Taman Simalem Resort, The Pearl of Lake Toba…

Taman Simalem Resort (TSR) comes to develop an area of 206 hectares with various crops. Like Biwa, oranges, passion fruit, Dutch eggplant, tea, coffee, and avocado, to fill 25 acres of the area. In fact, garden TSR biwa 5-hectare will be the largest biwa garden in Southeast Asia.

TSR build research centers and development of fruit and vegetables Karo Agrotourism Farm. Not just a research center, in Karo Agrotourism Farm visitors can buy the fruit by picking straight from the tree. You also can ask the staff here and see first hand how the development of fruit and vegetables at this location is.

Other facilities provided for pampering guests. TSR provides café overlooking three straight to Lake Toba, namely codons Café, Toba Café, and Windy Café. There is also the exclusive residential Waterfall Lodge on the banks of the river in the natural forests.

Looking ahead, other facilities in the TSR will be added by the manager, such as Pangambatan Zoopark animal parks, hotels and convention facilities dormitori, recreation area and family entertainment brands Funland, children's playground with a labyrinth, a special accommodation VIPs Owners' Guesthouse with 20 room’s capacity.

Pearl of Lake Toba

For golf lovers, TSR also established 9-hole golf course Gorat Ni Padang in the middle of tea and coffee plantations. TSR will also provide a 2000 person capacity amphitheater stage with has Lake Toba background and a Buddhist temple, a replica of a Buddhist temple in Xianmen, China, 2000 years old.

Peak TSR development is the construction of the cable car, cruise ship dock, and One Tree Hill Villa Resort in 2010. One Tree Hill Villa Resort is located far away on the hilltops and the reeds will be built around the only tree that grows and lives there.

For visitors who really miss the atmosphere back to nature, TSR provides guides who will accompany Sibuaten explore natural forests and saw the twin waterfalls. Two camping ground, each in the north and south, are available. The voices of orangutans, apes and monkeys will complement your adventure here.

So, are you interested? TSR is located in rural areas Sikodon-kodon, Sub Merek, Karo District that can be taken 3 hours drive from Medan City. If you are a backpacker, just take a bus from Medan City to Sidikalang, called “Sampri” or “Datra” with rates between Rp 20,000 (IDR) and Rp 22,000.

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Visiting Snakes Captive in Tuntungan

One of the good place that must you visit if you come to North Sumatra is the 7000 square meters snakes captivity at Tuntungan, Namu Pencawir Road No. 174 Tuntungan Dua Village, District Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang.

Actually not hard to find the location of snakes in captivity since 2005 founded Bio HETTS Lestari, a research and consulting institute in the field of agriculture and biological pesticides are. Location not far from the races Tuntungan, or approximately 30 minutes drive from Medan city.

"Do not be afraid. Snakes will not bother if they are not disturbed first, "said Darwis Harahap, Marketing Manager of HETTS Bio Lestari.

There are at least 600 of the snake's tail consists of six species, large and small stadia in the captive. The most is the type of snake fields, field’s batik snake, snakes field drum, and snakes condropiton fields. And three other species, wagleri, vasciatus and dipong.

"The plan, next year will add three more species. Is currently waiting for permission from the Ministry of Forestry in captivity," said Darwis.

According to the Darwis, a captive snake is actually a sub-division of research at the HETTS Bio Lestari, which focused on agriculture research and Bio Pesticides. However, this division eventually grew and became one focus of research in HETTS.

After through research and experiments, breeding snakes in this field has been cultivated into organic rat poison supplier that has the potential international market.

Elianor Sembiring, a researcher at HETTS, explains, organic rat poison snake rice obtained after rats were fed white. After that, the snake will produce protozoa called Saccrocytis Singaporeansis.

This protozoan later became one of the elements of organic rat poison to kill rats proved fields and ditches mouse.

In addition to the fields of snakes that have benefits for agriculture, some types of snakes, such as wagleri, vasciatus and also proved popular abroad, dipong.

The snakes that have interesting and unique color, according to Darwis, popular in the country of France, Frankfurt, Norway and Sweden.

In the future, according to Elianor, this exhibit area will developed into a snake institution. In addition, with the support of the government of North Sumatra, in this exhibit area will also be established gallery snake.

"Looking ahead, besides as a center of research, breeding area is also well become tourist sites," said Elianor.

Indeed, every time people hear the word snake, that comes to mind is a scary thing. Quite often, when people find a snake, they immediately appeared intent to kill the animals. "This is what we want to give referrals if you later this snake research institutes have been established. Hopefully, next year's standing. There'll be given a variety of education about snakes. For example, what we first do when finding a snake. Is directly away, or even kill him?" Elianor said.

Later, in the breeding area will also built a gallery that will display various types of snakes and relating to the world. "In European countries, the snake was often used as decoration. While, in our country not yet, because there is no awareness of this," said Elianor.




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Balibo Five: The Lost of Five Australian Journalists in Eastern Indonesia

At the pier, people - women and men, fathers and husbands, or the child who disobeys the father and mother - gave their lives on the horizon landscape. Restless necks ready to be slaughtered, eyes crawling on top of a gun, boots against the roar of the waves Ombai Strait, appointed in December 1975 calendar.

A white man dressed in khaki two soldiers been dragged into the lips decade. He is splitting the rancid airs port with shouts of, "I am an Australian. I am an Australian." As background, the people kneeling on the floor and remember the prayers. An Indonesian military officer with bright safari inspected among the persecuted.

The Australian, puffy and shaky, handed to the edge of the pier. He is old and fat like a pendulum swaying gently hours. Mouth rifle is only a few arms from the nose. He mumbled again ego, "I am an Australian. "And, bam. A bullet pushed to the waves below.

In situations of war, death is not something impossible. He comes with so arrogantly, as well as thrilling, as shown in the execution, which can be seen in the Australian film “Balibo Five”, by director Robert Connolly. The Australian is a reporter for AAP and Reuters Australia, Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia), who came to East Timor (now Timor Leste) to find out about the disappearance of five young Australian journalists in Balibo, Bobonaro district, 10 kilometers from West Timor.

However, the “Balibo Five” could not merely speak about the annexation. Played in the Utan Kayu and Salihara, Jakarta, after failing to JiFFest by Lembaga Sensof Film (LSF), movie audiences exert the army's brutality, in this case the military, against everything considered as the enemy. Including, the journalists who were victims: Greg Shackleton (27), Tony Stewart (21), Gary Cunningham (27), Malcolm Rennie (28), and Brian Peters (29). Here, the audience must have wisdom. Knowledge about the history of conflict in East Timor was crucial.

With the flow back and forth, this movie shows the adventures with the details and Ramos Horta East (Oscar Isaac) along the interior of Balibo to find the young reporters. "All the closed roads leading to it closed," said Horta, "we can only walk." Camera recorded the grinning faces of East. "But you're not so young," Horta said the East. "You're still young. You are the one who should set the rhythm," said the Australian.

Route Horta and East also partially traversed by the young reporter who lost it. We invited out of the screen through a different character. Then, when they arrived in Balibo, East and Horta see the landscape not reassuring: Dry land. Charred houses-quiet. Resting bodies and blood loss. Horta limp in mourning. East wiped her tears. "Barbarian!" wailed Horta in the hot afternoon giddy.

Soon, after burying the bodies, they entered the village where five journalists died young. Move the camera. We brought in a time when the military entered the village. Fretilin forces are now visible, which usually protect the journalists, topsy-turvy. "We must go," said the commander told one reporter. "No, not enough," replied the journalist. He intended to take pictures military invasion, but not perfect light to activate the camera. "Soon," he said.

With staggered, the journalists finally managed to highlight the military forces of change uniforms and rifles in their direction. Fortunately, not be achieved. They surrounded and cornered in a house called as the Australian Embassy. One of them decided to negotiate, on behalf of the profession. The gun exploded in his head. The next minute, the screen filled with the execution of four other journalists. By covering the trail, the soldiers burned the young bodies with celluloid.

"TNI did not like that. TNI Pancasila," said Sutiyoso, as quoted by Tempo magazine. “Balibo Five” is not a documentary though it shown proper cinematic documentaries. If you've seen “The Year of Living Dangerously”, Australian film about Indonesia in 1965 from the viewpoint of a kangaroo country's journalists, you'll find the same technique.

Like a movie that refers to the historical, fictional character scattered in “Balibo Five”. One of them is Juliana, a child who met Roger East in the hotel where he was staying. Juliana in the film is plot as if the “real” witness on the first day military invasion to Dili. From his eyes the audience also witnessed the execution of Roger East.

As the East, which at the end of his life in the film stressed to his Australian, East Balibo was thick with the perception of Australia. Overall, details of this movie are based on the evidence of eyewitnesses to the 7824 Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) Timor-Leste.

Historian Dr. Fernandez Clinton from the Australian Defense Academy at the University of New South Wales, is used to guide its historical context. A pile of documents from East Timor, Australia, England, America, to Portugal, minus Indonesia, also made as considerations.

However, we should be grateful. This film inspires more of our memories of a time when the power was so repressive. At a certain point, presumably, we can remember the words Roger East to Horta in the movie: "I had to stay. If I go, so there is no bashers who live here." Indeed, the truth is not always singular. And in the context of cinema, not history, the movie has his own truth.

See Indonesian version on this link: Balibo Five: Rasa Australia di Timur Indonesia
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“Identitas” FFI 2009 Best Picture

Wednesday (16/12), Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) was held despite successful event had received criticism from various parties. In the event, that “Identitas” had named as Best Picture.

In the nomination, “Identitas” closest competitor beat that, “Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet!” (“They Say, I am Monkey!”), “Perempuan Berkalung Sorban”, “Ruma Maida”, “Jamila” and “Sang Presiden”,. Deddy Mizwar, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Film and movie producer climbed onto the stage to receive the Piala Citra.

"This is the rise of the spirit of indie film. Perhaps what ‘Identitas' to win because good ideas," Deddy said, as quoted by Detik, after receiving the image Cup in Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday (16/12) night.

In addition to Best Film, the film directed by Aria Kusumadewa also won other three awards. They are, Main Actors and Best Male Best Artistic Playground.

It seems, “Ruma Maida” should be a little disappointed. From eleven nominations, who worked on the film's Teddy Soeriaatmadja awarded only for Best Sound.

And, here's a list of winners FFI 2009:

Best Film
“Identitas”

Main actors for Best Female
Titi Sjuman – “Mereka Bilang Saya Monyet”

Best Female Supporting Cast
Henidar Amroe - “Mereka Bilang Saya Monyet”

Best Male Actors Main
Tio Pakusadewo – “Identitas”

Best Male Supporting Actors
Reza Rahardian – “Wanita Berkalung Sorban”

Best Director
Aria Kusumadewa – “Identitas”

Best Music Playground
Aksan and Titi Sjuman – “King”

Best Sound
Shaft Daultsyah and Khikmawan Santosa – “Ruma Maida”

Story Writer Best Original Screenplay
Anom Sally Sari and Sammaria Simanjuntak – “Cin (T) a”

Writer Best Adapted Screenplay Story
Djenar Maesa Ayu and Indra Bondoc - “MEreka Bilang Saya Monyet”

Best Cinematography Playground
Ipung Grace – “Pintu Terlarang”

Best Artistic Playground
Kekev Marlov – “Identitas”

Best Editing
Wawan I. Wibowo – “Pintu Terlarang”

Best Long Documentary Film
“Ayam Mati di Lumbung Padi”

Best Short Documentary
“The Last Journey”

Lifetime Achievement
Sophan Sophiaan

Special Award for Best Children Film
“Garuda di Dadaku”

Special Award for Best New Director
Djenar Maesa Ayu – “Mereka Bilang Saya Monyet”


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Miyabi Failed, Other Porn Star Ready presented

"There's no cane, the roots were so". Maybe that's the right phrase is for the Maxima. Having failed to show Miyabi, Maxima will be presenting the Japanese porn stars other. Who is she?

She is Rin Sakuragi, one porn star who is popular in Japan. Reportedly, women was born March 3, 1989 is more popular than Miyabi. Until now, Rin has appeared in more than 20 porn movies. Even now, he ranks second chart of Japanese AV.

"But there, he also plays movies, too. In Japan it is more professional artists, they were ready to play in any movie," said Odi Mulya Hidayat, the Maxima in Pasar Festival, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Tuesday (15/12 ), as quoted by Detik.

Rin will appear in the latest movie Maxima "Sister shampoo". The plan, a comedy horror film genre will be released on 31 December.

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Prediction, New Moon will make U.S. $ 100 million!

The Twilight Saga: New Moon is one of the film's most awaited this November. Expected, this film will continue the success of the first sequel "Twilight", starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

According to the Head of Distribution Summit, Richie Fay, the film tells the love of a male vampire with this human girl, predicted would be to scrape the money of U.S. $ 85 million in the first week run. In fact, the film will able to penetrate the number of U.S. $ 100 million!

This film will cast in 4024 cinemas in throughout the world and 3500 cinemas on the first day of display impressions, Friday (20/11). "We know who our audience, and it was basically women of all ages," said Richie Fay.

The story of New Moon lifted from the series novel of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, was released on June 30, 2009. Cold hands director Chris Weitz has brought the character of Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), the vampire, and his girlfriend Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart).

According to the film viewer, New Moon can get more money than the income Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In fact, the New Moon can predict fantastic profits, exceeding U.S. $ 100 million.

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Wishy-washy Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler attitude, lead singer Aerosmith regarded as wishy-washy back and forth to support the band. Previously, Steven had asked for time off to his friends for 2 years. As reported, the father of actress Liv Tyler was first to solo career. Not agree with it, another Aerosmith personnel were planning to seek a new vocalist.

"Steven wanted to do what he wants to do. That's good. I support it. But we want to play too. I could not sit still for 2 years and did not play drums or do not function as a band boy," said the drummer Joey Kramer, like launched Rollingstone, Thursday (19/11).

Joey are now busy promoting his new book "Hit Hard". However, keep him, Aerosmith is primary. So who exactly replaces Steven? "Singers like what? The very, very good," explained Joey.

The problem in the 40 years band happened around the beginning of last month. Steven revealed to the media that he wanted to leave the band. Joe Perry, the guitarist, then confirmed that Steven has left.

However, Steven denied some time later. At that time Steven was appear suddenly in a solo show in New York Joe. "I do not leave Aerosmith," so he said on stage. Not long ago, Joe said that Steven asked for leave of absence 2 years and Aerosmith would go on without him.

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MUI: Do not Believe "2012"

In the United States, the movie "2012" received massive response that was so responsive. In this film made a commercial success with USD 225 millions in revenue despite playing just three days. Well, in Indonesia, the film reaped controversy. Since first released in theaters homeland, Friday (13/11), this film and the ban led to protests from Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). According to the MUI, this movie was worth watching. In East Java, this movie is forbidden to watch. Then, Solo that plan to do same action.

"Unbelievable. The film's imagination he (director)," said Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Ma'ruf Amin, Tuesday, (17/11). "The film did not correspond to that of the teachings of Islam as there are signs before the end of the world and so on. So, he does not fit, entertainment and imagination than he. Do not believable," he said.

Prohibition "2012" starting from Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of East Java, although not issued a “fatwa haram” because it is not causing harm. "As long as not causing harm, MUI Java will not prohibit," said the MUI Chairman of East Java, at Surabaya Abdushomad Buchori, Tuesday (17/11).

Secretary of the MUI East Java, Ainul Yaqin, adding it can only urge people to make the film as far as entertainment in 2012. "It is not believed as a prediction that would happen."

Meanwhile, Chairman of the MUI Malang Regency, Mahmoud Zubaidi said, if indeed the film is about a statement that the Resurrection occurred in 2012, the film is a film that was wrong and could mislead the public. Although today’s society are educated, but the statement about the end of this year contrary to Islamic beliefs.

"I have not seen it in personally. But, if it is true that the film is about belief in the Resurrection happened in 2012, so the movie is wrong at all, do not educate our community," said Mahmud.

Once banned in East Java, Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) Solo region prepared to ban the movie "2012" in the Solo area. The reason, this film is considered as a provocation leading to his audience on a particular religious doctrine.

"We are ready to ban, because there was provocation that is when the chaos of the world, the film is advised to hide the churches. Provocations is that we suppose as problem, when about animation is not a problem," said Chairman MUI Solo, Solo Zaenal Abidin, Tuesday , (17/11).

Although prepared to ban the screening of the film, it has not issued an official fatwa ban. MUI Solo, he said, would follow the center of the MUI. "We go to the official MUI Center," he explained.

Solo MUI own party claimed not seen the movie directly. To prove whether or not there was provocation element, the MUI will prove itself.

"We've got a ticket but had to wait two more days, we shall see there is no element of provocation. If it's yes we are ready forbid, if the other problems we do not suppose it as problem," he explained.


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Indonesian Ulema Council protest film "2012"

Today, the world seemed to be feverish film "2012". Since it was premiered on Friday, November 13 ago, starring John Cusack that has generated revenue of U.S. $ 225 million!

As reported by Reuters on Monday (16/11), money earned from ticket sales "'2012” in the United States and Canada alone, a total of U.S. $ 65 million or equivalent to Rp 607 billion more! Not only that, in 105 countries film directed by Roland Emerich was able to print an income of U.S. $ 160 million, or worth almost Rp 1.5 trillion.

However, in Indonesia this film received a protest from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Screenings of the film "2012" in a number of cinemas in East Java (East Java), Indonesia began to reap the criticism.

Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Malang has given Thausiyah (appeal) that Muslims do not see the movie.

According to MUI East Java, the film tells of the destruction of Planet Earth in the year 2012 according to forecasts Maya in South America have triggered public unrest.

"Rapture is about ghoib. Muslims are obliged to believe the Day of Resurrection. But about an hour, date, month and year, no man who knows. That is absolutely the confidential of God Almighty, "said Chairman of MUI East Java, Abdussomad Buchori, as quoted Vivanews, Monday, November 16.

Although claims have not been watching, he judged a film about doomsday prophecies would be misleading if not packaged in the framework of religion. If it continues, he said, would have a negative impact and create unrest. "Unrest was in between, making sure people will leave the daily activities and causing social turmoil," continued Buchori.

Meanwhile, according to the chairman of the Central MUI, Amidhan, personally no problem with the movie "2012". But, "Origin of the movie '2012 'is not associated with the Day of Resurrection, because the last day no one knows. The film is also not a fiction film true story," said Amidhan, Chairman of the MUI, as reported by Detik, Monday, November 16.

Until now, the MUI did not want to determine the center position because they have not witnessed the film yet. The plan, they will review the film in the near future.

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2012, the Coming of Resurrection

These days, the world seemed preoccupied with the emergence of issues of resurrection will happen in the year 2012. This prediction appears on Maya calendar, one of the ancient Indian tribes. According to some rumors that circulated through the virtual world, the end will occur in the year 2012 in accordance with the end of the Maya calendar. The issue is then further spread, until finally emerged a background movie Day of Resurrection, which is "2012".

In the Mayan calendar indirectly implied that life on earth will perish at the end of 2012. At that time, the world will be hit by major disasters and chaos going on everywhere which resulted in destruction of the human race.

Curtis Jackson (John Cusack) is just one of the first inhabitants of the earth is not too sure of this prediction.

Once upon a horrific incident happened in Guatemala. Hundreds of people decide to kill themselves because believing ancient Mayan prophecy was true. IHC (Institute for Human Continuity), a secret organization that has been investigating this prediction eventually come to the conclusion that predicted hundreds of years ago was true. Convinced that there must be some way out of this calamity, IHC then build a large ship just below the Himalayan Mountains.

The plan, they would repeat of Noah age and trying to save as many people as possible to the human race is not extinct after this major disaster. Outside estimates, the Earth's plates shift was happening faster than scientists expected the IHC. In an instant, while the Los Angeles destroyed North Africa and Italy also did not escape from this great disaster.

Now, the fate of humankind is in the hands of IHC. Curtis Jackson with Kate (Amanda Peet), his ex-wife, and their two children, Noah (Liam James) and Lilly (Morgan Lily) must compete with time to get to the foot of the Himalayas, or they will become victims of this catastrophe.

In broad outline, to mention a good movie or not can be seen from the two categories. The first is a film purely as visual spectacle while the second is a film that combines many elements like script, directing, acting, moral message, the logic into a single herb is interesting not only from the visual side. For short film, “2012”, this first category may be more suitable.

Problem making a replica of destruction, Roland Emmerich, the director is not a new one. Armed with experience of dealing with "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow", the promise that 2012 will be the greatest disaster movie to date may be fulfilled simply. Moreover, the production cost of about U.S. $ 260 million from Sony Pictures Entertainment, this film will certainly be able to exceed the earlier work of Roland.

Visually, there is nothing wrong with this movie. Visual effects used to show some scenes of destruction of the earth were first class and amazing. It can be said from the beginning to the end of the movie audience will be riveted in my seat watching impressive visual effects are presented. Unmitigated, more than two hours you shall be spoiled with this visual treat, pure visual treat.

The rest, there is not much given by this film. The idea of the story is not something new, because the rumor about the end of the world has been around long enough. And it is also became one of the key success of this film.

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New Album Release: Pearl Jam’s “Backspacer”

Elders more so, that is Pearl Jam that comeback with the 9th album titled “Backspacer”. The band origin of Washington is about the other side of their world. That can be heard for example in the song “Just Breathe”.

In addition, it comes with Perl Jam music concept that many plays acoustic, like the songs Just Breathe. Apparently, the band vocalist Eddie Vedder began reaching from loud music style glory "grunge" which had debuted in the 1990s.

The song was also heard more rock n’ roll. Not to forget also the presence of nuanced music ballads, like “Got Some”. However, Pearl Jam did not completely forget their musical identity, as can be heard on the song “Known Unthought”, that let out "noise" a la Pearl Jam. Anything else, “Speed of Sound” is no less fierce.

The album closes with the song The End, where Eddie singing with acoustic guitar accompaniment. So, are you fans of Pearl Jam? Please "steal" this album. These are the following content of the albums, "Backspacer."

1. Gonna See My Friend
2. Get Some
3. The Fixer
4. Johnny Guitar
5. Just Breathe
6. Amongst the Waves
7. Known Unthought
8. Supersonic
9. Speed of Sound
10. Force of Nature
11. The End


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How to Become a Zorro

As quoted from the movie "The Mask of Zorro"

Alejandro took sword and indiscriminate attacks, even as Don Diego de la Vega, deal with cool; slow but sure, he had experience with the enemy. While Alejandro is the figure of the young souls that sloppy, which known to compete with guile, as well as he often did the actions of robberies with his brother with an old trash.

Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) is still traumatized over the death of his brother, Murrieta, who murdered in cold blood by Captain Love; throat slashed up a separate head, preserved in a bottle.

One afternoon, when he was drunk eliminate the pain, Alejandro saw Captain Love in a crowd, trust Don Rafael. Don Rafael himself is a governor who wants to control all the wealth of California with a sly, wife and murderer of Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins), Esperanza and took his beautiful daughter, Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Alejandro ran and wanted to attack the Captain Love. But Don Diego who originally invited to speak, immediately caught. "Not yet," he said.

"He was used to kill, whereas you used to get drunk," he said again.

Don Diego and then give a quote. "You want revenge, let me show you how," he said. From there, then they became teachers and students.

Lesson number one

Alejandro trapped and locked. Once he fought back, his neck would probably slaughtered by Don Diego. Now they stare at each face, as he pressed his elbow into the neck Alejandro, Don Diego. "Lesson number one, do not ever attack anyone when you are in anger," he said while the sword ready for cutting.

This is lesson number one style of Zorro, which reminds in everyday life. Zorro proved true, often in the face of life, one always begins with anger due to frustration. The result just a more severe disappointment and defeat is absolute.

The victory belongs to those who remain cool to face the game, but mastering the strategy of resistance. Perhaps this is a valuable lesson from Zorro to us.

"Do not ever attack anyone when you're in anger ". Zorro always seemed cool when facing opponents. Blushing unseen, he was always smiling in advance before the fight his enemies. That smile, which might make the villain attacking furiously and eventually blind. But, at that time also the Zorro look at the weakness and attack. The letter "Z" etched on the villain's body, until her clothes torn. "Zorro, the legend is the return," he makes his enemies tremble.

Lesson number two

Face to face, then Don Diego Alejandro attended a sloppy, hairy face was neat. He then smelled the odor of his body. Alejandro then glanced at the plain and wonder in the heart. Naturally, because he was still in a state of locked and any time could have slaughtered neck.

"And ... this is lesson number two," said Don Diego and then, glancing at his student's eyes.

Alejandro blushed and let go of sword with exasperation. Immediately he looked in the mirror and smoothed beards, bathed and dressed like a real warrior, dashing and handsome.

Lesson number two is the appearance. A Zorro must be groomed and elegant. That is, to show that a fighter should be able to approach truth as closely as possible enemies. How, by looking like the enemy, so that the enemy does not recognize us.

This is what happens when Alejandro and Don Diego Don infiltrate the party Rafael. Alejandro disguised host Don Diego was a messenger. Royal envoy Alejandro admitted that offer a deal. He also said that the royal salute to Don Rafael. Of course, this is only a trick just for the sake of closingness.

That is when Don Diego met his beautiful daughter, Elena. From the hands of Captain Love, Alejandro captured by Elena seduction of death. They also danced to the music of Spain (Mazurka), witnessed by the audience party’s attendances.

Don Diego smiles, Don Rafael was shocked and angry, although it does not show anger to Alejandro. "Your daughter was a good dancer...," he said unwind, the then little laughter and cynicism by Don Rafael, without any comment. He did not agree with what had just happened.

Don Rafael then asked, point evil visions who want to buy California with the gold bars of slaves mining force, including small children. Alejandro knows it all and quickly strategizes.

The next Zorro

Zorro is a symbol of the struggle for justice, especially for the people of Spain. Do not know if he was just a myth or just a kind of utopia in the crime and the rampant injustice, maybe.

Found a figure as Zorro in the present era of course was impossible. Of course, the figure was still wandering somewhere now, maybe someday he will return.

In every action, Alejandro always shouts loudly to his enemies: "The legend has return ...!"

Are you ready to become the next successor to the legend of Zorro? Of course, it is difficult to answer... At least, the two mentioned above lesson can be a sort of lesson for us even though we are not the real Zorro, but it could be a real warrior in the role of our lives everyday.

Hmm, seems not easy huh…

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Alan Lightman, about Einstein's Dreams

UNTIL NOW I still often wonder if it would be able to create change, if only his own. It was not possible. For this reason, I am always happy, satisfied, if it can meet and talk with people who would gladly use his mind to think about the change. Whoever he is.

A couple times ago, a friend (cultural editor of a newspaper's capital) lent me a book. This is used to do. Sometimes he even teased me, because it insisted that the book lent to him, until he said, "Mmm ... You want to steal the science course. "

But we got both laughed because "poverty" we were. Such a way is like a symbiotic mutualism in the middle of the price of the current book. The book: "Einstein's Dreams". Good. It’s a book about the philosophy of time. Written by an American physicist, Alan Lightman, tells Einstein's dreams before you find the theory of relativity - that famous discovery.

There is now a dream that I often think about. The dream was: "Suppose time will end tomorrow; 24 hours, or even an hour. What will people do. Perhaps, all men would be good; will be very gracious; generous; friendly; because they do not have a future to be a burden anymore. Everything is almost finished. And why do think life is just going to end tomorrow; 24 hours, or one hour? "

Then that day, a father who had always busy with his business is not going to leave office but will stay at home all day, chatting with his family, kissing his wife and children, meeting with other relatives. And visiting neighbors who probably very rarely addressed; or even strangers. And, the meetings between state leaders will discuss plans for world domination will be canceled. Because they will also visit their relatives. They are also human beings.

Patients in the hospital will release the channel infusion, oxygen flowing into his body one by one, because after all time will soon end. In a matter of hours, minutes, seconds. Are not they seek treatment could continue only for the remaining time? But now the time left to live for a while. Then when it was his brothers would come to see her, kissing her, saying sentences beautiful; full of love. Embraced. Cry.

In fact, a girl will meet a man who had become his dreams, even though he was married. They were making out. Tomorrow no more time. And all this love of the girl hidden. Likewise the man. They have been prepared with the risks. Because love is true both. And so on.

So, what if the time is right now? Are you ready are we? Who will you kiss and hug for the first time. To whom are you going to apologize the first time. And so on until the time we have realized; conscious aware have approached us. Through hours; minutes and seconds. So then, no more burdens. Journalists will not be pressured by deadlines again. Corruptors will give all the corrupting wealth. A thief will return the stolen goods. And so on.

Now I want to read it a second time. Because I do not want to waste it, the only loans. Time would decide. The book should be returned. Is the book should be returned.

Should not that have a book that will say to me: "Come on ... the book for you all. For what else made it. Is not really the book was written to deal with our future. And the time was near. Just waiting for over a matter of hours, minutes, and seconds. "

Sure I'll hug him, kiss and laugh together. Spent coffee cups. And said: "At last an end."


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103 World Figures on a Painting

Let’s try to look at this painting. There are 103 of the world figures portrayed there. Can you recognize one by one? Apart from "yes" or "no", just prepare your self to smile. But, why would you be smiling? Personally, I smile because Karl Marx is there. He remains in a serious look on his face time, even!

Click image to view larger image.












So, who are them? Here they are...

1. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder

2. Homer, Greek poet

3. Cui Jian, Chinese singer

4. Vladimir Lenin, Russian revolutionary

5. Pavel Korchagin, Russian artist

6. Bill Clinton, former U.S. President

7. Peter the Great, Russian leader

8. Margaret Thatcher

9. Bruce Lee, martial arts actor

10. Winston Churchill

11. Henri Matisse, French artist

12. Genghis Khan, Mongolian warlord

13. Napoleon Bonaparte, French military leader

14. Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary

15. Fidel Castro, former Cuban leader

16. Marlon Brando, actor

17. Yasser Arafat, former Palestinian leader

18. Julius Caesar, Roman emperor

19. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, WW II U.S. aviator

20. Luciano Pavarotti, singer

21. George W. Bush, former U.S. President

22. The Prince of Wales

23. Liu Xiang, Chinese Olympic hurdler

24. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General

25. Zhang An, the painter

26. Mikhail Gorbachev, former Russian leader

27. Li Tiezi, the painter

28. Dante Alighieri, Florentine poet

29. Dai Dudu, the painter

30. Pele, Brazilian footballer

31. Guan Yu, Chinese warlord

32. Ramses II, Egyptian pharaoh

33. Charles De Gaulle, French general

34. Albert Nobel, Swedish chemist who founded the Nobel prizes

35. Franklin Roosevelt, former U.S. President

36. Ernest Hemingway, American novelist

37. Elvis Presley, American singer

38. Robert Oppenheimer, U.S. physicist

39. William Shakespeare, playwright

40. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer

41. Steven Spielberg, U.S. film director

42. Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter

43. Marie Curie, physicist and pioneer of radioactivity

44. Zhou Enlai, first Premier of the People's Republic of China

45. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, German writer

46. Laozi, Chinese philosopher

47. Marilyn Monroe, American actress

48. Salvador Dali, Spanish painter

49. Dowager Cixi, former ruler of China

50. Ariel Sharon, former Israeli Prime Minister

51. Qi Baishi, Chinese painter

52. Qin Shi Huang, former Chinese Emperor

53. Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic missionary

54. Song Qingling, Chinese politician

55. Rabindranath Tagore, Indian poet

56. Otto Von Bismarck, German statesman

57. Run Run Shaw, Chinese media mogul

58. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Swiss philosopher

59. Audrey Hepburn, actress

60. Ludwig Van Beethoven, German composer

61. Adolf Hitler, Nazi leader

62. Benito Mussolini, Italian fascist leader

63. Saddam Hussein, former Iraq president

64. Maxim Gorky, Russian writer

65. Sun Yat-Sen, Chinese revolutionary

66. Den Xiaoping, Chinese revolutionary

67. Alexander Pushkin, Russian author

68. Lu Xun, Chinese writer

69. Joseph Stalin, former Soviet Union leader

70. Leonardo Da Vinci, Italian painter

71. Karl Marx, German philosopher

72. Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher

73. Abraham Lincoln, former U.S. President

74. Mao Zedong, Chinese dictator

75. Charlie Chaplin, British actor

76. Henry Ford, founder of Ford motor company

77. Lei Feng, Chinese soldier

78. Norman Bethune, Canadian physician

79. Sigmund Freud, Austrian psychiatrist

80. Juan Antonio Samaranch, former International Olympic Committee president

81. Chiang Kai Shek, Chinese general

83. Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist

84. Li Bai, Chinese poet

82. The Queen

85. Corneliu Baba, Romanian painter

86. Auguste Rodin, French artist

87. Dwight Eisenhower, former U.S. President

88. Michael Jordan, U.S. basketball player

89. Hideki Tojo, former Japanese Prime Minister

90. Michelangelo, Italian Renaissance painter

91. Yi Sun-Sin, Korean naval commander

92. Mike Tyson, American boxer

93. Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister

94. Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author

95. Shirley Temple, American actress

96. Albert Einstein, German physicist

97. Moses, Hebrew religious leader

98. Confucius, Chinese philosopher

99. Ghandi, Indian spiritual leader

100. Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch painter

101. Toulouse Lautrec, French painter

102. Marcel Duchamp, French artist

(Osama bin Laden, founder of al Qaeda, is behind George W. Bush, no 21)





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Heri Dono Exhibition: Shadow of the Trojan Horses in Tondi Gallery

When depicted in Greek mythology Prometheus stole fire from Zeus then gave it to mankind for eternity, the artist Heri Dono described with a sarcastic parody. Prometheus described as a clown character in the Ramayana puppet.

With the title a little like painting by Heinrich Füger painting, "Prometheus Brings Fire to Mankind", Heri's painting entitled: "Prometheus Stealing Fire From Zeus". Heri describes Prometheus as a clown with the way in puppet, not like Prometheus who was known to have exceptional knowledge so as to steal fire from Zeus. The fire was then given to 4 animals ugly and scary with fire in his head, one of them is a bird that resembles an eagle.

"Prometheus Stealing Fire From Zeus" is one of the works of national artists, Heri Dono, 48 years old, who first exhibited in January and Tondi Fine Arts Gallery, at Road No Keladi Buntu. 6 Medan. The exhibition was held on January 9 to 27 then.

Heri Dono solo exhibitions, national artists from Yogyakarta is well known in the art realm of national or international, the theme is "Trojan Horse in the Shadow of the Ramayana", referring as many as 30 works of painting and installation works 8. In the meantime, this is the first time Heri held solo exhibitions in Singapore, which had received a warm response from the recipient field.

"Trojan Horse in the Shadow of the Ramayana" are images of Greek mythology in the shadow perwayangan, as in the story of the Ramayana. And witnesses this gallery where the images are expected to be obtained, "said Heri, who has a lot of artists received awards, among them the Prince Claus Award in 1998; UNESCO Prize for the Shanghai Biennale in 2000.

In Greek mythology, Trojan Horse (Trojan Horse - Red) refers to the strength (power) that allows Greek town finally into Troy during the Trojan War. A war that happened in this Bronze Age (prehistoric era - Red) is told, after 10 years of futile siege Troy, the Greeks eventually created a figure (shields and weapons) large horse in which the soldiers could take refuge in it. With that, the Greek soldiers finally managed to master the Troy City with a landslide victory.

Reality, such ways that, for Heri, often used for a power.

The shadows of horses in Troy Ramayana mythology, for Heri, has a close relationship. Thus, he could easily describe the power with irony and parody. Puppets characters used to quip that power is often held by wrong people. So did the intellectual touted by the wrong people too. Thus, there has been an irony.

Look at the example, "Prometheus Brings Fire to Mankind", which take "light" it. So, how else would it be like "fire" of Zeus is supposed to be used for human wisdom and immortality was given to four animals. Seeing a way that animals only, as if it portrayed the fear and horror. What if a civilization (state) led and dominated by creatures like them?

Power corrupt is also depicted in his painting, "The King of Beer". Described a ruler with an expression that seems simple, but filled with dirty intrigues. Described, "the king" is a beer drinker. His heart was light and full of love. But, there is hypocrisy behind it.

He looked handsome and dignified. Waved his right hand, but (ironically) his left hand holding a bottle of beer. From his heart out a hand to feed a man who stood at the mouth of a man who is intoxicated by the vodka and was asleep on a train (power). Can imagine how that corruption branch of (bribery) not only went through one mouth alone from the same person.

Which is not less interesting to note and ponder Heri painting is titled "puppeteer Wayane" or "puppeteer riots". There is described the riots have been created by the creature (Heri was described as the human form, but the animals) are "high minded" bright and full of love. Hypocrisy, for Heri, is probably familiar in this country.

The mastermind was so minikmati "game" riots which she had created. Ironically, there's more of a provocateur as if lit conflict. Is a creature that resembles a bird garuda fire "provocation" from his mouth. This is the irony, Heri said.

"Garuda Pancasila as a symbol, it should become a nation of moral ethics (Indonesia - Red), but is often used as a means of provocation," Heri said once, in a conversation with gallery visitors and a few young artists from the State University of Medan (Yanal Zendrato , Deppi Tarigan, Sudarson Hutabarat, Wake Simamora, etc.), after the opening of the exhibition and discussion held.

Grace Siregar, as the founder of Gallery Tondi, assess Heri works very critical, full of meaning (parodikal). Images that he made clear in the condition of our nation today, he said .


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Earn money by blogging, why not?

Blogging. Actually, this is not just another hobby for me. It's a hobby that I have done for long time, precisely since the year 2006. Because it is called hobby, I never thought about how to make blog became one of the media profession is actually quite promising. Indeed, I've heard that the blog could make money by telling. But, is that correct?

Blogging does have its own preoccupations. I took one example. When we post articles rather get a warm response, it's good. Moreover, if the article was used as a reference. Proud of it. Three years is more present in the virtual world, The Muse at least have experienced it. For example, even, there is coverage of The Muse on one of the areas in North Sumatra, used as reference by a reader who was writing his thesis.

Charitable in the blog that made the Muse. There are also my friends who applied banner shop at The Muse, at no cost. Gratitude, through The Muse a boutique that friends can increasingly popular. And rising turnover. The Muse, is often experienced "shocks" of the managers themselves.

Initially, The Muse focused on the tourism sector alone. Then, added to the topic of art, especially music and art. However, later the Muse also display the hottest celebrity gossip. By increase the rating? No!

Later, the manager of The Muse, feel there is less to its performance as a blogger. When people are busy talking about Google Adsense in cyberspace, he stutters. Or, on Pay Per Post. Ups! What else is it? I do not understand!

However, long teased too. Well, a blogger who not just for a hobby, why not? How? I began to search. Begin busy browsing on how to make money from blogs. Wow! Apparently there are many roads lead to Rome. Apparently a lot of ways to make money from blogs. The most popular is to apply the system of Google Adsense on the blog.

Even more interesting is the Pay Per Post. You'll get paid every time your article is approved after giving "Term of Reference" (the exact term assignments in journalism) related to the article you would write. Which is quite tempting too, but the application, in my opinion, quite complicated. Online payment system. You must have a Pay Pal account already verified. Here's the problem!

I've tried, but it was plagued by a Pay Pal account. Must be verified. Huh! Here it is annoying. BNI MasterCard Account My rejected. Glossary of Medan, As a result, the desire to participate in Pay Per Post failed.

You see, there is deliberate use Pay Pal for sale that have been verified by the virtual. It's not healthy, right comrade?

Annoyed with the "weirdness" that, I decided to work with Google Adsense alone. From some references I found in the "online library" Google, one of the machines producing the most effective money is Google Adsense. This kind of advertising agency run by Google with the affiliate system to websites or blogs that have promising performance.

Google will approve websites or blogs that effectively become the media for their advertisers through Google intermediaries. For example, Google is not going to think long when assessing your blog is a blog that focuses on one particular area. And most of all, the blog we have to use the English language.

Focus. If you write about the world of dogs for example, remain consistently writes about the world of dogs. Yes, I care, diet. Reviewing the types of dogs and so on. Furthermore, when your blog is approved into the Google Adsense affiliates, advertisements related to the dog or pet will be directed to your blog. Trus, gimana get the money. Well, that it should first list to Google Adsense, will be notified how.

Unfortunately, Google Adsense was not applicable in WordPress.Com. This is a bit disappointing as a WordPress blogger. Way, I began to switch sides. From WordPress to Blogspot.

In my Blogspot can put Google Adsense. So, I was trying to build from scratch, an English-language blogs. Blogs are more specific. Unlike in The Muse is, that all the labels mixed into one, though I must admit, a high rating based on the Muse also because the mixture of methods earlier.

Surprise! When I registered my blog, Google Adsense readily agreed, even before I got anxious. Without a long time, soon the codes provided by Google Adsense to display on my blog that I give the name Travel's North Sumatra.

Like a farmer, founded the blog had to be patient. Planting new first reap. I admit my blog that focuses on North Sumatra's tourism had to be patient to get a good rating. You see, not even a little competition. There are several websites or blogs that have focused on the tourism sector of North Sumatra. But, I admit they still have a weakness, although their Google ranking fairly high. I know where their weaknesses. Well, there he was fun to be a blogger.

Earn money by blogging, why not?



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Gundaling, One of Favorite Place in Karo Highland

Gundaling is one of the major tourist sites in Karo Higland, North Sumatra. Unfortunately, Gundaling is seen quiet now. This condition is very much different in earlier times.

Gundaling is famous in the realm of our tourism, especially in North Sumatra and cited as the second alternative target tourists after Parapat, Toba Lake. It was appropriate if the predicate Gundaling now - if you look at his present condition. The reason, it is now not the same now.

Admittedly, Gundaling golden ages have enjoyed the 1970’s - 1990's. Gundaling is a favorite destination among tourist attraction in Karo District. Nor the location is always crowded visit. Unfortunately, now he has changed. Also makes sense if many of the stalls souvenirs and food vendors closed on weekdays. In fact, this has never happened before.

What is the main attraction was actually Gundaling not new anymore. People usually come here to enjoy the cool mountain nature, as well as mountain views and gardens verdant people, enjoying the coolness and the scene with sado climbing or riding a horse alone or a gang.

Gundaling itself is a highland area that has a height of 1500-1600 meters above sea level, between 200 - 300 meters above the surface Berastagi Town. Distance from City Berastagi location is only about 2.5 kilometers. The extent of approximately 1500 square meters. From here will also appear several mountains, such Sibayak, Sinabung, Barus, Sipiso-piso and Singgalang. Mountain breeze is soothing allure broadcaster location away from the noise.

However, the fact visitors Gundaling more time diminished. Electrical current decline, too, dragged the perpetrators of the surrounding attractions. Besides souvenir vendors, food and cactus flowers characteristic of this temperate plants, also includes sado pullers who pull tourists interest.

Alpen Manullang, one of the towing sado, said declined will admit it. "Previously, foreign tourists still hang around this Gundaling enjoying nature and scenery. It is now rare and almost never do anymore, "said the man who've been in the profession since the 1990’s.
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"Si Waluh Jabuh", Between Cultures and the Mystical

When we were entering the Karo Regency "simalem" several times ago, the rain kept flushed, the thick fog covering almost the entire horizon mountain chain stretching should be green. The wind was blowing and the weather was so cold. Even so, our goal to see first hand the historic old building "The Waluh Jabuh" in the village of Lingga not stop just because the weather is not so friendly at that time.

To explore the countryside of Karo regency, that also known as "Tanah Karo Simalem", was an interesting experience, especially for audiences who are familiar with the hurly-burly of modern urbanization today.

Indeed, modernization is not only capable of forming a pattern of human life that is too instant and fast, but also was able to affect the imagination. Imagination will be a village. Well, the village that was close millions of values even though the value was now contaminated. Starting from traditionalism or culture that values may no longer familiar in the ears of the city, that is mystical. Perhaps we caught that when visiting the village of Lingga last time.

Lingga village is a small village in Simpang Empat District, about 14 km from Berastagi. This village, actually no longer traditionally as we imagine. Most of the population now inhabit urban type house. Lingga village still keeps the value of cultural history from the past that tells the origin of Karo culture. The origin was can be seen from the old buildings still standing there. The age of the building estimated to reach 300 years now. That is "Si Waluh Jabuh", a unique architectural design, philosophical and even mystical.

”Si Waluh Jabuh”; “waluh” meant by eight, “jabuh” means home. Thus, the meaning of “waluh jabuh” occupied houses eight families who live in harmony and tolerance. That's exactly what the philosophical meaning that despite the naming of the house originally known as “rabung lima” ("ridge-five").

What is unique is the process of development, said that before the development is, first notified to the smart people who will decide today whether to conduct a search of wood to the forest. After that, the smart people will determine whether the wood is used or not feasible in a dream. "If a good dream, then the wood would be used but if a bad dream, it was a bad sign. This is very important to do for the next occupant survival," said Lik Tarigan an occupant.

Next is the determination of a good day to start construction. No wonder if the development process takes a long (2-3 years). Sometimes, the development followed by problem, for example is the scheduling of searching woods, which are not carelessly used. There are three types of wood that represent the meaning and the hope of the future residents. This is the philosophical meaning.

Wood of "ndarasi" used intertwined in harmony, or harmony between the families. Still, wood called “ambar tuah” which means hope to have many descendants. Then there were the wooden "sebernaik", for cheap sustenance. "Actually, the wood species are meranti, only through the search process had wood, so the shaman named it," explained Tarigan then.

Development begins with the establishment of the foundation. "Maybe people had been aware of the earthquake and the danger," he said Tarigan and explained the process of building the foundation construction. Initial foundation stone and iron is outdated or "iron Mersing" and "bulung simalem" mounted on the ground and the pole, called "Palas". Further, between pole and Palas installed fibers to avoid a wobble in the event of an earthquake.

In addition to that function, there is another meaning there. "Harmony between the pole and Palas also showed expectations for the harmony of the occupants. This is called “larubat” which means do not collapse. If the house gets “larubat”, the family will be too," said Tarigan.

(will be continued to part 2: "Si Waluh Jabuh", If Eight to One"). Don't miss it... enjoy your trip! Read More..

Stunned at the Kingdom of Pematang Purba, Simalungun

Until the development of civilization in which a community can probably be traced through it’s culture. At least this is what can be portrayed as exploring the house in the village of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba, in Simalungun District. At once, it became a proof of the existence of the Kingdom of the Pematang Purba Simalungun, had stood since the 15th century.

Exploring the area of Simalungun was a nice experience. Each of the spots around on it can give the impression of him, moreover, entering the Pematang Purba Village, a small village in the district of Pematang Purba Simalungun.

The last king who led the Kingdom was King Mogang. People of Simalungun believes that said his body has yet to be found. He was allegedly killed when a social revolution took place in Simalungun in 1947.

The statue of the Kingdom of Pematang Purba Simalungun, occupies approximately around 140 kilometers from Medan city, after the Karo Regency (Berastagi - Kabanjahe - Brand). Then through the intersection toward Haranggaol and you came in the majority of villages inhabited by ethnic Simalungun it. However, you can also choose other access, by the Siantar City that only about 54 miles away.

It is said, once the Pematang Purba Village is known as one of the oldest royal government center in Simalungun, namely the Pematang Purba Kingdom, which until the end of their authority, as of 14 kings who have ever held the reins of power. So it is clear that this kingdom is not the only kingdom that ever existed in the region Simalungun.

History records, there are five major kingdoms, each controlled its own territory which of them scattered in several areas: Siantar, Panambean, Tanah Jawa, Pematang Raya and Purba. This area then inhabited by certain clans too, such as Saragih, Manik, and Purba.

Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba itself is the residence of the Pematang Purba Kings who first occupied King Pangultop-ultop (1624-1648), which is then passed from generation to generation with a tradition of local culture.

"It is known who did it and what is the motive," said Wanson. guards and tourist guides, the location of the old buildings that stood on the land area is 1 hectare.

Transfer of authority of tradition, Wanson explains there is a the tradition of compulsory transfer of power to do. When the king was about to inherit his power, people obliged to slaughter a buffalo, the horns and then stored for later become evidence for the king who will rules later. At least that historical evidence can still be seen where there are 14 buffalo horns hanging on the walls of the room Rumah Bolon.

So, what's the basic transfer of the power? As usual in the continuing tradition of royal power is the eldest child, then the principle is not absolute in the tradition of the Kingdom of Pematang Purba. "It must be the oldest, but who is the king's descendants have talent to be a leader, then was appointed as the successor to the kingdom," said Wanson.

Political power

In fact, the king who ruled early in the Kingdom of Pematang Purba was not the King Pangultop-ultop, but King Dasuha. Mr. Pangultop-ultop itself at first only migrants who come from areas supposedly Dolok Sanggul, who was allegedly having contact with area, now called Pakpak Bharat.

So, why did he later became king? This was based on the Wanson narrative, which is also the tourism department officials who assigned by Simalungun District to oversee the old building. He explained, King Pangultop-arrival to the area early ultop initially due to his penchant for catching birds and then delivered to the early region.

Actually, if reviewed, Pangultop-ultop thus have practiced power politics.

It is said that one time in the wilderness area early, he managed to catch a bird which then Nanggordaha from bird gizzards (there are seeds of rice and corn), he got his own food. When he saw that the Pematang Purba as a fertile land, so he appealed to the King of Ancient Dasuha plot of land to be given. Land that he later planted with rice and corn seeds that he can from the bird's craw.

Pangultop-ultop also likely to deliver the people to glory. An abundant harvest from the plot of land for the good king, he kept in a large barn.

A time came the lean years which resulted in overwhelming population in search of food. Knowing Pangultop-ultop has many stores of rice and corn in the barn, they were then asked to provide rice and maize during which he collected.

Only, he did not want to give if they just called himself as "oppung" (grandfather or a respected person), but called as the king. "Do not call me ‘oppung’ if you want to get rice and corn from me, but call me king," he said, as Wanson explained.

So, they called him “King” so, which then was known by the Dasuha. Recognition of his feeling threatened not recognized anymore, so any Dasuha early meeting with Pangultop-ultop. "If you are a king, then prove," he said, as he imitated Wanson.

This was then followed by Pangultop-ultop comply with the regulations set Dasuha Purba. "Marbijah" (vowed) is the procession which was proof step. Handful of soil, water and "appang-appang" (buffalo skin) is the medium. So, Pangultop-ultop return to his native land to get all the three.

Handful of land and sown, covered appang-appang and placed beside the water contained in “tatabu” (a type of water jug made of leather pumpkin). Witnessed by the people, then Pangultop-ultop sweared before the Dasuha and “ulubalang”, he said, "if the land and water that I occupy is not mine, so now I die." Pangultop-ultop even then drank water.

Time then replied that oath. Though already past days, weeks, months and years, but Pangultop-ultop not dead-as typically containing an oath of death was a lie then return. And time, too, who determines the transition of power. "I admit, now you're the king who deserves to lead the Kingdom of Pematang Purba, because oaths not works," said the Dasuha later.

Since then Pangultop-ultop became king, precisely in 1624, which then lead up to 1648. The previous king-Ancient-Dasuha was still regarded as the king, only he was no longer govern.

Then, after turning back to the story, is it true there is a political element in there? Once again this is a disclosure of the facts of Wanson Purba, which is also a descendant of Kuraha (commander of the king), Pangultop-ultop, during his leadership. He alone knows the story from his father, during the early who has kept the 43-years Rumah Bolon.

Wanson did not dismiss it. "Actually, if reviewed, Pangultop-ultop thus have practiced power politics," he said. "The reason, soil and water and appang-appang used as a medium itself oath taken by him from his native land, making it possible he survived the death."


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Tomok, the Gate of Samosir Tourism

Many Batak cultural heritage which are now partly stored in Batak Cultural Museum located in Tomok. Tomok itself, many inhabited by people surnamed Sidabutar. It is characterized by persistence of the tomb of heritage and legacy of King Sidabutar Batak traditional houses and unique sculpture Sigale-gale.

Some of these relics that are Hobbung (Sidabutar king bed which both serve as storage property of the king), Panaluan Single Sticks, Laklak (who recorded the history books and calendars Batak ancient calendar), rudang, ulos, appang na bolon, parhokkom, pangir. One of the efforts to preserve the legacy of the many stores the value of art and the Batak culture, celebrated each year by organizing the ceremony called Horja Bios.

However, although known as a tourist location mainstay of North Sumatra, the majority of the population still rely on agriculture as the main livelihood, especially rice fields. From extensive throughout the region, of which 8424 hectares are paddy fields with a production area of production of 43,823 tons in 2004. Rice field centers scattered around the district, but the largest centers in the district are Sianjur First, Palipi, and Pangururan.

Even so, the whole area can not be fully used as agricultural production due to land soil and slope conditions are hilly. These lands later partly used as a horticulture farm locations such as peanuts, onions and corn. Of the total area there are 83,075 dry land.

Meanwhile in the plantation sector, coffee is a commodity in addition to other commodities such as walnut, clove and ginger. There is an area of 300 hectares of productive land with the amount of 584 tons of production. Approximately 75 hectares of productive land with pecan plantation production of 200 tons and about 20 hectares of productive land with pecan plantation production of 32 tons. In addition, in the farm sector, buffaloes and pigs to cattle mainstay.

This is not a new thing that lagged consumption levels of pork and buffalo on Samosir regency high enough. So no wonder if this sector is also quite influential in encouraging livelihood populated district was 130,078 inhabitants.

Other livestock types are cattle, horses, goats and sheep. In the year 2004 there were as many as 12,948 pigs as livestock there are 33,160 buffalo population.

The presence of Lake Toba, in addition to a blessing for the tourism business world as well also be the life habitat of various freshwater fish. On Samosir approximately 320 households to work as fishermen fish. Tardisional fishing is still maintained. The use of wooden boats are still a means of fishing continues to be used when applying techniques also catch fish by using nets stocked at certain places on which the fish look for food at certain hours. Net stocking is usually late afternoon and checked the next morning.

However, the presence of fish cultivation systems using floating net (floating net) on a large scale in a long time has been gradually destroying the ecosystem of the lake. This is caused by the use of fish meal made from chemicals in a long time. As a result, polluted lake water clarity and impact on lake water habitats.

Along the shore of Lake Toba, there are 773 units of floating net which is spread in some areas such as Pangururan, Simanindo, Daily, Sititotio, First Sianjur and Onan bronze. In 2004, fish production reached 11,998 tons. The types of these fish ranged from goldfish and mujahir.

In the industrial sector, since 2003 has been recorded at 896 units with a total workforce of 1023 people absorbed. From the number of these businesses, clothing and leather industry is a small industry with the largest number of businesses, namely as many as 164 businesses with a workforce of 164 people.

Most clothing industry is in District 82 and Pangururan with Ronggur Ni Huta 28 businesses. Chemical industry of building materials in second place with 124 businesses and 452 workers. The industry most numerous in the district with 90 business Palipi which absorbs 360 workers, Pangururan with 21 business and labor 44.

As a very potential area as a tourism area, water transportation is very supportive of course. In addition to functioning as a means of travel, the waters of Lake Toba also serves as a transportation infrastructure that links trade with the District Tobasa Naidoo and Parapat, Simalungun. The number of requests of passengers and goods ship on the lake on Samosir transportation, from five docks of 9136visits. Tomok dock is the busiest docks.

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Samosir, The Seductive Island in the Centre of Lake Toba

Balige ship at the dock, transports passengers and goods leaving once a day to Nainggolan, Onan Mogang and bronze. In addition, at the dock of Parapat, there are many ships and small scale towards Tuktuk Tomok and mainstay of the tourist area. And, one of the alternative access to ground transportation can be accessed via the Tele, after going through the area and the District Sitinjo Berastagi, Dairi.

Samosir became autonomous regions since had been separated from Tobasa District in 2003 under Act No. 36 of 2003 on Formation of Samosir Regency and Serdang Bedagai, dated on December 18, 2003. Then, this region took over 9 districts of the previous parent district, District Tobasa.

Establishment of Samosir District as autonomous regions and established a new district is the first step to start the acceleration of development towards a more prosperous society. The purpose is to accelerate the formation of development, so that development process in a short amount of time can stand in line with other districts.

Samosir regency located between 2024'-2048 North latitude and longitude 98030-99001. The extent of about 1419.05 km2, located at 300-2200 meters above sea level with territorial boundaries, and Karo Regency Simalungun District in the north, North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan in the south, and Pakpak Dairi Bharat in the west and Toba Samosir (Tobasa) in the east.

Samosir District, based on geography and natural conditions, is not new anymore that the region is almost entirely surrounded by Lake Toba is, has long set a mainstay tourism area of North Sumatra. The presence of Lake Toba by itself makes a hilly area with humid tropical climate is a "paradise" for the naturalist and the people who want to find the cool tranquility of nature. Lake Toba winds seemed to be a seductive appeal of its own to always invite the local and foreign visitors to come back.

Indeed, that is Samosir. Once visited, the ache will come to visit him again. He was always teasing though recently the tourism business has decreased since the oil crisis of the last few years since 1998.

Batak ethnic majority. Reportedly believed, District Sianjur First is the origin region Batak people. This location is exactly at the top area where the majority Pusuk Buhit inhabited by ethnic Batak Sagala surname.


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Visiting Minah and Sandra in Bukit Lawang

Minah, is not a girl or a layman's terms: oil land! Besides Minah, Sandra, is also not too Hollywood actress (Sandra Bullock). So, who are them? Both, no stranger to the residents of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Bukit Lawang tourism areas: orangutan (pongo abelii).

This is one decoy Bukit Lawang: Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) or TNGL, which part of Leuser Ecosystem Area, KEL, (Leuser Ecosystem Region) is rich in botanical variety.

Leuser ecosystem has background of mutual ecological principles between various types of rocks, humid climate, hilly terrain, soil structure and other organisms. And based on data RepPProt out in 1988, from 78 existing ecological systems on the island of Sumatra, 42 systems (54%) of them can be found in the Leuser Ecosystem area; 20 KEL ecological systems in a hilly area like the mountains or by 40%. And 86% TNGL on sloping area.

But, enough TNGL is fragile and prone to floods and vulnerable to natural disturbances. This is caused by the climate and high rainfall every year.

TNGL also a founa habitat, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. TNGL also the largest habitat area in the world of birds, almost 380 species (65% of the 580 species on the island of Sumatra), or 350 species of which live in TNGL.

Almost 65% of the 129 species of mammals (large - small) that there is the island of Sumatra, also lives in this area. Also, it is also the habitat Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumataranus), tiger (tigris sumatrae pathera), rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and orangutan (Pongo abelii), the community as much as there were 19 tails. Minah and Sandra, both of which are routinely treated orangutans and fed each morning (08.30 GMT) and every evening (15:00 GMT).

So, you want to see Minah and Sandra? Please come and enjoy a wilderness adventure in TNGL and find them there!

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Enjoying Natural Sense of Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang tourism now seems to fledgling. 2003 flood, it still leaves a past trauma. Then, how he survived and tried to get up from a long slump that? Is there optimism in the hope that one day he will pick up again or will he only a memory?

That was the pictures and skepticisms recorded and occurred when TP exploring tourism in the District Bahorok, Langkat it recently. In a location that is identical to the lure splashing rivers and panoramic tropical forests is challenging, no longer much in the hustle and bustle of the crowd who just "teasing".

In fact, most cafes were closed. Also, no more long nights (all nights) really shows that this region is a leading tourist area number three in North Sumatra after Lake Toba and Brastagi. Or perhaps people have forgotten that this area had once tasted the golden ages?

However, although they probably still have expectations, Mrs. Eva example, one of the victims who are still optimistic about the stretch of Bukit Lawang is now fallen and tried to revive it.

When we came in a little cafe just managed re-located not far from the banks of the Bahorok River, did not seem busy at her and two staffs. Reasonable and what could I do, indeed of late guests (tourists) are rarely entered. While there, it was not as crowd first, could be counted on the fingers, he said. That day, though it was already dusk and getting dark, he only served two tables. The first table occupied by two foreign tourists with a local guide. And the second is our table.

"Today, just be USD 50 thousand," he said. Eva admitted that the number is far fewer when compared with the period before a flash flood came and dragged the whole business. "Actually, usually in the first full day can achieve an average turnover of USD 500-600 thousand," said the mother of two children.

Indeed trauma came not come at the wrong time. When the flooding has blasted Mrs Eva entire business, including restaurants, souvenir gallery and inn with 10 units of rooms, he could inhabit the refugee camps for almost two years. Not only that, he was forced to endure life with two children who was a child after her husband joined the river drifted.

About the material, the amount was small. "If the math is calculated, the loss we suffered when it reached approximately USD 600 million more," he said.

After a long time on hold at the refugee camp, Mrs. Eva determined to rebuild his business from scratch. Alasanya simple enough, he had no other job alternatives. In addition to long in the business of tourism, he was also optimistic Bukit Lawang are like first must rise again.

"I am optimistic! In the span of time between two or three years ago Bukit Lawang would get up and go back, "he said. So since the past six he returned to establish a small cafe, although conditions are still quite simple. It looks simple but artistic, maybe so. For his own cafe (Tony's Cafe) is provided with natural nuances. It lies among most of wood and tree roots. It thatched and felt cool when sitting or leaning on in it.

Meanwhile, for Eva herself, she admitted the trauma is gone from him. He has now is hope for optimism despite the rise of Bukit Lawang is still waiting at the front, sometimes. But, he believes changes will happen.

The Rising

Besides, the other is Bambang (33). In the afternoon before we came to visit Mrs. Eva cafe, long-haired man was busy with work to establish a small “joglo” right in the side of the river flow. "For what it, mas," we asked him. "Well, this joglo just for a place to sit relax enjoy the natural atmosphere when guests had begun to busy later," he said lightly.

It seems that optimism was not only present in Mrs. Eva. This is evident from where the owner Bambang working on small projects "only" joglo for that relaxing place.

Bambang himself is one of the first business tourism in Bukit Lawang. Only, who would have thought fate could change so quickly. Now, all of living is just a memory. Because the home and business has been "sold out" swallowed by the river flow, including his wife and one of two children.

As a result of floods, Bambang was still not his job now. Sometimes he becomes a guide if kebetuan crowded room. But, if more deserted as on that day, he was busy with any work.

BAmbang worked as a guide, a profession that was done seasonally. And about the little joglo, he explained and commented. "Bukit Lawang had long sunk. But that does not mean forever right? I myself still believe that someday these tourist areas will rise again," she said optimistically.

Bukit Lawang is quiet now. For a while, almost businesses go asleep. Lethargic and trauma had killed them. Imagine, almost all inn had almost collapsed and functioning again. Some cafes that provide lodging facilities are still operating there. Jungle Inn, which is located adjacent to the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is for example.

Shortly after we left Bambang with busy, we were stopped at the cafe. Azlam, one of his employees came to greet us. After ordering hot coffee that afternoon we were invited to tell.

"It's been quiet Bukit Lawang, but actually they (tourists) want this site to recover what it used to," he said. So why have not recovered? The reason is quite clear. As a skinny guy, many of whom are overwhelmed about capital to start from scratch.

Jungle Inn is more fortunate than other cafes. That afternoon was a few foreign tourists was quite crowded cafe. Some were reading while enjoying the quiet and some were chatting. And there was enjoying the roar of the river while rafting.

Jungle Inn is also different from other places. Some parts looked new buildings completed and improved through the addition here and there. Moreover, Jungle Inn is more strategic. Because in addition to close to the gate TNGL (which is also habitat for orangutans) is also a start position to do good rafting for amateur and professional levels.

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Ulos, One of Symbol Batak Arts

North Tapanuli regency, like other regions also have the uniqueness that if not maintained and kept current will disappear by modernization. So who will be consistent with the uniqueness of this?

One of the uniqueness of the many secrets of a unique art skill combined with a culture that is found in ulos, is a Batak traditional costumes. And the uniqueness of both the wealth that is still maintained at least thanks to the perseverance that still care about the arts and cultural traditions.

A couple Sitompul D St. (67) and F Br Panggabean (60) since the 1980s has struggled to preserve the weaving ulos. Armed with hereditary skills of parents, traditions and skills of this any artistic talent and became a source of support family life.

Not only them, the villagers of Siatas Barita Sitompul District, about five miles from Tarutung City, are the majority have the skill to weave ulos than rice farming.

"80 percent of the villagers weave Sitompul ulos," Sitompul said when met at his residence yesterday, some time ago (July 2006).

Ulos-making process is not easy work. Besides take a long time, also needed skills in the art of combining color and weave the threads into ulos and "mandar" (sarong) is motivated art.

"This is not an easy job," she said, pointing Sitompul, showing materials chemical coloring neatly behind his house. "This is my office," he added jokingly.

The main raw material, yarn, is decisive. The higher the quality the higher yarn prices also. In addition, the more difficult to do pattern ulos, the higher the price is. For example "Letter Mandar Batak", are more expensive than mandar ulos or another, starting Rp 250 thousand to Rp 2 million.

The construction is also not for a moment. One mandar ulos or quality yarn quality and level of difficulty making a higher hue takes two weeks if finished by one person. "So we more frequently work together," said Boru Panggabean.

While, there are also simple construction cheaper valuable ulos. Like the "The Leaven Ulos Life", "Leaven Hotang" and "Sadun" are cheaper, which starting from Rp 20 thousand to Rp 600 thousand.

Yarn 100 is one of high quality raw materials. This yarn imported from India after purchased by agents from Surabaya, Bandung or Jakarta. Initially the color was plain white. "This is where the special skills needed to integrate chemical colors into the desired color," said Sitompul. Then, as the colored yarn, weaving process was carried out after the colored threads were dry by the sun.

"Well, here's where the process is more difficult because it requires the creation of art," said Sitompul. Besides yarn 100, Sitompul said, to create patterns or writing on them ulos also use gold thread (which resembles the color of gold), nylon, porada, and yarn singer.

Sitompul said, however, he more often obtain advance orders than sell directly to the agent ulos. "Apart from Tarutung, orders often come from Medan, Jakarta and other cities. They already know me and this village through ulos," he said.

Sitompul, after 20 years in weaving ulos, until now has successfully completed three children from the university. "This is all thanks to the power of God and the perseverance to maintain ulos family as one of the wealth of the Batak land," he said.

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