Getting From A to B the ‘Green’ Way
By Editha
It’s normal that people prefer to get around by the fastest and simplest way possible. But, it doesn’t mean they’re travelling green. Everyday, especially in Indonesia, commuters usually travel from home to their destination by car. Private car. In Jakarta alone, there’s 13 million population and some families have more than 1 car. That’s a lot of awful green gases being pumped out of their exhaust fumes. Serious about saving this planet from global warming? Why not ditch your car and try another way of getting from A to B? How about…
Hop on a plane?
Airplanes use to tons of fuel and chucks out a lot of greenhouse gases everytime they fly. Their engines also dumps hot air and when that hot air mixes with the cold air in the atmosphere, it creates white lines that will eventually form clouds which certainly stop heat from escaping the planet and add to global warming.
Green rating: 0/10
Board a train?
Next time you visit the lush countryside or to another town, why not take a train? It is already being used for two hundred years and it’s still the greenest way to travel over long distances, about six times greener than planes. Some trains like the Shinkansen Bullet in Japan can reach 400 km/h and the TGV (Train Grade Vittense) in France, has a maximum velocity of 515 km/h, which holds the record for the fastest train till now, while the Mallard, a steam locomotive, holds the fastest steam record by about 220 km/h. (But don’t take steam trains, they’re quite dirty)
Green rating: 6.5/10
Get on the bus?
Don’t even think about those ordinary buses that burn fossil fuels, even those who use LPG (like some Busway buses). Some new buses can run on hydrogen gas alone. They run on a fuel cell, similar to ordinary batteries, where hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce electricity. The only exhaust is H2O, that is, water. Buses like these are called hybrid buses.
Green rating: 7/10
Ride a bike?
It’s a very green way of moving around and around this planet. They can run for very long distances solely from muscle power and a few drops of oil. They don’t even make any noise or mess. Besides, riding a bike counts as an exercise and exercise in very, very healthy indeed. All you have to do is to own a bike, train how to ride one, and recycle the old tires. Simple as that.
Green rating: 9.5/10
Simply walk?
From the dawn of human race it’s the greenest way of travelling and it won’t harm the earth, except if you trample some plants that is. Anyway, it’s very good for you with all the exercise and all you have to do is to drag your big bottom off the comfort your chair or bed and swing a foot forward. It’s even greener if you forget about any other transport and leg it to school.
Green rating: 10/10
Conclusion:
Get your buttocks off that comfy chair and start walking!!!
Monday, 27 October 2008
Friday, 24 October 2008
Muara Angke Field Trip
As part of Grade 9's field trip they went to Muara Angke in North Jakarta. This is the only remaining mangrove in Jakarta and is hemmed in by continued development. Yet it is home to a surprising variety of wildlife including birds, snakes and monkeys.
A distant bird heading for cover has attracted this lad's attention
Cleaning out the trash. People carelessly throw their rubbish in the river upstream and it gathers down in the mangrove where it is a potential hazard to man and beast.
Cleaning up other people's mess is never nice. A little education can go a long way and while the kids enjoyed jumping round in the mud the serious message was not lost on them. If people were more aware of their surroundings this action would not be necessary
Luckily there were no snakes nearby!
At the end of the day we could go home. For this lizard this is home!
Some bird watching. The best time to catch the birds is early morning, about 6 am. They aren't stupid. Who wants to be flying round in the middle of a hot day?
Off to explore the mouth of the river. On one side is the mangrove forest, on the other is a fishing community. Everyone suffers when people upstream throw their trash in the river.Seeing the damage we cause to our local environment is only the first step in creating an awareness of what we do. People like Jakarta Green Monster are active in educating schools about our role in the destruction of what's around and days like this provide a steep learning curve for the kids.
How much will they remember?
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Bad Behavior: Taking Too Many ‘Make-Ups’
By Editha Supangkat
In this very-naughty-Junior High, before students attend daily tests or quizzes, some people always ask “Is there a make up test?” or “Please give us a make-up test sir/miss. Pleeeeaaaseee….”. When the teacher(s) say(s) no, there’s a riot. In my experience, even after taking make up tests, there’s usually no difference of the marks, before or after. In many cases, the PB or “perbaikan” as we call it can change into “PerBurukan. In my opinion, taking make up test is completely useless.
There are many reasons why ‘make-ups’ are a horrible thing. These reasons include:
• Wasting time by studying twice and attend the make up in break time when we should do other stuff such as eating and making projects.
• The mark for the make up can be worse than the initial test.
• We can rely too heavily on these second-chances while in the real world, the one we will face when we leave school, second-chances are very, very rare.
• If we know that there’s a make up for a certain test, we tend to ‘avoid’ studying for the first test because in our minds, we think “Oo don’t worry, there’s another test, if I get a bad mark I can take the other one to improve it.
With all those reasons, I stay clear of the bad ‘cosmetics’ that can ruin our lives, whether you realize it or not. I hope y’ all steer clear of those baddies…
In this very-naughty-Junior High, before students attend daily tests or quizzes, some people always ask “Is there a make up test?” or “Please give us a make-up test sir/miss. Pleeeeaaaseee….”. When the teacher(s) say(s) no, there’s a riot. In my experience, even after taking make up tests, there’s usually no difference of the marks, before or after. In many cases, the PB or “perbaikan” as we call it can change into “PerBurukan. In my opinion, taking make up test is completely useless.
There are many reasons why ‘make-ups’ are a horrible thing. These reasons include:
• Wasting time by studying twice and attend the make up in break time when we should do other stuff such as eating and making projects.
• The mark for the make up can be worse than the initial test.
• We can rely too heavily on these second-chances while in the real world, the one we will face when we leave school, second-chances are very, very rare.
• If we know that there’s a make up for a certain test, we tend to ‘avoid’ studying for the first test because in our minds, we think “Oo don’t worry, there’s another test, if I get a bad mark I can take the other one to improve it.
With all those reasons, I stay clear of the bad ‘cosmetics’ that can ruin our lives, whether you realize it or not. I hope y’ all steer clear of those baddies…
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Mr.AL Martin a.k.a. water rocket boy
Water Rocket Boy
Al was chosen among all the seventh graders because of his ability in science lesson Mr. Anton chose him and told him to found another student that could help him for the water rocket project. But the national water rocket competition was already so close and he didn’t have much time. So Mr. Didi increased the weekly after school lesson from once a week to twice a week. Nelson and Al Martin did many experiments such as making a water rocket quickly and the amount of materials needed for certain accomplishment. Sir Didi trained Al well. Al succeeded to enter the national water rocket in PPIPTEK in Jakarta.
Then after 2 and half hours after the competition started he took the 1st place and he could get into the international ASEAN water rocket competition in Bangalore, India. Al was surprised for his accomplishment and he studied more for the international water rocket competition. So his name is getting popular and makes our school more popular among many schools in Jakarta province and Banten province. After the training finished Al and Nelson take a break for a moment and get ready to enter the international competition in Bangalore, India. While Al and Nelson was taking the break sir Didi studied more about the rocket and make the length and height measurement to achieved such distance in the water rocket launcher. He found out that the best bottle to be used to make the rocket is the 1.5 liter coca cola bottle. Our school aid Al Martin very much, the principal Ms Maria gave a speech to us to aid Al Martin rocket competition by giving him empty coca cola bottles for his training. Al Martin studied forward about physics to help him in the water rocket competition.
So Sir Didi and Al Martin went to India and when it was Monday SMP Santa Laurensia prayed for Al Martin for winning. He got extra pray from our class 7B that’s actually his classes too. So Al got 2 chances to fire the rocket. The first time Al fired the rocket it was a failure it was so far from the target. But, in the second chance he got it perfectly right on target. So Al Martin wins the third place in the international ASEAN water rocket competition. The news spread far he was invited to meet important people like Sri Sultan Hamengkubowono 10th the governor of Jogjakarta and other important governors. So he got in the internet, newspaper, magazine and the television in Trans 7. So that’s the achievement of Al Martin and now he focused himself in study.
Al was chosen among all the seventh graders because of his ability in science lesson Mr. Anton chose him and told him to found another student that could help him for the water rocket project. But the national water rocket competition was already so close and he didn’t have much time. So Mr. Didi increased the weekly after school lesson from once a week to twice a week. Nelson and Al Martin did many experiments such as making a water rocket quickly and the amount of materials needed for certain accomplishment. Sir Didi trained Al well. Al succeeded to enter the national water rocket in PPIPTEK in Jakarta.
Then after 2 and half hours after the competition started he took the 1st place and he could get into the international ASEAN water rocket competition in Bangalore, India. Al was surprised for his accomplishment and he studied more for the international water rocket competition. So his name is getting popular and makes our school more popular among many schools in Jakarta province and Banten province. After the training finished Al and Nelson take a break for a moment and get ready to enter the international competition in Bangalore, India. While Al and Nelson was taking the break sir Didi studied more about the rocket and make the length and height measurement to achieved such distance in the water rocket launcher. He found out that the best bottle to be used to make the rocket is the 1.5 liter coca cola bottle. Our school aid Al Martin very much, the principal Ms Maria gave a speech to us to aid Al Martin rocket competition by giving him empty coca cola bottles for his training. Al Martin studied forward about physics to help him in the water rocket competition.
So Sir Didi and Al Martin went to India and when it was Monday SMP Santa Laurensia prayed for Al Martin for winning. He got extra pray from our class 7B that’s actually his classes too. So Al got 2 chances to fire the rocket. The first time Al fired the rocket it was a failure it was so far from the target. But, in the second chance he got it perfectly right on target. So Al Martin wins the third place in the international ASEAN water rocket competition. The news spread far he was invited to meet important people like Sri Sultan Hamengkubowono 10th the governor of Jogjakarta and other important governors. So he got in the internet, newspaper, magazine and the television in Trans 7. So that’s the achievement of Al Martin and now he focused himself in study.
Is Money That Important???
Money is not everything…
I have a friend. He was totally rich. He has many cars, also many hotels.
But he was very naughty in school. He was so not responsible for what he doing.
Everybody in our class hates him. But sometimes he was really nice.
We really don’t know what happen to him. He often angry with someone without reason. Small problem he made it to large problem. He finished problem with his physic, that’s why until know he has many friends.
Now I know what is the problem. He have 1 sister 2 brothers. His parent was busy with their own job. He often said that his parent don’t care with him. They don’t care how is his school. We were trying to understand him. We were trying to think that we needed to give him love that he didn’t get from his parent.
So know…I realized that money is not everything. Maybe we can buy anything with money. But I’m not sure money makes everyone happy. We needed each other best.
I have a friend. He was totally rich. He has many cars, also many hotels.
But he was very naughty in school. He was so not responsible for what he doing.
Everybody in our class hates him. But sometimes he was really nice.
We really don’t know what happen to him. He often angry with someone without reason. Small problem he made it to large problem. He finished problem with his physic, that’s why until know he has many friends.
Now I know what is the problem. He have 1 sister 2 brothers. His parent was busy with their own job. He often said that his parent don’t care with him. They don’t care how is his school. We were trying to understand him. We were trying to think that we needed to give him love that he didn’t get from his parent.
So know…I realized that money is not everything. Maybe we can buy anything with money. But I’m not sure money makes everyone happy. We needed each other best.
The Latest Story by: Josephine.
Sugar Smash Sam
By Josephine Wiliputri
Steven was always dragged to the supermarket with his dad, every Tuesday. He'd always wander off until his dad had finished. On this perticular Tuesday, Steven was feeling extremely tired, he'd been playing football in a tournament all day, he didn't feel like going shopping, he wanted to rest. As his dad went to find some baked beans, Steven stayed by the sugar, he enjoyed poking and squishing the bags, they were soft, but slightly heavy! Steven's legs ached, so he sat down on the cold, hard floor, since there were no seats. The floor's surprisingly comfertable, thought Steven, he picked up another bag of sugar and threw it up and down in the air. After about five minutes, Steven grew bored, he placed the bag on the ground and leant up against a shelf, his eyes slowly closed.
"Hey you"! A man's voice cried. Steven opened his eyes, the blurred figure was jumping up and down and pointing at him.
"Whaa", Steven mumbled. He had no idea what was going on. The man looked horrified, he held a mobile phone in his right hand, and a ladle which he'd just picked up in the other.
" I'm warnin' you", He screamed, " I'll hit you over the head with my weopon if you don't turn yourself in"! Steven stood up to find a long metal object had been hurled at his chest. Steven looked confused, he hadn't ever seen this man before!
"Look, I'm just a boy", Steven laughed. He scratched his head.
"I know who you are", the man bellowed, "You're sugar smash Sam, the kid who hits people with massive bags of sugar"! Steven really was confused now.
"Mr, my name's not Sam, I don't know what you're talking about", Steven yelled.
"You've hit Sophie over the head too many times, I'll get you for that", He roared, grabbing Steven by the collar. "That's why you weren't on last night! You escaped from the telly, but I'll shove you back in don't you worry, Police!" He growled.
"Wait here"! The strange man told Steven, he snorted at him and ran through the super market shouting for the police.
Steven rushed to find his dad, without being seen by the wacko. He saw him by the tills, Steven's dad was talking with the lady behind the counter.
"Dad", Steven Called, "We have to leave"! He screamed. "Now!" Steven pushed his dad through the big double doors and lead him to the car park.
"Really Steve, what's the rush?" His dad laughed. They both got into the car, and as they pulled out into the main road, Steven saw that weird man running after them.
"Well what do ya know!" Steven's dad Smiled, "It's your Uncle Louie, maybe we should give him a lift. Then again, he'll probably just go on and on about the telly. He's mad about those Supermarket programmes you know!" Steven slunk down into his chair. "Sugar Smash Sam?" He asked.
His dad nodded, "That's his favourite show!"
By Josephine Wiliputri
Steven was always dragged to the supermarket with his dad, every Tuesday. He'd always wander off until his dad had finished. On this perticular Tuesday, Steven was feeling extremely tired, he'd been playing football in a tournament all day, he didn't feel like going shopping, he wanted to rest. As his dad went to find some baked beans, Steven stayed by the sugar, he enjoyed poking and squishing the bags, they were soft, but slightly heavy! Steven's legs ached, so he sat down on the cold, hard floor, since there were no seats. The floor's surprisingly comfertable, thought Steven, he picked up another bag of sugar and threw it up and down in the air. After about five minutes, Steven grew bored, he placed the bag on the ground and leant up against a shelf, his eyes slowly closed.
"Hey you"! A man's voice cried. Steven opened his eyes, the blurred figure was jumping up and down and pointing at him.
"Whaa", Steven mumbled. He had no idea what was going on. The man looked horrified, he held a mobile phone in his right hand, and a ladle which he'd just picked up in the other.
" I'm warnin' you", He screamed, " I'll hit you over the head with my weopon if you don't turn yourself in"! Steven stood up to find a long metal object had been hurled at his chest. Steven looked confused, he hadn't ever seen this man before!
"Look, I'm just a boy", Steven laughed. He scratched his head.
"I know who you are", the man bellowed, "You're sugar smash Sam, the kid who hits people with massive bags of sugar"! Steven really was confused now.
"Mr, my name's not Sam, I don't know what you're talking about", Steven yelled.
"You've hit Sophie over the head too many times, I'll get you for that", He roared, grabbing Steven by the collar. "That's why you weren't on last night! You escaped from the telly, but I'll shove you back in don't you worry, Police!" He growled.
"Wait here"! The strange man told Steven, he snorted at him and ran through the super market shouting for the police.
Steven rushed to find his dad, without being seen by the wacko. He saw him by the tills, Steven's dad was talking with the lady behind the counter.
"Dad", Steven Called, "We have to leave"! He screamed. "Now!" Steven pushed his dad through the big double doors and lead him to the car park.
"Really Steve, what's the rush?" His dad laughed. They both got into the car, and as they pulled out into the main road, Steven saw that weird man running after them.
"Well what do ya know!" Steven's dad Smiled, "It's your Uncle Louie, maybe we should give him a lift. Then again, he'll probably just go on and on about the telly. He's mad about those Supermarket programmes you know!" Steven slunk down into his chair. "Sugar Smash Sam?" He asked.
His dad nodded, "That's his favourite show!"
Story by Josephine
The Fantasy Of Friendship
By Josephine Wiliputri
There once lived 5 girls. They all had different interests. Their names were: Elizabeth, Lauren, Kate, Lesley, and Samantha.
Elizabeth's interest was Looking Good, Lauren's interest was Sport, Kate's interest was Art and Craft, Lesley's interest was Hanging Out, and Samantha's interest was Spray Painting, (a little part of Art and Craft). They were also best friends. One day they were hanging out at the mall and Elizabeth saw a light blue top with a pink heart. She said "I must have that top, it's so Looking Good".
Lauren argued and said "Who would have that top? It's so girly wirly, why don't you have that top, a red one with a football on."
Elizabeth said "Who would want that top it's sooooo boyey woyey like you, you act like a boy, wearing boy's clothes." They keep on arguing until Kate says "Let's talk this through, they are only shirts." So they said "Sorry for arguing"
By Josephine Wiliputri
There once lived 5 girls. They all had different interests. Their names were: Elizabeth, Lauren, Kate, Lesley, and Samantha.
Elizabeth's interest was Looking Good, Lauren's interest was Sport, Kate's interest was Art and Craft, Lesley's interest was Hanging Out, and Samantha's interest was Spray Painting, (a little part of Art and Craft). They were also best friends. One day they were hanging out at the mall and Elizabeth saw a light blue top with a pink heart. She said "I must have that top, it's so Looking Good".
Lauren argued and said "Who would have that top? It's so girly wirly, why don't you have that top, a red one with a football on."
Elizabeth said "Who would want that top it's sooooo boyey woyey like you, you act like a boy, wearing boy's clothes." They keep on arguing until Kate says "Let's talk this through, they are only shirts." So they said "Sorry for arguing"
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