Searching for Utopia

J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional universe, Middle-earth, has indisputably become an inspiration to many; including readers, scholars, and even other authors. Since then the fantasy genre has gained vast recognition, adaptations were produced and the realm has become a highly-sought subject for researchers around the world. All came from four remarkable works: “The Silmarillion”, “The Adventure of Tom Bombadil”, “The Hobbit”, and “The Lord of the Rings”.

David Day is one author who deems it is necessary to celebrate the brilliance of the Middle-earth. In “Characters from Tolkien” he arranges a captivating study on all the creatures: flora and fauna, the spirit and the mortals. It is an A-Z guide to Middle-earth and The Undying Lands from the creation of the world to the fourth age of sun. If imagination is not enough, it is also supported with illustrations, a map, chronologies of all the ages, and an index to relate to the Tolkien’s works included. The author has done a good job; considering that it is not plain easy to construct an encyclopedia derives from tales. Indeed, literary codes always hinder; making it more difficult for one to grasp an author’s original intention in writing his work.

To write an encyclopedia, however, does not seem to be Day’s purpose. The title changing from “A Tolkien Bestiary” to “Characters from Tolkien” may explain that. While this book gives guides to explore Middle-earth; the author adorns it with acceptable thoughts of his own. As the consequence, some of his elaborations did not exactly correspond with those of Tolkien’s. However that does not necessarily mean that the book is not worth to read. On the account of Telcontar, for instance, the author explained that this term is the Quenyan translation for ‘Strider’—that is King Elessar’s name during the war of the ring in the third age of sun. He then chose this as the name of his House. It led his descendants to call themselves as Telcontari. The term telcontari has in fact never appeared in any of the Tolkien’s works above. Surprisingly, most people agree that it would be the correct plural form of telcontar; and it is repeatedly mentioned in other encyclopedias. There are a few other minor inaccuracies which possibly escape from reader’s attention, unless s/he has read Tolkien’s books more than once to remember the smallest details.

It all then depends on one’s intention in reading. For a technical research, there is definitely no better source than the original work. This book is practical, if used side by side with Tolkien’s. Yet as an entertainment, it serves the purpose very well. It is more like the author’s simplified version of Tolkien’s Middle-earth; yet not less beautiful. There would be more accurate encyclopedic guides to Middle-earth in the future, but this one will always be the first. The reputation speaks for itself as it has had many title changes as well as been reprinted since it was first published in 1978.

Geez, I was one of the Blogcritics Editors’ Picks for November 12 to November 18. I know I’m late, I’m sorry. I was quite busy last week. Anyways thank you, Blogcritics!

Ah, to be young and talented…(duh!)

* Lingerie model Michelle Leslie on people’s criticism for her wearing a veil during her courts on drugs possession in Indonesia as an effort to gain people’s sympathy: “I was a Muslim long before any of this happened. You can be a Muslim regardless of your clothes.”

* Jessica Simpson, a week before her divorce from hubby Nick Lachey was confirmed: “Hopefully mine and Nick’s story will continue for the rest of our lives, like what we vowed, through sickness and in health.”

* Pamela Anderson: “It is great to be a blonde. With low expectations it’s very easy to surprise people.”

* The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins: “Chris Martin - what are those seven deadly sins? Greed? Sloth? Calling your child Apple?”

* Keira Knightly on her cool mom: “When I was a child my mother and I would always talk about sex. She’s come up to my room and have me roll cigarettes for her and then tell me I had to have one with her. She’s the perfect mum.”

* Ozzy Osbourne on his wife Sharon before her plastic surgery: “People must have gone, ‘What does Ozzy Osbourne see in an overweight girl? Why hasn’t he got some floozy; a blonde like a ROD STEWART kind of wife? But there you’ve got the answer to the question. How many times have I been married and how many times have other people been married?”

* Bai Ling: “I’m very private in person. I’m very sensitive and shy with men individually. But when I’m talking, maybe there’s this other channel or this other side and other way of working in my mind, and I convert and become carefree.”

Bai Ling

* Jackie Chan: “Don’t try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie. Study computers instead.”

* Naomi Campbell: “I don’t always wear underwear. When I’m in the heat, especially, I can’t wear it. Like, if I’m wearing a flower dress, why do I have to wear underwear?”

* Robbie Williams: “When I first met him [David Beckham] I didn’t know whether to shake his hand or lick his face.”

Kenya’s Wycliffe Kepha Anyanzwa believes that everything happens for a reason. There is no lip service there; that is the man who could turn his disability into a story of success.

Born as a normal child in the town of Kakamega in 1955, Wycliffe suffered from suffered from severe stomach ache when he was eight. The local hospitals failed to diagnose the problems that he was flown to the Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment by the doctors who were in a partnership program with the Ministry of Education at the time.

A white doctor gave him an injection and the problems disappeared despite his alarm after being told that he could have died had he come later. Yet the case was far from being over. Shortly after, Wycliffe was struck by paralysis over his legs. He soon learned that the syringe used by the doctor was used before on a polio sufferer—which was transferred to him. And there had been no cure of the disease.

There he was. When sick people mostly are healed after visiting a hospital, Wycliffe’s experience was a little bit different. “I walked into a hospital; came out a cripple and my life has never been the same again,” he recalled. His father, a devoted Christian, decided to forgive and forget. He was afterwards taken to traditional doctors, other hospitals and prayer sessions. But there was no cure.

After finishing his elementary, Wycliffe had to face more challenges as he went to a normal boy’s boarding school where he was the only disabled student. As the consequence, he had to lean on other students to wheel him around. That was not easy. He often could not attend his classes when there was no one to help him climbing the stairs. His grades were not so impressive, except for the language class. He spent most of his time reading literature which resulted in winning various awards from speaking contests.

In 1971 he received a motorized wheelchair from the Association for the Physically Handicapped when his father passed away. He fell in love with it and was shortly trained as a leatherwork technician by the same association. With his knowledge, somehow he managed to modify his wheelchair by installing bearings to increase its range of mobility. In 1975, Scot visitors sponsored him for six-month training in mobility engineering to Sweden, along with students from twenty other countries in Africa.

Then life became kinder for him after returning. He was able to hire ten employees to start manufacturing mechanical wheelchairs, tri-cycles and motorbikes, which would be very useful for the physically handicapped. The business went very well that the Swedish Board of Transport soon hired him as an instructor for seminars in the UK, USA and Sweden.

But he did not stop there. He was then modified his car to get his own driving license. It was very difficult. At the point he realized that people must be independent no matter what. That was when he began to hold seminars to encourage other handicapped people to strive for their independence. “In my experience, that is the only way you can change people’s attitudes
towards you. As long as you are dependent on people for your upkeep, they will look down on you. I advocated financial empowerment as the only way to earn respect,” he said.

Wycliffe is now the chairman of the Kenya Society for the Physically Handicapped, and also the administrator of Star Disability Training Centre—set up in 2003 to assist the physically handicapped.

“I have no bitterness over my disability as it has motivated me to succeed in life. How many able- bodied people have what I have? My desire now is to champion the cause of the physically handicapped and to inspire them to view themselves as victors rather than victims,” he explained, ended his story.

* More than 50 percent of people in Hungary and the Czech Republic agreed that men should be breadwinners for the family. On the other hand, women should be responsible for household chores and raising children, even if she had a job and the husband was unemployed. Nice!

* Take That is considering a Greatest Hits tour. However, there is unlikely chance to see the energetic show like in the good old days, as the lads admit that they don’t have the stamina anymore. Mark Owen said, “I went for a little dance after the premiere the other night. I only lasted an hour, I was out of breath. So I don’t know what we’ll do. We can’t sit on stools - that’s too much like Westlife.” On a recent poll, Mark was voted as the nation’s favorite Take Thatter, followed by superstar Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange.

* I just stumbled across this site about Erzsebet Bathory and found it very scary.

* At last, Indonesia’s Muslim clerics take decisive role in fighting terrorism.

Mirror mirror on the wall…tell me who’s the bitchiest of them all…

Judit Kuchta and Ayu Azhari

Tyra Banks said, “I feel like women hate each other. We’re jealous and it has to stop” I agree. Women competition is always very tough—and stupid, and hilarious all at once. It may get less media covering, but it also does happen to us mere mortals. What do we compete in? While many use career as their reason like Tyra and Naomi; or simply buddy feud like Paris and Nicole (Hilton and Richie, that is); most compete to get more attention from the opposite sex.

I thought things were a little different back there in the jungle called Indonesia. You know; no bikinis, no kissing in public, no porn (porn has more definite meaning there: naked people) on TV, get it? Although women with burqa are quite rare; there’s no way you would see prostitutes on the side of the street. Theoretically women would be less saucy and aggressive. That was what I believed, as I had never caught into any women feud before.

I soon learned the lesson though. On a date with my then fiancé—now my husband, we went to a boutique. The shopkeeper girls were nice with me as they always did; but they were being more “friendly” with my man. While I was at the fitting room, I could hear all their conversation. Surely they knew. Shamelessly they asked for my fiancé’s number with their “ndö klots are on dö téböl” (the clothes are on the table) English. Grrrrr!!!!! It may have something to do with girls’ preference of white men. OK, they were properly dressed; they didn’t wink; nor did they touch him. In any way, it was enough to piss me off. Welcome to the jungle!

Another time we were having lunch with my girl friend. Whenever I was around, this girl never ever cracked a word in English—as if she was allergy to the language. And when I had to wash my hand, she could suddenly become a free tourist guide for him. She was my friend, mind you. Double grrrr!!!!!! Those girls, talking are their expertise; at least in public. Who knows what they are up to when nobody is looking.

There was a saying: as long as the coconut leaves are not bended yet; one is still eligible. In Indonesian wedding, people decorate their house using the bended coconut leaves. So while you haven’t seen those leaves, you are free to approach anyone as you suit. I have found that quite inaccurate. A friend of my friend—let us call her Katie, like Katie Holmes—has even gone too far. She is married to a 40 something Australian man. If the age difference failed to make you puke (Come on, my mom is 44), the next story wouldn’t. When they met, the guy was still married to another woman in Australia. Although Katie denied that she knew his marital status from the start, she never made any efforts to end her relationship afterwards. The man continued to visit her in Jakarta, got her a job and apartment. Apparently he was super duper wealthy. In short, he finally got divorced and married to Katie. And what did Katie said? Secretly, she complained, “I envy his ex wife. She has taken away most of his wealth. If only I knew him before she did…” I said secretly, because sex out of wedlock is a no-no. And what she had done was far beyond the limit from our jungle point of view. However, I doubt that she was the only one to do it.

Such stories may be common here in Europe. Nevertheless they were pretty alarming for me. I mean “wild” would be the last thing to define Indonesian women. But look at those things they do? It made me wonder about what the European counterparts would do given the same situation. Simply kiss the man at the first sight?

I was somewhat prepared for worse things concerning the issue when I moved in with my husband to Budapest. To my surprise, Hungarian ladies are in some ways more polite than the Indonesians. At least no woman has ever asked for my husband’s number in a flirtatious way on my face, phew! Sure women walk around flaunting their flesh—even during winter; but it was not a personal attack against me, so I guess I’m okay with it. It’s still weird to see how the news at prime time shows the making of porn movies as if they were a simple movie shooting though.

One thing is sure: Hungarian has different standard. Which standard is better? Apparently it all depends on your point of view. I am not explaining further on this. To give further picture, however, you may want to read about Miss Indonesia’s controversy. The lass was protested only for wearing swimsuit during Miss Universe pageant. Compare to the Miss World Hungary 2000 who proudly boasted that she dumped Vin Diesel over a Hungarian man. It matters a little whether she was telling the truth
or not; Artika sari Devi would have never said things like these: “Vin is very gallant. “He always sent me a first class plane ticket, a limo and even rented a private plane just so I could hurry to him. I enjoyed that he carried me in his palm, but I didn’t bond with him emotionally, and that hurt him. For example, he was sad that I always got out of bed early, so he couldn’t cuddle me.”

Getting along with a Hollywood hunk is a big thing, but to admit to sleep with one in Indonesia would bring more condemnation than pride. The Indonesian beauty Ayu Azhari knows how it feels like. The actress turned to singer was related to ex While Lion front man Mike Tramp after divorcing from her Fin husband. It happened long before Angelina Jolie even started to woo Brad Pitt while denying it; which means that you should know Ayu Azhari and Mike Tramp were the trendsetters. They refused to be called an item even when they were caught together. The actress is now staying in France after giving birth for Tramp’s baby—allegedly to avoid the public condemnation in Indonesia. Of course nobody would ever criticize them if they ever plan to get married. So, instead of gloating over her “success”, poor Ayu Azhari received the bitter part. Then who is the bitchiest? Life, methinks!

UPDATE:
I received quite hits from this piece. So before things get nasty, I thought I should update the story a little bit. Ayu Azhari has confirmed that Mike Tramp and her were married in a religious ceremony after Mike was converted into Islam–where and how, she wouldn’t say. The baby is called as Isabel Tramp, for those who are curious about the littleone. So, who’s the bitchiest, again?

Related article: It’s Official: Mike Tramp, Ayu Azhari and Baby Isabel

* Jennifer Aniston updates: She may have lost the trophy (Brad Pitt, that is!) to Angelina Jolie, but the missus is GQ’s “Man of the Year“. She was chosen to grace the cover because she has shown poise, grace and humor, editor Mark Healy says. Other conventional ( I’m talking about men, mind you) choices are Vince Vaughn and 50 Cent.

Another day, another naked celeb

* Oh well, Google doesn’t help much when it comes to search for Hungarian news in English. You could simply jump to index.hu for gossip; if you speak hungarian, of course. As for me, it’s seems that I still have to bear all the deficit news and monetary affairs for a while until my Magyar is improved. If they’re too boring, you may want to check Further Ramblings of a N. Irish Magyar. Paul surely has an interesting way to teach you about the meaning of deficit.

* Guess what’s today’s headlines on Indonesian media? No; Suharto, monetary crisis, corruption, deficit, riots, poverty, SARS, tsunami, they are all out of date. Bird flu and terrorism now rule. Click here if you care.

HIV has been a threat to people of all ages on all continents longer before most of us, including myself, knew that the H5N1 existed. Despite common belief that there is no cure for the HIV yet; there may be a man who holds the key to unlock the mystery. Step forward Mr. Andrew Stimpson.

The 25-year-old Scot moved to London four years ago. He then had a long term relationship with Juan Gomez, 44; an HIV positive. In May 2002, Stimpson continuously felt tired, weak and feverish which led him to take three blood tests at the Victoria Clinic for Sexual Health in west London. The tests were negative, but he took more tests in August and this time it was positive.

The result brought him nightmares followed by suicidal depression; knowing that a cure was impossible. He took no special medication, and had been keeping dietary supplements instead. Each month he went for routine blood tests, had check ups on his liver, heart, and immune system. Doctors said his immune system remained strong; which was unusual for an HIV positive. It continued until October 2003, where he took another HIV test—and the result was negative. He afterwards took three more tests: all of them came back the same.

“There was a massive relief but I was also deeply confused. And the doctors seemed as confused as me. I thought the first positive tests must have been wrong,” said he, even admitted that he tried to sue the hospital for its inaccuracy in the testing system. But an investigation by the hospital proved otherwise. “I can’t help wondering if I hold the cure for Aids. There are 34.9 million people with HIV and if I have something to contribute, then I am willing and ready to help,” Stimpson said.

Yet experts remain skeptical about the news. Dr Patrick Dixon, an expert from Acet, an international Aids group, said, “You have to be rock-solid sure that both samples came from the same person, no mix-up in the laboratory, no mistakes in the testing. This is the first well-documented case.” Those were absolutely important, as there have been several similar claims made in South Africa. Such a case, however, have never been heard in the UK, said a spokeswoman for the Terence Higgins Trust.

Dr Gert van Zyl, an Aids expert at Tygerberg Hospital, suggested that there have been cases that made it look as if there is something like a “passing HIV infection”. However, these were cases where the virus was contracted through a needle prick or during birth - cases where the virus passed on before it turned into a systemic infection of the body.

“In this case (Stimpson’s) it seems however that he had a well established infection for which he tested positive more than once and then became negative. In such a case, one has to ask whether the virus was in fact cured or whether our tests are no longer picking it up.”

The major point now is that Stimpson agrees to undergo further tests to reveal more about the working of the disease—and develop vaccine, if possible. The decision will surely bring a new hope to many. Statistics showed that there have been about 39.4 million people who had HIV at the end of 2004.

* Indonesian police raided the third biggest ecstasy facory in the world located in West Java. If you speak Indonesian, click here, if you don’t then click here.

* The bastard is really dead!

* What’s up with Jennifer Aniston?

* I know this sounds very stupid, but I’ll still be posting it anyway: Angelina Jolie and her love curse.

* Sharon Osbourne: “I was at the TEEN CHOICE AWARDS with Kelly and little girls were screaming over Paris Hilton. A f**king piece of scrawny old grizzle who’s only famous for sucking c**k in a home-made porn video–My kids are good role models.”

* Kimberly Stewart on Jennifer Aniston: “I like her because she’s homely. She obviously has to have something else - it’s not like she’s gorgeous or anything.”

* Kimberly Stewart (again) on Paul McCartney and his amputee wife: “What has three legs and lives on a farm? Paul McCartney and his wife.”

* Jessica Simpson: “Platypus? I thought it was pronounced platymapus. Has it always been pronounced platypus?”

* Christina aguilera: “So, where’s the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?”

* Brad Pitt: “I phoned my grandparents and my grandfather said ‘we saw your movie’. ‘Which one?’ I said. He shouted ‘Betty, what was the name of that movie I didn’t like?’”

* Catherine Zeta Jones: “I was never a jealous woman, and if I were, I’d never tell a reporter!” she said. “I never had a fight over jealousy and regarding Michael, if a man looks at him, I’ll be angry, but if it’s a woman it’s better for me because with her, I’ll solve the problem with a sword.”

* Jennifer Lopez: “I could serve coffee using my rear as a ledge.”

* Diddy: “I feel safe in white because deep down inside, I’m an angel.”

* Paris Hlton: “No one is ever competition for me.”

* Angelina Jolie: “I wouldn’t be attracted to a man who would cheat on his wife.”

* Katie Holmes (before Tomkat era): “I watch Brad Pitt movies and I think: ‘I’m here, call me’.”

* Michael Jackson on his album Invincible: “Incvincible is the proper name. I have been the artist with the longest career and I am so proud and honoured to be chosen from heaven to be invincible.”

* Indonesian police chief Sutanto confirmed that the most wanted islamic militant in South East Asia, Azahari bin Husin, died in yesterday’s raid. The death was made certain after matching the dead’s finger print with Azahari’s.

* Budapest now and then: What’s the difference?

* And we thought that women traficking only happened in poor countries like Indonesia…

* This is the lovely and sensible Kate Moss after her rehab. Was she also trafficked, I wonder? Ha ha!

* Brits definitely still fancy boybands as the fat dancer from Take That tops the list of “The Biggest Selling Artists of the 21st Century”. Robbie beats the likes of Kylie Minogue, Oasis, Coldplay and even Eminem. Westlife and Blue are also on the list.

* From “Further Ramblings of a N. Irish Magyar”: Hungary’s real tragedy in 1956.

* 6th person died of bird flu symptoms in Indonesia—3 relatives and a nurse of the previous victim are now hospitalized because of similar symptoms.

* From Pestiside, Hungary’s Brigitta Erdőhegyi sued Penthouse over her saucy spread. It’s just everyday news—but only if you are in Hungary. (Warning: contains adult pictures).

Hello,

Last but mot least, you said you wanted an Indonesian friend—only when they are sincere. What is sincere to you? In my opinion sincere means open minded; not easily judging others; and try to think positively (which is different than naive) in every situation. So, do you think you can be a sincere friend, Ryan? (Dian-the USA)

I couldn’t agree more. When you mention Indonesia, you can’t just mean the stupid Javanese who can’t speak English properly (note: I’m a Javanese myself) when there are hundreds of other languages in the country. Somebody who came from Jakarta might not behave the same as those who came from Papua, for example.

How would you know, if you never spend some time to get to know each other? I have no Indonesian friend too here in Hungary, but I have nothing to say against the Indonesians who are living here. Some might be nice, some are annoying–regardless their nationality. If an Indonesian has such a stereotype about their own people, what would others think about the nation? Are we all terrorists? Are we all carrying bird flu? Hey, and because I am now living in Hungary, I’d be furious also if people said all women here are porn actress. Eww.

This has been originally posted here on November 4, 2005
For more pictures on Indonesia, click here

Lately I have scanned interesting views from an Indonesian who is living in the UK here who seemed to have no luck in making friend with Indo people in where he lives; which is posted on a column on an Indonesian ezine. Here is my translated version. Enjoy.

“Hi
…
Just call me Ryan. I am living in a city in England (Praise Lord, I knew how it felt to live in several other countries). I have many unpleasant experiences with Indonesian people abroad; although I NEVER tried to search for any Indonesian community. My acquaintances with them were mostly started by accident; whether it was at the campus, bus, market, restaurant, internet cafe, or any other places. I am in no means of being arrogant, but since I’ve gotten here, I have always decided to be INDEPENDENT.

My father, who used to live in France, often said, “Son, you are lucky that you have the opportunity to live abroad. Therefore, you should do your best! You should learn to understand and appreciate others’ culture. Don’t forget your roots, but never DEPEND on others. Do not beg them; and remember ‘when in Rome, do as Romans do’”.

From my own experience, however, most Indonesian who lives abroad can be categorized into:

First group are those annoying people who always asked you about private things on the first meeting; such as salary, visa, religion (Once I was mad to somebody whom I met in a supermarket. His second question after knowing my name was my religion; as if I would’ve been too dirty to get along with if I had different religion).

Second group are those SPOILT people who constantly complain about the weather; food; how they could never get along with the locals; etc. These people only mingle with other Indonesians. So don’t be surprised that after years of living abroad you could still hear Javanese twang through their awful English. They usually have terrible craving for Indonesian products; like Djisamsoe kretek (cigarette), jengkol (pithecolobium).

Third group are Orang Kaya Baru (OKB/newly rich people). Mostly—though not all—are women who are married to foreigners; those who used to live very poor. Now that they’ve gotten a little richer, they blow things out of proportion. They enjoy showing off so much that it’s hilarious. I remember a friend told me that we could all wear expensive clothes; but our true color will always remain. On this column, for example, I remember a writer was proudly jotting down her address so it could be seen she lived in an elite area.

Fourth Group belongs to those who are lazy. I’m talking about laziness of learning. They think that our culture is the best and therefore not even bother to appreciate the new culture. Doesn’t every culture have its plus/minus? There are many of these people who still have no idea about the art and culture of the country they are living in; not even the basic etiquette; such as to open the door, say thank you, and simple things like them.

Fifth group is the posh. They usually come to live abroad as rich kids sent by their parents to study. In the New Order era, they could be ridiculously rich. They bought new cars like buying peanuts. Spending money was their leisure pursuit. What is funny is that they never flaunted what they had to the locals; because they would only ask,” Wow, you have lots of money. Isn’t Indonesia a poor country?” To avoid such questions, they then chose to interact only with other Indonesians.

I’m not saying that every Indonesian abroad is like them; because I am absolutely not. But the worst, the absolute worst, is that it’s very difficult to meet a sincere Indonesian. They are in fact as rare as Djisamsoe and jengkol. I simply don’t care if I had no Indonesian friend because I have friends from other nations. I do want to have an Indonesian friend, but only the sincere ones. I believe that ‘when in Rome, do as Romans’ do”. (Ryan-England)

Whoa, that cuts like a knife! He believed that not all Indonesian abroad belong to those groups; because he didn’t belong to any of them. But guess what, he had never met anyone else who is “sincere”. Miaow.

This has been originally published here on November 4, 2005

Thousand miles away from my homeland…

No ketupat,
nor delicious chicken curry …

Yet happiness exists even in the strangest places.

Hope you are all well and sharing the joy with your loved ones.