My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor — who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive… that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Dari berbagai isu dukungan dan kritik yang menghantui figur kontroversial Iran yang satu ini, maka berita terunik dan misterius adalah yang termuat di majalah Times (15 Maret 2007).

Berita ini bukan sembarangan, apalagi dari majalah yang mendunia seperti Times, dan juga dari level seorang Presiden yang memimpin sebuah Negara Islam dan menjadi sandaran bagi jutaan Muslim Syiah dunia.

Sebab, selain pribadinya yang populer di kalangan masyarakat Iran dan sebagian masyarakat dunia, maka kisah terpilihnya Ahmadinejad sebagai Presiden Iran juga tergolong istimewa.

Di samping itu, tuduhan miring dari berbagai media barat yang ingin menghancurkan Iran sekaligus membunuh citranya, semakin membuat figur ini menjadi mercusuar dunia. Khususnya, dari kelompok Muslim, anti kapitalis dan penduduk dunia ketiga yang tertindas. Bagaimana tidak? Kepiawannya dalam berpolitik dan berdiplomasi menjadi bukti bahwa ia bisa membaca seluruh gerak-gerik musuhnya. Empat tindakan Ahmedinejad ini adalah bukti dan jelas mencukupi, yaitu:

Pertama

Pemerintah Amerika dan sekutunya ingin menuduh Ahmedinejad sebagai Muslim fanatik dan radikal, tapi orang ini malah duduk dan bersahabat dengan para pemimpin dunia yang kebanyakannya justru non-Muslim.

Kedua

Pemerintah Amerika dan sekutunya ingin membuat Iran sebagai negara yang seolah-olah tidak menghargai kebebasan, tapi figur Presiden Iran ini malah membuat bloger interaktif yang bisa di akses oleh seluruh masyarakat internasional, kapan saja dan dari manapun juga.

Ketiga

Pemerintah Amerika bersama sekutunya dan juga kaki tangannya, yakni para muslim-zionis, berusaha untuk memperkeruh keadaan kaum Muslim di seluruh pelosok dunia dengan mengangkat isu Sunni-Syiah. Tujuannya agar timbul ketegangan dan jarak antar sesama kaum Muslim. Tapi pada saat ketegangan Sunni dan Syiah tengah dipanaskan oleh musuh-musuh Islam, figur ini malah sonjo-sonjo ke negara Saudi Arabia yang menjadi poros ideologi bagi kaum Taliban.

Keempat

Pemerintah Amerika dan sekutunya ingin membuat kesan bahwa Ahmedinejad rasialis, terutama atas pernyataannya yang kontroversial seputar holocoust. Tapi figur ini malah membuat seminar internasional tentang sejarah bangsa Israel yang dihadiri oleh semua pihak, termasuk yang mendukung zionisme dan juga masyarakat Israel yang justru anti-zionis.

Sungguh tidak mengherankan bila pada akhirnya, majalah Times (edisi 15, Maret 2007) terpaksa harus menyebutkan sebuah kisah unik lainnya seputar Ahmedinejad yang ditujukan untuk memojokkannya. Dan kali ini ingin digembar-gemborkan sebagai figur presiden yang sudah tidak lagi rasional alias tidak waras.

Namun sayangnya! berita majalah Times ini malah menggembirakan sebagian kaum Muslim. Bahkan menambah kecintaan mereka kepada Ahmedinejad, terutama bagi kaum Syiah dan kaum Muslim yang akrab dengan hadis-hadis mereka.

Alasannya, beberapa hadis Nabi saw yang diriwayatkan dari dari jalur Ahlulbait as ini secara jelas menyatakan bahwa sebelum Imam ke-12, yakni Muhammad al-Mahdi as afs datang, maka akan muncul dua tokoh pemimpin dari kalangan bangsa Fars-Iran. (Bukan Afghanistan, karena kebangsaan mereka adalah Pashtun dan bukan Fars). Yang pertama adalah Sayyid Al-Khurasani dan kedua adalah Syu’aib bin Saleh.

Sedangkan ciri-ciri dari kedua figur ini pernah disebutkan, yaitu bahwa Sayyid al-Khurasani adalah seorang keturunan Fathimah as dan menjadi pemimpin bangsa Fars. Wajahnya periang, tubuhnya tinggi, tangan kanannya cacat dan pipi kanannya ada lesung atau berlubang.

Sedangkan Syu’aib bin Saleh memiliki ciri bahwa tubuhnya agak pendek dan kecil. Janggutnya tipis dan piawai dalam politik dan perang. Dia akan dilantik oleh Sayyid al-Khurasani sebagai panglima perang yang membawa panji-panji hitam. Pada saat kedatangan al-Mahdi as afs, dia akan dilantik sebagai panglima perang Imam Mahdi as afs.

Namun, apakah Sayyid Ali Khamenei dan Ahmedinejad masuk dalam kategori ini? Jawabnya: Waktulah yang akan membuktikan.

Alhasil, berita dalam majalah Times ini cukup unik dan membuat figur Ahmedinejad semakin misterius, betapa tidak? Majalah Times telah menyebutkan hal itu dengan nada sinis seraya mengatakan bahwa Ahmedinejad telah beberapa kali melakukan komunikasi dengan Imam Mahdi as afs.

Kaget?? Saya juga…tapi simaklah berita unik yang saya kutip dari majalah Times edisi Maret berikut ini.

“Most irritating have been his frequent allusions to his connection to the Hidden Imam, the last in a line of descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, who Shi’ites believe will return at the end of the world to bring absolute justice to mankind. “Not only does he not talk about the sort of things a President is supposed to talk about,” says Atrianfar, “but he talks about religious”. (Artikel: “Iran’s War Within” oleh Scott Macleod)

Kira-kira artinya sebagai berikut:

“Yang paling menjijikkan adalah beberapa khayalan (Ahmedinejad) seputar hubungannya dengan Imam Tersenbunyi (al-Mahdi), yakni (figur) keturunan (Imam) terakhir dari Nabi Muhammad, yang menurut keyakinan Syiah akan kembali pada akhir zaman untuk membawa keadilan abadi bagi umat manusia.”

Menjijikan (Irritating) ataukah tidak? Yang jelas kabar ini sangat menggembirakan…

Foto Bonus Kesederhanaan Beliau :

Naik haji dengan mobil bak terbuka

Mudah-mudahan pemilu 2009 mendapatkan pemimpin yang seperti Beliau ini.. amin..

Presiden Iran saat ini: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, ketika di wawancara oleh TV Fox (AS) soal kehidupan pribadinya:
“Saat anda melihat di cermin setiap pagi, apa yang anda katakan pada diri anda?”
Jawabnya: “Saya melihat orang di cermin itu dan mengatakan padanya: “Ingat, kau tak lebih dari seorang pelayan, hari di depanmu penuh dengan tanggung jawab yang berat, yaitu melayani bangsa Iran .”

Berikut adalah gambaran Ahmadinejad, yang membuat orang ternganga dan terheran-heran :

• Saat pertama kali menduduki kantor kepresidenan
  Ia menyumbangkan seluruh karpet Istana Iran yang sangat tinggi nilainya itu
  kepada masjid2 di Teheran dan menggantikannya dengan karpet biasa yang mudah dibersihkan.
• Ia mengamati bahwa ada ruangan yang sangat besar untuk menerima dan menghormati tamu VIP, lalu ia memerintahkan untuk menutup ruang tersebut dan menanyakan pada protokoler untuk menggantinya dengan ruangan biasa dengan 2 kursi kayu, meski sederhana tetap terlihat impresive.

• Di banyak kesempatan ia bercengkerama dengan petugas kebersihan di sekitar rumah dan kantor kepresidenannya.
• Di bawah kepemimpinannya, saat ia meminta menteri2 nya untuk datang kepadanya dan menteri2 tsb akan menerima sebuah dokumen yang ditandatangani yang berisikan arahan2 darinya,  arahan tersebut terutama sekali menekankan para menteri2nya untuk tetap hidup sederhana dan disebutkan bahwa rekening pribadi maupun kerabat dekatnya akan diawasi,  sehingga pada saat menteri2 tsb berakhir masa jabatannya dapat meninggalkan kantornya dengan kepala tegak.
• Langkah pertamanya adalah ia mengumumkan kekayaan dan propertinya yang terdiri dari Peugeot 504 tahun 1977, sebuah rumah sederhana warisan ayahnya 40 tahun yang lalu di sebuah daerah kumuh di Teheran.  Rekening banknya bersaldo minimum, dan satu2nya uang masuk adalah uang gaji bulanannya.
• Gajinya sebagai dosen di sebuah universitas hanya senilai US$ 250.
• Sebagai tambahan informasi, Presiden masih tinggal di rumahnya.
  Hanya itulah yang dimilikinyaseorang presiden dari negara yang penting baik secara strategis, ekonomis, politis, belum lagi secara minyak dan pertahanan.
  Bahkan ia tidak mengambil gajinya, alasannya adalah bahwa semua kesejahteraan adalah milik negara dan ia bertugas untuk menjaganya. 
• Satu hal yang membuat kagum staf kepresidenan adalah tas yg selalu dibawa sang presiden tiap hari selalu berisikan sarapan; roti isi atau roti keju yang disiapkan istrinya dan memakannya dengan gembira, ia juga menghentikan kebiasaan menyediakan makanan yang dikhususkan untuk presiden.
  
• Hal lain yang ia ubah adalah kebijakan Pesawat Terbang Kepresidenan, ia mengubahnya menjadi pesawat kargo sehingga dapat menghemat pajak masyarakat dan untuk dirinya, ia meminta terbang dengan pesawat terbang biasa dengan kelas ekonomi.
• Ia kerap mengadakan rapat dengan menteri2 nya untuk mendapatkan info tentang kegiatan dan efisiensi yang sdh dilakukan, dan ia memotong protokoler istana sehingga menteri2 nya dapat masuk langsung ke ruangannya tanpa ada hambatan.  Ia juga menghentikan kebiasaan upacara2 seperti karpet merah, sesi foto, atau publikasi pribadi,
  atau hal2 spt itu saat mengunjungi berbagai tempat di negaranya. 
• Saat harus menginap di hotel, ia meminta diberikan kamar tanpa tempat tidur yg tidak terlalu besar karena ia tidak suka tidur di atas kasur, tetapi lebih suka tidur di lantai beralaskan karpet dan selimut.  Apakah perilaku tersebut merendahkan posisi presiden?
  Presiden Iran tidur di ruang tamu rumahnya sesudah lepas dari pengawal2nya yg selalu mengikuti kemanapun ia pergi.  Menurut koran Wifaq, foto2 yg diambil oleh adiknya tersebut, kemudian dipublikasikan oleh media masa di seluruh dunia, termasuk amerika.

  

• Sepanjang sholat, anda dapat melihat bahwa ia tidak duduk di baris paling muka
  
• Bahkan ketika suara azan berkumandang, ia langsung mengerjakan sholat dimanapun ia berada meskipun hanya beralaskan karpet biasa
• baru-baru ini dia baru saja mempunyai Hajatan Besar Yaitu Menikahkan Puteranya. Tapi pernikahan putra Presiden ini dirayakan dengan sangat sederhana. Berikut dokumentasi pernikahan Putra Seorang Presiden
  Lihat aja makanannya cuman ada Pisang,Jeruk,Apel

  

  

  

Hmm… Ini bisa jadi bahan renungan buat kita..  ( copas dari forum kaskus )

Bersambung…

Queensland, Adakah yang lebih baik dari pekerjaan ini? menonton paus, menyelam dan digaji 70 ribu pounds. Pihak pariwisata Australia sedang mencari orang untuk menjaga pulau pasir Hamilton di lepas pantai Queensland, Australia, sebagaimana dikutip dari situs berita dailymail. Mereka bersedia membayar 70 ribu pounds untuk seseorang yang mau bekerja 12 jam per bulan (hanya 12 jam per bulan) selama setengah tahun dengan tugas memberi makanan kura-kura, menonton ikan paus dan mengambil surat di pulau tersebut.

Tidak perlu gelar akademik tetapi para peminat harus seorang yang pandai berenang, pecinta “snorkelling”, menyelam dan olah raga air lainnya. Peminat yang senang di alam luar dan bisa berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris akan lebih diperhatikan. Kandidat yang lolos harus bisa menunjukkan “jiwa petualangan” dan “keinginan untuk mencoba hal baru”. Mereka akan hidup bebas sewa di Pulau Hamilton (berpenduduk 5000 jiwa) yang berjuluk “permata mahkota” di kepulauan Whitsunday di lepas pantai Queensland. Mereka juga harus menjaga beberapa pulau di sekitarnya.

Gaji menggiurkan itu berarti 972 pounds per jam berdasarkan masa kerja yang hanya 12 jam per bulan, jam kerjanya pun fleksibel . Kandidat yang lolos harus tinggal di Pulau Hamilton yang disinari matahari sepanjang tahun dengan temperatur terpanas 29 celcius. Mereka akan tinggal di vila tiga kamar dengan pemandangan “yang tiada duanya” yaitu laguna yang jernih dikelilingi pohon palem dan pantai pasir putih. Fasilitas gratis adalah penerbangan pulang, transfer, dan transpor keliling pulau. Kendaraan bermotor dilarang di pulau itu. Berarti, berjalan-jalan adalah dengan mobil golf yang menggunakan tenaga listrik. Kalau membawa keluarga maka biayanya ditanggung si kandidat yang lulus.

Pulau Hamilton dijuluki “permata mahkota” (jewel in the crown) dari kepulauan Whitsunday. Jonathan Sloan, staf Tourism Queensland di Inggris, mengatakan “Ini adalah pekerjaan terbaik di dunia, tidak diragukan lagi.” “Semua yang diimpikan ada di sini, pantai pasir, langit biru, laut yang hanyat dan orang yang ramah.” Lowongan itu digembar-gemborkan sebagai “kesempatan sekali seumur hidup” yaitu bekerja sebagai “Caretaker pulau”.

Lowongan itu sudah diiklankan di 18 negara. Pekerjaan itu dimulai pada 1 Juli. Para kandidat yang berhasil dikontrak juga harus membuat blog online mingguan, foto dan video harian yang diperbaharui selama mereka di pulau. Mereka juga harus bersedia diwawancara media dan mengirim laporan lewat e-mail ke atasan di kantor pusat Tourism Queensland di Brisbane.

Persyaratan untuk para calon adalah: “kemampuan berkomunikasi yang baik , mampu dengan baik berbahasa Inggris baik lisan dan tulisan, punya jiwa petualang, senang mencoba hal baru, minat besar di alam bebas, trampil berenang dan peminat snorkelling dan / atau menyelam. Anthony Hayes, direktur utama Tourism Queensland, mengatakan lowongan itu bertujuan mempromosikan pulau tersebut ke “pasar global”. “Kampanye ini bertujuan untuk menampilkan pulau-pulau di Great Barrier Reef dan memamerkan pengalaman di pulau unik Australia ke pasar global.” Para pelamar harus mengirimkan video berdurasi 60 detik yang menerangkan mengapa mereka layak dipilih.

Lowongan ditutup pada tanggal 22 Februari. Tourism Queensland akan memilih 11 calon kandidat ke Pulau Hamilton untuk proses seleksi. Pelamar yang beruntung akan diumumkan pada tanggal 6 Mei. Informasi lebih lanjut dapat dilihat di www.islandreefjob.com. Ada yang Minat ?

Cristiano Ronaldo is back to driving a Bentley Continental GT Speed a day after he wrecked his Ferrari 599 GTB. Ronaldo’s troubles may go further, as he is reportedly uninsurable.

The crash happened Thursday morning as the Portuguese footballer was headed to practice with his team, Machester United, when he lost control of the Ferrari in a tunnel under the Manchester Airport. His teammate, Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, was trailing behind in his own Bentley. Upon seeing the accident, van der Sar pulled over to aide his teammate. Although shaken up, Ronaldo was uninjured in the crash. The pair drove to the Man U practice in van der Sar’s luxury coupe.

That may have been enough for Ronaldo to forget about the £200,000 he had just wrecked. He showed up to training today in his own Bentley Continental GT Speed. Last September, Ronaldo ditched a Bentley Continental GTC in favor of the GT Speed. He has an impressive collection of vehicles, including a Bugatti Veyron, Rolls Royce Phantop Drophead Coupe, two Porsche Cayennes, and a BMW M6.

The Ferrari was his latest acquisition. He had just purchased the red 599 GTB, with a top speed of 205 mph, earlier in the week.

Despite his collection, Ronaldo’s UK driving days may soon be over. One of the largest insurance brokers in the United Kingdom, AA, claims they have not been able to get a single offer from any of their providers. “We cannot find anybody who would touch him with a bargepole,” a spokesman for AA told The Guardian.

The spokesman continued to discuss the high risk of insuring a footballer, and not simply because of off-field behaviour. “It’s not just the cost of the car itself. Imagine if there were three premiership footballers in one car and they received injuries that meant they couldn’t play again,” he said.

“We would be paying out for loss of earnings, paying sponsors for failure to fulfil contracts – the costs just go on and on.”

But the underwriting manager at insurance firm Adrian Flux says anything is possible. “It can be done,” Gerry Buck said. “It just depends how much money he is prepared to pay. Off the top of my head I would think it would be £40,000 as an absolute minimum and possibly quite a lot more.” ( telegraph.co.uk)

Cristiano Ronaldo was named as FIFA World Player of the Year for 2008 on Monday and became the first Premier League player to get the award at a star-studded gala in Zurich.

The 23-year-old was in stunning form last term when he helped Manchester United to Premier League and European Cup success hitting 42 goals in the process, and after FIFA’s annual poll of international team coaches and captains he has added the world governing body’s prize to the prestigious Ballon d’Or which he has already received.

Ronaldo received the award from Pele, and said: ”It is an overwhelming moment and a very special moment in my life and I would like to say to my mother and sister that the fireworks can be set off now. ”I’m extremely happy, it’s one of the most important moments in my life and I hope I can come back.” Ronaldo, who also won FIFA’s Club World Cup with United in 2008, faced competition from fellow nominees Xavi Hernandez, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi and Kaka.

Messi finished in second place and Torres came third ahead of fourth-placed Kaka and Xavi.

 WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR RESULTS
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (935 points)
2. Lionel Messi (678)
3. Fernando Torres (203)
4. Kaka (183)
5. Xavi (155)

Ronaldo becomes the first player from the Premier League to win the coveted title, which has so far only been awarded to players based at clubs in Italy or Spain; while Marta, Olympic silver medallist with Brazil, was later named the FIFA women’s player of the year for the third successive time.

“There may be no English players here but I believe it’s important for England that myself and Fernando Torres are here representing two English clubs,” said Ronaldo before the ceremony.

“It is a victory for the English fans as well because the Premier League is strong, even though we must not forget the leagues in Spain and Italy remain strong as well.”

Ronaldo dedicated the award to his family but also paid tribute to influence of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: ”It’s a dream come true for me to get this award and I would like to dedicate this to my family.

”But it’s also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.

”His experience over so many years is of paramount importance – it’s a privilege to have such a great club manager.

”This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I’m happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won. I am lucky to to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United.” ( soccernet)

CR7 has escaped unhurt after crashing his Ferrari sports car into a roadside barrier in a tunnel near Manchester airport. The car was badly damaged when it was involved in the accident at 10.20am today on the A538 Wilmslow Road, but the 23-year-old Manchester United winger was not injured.

Ronaldo was on his way to training when the accident occurred, but he later arrived at the ground and took part in the training session. His car crashed in the tunnel which takes traffic under the airport runways between Wilmslow and Hale, Cheshire. Witnesses said Ronaldo got out of the car and stood beside the wreckage, apparently not injured in the incident.

The car, registered in his home country of Portugal, is part of a fleet owned by Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger was spoken to at the scene by police investigating the incident. It is understood no other vehicles were involved but the aftermath of the crash was seen by a fellow United player.

The United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was travelling behind Ronaldo, at the wheel of his own Bentley, at the time of the accident. It is understood the players were making their way from their homes in Cheshire to United’s Carrington training complex.

A witness described how the front edge of the sports car had been demolished while one of the front wheels had sheared off and could be seen 200 yards away from the scene. A rear tyre was flat. The witness said: “I got there just after the accident had happened and saw the state of the car. It is amazing he got out of it without a scratch.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester police said: “We are investigating a road traffic collision in the airport tunnel on the A538. It appears a Ferrari has collided with a barrier in the tunnel. Enquiries are continuing. The driver is being spoken to at the scene. It does not appear he has been injured.”

United confirmed the incident had taken place and that the Ballon d’Or winner was unhurt. A club spokesman said: “He was involved in an incident this morning. No other cars were involved. He’s fine and is training as normal with the team this morning.”

Ronaldo appeared as a substitute last night in United’s 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Derby County. The next leg is played at Old Trafford in a fortnight.

Tips BerKaraoke Ria di tempat Karaoke

1. Bila ingin berkaraoke bersama keluarga atau kerabat, pilih waktu yang tepat. Biasanya waktu yang agak lengang, adalah siang sampai sore, larena di atas jam 6 sore biasanya anda harus mengantri alias masuk daftar waiting list Akan lebih baik kalau Anda booking via telepon untuk lebih amannya..
2. Tentukan lagu-lagu yang akan anda nyanyikan, agar Anda tidak bingung saat sudah di dalam ruangan, hingga membuang waktu sewa ruangan Anda.
3. Bila Anda ingin menmbah jam sewa ruangan hubungi petugas 15 menit sebelum waktu sewa ruangan Anda berakhir, agar daftar lagu yang sudah Anda siapkan tidak terhapus, karena komputer akan mati begitu waktu sewa ruangan berakhir.
4. Tanyakan secara detail cara-cara menggunakan karaooke di dalam ruangan, saat Anda baru memasuki ruangan. Agar waktu Anda tidak terbuang hanya untuk bolak-balik memanggil petugas dan menanyakan cara penggunaan peralatan karaoke.

Sumber : thebestofjakarta.com

INUL VIZTA FAMILY KARAOKE

Salah satu pilihan alternatif hiburan keluarga yang sedang naik daun dan relatif murah meriah adalah karaoke. Ada beberapa tempat yang bisa Anda kunjungi, namun karaoke keluarga yang terbaik saat ini di Jakarta adalah Inul Vizta. Sebuah karaoke keluarga milik artis dangdut Inul Daratista.

Dengan interior ruangan yang fancy Anda bersama keluarga akan sangat merasa nyaman untuk mengekspresikan jiwa seni anda dalam bidang tarik suara. Koleksi pilihan lagunyapun cukup banyak dan beragam (hingga 50.000 koleksi), dari mulai koleksi oldies hingga lagu hits saat ini. Dengan demikian siapapun bisa berpartisipasi.

Selain koleksi lagu, Inul Vizta juga menghadirkan tata suara yang cukup baik, ditambah dengan fasilitas lainnya seperti Chat Room to Room, Midi, Automatic Television, bahkan Andapun bisa merekam aksi Anda bernanyi dalam bentuk video atau MP3 ke dalam HP.

Inul Vizta memiliki beberapa pilihan ruangan mulai dari ukuran small untuk 2 orang hingga VVIP yang bisa menampung sampai 60 orang. Dengan range harga antara 50.000 – sampai 250.000 rupiah per jam. Jadi selain bisa untuk sarana hiburan, karaoke bisa juga dijadikan sarana membina hubungan bisnis dengan biaya yang kompetitif.

Sambil bernyanyi, Anda juga bisa menikmati sajian hidangan dan minuman yang cukup lezat, jadi anda tidak perlu khawatir akan kelaparan saat bernyanyi. Pilihan sajian menunyapun cukup beragam. Ada pilihan menu makanan nasional ataupun internasional.

Saat ini Inul Vizta ada di Melawai Jakarta Selatan, Plasa Semanggi Jakarta Pusat, Kelapa Gading dan baru saja dibuka di Mal Metropolitan Bekasi juga BSD Tangerang. Jam buka mulai dari jam 10.00 hingga 02.00 dini hari.

LOKASI INUL VIZTA

JAKARTA UTARA
Jl.Boulevard Raya Barat Blok LC 7/ 35
Kelapa Gading Permai, Jakarta – Utara
Tel. 021-4844321, 4526534
Fax. 021-4526535

JAKARTA PUSAT
Plaza Semanggi
Lt. 6 Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav. 50
Jakarta 12930
Tel. 021-25539404

Gedung Sarinah Thamrin Lt. 13
Jl. H.M Thamrin No. 10
Telp. (021) 398 32177, 39832203, 398 32203
Fax. 021- 390 2764

JAKARTA SELATAN
Jl. Melawai Raya No. 189 Lt 2 dan 3
Blok M, Jakarta – Selatan
Tel. 021-7232869.

Pasar Festival
Jl. HR Rasunan Said, Kuningan
Tel. 021-5278261

Pondok Indah Mall
Jl. T.B Simatupang
Tel. (021) 75921351 – 52
Fax. 75921350

JAKARTA BARAT
Gedung Gajah Mada Plaza Lt.2
Jl. Gajah Mada
Telp. (021) 6339 492, 6385125

HAPPY PUPPY

Untuk alternatif pilihan Karaoke Keluarga, Anda juga bisa mencoba Happy Puppy, pelopor karaoke keluarga. Dengan range harga yang lebih murah dari Inul Vista, namun dengan fasilitas dan kualitas ruangan yang tidak kalah jauh berbeda. Happy Puppy juga menawarkan free room selama 6 jam antara pukul 12.00 – 18.00 cukup dengan hanya membeli makan & minum seharga 150.000 ++ rupiah.

LOKASI HAPPY PUPPY

JAKARTA UTARA :
Kelapa Gading
Jl Bulevar Raya LB III No.27-28,
Jakarta 14240
Telp. (021) 450-0860
Fax. (021) 450-0412   La Piazza Lifestyle Center Jl Bulevar Mal Kelapa Gading,
Jakarta 14240
Telp. (021) 4586-4933
Fax. (021) 4586-4935

JAKARTA BARAT :

Puri Indah
Sentra Niaga Puri Indah Blok T1 No.6
(Seberang Pintu Timur Mall Puri Indah)
Puri Indah Krembangan, Jakarta 11610
Telp. (021) 5830-2885
Fax. (021) 5830-288

Green Garden
Komplek Ruko Green Garden
Blok Z2/41-42 Jl Raya Panjang, Jakarta 11520
Telp. (021) 581-6606
Fax. (021) 581-6605

JAKARTA SELATAN :
Plaza Golden Fatmawati
Blok A No. 16-17 Jl. Fatmawati No.  15 Jakarta 12420
Telp. (021) 750-7520
Fax. (021) 750-7521

NAV

Alternatif ketiga family karaoke keluarga yang bisa anda kunjungi adalah NAV yang sebelumnya bagian dari grup Happy Puppy. Memang secara kualtias NAV berada di bawah Happy Puppy ataupun Inul Vista, tampi masih cukup layak dikunjungi untuk mengisi waktu luang Anda dan keluarga.

LOKASI NAV

JAKARTA UTARA :

Ruko Mega Mall Pluit No. 5 – 6 Jakarta Utara
Tel : (021) 6683525
Jl Boulevard Raya Bl LB-3/27-28 Jakarta 14450
Tel.: (62)(21) 4500413

Jl Boulevard Raya Bl TB-2/36-38 Jakarta 14450
Tel.: (62)(21) 4530005

Jl Pluit Indah RK-12 Jakarta
Tel.: (62)(21) 6683642

Jl Pluit Permai Raya Ruko Mega Mal R 5-6 Jakarta 14450
Tel.: (62)(21) 6683525

JAKARTA SELATAN :
Jl RS Fatmawati 15
Golden Plaza Bl G/6
Jakarta 12150
Tel.: (62)(21) 7508990

sumber : thebestofjakarta.com

An Iraqi television journalist hurled two shoes at President Bush on Sunday during a joint news conference Bush was holding with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to mark the signing of a U.S.-Iraq security agreement.

Bush had just finished his prepared remarks in which he said the security agreement was made possible by the U.S. surge of troops earlier this year, whhen the journalist, Muthathar al Zaidi pulled his shoes off and hurled them at the president. “This is a goodbye kiss, you dog,” Zaidi shouted.

Bush dodged the shoes and was not struck. Bodyguards quickly wrestled Zaidi to the floor and hauled him, kicking and screaming, from the room. Two other Iraqi journalists were briefly detained after one of them called Zaidi’s actions “courageous.”