As you all know, National Day is coming out soon. This year, for the Sec 1s, we will be going to Taman Jurong to collect newspapers to raise money for the needy. You may think this is rather odd. On National Day, usually it is a time to sing songs and remember our history (actually, would be good for upcoming history test:), not go out and do CIP.
To be honest, I too felt the same way. In my 6 years in primary school, national day is always the same. We come to school in red and white, sing the past 5-6 years of national day songs and somebody will come and tell us about the history of Singapore. Same old story.... However, even though it is good to sing the songs and recap on Singapore's history, there are also other meaningful things to do.
We all know that our forefathers worked hard to bring Singapore to its present state. If not for them, we would have such a green and clean city. Therefore, we should also do our part to help fellow Singaporeans. This is espicially apt as this year's National Day theme is "Come Together- Reach Out". The second half of the phrase is most important. We should reach out to help others no matter what the circumstances.
You can be sure I will give my best in the upcoming newspaper collection.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
My Broken Arm (continued)
Well, actually there is not much of a story left. (I had wanted to share something but it has slipped up out of my mind. )
My arm got better within 3 weeks but the doctor had given me a 8 week MC so I did not have to attend my CCA for the next 5 weeks which were the June holidays. Therefore, I was able to enjoy my school holidays without wasting 3 days a week. What a blessing in disguise! (Though I will probably not risk my arm for this situation).
My experience during this stiuation is that we should always be thankful that we (as in most of us) are physically abled. Without arms or legs, we would probably not be abled to do more things than we could imagine. For example, for me, I realised that, apart from obvoius things like typing, I also could not take out things from my bag, roll over when I sleep among other things.
It helped me understand how a disabled person feels.
My arm got better within 3 weeks but the doctor had given me a 8 week MC so I did not have to attend my CCA for the next 5 weeks which were the June holidays. Therefore, I was able to enjoy my school holidays without wasting 3 days a week. What a blessing in disguise! (Though I will probably not risk my arm for this situation).
My experience during this stiuation is that we should always be thankful that we (as in most of us) are physically abled. Without arms or legs, we would probably not be abled to do more things than we could imagine. For example, for me, I realised that, apart from obvoius things like typing, I also could not take out things from my bag, roll over when I sleep among other things.
It helped me understand how a disabled person feels.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My Broken Arm
A few months ago, I mentioned that I would write a proper post about my broken arm. Firstly, I broke when my arm two weeks ago when I fell off a stool. Although that sounds awfully ridiculous, it happened that way. Therefore, I was taken to the hospital's A&E (stands for Accident and Emergency I think). With the current H1N1 virus spreading, everyone in the hospital had to take their temperature and wear masks. The nurse standing at the station passed me a mask, asking me to put it on. The problem was that my hand was in a lot of pain and you need two hands to put on a mask. I told her that I could not put on my mask. She looked at me, very agitated, saying that I had no choice.
I can understand that there were many people waiting to enter the A&E as it was extremely crowded because of the fact that it was a public holiday but then I think I would rather be served with good service than fast service. No matter how fast I am able to get into the area, there will still be a long queue to see the doctor. Later I had to wait almost 2 hours to see the doctor. The way the nurse looked at me was quite rude and I think she should have shown a little more consideration. I think it was quite obvious that I had an injury to my arm as I was using my other arm to support it.
I can understand that there were many people waiting to enter the A&E as it was extremely crowded because of the fact that it was a public holiday but then I think I would rather be served with good service than fast service. No matter how fast I am able to get into the area, there will still be a long queue to see the doctor. Later I had to wait almost 2 hours to see the doctor. The way the nurse looked at me was quite rude and I think she should have shown a little more consideration. I think it was quite obvious that I had an injury to my arm as I was using my other arm to support it.
Following that incident, I saw the doctor. The doctor asked what was wrong and when I told him he stated to bend my arm here and there very roughly. He asked which part of my arm was painful. I was unable to find a constant pain support as when he bended at different places, it was painful at different places and he continued. Fortunately, a nurse came in and told hem that he was needed to go somewhere. To my surprise, he muttered under his breath "s***" but loudly enough for me to hear.I do not expect such use of language from a doctor. Our teachers in school do not condone such language and this is not at all expected from a doctor. Also, the doctor was not at all gentle. I know he was rushing but he could have injured me more in the process.
After that, I was sent to have an x-ray. after taking the x-ray, I went back to the doctor. He studied the films from the x-ray and said that it was extremely serious and I had to go for an operation. I would also have to be out of PE for a minimum of nine months. That was such a shock to me and he called for a specialist to come down.
The specialist came down and told me that the doctor had seen the films wrongly and I only had a small fracture at the tip of my elbow. The doctor mistaked it for something else. I only had to be in a cast for 2 weeks. I heaved a sigh of relieve.
Unfortunately, who was to pay the $300 specialist consultation fee? My parents.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Building the Casino in Singapore
The casino being built in Singapore is supposed to be a money-maker and job creator. However, I feel that it will turn out to be the other way round, people will lose money and also lose their jobs. Why? Gambling Addiction.
Let us first look at why the government wants to build the casino. The 2 mains reasons are to boost Singapore’s image as a tourism hub and to boost the economy. Of course, the casino will generate more jobs at the casino. These are all good reasons but I feel that the banes have been ignored.
The government knows that even though most of the people at the casino will be “ang-moh” tourists who came here to spend big but there will still be a small group of locals who will come and try to strike it big. Like what “Defining Addiction And Its Many Forms” says, addiction is a quiet master which is very true. Many people start gambling and do not know they have gone overboard until a long time later and also do not want to admit it.
The casino will attract quite a fair bit Singaporeans. Although most will limit themselves, there will be a minority that becomes addicted. It will cause some of these people to lose there jobs, money, spouses and later there lives.
In conclusion, I feel that the casino should not have been constructed as I see it more of a bane than a boon.
Let us first look at why the government wants to build the casino. The 2 mains reasons are to boost Singapore’s image as a tourism hub and to boost the economy. Of course, the casino will generate more jobs at the casino. These are all good reasons but I feel that the banes have been ignored.
The government knows that even though most of the people at the casino will be “ang-moh” tourists who came here to spend big but there will still be a small group of locals who will come and try to strike it big. Like what “Defining Addiction And Its Many Forms” says, addiction is a quiet master which is very true. Many people start gambling and do not know they have gone overboard until a long time later and also do not want to admit it.
The casino will attract quite a fair bit Singaporeans. Although most will limit themselves, there will be a minority that becomes addicted. It will cause some of these people to lose there jobs, money, spouses and later there lives.
In conclusion, I feel that the casino should not have been constructed as I see it more of a bane than a boon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Favourite Poet
If you were one of the many who have disliked poetry and writing from young, the last thing you would want to be would be a writer or poet. Well, that is exactly what Jack Prelutsky did.
The reason I chose this poet is because he writes funny and humorous poems (you can see in my previous post) which I enjoy reading and devotes his time to help children. I will elaborate further in the following paragraphs.
Let me give you a brief biography of his life. Jack was born in Brooklyn in 1940. As mentioned earlier, Jack hated poetry through most of his childhood, which I think is quite common in kids these days. However, he rediscovered it later in his life (not so common). This is what he said “I realized poetry was a means of communication, that it could be as exciting or as boring as that person or that experience."
He has written thirty collections of children’s poetry from the 1970s up to now. He now spends most of the time presenting poems to children in schools and libraries. His contribution to children should not be underestimated. He does not stop at writing poems for them. He also teaches them how to write some themselves. You can see some of his work on his website (http://www.jackprelutsky.com/). It is very informative. For example, if you want to know how to write a funny poem click here.
Below are 3 of his poems:
Happy birthday, Mother dearest,
we made breakfast just for you,
a watermelon omelette,
and a dish of popcorn too,
a cup of milk and sugar,
and a slice of blackened toast,
happy birthday, Mother dearest,
you’re the one we love the most.
As soon as Fred gets out of bed,
his underwear goes on his head.
His mother laughs, "Don't put it there,
a head's no place for underwear!"
But near his ears, above his brains,
is where Fred's underwear remains.
At night when Fred goes back to bed,
he deftly plucks it off his head.
His mother switches off the light
and softly croons, "Good night! Good night!"
And then, for reasons no one knows,
Fred's underwear goes on his toes.
My mother says I’m sickening,
my mother says I’m crude,
she says this when she sees me,
playing Ping-Pong with my food,
she doesn’t seem to like it
when I slurp my bowl of stew,
and now she’s got a list of things
she says I mustn’t do-
DO NOT CATAPULT THE CARROTS!
DO NOT JUGGLE GOBS OF FAT!
DO NOT DROP THE MASHED POTATOES
ON THE GERBIL OR THE CAT!
NEVER PUNCH THE PUMPKIN PUDDING!
NEVER TUNNEL THROUGH THE BREAD!
PUT NO PEAS INTO YOUR POCKET!
PLACE NO NOODLES ON YOUR HEAD!
DO NOT SQUEEZE THE STEAMED ZUCCHINI!
DO NOT MAKE THE MELON OOZE!
NEVER STUFF VANILLA YOGURT
IN YOUR LITTLE SISTER’S SHOES!
DRAW NO FACES IN THE KETCHUP!
MAKE NO LITTLE GRAVY POOLS!
I wish my mother wouldn’t make
so many useless rules.
From all this we can see how these poems can be easily understood by children and the lyrics are very catchy. The situations are what children can identify with. These poems can easily make children love poetry (but maybe not write.)
In conclusion, I feel that Jack is a great poet. His way of writing truly interacts with his audience—kids.
Citations
www.jackprelutsky.com/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Prelutsky
www.poets.org/jprel/
famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/jack_prelutsky
The reason I chose this poet is because he writes funny and humorous poems (you can see in my previous post) which I enjoy reading and devotes his time to help children. I will elaborate further in the following paragraphs.
Let me give you a brief biography of his life. Jack was born in Brooklyn in 1940. As mentioned earlier, Jack hated poetry through most of his childhood, which I think is quite common in kids these days. However, he rediscovered it later in his life (not so common). This is what he said “I realized poetry was a means of communication, that it could be as exciting or as boring as that person or that experience."
He has written thirty collections of children’s poetry from the 1970s up to now. He now spends most of the time presenting poems to children in schools and libraries. His contribution to children should not be underestimated. He does not stop at writing poems for them. He also teaches them how to write some themselves. You can see some of his work on his website (http://www.jackprelutsky.com/). It is very informative. For example, if you want to know how to write a funny poem click here.
Below are 3 of his poems:
Happy birthday, Mother dearest,
we made breakfast just for you,
a watermelon omelette,
and a dish of popcorn too,
a cup of milk and sugar,
and a slice of blackened toast,
happy birthday, Mother dearest,
you’re the one we love the most.
As soon as Fred gets out of bed,
his underwear goes on his head.
His mother laughs, "Don't put it there,
a head's no place for underwear!"
But near his ears, above his brains,
is where Fred's underwear remains.
At night when Fred goes back to bed,
he deftly plucks it off his head.
His mother switches off the light
and softly croons, "Good night! Good night!"
And then, for reasons no one knows,
Fred's underwear goes on his toes.
My mother says I’m sickening,
my mother says I’m crude,
she says this when she sees me,
playing Ping-Pong with my food,
she doesn’t seem to like it
when I slurp my bowl of stew,
and now she’s got a list of things
she says I mustn’t do-
DO NOT CATAPULT THE CARROTS!
DO NOT JUGGLE GOBS OF FAT!
DO NOT DROP THE MASHED POTATOES
ON THE GERBIL OR THE CAT!
NEVER PUNCH THE PUMPKIN PUDDING!
NEVER TUNNEL THROUGH THE BREAD!
PUT NO PEAS INTO YOUR POCKET!
PLACE NO NOODLES ON YOUR HEAD!
DO NOT SQUEEZE THE STEAMED ZUCCHINI!
DO NOT MAKE THE MELON OOZE!
NEVER STUFF VANILLA YOGURT
IN YOUR LITTLE SISTER’S SHOES!
DRAW NO FACES IN THE KETCHUP!
MAKE NO LITTLE GRAVY POOLS!
I wish my mother wouldn’t make
so many useless rules.
From all this we can see how these poems can be easily understood by children and the lyrics are very catchy. The situations are what children can identify with. These poems can easily make children love poetry (but maybe not write.)
In conclusion, I feel that Jack is a great poet. His way of writing truly interacts with his audience—kids.
Citations
www.jackprelutsky.com/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Prelutsky
www.poets.org/jprel/
famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/jack_prelutsky
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Figurative Language
Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face by Jack Prelutsky
Be glad your nose is on your face,
not pasted on some other place,
for if it were where it is not,
you might dislike your nose a lot.
Imagine if your precious nose
were sandwiched in between your toes,
that clearly would not be a treat,
for you'd be forced to smell your feet.
Your nose would be a source of dread
were it attached atop your head,
it soon would drive you to despair,
forever tickled by your hair.
Within your ear, your nose would be
an absolute catastrophe,
for when you were obliged to sneeze,
your brain would rattle from the breeze.
Your nose, instead, through thick and thin,
remains between your eyes and chin,
not pasted on some other place--
be glad your nose is on your face!
1)How is figurative language used in this poem? Give the specific word(s), explain what type of figurative language it is and why the poet chose to use this figurative language?
Figurative Language is used at times the poem in its various types (hyperbole, personification, simile, symbols except metaphor). I shall elaborate below.
Hyperbole--Used to invoke an emotion or image. In this poem, the writer exaggerates the fact that if your nose is within your ear, your brain will rattle from the breeze, this may not be true but is used to create an image in the reader of a person shaking with a nose of his/her head.
Personification--An example of personification is when the writer uses the phrase tickled by your hair. Tickling is a human action but it is hair that is doing it, this is known as personification.
Simile--An example of a simile is when the author uses the words "for if it were where it not". The author is using it to elaborate on the previous line about the nose being pasted somewhere else.
Symbols--This poem may be an allegory of a human life. We usually fail to be thankful about a lot of things and always think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
2)Tell us why you like this poem in no less than 100 words.
I enjoy this poem as the author of this poem makes this poem meaningful and it also rhymes well. It reminds to be thankful that our body parts, not just the nose, are placed well on our body so that we would not have the difficulties as mentioned in this poem.
Another reason I like this poem is that the author uses modern English language to write the poem, unlike many other poems which uses the “thou”s and “thee”s. Not many authors are able to compose like the author of this poem Jack Prelutsky. The way he uses language makes his poems exciting and interesting. That is why I like this poem.
Be glad your nose is on your face,
not pasted on some other place,
for if it were where it is not,
you might dislike your nose a lot.
Imagine if your precious nose
were sandwiched in between your toes,
that clearly would not be a treat,
for you'd be forced to smell your feet.
Your nose would be a source of dread
were it attached atop your head,
it soon would drive you to despair,
forever tickled by your hair.
Within your ear, your nose would be
an absolute catastrophe,
for when you were obliged to sneeze,
your brain would rattle from the breeze.
Your nose, instead, through thick and thin,
remains between your eyes and chin,
not pasted on some other place--
be glad your nose is on your face!
1)How is figurative language used in this poem? Give the specific word(s), explain what type of figurative language it is and why the poet chose to use this figurative language?
Figurative Language is used at times the poem in its various types (hyperbole, personification, simile, symbols except metaphor). I shall elaborate below.
Hyperbole--Used to invoke an emotion or image. In this poem, the writer exaggerates the fact that if your nose is within your ear, your brain will rattle from the breeze, this may not be true but is used to create an image in the reader of a person shaking with a nose of his/her head.
Personification--An example of personification is when the writer uses the phrase tickled by your hair. Tickling is a human action but it is hair that is doing it, this is known as personification.
Simile--An example of a simile is when the author uses the words "for if it were where it not". The author is using it to elaborate on the previous line about the nose being pasted somewhere else.
Symbols--This poem may be an allegory of a human life. We usually fail to be thankful about a lot of things and always think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
2)Tell us why you like this poem in no less than 100 words.
I enjoy this poem as the author of this poem makes this poem meaningful and it also rhymes well. It reminds to be thankful that our body parts, not just the nose, are placed well on our body so that we would not have the difficulties as mentioned in this poem.
Another reason I like this poem is that the author uses modern English language to write the poem, unlike many other poems which uses the “thou”s and “thee”s. Not many authors are able to compose like the author of this poem Jack Prelutsky. The way he uses language makes his poems exciting and interesting. That is why I like this poem.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Book Review 2
Book Read: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia)
From this story, I learned about the danger of gluttony. In this story, Edmund gets attracted by the Turkish Delight that the White Witch (evil) gave him when he first stepped into Narnia. Edmund did not care when he hands over his brother and sisters to a woman whom he knows deep down is a dangerous witch. In my opinion, it is always important that we remember our moral values as once we stat doing something and like it, it is difficult to stop. Therefore, we must try our best not to fall into temptation.
The 2 main characters in this story, Aslan and the White Witch, have very contrasting personalities. The Witch is merciless, cruel and power-hungry and myopic The Witch claims the throne of Narnia by brute force. She enchants the land so it is always winter and never Christmas and so that the poor Narnians have no hope. The Witch sways many Narnians to her side out of fear or lust for power, so that the Narnians are divided and are completely terrified. However, Aslan is completely different. Aslan's amazing love for the Narnia people is demonstrated when Aslan sacrifices his own life to save Edmund. Aslan is quiet, patient and has foresight Although the Witch can use magic to gain power, she does not have the vision or the character of Aslan. Aslan is confident that his power is greater than the Witch's strength, but Aslan never shows bravery and is willing to die to save Narnia.
I think that the climax of the story is when Aslan becomes alive again after being killed by the witch. It gives the Narnians new found hope and after that they go on and win the war.
I think the author intended the book to be read by children. It is an allegory of Jesus Christ’s life and he wanted to show a new perspective from this story.
From this story, I learned about the danger of gluttony. In this story, Edmund gets attracted by the Turkish Delight that the White Witch (evil) gave him when he first stepped into Narnia. Edmund did not care when he hands over his brother and sisters to a woman whom he knows deep down is a dangerous witch. In my opinion, it is always important that we remember our moral values as once we stat doing something and like it, it is difficult to stop. Therefore, we must try our best not to fall into temptation.
The 2 main characters in this story, Aslan and the White Witch, have very contrasting personalities. The Witch is merciless, cruel and power-hungry and myopic The Witch claims the throne of Narnia by brute force. She enchants the land so it is always winter and never Christmas and so that the poor Narnians have no hope. The Witch sways many Narnians to her side out of fear or lust for power, so that the Narnians are divided and are completely terrified. However, Aslan is completely different. Aslan's amazing love for the Narnia people is demonstrated when Aslan sacrifices his own life to save Edmund. Aslan is quiet, patient and has foresight Although the Witch can use magic to gain power, she does not have the vision or the character of Aslan. Aslan is confident that his power is greater than the Witch's strength, but Aslan never shows bravery and is willing to die to save Narnia.
I think that the climax of the story is when Aslan becomes alive again after being killed by the witch. It gives the Narnians new found hope and after that they go on and win the war.
I think the author intended the book to be read by children. It is an allegory of Jesus Christ’s life and he wanted to show a new perspective from this story.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Oliver Twist Book Review
Book Read: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
In this story, Oliver, the protagonist acts in a way I would probably never do in his circumstances. When he first saw the two boys steal the handkerchief from Mr. Brownlow, he was horrified. Even though if he continued doing that, he would be able to have food and water for his survival in the hands of Fagin, he placed moral virtue above all that and ran away. I would probably have in this scenario just gone along with the flow. This is even more astonishing as Oliver was a boy who had lived in poverty all his life. Another example is when he was on a robbery mission, he decided to try and risk his life and alert the family he was robbing.
The author wrote this story in 1839 and therefore the conditions then are very different from that of the present. In those days, the poor could just live on the streets and the poverty cycle for that group of people would continue for generations to come. However, today, the government of countries and cities better off like London, where this story is based, the poor are given adequate food and lodging, while the young are able to go to school and get an education.
The climax of this story to me is the part when Nancy gets killed by Sikes. I feel that this is the climax as out of all the crimes that occurred in this book, this is probably the worst of them all. Also, after this incident, all starts to go wrong for the “bad guys”.
I feel that the title of this book is good as it gives readers a good picture of what the whole story is about. It is of course about the life of Oliver Twist from birth to the time he is adopted by Mr. Brownlow.
In this story, Oliver, the protagonist acts in a way I would probably never do in his circumstances. When he first saw the two boys steal the handkerchief from Mr. Brownlow, he was horrified. Even though if he continued doing that, he would be able to have food and water for his survival in the hands of Fagin, he placed moral virtue above all that and ran away. I would probably have in this scenario just gone along with the flow. This is even more astonishing as Oliver was a boy who had lived in poverty all his life. Another example is when he was on a robbery mission, he decided to try and risk his life and alert the family he was robbing.
The author wrote this story in 1839 and therefore the conditions then are very different from that of the present. In those days, the poor could just live on the streets and the poverty cycle for that group of people would continue for generations to come. However, today, the government of countries and cities better off like London, where this story is based, the poor are given adequate food and lodging, while the young are able to go to school and get an education.
The climax of this story to me is the part when Nancy gets killed by Sikes. I feel that this is the climax as out of all the crimes that occurred in this book, this is probably the worst of them all. Also, after this incident, all starts to go wrong for the “bad guys”.
I feel that the title of this book is good as it gives readers a good picture of what the whole story is about. It is of course about the life of Oliver Twist from birth to the time he is adopted by Mr. Brownlow.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Should you be rewarded for your efforts in school?
The answer for me is a definite “Yes”. All people alike love receiving rewards. Why should students be exempted?
Let us look at why people love receiving rewards. It makes them feel that their work is appreciated and that their efforts have paid off. It will also motivate them to work even harder.
From my knowledge, the Singapore government gives out quite a few awards each year to those who did well academically, in sports and aesthetically. However, this does not cater to everyone.
Some students may be trying very hard but cannot make the mark both academically and aesthetically. However, they are not rewarded and may just give up. To remind these students that they are just as important as anyone else, they also should be rewarded.
I feel that achievements need not be big to be rewarded. In my old primary school, they had this thing called the “five-mark challenge” where pupils improve by five marks each time for each subject. If they achieve this in two or more subjects, they are rewarded. This strategy has worked and has really helped to pull up the grades of some students especially those in the weaker classes in the school.
Therefore, I feel that it is a “win-win” situation if students are rewarded for their efforts in school.
Let us look at why people love receiving rewards. It makes them feel that their work is appreciated and that their efforts have paid off. It will also motivate them to work even harder.
From my knowledge, the Singapore government gives out quite a few awards each year to those who did well academically, in sports and aesthetically. However, this does not cater to everyone.
Some students may be trying very hard but cannot make the mark both academically and aesthetically. However, they are not rewarded and may just give up. To remind these students that they are just as important as anyone else, they also should be rewarded.
I feel that achievements need not be big to be rewarded. In my old primary school, they had this thing called the “five-mark challenge” where pupils improve by five marks each time for each subject. If they achieve this in two or more subjects, they are rewarded. This strategy has worked and has really helped to pull up the grades of some students especially those in the weaker classes in the school.
Therefore, I feel that it is a “win-win” situation if students are rewarded for their efforts in school.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
What is Beauty?
To me, there are two kinds of beauty. The first kind is outer beauty and the second kind is inner beauty.
What most people see as beauty is outer beauty. Outer beauty is the nice hair you have, the beautiful face and the wonderful body shape a person has. I agree that this is a form of beauty but I feel that the other kind of beauty is more important.
The other kind of beauty is a person’s character. For example, a person’s kindness towards something else is a form of beauty in itself.
In my opinion, many people only care about their outer beauty. This can be seen in the way some people go about their life. Many people dream to become celebrities and stars so that they can be seen by others as beautiful. I feel that this is very vain but from what I see this will carry on happening for a very long time.
A person who only sees a person’s outer beauty is a very silly person. It is for that reason that many people who marry celebrities often divorce soon after. It is because many of them only see the celebrities’ outer beauty and his/her character.
In conclusion, I feel that people should really think about what they define as beauty.
What most people see as beauty is outer beauty. Outer beauty is the nice hair you have, the beautiful face and the wonderful body shape a person has. I agree that this is a form of beauty but I feel that the other kind of beauty is more important.
The other kind of beauty is a person’s character. For example, a person’s kindness towards something else is a form of beauty in itself.
In my opinion, many people only care about their outer beauty. This can be seen in the way some people go about their life. Many people dream to become celebrities and stars so that they can be seen by others as beautiful. I feel that this is very vain but from what I see this will carry on happening for a very long time.
A person who only sees a person’s outer beauty is a very silly person. It is for that reason that many people who marry celebrities often divorce soon after. It is because many of them only see the celebrities’ outer beauty and his/her character.
In conclusion, I feel that people should really think about what they define as beauty.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Should you criticise people or the opinions they have?
This is a difficult question because as human beings none of us like to be criticized. However, without criticism, a person will never be able to improve from their current state.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say a student hands in a composition and the teacher just puts a tick at the end of the composition indicating that he/she has read it. The student will just continue writing compositions of the same standard and will never improve.
First, let us look at why people do not want to be criticized. The reason is that they will “lose face” or in other words be humiliated. Everyone on Earth has his/her own pride.
Therefore, I feel that people should critcise others but do it in a polite manner. A person who says “I feel that your play can be improved by designing better costumes” comes across much better than a person who says “The costumes were very lousy!”
A person will probably be more willing to accept the first person’s criticism as it sounds more like advice than the second one which is pure criticism even though both mean the same thing.
My final stand is criticise all you like but do it properly.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say a student hands in a composition and the teacher just puts a tick at the end of the composition indicating that he/she has read it. The student will just continue writing compositions of the same standard and will never improve.
First, let us look at why people do not want to be criticized. The reason is that they will “lose face” or in other words be humiliated. Everyone on Earth has his/her own pride.
Therefore, I feel that people should critcise others but do it in a polite manner. A person who says “I feel that your play can be improved by designing better costumes” comes across much better than a person who says “The costumes were very lousy!”
A person will probably be more willing to accept the first person’s criticism as it sounds more like advice than the second one which is pure criticism even though both mean the same thing.
My final stand is criticise all you like but do it properly.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Will having fun make you happier than studying?
On first thought, I think I would be happier if I could have fun and not study at all. However, on the whole, I do not think I will be happy forever.
For example, after PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination), I was given the freedom to do whatever I wanted for the next 2 months. I rushed into doing all the things I had missed out on for the past 3 months while studying for the exam like playing computer games, playing Nintendo Wii, going outside to play soccer (by myself). You might think that playing soccer yourself is not fun but it actually is.
However, during the last 1 or 2 weeks, I kind of felt a bit bored with the fact that I was tired of doing those things. Then, I started studying again and it was quite interesting all the sec 1 topics. A month later, I was tired of studying again.
Therefore, I feel that there is a need to strike a balance between work and play. If you work too much, having fun will make you happy. If you have have been playing all day, you will be happy to work.
Another example is let’s say there is this person “x”. X always comes home complaining about the work he does at his workplace. One day, he loses his job and goes for many job interviews. Finally, he lands a job and comments, “I am glad I am working again." It is the same story here.
For example, after PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination), I was given the freedom to do whatever I wanted for the next 2 months. I rushed into doing all the things I had missed out on for the past 3 months while studying for the exam like playing computer games, playing Nintendo Wii, going outside to play soccer (by myself). You might think that playing soccer yourself is not fun but it actually is.
However, during the last 1 or 2 weeks, I kind of felt a bit bored with the fact that I was tired of doing those things. Then, I started studying again and it was quite interesting all the sec 1 topics. A month later, I was tired of studying again.
Therefore, I feel that there is a need to strike a balance between work and play. If you work too much, having fun will make you happy. If you have have been playing all day, you will be happy to work.
Another example is let’s say there is this person “x”. X always comes home complaining about the work he does at his workplace. One day, he loses his job and goes for many job interviews. Finally, he lands a job and comments, “I am glad I am working again." It is the same story here.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Is it your Duty to Donate to Charity?
I think it is not anyone’s duty to donate to charity. Although some people give themselves the burden that they have to donate a part of their salary to charities, my personal opinion is that people should not be forced to give to charity. Donating to charity should be from the heart.
Why must donating to charity come from the heart? Would it make a difference if a person gives the same amount of money to charity whether he is happy or not? The money is the same but the people who are the ones receiving the money will not feel good when they hear such things. To many charitable organizations especially those such as old folks home, the old folks may be very downhearted. A simple smile at them can do a lot more good to them than the things the money donated can be used for.
To me, there are many other ways of donating to charity other than donating money. Helping out at the charities is one of those ways. This can help a lot. From what I know, many charities are not lacking in funds but lacking in volunteers.
Why do people want to donate to charity? To some selfish people, all they want is to show to others how generous they are but to others, they understand for example what is like to be in need and therefore donate.
In conclusion, I feel that it is not necessary to give to charity but it goes a long way when you do.
Why must donating to charity come from the heart? Would it make a difference if a person gives the same amount of money to charity whether he is happy or not? The money is the same but the people who are the ones receiving the money will not feel good when they hear such things. To many charitable organizations especially those such as old folks home, the old folks may be very downhearted. A simple smile at them can do a lot more good to them than the things the money donated can be used for.
To me, there are many other ways of donating to charity other than donating money. Helping out at the charities is one of those ways. This can help a lot. From what I know, many charities are not lacking in funds but lacking in volunteers.
Why do people want to donate to charity? To some selfish people, all they want is to show to others how generous they are but to others, they understand for example what is like to be in need and therefore donate.
In conclusion, I feel that it is not necessary to give to charity but it goes a long way when you do.
Monday, May 25, 2009
My First Semester being a Secondary 1 Student
Firstly, I am able to type again.
Back to serious stuff.............
My first semester being a secondary one student has been alright, not as smooth journey I expected but basically alright. There have been ups and downs in this semester (the....). Anyway I will tell you about it in a timeline.
Here's the code:
Red--Mixed
Yellow---Plus Points
Blue---Minus Points
Purple---Interesting
18 December 2008--Got into a school of my choice
29-30 December----School Orientation. It was boring as we kept doing cheers and more cheers.
I was beginning to wonder if I had made the wrong choice.
2 January 2009----Consortium Day. Heard so much synonyms such as ACE, MSG, iVLE and had no idea what they were about. I was no sure I was able to cope.
2-30 January --CCA Orientations/Trials. The first time in my life that I had to stay in school until 6.30pm (which is very long compared to primary school). Came home exhausted on those days
Somewhere in January--Learned that we could use the computer labs in school during recess and after school. They were so much better than the one at home.
6 February--Got into a good CCA
13-15 March --Secondary One Annual (I emphasise the word annual) Camp. The conditions were terrible.
16 March-- Had my first MSG (Mean Subject Grade) of the year. I had no idea that they were actually keeping track of our tests and assignments. I am so blurrrr...
26 May--I am writing this post.
These are the plus and minus points in this semester. Although the teachers have been relatively nice in personality and are caring, they are absolutely mean when it comes to dishing out homework. Another thing is that I am happy that I am in a class that likes to play soccer. Some other classes only like chit-chatting. That is another major plus point in this semester. (By the way, I like playing soccer that's why my URL is kickingking)
What are my plans for the next semester? I am one of those people who like to take things as they come along and no make plans. Therefore, at this moment in time, I do not have an specific plans for next semester but I can list my vague plans.
Plans for next Semester:
Back to serious stuff.............
My first semester being a secondary one student has been alright, not as smooth journey I expected but basically alright. There have been ups and downs in this semester (the....). Anyway I will tell you about it in a timeline.
Here's the code:
Red--Mixed
Yellow---Plus Points
Blue---Minus Points
Purple---Interesting
18 December 2008--Got into a school of my choice
29-30 December----School Orientation. It was boring as we kept doing cheers and more cheers.
I was beginning to wonder if I had made the wrong choice.
2 January 2009----Consortium Day. Heard so much synonyms such as ACE, MSG, iVLE and had no idea what they were about. I was no sure I was able to cope.
2-30 January --CCA Orientations/Trials. The first time in my life that I had to stay in school until 6.30pm (which is very long compared to primary school). Came home exhausted on those days
Somewhere in January--Learned that we could use the computer labs in school during recess and after school. They were so much better than the one at home.
6 February--Got into a good CCA
13-15 March --Secondary One Annual (I emphasise the word annual) Camp. The conditions were terrible.
16 March-- Had my first MSG (Mean Subject Grade) of the year. I had no idea that they were actually keeping track of our tests and assignments. I am so blurrrr...
26 May--I am writing this post.
These are the plus and minus points in this semester. Although the teachers have been relatively nice in personality and are caring, they are absolutely mean when it comes to dishing out homework. Another thing is that I am happy that I am in a class that likes to play soccer. Some other classes only like chit-chatting. That is another major plus point in this semester. (By the way, I like playing soccer that's why my URL is kickingking)
What are my plans for the next semester? I am one of those people who like to take things as they come along and no make plans. Therefore, at this moment in time, I do not have an specific plans for next semester but I can list my vague plans.
Plans for next Semester:
- Work harder
- Get More ACE projects done
- Spend my time more wisely
That should be all for this semester.
One more thing, Happy Holidays!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
the life of handicapped person
i have just experienced what it is liked to be handicapped. u cannot do anything easily. i have just leaned to pity others who are paralysed.
ps ; it is difficult to type with one hand and i cannot press shift. a proper post will come when my burden is lifted.
ps ; it is difficult to type with one hand and i cannot press shift. a proper post will come when my burden is lifted.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Swine Flu (Changing the Signal)
Recently, there has been a big "hoo hah" about the swine flu (or H1N1 virus)in Singapore. The Singapore government has taken many precautionary measures---having students take their temperature in school, installing thermal scanners at different locations and so on after going on orange alert last week.
However, within a week of that, today they (the government) have moved from the orange alert to a yellow alert (which is lower). This, according to the health minister, is because the number of cases and deaths in the world is not as high as it was projected.
To me, this is a good move as I myself, as a student, do not enjoy taking temperature twice a day as it is very inconvenient. However, I feel that this may have been an over reaction by the government.
Firstly, why do students need to take their temperatures? It has been proven those who do have the virus will not show any symptoms until seven days later. Once that person has a high temperature and is discovered to have swine flu, it is already too late because this disease is very contagious. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting. In my opinion, these symptoms are easy enough to detect without having to take your temperature.
Secondly, the government rushed into an orange alert at the end of last week. Why? It seems to be an over reaction to the outbreak of this disease. The health minister said that during an epidemic, it is necessary to over react as a precautionary measure. Thermal Scanners at airports, yes. Quarantine people returning from countries with the virus, yes. Taking temperature, not necessary. If the virus has not yet entered enter the country, I do not think that we have to resort to such measures.
Maybe, I an just being bias for I do not like temperature-taking. Maybe I am correct. You can make your stand.
However, within a week of that, today they (the government) have moved from the orange alert to a yellow alert (which is lower). This, according to the health minister, is because the number of cases and deaths in the world is not as high as it was projected.
To me, this is a good move as I myself, as a student, do not enjoy taking temperature twice a day as it is very inconvenient. However, I feel that this may have been an over reaction by the government.
Firstly, why do students need to take their temperatures? It has been proven those who do have the virus will not show any symptoms until seven days later. Once that person has a high temperature and is discovered to have swine flu, it is already too late because this disease is very contagious. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting. In my opinion, these symptoms are easy enough to detect without having to take your temperature.
Secondly, the government rushed into an orange alert at the end of last week. Why? It seems to be an over reaction to the outbreak of this disease. The health minister said that during an epidemic, it is necessary to over react as a precautionary measure. Thermal Scanners at airports, yes. Quarantine people returning from countries with the virus, yes. Taking temperature, not necessary. If the virus has not yet entered enter the country, I do not think that we have to resort to such measures.
Maybe, I an just being bias for I do not like temperature-taking. Maybe I am correct. You can make your stand.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Something I do not Understand
Hello everyone, it has been a long time since I have written a "non-blog prompt" post. Recently, in school , there is this silly game the boys in my class play right before the bell to signal the end of recess. It is so called the last touch game.
Let me give you a bit of background about this situation. every recess without fail, my classmates will rush to either the street soccer court or the basketball court to play soccer. I don't know when it started but when everyone has finished playing, they will not want to do carry the ball back to class. By the way, the ball belongs to the class. Anyway, the person who last touch the ball will carry it back to the classroom.
However, there is a twist in this. You are allowed to throw the ball at someone else and they will be the last one who touched it. It of course becomes very complicated and people will be angry with others for “sarboing"(sabotaging) them. Sometimes, my friends refuse to pick up the ball as they think that they are not the ones who last touch the ball and nobody picks it up as they do not want to be seen as a pushover.
I feel that this is a silly practice. The soccer ball belongs to the class. Why can't we just willingly carry back the ball to the classroom for the "welfare" of the class? In my old primary school, my friends all wanted to be the one to carry the ball as they all feel very honoured. Although, this may seem silly too, we should at least be able to give our own classmates a helping hand.
Fortunately, most of the time, there are a few good hearted people who will help us carry the ball back to class but there are not always there and the result is not always good.
In the last month, we have lost 2 soccer balls just because of this silly practice. In the first incident, someone threw the ball at this other person and it bounced off him into some bushes and the ball could not be found. I think the first person is at fault here because if he did not throw the ball in the first place, none of this would happen. The second incident happened when somebody last touched the ball and threw it to someone else who did not bother picking it up. 
The ball was just left there. Later, when some other classmates heard about it. They rushed down but by then it was gone.
The ball was just left there. Later, when some other classmates heard about it. They rushed down but by then it was gone.I appeal to you. Please stop this silly practice. It is costing you (and me).
Who last touched?
Friday, April 10, 2009
What is Utopia?
So, what is utopia? To me, utopia is man's desire for an ideal or perfect society. Utopia is also used to express an unrealistic idea that is impossible to achieve.
This is probably somewhat like what a communist society is. On first sight, the idea of a society wheere there is a equal distribution of goods among everyone in the society. Also, this inclubes the total abolition of money, with citizens only doing work which they enjoy and which is for the common good, leaving them with ample time for the cultivation of the arts and sciences.
However, man has always been greedy and wants to take advantage of others. In this utopian society, everyone will not or do minimal work and there will be constant argument about the distribution. Therefore, in the end the Soviet Union not working out well.
This is what happens in Animal Farm
This is probably somewhat like what a communist society is. On first sight, the idea of a society wheere there is a equal distribution of goods among everyone in the society. Also, this inclubes the total abolition of money, with citizens only doing work which they enjoy and which is for the common good, leaving them with ample time for the cultivation of the arts and sciences.
However, man has always been greedy and wants to take advantage of others. In this utopian society, everyone will not or do minimal work and there will be constant argument about the distribution. Therefore, in the end the Soviet Union not working out well.
This is what happens in Animal Farm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Great Leaders
Many people have different perspectives on what a great leader is. To some, 
there is little difference between a good leader and a great leader. However, in my opinion, I feel there s a big gap between a good leader and a great leader.
You can see on this website http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,879377,00.html who different historians or philosophers think are the greatest leaders in history. The person I agree with most is Jean-Francois Revel, a French author who commented,"A great leader has original ideas and succeeds in having them accepted by millions or billions. These ideas can be wonderful or dreadful."
Therefore, I think one of the greatest leaders in history is Adolf Hitler. In the beginning of his life, he was a nobody who fell into poverty in Austria. He encounted many obstacles yet he is the same man who led a country to conquer almost the whole of Europe! Why is that so?
The main reason for his rise to power was the ability to "brainwash" everyone into doing what he says. In the 1933 German elections, his party managed to win the elections and its popularity rised 37% in 1 term. Despite Hiter's ideas being relatively unpopular, he managed to convince everyone to vote for him.
Eventually, he also convinced the Germans to get revenge for their defeat in World War 1 and that the Jews and communists were to blame for the defeat. One cannot understand why the Germans bought into his idea but they did due to Hitler's charisma.
The Germans built up their army and World War 2 started and eventually Germany were defeated 6 years later.
However, one cannot argue that Adolf Hitler was a great leader.
there is little difference between a good leader and a great leader. However, in my opinion, I feel there s a big gap between a good leader and a great leader.You can see on this website http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,879377,00.html who different historians or philosophers think are the greatest leaders in history. The person I agree with most is Jean-Francois Revel, a French author who commented,"A great leader has original ideas and succeeds in having them accepted by millions or billions. These ideas can be wonderful or dreadful."
Therefore, I think one of the greatest leaders in history is Adolf Hitler. In the beginning of his life, he was a nobody who fell into poverty in Austria. He encounted many obstacles yet he is the same man who led a country to conquer almost the whole of Europe! Why is that so?
The main reason for his rise to power was the ability to "brainwash" everyone into doing what he says. In the 1933 German elections, his party managed to win the elections and its popularity rised 37% in 1 term. Despite Hiter's ideas being relatively unpopular, he managed to convince everyone to vote for him.
Eventually, he also convinced the Germans to get revenge for their defeat in World War 1 and that the Jews and communists were to blame for the defeat. One cannot understand why the Germans bought into his idea but they did due to Hitler's charisma.
The Germans built up their army and World War 2 started and eventually Germany were defeated 6 years later.
However, one cannot argue that Adolf Hitler was a great leader.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Lottery
I have just completed reading through the story--"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. If you have read the story, you would have known that the content of the story is not very relevant in today's context. However, there are still a few lessons we can learn from the story which can still applies to today's world.
Let me list the themes in the story.
- The dark side of human nature.
- The danger of ritualised behaviour.
- The potential for cruelty when the individual submits to the tyranny of the status quo.
Let us take a look at the first theme. The dark side of human nature can be seen after Tessie won the lottery when Mr Summers did not spare a thought for Tessie and immediately said "Let's finish quickly". Apart from that, Mr Adams told Old Man Warner "that over in the north village they're talking about giving up the lottery". I can infer from that he is actually afraid of winning the lottery and does not support the lottery. Yet, when Tessie Hutchinson was "chosen", he "was at the front of the crowd of villagers". This is a great irony and shows that Mr Adams is only concerned about his and his family's own well-being.
Actually, this is a common trait among people these days. Our world is a competitive one which leads us to being self-centered and 'kia-su". Rarely do we spare a thought for others. When others fail, we not only do not sympathise with them, we actually cheer. This is a cause of concern and I feel it is about time that we change for the better. It is not necessary for us to allow others to take advantage of us but we could just help others when they are in need or support them when they are down. These simple acts would go along way to make this world a better place.
On the second point, the danger of ritualised behaviour is not a problem in Singapore as it is quite a modern country and most people think more scientifically and do not believe in such rituals (apart from Thaipusam which I will not elaborate on).
The final point is highly relevant in today's context. In today's circumstances, people are very concerned about how they appear to others both internally and externally. Therefore, people are always stick to status quo in fear of being rejected or laughed at by others. People rarely express their objections when majority of the people accept that idea or are alright with that way of life.
(Perhaps you want to listen to watch this track from High School Musical on YouTube.)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIv5uwSKu88
In my opinion, this mindset seriously needs to be changed. In the story, some of the people were not happy with the lottery taking place. Mrs. Delacroix said that "there seems to be no time in between lotteries any more" and "it seems like we got through with the last one only last week". Mrs. Graves agreed when she replied, "Time sure goes fast". The men also shoed some signs of dislike for the lottery when "they stood together, away from the pile of stones". Also, Mr. Adams also talked about giving up the lottery. It can be seen that they do not believe in the ritual sacrifice having any purpose. However, they submitted to the status quo and none of them had the courage of properly protesting against the lottery taking place.
If something is not right, we should stand up and put our views forward. I am glad that my school has a PSB (Pupil Suggestion Board) on the SMB (Summary Message Board). It allows students to share their views on school policies, rules or problems they may face and how the school can rectify or improve (on) the situation. In spite of this, the problem that we face is that we are afraid to air our views in fear of objection. The only solution for this is for us to pluck up our courage and for people to be not so critical of others' ideas.
This just about sums up my feelings on how the story "The Lottery" can be relevant in today's context.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Deaths at NTU
The 2 recent deaths at NTU (Nanyang Technological University) have come as a surprise to many including myself. Let me elaborate on my viewpoint.
In the first case scenario, a final year student, David Hartanto Widjaja, 21, from the electrical and electronic engineering school of NTU is believed to have stabbed Associate Professor Chan Kap Luk, 45. This happened on 2 March.
(Read the whole story at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=NTU&id=412478)
It has been stated that the reason why the student tried to stab the professor is beause the professor did not give him the grade he wanted. As a result of the bad grade he received, his ASEAN scholarship was revoked. Obviously, feeling guilty and knowing the consequences of his actions, he plunged to his death.
This incident reveals a few things. Firstly, everyone knows that bad grades are not the end of the world. Why did the Indonesian undergraduate have to take the life of the professor (although he did not in the end) and himself? However, in our morden world, to students, grades are the most important thing in the world. It is not their fault. People judge you according to the grades you get. Your future is more or less determined by the grades you achieve. Unless a person possess superb talent, the world rarely looks beyond your academic grades even if you have other un-nurtured talents in other areas.
I feel that people should start looking at other qualities or talent a person has other than academic grades. It is not possible to change the mindset of the entire world overnight but it can be done. One such example of the above would be the DSA (Direct School Admission) exercise introduced by the Ministry of Education allowing secondary schools to accept students on other criteria other than PSLE results. Unfortunately, schools also use it to attract smart (in an academic sense) students to their schools which I feel defeats the purpose. Still, this is a good start.
Back to the issue on the student stabbing the professor, I would like to pose another question. Are students these days educated enough on the importance of life? These many children enjoy playing computer games, many of which involves life and death. In these games, children kill their friends' virtual character as well as their enemies. Although majority of the children do not practise this violence in their real life, a small minority become violent and treat life and death as no big deal. Although this may not be directly related to this young man's death, I feel that it is an issue that needs to be brought up.
The second death was that of a 24 year old, Zhou Zheng, an infocomm project officer of NTU, who hanged himself on the balcony of his apartment at NTU.
(Read the whole story at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/413708/1/.html)
This once again brings up the issue on the importance of life and death. The man, who was a China National, had been jobless for a few months before being employed by NTU 5 days before his death.
In both scenarios, the 'victims' were both in their early 20s. Although they are both not Singaporeans, it does show some signs about the youth these days and what happens when they enter the real world.
Hopefully, other youths will not follow in their footsteps and we will never have these incidents happening again.
In the first case scenario, a final year student, David Hartanto Widjaja, 21, from the electrical and electronic engineering school of NTU is believed to have stabbed Associate Professor Chan Kap Luk, 45. This happened on 2 March.
(Read the whole story at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=NTU&id=412478)
It has been stated that the reason why the student tried to stab the professor is beause the professor did not give him the grade he wanted. As a result of the bad grade he received, his ASEAN scholarship was revoked. Obviously, feeling guilty and knowing the consequences of his actions, he plunged to his death.
This incident reveals a few things. Firstly, everyone knows that bad grades are not the end of the world. Why did the Indonesian undergraduate have to take the life of the professor (although he did not in the end) and himself? However, in our morden world, to students, grades are the most important thing in the world. It is not their fault. People judge you according to the grades you get. Your future is more or less determined by the grades you achieve. Unless a person possess superb talent, the world rarely looks beyond your academic grades even if you have other un-nurtured talents in other areas.
I feel that people should start looking at other qualities or talent a person has other than academic grades. It is not possible to change the mindset of the entire world overnight but it can be done. One such example of the above would be the DSA (Direct School Admission) exercise introduced by the Ministry of Education allowing secondary schools to accept students on other criteria other than PSLE results. Unfortunately, schools also use it to attract smart (in an academic sense) students to their schools which I feel defeats the purpose. Still, this is a good start.
Back to the issue on the student stabbing the professor, I would like to pose another question. Are students these days educated enough on the importance of life? These many children enjoy playing computer games, many of which involves life and death. In these games, children kill their friends' virtual character as well as their enemies. Although majority of the children do not practise this violence in their real life, a small minority become violent and treat life and death as no big deal. Although this may not be directly related to this young man's death, I feel that it is an issue that needs to be brought up.
The second death was that of a 24 year old, Zhou Zheng, an infocomm project officer of NTU, who hanged himself on the balcony of his apartment at NTU.
(Read the whole story at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/413708/1/.html)
This once again brings up the issue on the importance of life and death. The man, who was a China National, had been jobless for a few months before being employed by NTU 5 days before his death.
In both scenarios, the 'victims' were both in their early 20s. Although they are both not Singaporeans, it does show some signs about the youth these days and what happens when they enter the real world.
Hopefully, other youths will not follow in their footsteps and we will never have these incidents happening again.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sick
Yesterday, after canoeing training, I vomited about 3 times due to a few factors such as fatigue (not enough sleep for the past few days), exhaustion and hunger. Today, I feel better and went to the doctor to get an MC (medical certificate).
There are a few things I would like to talk about today. Firstly, why do we need to have to get an MC for our absence from school. I understand that this would be proof that a student was not playing truant but why aren't parents' letters (like in primary school) accepted. Like today, I did not go to school as a precautionary measure because it would cause great inconvenience to myself and others if I started vomiting in school. Surprisingly, but thankfully, I did not continue vomiting today.
At this point in time, it would seem ridiculous to go to the doctor but for MC's sake I had to. I could not afford (time not money) to go to the polyclinic so I went to a GP (General Practitioner) for a checkup. I wasted about $20 for an MC. Wouldn't it be better if I did not waste that money but write a letter instead? I feel that letters from parents are just as reliable.
However, the trip to the doctor was not such a waste of time. There was something I learned.
I realised that it was not so much the exhaustion and fatigue, it was because I had gulped down a lot of water immediately after strenuous training (without cooling down)that caused the vomiting. After a bit of research, I found out that in the same way if you see a man in the desert who is dehydrated, never give him a whole water bottle to gulp down, he will die....You should instead give him water sip by sip to allow his body to slowly recover. My vomiting occurred for the same reason. Good thing I didn't die......
Right now, I am still recovering from the vomiting yesterday. Too bad I have to go for beach cleaning tomorrow......
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Too Much......
Lately, well at least for me, I have received a trainload of information which I am unable to digest. Let me elaborate.
Firstly, during assembly, we were given a briefing about LEAPS (a point system for CCA) in my school. There are quite a number of doubts I have (and I am quite sure you have too). It was said that you get merely 1 point for just participating( or 'existing') in your CCA, not counting leadership positions. My question is if you do not get a chance to represent the school because you are not as fit (for sports) or not as musically inclined (for performing arts)or in a CCA like Library Club (where there are probably no competitions to take part in), how are you going to earn any points? Especially at Sec 4, there is a grading system for CCA. One point is an E8 or F9, what can you do?
If I am not mistaken, you also get points for being in leadership positions like council or CCA or CIP group. Unfortunately, the fact is that not everybody will have an opportunity to be a leader in these positions.
Unless there are other ways and means (which I am not aware about/ or I was not paying attention to) to earn these points, I am not sure how some people "make the grade".(Feel free to comment if you know anything about this issue.)
Apart from that issue, there is also another form of "information" I am talking about---homework!
Over the past weeks, the amount of homework has grown enormous. I wonder how the seniors cope? Anyway, these days I am only meeting datelines each day. In addition to ACE projects which we are suppose to find time out of "nowhere". Just like the of the topics at today's ANGLES finale---Time Waits for No Man. This statement is especially true to what is happening to me now. There is no time to do anything else.
Ok, we all know a lot( or too much) about the homework problem so I will not talk into it. Till next time, Goodbye.
Firstly, during assembly, we were given a briefing about LEAPS (a point system for CCA) in my school. There are quite a number of doubts I have (and I am quite sure you have too). It was said that you get merely 1 point for just participating( or 'existing') in your CCA, not counting leadership positions. My question is if you do not get a chance to represent the school because you are not as fit (for sports) or not as musically inclined (for performing arts)or in a CCA like Library Club (where there are probably no competitions to take part in), how are you going to earn any points? Especially at Sec 4, there is a grading system for CCA. One point is an E8 or F9, what can you do?
If I am not mistaken, you also get points for being in leadership positions like council or CCA or CIP group. Unfortunately, the fact is that not everybody will have an opportunity to be a leader in these positions.
Unless there are other ways and means (which I am not aware about/ or I was not paying attention to) to earn these points, I am not sure how some people "make the grade".(Feel free to comment if you know anything about this issue.)
Apart from that issue, there is also another form of "information" I am talking about---homework!
Over the past weeks, the amount of homework has grown enormous. I wonder how the seniors cope? Anyway, these days I am only meeting datelines each day. In addition to ACE projects which we are suppose to find time out of "nowhere". Just like the of the topics at today's ANGLES finale---Time Waits for No Man. This statement is especially true to what is happening to me now. There is no time to do anything else.
Ok, we all know a lot( or too much) about the homework problem so I will not talk into it. Till next time, Goodbye.
Friday, February 13, 2009
SMB
In my school, the teachers use SMB (Summary Message Board) to send announcements, infomation, quizes and so on.... I feel it is a really good way for communicating espicially during these days where IT (Infomation Technology) is being used more and more. I find that it is also quite effective, for example if a teacher forgets to tell the students that they need to bring something, he/she can conveiniently use the SMB for that purpose.
Despite all these advantages, I would like to highlight certain problems I encounted while navigating it.
Firstly, since day one, I realised that it is impossible to delete any of the messages posted to you. Only the sender of the message can delete the message he/she sent. Another reason for why this is a problem is that some teachers do not remove messages that they posted even though the infomation is long outdated causing the SMB to be clutered espicially when you are trying to find a message posted a few days ago.
I understand that the school may not want some lazy student to delete messages without reading what it is all about. In these cicumstances, I would suggest that the school develop a system where you can delete the "not so important" messages once you have read them while leaving the more important ones 'un-deleteable'.
A second problem is that sometimes the teacher gives certain instructions to a big group of students which is the exact opposite of what another teacher. Students have no way of clarifying which instructions to follow and may end up doing the wrong thing.
This is exactly what happened today. Today we were supposed to have canoeing CCA (now I am in canoeing CCA, which I did not mess up during the trials....(Refer to Post 2)ok, that is another story), but the other canoeing coach sent us a message on the SMB telling us that training is on Tuesday. Nobody had any idea what to do so we all just stayed back......for no reason as we found out later. The only solution I can think of is for teachers to be more specific when sending out these messages.
Apart from these minor loop holes, the SMB has served its purpose well and more schools should try using it.
Despite all these advantages, I would like to highlight certain problems I encounted while navigating it.
Firstly, since day one, I realised that it is impossible to delete any of the messages posted to you. Only the sender of the message can delete the message he/she sent. Another reason for why this is a problem is that some teachers do not remove messages that they posted even though the infomation is long outdated causing the SMB to be clutered espicially when you are trying to find a message posted a few days ago.
I understand that the school may not want some lazy student to delete messages without reading what it is all about. In these cicumstances, I would suggest that the school develop a system where you can delete the "not so important" messages once you have read them while leaving the more important ones 'un-deleteable'.
A second problem is that sometimes the teacher gives certain instructions to a big group of students which is the exact opposite of what another teacher. Students have no way of clarifying which instructions to follow and may end up doing the wrong thing.
This is exactly what happened today. Today we were supposed to have canoeing CCA (now I am in canoeing CCA, which I did not mess up during the trials....(Refer to Post 2)ok, that is another story), but the other canoeing coach sent us a message on the SMB telling us that training is on Tuesday. Nobody had any idea what to do so we all just stayed back......for no reason as we found out later. The only solution I can think of is for teachers to be more specific when sending out these messages.
Apart from these minor loop holes, the SMB has served its purpose well and more schools should try using it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Gifted Education
Hi! I am writing this post on gifted education for my english ACE project. Please refer below for my work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 February 2009
1000 Toa Payoh North,
Singapore 318994
The Editor
The Straits Times
Singapore Press Holdings
Dear Sir/ Mdm,
The gifted education programme was first implemented in 1984, designed for the top 1% of pupils in Singapore, identified in two rounds of tests at the end of Primary 3. The MOE (Ministry of Education) is committed to ensure that the potential of each pupil is recognized, nurtured and developed. It was recognized that there are pupils who are intellectually gifted and that there should be provisions to meet their needs.
While I understand the MOE’s initiative to hone the truly intellectually gifted, I would like to call for the current GEP programme to be reviewed. At first glance, it would appear to be a good move to challenge the truly intellectually gifted who may be bored or stifled by the regular syllabus. The GEP programme is built upon the regular syllabus where same topics on the regular school curriculum are covered in greater depth and breadth and where emphasis is on creativity and higher-order thinking skills. There are also mentorship attachments, camps and other out-of-class activities to help pupils reach their full potential.
However, a closer look raises pertinent questions regarding the advantanges of having such a programme. GEP students are told that they are the gifted elite, at a young impressionable age. However, being labelled a high-flyer at such a tender age may not be a good idea. Some develop a superiority complex feeling that the non-gifted belong to a lower class of the human race. A Primary Six GEP student wrote a letter to “Today” newspaper in 2005 openly declaring that non-GEP students were immature, and that she preferred to mix with people like herself.
Evidently, the system breeds elitism. If MOE has done away with the EM1, EM2 and EM3 system which also bred elitism and labelling, why has the gifted programme lingered? Granted that greater efforts are being made to integrate the gifted and non-gifted students in Community involvement Programmes and also partial integration in academic programmes where non-GEP and GEP students come together for some programmes (eg. Bicultural Programme in Tao Nan Primary School), nonetheless the segregation and differentiation remains. The question is why?
Also, what is the true definition of giftedness? To me, giftedness applies to many areas, not just in academics. It can be in the form of music, arts or sports. Unfortunately, in Singapore, we define giftedness purely by academic standards. Therefore, a number of parents send their children for enrichment classes to prepare for the GEP tests despite the fact that experts say that giftedness cannot be taught. Experts state that these centres, which peddle classes in the preparation of the GEP tests, are merely training kids to be 'exam smart'. Therefore, is MOE truly honing the top 1% of the cohort?
Questions also arise about the screening test conducted by the MOE for all Primary 3 students each year for entry into the GEP programme. This screening test comprises an English and Mathematics exam, followed by a General Ability paper which tests reasoning and problem-solving skills. Is giftedness confined to English, Mathematics and General Ability? Surely not.
As such, I would like to suggest a review of our education system. Children need to grow up in a holistic environment, exposed to music, art and other pursuits. Elitism should have no place in Singapore where we are to live together in peace and harmony regardless of race, language and religion, and may I add, regardless of academic ability as well.
Yours sincerely,
xxxxxx
Sources:
http://www.getformesingapore.com/previous2006/290906_primaryschoolstodoawaywithem3from2008_more.htm
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/development-and-growth/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gifted_Education_Programme_(Singapore)
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20071028-32642.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 February 2009
1000 Toa Payoh North,
Singapore 318994
The Editor
The Straits Times
Singapore Press Holdings
Dear Sir/ Mdm,
The gifted education programme was first implemented in 1984, designed for the top 1% of pupils in Singapore, identified in two rounds of tests at the end of Primary 3. The MOE (Ministry of Education) is committed to ensure that the potential of each pupil is recognized, nurtured and developed. It was recognized that there are pupils who are intellectually gifted and that there should be provisions to meet their needs.
While I understand the MOE’s initiative to hone the truly intellectually gifted, I would like to call for the current GEP programme to be reviewed. At first glance, it would appear to be a good move to challenge the truly intellectually gifted who may be bored or stifled by the regular syllabus. The GEP programme is built upon the regular syllabus where same topics on the regular school curriculum are covered in greater depth and breadth and where emphasis is on creativity and higher-order thinking skills. There are also mentorship attachments, camps and other out-of-class activities to help pupils reach their full potential.
However, a closer look raises pertinent questions regarding the advantanges of having such a programme. GEP students are told that they are the gifted elite, at a young impressionable age. However, being labelled a high-flyer at such a tender age may not be a good idea. Some develop a superiority complex feeling that the non-gifted belong to a lower class of the human race. A Primary Six GEP student wrote a letter to “Today” newspaper in 2005 openly declaring that non-GEP students were immature, and that she preferred to mix with people like herself.
Evidently, the system breeds elitism. If MOE has done away with the EM1, EM2 and EM3 system which also bred elitism and labelling, why has the gifted programme lingered? Granted that greater efforts are being made to integrate the gifted and non-gifted students in Community involvement Programmes and also partial integration in academic programmes where non-GEP and GEP students come together for some programmes (eg. Bicultural Programme in Tao Nan Primary School), nonetheless the segregation and differentiation remains. The question is why?
Also, what is the true definition of giftedness? To me, giftedness applies to many areas, not just in academics. It can be in the form of music, arts or sports. Unfortunately, in Singapore, we define giftedness purely by academic standards. Therefore, a number of parents send their children for enrichment classes to prepare for the GEP tests despite the fact that experts say that giftedness cannot be taught. Experts state that these centres, which peddle classes in the preparation of the GEP tests, are merely training kids to be 'exam smart'. Therefore, is MOE truly honing the top 1% of the cohort?
Questions also arise about the screening test conducted by the MOE for all Primary 3 students each year for entry into the GEP programme. This screening test comprises an English and Mathematics exam, followed by a General Ability paper which tests reasoning and problem-solving skills. Is giftedness confined to English, Mathematics and General Ability? Surely not.
As such, I would like to suggest a review of our education system. Children need to grow up in a holistic environment, exposed to music, art and other pursuits. Elitism should have no place in Singapore where we are to live together in peace and harmony regardless of race, language and religion, and may I add, regardless of academic ability as well.
Yours sincerely,
xxxxxx
Sources:
http://www.getformesingapore.com/previous2006/290906_primaryschoolstodoawaywithem3from2008_more.htm
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/development-and-growth/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gifted_Education_Programme_(Singapore)
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20071028-32642.html
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Singapore Budget 2009
On 22 January, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivered the budget speech for the financial year 2009.
(You can read the whole article at http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/)
It may be a lifeboey or relief for some but I disargree with a few parts of it.
Firstly, I do not think that the act of giving cash handouts to the public (espicially for people who are not retrenched nor elderly) creates dependence of the people on the government and erodes a sense of independence and self-reliance.
It might be argued that it can help them to cope with the rocketing prices of daily necessities. If that had been the case, the government should have given out the handouts last July or August not now as prices of items have mostly been stable and some have evened dropped.
Secondly, I feel that hard cash handouts can lead to wasteful spendings. For example some people might use this money to go on tours instead on more important things. I feel that handouts in terms of cash vouchers for basic necessities such as food and school fees would be more useful.
Lastly, I am not sure if this is the right time to dig into our reserves as most singaporeans are still not as badly hit by the financial crisis as our counterparts in other countries. I think many singaporeans can still cope with the present situation. Companies are the ones who need help presently.
Apart from that, the Singapore Government has to be commended for being very efficient for years already and Singapore has gone through good fortune so far.
The government wants to be prepared for the future, be prepared for further recessions in the future. As Singapore has no natural resources, the whole country can only depend on the intelligence of Singaporeans to earn money. Thus, shaping the minds of the young can lead to future leaders and cope with recession as the leaders will find ways to tackle the problem and eventually solve it.
I feel Singapore has one of the best governments in the world.
(You can read the whole article at http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/)
It may be a lifeboey or relief for some but I disargree with a few parts of it.
Firstly, I do not think that the act of giving cash handouts to the public (espicially for people who are not retrenched nor elderly) creates dependence of the people on the government and erodes a sense of independence and self-reliance.
It might be argued that it can help them to cope with the rocketing prices of daily necessities. If that had been the case, the government should have given out the handouts last July or August not now as prices of items have mostly been stable and some have evened dropped.
Secondly, I feel that hard cash handouts can lead to wasteful spendings. For example some people might use this money to go on tours instead on more important things. I feel that handouts in terms of cash vouchers for basic necessities such as food and school fees would be more useful.
Lastly, I am not sure if this is the right time to dig into our reserves as most singaporeans are still not as badly hit by the financial crisis as our counterparts in other countries. I think many singaporeans can still cope with the present situation. Companies are the ones who need help presently.
Apart from that, the Singapore Government has to be commended for being very efficient for years already and Singapore has gone through good fortune so far.
The government wants to be prepared for the future, be prepared for further recessions in the future. As Singapore has no natural resources, the whole country can only depend on the intelligence of Singaporeans to earn money. Thus, shaping the minds of the young can lead to future leaders and cope with recession as the leaders will find ways to tackle the problem and eventually solve it.
I feel Singapore has one of the best governments in the world.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
CCA Trials
These 2 weeks have been the time to go for CCA trials in my school. I have gone for quite a few trials already but 2 days ago it was my worst trial yet.
So as it goes, I went for the squash trials and to my surprise I was the only one there. Anyway, I felt quite nervous when I went in since the squash team (the senior players) was sitting there listening to the coach (or maybe not) while one of the members came to test me.
As I manage to hit quite a few balls during the CCA orientation, I thought I stood a quite a decent chance of being selected. So the guy started serving me balls and they were pretty simple surfs. But.... Guess what? I miss them all except for two which hit the metal botttom of the wall (which in case you do know is out).
I felt humiliated. The rest of the team tried hard not to laugh but I mean who wouldn't at someone with my kind of 'calibre'. I scurried off as fast as I could( well actually I walked off with the remaining dignity I had).
I can't understand why my school has only a competition team for each CCA. I feel that they should also have recreational teams espicially for popular CCAs such as badminton or table tennis. I understand that there are space contraints but 6 people for the badminton team for each level? Honestly, that is way too little. I am sure that table tennis does not have that many people either.
Of course, you just have to face reality and accept whatever the world(as in this case school) has to offer (even if it is not as much as you would like).
So as it goes, I went for the squash trials and to my surprise I was the only one there. Anyway, I felt quite nervous when I went in since the squash team (the senior players) was sitting there listening to the coach (or maybe not) while one of the members came to test me.
As I manage to hit quite a few balls during the CCA orientation, I thought I stood a quite a decent chance of being selected. So the guy started serving me balls and they were pretty simple surfs. But.... Guess what? I miss them all except for two which hit the metal botttom of the wall (which in case you do know is out).
I felt humiliated. The rest of the team tried hard not to laugh but I mean who wouldn't at someone with my kind of 'calibre'. I scurried off as fast as I could( well actually I walked off with the remaining dignity I had).
I can't understand why my school has only a competition team for each CCA. I feel that they should also have recreational teams espicially for popular CCAs such as badminton or table tennis. I understand that there are space contraints but 6 people for the badminton team for each level? Honestly, that is way too little. I am sure that table tennis does not have that many people either.
Of course, you just have to face reality and accept whatever the world(as in this case school) has to offer (even if it is not as much as you would like).
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cheating
There has always been talk about students cheating during exams.How about teachers cheating instead?
I feel cheated.
Firstly on Wednesday, a teacher (I will not say who) suddenly said we needed to hand in our homework that day. He/She clearly stated earlier that we only needed to hand in on Thursday. Thankfully, I had enough time that day to come up with some 'crummy' answers.
Secondly, another teacher suddenly emailed us on Wednesday with a new piece of assignment for Friday.
Students are always being told to keep to their word. Why can't teachers do the same?
I feel cheated.
Firstly on Wednesday, a teacher (I will not say who) suddenly said we needed to hand in our homework that day. He/She clearly stated earlier that we only needed to hand in on Thursday. Thankfully, I had enough time that day to come up with some 'crummy' answers.
Secondly, another teacher suddenly emailed us on Wednesday with a new piece of assignment for Friday.
Students are always being told to keep to their word. Why can't teachers do the same?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
My First Blog
The year started with a bang. I was off to a new school, going to see new people, have new schedules.........(the list goes on)
Anyway, I was so caught up in everything that I almost forgot it was my sister's birthday(she's an early january kid) had arrived. As a result, I forgot to buy her a present(and still have not...Ha Ha)!!! I was sure she was going to kill me. Thankfully, she got the present of her life--a Niitendo Wii!!
That was brilliant for me too!! Firstly, she forgot(up to now) that I did not give her a present. Secondly, she needed someone to play the Wii sports with her. That person of course was me! I was delighted(though I did'nt show it).
(Have you experienced the Wii fever yet? The thing's quite addictive!)
Back to school life, it has been quite taxing. A lot of homework, long hours.....(I can't decide if this is good or bad. It prevents me from getting as much Wii time as I would like.) The amount of homework has also contributed to the fact that I'm only able to write this blog today (instead of Friday or yesterday).
Hope you enjoyed my first ever blog.
Anyway, I was so caught up in everything that I almost forgot it was my sister's birthday(she's an early january kid) had arrived. As a result, I forgot to buy her a present(and still have not...Ha Ha)!!! I was sure she was going to kill me. Thankfully, she got the present of her life--a Niitendo Wii!!
That was brilliant for me too!! Firstly, she forgot(up to now) that I did not give her a present. Secondly, she needed someone to play the Wii sports with her. That person of course was me! I was delighted(though I did'nt show it).
(Have you experienced the Wii fever yet? The thing's quite addictive!)
Back to school life, it has been quite taxing. A lot of homework, long hours.....(I can't decide if this is good or bad. It prevents me from getting as much Wii time as I would like.) The amount of homework has also contributed to the fact that I'm only able to write this blog today (instead of Friday or yesterday).
Hope you enjoyed my first ever blog.
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