrite folks...see you on the next match, have a great week. YNWA....

These are some photos that I borrow from Liverpool official website (Hope, I don't violate any laws or copyright act):

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Children Sweets: Unhealthy yet Enticing

When we were younger, we did not care much about things that we did or food that we ate. We just did what we wanted to do, as simple as that. Now, I would like to share about sweet/ snack that I used to munch back then when I was about probably in between 7 to 12 years old. As far as I can recall, all of them were pretty good. Alrite, without further a due, here are the list of sweet that I liked the most when I was a kid (well, actually, I still eat them whenever I can)

Cotton Candy

Cotton candy (U.S., Canada), candy floss or candyfloss (UK, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa), or fairy floss (Australia) is a form of spun sugar. Since cotton candy is mostly air, a small initial quantity of sugar generates a tremendously greater final volume, causing servings to be physically large. A typical serving on a stick is approximately one ounce and contains roughly 115 calories (Wikipedia). Well, cotton candy usually leave not so good feeling after we consumed it. We really need to prepare a glass of mineral water to clear our throat. However, in my world back then, cotton candy became something that I had to buy whenever I went to amusement park. I mean, I didn't have fun getting all those crazy rides without it on my hand, it was crazy. In Indonesia, you can buy cotton candy for only Rp5,000 these days. Yup, it does not even cost you a dollar (based on my own experience buying cotton candy on the street). Three things to describe cotton candy: sticky, sweet and colorful.

Arum Manis (Indonesian Cotton Candy)

Arum manis is a type of cotton candy with crackers, well not really crackers but its a type of handmade crackers, which are quite crunchy but tasteless. The reason I like arum manis because it always brings back my childhood memory whenever I bite it. it costs abit more expensive than cotton candy, well not quite if we consider the number of arum manis we can get by paying the same amount of money for cotton candy. it will cost you Rp5,000 for 5 pieces of arum manis. three thing to describe arum manis are crunchy, sweet and fun.

Gulali (still not yet defined but it might be candy floss)

Gulali is my favourite. This is how they make gulali (I'm just making this up). First, they will burn the sugar and mix it with food coloring. Second, they will wait until it becomes as hard as wax/ candle. However, I think they will have to keep the sugar under certain temperature/ heat. Because usually, when I buy gulali, I can ask them to shape those sugar into an object (mostly animal). So, while its hot, they can bend, pull and shape the sugar without any problems. The catch is most of the sellers do not wash their hands before they touch/ modify the sugar dough. Nevertheless, the taste is good and sweet. Three things to describe gulali are exciting, tasty and sweet.

Alrite, that's all for now. I'll give you more information regarding lots of silly things in the future. Thank you, mind my language, and have a nice day....douche bag out!!!

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Rising Star: Anouk Hoogendijk

A good looking football player from Netherlands who is playing her trade in England. She's just in her early 20s, and she's dreaming to be one of the elite female footballers in the future. Good luck and see you at the next women's world cup tournament. Adios.

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The Best American Idol Winner Goes to...

An American talent reality television series, American Idol, has recently wrapped its tenth season since it was started in 2002. I have been wondering who stand out the most or who has been selling more seats during a concert among those American Idol winners. I mean, don't you feel curious to find out who have managed to fulfill their star potential after defeating hundreds of contestants in the show?? Alrite, I'll try to give you brief review that I gather from Wikipedia to provide you a glimpse of their potential and what they have achieved in their musical career so far. Here are the first five Idol winners:

Kelly Clarkson, American Idol Season 1 Winner

Kelly Clarkson has released four albums to date under RCA Records: her multi-platinum debut album Thankful (2003) (which was nominated for a Grammy Award and sold more than 4 million copies worldwide), her multi-platinum second album Breakaway (2004) (which won two Grammy Awards and sold more than 12 million copies worldwide), her platinum third album My December (2007), and her latest platinum album All I Ever Wanted (2009) (which was nominated for a Grammy Award and sold more than 7 million copies worldwide).

Ruben Studdard, American Idol Season 2 Winner

Ruben Studdard received a Grammy Award nomination in December 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Superstar." Studdard has released four studio albums, including his most recent disc, 2009's Love Is. He won Outstanding New Artist: Soulful in Image Award in 2004. He was nominated in numerous music awards during 2003-2005.

Fantasia Barrino, American Idol Season 3 Winner

Following her victory, she released her debut single, "I Believe", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequently, she released her debut album, Free Yourself, which went on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA and garnered Barrino three Grammy nominations in 2006. In 2006, she released her second album, Fantasia, which featured the single "When I See U" which topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for eight weeks. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and received three Grammy nominations in 2008. Her third studio album, Back to Me, was released worldwide on August 24, 2010 and features the single "Bittersweet," which peaked in the top ten on the R&B chart. The single won her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Carrie Underwood, American Idol Season 4 Winner

After conquering American Idol, Underwood has since become a multi-platinum selling recording artist, a multiple Grammy Award winner, a Golden Globe Award nominee, a three-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Female Vocalist winner, a GMA Dove award winner, and a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year. She is the first-ever female artist to win back-to-back Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards for Entertainer of the Year (2009/10). Underwood was inducted into and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. She was also inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009. (fiuhhh...awesome and she's hot too)

Taylor Hicks, American Idol Season 5 Winner

Upon winning Idol, he was signed to Arista Records, under which his self-titled major label debut was released on December 12, 2006. His energetic stage performances and influences derived from classic rock, blues, and R&B music had earned him a following of devout fans, who have been dubbed the "Soul Patrol." He is currently on tour in Grease playing Teen Angel, the role originated by Alan Paul. The new CD, The Distance, was released March 10, 2009, with the first single, "What's Right Is Right", going to AC adds January 27, 2009. The second single was confirmed to be "Seven Mile Breakdown" via his Myspace page.

Ok...I think that's it for now. Thank you Wikipedia for the valuable information. I don't think I will write the second part of this story. I personally think that Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are best winners of Americal Idol. They are not only winning various awards but people around thw world are willing to listen to their songs. So, I pronounce them as the winners of this (time consuming) battle.

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Benefits of Fasting during Ramadan

Assalamualaikum,

How are you ladies and gentlemen? have you ever heard a term called 'fasting'? I bet you have. In fact, if you happen to live in a Muslim country, you certainly will be familiar with it. I always wonder what benefit we can get from doing this fasting ritual, particularly during Ramadan. As far as I'm concerned, in my point of view, fasting is a form of cleansing oneself from sins and mistakes committed in the past and it will teach us how to control our emotion, attitude and behavior. In Islam, we believe that Ramadan month is a month of blessing. We should do lots of good deeds during Ramadan month to erase all our sins and show our devotion to God.

Furthermore, fasting does not only bring spiritual benefits to our mind and soul. Some experts have this belief that fasting could bring positive impact to our body. Let me post some information that I gather (during my spare time) on the net. This one is from medindia.net written by Thilaka Ravi.

Fasting is especially beneficial in the following situations:-

• Finding relief from a variety of health disorders may no doubt begin my making lifestyle changes. Supervised fasting for a stipulated period helps patients make those required changes in their life that will positively influence their health.

• Fasting is a blessing to overcome addictions - to caffeine, nicotine, drugs, smoking and alcohol. Fasting helps lower withdrawal symptoms, which commonly deter people from overcoming addictions.

• Fasting helps lower cholesterol.

• Fasting works wonders in alleviating disorders of the gastrointestinal system like constipation, bloating, and gastritis.

• A supervised fasting program is a boon to diabetics to make crucial lifestyle and diet changes, sacrosanct to effective treatment of the condition.

• Fasting improves mental alertness - when toxins are cleared out of the lymphatic system and blood stream, it improves mental clarity. Further, eating less results in energy conservation, which can be used by the brain for thinking tasks.

Briefly, a fast could result in:-

• Weight loss

• Improved mental clarity

• Improved breathing

• Improved energy levels

• Good skin

• Rejuvenated digestive system

Very good analysis. Although, I would like to add that fasting in Muslim country does bring lots of excitement and joy, particularly when you find abundant of food served in front of you on the street. I mean, look at these pictures below, aren't you feel hungry right now? I've been experiencing break-fasting ritual in Malaysia and Indonesia. Both countries have various kind of food and unique style in serving them. In Malaysia, you don't need to wait for certain amount of time to get your food while in Indonesia, you need to act like a cave man (if you know what I mean) to get your food. Oh well, there are always positive and negative sides in buying some food for break-fasting preparation but I enjoy them all.

This picture shows a situation on one of the night markets (Pasar Malam) in Malaysia prior to break-fasting ritual. Pasar malam is opened from afternoon until evening during certain period of time in different areas in Malaysia. (I mean different areas have different locations and time)

I'm not sure about this but I assumed this picture shows a market in Malaysia during Ramadan month. (Colorful cakes, aren't they?)

The photo shows variety of food being sold at Benhil area in Jakarta.

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Komitmen Accor dalam Program ‘A Tree for a Child’ (ATFAC)

Accor, operator hotel internasional terbesar di Indonesia dan Asia Pasifik, menegaskan kembali komitmen perusahaan terhadap program sosial dan pelestarian lingkungan berkelanjutan melalui program ‘A Tree for A Child’ (ATFAC). Program yang didirikan oleh Accor dan Yayasan Peduli Tunas Bangsa pada tahun 2001 memiliki dua tujuan utama yaitu pengentasan kemiskinan dan pelestarian lingkungan melalui empat pilar utama: pendidikan, kesehatan, nutrisi dan penghijauan. Hingga saat ini, Accor, didukung oleh jajaran eksekutif puncak dan tamu hotel, telah menggalang dana lebih dari 3 miliar Rupiah yang disalurkan untuk membantu menyediakan layanan kesehatan dan beasiswa bagi anak-anak kurang mampu sebagai upaya mengentaskan kemiskinan, menanam hutan kembali di Jawa Tengah dan menyediakan lapangan pekerjaan bagi para petani lokal.

Gerard Guillouet , Vice President Accor Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore adalah penggagas di balik program Accor ATFAC yang mendukung program peningkatan pendidikan serta kesehatan bagi anak-anak kurang mampu di Jakarta, dan pada saat yang bersamaan menyediakan dukungan untuk orang tua/ keluarga agar tetap dapat menyekolahkan anak-anak mereka. Program ini juga membentuk siklus yang saling mendukung antara elemen pelestarian lingkungan, penyediaan lapangan pekerjaan bagi para warga setempat dan penyediaan sumber dana pendidikan anak-anak. Accor telah menanam pohon untuk kelangsungan program ini di kemudian hari dan oleh karena itulah program ini dinamakan ‘A Tree for a Child.’

Accor mengajak seluruh perusahaan ataupun individu yang berjiwa sosial mengunjungi www.atfac.org untuk mendapatkan informasi lebih lanjut mengenai program ini serta mendorong mereka untuk berpartisipasi.

Ade Noerwenda, Human Resources Director, Accor Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore; Gerard Guillouet – Vice President Accor Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore; Taru J Wisnu, Poverty Reduction Unit, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia; dan Tonton Heryanto, Koordinator Sosial Purna Waktu Accor yang bertugas di Yayasan Peduli Tunas Bangsa sedang berbincang dengan beberapa anak-anak sanggar pendidikan Yayasan Peduli Tunas Bangsa yang merupakan bagian dari program ‘A Tree for A Child’ (ATFAC).

Ade Noerwenda, Human Resources Director, Accor Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore; Gerard Guillouet, Vice President Accor Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore; bersama Taru J Wisnu, Poverty Reduction Unit, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia dan Tonton Heryanto, Koordinator Sosial Purna Waktu Accor yang bertugas di Yayasan Peduli Tunas Bangsa turut mendampingi beberapa anak-anak yang menjadi bagian dari program ‘A Tree for A Child’ (ATFAC).

Kegiatan anak-anak belajar di sanggar A Tree for a Child, didampingi oleh Ade Noerwenda, Human Resources Director, Accor Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore.

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