Random Drawings

Well, no literature for today. I decided to go learning how to draw better while my laptop is still on repair mode. So I drew something. Please pardon the messy proportions. Why the robotic thingy(ies)? Well, few days ago a friend of mine shared an art book of Tamotsu Shinohara. He’s the concept artist of many Tokusatsu series. His works mainly consist of villains (monster) design. His designs include Orphenocs (villain of Kamen Rider 555), the villains of Kakuranger (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers season 3), character visuals for the main characters of Zyūranger (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers season 1) including Bandora (Rita Repulsa) and her minions (including Grifforzer a.k.a. Goldar), villains of Fiveman, villains Metalder (metal hero series), villains of Turboranger, some villains of Dairanger (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers season 2) Magiranger (Power Rangers Mystic Force), villains of Boukenger (Power Rangers Operation Overdrive), the designer for Kamen Rider Impala and Scissors (from Kamen Rider Ryūki or Dragon Knight) and last but not least, some villains of Samurai Deeper Kyo. He also does the concept art of many Super Sentai and Metal Hero games. As a fans of Tokusatsu, the art book is a treasure indeed. And yes, that’s where I got the inspiration to draw these guys. I also took some features from Gundam (I’m a huge fan!) designs. Hence the more blocky forms. For medium and tool, I used printing paper and mechanical pencil (2B, 0.5 size). As the quotes beside the drawings, they’re the song lyrics I recalled when doing the drawings. Yep, I draw these guys while listening to random musics.

Met A Nice Parent on Carwash

Well, today I went to a carwash. I saw a man with his son. I didn’t really care about it at first, thinking that they’re just another customer. But then I realized that the man didn’t have his phone out and effectively didn’t let his kid playing with it. Instead he chose the nicer way. He played a small version of Snake and Ladder board game to entertain his son. Nice move, man. In this world that is increasingly going digital, he went to the exact opposite.

Well, turned out, he’s the police hero of the Thamrin Bomb few years ago. He’s got promoted one step upward, got a house, and the chance to choose where he wants to be placed. He chose his birthplace. Where did I get this info? The owner of the carwash was a police officer too. He told me all of this. Nice, huh?

Actually, I also am interested in playing a more traditional game. I currently set my eyes on Dungeons and Dragons. Why? Well, I LOVE fantasy. Any kind. Science fiction? High fantasy? Bring them on! That’s why I’m reading Redwall.

But the thing is, I have no access to Dungeons and Dragons whatsoever. Local community? Doesn’t exist. Too bad because I think it can be used for a means of parenting. Particularly bonding, decision making, and risk management.

In this board game (okay, technically it’s a tabletop RPG, but I think it can still be categorized as board game due to the use of map), the decision you make doesn’t always have immediate effect. It might affect you or your surroundings long after that decision is made. That way, I think I will have the chance to teach a thing or two about the consequences of the decisions. And probably I can understand my kids better. I might have to add another category for this blog under “parenting” or so.

Well, what am I saying? I don’t even have any kid yet. LOL..

The Argument of GNU slash Linux Vs Linux

Well, today I found a friend arguing about the basic stuff. Namely the difference between GNU/Linux and simply Linux. Apparently, call it simply GNU Linux also won’t make it because Stallman insists on calling it GNU <slash> Linux, emphasizing on the slash.

Well, I didn’t really want to join the argument for it’s just too stupid of a thing to be argued in. But I decided to take the bait anyway.

My point is he isn’t exactly wrong to say that it’s GNU/Linux because the Linux distributions are mainly created from Linux kernel plus supporting softwares that has GNU license. But he’s also not really right because nowadays the Linux kernel also uses some softwares that isn’t GNU GPL licensed and proprietary drivers (mainly for the graphics card, or GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), for a better term). Many distributions also contain proprietary softwares as well like Steam client, WPS Office Suite, Google Chrome, etc.

Users usually also go further by installing more proprietary softwares themselves. So the term Linux (distribution or Linux OS) actually more sensible than the insistent terminology that is GNU/Linux.

But be it. Let him be ignorant. It’s not my problem. Also, I’m not going to be the different but the same from Stallman by forcing others to call it just Linux instead whatever they want.

As for my stand, actually I believe that arguing over that kind of thing, be it GNU/Linux vs Linux, cracking using certain distro, Free Software Vs Open Source, Free Software Vs proprietary, or worst still, best distro evaaa(!) is simply stupid. Newbies might argue over those kinds of things. But old timers would simply use what’s available.

I myself would happily use Ms. Windows or even MacOS or other softwares, provided that I can use it for free with no charge and no responsibility whatsoever. I use Linux simply because it’s what’s available for my need. Not for any other reasons.

Weekend Means Marriage

Well, I was really busy last weekend. But next weekend would be even busier. I got three friends getting married in a day. Well, as for me, I don’t care about marriage at all.

Today, I’m making a short poem. For the marriages.

Gone is your freedom

Now bound by a ring

Bigger responsibilities await

Nowhere can you run

Planning to Enter Writing Competition

Well, my trusty laptop is now on repair mode (again, and will cost quite a lot, also again). So I can’t do any 3D modeling. But at least I can still write something.

I plan to enter a competition of fantasy fiction writing. The prize isn’t that much actually. The first place would only get ± USD 20 in IDR. But I’m still going to enter. Even if I ultimately lose, I’ll still have the experience needed to sharpen my skills.

It should be a short story though. Called “cerpen”, a short for cerita pendek, literally short story (Indonesian is easy, unlike English). The story must be 6 to 8 pages of A4 size. I think it would be 1500 to 2500 words. I’ll manage.

First Blender Post

Well, you know that I also learned about 3D modelling. So I’ll put some of the results here. For the sake of those who don’t enjoy Instagram much.

What Had We Done?

What had we done?

We did nothing against you but you hate us.

We tried to be patient but you still tease us.

What had we done?

You despise us, you hate us.

You mock our faith yet you know nothing about it.

You claim to be peace but you act the exact opposite.

You preach well but you do not do what you preach.

What had we done?

Your number may rise, but your morality go downwards.

You claim to be the only truth, but deep inside you know you can’t prove it.

You think you go to the right way, but really you just paving your way to your own demise.

What had we done?

We took a pity at you but you spit at us.

We reached to you but you bite.

We tried to show you the light, but you like darkness more.

What had we done?

We’re wondering, we’re questioning.

But no matter how much you hate us

No matter whatever you do to us

We’ll still love you and try to save you.

For God is love.

A reflection poem after I listened to a preacher of a certain religion who used disinformation and hate laden words to do what he believes to be true. My heart, mind, brain are brimming hot with anger. But since vengeance is not my part, I can only do one thing : praying. So that the preacher can be saved. So that God forgive him. And most importantly, so that I can forgive him.

To forgive someone is one of the hardest thing to do. That’s why God said that you have to forgive seven times multiplied by seventy times. It took so much effort to continuously and consciously forgive. It’s way easier to just shout, curse, hit, throw, –whatever– the ones that make you feel bad. Be it angry, ashamed, humiliated, etc. But to forgive, it really does need a lot of courage and strength. You’ll never know how much it takes to forgive someone if you never forgive someone.

Hey, it would be unfair! Yes it does look unfair. But know that forgiveness works both ways. When you forgive, you let go of that someone from his punishment (by you). But at the same time, you also release yourself from pains and sufferings caused by the intention to hurt him back. Seriously, you’ll feel so much better than if you keep the grudge stored inside your heart. It also isn’t good for both of your mental and physical health.

So, please. Stop hating and start forgiving and loving. The world would be a better place to live.

Christmas Poem

Well, what should I make to start this new journey? Poem? Short story (or cerpen, cerita pendek, literally short story in Bahasa Indonesia)? Novelette that takes at least three posts? Well, let’s start easy. Poem then. To celebrate the approaching Christmas Day.

The night falls, the sky darkens

The stars twinkle, the moon smiles

A star grows bigger, to show the way

The way for the Magi to trace

The heaven opens, army of angels sings

The shepherds tremble, the lambs restless

The angels descend, deliver Good News

The shepherds rejoice, running to the newborn King

Finding the baby, the shepherds fall to their knees

The Magi come, give great sums of gifts

Gold to represent the glory of the King, frankincense to represent the worship to the King

And myrrh to represent the future if the King, His death to redeem the world

My Artistic Journey

Well, hello there. I know it’s been too long since I posted anything. And my last post isn’t that good anyway. But here I am. Trying to figure out my long lost passion for writing. Please bear with me for the first posts might lack in quality.

Dunno why. My skills are now dulled somehow. I looked back at my old sketchbook few weeks ago and I realized that my drawings back then are better looking than what I draw nowadays. It might be because I drew them all without the fear of messing up, or because I didn’t feel that I have an obligation to always draw well, or simply because I no longer have the time and patience and passion to sharpen my skills further.

End of last October, I even switched around to learn 3D modeling. I’m the kind of person who is easily get bored. If I already get the basic idea, I tend to get bored and try to do something else. Bad habit, I know. But couldn’t help it.

The same with writing. Particularly literature. I wrote short novelette at elementary school and I started writing poems since 7th grade. Or something. I even got the chance to write songs. It started as final project for the middle school and I continued to do as a development and newfound hobby. Well, I can’t play any musical instruments so the songs are basically poems too. But since I entered vocational high school, I no more have time and interest to continue.

But high school reignited my old hobby and passion for drawing. Short-lived though because I mainly had to draw technical stuffs and they left no place for artistry. And then comes the university.

My first attempt to university was a dark age for my artistic journey. I took Computer Science major and got my first computer. First time ever owning a computer made me turned to the dark side : gaming.

No, I’m not badmouthing gamers. Especially professional gamers. In fact I’m quite envious of them. They got to live their lives doing their hobby and got paid as well. What I meant is games really took over all my spare times. I had no time to do arts. The thought of doing art didn’t even come close. Technical stuffs were the priority back then. Thankfully, even in darkest days comes great light. It was when I first made commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. I got babtized. It’s also when I first came into contact with Free Software world. My first contact with Linux.

And then, things happened. I quit the first university I attended. But I also got my first ever job. As a tutor for a course. The owner is a graduate from visual communication design. And here, partially thanks to him, my long lost interest for art reawakens. My second time attempting to get to university didn’t do much to halt my journey. It even broadened my insight on many new things. I’m really glad to have the chance to be part of Universitas Surabaya, albeit too bad I’m not good enough to finish the education there.

Now, after my fire in visual art dimmed, I think I’m gonna try to relit the fire for my artistic talent (LOL..) in literature. What makes me want to come back to the my root of literature art? Nothing in particular. Just boredom. And maybe because I read some good books few last months. To read makes you want to write. Because one can’t write before he learns to read. Well, serious reading anyway. Not casually reading cheap newspapers or cheap clickbait articles from random websites on the wilderness of the internet.

So please bear with me. I might have to relearn every single thing. But I guess it’s what it takes to get what I lost.

Asus Republic Of Gamer, Affordable Gaming Laptop with Godly Specs

Well, this is the first time I’m writing a blog post for a competition. Mainly, because I don’t like to be pretending to know stuffs and talking about it, and my luck on this kind of thing is practically non-existent. LOL.. But this time, it’s different. We’ll be talking about computers. And you know pretty well that I’m all about computers and technology in general. So, the competition is for the Asus Republic Of Gamer line of laptop computer. Right. A gaming laptop, that is! How awesome is that? Now, let’s start the journey!

So, what’s the differences between Asus Republic Of Gamer (Asus ROG) and the other competitors out there? Why should I care? That probably is your question now. So, I’ll try to explain the specifications and technobabbles for the ROG lines.

The main difference is the innovations Asus put on the line with no compromise whatsoever. For example, gaming gears are generally heavy, aren’t they? It definitely is not the case with the ROG. Asus put godly end hardwares into the ROG Zephyrus, namely Core i7 7700HQ, GTX 1080 Max-Q Design, 24 GB of system memory, and 512 GB of SSD storage that only weighs 2.2 kilograms. That’s even lighter than my current Acer Aspire laptop! And to add the greatness to the already awesome Zephyrus, it only has 1,7 centimeter thickness. Man, that’s sick. With it as my daily weapon, I can literally work my designs anywhere without the heavy burden. Well out of watery places of course.

Asus ROG consists of 3 series. The most affordable series is the GL series which the prize of the giveaway, GL502VM, belongs to. GL502VM in particular has two colors, black and silver. I’d like to have the silver one honestly. Although the black one would also looks cool.

This is the GL553,another part of the GL series

The middle one is the G series. The design of the G series should look familiar to the fans of Iron Man. Yes, the design of the G series is inspired by the Iron Man, Tony Stark himself. The highest end one is the GX series. The design is just too cool. It’s inspired by combat jetplanes. Anywhere you take them, you surely will catch the eyes of people around. The bragging right is strong with this one.

Looks alone will get you nowhere, right? That’s why all lines from the GL series (also called the Strix), G series, and the GX series are packed with the newest Intel i7 processors and NVIDIA GTX 10 series. Some units like the GX 800 are even loaded with two(!) GTX 1080 GPU for maximum performances. Coupled with water cooling, you’ll be able to have LAN parties longer than ever. And did I mention that it looks gorgeous? Yes, as a technophile, I’m drooling for the handsome pieces of hardware.

For display, all series are already equipped with IPS panel. For a gamer, designer, illustrator, or someone who plays a lot with color, IPS panel is a basic requirement. Typical LCD just won’t make it due to constant color shifts. Color shift is a nightmare for an illustrator like me because I might never get the colors right. Software side, ROG uses NVIDIA G-Sync to make sure you never miss any minute detail. Some units also have 4k display if you really want to push it further. I for one will settle on full HD although I won’t refuse the 4k one. Hahaha..

Wait a minute. Why should I, an illustrator, entering a competition for a gaming laptop? Well, that’s partially where ROG get it exactly right. The design is just so cool that an aspiring artist like me even able to go crazy about it. Moreover, who said that a graphical artist can’t use gaming gears? Move aside, gamers. An aspiring artist is also here to take a part for the market. Hahaha..

It’s all cool and awesome indeed. But what about the endurance? I know a certain guy who’s able to wreck his laptop on his first week alone. LOL.. that’s so me, you know. But I didn’t wreck my laptop on first week. Only on the third quarter of the warranty period, by wiping away the entire disk. I don’t even know what did I do. Windows is partly to blame, I think. LOL..

All ROG units are tested heavily to ensure the best quality possible, ranging from keyboard stroke counts, vibration test, shake test, drop test, etc. Additionally, all ROGs are covered with two years international warranty. You can rampage as wild as you can and still feel safe because of the quality control is so strict.

So, are you ready to be a part of the Republic? And which one of the ROG line are you interested in? #WEARERROG #ASUSROGID #ROG