This is my short story written for my LB project, Enjoy :D

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Everlasting True Love

Rachendra Akmalia 2014

9 Alpen

I confessed my love to you today, at the garden you used to visit. I’ve always watched you from a far in my special ward, guarded by knights in white. But today was special, I finally met you. I’ve been a good girl, I followed instructions, ate and drank my meals and never lost my temper. As a reward, the knights granted my wish to meet you, my true love. You looked pale and your heart was weak but I fell in love with you again after I saw your deep brown eyes in person. I waited for your answer and you just gazed away and said, “Prove your love to me and I’ll wait for your release.” I love you, I love you and I will be a good a girl, I will wait and prove to you that one day you will be mine. That was the day I last saw you. 

After my release I came to see you again at the nearby bridge. I have fulfilled my promise and am now waiting for your love but I was shocked and broken-hearted when I saw you with another girl. She was beautiful, her long black hair swayed gracefully on her blue dress. She embraced you with compassion and you embraced her back, like a long lost love finally meeting each other. I’d wear that dress better and I’d prove it to you, but the dress was too loose around the waist. Just a little snip here and there and the dress would be perfect for me. 

The sun was shining brightly at the bridge and yet you were alone, sobbing in agony. Your tears rippled in the river, reflecting your gloomed face. Was it because of that girl, did she hurt you? I wanted to comfort you but a girl with a white bow took your arms and smiled to you. You smiled a little and held her hands. Who was she? Was she you friend? Whoever she was, I’d have agreed with that girl, white bows really suit blonde hair. Yet the bow was stained red. Not to worry, all I needed to do was wash the dirt away. 

I prepared you some cakes and pudding, hoping to cheer you up but another girl was already comforting you. Why are you always with other girls? Was I not good enough? How many times should I prove to you my love? But it’s ok, I am a patient girl and I can’t bring myself to hate you. The girl was stunning. Her red broche shone brightly on her dress and I knew you noticed that. Was she the type of girl you were fond of? Answer me my love. If that was what you wished for, I would grant it for you. Just a little polish to clean off the scratches and the broche will be good as new. 

I was dying to meet you then, I wanted to see your eyes and hear your voice again. Trusting my heart, I confronted you in your filthy flat. I knocked on the door and waited for your reply. I heard a small creak and you slightly opened the door, giving me a small gap to look at your brilliant hazel eyes. I pushed the door open, I couldn’t contain my excitement anymore. You took a step back and stared at me intensely, observing me from tip to toe. Sweat dripped from your forehead, you collapsed on the floor. I held you dearly, hoping it would ease your pain. You shook really badly in my arms and grabbed my sleeve, as if you were begging for my love. I’m so sorry my love, the knights in white were not here with us to give your fragile heart the pills. Trust me my love, unlike them, I would always be with you, the perfect girl for you. 

As you finally calmed down, I pressed my forehead against yours, wrapping your body in my blue dress. I untied the white bow from my hair and wrapped it around the red broche then tucked it in your cold palm. Let this be the memoir of our reunion. Everlasting true love, you are mine forever. 

THE END

Argumentative Essay: World of Cars

Cars have been one of the most demanded transportation worldwide. It made up 74% of the total motor vehicles annual productions. The reason why people choose to buy a car is for their comfort and practicality. With many competitions and requests from international customers, cheap and smart cars were produced for all people to buy. Not for long, this world will have more cars than people. Not only cars volume is rising but also traffic and pollution it cause hence car tax must be increased in order to decrease traffic and pollution.

The first reason why car tax must be increase is to reduce traffic. Traffic happened all around the world. Traffic is a waste of time, resources and health. According from DetikFinance, Jakarta has suffered Rp. 12.8 Trillion per year because of traffic, this was already included material and effective work time loses. The main reason why traffic occurs is because the volume of vehicles is greater than the road’s volume. This was proven from a researched conducted in Japan; "When a large number of vehicles, beyond the road capacity, are successively injected into the road, the density exceeds the critical value and the free flow state becomes unstable." Professor Sugiyama stated. In 2012, it is recorded that over 60 million cars was produced. Just imagine all those cars traveling in the narrow roads. Without limitations from authorities, people who can afford to buy more cars will certainly buy another one. With higher car tax, people will think twice to buy another car. With customer’s desire restricted by the law and future balance financial life, the amount of demanded cars will be decrease, therefore traffic can be avoided. With less traffic, we can save more time, resources and health wasted from the event.

The second reason is to decrease pollution. By average, a car produced 3.628739 kg of CO2 per year. After calculating, it is estimated that more than 4 tons of CO2 emission floating around our atmosphere. The pollution produced by the combustion will affect our health and environment. In Beijing, China, emergency shutdowns are made when the air pollution levels are high. CO2 poisoning can cause suffocation, headaches, unconsciousness and long exposure to CO2 may lead to death. From National Geographic, CO2 is one of greenhouse gasses that contribute for global warming – “Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth.” The only way to reduce CO2 level is by reducing the production, for example cars. Higher car tax can decrease the amount cars bought and used. Fewer cars mean less air pollution.

Many people are concern that the increase of cars taxation may lead to unemployment due to car manufactures bankruptcy. I understand that everybody needs jobs to provide their basics need however they are wrong. With this new law, more companies will start to establish eco-friendly products. The workers can also find a better job that can help the world. Some also believed that the taxation means that lower middle class people can’t afford cars. Transportation is important but we can still use public transport. If many people use public transport, less CO2 will be produced and traffic. Public transports are more efficient.

From the evidences and researches, it is clear that higher car tax can decrease traffic and pollution. Before, the law may not be implemented since there are less cars and roads but it must be change today. By implementing the law, a great and clean future can be achieved.

References:

·         Forest. (n.d.). Carbon Emissions from Cars | American Forests. American Forests. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://www.americanforests.org/a-carbon-conundrum/

·         Highfield, R. (2004, March 4). Too many cars cause traffic jams. The Telegraph. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/3334754/Too-many-cars-cause-traffic-jams.html

·         Geographic. (n.d.). Air Pollution. National Geographic. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution-overview/

·         Suhendra, Z. (2013, May 28). Kerugian Akibat Macet di Jakarta Rp 12,8 Triliun/Tahun. Kerugian Akibat Macet di Jakarta Rp 12,8 Triliun/Tahun. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://finance.detik.com/read/2013/05/28/130722/2257883/4/kerugian-akibat-macet-di-jakarta-rp-128-triliun-tahun

·         Associated Press. (2013, October 22). China Smog: Beijing's New Emergency Plan Will Shut Down Factories, Limit Traffic. The Huffington Post. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/22/china-smog-plan_n_4140700.html

·         Worldmeters. (n.d.). Cars produced in the world - Worldometers. Cars produced in the world - Worldometers. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from http://www.worldometers.info/cars/

War Horse Synopsis

“The war has taken everything from everyone” A common saying from the war. The war took Joey, a splendid horse from the poor Narrracott family. Albert was reluctant when his father, Ted sold Joey in the auction for war. His mother, Rosie could not do much since they desperately need money to pay the rent for Lyonns. Albert begged to Captain Nicholls to let him join the army but it was impossible since he was too young. Captain Nicholls promised him to take a good care of Joey as he took the horse away. Albert tied his father’s regimental pendant on Joey as a promise to him that they will meet again.

Joey was a beast, his performance as a thorough horse exceeds the standards. Joey can run faster and stronger than Major Jamie Stewart’s prideful horse, Topthorn. Major Jamie Stewart with Captain Nicholls and Charlie charged the Germans with all their might. They expect an absolute victory but instead the Germans were one step ahead which cost many lives, including Captain Nicholls’.

Joey and Topthonr were captured by the German troops and were treated by two brothers, Michael and Gunther. Gunther as the older brother solemnly promised to their mother that he will take care his fourteen years old younger brother, Michael. Gunther gave him the regimental pendant to Michael for good luck but also to mark him for escaping. Michael was enraged when Guther abducted him from the troops by Joey and Topthorn. Gunther wished that they will escape the war and start a new life. The German army was not delighted from their decision and decided to end their lives.

Joey and Topthorn were waiting for the brothers in the windmill but instead, a young beautiful girl named Emilie came instead. She lived with her grandfather in the countryside in France with a small farm for jam making. Emilie claimed both of the horses hers and her grandfather agreed to let her keep them. Her grandfather was concerned about Emilie’s health but as an apology of hiding the fact of Emilie’s parent's death, he let her ride. Unfortunately, the German troops were there and took everything from them. Emilie pleaded for the troops to give Joey and Topthorn back but her grandfather was more concern of his sickly granddaughter’s safety.

Arrive at the German based camp in England, Joey and Topthorn was assigned to move heavy artilleries. Heiglaman, in charged with the horses was frustrated to let the magnificent yet wounded Topthorn work. Joey noticing his fellow comrade hurt was willing to take his place. With no other choice, Joey and other horses move the artilleries to the top. The missiles were launched and the scenery of Albert’s hometown was illuminated by light and terror.

The attack was a success and the troops were ordered to go back. Joey and Tothorn were led by Heiglaman but with an injured leg, Topthorn could not be saved. In the meantime, the British tanks arrived and Heiglaman ordered Joey to run, run for his life. With his life on the edge, Joey overcomes his fear of jumping by leaping across the tank. He ran aimlessly, no obstacle could stop him but the no man’s land had proven him wrong. Joey was trapped by the wires and wood but moving further will only hurt him. Joey just lay there, waiting for his fate.

The British troops were confused by a moving figure, thinking they might be crazy since nothing survived in no man’s land. One of the troops concluded that it was horse and tried to call it by making ckckck sound. The German troops also tried to call it by whistling and later were followed by the British. By collecting all his courage, a British man named Collins wave out a white flag to rescue the poor beast. The Germans were doubtful and shoot out a warning. Collins yelled at the Germans, confirming his rescue goal. When Collins arrived he was welcomed by a German man named Peter. Peter suggested to use wire cutters to free the horse. Collins said he they need more wire cutters and the German troops threw out more cutters to them. A weird atmosphere between enemies they both thought but the main goal now is to aid the horse. One by one, the wires were cut and Joey was free. Both of them wanted to take Joey but through a coin toss, Collins won the bet. After rescuing Joey they both said goodbye with an open heart.

In the British camp, the wounded were treated, including Albert. Albert was blinded by gas poison on previous confrontation with the Germans which also took his friend, Andrew. The camp boss ordered a sergeant to end Joey’s suffering from his pain. As the sergeant prepared to shoot, a strange owl sound echoed through the camp. Albert walked through the crowd with his bandage covering his vision. Albert claimed the miraculous horse his and describe Joey’s characteristics correctly – 4 white socks and a diamond shape mark on his head. The sergeant pulled in his gun and the boss agreed to treat Joey.

Albert and Joey were once again united but the sergeant told Albert that all non-military horses will go to the auction after the war ended. As Albert’s heart sank, his fellow friends from the army collected money around 30 pounds to buy Joey back. David, Lyonns’ son and also a fellow army companion, was willing to lie about Joey as his horse to repay the Albert’s help on previous war. Albert was confident to buy Joey back but a French grandfather bid the highest price and bought Joey for 1000 pounds. Albert begged for Joey but the grandfather was stubborn. Albert knew he would never get Joey back and said goodbye to his horse. The grandfather handed out a regimental pendant to Albert and asks his opinions. Albert answered it was his father’s and knowing so, the grandfather gave Joey to him. The grandfather said that his granddaughter will also do the same if she was here. Albert asked the grandfather what was his granddaughter’s name and he answered “Emilie, her name is Emilie.”

Albert went home by riding Joey. Rosie stopped her work as she saw her son and his horse in front of their house. Ted hugged Albert, to show his joy of his son’s arrival. The war has ended and now Albert and Joey can live together happily. 

Reflection: Argumentative Essay and Debate

This post will discuss about my progress and achievement for the pass 2 assignments; Argumentative Essay and Debate. The argumentative essay that I wrote was about cars in Indonesia. From what Ms.H reviewed, my essay has many grammatical mistakes which made some of the sentences confusing. The good side is, my format and thesis statement was good :D, I should really thank you Ms.H for checking my thesis statement :D. For the next essay or any other written assignments, I will recheck or proofread my essay before handing  it in.

The debate assignment was pretty fun but nerve wrecking. The pressure made me stutter and forgot about my notes. There was a part when I pause for a long time because I forgot about a statement I wanted to say. From that point, I thought that I will definitely get the lowest score but instead it was pretty good (YES I'M SAFE!). I should really thank my group members; David, Paritosh and James to do the debate together. For the next debate, I will try to be more calm and collected so I can deliver my arguments smoothly.

Responsible or Not?

Who is Responsible?

“Should Dhani the father of a 13 year old boy who killed 7 people and injured many others be held responsible for his son’s actions?”

 

            Everywhere there will be the risk of getting a car accident and it will be increase if the driver is underage. Underage driving is lethal, not only that driver has any license and permit from the government but also the responsibility of an adult. One of the examples of this case is a 13 year old boy name Dul, speeding in the toll road that leads to an accident. Dul should have been monitored by a qualified adult to mentor his driving studies. With that, I believe that his father, Dhani, is responsible for the accident because he is responsible for his son.

           It is commonly thought that Dul should be solely responsible for the accident since he was the one who drives however it is stated that Dhani was the one who gave the car. The legal driving age in Indonesia is 13, which means Dul is 5 years short to be a licensed driver. Dhani on the other hand gave a car to Dul, knowing that he is underage. Giving a car can be considered by his son that he is allowed to drive. The action that Dhani did reflected on how irresponsible of him to his son.

            Some people say that Dhani is not responsible because he is not aware of his son driving at that day because he should have gone to the wedding however from further interrogation, it is said that Dhani and his girlfriend was aware that Dul drive. Even though Dhani was not aware that day, he is aware that Dul drive. If he is a responsible father, when he knew that his underage son drive, he will surely scolded him and banned him to drive again but unfortunately he did not.

             Underage driving can be prevented if the parents of the child educated them well. It is stated that underage driving increased 120% from 2011. Putting your child alone on the road without basic knowledge does not make you a smart parent but a reckless one. By giving your permission to let your child drive means that you are responsible of their actions. 

              From here I concluded that Dhani, as the father of Dul should also be responsible of the accident since, he is the one who give the permission for Dul to drive. 

CSI BEKASI: Queenie Volupide's Case

This is an investigation we made at class. We should find the evidences and clues from a picture given and determine whether Queenie Volupide was not lying about her murdered husband, Arthur Volupide.

This is my group's report :

To Chief of Police

We arrived at Volupide’s house at 01:55 AM on Friday, September 10, 1952. We found Arthur Volupides, Queenie’s husband, dead, lying on his back with his face up near the bottom of the stairs. He was holding an empty glass on his left hand. His legs dangling on the stairs. He was wearing a robe and a suit inside. Queenie was standing on his left side, she was screaming in horror while witnessing his husband’s death.

Queenie said that something terrible happened “Arthur slipped and fell on the stairs. He was coming down for another drink-he still had the glass in his hand-and I think he’s dead. Oh, my God-what shall I do?” According to her statement, Arthur died because he slipped on the stairs. The autopsy claims Arthur had died from a wound on the head and confirmed that he’d been drunk.

With further investigation, we concluded seven pieces of evidence that disprove Queenie’s statement.The glass is not broken, as a rule when a person falls down holding an object, usually the object will break. Then. the glass is still in Arthur’s hand. As a rule, when a person falls, usually, the person will let go of what he or she is holding. The stove is on, as a rule, when people cook, usually they cook at normal time. The objects on the wall are not misplaced. As a rule, when a person falls down, usually they will try to grab or hold something reachable. THe carpet on the stair is not misplaced. As a rule, when people fall down on a carpet-covered stair, usually the carpet will get messed up. There are no paramedics present. As a rule, when a person finds someone who needs help usually they will will call for help. Arthur is lying on his back up. As a rule, when a person falls down the stairs, usually they will land face first.

We recommend to arrest Queenie for further investigation.

CSI Bekasi,

Isabella, Paritosh, Natan and Lia

What do you think? :D

Argumentative Essay: Against School Uniform

Against School Uniform

Cons

School uniform is very important for the school and the student’s identity. It gives unique appearance to state that you are from this school. People can distinguish the students easily in excursions or special occasions that require you to represent your school. The uniform is like a symbol of equality of the members. All the members of the school will be treated the same and no special treatment will be given. School uniform also prevents inappropriate clothing violations. With the boundaries taken off, the students will wear what they want, which may be not suitable for school. Different clothing may lead to jealousy and bullying. Students can use flashy clothes which can intimidate other people about their appearances. To prevent this, the school provides school uniform for the students.

Pros

School uniform is clothing specialize for students but is it necessary? School uniform was considered mandatory for every student that attend that school but what if we don’t. If school uniform is not mandatory, the students can use free clothes, meaning more expressive identity. School uniform does not identify the school itself. If it’s true that school uniform is the school identity then does that mean when we don’t use the uniform, we are not a part of the school community? The school can provide small special clothing, for example a cap or a jacket, which is simpler than a uniform. We can take the examples from college students. They didn’t use uniform but still being respectful for the university. Using your own clothes will increase the comfort in class. The students will not be required to buy the uniform; it will cost less by using your own clothes. We can control the type of clothing can be use in school to prevent inappropriate clothing. We can create a special rule book for clothing and equivalent punishment. If that was settled, than why does school uniform necessary?