Digital characters learn to move
In traditional computer animation, all a characters moves, such as Tomb Raider's Lara Croft falling, have to be animated beforehand. This is often a long and painstaking process and means that a character can only react in a set of pre-determined ways.
Currently, there is a new animation technique, called Active Character Technology, that works using a process of artificial evolution, so that a character learns how to move and produce their own body motion. This will be very useful for truly interactive characters in a computer games. Read the complete article here!

PORTAL Kebudayaan Jawa
Just found from friend, a website containing any kinda information about Javanese culture. I wasn't sure who was its founder, but I thought it's a brilliant innovation especially for a javanese like me so that I won't be a stranger in my own culture. You should go there if you're a javanese or even if you're just interested to javanese cultural.

Light on Against Subtance buse and HIV/AIDS
In Indonesia we called it "Hari Anti Madat Sedunia". I'm not really sure what it is called in English, might be something like "World's No-Drug Day". Today, people in Indonesia will be asked to light on their car lamp between 11.00 and 14.00 WIB (Jakarta time), to simbolically support no-drugs activities and prevention of HIV/AIDS. This year, it's also be related with HIV/AIDS, because of tight relation between abuse of drugs and HIV/AIDS. According to data from DEPKES RI (Indonesian Health Department) that's quoted by UN-AIDS, on 2002, about 20% of Indonesian HIV victims were invected by drug's injection needle. So, stay away from drugs for your own health!

Are you ready for angry robots?

Hey, I just found this test *not anymore, please :(*, this test is to test your stress level. Try it here. My analysis say:

You are a serious person always able to control your temper.
Your stress level maintains in a balance level. Though if you deal with high stress, you will become quiet and fear your surroundings. For this type playing with pet will help you release the tension.

Uugh!! I don't like playing with pet.

Who did invent telephone?
If I would ask you to tell me who invented the telephone you would probably say Alexander Graham Bell. Wrong!!! Bell did not invent the telephone!
It was Antonio Meucci, an immigrant from Florence, Italy. He invented the telephone in 1849 and filed his first patent in 1871, setting into motion a series of mysterious events and injustices which would be incredible were they not so well documented. Read it more here!

"Big Brother" Watching Us on Mp3 Sharing?
I was wondering when no Mp3 songs can be downloaded through AudioGalaxy today until I found an article telling me that since June 17th, AudioGalaxy has reached an out-of-court settlement with the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). AudioGalaxy will pay the RIAA a lot of money and from now only provide songs for which the copyright holder has specifically given permission. Read it more here.

And I thought it's better not to install any other else mp3 sharing software in our PC, because somebody I know, who installed AudioGalaxy in his PC, found a spyware, GATOR was also installed. Take care of you!

Scientists conquer laser beam teleportation

Scientists carry out successful teleportation experiment

Scientists in Canberra have successfully teleported a laser beam for the first time in Australia.
Teleportation is usually found in science fiction programs like Star Trek, but a team of researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) has carried out a successful teleportation experiment in a gravitational wave lab.

Today in Indonesian History
Today I've just added new feature in this page. I called it "Today in Indonesian History". This feature will display random today Indonesian history everytime you refresh this page. You can find it on the right-side of this page, not far above the page-counter. Until now, I still don't have all dates of Indonesian history yet, but will try to complete it soon. Anyone wants to help me completing it? ;) Contact me here. Thanks

Have A Nice Weekend!
We have some interesting World Cup matches tomorrow, Saturday, June 15th. Germany, England, Spain, and the "unpredictable" Senegal will play on the second round to book their place on the third round. Germany will play against Paraguay, Denmark against England, Sweden against Senegal, and Spain against Ireland. I wish England will go through the third round and be the winner of the championship. I didn't expect too much, did I? Anyway, have a nice weekend! :)

New Virus Infects Picture Files
Currently, viruses infected program files that can be run on their own. But it's only a matter of time for data files like movies, music, text and pictures can also be infected. Yeah, a new virus called Perrun, threatens to strike one of the Internet's most common and useful activities: sharing family photos. Read it on Wired!

New Beatles' Performance :)
My housemate, Supri have just bought a new Yamaha classic guitar last Saturday at Sarinah Thamrin, Jakarta. Then almost every night and day after that --when we're at home, both of us, and sometimes triad with another housemate Benny, practice to perform foreign and local song together. I played my Roland keyboard, and either Supri or Benny played guitar, or Benny on vocal. I usually like playing John Lennon's Imagine when I played solo.

And last night, for the first time, we tried to record our 'performance' with my little tape recorder. Apparently, it's not too bad. The recorded sound was not quite 'clean' as I hope, but I thought we will practice and practice again for better 'performance'.

Actually, I for one, don't even have plan to form --say-- a group band, it's just for fun, you know? I always feel great and relax everytime I play a song. I used to play drum but I realized that I prefer to play keyboard-piano better than drum.

Happy Birthday, Netscape 4!
Honestly, when I'm developing web-program, I never really like using Netscape instead of MSIE because of its limitedness. But I'm still waiting for the time when Netscape is more "user-friendly" than any other browsers. The point is, I will only choose the best one (on my purpose, of course :)). Anyway, happy birthday, Netscape 4! :)

Will New World Cup's Top-scorer Pass 6 Goals?
Germany's Miroslav Klose is now leading on the top scorer (5 goals in 3 matches) of World Cup 2002 Korea/Japan. Following that Germany goes through the second round, will (or can) he break since 1978 6 goals World Cup's top scorer record?

My First Impression

Life is a very complex thing to you. You don't understand why there's hate, when we should all love each other. Most things bring you pain, slow painful emotional pain. You know someday you'll unlock the secrets of the universe, but right now all you want to do is lay down and think for awhile. Try not to cry.

No, although it seem about to same, it isn't The Beatles album "Abbey Road", this is "The Abbey Road EP" of Red Hot Chili Peppers. This album was released on August 16th, 1988, but I just knew it from my friend. I thought it would be interesting to everyone who loves Beatles but never see this album ;). Oh yeah, one important thing, this post is for 17+ years old only, please! =p

Hey, I just took two kinda online tests, IQ test which scored me 133 (what about yours? dare to compare your score to mine? ;-) click here), and test on what age do I act like, and below is the result (not too bad, I'm now 23 years old):

22

I act like I'm 22.
This test was brought to you by Melissa - No, really.... Take it here.

VESPA CONTEST: Fifteen interpid daredevils ride on three scooters during the Gebyar Vespa 2002 event at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium's compound in Jakarta. At least 2,000 Vespa motorcycles, many dating back to the 1950s, took part in the event on Sunday. The event, held in conjunction with the 17th anniversary of the Jakarta Vespa Club, was also highlighted by a contest for the most colorfully ornamented motorcycle. (JP/P.J. Leo)

The India-Pakistan Conflict
Recently, tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan, with the nuclear rivals threatening to go to war over the disputed Kashmir region. I wish peace will win the war against the conflict. What do you think?

Dead Men Tell No Passwords
The man in charge of some of Norway's most precious electronic documents died without divulging the way to access them. A plea to hackers to help crack the system is out. What will you do when you're in such condition?

In the date of birth of Bung Karno (Soekarno, first Indonesian president), I'd like to remind us one of his famous quotes (Indonesian/English)

Perjuanganku lebih mudah karena mengusir penjajah, tapi perjuanganmu akan lebih sulit karena melawan bangsamu sendiri.
========================
I walked on an easier struggle for just expelling the colonist, but you will have a very difficult one for resisting your own nation.
(Bung Karno)

There was this nice survey-type-thing at Jenste's blog, and then I did it for myself

[[ Name ]] - Ibnu Farid Iskandar
[[ Birthday ]] - April 26th, 1979
[[ Age ]] - 23
[[ Astrological sign? ]] - Taurus
[[ Chinese zodiac sign? ]] - well, not really care
[[ Location ]] - Jakarta
[[ Sexual Preference ]] - women
[[ Current Hair color ]] - black
[[ Eye color... W/ & W/O contacts ]] - black
[[ Parents still together? ]] - No
[[ Siblings? ]] - two elder brothers
[[ Pets? ]] - I used to have a duck when I was child, but I don't like any pet now
[[ Rent, lease, or own your home? ]] - rent a room (not house)
[[ What do you do for work? ]] - programming
[[ What do you drive? ]] - I use public transportation
[[ Black and White/Color ]] - Color
[[ Black/White ]] - white then black
[[ Red/Blue ]] - blue, definitely
[[ Dogs/Cats ]] - cats
[[ Roses/Daisies ]] - jasmine (melati)
[[ Beer/Liquor ]] - coffee and tea
[[ Hair: Short/Long ]] - short, haven't tried long hair ;)
[[ Food: Mexican/Italian ]] - Indonesian
[[ Sub(missive)/Dom(inant) ]] - depends so much on who I'm with


Favorites
[[ Color ]] - blue sky
[[ Animal ]] - birds
[[ Vehicle ]] - train
[[ Flower ]] - Jasmine again
[[ Beer/Liquor ]] - don't like beer. water, coffee or tea
[[ Soda ]] - sprite or coca cola
[[ Food ]] - mostly like Indonesian food
[[ Book ]] - lots, but I prefer Einstein's Dreams, Harry Potter, and Eleven Commandments
[[ Author ]] - John Grisham, JK Rowling
[[ Band ]] - Dewa, Beatles, Queen
[[ Song ]] - I have no special song
[[ Movie ]] - Spy Game
[[ Color your hair? ]] - not planning
[[ Have tattoos? ]] - nope.


Have you...
[[ Smoked? ]] - nope.
[[ Drink? ]] - you mean drink water?? of course I do, but not for liquor.
[[ Been so drunk you couldn't remember your name? ]] - I said I don't drink
[[ Been so drunk you didn't care that you couldn't remember your name? ]] - you know the answer
[[ Posed for nude pics? ]] - not yet :)
[[ Considered a life of crime? ]] - no
[[ Considered being a hooker? ]] - no
[[ Maybe a pimp? ]] - er...no
[[ Cheated on someone? ]] - yes, but I forgot whom I cheated on
[[ Been married? ]] - not yet
[[ Been divorced? ]] - of course! :D
[[ Are you psycho? ]] - definitely!
[[ Split personalities? ]] - I'm not sure
[[ Schizophrenic? ]] - no.. I guess
[[ Panic? ]] - not now
[[ Anxiety? ]] - when I'm in the crowd
[[ Depressed? ]] - rarely, but that happens.
[[ Suicidal? ]] - I don't get people who are.
[[ Homicidal? ]] - nope
[[ Genocidal? ]] - i want to kill ALL the mosquitos in my room
[[ Necropheliac? ]] - no, I'm not going to even joke about it
[[ Pedophile? ]] - I'm normal
[[ Mutilate animals? ]] - NO
[[ Idolize infamous criminals? ]] - not really, although Amnesty sometimes does


HAVE YOU EVER...
[[ Kissed someone? ]] not yet (don't laugh!)
[[ Been in love? ]] yes, and I thought my first love never die :(
[[ Been so drunk you blacked out? ]] I don't drink, you know?
[[ Cheated on a boyfriend or girlfriend? ]] wasn't this asked already? or did that mean some other kind of cheating?
[[ Kept a secret from everyone? ]] of course
[[ Set a body part on fire? ]] hm, my fingertip sometimes on little fire
[[ Had an imaginary friend? ]] no
[[ Called or seen a psychic ]] yes, and I was so impressed, he's my ex-classmate on elementary school
[[ Ever at anytime owned a New Kids on the block tape? ]] I like their "Step by Step", but I've never owned the tape
[[ Watched Punky Brewster? ]] what's that?
[[ Prank called someone? ]] many times...
[[ Eaten a whole box of cookies and thought you were fat after? ]] I've eaten a whole box of cookies, but not thought I was fat
[[ Been on stage? ]] I played drum with my band on my high school's graduation party
[[ Gotten in a car accident? ]] thank God, I wish I've never been there


DO YOU...
[[ Wear eye shadow? ]] I'm a male
[[ Have a dog? ]] nope
[[ Want a tattoo, and where? ]] I don't want any tattoo hanging on my body
[[ Have any regrets? ]] of course I have. just can't remember many specific ones at the moment...
[[ Have a best friend? ]] make that plural, and yes, but I don't wanna lose them
[[ Who do you go to for advice? ]] my mom, mostly
[[ Who knows all your secrets? ]] nobody


DO YOU BELIEVE IN...
[[ God/Devil? ]] YES!
[[ Yourself? ]] of course, what kind of question is this?
[[ Your friends? ]] well, it depends, but I always appreciate what they said
[[ Aliens? ]] there is nothing impossible
[[ Love? ]] at first sight, no, but overall love as in compassion and caring, yes
[[ The Closet Monster? ]] have you ever met them?
[[ One person for everyone? ]] someone could be having one person in his/her life, but I don't think it could be generalised for everyone


pheew... thank God the survey is up :(

Creative Unveils Creative Prodikeys^TM
a Revolutionary Interactive Music & PC Keyboard

This unique and revolutionary interactive keyboard comes with the standard QWERTY keyboard functions and 37 touch sensitive MIDI keys. With its ergonomic and attractive design, it's guaranteed to capture the attention of everyone, whether it be placed on the desk, in front of the PC monitor or simply hung over your shoulders with a guitar strap. Its unique form and design makes it a surefire hit with anyone, anywhere!
I wish one day will have it. Anyone willing to buy it for me, please? :)

New Feature has been added
I just added a new feature that will help you to keep informed on my site updates. You'll just need to enter your email address to a subscription form on the bottom-right of this page (right above page counter) and click subscribe. Then you will receive a single email every day following any updates to this page.
Ok, now click here to go directly through the subscription form. Thank you :)

The world's smallest website
Most of webpages are designed to at least fit on 640 x 480 screen resolution, so user could fully see its content without scrolling the page. But what will you do for smaller screen resolution, say 18 x 18? Fortunately, guimp.com is available for such small resolution. If you have poor eyesight, don't even bother visiting guimp.com, cos you just won't get it. :)

5 NEGATIVE FACTS ABOUT YOU
1. Too quiet
2. Too lazy
3. spend too much time for gaming
4. I don't laugh to unfunny jokes :)
5. Often stay awake at night

5 POSITIVE FACTS ABOUT YOU
1. Laugh to funny jokes :D
2. Have a personal homepage(?)
3. Have savings (tough there isn't too much money there)
4. Read books
5. I love my family

5 THINGS YOU PLAN TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE
1. Pilgrimage
2. Buy a very nice car
3. Go to college
4. Marry someone ;)
5. Write songs

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO
1. Programming
2. Design webpages
3. Play piano
4. Play badminton
5. Speak javanese :D

5 THINGS YOU CAN'T DO
1. Swim
2. Scream out loud
3. Physics
4. Climb something
5. Play Digger on Pentium-based computer :D

Want to do it for yourself?

Eight Technologies That Will Change the World
What happens when today's tech trends begin to intersect and feed off one another? They'll spawn new fields of knowledge that will transform everything.

Well, I found this survey at Bri's blog, then I tried to do it for myself:

5 THINGS YOU HATE
1. Snobber
2. Being dictated to do things I dislike
3. Speak in front of public audience
4. Fighting people (I mean real fight, not in movie or sports)
5. Bootlicker

5 THINGS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND
1. Girls :D
2. Bungee jumper
3. Stupid people
4. People lustful to power
5. playing harp

5 THINGS ON YOUR DESK
1. Calendar
2. Headphones
3. PC Monitor
4. Mouse (not real mouse, but computer one)
5. A glass of water

5 THINGS YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW
1. Watching Italy vs Ecuador on TV
2. Listening Song
3. Breathing
4. Deserve to eat :)
5. Typing this survey

To be continued...

Scientists say women are better liars than men
What d'ya think?

Anything about catapult

Senegal Beat France
Big surprise came from opening matched of World Cup 2002 at Seoul when Senegal beat France 1-0.