The Cultural Splendor of Semarang

Have you ever set foot in Semarang? You have? Then I bet you've tasted the city's famous delicacies: Lumpia, Tahu pong, Soto Bangkong, Wingko Babat, and Bandeng Presto, to name a few. Yep, they're so characteristic of Semarang that they make us associate them with the capital of the province of Central Java. But it's time for us to look at the old city in a new perspective: it features rich heritage dating back hundreds of years ago. If you want your next visit to the city to be more than a gastronomic one, you'd better read on.

Lawang Sewu : A Paradise for photographers
At first impression, this old building looks spooky. But as you enter the building, you'll think of it either as even spookier or as an impressive ancient construction. What with its countless doors (thus the name Lawang Sewu; meaning Thousand Doors in Javanese), which allow little light to penetrate the ex-administrative building in colonial times, the twilight impression creates a perfect haven for avid photographers. Usually, a black and white picture of Lawang Sewu is what they're after. But there are more things to fascinate them: three colossal stained glass windows, the landing of a gigantic staircase in the hall. They are dazzling!

Chinese Temples: The Oriental Legacies
Semarang is a melting pot where you can find Javanese culture mixed with those of Arabic, Indian, and of course, Chinese. Abundant Chinese temples testify to the latter influence. Most of them are located in Pecinan or China Town. But the most famous duo are Tay Kak Sie Temple and Sam Poo Kong Temple. Don't ever leave Semarang without visiting Sam Poo Kong Temple Gedung Batu. This Chinese shrine has lately undergone and extensive renovation. And the new structure looks magnificent! The place of worship, built in honor to the world celebrated Muslim Sailor, Ceng Ho, seems to welcome visitors with its gold and red colors, not to mention the brilliant Chinese Lanterns surrounding it.

Kota Lama: A Souvenir from the Colonial Era
If you come from Jakarta, I am sure you are familiar with a place called Kota or Beos. It's an old section of the capital city that still reflects the Dutch heritage with its old buildings and a city square. What other city can proudly boasts of its wtill well preserved colonial heritage? Right ... Semarang! Kota Lama or Outstadt (outer town in Dutch) truly reflects its name. It's both old and seemingly separated from the rest of the city. Of course you can enjoy the view of many old buildings there, but the primadona is Gereja Blenduk. The Oldest Christian church in Central Java stands out for its huge copper dome. Its 18th century hexagonal walls house a Greek cross and a Baroque style pipe organ. The Kota Lama area, just like many parts of Semarang, suffers from regular floods that continually destroy the asphalt roads: so, the government decided to pave the whole area. As a result, Outstadt looks even quainter.

Actually, there are many more things that you can enjoy in Semarang. But with the knowledge of the splendor of the city that you've just read about, hopefully you will have a different experience next time you revisit the place.

Treat Your Cell Phone battery Well

Treat Your CellPhone Battery Well

Having a cell phone means that you need to take good care of it, including its battery. You may think that cell phones are not dangerous, but there've been some reports on cell phone exploding and catching fire. To avoid all the risks, you need to pay attention to some tips.

1. Do not permit a battery out of the phone to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

2. Avoid dropping the cell phone. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the phone and battery. If you suspect damage to the phone or battery, take it to a service center for inspection.

3. Do not get your phone or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuity could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.

4. Follow the battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user's guide.

5.Do not use incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers. Some web site and second hand dealers not associated with reputable manufactures and carriers might be selling incompatible or even counterfeit batteries and chargers. Consumers should purchase manufacturer or carrier recommended products and accessories. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the manufacturer of the battery or charger.

6. Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short circuit, resulting in overheating

7. Do not place the phone in areas that may get very hot, such as on or near a stove, cooking appliance, iron, dashboard, or radiator.

So .. be careful with your battery and follow this advice
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Art Director

The Art of Being an Art Director

Requirements
First of all, who could be an art director ? Basically anyone. One doesn't have to have a specific educational background to work as an art director. Nevertheless, a degree in graphic design or working experience in an advertising agency is a plus. But of course, since art director will be working in a creative environment, he or she is required to have a strong sense of art.
Another requirement for being an art director is the ability to direct a photo session and to perceive the right angle for the picture. And although it is not not a must, an art director had better master graphic computer programs. Usually, after a copy writer or graphic designer has finished a concept for a product advertisement and has given it to the art director, the art director then presents the concept to the prospective costumer. Thus, presentation skills are necessary. These skills include the ability to communicate with the client and to graciously accept any remarks about the concept, be it positive or negative.

The Job Itself
An Art Director works closely together with a copy writer to make the concept of an advertisement. This concept is proposed by the account director and creative director for development. Before developing the concept, they gather as much information as possible about the product through qualitative or quantitative researches such as conducting interviews, FGD ( Focus Group Discussion ) or door to door questionnaires. After the concept is approved, the art director and copy writer create a storyline for radio, print and TVC ( TV Commercial ). If the storyline is OK, it will be made into a story board. The story board is given to a production house to be changed into a director board or shooting board. Based on this, the Production House ( PH ) then coordinates a photo session or an ad shooting. During the shooting of the ad, the art director makes sure that it is still in line with the director board. An Art Director can start his/her career as a computer operator or a junior art director. Here is the career outline: computer operator a junior art director a senior art director agroup head a associate creative director a creative director.

Benefits
It's Fun, art director also have to be highly mobile, can meet a lot of people (even celebrities) and travel to a lot of places. Art Director is to make the client accept the concept. Sometimes, just because they are the ones paying for it, they want the concept changed the way they want. So, art director must always be ready to accept their complaints and sometimes, abusive remarks. But the Money is Good !