FARMERS, WE NEED YOU ALL!

Some people find the law of economy a bit confusing, but it actually pretty logic. You will experience that law over and over again, whether you live in big cities or even in a remote island.

As in my previous holiday trip, I visited one small island in Thousand Islands, along with my wife and friends. If you haven’t heard of it before, Thousand Islands is an area that consists of a string of around 105 islands. This string of islands stretched along 45 kilometers north to the Java Sea, with the closest island lays only a few kilometers off mainland of Jakarta city. Many of the islands are still uninhabited, while some others have become recreational areas and privately owned by very wealthy people.

Anyway, enough of the pretty stories about beautiful beaches and white sands. What I want to say here is, my stomach growled of starvation when I arrived at the island, because of long way sailing and snorkeling activities. So as my friends decided to try on banana boat activity, I preferred to hunt for some food.

As I explored the island, I found very few places to eat. It was going to get dark very soon as the sun began to hide at the other end of the sky. But even so, there were still many people enjoying their time on the island. In fact, the island was nearly crowded and full of people. Later on, I finally found one place to eat that sold roasted corn, noodles and branded-bottled-drinks.

Guess what, the corn and drinks are sold more expensive than the corns and the same drinks sold throughout the malls in the city where I live. Yes, the drinks in a remote island are far more expensive than the drinks sold at malls in big cities. Why? The law of economy is the answer.

In big cities you will find so many stores that sell drinks so the price cannot go that high. On the contrary, there are so many people in the island and only one or two spots that sell drinks, so the price can go as high as possible.

In case you haven’t noticed, the food price around the world is rocketing pretty fast. Why? So many people, so little food… That’s why…

We have too many bankers and accountants, but we don’t have enough farmers. We will also be doomed if too many people play Farmville without applying it in the real life. We need real farmers who create real food for us, our elders, and our children.

The world will be in lots of troubles and catastrophe if the number of people exceeds the number of food supplies. When the food price skyrockets and people can no longer afford to buy them, then that will be the true end of this world.

Let’s support our farmers and fishermen for that are probably the most potential and crucial job in the near future. Unless we create more farmers and fishermen, we will face an era where we all have to swim to catch fishes to feed ourselves.

Ivan the Freelancer

MISGUIDED MARKETER

Have you ever watched Godfather movie, the scene where a severed horse head purposely slipped under the blanket of a sleeping old man? The old man woke up, found it and the rest you already knew.

One day my boss received an unusual package delivered in the morning. It was a children’s sized coffin filled with real flowers, clearly addressed to my boss with my boss’ name on it. One of the flowers was a white rose that attached to a piece of paper that said Rest In Peace Soon.com.

Well, my boss’ face turned pale, so I was told. He wondered who hate him so much and did this. But being an expert and experienced as a marketer, something crossed his mind moments later, that this could be a marketing gimmick, or new kinds of promotion.

It turned out right as I spent about an hour monitoring news throughout Internet. It was a promotion from a person who was about to launch a book about the death of advertising because of the power of word-of-mouth campaign. The sender sent 100 coffins throughout the city to selected media figures, public speakers, and professionals in marketing industry.

The senders did not say anything about the promotion. The story would have been different if he did. We realized that it’s actually a promotion from the public news, that is, after the police had taken the senders into custody. The thing that arrived were the coffin, real flowers for the dead, my boss’ name and a note “Rest in Peace Soon.com”. What would you expect? It sounds more like a terror than a promotion.

I wonder how much is the difference between the Godfather’s scene and the act of sending a children-sized coffin directly to an individual? The sender’s act caused massive anxiousness throughout the people who received the package.

Has it ever occurred to the sender’s mind that there might be people who are pregnant, shocked mothers and children (It’s a children sized coffin), or maybe even still grieving from loosing a child?

There is a thin line between stupid and creative. Creativity is definitely not stupidity. The act of unpleasant behaviors can never be categorized as creativity.

Education, as well of anything, is like a two-sided coin. If it is not digested and delivered in a right way, it can only create madness.

It was a misguided marketing. That’s all I can say.

Ivan the Freelancer

WILL SAKURA BLOSSOM IN MAY ?

My neighbor said that the disaster in Japan is a message from God. The only message actually is my neighbor is an idiot.

What’s wrong with you? Is your mind so shallow that you think God have a heart to wipe out His own creation?

Each time Sakura blossom so gracefully, have you ever thought “that” is actually a message from God? Does it ever occur to you that God maybe busy trying His best to save as many lives in Japan recently?

I wonder how many times in one day do you send messages, via your BlackBerry, your Twitter, your Facebook, your iPad and your other gadgets, and yet how many times in one day do you send messages to God Himself? It is free and you certainly do not need your gadget to do that.

So I quoted and borrowed my wife’s posting from her Facebook, which I think is really enlightening and comforting, “Will Sakura Blossom in May?”

With the earth shaking so badly and sea water poured and wiped out the land of Japan, we should all send a message to God so Sakura will certainly blossom in May. God help us all.

My prayer for Japan.

Ivan the Freelancer
Photo taken from www.wallcoo.net

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

It’s been a long time since the last time I poured my thoughts into this juicy Popcorn blog of mine. Four months?? That long?? Well, I’ve been busy lately enjoying the new chapter of life. Yes, I have married the girl I love and moved to a new place so-high-in-the-sky called apartment.

Being a husband is exciting indeed, plus hoping to become a father next year. Well, a man gotta do what he gotta do.

Anyway, the most important purpose in writing this post is to thank all the people who are involved in uniting us into the happiest couple on December 4th 2010, for without them, we could never make it happen.

As no words could ever describe our gratitude and joy, so I think it is better to present these photos as our way of expressing gratitude to all of the people in it.

“Many thanks for all of your supports and encouragement. We owe you all a debt we can never repay.”

This is only the beginning…

“Many thanks for all of your supports and encouragement. We owe you all a debt we can never repay.”

This is only the beginning…

Ivan the Freelancer

HE IS BACK

Continued from:

http://thepopcornstory.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-fathers-car-ivans-journal.html

It’s been a year since the last time I’ve lost him. The dark green metallic Vitara. I’ve been walking on foot ever since. I had a replacement car, but it never felt the same. Not long after that, I decided to return the replacement car back to my father. Feeling unnecessary to ride a car, I’ve decided to become a walker.

Until that time came. The time I was going to step into the next stage of life. It’s really expensive to rent a car, especially for such a short period and short distance. In the middle of desperation and confusion, he came back. Not only that, he came back with far better condition than the day his engine got broken.

So dressed with wedding flowers from our friends, he took us to a location where we held our wedding ceremony and places that we needed to go. It’s really an honor to have a chance to ride you again. I’m really not worthy to keep you. So back you are to my father once more.

Thanks again for everything...

Ivan the Freelancer

TIME IS “NOT” MONEY

What’s the matter with people who keep on saying, “Time is Money”, throughout their lives? Unexpectedly, I received enlightenment about this at a marketing seminar. An old man who is an expert of Guerrilla Marketing named Jay Conrad Levinson finally told something that caught my attention.

He said one of the biggest mistakes that we have learned from our parents is, “Time is Money”. If we keep on saying this, we will never be happy for the rest of our lives. Make sense though.

Time is Life, “not” Money. When we run out of money, doesn’t mean that we run out of time. But if we run out of time, our life will surely end, no matter how much money you have. That’s why doctors only tell how much time that dying people have before death.

Be happy if you still have time, because you can still live.

So the future lesson for your kids is, “Time is Life”.

(Picture is taken from Omega Watch).

Ivan the Freelancer

THE HERO INSIDE

When we are weak, someone has to carry us around.
When we fall, someone has to pick us up.
That “someone” is our hero.

But

When a hero is weak, he will try to carry himself around.
When a hero falls, he will learn to pick himself up again.
Heroes also need help, but a hero will always try to help himself first.

There is a hero inside of everyone, for a hero comes from the inside.

A hero doesn’t have to possess super strength.

For we become a hero not because of what we are, but because of what we do.

Ivan the Freelancer

MAKE IT SIMPLE

Lately my butterfly and I have been enthusiastic in making preparations for our wedding. Though sadly we have very limited budget, so we have to be very creative and persistent in hunting and preparing. One day I called two of my friends through Yahoo Messenger to ask for a reference about restaurants, make up and hand bouquet. I know they might know something because one of them likes to hunt for food, and the other one runs a flower business.

Both of them congratulate and wish me good luck for the wedding preparations, but when I ask them about their relationships, they replied with the same answer, “It’s complicated.” One of them doesn’t want to talk about it, while the other one told a complete story about the never-ending long distance relationship. Guess what, I didn’t get anything about the restaurant, make up and hand bouquet because our conversations got too “complicated”.

Next week, I searched, collected, and called only friends who are happily married. Guess what, I got all the information and references that I need only in one day. They are not complicated and the conversation went smooth and simple. Because we have the same objectives and purposes, the conversation went to the same direction.

Too often shit happens, and we let them piled up for too long until it explodes. Sometimes things can get complicated because we assume so, and let it become complicated. Sometimes we focused too much on the problems, but not on the solutions. Sometimes we got stuck in hot debate, instead of having warm discussion. Sometimes we don’t even know where we are going.

I hope we can simplify all things. I wish we all can have healthy fights and arguments because good relationships come from healthy fights and meaningful arguments. Fights and arguments are necessary to form an even stronger relationship. I also hope we all can always have warm conversations and discussions – conversations where two people can freely express their hearts until they can understand each other.

Easier said than done, but we all have to try our best.

Ivan the Freelancer

THE BEST SERVICE IS SELF-SERVICE

Have you ever been to a place like stores, restaurants or hotels, where the waitresses and attendants frequently follow you around anywhere you go? Not only that, they also constantly ask whether they can help you with anything. One of my friends said, they even follow him to the toilet, like they thought he didn’t know how to use “it”. I have “tasted” many restaurants where the waitresses always ask whether they can pick up your “unfinished” meals and drinks, over and over again.
The outcome of those kinds of “hospitality” is really annoying. Plus what’s more annoying is that when you “do” need the waitresses and attendants, they are nowhere to be found. Too often, they ask whether they can help you, but the truth is they cannot help you with anything. I find many employees at supermarkets who cannot locate even the most general or simple products at their own workplace.

Hospitality or service doesn’t always have to be shown. Sometimes the best service is something that is “not shown but can be found or experienced” by the customers. Self-service is one of the best methods for service excellence. Not only this service can give freedom and make the customer feels like home, it also educates the customers to become independent and knowledgeable.

I will ask you a simple question, “If you are dining, would you prefer to pick the sugar and pour it into your drinks yourself as you desire, or have the waitress do it for you? Some restaurants or café even let the customers make their own drinks or meals. It is about time we learn to provide a “Self-Service Friendly Environment” to create service excellence.

Service is not to offer, but to deliver. Hospitality has to be real and not fake. Service excellence is an unforgettable experience.

Ivan the Freelancer

(Images are taken from Canadore College, Comtecusa, and Insidesocal).

FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY

Feels like it’s only yesterday, I remember meeting you at the airport.

“Someone once told me an important formula to create a nice weekend. Do you know what that is?” I sipped the cool-creamy-green tea drink with my butterfly dressed in black sitting next to me.

“No, what is it?” She looked curious.

“A pretty girl, lot’s of money, and a nice drink”.

“Oh.” She smiled with mocha around her lips.

“I’m glad that I have them all.” I said. “Especially you.”

Celebrating one year journey towards happiness with you, Butterfly”.



Ivan the Freelancer

YEAR OF TIGER, HIDDEN VALENTINE

What would happen if Chinese New Year was combined with Valentine and weekend? The answer was a flight on a jet plane to a place where families gathered with lots of red and pink ornaments. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

The Batavia’s bird of steel took me and my butterfly to a city called Batam. The trip through the clouds brought us to a city where my butterfly’s family resides. Batam welcomed us with sunny but windy weather and quiet roadways. I was wondering if Jakarta can be this quiet and peaceful.

I always dream of having my own house that I can call home, but this trip reminds me of the old saying, “Home is where the heart is”. Realize that no matter where we are, the place will always be homey if we share and bring our hearts along – because hearts don’t always have to reside only in your own house.

Many places to go, but only one heart to share. So make yourself at home, anywhere, as long as you bring your heart with you. And when two hearts become one, it is even better. Happy Valentine My Butterfly.

Ivan the Freelancer

LET IT RAIN

I can barely remember when was the last time I can enjoy the rain without asking it to stop. Since the flood often washed away the happiness in our house, I often wished I would never had to hear the rain again.

I almost forgot how it feels to be able to enjoy every drops of water when it rains, until the time I walked away from my house and took myself higher from the ground. I’m now homeless, but I’m happy.

Now whenever the sky gets cloudy, I can smile again. Whenever it drizzles, I can let it drop on my skin. And whenever it rains heavily, I just need to open an umbrella. It is good to be free. But I realize, there are so many other people who still suffer when it rains.

Wish the rain will never cause anymore flood. But then again, the rain is not the one to blame. We are the victim of our own act. Nature is fair because it will always return what we have given them. Like I said, if we destroy it, it will destroy us. Don’t say I never warn you.

Ivan the Freelancer

TINY SPARKLING GREEN TREE

“Do you know what is the best thing about this Christmas tree?” I asked my butterfly while standing near a small fan. “It wiggles when hit by the wind.”

The sparkling green and golden colored leaves are so “compatible”… a perfect match. She laughed while watching the tiny tree wiggled on my hand.

“But something is missing about this tree.” She said. “We should find a beautiful star to be put on top of it.”

“Right, that would be perfect.” I replied.

Mal to mal, places by places, we traveled. Through many trees we looked.

But pity… Up until New Year we still have not found the right star for our Christmas tree.

But one day…

I just realized that a star may appeared on a place we had never expected. There is our shining star, between our new-green-Polo-couple-shirt.

Anyway, we may not always find or get what we are looking for. But if you try hard enough with faith and good intention, God will always give you something in return – and a lot better too.

Ivan the Freelancer

A CHAT WITH SANTA

Last Christmas, it was snowing in Taman Anggrek. There were bears dancing with Merry Christmas music on a small cottage surrounded by ponds, lakes and fountains. There was a big poster saying “Please adopt us. We need new home. You can adopt us in Santa’s house.” So those cute dancing bears were looking for someone to adopt them.

“It would be nice if we can adopt one or two bears and bring them home, wouldn’t it? I said to my butterfly.

“It must be very expensive.” She smiled. A few snowflakes dropped on our head.











“You maybe right. But let’s look for Santa’s house anyway.” I held her hand and walked passing crowds of people.

Walking around, we stumbled on Santa’s house. Santa’s house was in a form of a big dark brown boots. I looked around for its doors and finally found it. There was a note attached to the door, “Adopt the bears for only 275.000 rupiahs each.”

“You are right. It’s too expensive.” I said with a sad look.

“Let’s take a picture near the Christmas trees instead.” She pulled my hand towards the trees.


A few days later…


I was about to wash my hands in my butterfly’s place, when I spotted a short red robed figure leaning on the stairway.

“Santa, is that you?” I asked.

“Well hello, yes, I am Santa.” He answered with a very tired voice.

“What in the world are you doing here?” I asked again.

“Oh, I’m very tired after delivering those heavy Christmas presents for kids all over the world. You don’t mind if I take a rest here for a while do you?” Santa replied while showing his eyes and big round nose.

“Oh, not at all. Take your time Santa. Would you like something to drink?” I offered him a glass of hot tea that my butterfly had made for me. “My girlfriend made this. Very warm and sweet. Here, drink some.”

“Thanks a lot.” Santa took a few sip of my butterfly’s warm tea.

Suddenly, I remembered Santa’s house and those dancing bears that we wanted to adopt at Taman Anggrek. So, I told Santa everything about how expensive it was to adopt them.

“Oh no, that was not my house. You must’ve had the wrong address.” Santa replied.

“So, that was not your house, and those were not your bears?” I asked.

“No, it was not my house, but those bears are my true friends.” Santa looked deeply into my eyes. “My friend, you will never have to pay in order to receive a gift from Santa. A gift from Santa is always FREE.”

“I see… But those poor bears had danced all day and they had no home.” I said.

“Don’t worry, they were there, because they were meant to be there. They are waiting for you and your butterfly so the two of you can have a great and Merry Christmas.” Santa explained. “I thank you for taking your butterfly to see my bear friends dancing. They really appreciate it.”

“Well, thank you Santa. I really enjoy being with my butterfly accompanied by your bear friends.” I shook Santa’s hand. “Please send them my regards.”

“No problem.” Santa walked out of the house with a wide smile.

It’s funny… I was wondering how did Santa get in to the house? We had no chimneys… Hahahaaa… Merry Christmas everyone… Ho Ho Ho…!!!

Ivan the Freelancer

NOT-SO-NEW CLASS OF CRIMINALS - Ivan’s Journal

There are people, who believe that one cannot be a good cop, if he does not know how it feels to be a criminal. It is obvious that in order to understand how other people think, we have to put ourselves in their shoes.

I used to think that criminals are simple. We just have to figure out what they are after. If they are too hungry, they will kill for foods. If they are obsessed about something, they will kill for money. Unfortunately, Batman had the same opinion. But Alfred the butler had different things in mind, “Perhaps he is a man you don’t fully understand either”. Alfred’s wise words make me realize that I do not understand what’s dwelling inside other people’s heads.

What I mean by “Criminals” includes also people who do bad things to others and also their surroundings (not just people in prisons that do serious crimes). Believe it or not, some people are proud to be criminals. Some people even try to set new records in committing crimes. They did things not based on any judgment. Like a dog chasing cars, they do not know what to do with it if they caught one. They just “do” things.

So you don’t need to be a Batman just to understand, that some people are just proud to be criminals – They cannot be bullied… They cannot be reasoned with… Some people just love to watch the world burned.

It is a pity. The fact is – it is not only “the Joker”. But we have LOTS of Jokers running around in this world.

Usually, it does not matter how people think. The real matter is, “What are the impacts caused by their thoughts ?”

Ivan the Freelancer

HE IS HERE... I SMELL HIM - Ivan’s Journal

Many women said that they can tolerate men who are broke, short, fat and even ugly. But there is one thing that women cannot stand about their men – which is, if they smell like dead fishes in the market. Believe it or not, women value aroma higher than they value money. But if you say that “materialistic” women do not care about “the smell” of their lovers, than you probably right. That’s simply because materialistic women never kiss their men – but only their money.

Recently I found an interesting fact about perfumes in a marketing seminar held in Ritz Carlton Hotel. The fact said that women like to try different perfumes far more often than men. Women like to try or experiment different perfume’s brand or aroma, while men usually stick and loyal to one perfume brand they like. The fact also said that men do not need to change their perfume (or their body aroma), as long as their women love it.

I’m not saying that every man should groom themselves to become like women. But one conclusion about this fact is that you should be happy if a woman compliments or even complains about how you smell. It means she has an interest on you – or at least, pays attention to you. If she never compliments or complains about how you look and smell, than maybe she only concerns about your money.

Ivan the Freelancer