Saturday, January 11, 2025

Time Machine (14)

"Before going on, let's read the news first," said the time traveller while holding his smartphone, ready with some news.
"Breaking News: Mystery Sea Fence—The Great Wall of Tangerang. In an astounding development that has left experts baffled and fishermen flabbergasted, a 30-kilometre bamboo sea fence has sprung up off the coast of Tangerang. Dubbed "The Great Wall of Tangerang" by locals, this aquatic anomaly has made more waves than a whale ballet.
Indonesian authorities, caught unawares, have scrambled to decipher the origins of this colossal construct. "It's like Atlantis meets DIY home improvement," exclaimed a bewildered official. The fence's sudden appearance rivals a magician's rabbit, leaving authorities scratching their heads and wondering if it’s a new underwater tourist attraction or an elaborate prank.

In a scene straight out of an action movie, the sealing of the fence was executed by a commander dressed in full camouflage in Arnold Schwarzenegger style. Witnesses reported a dramatic entrance, with some speculating that the next step involved ninjas and submarines. 'It felt like watching a live-action thriller,' quipped one onlooker. 'I half expected James Bond to rappel from a helicopter.'
Adding to the intrigue, a farmer community group has claimed responsibility for the fence. With an estimated cost of Rp 15 billion, their claim has raised more eyebrows than a celebrity scandal. 'We did it with bamboo, sweat, and a sprinkle of magic,' said a spokesperson, whose secretive smile suggested more than just community spirit.
Speculation is rife that the fence might be linked to stakeholders in the PIK-2 project. They have remained tight-lipped, leading to rampant rumours that this might be an avant-garde extension of their coastal development. "If you can't beat the tide, build a fence," joked an industry insider.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the fence's impact on marine life and local fishing activities. 'It's like building a wall in the middle of a freeway,' lamented a marine biologist. Meanwhile, local fishermen have expressed frustration over the disruption. 'Fishing used to be simple,' one grumbled. 'Now we need a map just to cast our nets.'
As investigations continue, the sea fence saga has become a satirical comedy, featuring shadowy backers, bewildered bureaucrats, and a community group with a flair for the dramatic. Whether it's a case of high-seas hijinks or a grandiose gambit by the wealthy elite, one thing is certain: The Great Wall of Tangerang is the talk of the town, and the mystery is far from solved.

Now let's see the next breaking news, Mystery Car with Number Plate RI 36 Sparks Frenzy. In a plot twist that could rival a soap opera, the car with the number plate RI 36 has taken the internet by storm. The elusive vehicle, sighted zipping through Jakarta's traffic, has ignited a firestorm of speculation, memes, and wild theories. Is it a secret agent's getaway car? An alien diplomat's ride? Or just a really, really expensive prank?
The enigmatic car first gained notoriety when a video of it cruising along a busy Jakarta street went viral on X (formerly Twitter). With its flashy number plate and undeniable aura of mystery, the car became an overnight sensation. Social media users, always ready to turn anything into a trending topic, went into overdrive. 'Forget UFOs, we have a real mystery right here in Jakarta!' tweeted one excited netizen.
As speculation reached fever pitch, it was revealed that the car belonged to none other than RA, the Presidential Special Envoy for the Young Generation and Art Workers. RA that has ben known as a celebrity, added fuel to the fire by confirming ownership but remained coy about the car's purpose. "It's just a regular car," they said with a wink. But was it really?
The involvement of a high-profile figure like RA has only deepened the intrigue. Why would the Presidential Special Envoy need such a conspicuous vehicle? Theories abound. Some suggest it's a diplomatic strategy to divert attention from more pressing issues. 'It's a classic case of smoke and mirrors,' commented a political analyst. 'While we're all busy gawking at the car, they're quietly solving world hunger. Or not.'
The internet, in its infinite wisdom, has turned the mystery car into a meme sensation. From photoshopped images of the car speeding through exotic locales to witty captions, the RI 36 plate has become the symbol of everything mysterious and mildly absurd. "When you accidentally buy the Batmobile instead of a Toyota," read one popular meme.
Public opinion is divided. Some applaud RA's flamboyant style and see the car as a symbol of youthful exuberance and creativity. Others view it as a frivolous display of wealth and power. 'It's like watching a reality show in real life,' quipped a bemused Jakarta resident. 'Who's behind the wheel? Only RA knows.'
As the dust settles, the mystery of the car with the number plate RI 36 remains a fascinating, albeit humorous, chapter in Jakarta's urban legend. Whether it's a clever PR stunt, a genuine diplomatic vehicle, or just RA's way of making a grand entrance, one thing is certain: The car has driven its way into the hearts and minds of the public, leaving a trail of laughter and curiosity in its wake.
Stay tuned for the next episode. Will we ever know the full story? Probably not, but it sure is fun to speculate.
Next ... Los Angeles is currently experiencing severe wildfires that have caused significant destruction and displacement. The most notable is the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 16,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, including the homes of celebrities like Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, and Paris Hilton.
Approximately 150,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with temporary shelters at full capacity. Firefighters are struggling to contain multiple fires due to a lack of resources and issues with water supplies. Tragically, there have been confirmed fatalities, and many individuals are injured or suffering from smoke inhalation. President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance, and additional firefighters from neighbouring states are joining the efforts.
The fires have led to widespread power outages affecting nearly 1.6 million homes. Many Hollywood productions and events, including the Critics Choice Awards and several film premieres, have been postponed or cancelled. Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and prepared for more evacuations as the fires remain uncontained.

The exact cause of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires remains under investigation. Common ignition sources for wildfires in California include lightning, arson, utility line failures, debris burning, and fireworks.
In this instance, while strong winds and dry conditions significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, authorities have not yet determined the specific ignition source. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that the cause is still under investigation.
Additionally, the FBI is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect after a civilian drone collided with a firefighting aircraft, complicating suppression efforts.
It's important to note that the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California are influenced by a combination of natural and human-induced factors, with climate change playing a significant role.

During the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, host Nikki Glaser made remarks that some perceived as mocking God. She noted that none of the winners thanked God in their acceptance speeches, commenting, 'No surprise in this godless town.'
This statement drew criticism from various quarters, with some individuals expressing their disapproval online. For instance, a netizen remarked, 'Hollywood is known for being very satanic, witches & warlocks.'
Shortly after the awards ceremony, devastating wildfires erupted in Los Angeles, leading some to draw connections between the events at the Golden Globes and the subsequent natural disaster. A video titled 'Hollywood Mocks God, Then This Happens' discusses this perspective.

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on January 7, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He stated, 'If they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East, and it will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.'
This statement reiterated his earlier warning from December, where he mentioned there would be 'hell to pay' if the hostages were not released by his inauguration on January 20.
Critics and analysts have expressed concerns over Trump's assertive rhetoric. Some fear that such language could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region, potentially leading to increased violence and instability. There are apprehensions that this approach might undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts and alienate key regional partners essential for resolving the hostage situation peacefully. Critics argue that while the rhetoric is forceful, it lacks a clear outline of the specific actions the incoming administration intends to take, raising questions about the effectiveness and consequences of such threats. Supporters, however, believe that Trump's firm stance could pressure Hamas and its allies to release the hostages, viewing it as a necessary measure to assert U.S. strength and resolve in international affairs.

It's important to note that while these events occurred in close succession, establishing a direct causal link between the Golden Globe remarks and the wildfires is speculative. Natural disasters are complex phenomena influenced by various environmental factors.
But it is interesting enough to explore further the connections between Sunnatullah, natural disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, and the broader implications of political tensions, including President-elect Donald Trump’s warnings about the Middle East.
Drawing connections between current events, such as the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and political developments, and the concept of Sunnatullah (the divine laws of Allah governing the universe), requires reflection on Islamic teachings about natural phenomena, human behaviour, and the consequences of actions."