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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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.
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