Harmony
Harmony amidst different tones gives rise to something new and better, a melody;
Harmony among words, a sentence;
Harmony betwixt sentences, a thought, feeling, a story;
Harmony between a melody and a thought, a song.
Starting with harmony within ourselves, then to harmony within our family, then to harmony with our friends, relations, to harmony with the people, with Nature and the Creator.
Amidst conflicting, contradicting, bumping, clashing elements to one another, harmony gives birth to something new of higher quality.
May 1988
Sunday, April 6, 2008
A Dear-Mother's Invention
A Dear-Mother’s Invention
“Well, let’s play the three fingers guessing game.” (the thump, forefinger and little finger) said mother to her little girl. “When you lose, you must pay me with a kiss. When I lose, I will kiss you as a penalty.” Oh, how sweet it is playing such a simple game in such a manner.”
“If I’d known it before, I would have played it in a somewhat similar way with my Valentine at that time. Ha, ha, ha.” said Opa Johan.
“Well, let’s play the three fingers guessing game.” (the thump, forefinger and little finger) said mother to her little girl. “When you lose, you must pay me with a kiss. When I lose, I will kiss you as a penalty.” Oh, how sweet it is playing such a simple game in such a manner.”
“If I’d known it before, I would have played it in a somewhat similar way with my Valentine at that time. Ha, ha, ha.” said Opa Johan.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Classified Volley Ball 2
A Thought On Progress
Progress (to me) is when every one, young and old, men and women, small and tall, recreational player, amateur and master, even invalids, are given the same rights, the same fair opportunities, possibilities to achieve their highest level of performance according to their own reasonable or natural level of playing Volley Ball.
We shouldn’t cultivate tall trees, bushes and flowers in the same place together, without providing space and light for the smaller plants, for they will have no chance to grow up well and may die.
The standard Volley Ball net height for men is 2,43 M, for women 2,24 M. Free for all, whether they are very short or very tall. So there’s no chance whatever for the short players to compete with the tall.
We can manage classes in a range of height from 1,45 –2,00 M in Volley Ball:
Men up to 170 Cm, net height 224 Cm; Women up to 160 Cm, net height 205 Cm
Men up to 175 Cm, net height 230 Cm; Women up to 165 Cm, net height 211 Cm
Men up to 180 Cm, net height 237 Cm; Women up to 170 Cm, net height 218 Cm
Men up to 185 Cm, net height 243 Cm; Women up to 175 Cm, net height 224 Cm
Men up to 190 Cm, net height 250 Cm: Women up to 180 Cm, net height 230 Cm
Men up to 195 Cm net height 256 Cm: Women up to 185 Cm, net height 237 Cm
Men up to 200 Cm,met height 263 Cm: Women up to 190 Cm, net height 243 Cm or free for all
Then make the rules flexible:
Lower net height by one or two classes for very young or old players or raise net height by one or two classes for national or professional players. Open the opportunity for the class of strong players of shorter stature to play against or “fight” players of a higher class with taller stature.
The classification, categorization according to age, to weight, for men and women has been established, for example age groups, in boxing,… I wish we could pride on Volley Ball as the number one sport that would realize the classification according to stature; that it is really providing for every one or nearly, almost every one the same fair share to playing Volley Ball. That it is not favoring just one class only (the class of those with the highest stature) as it is until today.
Note:
A person’s reach is about 130% of his length (height). Take 3 Cm as difficulty factor for men to overcome net height, for women minus 3 Cm and we can calculate the net height of each class or category that way.
Net height of the class of 170 Cm men will be 130% of 170 Cm plus 3 Cm and is about 224 Cm … etc.
Progress (to me) is when every one, young and old, men and women, small and tall, recreational player, amateur and master, even invalids, are given the same rights, the same fair opportunities, possibilities to achieve their highest level of performance according to their own reasonable or natural level of playing Volley Ball.
We shouldn’t cultivate tall trees, bushes and flowers in the same place together, without providing space and light for the smaller plants, for they will have no chance to grow up well and may die.
The standard Volley Ball net height for men is 2,43 M, for women 2,24 M. Free for all, whether they are very short or very tall. So there’s no chance whatever for the short players to compete with the tall.
We can manage classes in a range of height from 1,45 –2,00 M in Volley Ball:
Men up to 170 Cm, net height 224 Cm; Women up to 160 Cm, net height 205 Cm
Men up to 175 Cm, net height 230 Cm; Women up to 165 Cm, net height 211 Cm
Men up to 180 Cm, net height 237 Cm; Women up to 170 Cm, net height 218 Cm
Men up to 185 Cm, net height 243 Cm; Women up to 175 Cm, net height 224 Cm
Men up to 190 Cm, net height 250 Cm: Women up to 180 Cm, net height 230 Cm
Men up to 195 Cm net height 256 Cm: Women up to 185 Cm, net height 237 Cm
Men up to 200 Cm,met height 263 Cm: Women up to 190 Cm, net height 243 Cm or free for all
Then make the rules flexible:
Lower net height by one or two classes for very young or old players or raise net height by one or two classes for national or professional players. Open the opportunity for the class of strong players of shorter stature to play against or “fight” players of a higher class with taller stature.
The classification, categorization according to age, to weight, for men and women has been established, for example age groups, in boxing,… I wish we could pride on Volley Ball as the number one sport that would realize the classification according to stature; that it is really providing for every one or nearly, almost every one the same fair share to playing Volley Ball. That it is not favoring just one class only (the class of those with the highest stature) as it is until today.
Note:
A person’s reach is about 130% of his length (height). Take 3 Cm as difficulty factor for men to overcome net height, for women minus 3 Cm and we can calculate the net height of each class or category that way.
Net height of the class of 170 Cm men will be 130% of 170 Cm plus 3 Cm and is about 224 Cm … etc.
Classified Volley Ball 1
Monopoly of the Tall
What kind of monopoly can have the small?
Outstanding dexterity? So have the tall.
Outstanding perseverance? So have the tall.
Ability to set up well, a high vertical jump,
Outstanding agility, speed, power, endurance,
Talent, intelligence …? So have the tall.
Those are no monopolies of the small.
But height, so needed in Volley Ball,
Will ever be the monopoly of the tall.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Old Portrait Of The Bus Driver
Old Portrait Of The Bus Driver
What a style, how manly, majestic he was seated on his throne. How polite his gesture of refusing new passengers along the roadside by courteously waving his hand and bowing his head.. There was a warm friendly almost a big family atmosphere in his over crowded bus, the soft music, the soft light, curtained windows, some humorous pictures, writings were pasted on the front window pane - e.g. Cinderella and Charles Bronson - How easy he held his driving wheel, lighting his cigarette, overtaking all other cars with his very big, long Mercedes bus with such ease and that with so many windings, slopes along a small road. He is indeed Sang Juara (the Champion) as is pasted on the writings.
What a way of saying farewell, goodbye to the passengers. He just said “hati-hati”, (be careful) and aided passengers who had some difficulty in climbing down his bus out of the high emergency exit door, as the entrance of his bus was stormed by new passengers.
And that was already 8 o’clock in the evening and he had been driving since morning and he should drive the same route again Jakarta – Sukabumi. About midnight will he arrive. Fortunately it is not so crowded as it is during the lebaran (Moslem feast day) season. That was about 40 years ago.
I think there are not many drivers who do bus-driving as profession with dignity and enjoy it.
What a style, how manly, majestic he was seated on his throne. How polite his gesture of refusing new passengers along the roadside by courteously waving his hand and bowing his head.. There was a warm friendly almost a big family atmosphere in his over crowded bus, the soft music, the soft light, curtained windows, some humorous pictures, writings were pasted on the front window pane - e.g. Cinderella and Charles Bronson - How easy he held his driving wheel, lighting his cigarette, overtaking all other cars with his very big, long Mercedes bus with such ease and that with so many windings, slopes along a small road. He is indeed Sang Juara (the Champion) as is pasted on the writings.
What a way of saying farewell, goodbye to the passengers. He just said “hati-hati”, (be careful) and aided passengers who had some difficulty in climbing down his bus out of the high emergency exit door, as the entrance of his bus was stormed by new passengers.
And that was already 8 o’clock in the evening and he had been driving since morning and he should drive the same route again Jakarta – Sukabumi. About midnight will he arrive. Fortunately it is not so crowded as it is during the lebaran (Moslem feast day) season. That was about 40 years ago.
I think there are not many drivers who do bus-driving as profession with dignity and enjoy it.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Reader's Letters, People's Voices
Reader’s Letters, People’s Voices
Reader’s Letters are People’s Voices. As a fruit tree, the author offers the fruits of his pen free to anyone who likes them or as a bird who warbles for anyone who cares to listen.
Though not commercial, Reader’s Letters contribute to a news paper or magazine with thoughts and information. It’s not like an ad that must be paid, or like an article that would receive a honorarium, perhaps with a tacit agreement, for the author not to “sell” it to other publishers.
Posting a Reader’s Letter is like gambling in a lottery, since it isn’t certain that the editor would publish it. But you shouldn’t lose your wits. Instead of people not being warned, and thus mistaken, deceived, … because it wasn’t published, it would be wiser if you sent your letter to many other papers at the same time and not just one only. Suppose you have a nice suggestion, a fine thought or good news, it would be a pity if it comes to no good purpose. More over, it’s not just those who subscribe to the news paper who should be favored. Every one has a right to express his thoughts and everyone has the right to have access to information.
How engaging to write a Reader’s Letter. A lot could be learned. How to write or paint and color it with the right words. From the editor we improve our language and learn how to edit, which is something as delightful as arranging flowers or painting in words. Your letter that’s published, well edited is like a heavenly gift.
How nice, lucky you were if the editor illustrated it with a picture, more so if it is picked up, translated and published by another news paper, magazine in the English language and you were so lucky to find it or someone told you so.
And what’s so interesting in Reader’s Letters is that it’s live, bubbles, throbs with anger, grief, hopes, suffering, sorrow, gladness, gratefulness, humor, … of the people. A keen eye would find a “pearl” even in a hidden corner of the news paper.
Well, having written this Reader’s Letter, I’ve paid off my moral debt and can sleep soundly. Imagine the immense power of 190 million people’s thoughts, feelings, no book, whatsoever, could ever cover. Don’t suppress!
From Sinar Indonesia Baru, Medan, July 12, 1990
Note:
Wow, today, by internet, people and me aren’t limited to one news paper, magazine, one city, province only, but may reach, have access to the entire world, for free!
Reader’s Letters are People’s Voices. As a fruit tree, the author offers the fruits of his pen free to anyone who likes them or as a bird who warbles for anyone who cares to listen.
Though not commercial, Reader’s Letters contribute to a news paper or magazine with thoughts and information. It’s not like an ad that must be paid, or like an article that would receive a honorarium, perhaps with a tacit agreement, for the author not to “sell” it to other publishers.
Posting a Reader’s Letter is like gambling in a lottery, since it isn’t certain that the editor would publish it. But you shouldn’t lose your wits. Instead of people not being warned, and thus mistaken, deceived, … because it wasn’t published, it would be wiser if you sent your letter to many other papers at the same time and not just one only. Suppose you have a nice suggestion, a fine thought or good news, it would be a pity if it comes to no good purpose. More over, it’s not just those who subscribe to the news paper who should be favored. Every one has a right to express his thoughts and everyone has the right to have access to information.
How engaging to write a Reader’s Letter. A lot could be learned. How to write or paint and color it with the right words. From the editor we improve our language and learn how to edit, which is something as delightful as arranging flowers or painting in words. Your letter that’s published, well edited is like a heavenly gift.
How nice, lucky you were if the editor illustrated it with a picture, more so if it is picked up, translated and published by another news paper, magazine in the English language and you were so lucky to find it or someone told you so.
And what’s so interesting in Reader’s Letters is that it’s live, bubbles, throbs with anger, grief, hopes, suffering, sorrow, gladness, gratefulness, humor, … of the people. A keen eye would find a “pearl” even in a hidden corner of the news paper.
Well, having written this Reader’s Letter, I’ve paid off my moral debt and can sleep soundly. Imagine the immense power of 190 million people’s thoughts, feelings, no book, whatsoever, could ever cover. Don’t suppress!
From Sinar Indonesia Baru, Medan, July 12, 1990
Note:
Wow, today, by internet, people and me aren’t limited to one news paper, magazine, one city, province only, but may reach, have access to the entire world, for free!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Old Portrait Of Tien
Old Portrait Of T i e n
Tien was a bit crazy, silly in the eyes of people. Just got Rp. 200.- (that was almost 50 years ago) as “Cinderella” for some days, of which Rp. 100.- was sacrificed to buy three apples and some oranges. Two apples and some oranges she gave wholeheartedly to her “colleagues”.
She had no one who cares for her except Mother Nature. She had no home but she always found a way to crawl somewhere in and had a lodging for the night.
She worked so hard that she sometimes nodded to the merriment of her co-housemaids. Every time she awoke with a start.
Yet, she had been a teacher before. But no one wanted her. The only one who wanted her, her “prince”, stole her money by borrowing and not return it.
Tien was as a weed, whom no one wanted. She’s “hell” a fury but also a blessing. She got poor, simple fare, but that cheap, worthless food was perhaps tastier and nutritious: The fish head, shrimps head, the chicken head and feet (ceker they say}, frogs spine, no coca cola’s, no white polished rice but brown rice. She slept on a bench without mattress and pillow, mosquito net, did rough, course work and without being pursued, these treatments had become a blessing in disguise.
She sleeps anywhere as sound as ever, has a keen appetite, is strong and healthy, has good teeth, though having no recourse to a dentist, forgets her worries almost immediately and harbors no hate, ill will. Those are her riches, her treasures.
Certainly, Mother Nature loves all her children. Every dark side has its sunny side.
Tien was a bit crazy, silly in the eyes of people. Just got Rp. 200.- (that was almost 50 years ago) as “Cinderella” for some days, of which Rp. 100.- was sacrificed to buy three apples and some oranges. Two apples and some oranges she gave wholeheartedly to her “colleagues”.
She had no one who cares for her except Mother Nature. She had no home but she always found a way to crawl somewhere in and had a lodging for the night.
She worked so hard that she sometimes nodded to the merriment of her co-housemaids. Every time she awoke with a start.
Yet, she had been a teacher before. But no one wanted her. The only one who wanted her, her “prince”, stole her money by borrowing and not return it.
Tien was as a weed, whom no one wanted. She’s “hell” a fury but also a blessing. She got poor, simple fare, but that cheap, worthless food was perhaps tastier and nutritious: The fish head, shrimps head, the chicken head and feet (ceker they say}, frogs spine, no coca cola’s, no white polished rice but brown rice. She slept on a bench without mattress and pillow, mosquito net, did rough, course work and without being pursued, these treatments had become a blessing in disguise.
She sleeps anywhere as sound as ever, has a keen appetite, is strong and healthy, has good teeth, though having no recourse to a dentist, forgets her worries almost immediately and harbors no hate, ill will. Those are her riches, her treasures.
Certainly, Mother Nature loves all her children. Every dark side has its sunny side.
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