In Singapore, there are quite a number of both gracious and ungracious people. Being gracious meaning courteous, polite and kind towards other people. On the other hand, being ungracious means being unpolite and uncouth or acting like a hooligan. Some people say that Singaporeans are ungracious. I, however, think that it is unfair to say that in general. There are indeed a number of singaporeans who are gracious towards other people and it is very unfair for them to be classified under the category of “ungracious”.
I have personally witnessed some gracious acts demonstrated by some singaporeans. For example, once I got onto a bus together with another old lady who was carrying a small trolley filled with groceries. Some people was totally ignoring the old lady and I, some were busy ‘sleeping’ and some were engrossed in reading. Nobody bothered about the old lady. At that time, the bus travelled quite fast and was shaky. The old lady almost lost her balance. Immediately, a young man immediately stood up and gave up his seat to the old lady.
There are also some ungracious acts demonstrated by singaporeans. One example that I saw was two young students, both female. When they boarded the bus, they sat on the seats which were reserved for needy people like old people or pregnant women. They totally ignored the sign above the seats and chatted loudly. That is definitely an ungracious act. Another example, on the bus, some people choose to seat on the outer seat and place their belongings like bags etc on the inner seat, thinking that they can occupy both seats at once, which was why there were insufficent seats for all commuters.
The government has also encouraged people to be gracious singaporeans so that they would not leave a bad impression on the tourists coming to visit singapore. They do not want singapore’s reputation to go bad because of these acts. To encourage people to be more gracious, the government has filmed and broadcasted a video showing some gracious acts. The short video can now be watched on youtube and it shows phua chu kang telling people to be gracious on public transport such as buses or MRTs. To some people, they may feel shameful because this means singaporeans can only be gracious when the government asks them to.
Hygiene is also another problem in Singapore. People just litter and spit anywhere they like it. Liter can be found in most of the places despite the fact that dustbins can be found almost everywhere. There have been reports that after huge performances like National Day, there are huge amounts of litter found left behind. How are we going to uphold our reputation as the “Clean and Green Singapore”?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
5. After you, my dear Alphonse: Would you have treated Boyd or someone who is not of the same race or nationality as you differently? Why or why not?
I think I would not treat someone of a different race differently. However, I feel that under some circumstances, it would be quite difficult. For example, if most of my classmates starts treating the indians in class differently, sooner or later other classmares, even I, would submit to peer pressure and start treating the indians differently. Another situation would be when that person of a different race does something which everyone dislikes and thus resulting in the people around him picking on him like criticising on his skin colour etc.
Racism or racial discrimination is when a person treats another person of a different race differently and negatively. For example, a person criticises an indian as a "blackie" due to his skin colour. In"After you, my dear Alphonse", the mother was not treating Boyd negatively and differently directly, but she had a mindset that black people are poor, would eat anything and would not hold high positions in companies. She is looking down on the blacks, which is also a form of racism.
Currently, racism is quite common in today's society. When I am talking to a friend who is of a different race such as a Malay or an Indian, I would try to avoid saying things that would offend them like mentioning their skin colour. I would also try not to gossip behind their backs and say anything racist about them, like " look, that 'blackie' is here again". I have experienced times when one of my friends said something racist and hurtful straight in the face of an indian friend of ours. In the end, my friend was sent to see our form teacher. I think that one way to reduce racism is that people of different races should maybe be separated for some time. This way, they would not see each other and would not think of those hurtful racism remarks. Another way is that they learn the importance of a multi-racial society and work together.
Racism or racial discrimination is when a person treats another person of a different race differently and negatively. For example, a person criticises an indian as a "blackie" due to his skin colour. In"After you, my dear Alphonse", the mother was not treating Boyd negatively and differently directly, but she had a mindset that black people are poor, would eat anything and would not hold high positions in companies. She is looking down on the blacks, which is also a form of racism.
Currently, racism is quite common in today's society. When I am talking to a friend who is of a different race such as a Malay or an Indian, I would try to avoid saying things that would offend them like mentioning their skin colour. I would also try not to gossip behind their backs and say anything racist about them, like " look, that 'blackie' is here again". I have experienced times when one of my friends said something racist and hurtful straight in the face of an indian friend of ours. In the end, my friend was sent to see our form teacher. I think that one way to reduce racism is that people of different races should maybe be separated for some time. This way, they would not see each other and would not think of those hurtful racism remarks. Another way is that they learn the importance of a multi-racial society and work together.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Book review 2
Book read: The Da Vinci Code
Application
Q1What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited your classroom?
This time, when Mr Robert Langdon visits our classroom, he is going to do different things from the last time he visited my classroom. This time, he is going to talk to us about the origins of some symbols which we often see in our lives and the story behind them. He is also going to explain and give a presentation on how important is symbols are in our lives. He is also going to share with us about his fantastic adventure he had when he was in Paris which was what exactly happened in The Da Vinci Code. He would share with us the story behind his adventure like the Priory of Sion and some of its famous grandmasters like Leonardo Da Vinci and Sir Issac Newton, the Holy Grail and its legend. He is also going to advertise to us about his new book which is going to be published soon. Finally, he is going to encourage us to take up symbology when we grow up.
Analysis
Q2:Compare two of the characters in your book
The two characters that I have chosen from the book are Robert Langdon and Sir Leigh Teabing.
Robert Langdon, a very knowledgeable person who is an expert of symbology in Harvard University. He is a highly respected and intelligent professor in Harvard University. Although he can be strict, he is regarded as a great teacher. He is unselfish and a nice person. He has claustrophobia when he was seven years old as he fell into a well. He is always willing to help and would not resort to kill to achieve his goal.
Leigh Teabing, on the other hand, is a British royal historian and a Grail expert. He once studied in Oxford. He is an old friend of Robert. He lives outside Paris with his faithful butler, Remy. At some point in his life, he contracted polio. However, he still flies back to Great Britian to seek medical treatment as he does not trust French doctors. He is a cunning and ruthless person whom faked his identity as the Teacher to establish contact with Bishop Manuel Aringarosa and Silas so that they can help him get the Grail and win support over the Vatican. Actually, he just wants the Grail for himself so that he could tell the whole world about the truth of the Holy Grail. He is also a ruthless person who would not hesitate to kill in order to achieve his goals.
Synthesis
Q3: Radio Announcement
Hey there, are u a fan of Robert Langdon? Do you love mystery and thrillers? Buy the Da Vinci Code now and uncover the secret truth so devastating that you would remember it for your life. Get it at any bookstores nearby.
Evaluation
Q4: Is the title a good one or a poor one? Why?
To me, I feel that this title, The Da Vinci Code, is a good title for this book. Firstly, this book is filled with codes that the main characters need to solve such that they can uncover the real truth which one of the protagonists', Sophie Neveu, grandfather had left behind for them to solve. Secondly, the clues which they got to solve the clue comes from Da Vinci paintings like the Last Supper, the Mona Lisa etc. The title is not to corny and it is easy to remember.
Application
Q1What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited your classroom?
This time, when Mr Robert Langdon visits our classroom, he is going to do different things from the last time he visited my classroom. This time, he is going to talk to us about the origins of some symbols which we often see in our lives and the story behind them. He is also going to explain and give a presentation on how important is symbols are in our lives. He is also going to share with us about his fantastic adventure he had when he was in Paris which was what exactly happened in The Da Vinci Code. He would share with us the story behind his adventure like the Priory of Sion and some of its famous grandmasters like Leonardo Da Vinci and Sir Issac Newton, the Holy Grail and its legend. He is also going to advertise to us about his new book which is going to be published soon. Finally, he is going to encourage us to take up symbology when we grow up.
Analysis
Q2:Compare two of the characters in your book
The two characters that I have chosen from the book are Robert Langdon and Sir Leigh Teabing.
Robert Langdon, a very knowledgeable person who is an expert of symbology in Harvard University. He is a highly respected and intelligent professor in Harvard University. Although he can be strict, he is regarded as a great teacher. He is unselfish and a nice person. He has claustrophobia when he was seven years old as he fell into a well. He is always willing to help and would not resort to kill to achieve his goal.
Leigh Teabing, on the other hand, is a British royal historian and a Grail expert. He once studied in Oxford. He is an old friend of Robert. He lives outside Paris with his faithful butler, Remy. At some point in his life, he contracted polio. However, he still flies back to Great Britian to seek medical treatment as he does not trust French doctors. He is a cunning and ruthless person whom faked his identity as the Teacher to establish contact with Bishop Manuel Aringarosa and Silas so that they can help him get the Grail and win support over the Vatican. Actually, he just wants the Grail for himself so that he could tell the whole world about the truth of the Holy Grail. He is also a ruthless person who would not hesitate to kill in order to achieve his goals.
Synthesis
Q3: Radio Announcement
Hey there, are u a fan of Robert Langdon? Do you love mystery and thrillers? Buy the Da Vinci Code now and uncover the secret truth so devastating that you would remember it for your life. Get it at any bookstores nearby.
Evaluation
Q4: Is the title a good one or a poor one? Why?
To me, I feel that this title, The Da Vinci Code, is a good title for this book. Firstly, this book is filled with codes that the main characters need to solve such that they can uncover the real truth which one of the protagonists', Sophie Neveu, grandfather had left behind for them to solve. Secondly, the clues which they got to solve the clue comes from Da Vinci paintings like the Last Supper, the Mona Lisa etc. The title is not to corny and it is easy to remember.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
IT Home Learning: Lesson 5
1) The casino being built in Singapore is supposed to be a money-maker and job creator. However, many people have spoken against it. Talk to a parent or adult and get their view on the casino. Listen to the NPR and YouTube offerings and choose one that substantiates your viewpoint and include a quote from it as well. Your blog entry has to be at least 200 words and you must either support the casino or condemn its construction and ultimately the hardships it will cause in Singapore.
To me, I would condemn the building of the casino in Singapore. Although the building of the casino in Singapore would create many jobs and make more money for Singapore's economy and help to tide over the economic crisis, it would lead to many problems for gamblers and their families.
Some problems that would result in are serious addiction to gambling, bankruptcy, heavy debts and many family problems.
Many people started gambling for fun with a small amount of money. When they started winning, they get this huge feeling of happiness which would cause them to be addicted to gambling as they think that their luck is with them and if they continue, they would be able to win more money and relax for the rest of their lives. This would result in their depleted savings, lost of trust just to borrow more money to gamble and the hardships the families need to go through.
Many people often say " When u gamble, you lose more than you win". This saying is very true. Gambling is purely by luck and chance and not on the amount of knowledge you have for gambling. Gambling requires no skill and the rewards are high, but you have to spend a higher amount such that you are able to succeed. Many people want to strike rich with no effort needed and turn to gambling.
In conclusion, if the building of the casino is needed, the gamblers must have strong self-control and self-restrain so that they would not be addicted to gambling.
To me, I would condemn the building of the casino in Singapore. Although the building of the casino in Singapore would create many jobs and make more money for Singapore's economy and help to tide over the economic crisis, it would lead to many problems for gamblers and their families.
Some problems that would result in are serious addiction to gambling, bankruptcy, heavy debts and many family problems.
Many people started gambling for fun with a small amount of money. When they started winning, they get this huge feeling of happiness which would cause them to be addicted to gambling as they think that their luck is with them and if they continue, they would be able to win more money and relax for the rest of their lives. This would result in their depleted savings, lost of trust just to borrow more money to gamble and the hardships the families need to go through.
Many people often say " When u gamble, you lose more than you win". This saying is very true. Gambling is purely by luck and chance and not on the amount of knowledge you have for gambling. Gambling requires no skill and the rewards are high, but you have to spend a higher amount such that you are able to succeed. Many people want to strike rich with no effort needed and turn to gambling.
In conclusion, if the building of the casino is needed, the gamblers must have strong self-control and self-restrain so that they would not be addicted to gambling.
Monday, June 29, 2009
IT Home Learning: Lesson 2
My favourite poet is Robert Frost.He has been reviewed by many critics over the years, including by another poet Daniel described his early work as"the Puritan ethic turned astonishingly lyrical and enabled to say out loud the sources of its own delight in the world." He even commented on his career as the American Bard and he said,"He became a national celebrity, our nearly official Poet Laureate, and a great performer in the tradition of that earlier master of the literary vernacular, Mark Twain."Even the American President, John F.Kennedy had even described him as" a body of imperishable verse from which Americans will forever gain joy and understanding." His work is principally associated with the life and landscape of New England and his work is often infused with layers of ambiguity and irony. This means he is a creative person who is able to write poems this way, which is why I like him.
Robert Frost's Background:
Robert Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874. He moved to New England at the age of eleven and became interested in reading and writing poetry during his high school years in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was enrolled at Dartmouth College in 1892, and later at Harvard, but he never earned a formal degree.
Frost drifted through a string of occupations after leaving school, working as a teacher, cobbler, and editor of the Lawrence Sentinel.
His first professional poem, "My Butterfly," was published on November 8, 1894, in the New York newspaper The Independent.
In the year 1895, he married Elinor Miriam White, who became a major inspiration to all of his poetry until her death in the year 1938.The couple moved to England in 1912, after their New Hampshire farm failed, and it was abroad that Frost met and was influenced by such contemporary British poets as Edward Thomas, Rupert Brooke, and Robert Graves. While in England, Frost also established a friendship with the poet Ezra Pound, who helped to promote and publish his work.
When Robert Frost returned to the United States of America in the year 1915,he had published two full-length collections, A Boy's Will and North of Boston, and his reputation was established. By the nineteen-twenties, he was the most celebrated poet in America, and with each new book—including New Hampshire (1923), A Further Range (1936), Steeple Bush (1947), and In the Clearing (1962)—his fame and honors (including four Pulitzer Prizes) increased.
Robert Frost lived and taught for many years in Massachusetts and Vermont, and died in Boston on January 29, 1963.
Some examples of his poems:
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
The Lockless Door
It went many years,
But at last came a knock,
And I though of the door
With no lock to lock.
I blew out the light,
I tip-toed the floor,
And raised both hands
In prayer to the door.
But the knock came again.
My window was wide;
I climbed on the sill
And descended outside.
Back over the sillI bade a 'Come in'
To whatever the knock
At the door may have been.
So at a knockI emptied my cage
To hide in the world
And alter with age.
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/
poets.org
Robert Frost's Background:
Robert Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874. He moved to New England at the age of eleven and became interested in reading and writing poetry during his high school years in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was enrolled at Dartmouth College in 1892, and later at Harvard, but he never earned a formal degree.
Frost drifted through a string of occupations after leaving school, working as a teacher, cobbler, and editor of the Lawrence Sentinel.
His first professional poem, "My Butterfly," was published on November 8, 1894, in the New York newspaper The Independent.
In the year 1895, he married Elinor Miriam White, who became a major inspiration to all of his poetry until her death in the year 1938.The couple moved to England in 1912, after their New Hampshire farm failed, and it was abroad that Frost met and was influenced by such contemporary British poets as Edward Thomas, Rupert Brooke, and Robert Graves. While in England, Frost also established a friendship with the poet Ezra Pound, who helped to promote and publish his work.
When Robert Frost returned to the United States of America in the year 1915,he had published two full-length collections, A Boy's Will and North of Boston, and his reputation was established. By the nineteen-twenties, he was the most celebrated poet in America, and with each new book—including New Hampshire (1923), A Further Range (1936), Steeple Bush (1947), and In the Clearing (1962)—his fame and honors (including four Pulitzer Prizes) increased.
Robert Frost lived and taught for many years in Massachusetts and Vermont, and died in Boston on January 29, 1963.
Some examples of his poems:
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
The Lockless Door
It went many years,
But at last came a knock,
And I though of the door
With no lock to lock.
I blew out the light,
I tip-toed the floor,
And raised both hands
In prayer to the door.
But the knock came again.
My window was wide;
I climbed on the sill
And descended outside.
Back over the sillI bade a 'Come in'
To whatever the knock
At the door may have been.
So at a knockI emptied my cage
To hide in the world
And alter with age.
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/
poets.org
Sunday, June 28, 2009
IT Home Learning: Lesson 1
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Q1)The figurative language used in this poem is simile, hyperbole and symbolism. The words used for simile are " as just as fair" ,the words used for hyperbole are "ages and ages" as a hyperbole is an exaggeration and the words used for symbolism are "Two roads diverged".
The poet chose to use hyperbole as by using hyperbole, it is an exaggeration and unrealistic. The poet chose to use symbolism as it symbolises the difficulty to choose his decisions during life and his desire to make a decision in life. The poet chose to use simile as he is trying to make a comparision.
Q2) I like this poem as this is a description of what he wanted to happen and not what really happened, a bit of fiction. In the last stanza, the word "sigh" can be used to express a regret or relief which makes me wonder which is it and the word "difference" makes us think is it a positive or negative difference in life did the poet make. "I took the one less travelled by" This makes me wonder if this particular decision he made was a decision that made a positive or negative impact on his life. Another reason I like this poem as it creates a kind of mysterious feeling, making you wanting to ask more questions.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Q1)The figurative language used in this poem is simile, hyperbole and symbolism. The words used for simile are " as just as fair" ,the words used for hyperbole are "ages and ages" as a hyperbole is an exaggeration and the words used for symbolism are "Two roads diverged".
The poet chose to use hyperbole as by using hyperbole, it is an exaggeration and unrealistic. The poet chose to use symbolism as it symbolises the difficulty to choose his decisions during life and his desire to make a decision in life. The poet chose to use simile as he is trying to make a comparision.
Q2) I like this poem as this is a description of what he wanted to happen and not what really happened, a bit of fiction. In the last stanza, the word "sigh" can be used to express a regret or relief which makes me wonder which is it and the word "difference" makes us think is it a positive or negative difference in life did the poet make. "I took the one less travelled by" This makes me wonder if this particular decision he made was a decision that made a positive or negative impact on his life. Another reason I like this poem as it creates a kind of mysterious feeling, making you wanting to ask more questions.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Book review 1
Book read: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Application
Q1:What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited your classroom?
Firstly, the main character of this book,Angels and Demons,is a Harvard professor named Robert Langdon. He is a professor of religious iconology and symbology at Harvard University. He has actually written over a dozen books, all about religious iconology and symbology. Examples are The Art of Illuminati, The Symbology of Secret Sects, The Lost Language of Ideograms and the renowned textbook, Religious Iconology.
According to the book, he can be seen discussing computer graphics and religious history with his students on weekends or lecturing at museum openings.
If Mr Robert Langdon really visited my classroom, he would most likely discuss with all of us about religious iconology and symbology. But first, I am sure he is clear that we are only secondary school students who know nothing about these two subjects.
So, this is the sequence of things he is going to do are:
1) Briefly introduce to us what is symbology about
2) Discuss with us about simple symbology
3) Share with us about his experience with symbology
4) Lastly, encourage us to take up symbology and give us our best wishes
Analysis
Q2:If your story occured long ago, compare that time with today in a good paragraph.If it was a modern story, compare it with a long time ago and tell what would be different
Angels and Demons is a modern story. In comparison with a long time ago, somethings indeed would be different.Firstly, in the story, the illuminati used an antimatter canister to threaten to wipe out the Vatican. Once the antimatter comes in contact with the matter, it would explode. Such advanced technology would not be possible to be found long time ago. The terrorists would most probably use normal bombs to wipe out the Vatican. Secondly, professors at that time did not know that much information as information was not that easily able to obtain. So, professional help may not be able to be obtained. Lastly, at that time, the Vatican archives were not yet open to the public, no one, except important people like the pope, was allowed to enter. Therefore, the quest to find the churches would not be able to solve.
Synthesis
Q3 :Make a radio announcement to advertise the book
Love to read thrillers? Are you a fan of Dan Brown's books and Robert Langdon? Then you got to read "Angels and Demons". It is a Robert Langdon thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Buy it now at any bookstore nearby.
Evaluation
Q4:What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? Why?
To me, I think the most interesting part of the book is when Robert Langdon tries to figure out the next church so that he can, together with the police, to catch the abductor and murderer of the cardinals that were kidnapped. I find this part most interesting as it gives the reader a little mystery to solve before Robert Langdon solves and find the church. Much information about the history of these church and symbols comes in which makes the story more interesting. IT makes the reader wanting to know more.
Application
Q1:What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited your classroom?
Firstly, the main character of this book,Angels and Demons,is a Harvard professor named Robert Langdon. He is a professor of religious iconology and symbology at Harvard University. He has actually written over a dozen books, all about religious iconology and symbology. Examples are The Art of Illuminati, The Symbology of Secret Sects, The Lost Language of Ideograms and the renowned textbook, Religious Iconology.
According to the book, he can be seen discussing computer graphics and religious history with his students on weekends or lecturing at museum openings.
If Mr Robert Langdon really visited my classroom, he would most likely discuss with all of us about religious iconology and symbology. But first, I am sure he is clear that we are only secondary school students who know nothing about these two subjects.
So, this is the sequence of things he is going to do are:
1) Briefly introduce to us what is symbology about
2) Discuss with us about simple symbology
3) Share with us about his experience with symbology
4) Lastly, encourage us to take up symbology and give us our best wishes
Analysis
Q2:If your story occured long ago, compare that time with today in a good paragraph.If it was a modern story, compare it with a long time ago and tell what would be different
Angels and Demons is a modern story. In comparison with a long time ago, somethings indeed would be different.Firstly, in the story, the illuminati used an antimatter canister to threaten to wipe out the Vatican. Once the antimatter comes in contact with the matter, it would explode. Such advanced technology would not be possible to be found long time ago. The terrorists would most probably use normal bombs to wipe out the Vatican. Secondly, professors at that time did not know that much information as information was not that easily able to obtain. So, professional help may not be able to be obtained. Lastly, at that time, the Vatican archives were not yet open to the public, no one, except important people like the pope, was allowed to enter. Therefore, the quest to find the churches would not be able to solve.
Synthesis
Q3 :Make a radio announcement to advertise the book
Love to read thrillers? Are you a fan of Dan Brown's books and Robert Langdon? Then you got to read "Angels and Demons". It is a Robert Langdon thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Buy it now at any bookstore nearby.
Evaluation
Q4:What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? Why?
To me, I think the most interesting part of the book is when Robert Langdon tries to figure out the next church so that he can, together with the police, to catch the abductor and murderer of the cardinals that were kidnapped. I find this part most interesting as it gives the reader a little mystery to solve before Robert Langdon solves and find the church. Much information about the history of these church and symbols comes in which makes the story more interesting. IT makes the reader wanting to know more.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Should we be rewarded for our efforts in school?
Being rewarded, is it a yes or no? Many students like me will of course shout out a big yes. But is it a good thing actually? Rewarding has both a positive and negative side to it.
How did rewarding started? Well, it all started when a student could not get what he wants but he comes into a deal with his parents that they promised to get him what he wants as a reward if he is able to achieve good results. Then, the idea of rewarding spread throughout and more and more students adopt this idea.
Well, the positive side of this particular idea is that students would work and strive even harder each time to achieve their goals and get what they always wanted. Although this may seem materialistic, but the students get good results and becomes smarter. It also serves as an encouragement.
The negative side is that the students have no motivation other than the reward offered. Without the reward, the students would not study at all as they find it meaningless. This way, their grades would deprove and no knowledge is obtained. Another negative side is that if their parents discovered the present they requested is very expensive and they cannot afford it, the students would lose motivation to study and the same negative outcome would happen.
Under what conditions can parents reward students? Well, if it serves as an encouragement for the student to work harder. Parents must also test if the students can study willingly without the reward given to them. The present must also be affordable and not to grand like a pen or something. Never give a present like a car.
To reward or not, is your choice, but do it in the right time with the right conditions.
How did rewarding started? Well, it all started when a student could not get what he wants but he comes into a deal with his parents that they promised to get him what he wants as a reward if he is able to achieve good results. Then, the idea of rewarding spread throughout and more and more students adopt this idea.
Well, the positive side of this particular idea is that students would work and strive even harder each time to achieve their goals and get what they always wanted. Although this may seem materialistic, but the students get good results and becomes smarter. It also serves as an encouragement.
The negative side is that the students have no motivation other than the reward offered. Without the reward, the students would not study at all as they find it meaningless. This way, their grades would deprove and no knowledge is obtained. Another negative side is that if their parents discovered the present they requested is very expensive and they cannot afford it, the students would lose motivation to study and the same negative outcome would happen.
Under what conditions can parents reward students? Well, if it serves as an encouragement for the student to work harder. Parents must also test if the students can study willingly without the reward given to them. The present must also be affordable and not to grand like a pen or something. Never give a present like a car.
To reward or not, is your choice, but do it in the right time with the right conditions.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
If you could eliminate one emotion from the world, which one would you eliminate?
There are so many emotions in the world that I would wish to eliminate, but I know that I can only eliminate one.After a few days of pondering, I finally arrived at a decision. I decided to eliminate jealousy.
Why? Jealousy can lead to many other emotions like pain, anger and sadness. In other words, due to this emotion, we would be experiencing torture. Although sometimes, people may be jealous of you and you may be happy about it, it causes more pain than happiness.
Jealousy can lead to negative thinking and even thoughts of commiting suicide. Anger will play a part and you will feel the strong urge to kill this particular person. Most of the time, it is uncontrollable and this would cause you to do something stupid. It may even have a strong negative impact on your life. For example, if you really went to beat this person because he or she is better than you, you may even end up in jail.
The only positive impact jealousy would have on you is that you would work even harder to get better results to win your compatitor.
A compatitive environment would involve lots of jealousy and many people would be very stressed. I wish to remove this emotion so that lesser people's health would be affected and a compatitve environment would be removed.
Why? Jealousy can lead to many other emotions like pain, anger and sadness. In other words, due to this emotion, we would be experiencing torture. Although sometimes, people may be jealous of you and you may be happy about it, it causes more pain than happiness.
Jealousy can lead to negative thinking and even thoughts of commiting suicide. Anger will play a part and you will feel the strong urge to kill this particular person. Most of the time, it is uncontrollable and this would cause you to do something stupid. It may even have a strong negative impact on your life. For example, if you really went to beat this person because he or she is better than you, you may even end up in jail.
The only positive impact jealousy would have on you is that you would work even harder to get better results to win your compatitor.
A compatitive environment would involve lots of jealousy and many people would be very stressed. I wish to remove this emotion so that lesser people's health would be affected and a compatitve environment would be removed.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
What is the right way to live?
What is the right way to live?
Many people nowadays are completely clueless about the right way to live.There are a few things we have to do such that we can live our lives to its fullest.
Firstly, we have to be brave enough to face challenges, difficulties, failures and fears. These things are part and parcel of life. If we do not even have the courage to face them, how are we going to move on in life?
Secondly, we have to be optimistic in life. Never be pessimistic and give up hope. Look on the bright side of life. Things would always somehow work out. Treat everything you meet in life as a learning experience to you, including failures and challenges. If you are pessimistic, you would start thinking it is the end of the world for you.
Thirdly, we need to exercise to ensure a healthy life and a healthy mind. Without a healthy body and a healthy mind, we would not be able to think properly and make the important decisions in life. Never stay at home and become a couch potato.
Next, we must be decisive. Have our own decisions so that everything we do is on our own will. Do not just follow with what other people say and end up regretting your decision. That is when it is too late.
Furthermore, we must cherish the time we have as life is short and we do not know what is going to happen next. That is why we must make use of this time to accomplish something and do whatever you want to do. This way, you would reduce the number of regrets in life.
Lastly, we should learn at least a new thing everyday. In this way, we would gradually increase our knowledge and be aware of what is going on now.
There are actually many other things we should do to live life the right way. To live it the right way or not, its your choice.But I would encourage you to go for it.
Many people nowadays are completely clueless about the right way to live.There are a few things we have to do such that we can live our lives to its fullest.
Firstly, we have to be brave enough to face challenges, difficulties, failures and fears. These things are part and parcel of life. If we do not even have the courage to face them, how are we going to move on in life?
Secondly, we have to be optimistic in life. Never be pessimistic and give up hope. Look on the bright side of life. Things would always somehow work out. Treat everything you meet in life as a learning experience to you, including failures and challenges. If you are pessimistic, you would start thinking it is the end of the world for you.
Thirdly, we need to exercise to ensure a healthy life and a healthy mind. Without a healthy body and a healthy mind, we would not be able to think properly and make the important decisions in life. Never stay at home and become a couch potato.
Next, we must be decisive. Have our own decisions so that everything we do is on our own will. Do not just follow with what other people say and end up regretting your decision. That is when it is too late.
Furthermore, we must cherish the time we have as life is short and we do not know what is going to happen next. That is why we must make use of this time to accomplish something and do whatever you want to do. This way, you would reduce the number of regrets in life.
Lastly, we should learn at least a new thing everyday. In this way, we would gradually increase our knowledge and be aware of what is going on now.
There are actually many other things we should do to live life the right way. To live it the right way or not, its your choice.But I would encourage you to go for it.
So we control technology or does technology controls us?
About a million years ago, our ancestors aka cavemen had nothing but stones and other natural resources with them. However, they managed to use these resources to build tools that aid them. Though it was simple and serves only a function,that was how technology started.
Currently, we live in the age of technology where many useful things have been invented. These things have indeed improved the quality of our lives drastically. Work can be done with lesser effort. Traveling great distances is now never a problem to us, thanks to the invention of cars and air planes.
From the surface, it may seem that we, humans, are the ones who control technology. However, technology does control us sometimes and these lead to negative consequences.
One case is that parents nowadays complain that their children are constantly addicted to computer games. This affected their results and performance at school. It is understandable that they need to play to relax but if they constantly play too much at a longer duration, they would get addicted and controlled by the game.
Another case is that when our mobile phones' battery go flat, we cannot contact the people we need to contact and what if we are lost? Not everywhere has a public phone and there is nothing we can do to help ourselves.
It is no doubt that technology has improved our lives in the modern age. However, as technology gradually improves in the future, we must also be able to rely on ourselves and not let technology control us. If there is a day when technology fails to do the work for us, there would be nothing we can do if we let technology controls us.
Do not let technology control you.
Currently, we live in the age of technology where many useful things have been invented. These things have indeed improved the quality of our lives drastically. Work can be done with lesser effort. Traveling great distances is now never a problem to us, thanks to the invention of cars and air planes.
From the surface, it may seem that we, humans, are the ones who control technology. However, technology does control us sometimes and these lead to negative consequences.
One case is that parents nowadays complain that their children are constantly addicted to computer games. This affected their results and performance at school. It is understandable that they need to play to relax but if they constantly play too much at a longer duration, they would get addicted and controlled by the game.
Another case is that when our mobile phones' battery go flat, we cannot contact the people we need to contact and what if we are lost? Not everywhere has a public phone and there is nothing we can do to help ourselves.
It is no doubt that technology has improved our lives in the modern age. However, as technology gradually improves in the future, we must also be able to rely on ourselves and not let technology control us. If there is a day when technology fails to do the work for us, there would be nothing we can do if we let technology controls us.
Do not let technology control you.
How do you know who your friends are?
Almost everyone feels that friends are those who are the next closest people around you, those who care for you, those whom you share all your joy and unhappiness and vice versa. They are also those who can teach you and those whom you will remember for the rest of your entire life.
To me, I actually agree with what they say. They are the special people whom would help you in your life regardless of the huge amount of difficulty you face. However, we must also remember to help them too.
I still remembered the times I had with all my best friends in primary school. On chinese new year eve, all 18 of us went back to our primary school to visit our teachers and juniors. After the celebration, we all went to secret receipe opposite our school and had a great lunch together. In the afternoon, we all went back to school again and used the street soccer court to play games like soccer, captain's ball etc. During soccer, I accidentally passed to the wrong person and he scored a goal. My friends did not scold me or anything but they encouraged me and asked me to play more carefully.
Of course, everything has 2 sides, including friends. Friends can be both good and bad. Good friends would lead by example, teach you the correct values and morales in life, support you all the way, share his or her joy or sorrow with you, be your listening ear and not watch you do the wrong things without stopping you. Bad friends would lead you astray, watch you suffer and do nothing. They are those people whom we should never mix with them.
We can tell who are our true friends through their actions. If that person does not care about you, influences you to do the wrong things, threatens you, they are the people you should not make friends with.
Be careful while making friends as a wrong one would destroy your life. I hope that my friendship with my best friends would last forever.
To me, I actually agree with what they say. They are the special people whom would help you in your life regardless of the huge amount of difficulty you face. However, we must also remember to help them too.
I still remembered the times I had with all my best friends in primary school. On chinese new year eve, all 18 of us went back to our primary school to visit our teachers and juniors. After the celebration, we all went to secret receipe opposite our school and had a great lunch together. In the afternoon, we all went back to school again and used the street soccer court to play games like soccer, captain's ball etc. During soccer, I accidentally passed to the wrong person and he scored a goal. My friends did not scold me or anything but they encouraged me and asked me to play more carefully.
Of course, everything has 2 sides, including friends. Friends can be both good and bad. Good friends would lead by example, teach you the correct values and morales in life, support you all the way, share his or her joy or sorrow with you, be your listening ear and not watch you do the wrong things without stopping you. Bad friends would lead you astray, watch you suffer and do nothing. They are those people whom we should never mix with them.
We can tell who are our true friends through their actions. If that person does not care about you, influences you to do the wrong things, threatens you, they are the people you should not make friends with.
Be careful while making friends as a wrong one would destroy your life. I hope that my friendship with my best friends would last forever.
Monday, May 25, 2009
My first semester being a secondary one student
Wow, almost half a year has passed. Too much things have happened in this half a year, both good and bad.(Most of the time is bad)I began to get use to not seeing girls around in school that often while some of my others friends still cannot adapt and always go out to either the bus stop outside or the JC side to see girls.
First term was quite slack, I feel. It was mostly about getting use to the new life in school because both lives in primary school and secondary school is a big difference. New subjects, new environment, new commitments etc. These are some things I do not like as they make your life in school a busy life. Although there are some good things like making new and good friends on the first day of school. My result was ok though I really dislike some subjects in school which I feel that they were boring. I took some time to adapt to the new and busy life in school, new cca commitments with long training sessions etc.
I had to learn to get use to teacher's scolding, sleeping late while trying to accomplish all of the homework that were given from the horrible teachers in school. Sometimes, I do wonder that if I had chosen to go to some other neighbourhood school instead of this elite school, would life be less stressful?
Just before the March holidays, we had a camp in the outdoors and I had some first hand experience of sleeping in a tent. One word to describe, hot. The activities were fun and interesting like the milo pool.
Time flew, second term came. That was where the stress came. More tests, projects and higher expectations came in. Most importantly, more homework!!!!! Almost everyday I had to sleep late and finish the homework given. The tests were horrible. Now my panda eyes came back. I know all these are inevitable. I began to feel that my life sucks. I studied so hard that I could not even breathe.
Thank god June holidays are round the corner. I plan to do as many ACE projects for every subject such that I can maximise my ACE points and bring up my grades. I also plan to revise for every subject such that I'm well prepared for the next semester. I want to try my best to achieve better grades when the next semester comes. This is an appeal to all pri 6 students, enjoy your good life and friends. I hope life would be better.
First term was quite slack, I feel. It was mostly about getting use to the new life in school because both lives in primary school and secondary school is a big difference. New subjects, new environment, new commitments etc. These are some things I do not like as they make your life in school a busy life. Although there are some good things like making new and good friends on the first day of school. My result was ok though I really dislike some subjects in school which I feel that they were boring. I took some time to adapt to the new and busy life in school, new cca commitments with long training sessions etc.
I had to learn to get use to teacher's scolding, sleeping late while trying to accomplish all of the homework that were given from the horrible teachers in school. Sometimes, I do wonder that if I had chosen to go to some other neighbourhood school instead of this elite school, would life be less stressful?
Just before the March holidays, we had a camp in the outdoors and I had some first hand experience of sleeping in a tent. One word to describe, hot. The activities were fun and interesting like the milo pool.
Time flew, second term came. That was where the stress came. More tests, projects and higher expectations came in. Most importantly, more homework!!!!! Almost everyday I had to sleep late and finish the homework given. The tests were horrible. Now my panda eyes came back. I know all these are inevitable. I began to feel that my life sucks. I studied so hard that I could not even breathe.
Thank god June holidays are round the corner. I plan to do as many ACE projects for every subject such that I can maximise my ACE points and bring up my grades. I also plan to revise for every subject such that I'm well prepared for the next semester. I want to try my best to achieve better grades when the next semester comes. This is an appeal to all pri 6 students, enjoy your good life and friends. I hope life would be better.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Uniquely Singapore
What makes Singapore, such a small country, unique from the other countries? Lots of people have been wondering about that question. Well, actually the answer can be found in our daily lives.
Firstly, we, as Singaporeans, have somehow created a language for ourselves. I think we should all know the name of this language. Singlish. It is a combination of both english and dialects. It is relatively easy for us Singaporeans to use. However, the government strongly opposes it and encourages us to use more of English and Chinese.
Secondly, we have our own delicious local food that can't be found anywhere else like char kway teow, carrot cake etc. These are some of our delicious local foods in Singapore. Original!! So delicious that people keep wanting more.
There are so many others that make us unique and it is up to us Singaporeans to find out and compare. It is our duty. Let's us all be proud of our country.
Firstly, we, as Singaporeans, have somehow created a language for ourselves. I think we should all know the name of this language. Singlish. It is a combination of both english and dialects. It is relatively easy for us Singaporeans to use. However, the government strongly opposes it and encourages us to use more of English and Chinese.
Secondly, we have our own delicious local food that can't be found anywhere else like char kway teow, carrot cake etc. These are some of our delicious local foods in Singapore. Original!! So delicious that people keep wanting more.
There are so many others that make us unique and it is up to us Singaporeans to find out and compare. It is our duty. Let's us all be proud of our country.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Swine flu
Hi all, it has been very long since I have posted anything.I'm sure we all know why. My blog has been collecting dust online. lol. recently there has been an outbreak of swine flu across the globe. Many countries have their people affected with this flu. The World Health Organisation has been alerting many countries to be prepared to fight a battle with this virus.
A few weeks ago, Singapore has raised its alert to orange. Schools have taken drastic measures to ensure that everyone was in perfect condition to go to school. People going to public places like MRT stations and bus stops have to take their temperatures. Even advertisements about precautions to take on preventing the spread of the flu bug have been aired. We can see how the government takes it so seriously.
Frankly speaking, I have been hoping that the alert would be raised to red or black alert, this way there would be no school and I can take the chance to slack at home. Frankly speaking, who in our class is not hoping for that to happen?
Although now it has been lowered to yellow alert as the situation has improved, everyone must still remain alert and vigilant. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself and it become the second SARS.
A few weeks ago, Singapore has raised its alert to orange. Schools have taken drastic measures to ensure that everyone was in perfect condition to go to school. People going to public places like MRT stations and bus stops have to take their temperatures. Even advertisements about precautions to take on preventing the spread of the flu bug have been aired. We can see how the government takes it so seriously.
Frankly speaking, I have been hoping that the alert would be raised to red or black alert, this way there would be no school and I can take the chance to slack at home. Frankly speaking, who in our class is not hoping for that to happen?
Although now it has been lowered to yellow alert as the situation has improved, everyone must still remain alert and vigilant. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself and it become the second SARS.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Report on a great leader, Adolf Hitler
Im history, there are many great leaders, but the one that really deserves my respect is Adolf Hitler. No one in this world should not know whom he is.
Early life
Adolf Hilter was borned in Austria-Hungary, on 20 April 1889. He was the fourth child out of the six in the family. His father, Alois Hilter, was a custom officer. His mother, Klara Pölzl, was his father's third wife. She was also his cousin. Adolf Hilter had a troubled childhood, as his father had always been violent towards him and his mother. He was often beated by his father.
The young Hilter had been a good student in elementary school. But when he was in the sixth grade, he failed and had to repeat the grade. Hilter later said that his deterioration in education was a form of rebellion against his father, who wanted him to follow in his footsteps as a custom officer. But, his interest lied in painting. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school without a diploma.
A second volume of Mein Kampf was also published in 1927. It included the history of the Nazi party andhow to obtain and retain political power, how to use propaganda and terrorism, and how to build a political organization.
Rise to power
Once he was released from prison, he decided to seize power democratically rather than by force. He spoke to mass audiences, telling the Germans to resist the Jews and communists and to build an empire that would rule the world for 1000 years.
Hilter's Nazi party achieved 18% of the popular votes in the election. In 1932, he ran for president and won 30% of the votes. A political deal was made to him which is to make him chancellor in exchange for his political support. He was appointed into that office in January 1933.
Upon the death of Hindenburg, the person who won against him in the elections, in August 1934, Hitler was the consensus successor. Hitler claimed credit and consolidated his position as a dictator, having succeeded in eliminating challenges from other political parties and government institutions. He then called all his top military aides together for a conference and he presented his plans for world domination. Those who opposed were dismissed.
World War 2
Hilter's army invaded Poland on September 1 1939, causing France and England to join the war. German tanks and infantry swept most of Western Europe as nation after nation fell to Germany.
He ignored a non aggression pact signed with the Soviet Union and invaded the Soviet Union. Ever since the invasion, he faced defeats at Moscow and Stanlingrad. The United States entered the war in 1941. By 1944, the allies occupied Europe and German cities were destroyed in the bombing. Germany's major ally, Italy, had also fallen.
Hitler's last days
Several attempts were made to kill Hilter, but they were unsuccessful. Seeing that the war is inevitably lost and his lieutenants defied his orders, he killed himself in April 30,1945.
Hilter was a great leader and I admire his charisma and visionary, which I think is more important than honesty, passion. A great leader needs to persuade his followers to follow him and agree with him. Values like honesty and passion is common in people but it would not help in persuading your followers. What I do not admire about him is that he is blinded by his desire of world domination and because of that, many innocent lives were taken in the war.
Acknowledgement
http://remember.org/guide/Facts.root.hitler.html
Early life
Adolf Hilter was borned in Austria-Hungary, on 20 April 1889. He was the fourth child out of the six in the family. His father, Alois Hilter, was a custom officer. His mother, Klara Pölzl, was his father's third wife. She was also his cousin. Adolf Hilter had a troubled childhood, as his father had always been violent towards him and his mother. He was often beated by his father.
The young Hilter had been a good student in elementary school. But when he was in the sixth grade, he failed and had to repeat the grade. Hilter later said that his deterioration in education was a form of rebellion against his father, who wanted him to follow in his footsteps as a custom officer. But, his interest lied in painting. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school without a diploma.
The Munich Putsch
On November 8,1923, he held a rally speech at a Munich beer hall and declared a revolution. The next day, he led 2000 armed "brown shirts" in attempt to take over the Bavarian government. However, it was resisted and put down by the police and more than a dozen was killed. Hilter had a broken and dislocated arm, was arrested by the police, and imprisoned. He received a five year sentence.
Mein Kampf
During his time in prison, he wrote the first volume of Mein Kampf. It was partly an autobiographical book. In this book, he wrote his views about future Germans and expressed his hatred against the Jews. He wrote that the Jews were responsible for Germany's defeat in war and all evil and problems in the world. Germany could stop the Jews from conquering the world by elminating them.A second volume of Mein Kampf was also published in 1927. It included the history of the Nazi party andhow to obtain and retain political power, how to use propaganda and terrorism, and how to build a political organization.
Rise to power
Once he was released from prison, he decided to seize power democratically rather than by force. He spoke to mass audiences, telling the Germans to resist the Jews and communists and to build an empire that would rule the world for 1000 years.
Hilter's Nazi party achieved 18% of the popular votes in the election. In 1932, he ran for president and won 30% of the votes. A political deal was made to him which is to make him chancellor in exchange for his political support. He was appointed into that office in January 1933.
Upon the death of Hindenburg, the person who won against him in the elections, in August 1934, Hitler was the consensus successor. Hitler claimed credit and consolidated his position as a dictator, having succeeded in eliminating challenges from other political parties and government institutions. He then called all his top military aides together for a conference and he presented his plans for world domination. Those who opposed were dismissed.
World War 2
Hilter's army invaded Poland on September 1 1939, causing France and England to join the war. German tanks and infantry swept most of Western Europe as nation after nation fell to Germany.
He ignored a non aggression pact signed with the Soviet Union and invaded the Soviet Union. Ever since the invasion, he faced defeats at Moscow and Stanlingrad. The United States entered the war in 1941. By 1944, the allies occupied Europe and German cities were destroyed in the bombing. Germany's major ally, Italy, had also fallen.
Hitler's last days
Several attempts were made to kill Hilter, but they were unsuccessful. Seeing that the war is inevitably lost and his lieutenants defied his orders, he killed himself in April 30,1945.
Hilter was a great leader and I admire his charisma and visionary, which I think is more important than honesty, passion. A great leader needs to persuade his followers to follow him and agree with him. Values like honesty and passion is common in people but it would not help in persuading your followers. What I do not admire about him is that he is blinded by his desire of world domination and because of that, many innocent lives were taken in the war.
Acknowledgement
http://remember.org/guide/Facts.root.hitler.html
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Lottery and its relevance to the society
The story, " The Lottery", is in many ways relevant to our modern society. I will discuss in what ways is the story related to our society.
Firstly, the hyprocrisy of human nature in our modern society can be clearly reflected throughout the story. For example, Mrs Delacroix was friends with Mrs Hutchinson, but when she was about to get stoned to death, she chose one of the large stones to be thrown at.
Actions of hyprocrisy can also be found in our modern society nowadays. Not long ago, ex-NKF CEO Mr TT Durai was found embezzling funds that belonged to the organization. When we donated our money to NKF for charity, they even ensured that the money would go to the needy. But eventually, Mr Durai used the money for his own personal uses, like buying several cars and a gold tap. Even when going for business trips, he takes Singapore Airlines First Class. All the money comes from us, kind-hearted citizens of Singapore.
Secondly, the story shows a great element of neglecting traditions and rituals. Many people just wanted to quickly get over the lottery. This is the type of thinking nowadays. People think that these things are just a waste of time and just want to get over it quickly and do what they want. However, I feel that if the tradition is meaningless and has negative consequences, it should be eliminated then.
Firstly, the hyprocrisy of human nature in our modern society can be clearly reflected throughout the story. For example, Mrs Delacroix was friends with Mrs Hutchinson, but when she was about to get stoned to death, she chose one of the large stones to be thrown at.
Actions of hyprocrisy can also be found in our modern society nowadays. Not long ago, ex-NKF CEO Mr TT Durai was found embezzling funds that belonged to the organization. When we donated our money to NKF for charity, they even ensured that the money would go to the needy. But eventually, Mr Durai used the money for his own personal uses, like buying several cars and a gold tap. Even when going for business trips, he takes Singapore Airlines First Class. All the money comes from us, kind-hearted citizens of Singapore.
Secondly, the story shows a great element of neglecting traditions and rituals. Many people just wanted to quickly get over the lottery. This is the type of thinking nowadays. People think that these things are just a waste of time and just want to get over it quickly and do what they want. However, I feel that if the tradition is meaningless and has negative consequences, it should be eliminated then.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sec 1 Camp Coming Up!!! YAY!!
As we all know, the Sec 1 Camp is held next week from Wednesday to Friday and I am so looking forward to it.Why? Well the thing is there are no lessons conducted on these days, which means no homework and no more extra crazy stuff going into my brain. YAY!!! Coming to my brain, poor brain. It has been suffering from too much stress and information coming from lessons that it almost broke down! Can you believe it! Without my brain, there is no need for me to go for lessons and take exams. I cannot even play computer games!
Another good thing is that there are no EP3s on those days and I am so happy(no offence).EP3S are just too tiring. Everytime after EP3, I go back home so tired that I do not even have the energy to eat my dinner. Can you imagine doing footdrills for long hours and you even have to run 2.4km in the hot sun!!!
This time the Sec 1 camp is held at the same place where my P5 camp was held at . I still remembered the good memories in my P5 camp, espescially the high elements and the flying fox, these two were the best things in the camp.While going through these two elements, I felt like I was flying in the air like an eagle, so free and so thrilling!
This time, I would expect a slight change in the activities planned for us as we all have grown older and maybe there are also other activities that suits us now. But, there is still one more thing I hope would change, which is the toilet cubicles. The last time I went there, it smelt so foul that I did not bath for the three days. Can you believe it!!! Not bathing for three days!!!
The objective of the camp now is too let us step out of our comfort zone and experience life on our own. I think this is good as it trains us to get ready for NS as we would be living on our own when we progress on to NS. Another objective is to let us realise how fortunate we are now and to appreciate what we have now, which to me is a good thing. Take the air-conditioner for example, many people just take it for granted. When it is not cold enough, they just throw it away when cleaning it would improve the situation. Throwing it away would be wasting money and polluting the environment.
The sad thing is that I would be away from my PSP, computer and my comfortable bed for two and a half days. :( Sad. Well, I just have to accept it as it would be the same situation when I grow up and join the NS. I just have to treat it as a training for me then.
I would end off by wishing all Sec 1s a fun filled trip in the Sec 1 camp!!
Another good thing is that there are no EP3s on those days and I am so happy(no offence).EP3S are just too tiring. Everytime after EP3, I go back home so tired that I do not even have the energy to eat my dinner. Can you imagine doing footdrills for long hours and you even have to run 2.4km in the hot sun!!!
This time the Sec 1 camp is held at the same place where my P5 camp was held at . I still remembered the good memories in my P5 camp, espescially the high elements and the flying fox, these two were the best things in the camp.While going through these two elements, I felt like I was flying in the air like an eagle, so free and so thrilling!
This time, I would expect a slight change in the activities planned for us as we all have grown older and maybe there are also other activities that suits us now. But, there is still one more thing I hope would change, which is the toilet cubicles. The last time I went there, it smelt so foul that I did not bath for the three days. Can you believe it!!! Not bathing for three days!!!
The objective of the camp now is too let us step out of our comfort zone and experience life on our own. I think this is good as it trains us to get ready for NS as we would be living on our own when we progress on to NS. Another objective is to let us realise how fortunate we are now and to appreciate what we have now, which to me is a good thing. Take the air-conditioner for example, many people just take it for granted. When it is not cold enough, they just throw it away when cleaning it would improve the situation. Throwing it away would be wasting money and polluting the environment.
The sad thing is that I would be away from my PSP, computer and my comfortable bed for two and a half days. :( Sad. Well, I just have to accept it as it would be the same situation when I grow up and join the NS. I just have to treat it as a training for me then.
I would end off by wishing all Sec 1s a fun filled trip in the Sec 1 camp!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Merlion being struck by lightning
On Saturday, February28 2009, the Merlion situated at Merlion Park was struck by lightning. It caused a hole in the Merlion's head.The lightning was also partly caused by the bad weather and the recent rains in Singapore. What a crazy weather! The Merlion is a symbol that represents Singapore.If the Merlion got struck by lightning, would it mean a bad year for Singapore? Also, the hole can mean that Singapore would lose a lot of money and the economy would worsen. This signifies that something bad would happen.
But, we must always think on the positive side. According to a geomancy expert(whose name I am not very clear with),the Merlion which got struck can mean that the Merlion has blocked a disaster for us, Singaporeans. It also can mean that the economy may become better as the disaster that the Merlion had blocked for us maybe preventing the economy from become worse.
Now to the issue on our economy, its becoming worse each day.Many people are out of jobs and needy families are in need of cash. The government has came up with the $20.5 billion dollars resillience package to help Singapore aid through the bad times. Now, we are all relying on 1 person to save the economy, Barrack Obama.
The big question is, can Obama save the economy??Can he improve it such that everyone has a job and stable income??
We better pray he can. If he cannot improve it, kids cannot have an increase in allowance and people would not be able to buy the things they want.
But, we must always think on the positive side. According to a geomancy expert(whose name I am not very clear with),the Merlion which got struck can mean that the Merlion has blocked a disaster for us, Singaporeans. It also can mean that the economy may become better as the disaster that the Merlion had blocked for us maybe preventing the economy from become worse.
Now to the issue on our economy, its becoming worse each day.Many people are out of jobs and needy families are in need of cash. The government has came up with the $20.5 billion dollars resillience package to help Singapore aid through the bad times. Now, we are all relying on 1 person to save the economy, Barrack Obama.
The big question is, can Obama save the economy??Can he improve it such that everyone has a job and stable income??
We better pray he can. If he cannot improve it, kids cannot have an increase in allowance and people would not be able to buy the things they want.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Question to Flowers for Algernon
Q4. I prefer the Charlie with the IQ of 200. As his IQ has increased tremendously, he became a lot smarter and was able to solve problems on his own. He also acquired a lot of new skills like reading difficult books and able to conduct his own research. He was also able to care for people which were mostly the mentally challenged, like when he was in the restaurant where he met the mentally disabled dishwasher who was teased by the customers. Charlie was able to understand how it felt to be laughed at and he protected him. He also decided to help the mentally disabled so that they would not be laughed at again. This also shows that gaining his IQ helped him not only to be smarter but also in his character too.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The taximan story answers
Q1. The irony is that the taximan objects his daughter n some other girls' misconduct, rowdy behavior and attitude like going out with their boyfriends who are foreigners instead of studying and lying to their parents too but he likes ferrying such girls and their boyfriends as he earns more money from them.
Q2. The themes which are raised in the story are greed and how cunning can human nature be when it comes to earning more money, which is reflected in the taximan's attitude. Although it seems that he dislikes youngsters' behavior nowadays, he actually likes it when these girls board his taxi as he earns more money from them. He even prefers to work at 1am when the girls are hanging out with their boyfriends and the fares is double too.
Q3. I think to me only part of the story is realistic, especially the part where he describes on how the youngsters nowadays behave. In reality, there are really girls who do not go home and hang out with foreigners as their boyfriends. Youngsters also do not really take education seriously these days and think that there is no need to study. People also do not really touch on their own personal and unhappy things, like for example, how the taximan beats his daughter and scolds her.
Q4. From the way he speaks, I think that he is a captivative speaker as during the journey he was able to attract the attention of the lady in his taxi. However, there were many gramatical errors and he used singlish, which gives me the impression of an uneducated typical singaporean.
I do feel sympathy for him. He has encountered many cases of young children lying to their parents as a taximan and I am sure he dislikes this behavior very much. Unfortunately for him, his favourite and obedient daughter had turned rebellious and lied to him about having extra coaching in mathematics after school.
Q5. I do not agree fully with his lamenting. It is very normal for teens to turn rebellious when they start growing up and that is why parents should understand the needs of teenagers. While growing up, teenagers would also have a growing curiosity of something new. Maybe they were curious about how going to clubs felt like. To me, this is very normal.
Q6. I feel sympathy for the taximan's daughter. Although she just hanged out with some of her friends at the coffeehouse and lied to her father, which are considered as "inapporiate acts" to him, she does not deserve to be slapped and beat till she dies.
Q2. The themes which are raised in the story are greed and how cunning can human nature be when it comes to earning more money, which is reflected in the taximan's attitude. Although it seems that he dislikes youngsters' behavior nowadays, he actually likes it when these girls board his taxi as he earns more money from them. He even prefers to work at 1am when the girls are hanging out with their boyfriends and the fares is double too.
Q3. I think to me only part of the story is realistic, especially the part where he describes on how the youngsters nowadays behave. In reality, there are really girls who do not go home and hang out with foreigners as their boyfriends. Youngsters also do not really take education seriously these days and think that there is no need to study. People also do not really touch on their own personal and unhappy things, like for example, how the taximan beats his daughter and scolds her.
Q4. From the way he speaks, I think that he is a captivative speaker as during the journey he was able to attract the attention of the lady in his taxi. However, there were many gramatical errors and he used singlish, which gives me the impression of an uneducated typical singaporean.
I do feel sympathy for him. He has encountered many cases of young children lying to their parents as a taximan and I am sure he dislikes this behavior very much. Unfortunately for him, his favourite and obedient daughter had turned rebellious and lied to him about having extra coaching in mathematics after school.
Q5. I do not agree fully with his lamenting. It is very normal for teens to turn rebellious when they start growing up and that is why parents should understand the needs of teenagers. While growing up, teenagers would also have a growing curiosity of something new. Maybe they were curious about how going to clubs felt like. To me, this is very normal.
Q6. I feel sympathy for the taximan's daughter. Although she just hanged out with some of her friends at the coffeehouse and lied to her father, which are considered as "inapporiate acts" to him, she does not deserve to be slapped and beat till she dies.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Hi all, sorry I have not been writing these weeks. I was so busy with homework given by the teachers. I was hoping that a holiday was coming and there really was. Chinese New Year came to the rescue.
On the 23rd, the school held a celebration of the arrival of Chinese New Year. Right after the end of the celebration, I met up with my old school mates and we dashed to the bus stop to board bus number 156. When we reached my primary school, Henry Park Primary School, I realised that my school was the first to release us compared to the other schools. We waited for our friends from other schools to arrive and proceeded on to visit our former teachers. I even visited my juniors in the class I used to be in.
As afternoon approaches, everyone was getting hungry. We went to a restaurant opposite our school and had lunch together. We needed to join lots of tables. Imagine 20 people in a restaurant sitting together in a long table that is joined by 5 tables. We chatted and talked about our respective schools we are in now.
After lunch, we went back to HPPS, where no one was rhere, and played captains ball. We all split into two teams, Chinese schools against English schools. Although it was just a friendly game, everyone played very well. At about 6pm, we all said goodbye and went home. I was kinda sad as this is the first time we met since we separated and had so much fun. On the journey home, I was looking forward to the next time we will all meet.
Chinese New Year eve, 25th January, I was busy at home trying to finish all my homework so that I can have a fun-filled Chinese New Year, but unfortunately, it was still mission impossible. I only had time to finish some before I need to go to my paternal grandparents' house for reunion dinner. There, I met all my uncles, aunties and cousins and we had a wonderful dinner together. The best part is I get to "lao yu shang" with everyone. It was both fun and tasty.
I had to stay up late, according to the chinese tradition, it is called shou sui. The later you sleep, the longer your parents live. I also made use of this time to finish my homework. I ended up sleeping at 3.30am.
First day of Chinese New year, I could not wake up, no matter how many times my alarm rang, I still could not. Until the thought of getting 'ang paos' appeared in my mind, I motivated myself to wake up, for the sake of getting rich.
My family and I went to many of my relatives' houses and I had many 'ang paos' . I also took the chance to eat tibits and play with my cousins. After all the visting, I was tired and hungry. My family and I had steamboat for dinner. Most of the vegtables and meat was cleared by me as I was too hungry. I also took the chance to take a break.
Second day of Chinese New Year, I used the day to finish my homework. The day was boring and we did not do any more visting.
How I wish time would just stop at Friday the 23rd and repeat over and over again after Chinese New Year ended!
On the 23rd, the school held a celebration of the arrival of Chinese New Year. Right after the end of the celebration, I met up with my old school mates and we dashed to the bus stop to board bus number 156. When we reached my primary school, Henry Park Primary School, I realised that my school was the first to release us compared to the other schools. We waited for our friends from other schools to arrive and proceeded on to visit our former teachers. I even visited my juniors in the class I used to be in.
As afternoon approaches, everyone was getting hungry. We went to a restaurant opposite our school and had lunch together. We needed to join lots of tables. Imagine 20 people in a restaurant sitting together in a long table that is joined by 5 tables. We chatted and talked about our respective schools we are in now.
After lunch, we went back to HPPS, where no one was rhere, and played captains ball. We all split into two teams, Chinese schools against English schools. Although it was just a friendly game, everyone played very well. At about 6pm, we all said goodbye and went home. I was kinda sad as this is the first time we met since we separated and had so much fun. On the journey home, I was looking forward to the next time we will all meet.
Chinese New Year eve, 25th January, I was busy at home trying to finish all my homework so that I can have a fun-filled Chinese New Year, but unfortunately, it was still mission impossible. I only had time to finish some before I need to go to my paternal grandparents' house for reunion dinner. There, I met all my uncles, aunties and cousins and we had a wonderful dinner together. The best part is I get to "lao yu shang" with everyone. It was both fun and tasty.
I had to stay up late, according to the chinese tradition, it is called shou sui. The later you sleep, the longer your parents live. I also made use of this time to finish my homework. I ended up sleeping at 3.30am.
First day of Chinese New year, I could not wake up, no matter how many times my alarm rang, I still could not. Until the thought of getting 'ang paos' appeared in my mind, I motivated myself to wake up, for the sake of getting rich.
My family and I went to many of my relatives' houses and I had many 'ang paos' . I also took the chance to eat tibits and play with my cousins. After all the visting, I was tired and hungry. My family and I had steamboat for dinner. Most of the vegtables and meat was cleared by me as I was too hungry. I also took the chance to take a break.
Second day of Chinese New Year, I used the day to finish my homework. The day was boring and we did not do any more visting.
How I wish time would just stop at Friday the 23rd and repeat over and over again after Chinese New Year ended!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
First post
Hi everyone, this will be my first post for my blog ever. Actually, this blog is completely meant for school purposes. Currently, Im eyeing some EP3s or CCAs like air rifle, badminton and chinese chess club. My friends all told me that chinese chess was boring and advised me not to waste time there, but I don't mind as long as I get to learn new tactics and skills.
I will try my best to keep my blog posts frequent for my readers. I think thats all for my first post and I also want to keep it short too.
I will try my best to keep my blog posts frequent for my readers. I think thats all for my first post and I also want to keep it short too.
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