Archive for April, 2010
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
The process of making a sword is more than what you see in the movies. For many people being a blacksmith is a fantasy where you pound steel against an anvil, dip it in water and voila! You have a completed sword ready to mow down the evil hordes of creatures that lurk in the forest. But swordmaking is much more than this. Swordmaking is both an art and a craft and it takes hard work, a lot of practice and a significant amount of specialized tools to create a sword. It also takes many years of practice to become proficient at this skill.
Before the blacksmith or swordsmith actually starts hammering or heating the metal for a sword there is a lot of work to be done. The sword size, shape, properties, and metal composition all have to be decided upon. These factors determine the amount of metal, the temperatures of heating and the specific steps in the process that have to be completed. This article doesn’t cover the complete art of swordmaking. It will only discuss and outline the process of smithing the blade of a sword.
There are many different methods for making a sword and the art has changed over the centuries as technologies, tools and the science of metallurgy has changed. But for the past five hundred years there has been one method that still stands as the most common. This is the six step method. of taking a bar of the desired metal to a completed sword.
The First step is Forging
A bar of the desired metal or combination of metals is heated in a forge and then it is hammered into shape.(The shape of a sword) This hammering process can take a long time and it is called drawing out the sword. The sword is worked on in sections (usually around 6 inches in length) and repeatedly hammered and heated until it comes into the desired shape .This process is repeated many times and the sword is often heated then allowed to cool without hammering. This is required by the metal to keep the desired properties of strength and flexibility. Once this step is completed the sword is in the proper shape but the properties of the metal make it very brittle and something has to be done to give flexibility to it.
Step Two: Annealing
Annealing softens the sword and makes it easy to grind into shape. The sword is now heated and then allowed to cool very slowly. Often it is wrapped in an insulating material to slow down this cooling. It can take as long as 24 hours and this annealing process makes the sword soft and easy to grind.
Step Three: Grinding
Now the blacksmith uses a grinder to work out the edge and point of the sword. This would also be when any engraving is added. This is not a completed sword yet. It is still much too soft so it must be hardened.
Step Four: Hardening
Now the sword is heated to a very high temperature and then placed into a quenching tank. (This is what we always see in the movies). This quenching allows it to cool quickly and evenly which will harden the metal. After this hardening the sword is brittle and something must be done to make it strong yet flexible.
Step Five: Tempering
Again the blade is heated and quenched. But now the heating is at a much lower temperature than was used at the hardening. This heating/quenching cycle may be repeated several times. This tempering allows the blade to be strong but not brittle. This is one stage where the skill and experience of the swordsmith is invaluable. It takes a trained hand and eye to understand the properties of the meta. It will have a certain amount of flexibility yet still retain its sharp edge. Now the sword is ready for completion.
Step Six: Completion
The sword blade itself is now complete. Now the additional parts will be added such as the pommel the guard and the hilt.
For the past five hundred years the only way to learn the art of swordmaking was to find a skilled blacksmith or swordsmith that was willing to take you on as an apprentice. Because of the specialized skills and tools, and the skill that is required this tradition remains the best way to do it today.
Before you invest lots of time in money in equipment and materials you should find a master that is willing to teach you the basics of the art. You won’t have to devote your life to endless hours of hammering against an anvil and with a little perseverance, a little patience and some practice you will be able to make some decent swords that you can be proud of.
sources : ezinearticles.com
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Sunday, April 25th, 2010
If this is done following the same old beat up formula that Hollywood sticks to with regards to animation, then the dragons will be yakking non-stop. Thank goodness that this film, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, avoids this like the plague, and Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup, a viking kid who happens to be more brains than brawn, more scrawny than buffed, and this of course sets him apart from the rest of his warrior clan folks, who are battle scarred from the constant defense of the village pests – dragons who come from afar to plunder their livestock and setting their houses on fire, so much so that every house on the block is relatively brand new. Wanting to help out in any way he can, he’s deemed more of a liability than an asset, especially when even his dad Stoick (Gerard Butler) cannot appreciate his unique, technical talent.
In a stroke of uncanny luck, Hiccup downs a flying dragon in the heat of battle, and his compassion meant to set the dragon free, rather than trying to prove himself to be a worthy viking man by killing it. And it’s a rare specimen of a dragon too, which would have brought him instant glory. So a bond between man and mythical beast gets struck, and christened as Toothless, this is one pest who slowly grows into a pet, with Hiccup’s secret rendezvous resulting in growing appreciation for the species, despite what the knowledge that his kinsman had compiled into a Dragon compendium which details facts all ending with an advisory on compulsory annihilation.
The story here is the strength of the film, being witty, smart but never condescending nor insulting the intelligence of the audience. While most characters are caricatures, especially Hiccup’s peers, a lot of effort have been put into creating the leads as multi-dimensional and full of heart, and I enjoyed how the characters are so open to their emotions, that it becomes a lot more real than the photo realistic 3D animation and effects. Sure there’s the usual father-son misunderstanding and expectations, and how a zero turns to hero, or even the theme of fearing something that we don’t fully comprehend, but it’s the manner in which the usual got delivered, that made all the difference. Especially so for its anti-war stance, that all it takes is a little step back from the common battle-cry, and instead seek to be understood, by holding out an olive branch, and to understand first.
For those who enjoy the mythology of the dragon creature, there are a number of ideas thrown up in the film that would make you nod in appreciation how these got conjured up for the film, and they worked wonders, even though they may be a tad predictable plot wise. And I’m betting that a lot of folks out there will take to Toothless, thanks to its “stitch”-ish design similar to Lilo and Stitch (since it’s co-director Chris Sander’s previous work) and huge saucer like eyes, plus a lovable demeanour built into the character that’s always apprehensive, and mischievous. Being the creature that has no track record also helped, since it ropes you into a journey of friendship, bonding and discovery with Hiccup as to how powerful his new found friend can be, not to mention how symbiotic their relationship will evolve into as well.
Action junkies will find the action sequences in the film faultless, and the 3D got specifically crafted for certain set action pieces that really had me ducking for cover, for once. Fights are incredible, and always accompanied either by humour that worked without the feeling that it was deliberate nor just tried too hard, coupled with the comedic voice talents such as Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
How to Train Your Dragon is similar to last year’s Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs – Long titles, great story, beautiful animation and a total delight. Highly recommended, and it goes into my list as contenders for best films of this year!
sources : imdb
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Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Safety is the #1 rule of snorkeling. Never snorkel alone, don’t snorkel if you can’t swim and use common sense. Read more on Snorkeling Safety.
The First Time Snorkeling
The most important thing for a first time snorkeler is to get comfortable wearing the mask and breathing through the snorkel. Some people get anxious and have difficulty breathing through a snorkel while wearing a mask, so it is important to test things out in shallow water first. Many first timers have jumped into the water on a snorkeling charter only to realize they aren’t comfortable wearing a mask and breathing through a tube – this often takes a few minutes to get used to. While standing in shallow water, practice putting your face below the surface and looking through the mask. You can breathe through the snorkel while looking around at the aquatic life. In shallow waters this can be a fantastic way to see many things without expending the energy of swimming.
Snorkeling in shallow water is also a good time to learn to use the equipment effectively. Although relatively simple, beginning snorkelers should know their way around their mask and snorkel, including how to clear both of water. This is an essential skill, as open waves or splashes can send water into the open end of a snorkel, and masks can develop tiny leaks during a dive. Having a mask or snorkel fill with water can be a scary experience the first time, so snorkelers should be comfortable with the process of clearing their equipment.
Clearing a snorkel is an easy process. If you find your snorkel tube clogged with water simply exhale with a strong force through your mouth, which should send the water up and out the end of the snorkel. Some snorkels come with built-in drainage valves, allowing the water to be pushed out a one-way valve. This makes it easier to push the water out if a small amount of water makes it way into the tube. (more…)
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Monday, April 19th, 2010
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Monday, April 19th, 2010
VISAS
All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage.
Visa-on-Arrival:
The Indonesian Government extends Visa on Arrival (VoA) to nationals of 63 countries which can be obtained at designated entry airports and sea ports. Visa-on-Arrival are valid for 30 days and are extendable with another 30 days to be applied at Immigration offices in Indonesia.
Please note that starting 26 January 2010, the 7-day Visa-on-Arrival has been discontinued.
Countries extended Visa-on-Arrival facility are:
1. Algeria, 2. Australia, 3.Argentina, 4. Austria, 5. Bahrain, 6. Belgium, 7. Brazil, 8. Bulgaria, 9. Cambodia, 10. Canada, 11. Cyprus, 12. Denmark, 13. Egypt, 14. Estonia, 15.Fiji, 16. Finland, 17.France, 18. Germany, 19.Greece 20.Hungary, 21.Iceland, 22.India, 23.Iran, 24. Ireland, 25.Italy, 26. Japan, 27.Kuwait, 28. Laos PDR, 29.Latvia, 30.Libya, 31. Lithuania, 32.Liechtenstein, 33. Luxemburg, 34. Malta, 35. Maldives, 36.Monaco, 37. Mexico, 38. New Zealand, 39. the Netherlands, 40. Norway, 41. Oman, 42. Panama, 43. The People’s Republic of China, 44.Poland, 45. Portugal, 46.Qatar, 47.Rumania, 48.Russia, 49.South Africa, 50.South Korea, 51.Switzerland, 52.Saudi Arabia, 53. South Africa, 54.Spain, 55.Suriname, 56.Sweden, 57.Slovakia, 58.Slovenia, 59.Taiwan, 60. Tunisia. 61.the United Arab Emirates, 62. the United Kingdom, 63. The United States of America.
Entry Ports Where Visa-on-Arrival May Be Issued are:
Airports:
- Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta
- Ngurah Rai in Bali
- Sultan Syarif Hasim in Pekanbaru
- Minangkabau in Padang
- Juanda in Surabaya and
- Sam Ratulangi in Manado
Authorized seaports are at Batam: Sekupang, Batuampar, Nongsa, Marina, and Teluk Senimba, Bandar Bintan, Talani Lagoi, Tanjung Balai Karimun, and Bandar Sri Udana Labon in the Riau archipelago, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang; Belawan port and Sibolga in North Sumatra, Yos Sudarso Tanjung Perak in Surabaya; Teluk Bayur of Padang; Tanjung Priok harbor at Jakarta; Padang Bai and Benoa ports in Bali; the port of Jayapura; Bitung; Tanjung Mas in Semarang, Central Java; Tenua and Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara, Pare-Pare and Soekarno Hatta port in South Sulawesi.
Free Tourist Visa
Free Tourist short stay visas for 30 days are extended to tourists from 12 countries, namely from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Chile, Equador, Morocco and Peru,
VISA Application at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates
Visitors from other countries must apply for visa at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates in their home country. In addition, the visa cannot be replaced with any other immigration letters. The visa shall then be administered by Visa Officer in the presence of the applicant concerned.
You may find information on Indonesia embassies and consulates contact details at the Ministry of Foreign Affair website on the following direct link: www.deplu.go.id
For further information on applying for visa to Indonesia, you may browse our FAQs.
Free entry visa is also provided to delegates registered in a conference that is officially convened. In addition, tourist visa can be obtained from every Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. You can visit Indonesia through certain means and gates, by air via Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Surabaya and Batam; by sea via Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Tanjung Pinang and Kupang. Maximum stay in Indonesia is two months.
Airport Tax
An airport tax of Rp150,000 is levied by airports on departing passengers on international flights and Rp.25,000 for those on domestic routes.
Tipping
Most hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill on top of the 10% tax. In restaurants where service charge is not added, a tip of 5 to 10% on the bill will be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment.
Customs
Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia:
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
- 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 100 grams of tobacco
- Reasonable amount of perfume per adult, meaning if you arrive drenched in perfume the customs probably will not mind you carrying loads of bottles.
- Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipments are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs.
- You are prohibited to carry:
- Firearms
- Narcotics drugs
- Pornography materials
- Chinese printing and medicines
- Transceivers and cordless telephone
- Films, pre-recorded video tapes, laser discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by Censor Board.
- Import or export of foreign currencies and travelers’ checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesia currency, exceeding 100 million Rupiah is prohibited.
Further information on customs and taxes in Indonesia, log into www.beacukai.go.id
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Monday, April 19th, 2010
What it would be when unique meets a mythical taste then? Yes indeed, it is time for you to get started counting down the days to experience a superb legendary Bau Nyale Festival 2010!
This March, a special yet outstanding deeply rooted Sasak’s tradition welcomes you to flock onto Kuta Beach and Seger Beach, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara and bond with thousand of people in gazing and catching the Nyale (colorful sea worms) also tasting the uniqueness cultural flavors of the Sasak tribes.
The Nyale for the Sasaks is a symbol of love and good fortune. A legendary myth involved with the appearance of those colorful sea worms; Mandalika, a beautiful princess of Kuripan was willing to sacrifice herself to bring the lost peace of her country by jumping into the sea. Before drowning herself, the princess said that in a special way, she would return each year to bring good fortune to her beloved people. The Sasaks believed that the Princess had transformed into the Nyale. Since then, the colossal worm-catching is held every year.
During this festival, you will also feel much merriment and discover tons of unique activities as to catch the Nyale can only be done before the sunrises. Besides traditional music and dances, you will enjoy the Sasaks recite traditional verses whilst waiting for the dawn breaks. Have fun when the young people compete to form cute verses; it would be lovely to hear a boy flirting and teasing a girl by singing verses, and a girl has to try to answer by singing verses of her own. However, do not miss the “it” moment to catch the Nyale as much as you can. The more you get, the more prosper your live would be.
So, prepare yourself to be a part of Bau Nyale Festival 2010 excitement!
nb : this article and picture are taken from www.my-indonesia.info, we have no point to steal ar make a plagiarism to the article but help endorse indonesian tourism to whole the world trough this website, so if the article author unlike to see the article posted in this website please contact the daydaily.com webmaster and we will remove it as soon as posible.
regards
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Monday, April 19th, 2010
We arrived in Semarang at 4am. It’s still too early for us to do anything or to travel from train station to the small harbour, so we just spent our time having breakfast (hot fried noodles and a cup of tea..yummy..). When the sun rised, we prepared to leave the station. We’re a lil bit confused about how to get to the harbour. The contact person from Karimun Jawa (KJ) told us to get taxis outside the station, but there was also a guy who offered us his cars for 20$/car (we will need 2 cars to drive us and our bags). We, then, decided to take taxis from outside the train station, because there was Blue Bird taxis (the best taxi in Indonesia for me) in line outside the station. Surprisingly, the harbour was soooooo close to the station!! it was only less than 10minutes away, which cost us less than$1/taxi (we took 3 taxis, by the way.
snorkeling
.). That was very cheap! Thank God we didn’t accept the guy’s offer.. =)
So, we’re on the boat, called Kartini. The boat took 3.5 hrs from Semarang to KJ Island. We enjoyed the first 1.5 hours, but the rest..OMG!! We had sea sickness!!! That was horrible!!! I don’t really travel by boat, especially more than 1 hr distance.. And that was a traumatic experience for me..huhuhuhu… I almost jump to the sea so that I won’t have to stay in the boat! But, unfortunately, I can’t really swim either… huhuhu…
After 2 hrs in pain, we finally arrived in the island.. I barely could walk and immediately laid myself down on the floor while we’re waiting our cars to picked us up… I felt like I was in a carousel, and it was just moving around, non-stop! Thank God, the hotel wasn’t really far from harbour.
When the car arrived, I jumped in, closed my eyes, and voila! We’re in the hotel already.. I asked the driver to carry my luggage, and then I passed out!!! …..zzzzzzzzzzzz…..
My friend woke me up in 2 hrs.. They’re ready to start exploring the islands, and of course, took pictures… I felt not really well, but they pushed me to join them.. and NO REGRET!! The view from hotel was great! My nausea and headache slowly gone… the islands were soooooooooooooo beautiful!! I’ve been to some beaches in Indonesia, and for me, KJ Islands’re the BEST!!!
We went to some islands, took a bunch of pictures, and then went home… We’re having dinner at the hotel, sea food of course, and then took some rests and prepared for the next day.
sources : www.travbuddy.com
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Sunday, April 18th, 2010
after we published an article about Angelina Jolie in vector format, we now publish photos husband Angelina Jolie, brad pitt in vector format. can not be denied that brad pitt is handsome actor has many female fans, then just look at brad pitt pictures below in vector format.
brad pitt in vector
another brad pitt in vector
another brad pitt in vector again
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Sunday, April 18th, 2010
this several pictures are sample of indonesian artist, some made by adobe photoshop by indonesian artist. yeay i love indonesia. i found this picture on kaskus, the largest indonesian community.
indonesia keep smile 
represent that indonesian people are kind person
jakarta in typograph
think globally act locally
lovely indonesia
indonesian batik
my motherland
broken temple
arjuna, archer
keris warrior
struggling spirit
gatotkaca
sang saka merah putih
the voiceless
and that’s all, a wonderful artwork right?
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Saturday, April 17th, 2010
last week i went to pangandaran beach that located in south bay of west java indonesia. we went there by car we borrow from rental car
there is anothers tourism resort located near pangandaran beach like green canyon, batukaras beach, batu hiu beach and many others.
last week we are only visit two tourism resort, pangandaran beach and green canyon, green canyon are fresh water river with green canyon around it and you can swim there companied by local guide.
sometimes you should visit there 
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