Apri's Book Review: SUPERFREAKONOMICS

Okay, here is a good question, what does a prostitute and a mall Santa have in common? Or better yet, why should suicide bombers buy life insurance? The answer lies in this book “SUPERFREAKONOMICS”, a sequel to its previous book, “FREAKONOMICS” who was also authored by Levitt & Dubner.

If you read “FREAKONOMICS” before, you should know how the authors are able to use the laws of supply and demand, incentives and risks like a toy. I say toy because I thought that economics is the study of money and trade, but it turns out it can also be used for other things beyond the scope of trade. The previous books talks about why drug dealers still lives in their parent’s basement, how a swimming pool is deadlier than a gun etc.

The sequel isn’t far off different to the old book. The authors also applies economics to bizarre things such as Elephants being deadlier than Sharks, how cars today are less polluting than normal horse and wagon (which may surprise you when you read it), and my ultimate favorite, how prostitutes are similar to mall Santa’s.

Panoramic Pictures (360 degrees)

An English-born photographer, Martin Broomfield, who holds a Canadian citizenship, have lived throughout various countries: United Kingdom, Kenya, Canada and Vietnam. He currently resides in Jakarta, Indonesia as of 2007 along with his family. His specialty revolves (pun intended) around snapping gorgeous panoramic landscapes, museums, buildings and other candid moments. Some examples of his work are the "refuse collector", "anak krakatoa", "monkey forest", "magic sunrise", "religious ceremony", "fatahilah museum" and even inside the viewing platform of monas! How many of you have honestly gone inside monas? To the very top, mind you. I sure haven't.

Amongst the pictures he posted, I particularly like the "refuse collector" picture the most as it conveys such a moving, yet depressing reality of the many people often neglected in Indonesia; turning a blind eye to the real issues of our society. His t-shirt reads "private property". Oh the irony.

Anyway, be sure to check out more of his work in Indonesia here. He has traveled extensively (judging by the pictures and locations featured) so don't forget to check them out too. It's inspirational (and a hint of jealousy) to see somebody have the privilege to explore and genuinely take an interest in traveling. I hope to be as fortunate as him in the future. For now, this virtual experience is the closest thing to achieving that end.

-Rasyid

MAN-DOWN! MEDIC! MEDIC!

"Putu Prima Apri Swajaya December 1 at 6:00pm Reply

gentlemen, i watched twilight the new moon today n i have to say its not too bad. Its an ok movie and i guess its worth watching it. Scripts r bland and the character only has good bodies, but yeah... its quite good."

He lived a good life. We will miss you apri. ='[

-Bit