Thursday, October 9, 2008

Donat Salahi Kodrat

Pernah denger Q'biq? Hmm, mungkin banyak yang belum tau tentang makanan yang satu ini. Q'biq itu adalah donat. Saya rasa Q'biq berasal dari kata "kubik" yang berarti satuan luas sebuah persegi. YEP!! PERSEGI.

Itulah yang terjadi..
Donat, as we always know, adalah makanan sejenis roti yang berbentuk bulat dan bolong tengahnya. Walaupun sekarang banyak donat yang ngga bolong, tapi kita sebagai masyarakat tentu masih mentolelir para donat yang ngga bolong itu.

Tapi ini berbentuk persegi. Kaya gambar dibawah ini nih.. Hueeeeh!!



Saya pertama tau fakta ini dari temen saya si Ncek. Cewek sipit yang asli buatan Indonesia. Ngomong-ngmong, si Ncek ini lagi jomblo lho! Hohoho... Kalo penasaran sama wajah oriental si tukang makan ini, silakan klik di sini.

Well, balik lagi ke donat..
Iya, tapi walau si Ncek dengan gaya hebohnya bilang sama saya kalo sekarang terdapat fakta ada donat kotak, saya sih ngga terlalu excited nanggapinnya. Eh, rupanya counter Q'biq ada di BNR (Bogor Nirwana Residence), di area tempat main air yang lagi hot (makna konotasi) The Jungle.

Ceritanya hari ini saya ada jadwal konsultasi masalah skripsi saya ke sodara yang kebeneran berprofesi sebagai konsultan HR. Kita janjian di The Jungle. Rupanya ada Q'biq. Yaudah, ngobrol di situ deh.. Tempatnya sih lumayan oke lah buat ngobrol-ngobrol..

Soal rasa, skala 1-10 dengan nilai tertinggi 10, menurut saya Q'biq dapet nilai 4. Rasa donat itu ngga terlalu nampol deh. Kalo lidah saya jadi detektor kelezatan donat, berarti sampai saat ini belom ada yang ngalahin J.Co.

Tapi, berhubung Q'biq ini cukup unik, jadi silakan nyobain. Di Jakarta ada juga tuh counternya. Tapi saya ngga tau persisnya dimana. Yang pasti ada di salah satu mall disana.

Well, selamat nyobain si donat kotak..!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Things You Should Never buy

When you go to the store you have a list or an idea in your head of what you need and are looking for. Normally these are things that you want. However, I propose that you should always have this list on hand ...

Things that you shouldn't buy. Ever.

Styrofoam Cups - Styrofoam is reuseable, but not really recyclable. A better alternative is reuseable cups (plastic, ceramic, glass etc).


Paper Towels
- A waste all over the map. It's money that you don't have to spend, and trees that don't have to be cut down. Buy reusable and washable hand and dish towels instead.

Incandescent light bulbs - They're inefficient and waste energy in the form of heat. Try buying compact fluorescent light bulbs, which might cost a little more upfront, but last longer and can end up saving you $30 to $36 over the life of each bulb.

Conventional Household Cleaners - These products can contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum-based chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor environment, positing a particular danger for children. The average American household has 3 to 10 of hazardous matter in the home.Instead, look for nontoxic, vegetable-based, biodegradable cleaners or make your own green cleaning products.

Plastic Utensils - They aren't biodegradable and not recyclable in most areas.
Instead try using compostable food service items. Companies such as Biocorp make cutlery from plant materials such as corn starch and cellulose or carry your own utensils and food containers.

Disposable Batteries - Batteries contain heavy metals that can leach into the environment. Instead invest in rechargeable batteries and an electric- or solar-powered battery charger.

Bleached Coffee Filters - Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer in humans and animals. Look for unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters such as washable cloth filters.

Industrially Raised Beef - Industrial cattle operations are energy-intensive, rely on antibiotics and an unnatural corn diet, and generate polluted runoff and large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas. Limit your intake of beef and choose meat from sustainably raised, grass-fed cows.

Hair Conditioner - Many hair conditioners contain ingredients like sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol that can be toxic. Try using natural oils like olive, safflower or jojoba instead.

Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides - American households use 80 million pounds of pesticides each year. The EPA found at least one pesticide in almost every water and fish sample from streams and in more than one-half of shallow wells sampled in agricultural and urban areas. These chemicals pose threats to animals and people, especially children. Buy organic pest controllers such as diatomaceous earth.
Plant native plants and practice integrated pest management and plant flowers and herbs that act as natural pesticides.

Excessively Packaged Food and Other Products - Excess packaging wastes resources and costs you much more. Around 33% of trash in the average American household comes from packaging. Buy products with minimal or reusable packaging or buy in bulk and use your own containers when shopping.

Cling/Saran/Plastic Wrap - Many people don't realize that cling wrap may be made with PVC. #3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leaches toxins when heated or microwaved and it is an environmental problem throughout its lifecycle. Instead store things in reusable containers.

Beauty/Body Care with Phthalates and Parabens - Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects that are used in many cosmetic products, from nail polish to deodorant. Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetics that have been linked to breast cancer though more research is needed. Phthalates are not listed on product labels and can only be detected in laboratory tests. To be safe, choose products from companies that have signed on to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

High Octane Gas than You Need - Only one car in ten manufactured since 1982 requires high-octane gasoline. High-octane gas releases more hazardous pollutants into the air, and may be bad for your car. Instead, buy the lowest-octane gas your car requires as listed in your owner's manual. You can also try making your next car purchase a hybrid. Or ditch the car and take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk.

Teak and mahogany - Every year, 27 million acres of tropical rainforest (an area the size of Ohio) are destroyed. Rainforests cover 6% of Earth’s surface and are home to over half of the world’s wild plant, animal, and insect species. The Amazon rainforest produces 40 percent of the world’s oxygen.Look for Forest Stewardship Council certified wood. Try to reuse wood, and buy furniture and other products made from used or salvaged wood.

Farm Raised Salmon - Several studies, including one performed by researchers at Indiana University, have found that PCB's and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Pregnant women, women of child-bearing ages, and children should be very careful when choosing fish due to high levels of environmental toxins including mercury found in many fish.

Anything Made with PVC - Polyvinyl chloride, used in everything from shower curtains to residential siding to toys and upholstery, sometimes contains phthalates (to make the plastic softer) that act as endocrine disruptor's, which interfere with normal hormonal development. Buy products made with natural fabrics and sustainably harvested woods instead.

High VOC Paints and Finishes - Volatile organic compounds or VOCs can cause health problems from dizziness to lung and kidney damage and are infamous for polluting both indoor and outdoor air. VOCs are found in products including paints as well as finishes used for wood, such a stains or varnishes. There are now a wide array of low or no-VOC paints on the market. Look for paints certified by Green Seal, or look for natural paints made by green businesses.

Rayon - Developed and manufactured b y DuPont as the world's first synthetic fiber, it is made by from liquefied wood pulp. Unfortunately, turning wood into rayon is wasteful and dirty, because lots of water and chemicals are needed to extract usable fibers from trees. Only about a third of the pulp obtained from a tree will end up in finished rayon thread. The resulting fabrics usually require dry cleaning, which is an environmental concern as well as an added expense and inconvenience.

Much of the our rayon sold comes from developing countries, such as Indonesia, where environmental and labor laws are weak and poorly enforced. There is mounting evidence that rayon clothing manufacturing contributes to significant forest destruction and pollution in other countries.


I am sure there are more, but this is a list that I have put together. If you know of anymore things that should be added to this list let me know!



Source:
http://greenopolis.com/

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Rute KRL Jabodetabek

Berikut ini adalah rute atau trayek KRL Jabotabek yang mengelilingi
daerah sekitar Jakarta, Depok, Bogor, Tangerang dan Bekasi. Stasiun
yang diberi hurup kapital semua berarti disinggahi oleh kereta
ekspress yang ber-ac dan tarifnya lebih mahal.

1. Rute Pusat 1 :
JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - JUANDA -
GAMBIR - GONDANGDIA - Cikini - Manggarai - Tebet - Cawang - Duren
Kalibata - Pasar Minggu Baru - Pasar Minggu - Tanjung Barat - Lenteng
Agung - Universitas Pancasila - Universitas Indonesia - Pondok Cina -
DEPOK BARU - DEPOK - Citayam - BOJONGGEDE - Cilebut - BOGOR

2. Rute Pusat 2 :
Angke - Duri - TANAHABANG - Karet - Manggarai - Tebet - Cawang - Duren
Kalibata - Pasar Minggu Baru - Pasar Minggu - Tanjung Barat - Lenteng
Agung - Universitas Pancasila - Universitas Indonesia - Pondok Cina -
DEPOK BARU - DEPOK - Citayam - BOJONGGEDE - Cilebut - BOGOR

3. Rute Tangerang 1 :
JAKARTA KOTA - Kampung Bandan - Angke - Duri - Grogol - Pesing -
Kembangan - Bojong Indah - Rawabuaya - Kalideres - Poris - Batuceper -
Tanahtinggi - TANGERANG

4. Rute Tangerang 2 :
MANGGARAI - SUDIRMAN - Karet - TANAHABANG - Duri - Grogol - Pesing -
Kembangan - Bojong Indah - Rawabuaya - Kalideres - Poris - Batuceper -
Tanahtinggi - TANGERANG

5. Rute Serpong 1 :
JAKARTA KOTA - Kampung Bandan - Angke - Duri - TANAHABANG - Palmerah -
Kebayoran - Pondok Ranji - Sudimara - Rawabuntu - SERPONG

6. Rute Serpong 2 :
MANGGARAI - SUDIRMAN - Karet - TANAHABANG - Palmerah - Kebayoran -
Pondok Ranji - Sudimara - Rawabuntu - SERPONG

7. Rute Bekasi 1 :
TANAHABANG - Karet - Manggarai - Jatinegara - Cipinang - Klender -
Buaran - Klenderbaru - Cakung - Rawabebek - Kranji - BEKASI

8. Rute Bekasi 2 :
JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - JUANDA -
GAMBIR - GONDANGDIA - Cikini - Manggarai - Jatinegara - Cipinang -
Klender - Buaran - Klenderbaru - Cakung - Rawabebek - Kranji - BEKASI

9. Rute Bekasi 3 :
JAKARTA KOTA - Kampungbandan - Rajawali - Kemayoran - PASAR SENEN -
Gang Sentiong - Kramat - Pondokjati - Jatinegara - Cipinang - Klender
- Buaran - Klenderbaru - Cakung - Rawabebek - Kranji - BEKASI

Saturday, March 29, 2008

MOYO, Surga Disebuah Pulau Kecil

Mungkin banyak wisatawan yang asing dengan nama Pulau Moyo, sebuah pulau mungil yang terletak di sebelah utara Pulau Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Barat. Luasnya 330 km persegi, dengan ketinggian maksimum 671 m dan garis pantai 88 km. Secara administratif, pulau ini termasuk wilayah Kabupaten Sumbawa, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat.

Saya merupakan salah satu dari sekian banyak orang yang beruntung yang pernah berkunjung ke sana.
Beruntung?
Well, mungkin terdengar terlalu berlebihan, ya? Hmm, saya rasa tidak. Saya akan bercerita tentang keindahan luar biasa yang ditawarkan oleh pulau ini, dan saya janji saya akan membuat Anda setuju dengan istilah "beruntung" tersebut.

Meskipun tergolong sepi dan kecil, Pulau Moyo memiliki kekayaan alam yang luar bia
sa. Pulau ini merupakan lokasi favorit wisata bagi turis-turis mancanegara, khususnya Eropa. Melihat keindahan laut, pantai, dan alamnya memang menawarkan ketenangan tersendiri bagi penikmat keindahan alam bebas dan bawah laut.

Untuk mencapai pulau-nan-eksotis itu, perjalanan dimulai dari Kota Mataram. Untuk akomodasi, ada beberapa travel yang menyediakan jasa untuk mencapai Pulau Sumbawa, namun tidak ke Moyo. Biaya yang perlu disiapkan untuk sampai ke Sumbawa sekitar Rp.100-Rp.200 ribu per orang. Dari Sumbawa kita naik speedboat untuk sampai ke Moyo. Diperlukan waktu sekitar 8-9 jam perjalanan darat dan laut. Selain itu, ada alternatif lainnya, yaitu dengan memanfaatkan 'jemputan' dengan pesawat amphibi pribadi yang disediakan oleh PT. Amanwana. Tentu saja biaya yang harus dikeluarkan lebih mahal.
Namun demikian, kelelahan akibat perjalanan panjang itu pun terbayar sejak pertama ka
li kita menapakkan kaki di tanah Moyo. Keindahan mulai terpancar dimana-mana. Kupu-kupu akan datang menyambut dari balik semak belukar. Komentar saya pertama kali saat itu adalah : "COOOOOL!!!" hehehe...

Selain berbagai jenis kupu-kupu, pulau ini juga dihuni oleh berbagai macam burung, kelelawar, macaque, babi liar, rusa, monyet, dan ular. Salah satu jenis burung langka yang memang habitat aslinya di Pulau Moyo adalah Megapodius. Dengan kondisi alam yang masih sangat alami, tidak disarankan menjelajahi pulau ini tanpa pemandu. Karena walaupun Moyo tergolong sebagai pulau kecil, kemungkinan tersesat di pulau ini tetaplah ada. Meskipun begitu, tersesat di Moyo bukan merupakan sesuatu yang sangat mengerikan bagi saya. Hoho.. Apalagi kalau kebetulan tersesat di kawasan Air Terjun Bertingkat. Komentar saya tentang air terjun itu : "Keren." :D

Hiking di hutan, menyusuri sungai dan air terjun, serta wisata bawah laut merupakan suguhan tersendiri dari pulau ini. Namun bagi saya wisata bawah-airlah yang paling menarik. Berawal dari pantai berpasir putih itu, kita dapat ber-snorkling atau ber-skuba diving. Hanya sejauh 5 meter saja dari dermaga, ikan-ikan kecil yang lucu dan berwarna-warni itu sudah menampakkan dirinya. Bahkan waktu saya snorkling disana, saya sempat melihat ikan pari kecil selebar kurang-lebih 50 cm. Lucu sekali mereka. Tidak hanya itu, berbagai macam bentuk, ukuran, dan warna-warni terumbu karang pun dapat dijumpai di taman bawah air disekitar Pulau Moyo. Dan satu lagi. Percaya atau tidak, saya juga melihat beberapa ikan terbang berlompatan di permukaan air.

Hanya ada satu hotel yang berdiri diatas permukaan Moyo. Amanwana. Sebuah hotel bintang lima yang menyuguhkan kemewahan dan privatisasi bagi kostumer mereka. Amanwana hanya menyediakan 20 tent-cottage yang indah. Konsep yang ditawarkan adalah "back to nature", tanpa ada suara bising dari televisi ataupun radio. Untuk bermalam disana, paling tidak kita perlu mengeluarkan uang sekitar US$ 700 per malam.

Sayangnya belum banyak wisatawan lokal yang mengetahui keindahan Pulau Moyo. Seperti yang telah dijelaskan, wisatawan kebanyakan berasal dari mancanegara. Mungkin sudah saatnya kita menikmati kebesaran dan keindahan alam Indonesia, dan lebih banyak lagi meng-eksplore tempat-tempat wisata indah yang masih "tersembunyi" di Indonesia.