I just realised I have not covered the biggest event to come to Singapore this year - The Inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Yes, you heard me right, the FIRST EVER. What an honour for Singapore~! It makes me even more proud to be part of such a great nation. Who would have expected such a small country like ours to host such a mega-scale international sporting event. All the venues, logistics etc were settled in around 2 years and in the blink of an eye, it was 2010.
But that is not what I want to talk about. This post is about what happened 11 Aug 2010. It was a moment I would never forget. The Olympic torch actually started its day at our school! The entire school was rallied to support the runner who was going to run around our school. I was just lined up along the road, around with my classmates. Then came a banner. No one around me took it. So I did. I admit it was reluctantly at first, but then I realised the significance of it, that it was once in a lifetime, even to be a lowly banner holder was a great honour.
But it ended as quickly as it started, and with a quick glimpse of the torch, it headed down the road, disappearing amongst the myriad of escort motorcycles ahead of it. Come to think of it, that torch was nothing special. It was the spirit that defined the torch.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Collaborations
So... In the annual Project's Day Competition that our school organised, my team and I decided to collaborate with the Singapore Zoological Gardens as our project was centered around one theme - Animal conservation. It was pretty nerve-recking for me, as this was the first time I have ever typed a letter to someone in a corporation of such importance, asking for collaboration even!! Luckily I had my group mates and mentor to vet the letter for me, who knows I could have accidentally offended the recipient!
The next few days were very tense. I awaited the Zoo's request as to whether they will agree with our request. They soon replied and even said we could meet up for further discussion! I was truly relieved. But this did not mean they agreed, just that they did not reject our request flatly. ;) I sent a reply asking of a suitable date to meet, but they took very long to answer and soon, our group grew out of patience. First it was me who called, no one answered. Then it came Yihan's turn. He had more luck, and after a while of talking was told that the guy who was in charge of handling our case was busy with events, and would only be free in a few days' time.
Long story short, we were able to contact him in the end and even picked a date for a discussion - 23 Aug.
I really can't wait to meet up with them. Of course, I am nervous too since this is my first time discussing a collaboration with such a big corporation. But there is always a first time eh? (:
The next few days were very tense. I awaited the Zoo's request as to whether they will agree with our request. They soon replied and even said we could meet up for further discussion! I was truly relieved. But this did not mean they agreed, just that they did not reject our request flatly. ;) I sent a reply asking of a suitable date to meet, but they took very long to answer and soon, our group grew out of patience. First it was me who called, no one answered. Then it came Yihan's turn. He had more luck, and after a while of talking was told that the guy who was in charge of handling our case was busy with events, and would only be free in a few days' time.
Long story short, we were able to contact him in the end and even picked a date for a discussion - 23 Aug.
I really can't wait to meet up with them. Of course, I am nervous too since this is my first time discussing a collaboration with such a big corporation. But there is always a first time eh? (:
Thinking
I just realised how important thinking is. Be it in depth thinking or just... Plain thinking about what to eat for dinner. No matter what we do in life, we will always need to think. No matter how much one denies it, thinking is relevant to everything in life, yes, EVERYTHING. However, I would like to address only the second level of thinking, that is - In depth thinking.
In our school there is an hour every week dedicated to just one thing. Thinking. You might wonder, ponder, THINK, "why waste an entire hour just to develop one's thinking, isn't our current level of thinking sufficient enough?" Well let me tell you dear reader, you are not thinking well enough when you're making such a statement. This specialised lesson not only stimulates us to think deeper, it heightens our understanding, and the higher level of thinking that is nurtured through this lesson enables us to perform better in the other subjects. Then again, it depends on the user, and how he effectively manages to incorporate it into his daily life, not just in his studies.
This lesson uses a series of methods, probing into different aspects of thinking. For example, we are taught to consolidate our thoughts into various diagrams such as mindmaps and concept maps, whichever is more apt. This facilitates more efficient learning and absorption of concepts as compared to mindless staring at a textbook, hoping that the words might just be able to diffuse into us. And this is just one of the many benefits of having such a lesson. I would love to describe everything that this lesson ahs taught us, but it is just too much. Hence I shall leave you with this thought.
What are you thinking right now?
In our school there is an hour every week dedicated to just one thing. Thinking. You might wonder, ponder, THINK, "why waste an entire hour just to develop one's thinking, isn't our current level of thinking sufficient enough?" Well let me tell you dear reader, you are not thinking well enough when you're making such a statement. This specialised lesson not only stimulates us to think deeper, it heightens our understanding, and the higher level of thinking that is nurtured through this lesson enables us to perform better in the other subjects. Then again, it depends on the user, and how he effectively manages to incorporate it into his daily life, not just in his studies.
This lesson uses a series of methods, probing into different aspects of thinking. For example, we are taught to consolidate our thoughts into various diagrams such as mindmaps and concept maps, whichever is more apt. This facilitates more efficient learning and absorption of concepts as compared to mindless staring at a textbook, hoping that the words might just be able to diffuse into us. And this is just one of the many benefits of having such a lesson. I would love to describe everything that this lesson ahs taught us, but it is just too much. Hence I shall leave you with this thought.
What are you thinking right now?
Term Test!!!
Tests.
This one word is capable of scaring even the strongest of students. One might realise that even if he or she revises intensely, once you see the paper, your mind becomes blank and goes into complete shock. (What I call "script shock") From people who are fondly term "muggers" to those who barely even know such a topic existed, most students will face this. Of course, some manage to get their composure back and immediately brainstorms on the essay or recollects memories of what they have revised for that open-ended answer.
Nonetheless, this is no excuse to just throw away all your books and not listen in class. YOU STILL HAVE TO STUDY. ;) Stuck with no idea how to revise? I myself am in no position to comment and give you any suggestions but nevertheless, here are some ideas:
1) Read through your textbook! For subjects that require alot of massive readings, it is always helpful to read through your textbook. Much (thought not all) the information you will need is in there! Of course, learn to selectively read, and not just read all at one go. It might give you "indigestion". (:
Alas, I would like to add on more ideas but to be honest, I am sure everyone knows as much and more than I do about revising. Hmm, maybe I will write another post soon... Till then, bye! :)
This one word is capable of scaring even the strongest of students. One might realise that even if he or she revises intensely, once you see the paper, your mind becomes blank and goes into complete shock. (What I call "script shock") From people who are fondly term "muggers" to those who barely even know such a topic existed, most students will face this. Of course, some manage to get their composure back and immediately brainstorms on the essay or recollects memories of what they have revised for that open-ended answer.
Nonetheless, this is no excuse to just throw away all your books and not listen in class. YOU STILL HAVE TO STUDY. ;) Stuck with no idea how to revise? I myself am in no position to comment and give you any suggestions but nevertheless, here are some ideas:
1) Read through your textbook! For subjects that require alot of massive readings, it is always helpful to read through your textbook. Much (thought not all) the information you will need is in there! Of course, learn to selectively read, and not just read all at one go. It might give you "indigestion". (:
Alas, I would like to add on more ideas but to be honest, I am sure everyone knows as much and more than I do about revising. Hmm, maybe I will write another post soon... Till then, bye! :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
"The only place in the world where a person can talk to a wall and not get weird stares." (:
Well, what is this Facebook we are all so familiar with? Let us see what Wikipedia says abut it," Facebook is a social networking website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc., with more than 500 million active users in July 2010." Wow 500 million users! What started out as just a Harvard University version of Hot or Not, is now such a big "phenomenon" around the world. (: It was even recorded that more people visited Facebook than Google for the week ending March 13, 2010. Can you believe it, more people checking out their live feed rather than searching the world's biggest online search engine. Amazing. We are now able to see people posting updates relating to themselves with just a click.
But with such great abilities at our disposal, it requires careful handling. We must, at all times, take note of just how public a platform Facebook is before posting anything, it being a social networking site [DUH ;)] Remember : Anything you post can be used against you!!!
That being said, another major problem is addiction. Do you sometimes find yourself with nothing to do on Facebook, yet you still check back as if something will magically appear? You don't? Well I guess its just me then. (: Anyways, mastering the Facebook addiction would be akin, to mastering, um.. Something that is really hard. (: Or is it just me again? ;)
Well, what is this Facebook we are all so familiar with? Let us see what Wikipedia says abut it," Facebook is a social networking website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc., with more than 500 million active users in July 2010." Wow 500 million users! What started out as just a Harvard University version of Hot or Not, is now such a big "phenomenon" around the world. (: It was even recorded that more people visited Facebook than Google for the week ending March 13, 2010. Can you believe it, more people checking out their live feed rather than searching the world's biggest online search engine. Amazing. We are now able to see people posting updates relating to themselves with just a click.
But with such great abilities at our disposal, it requires careful handling. We must, at all times, take note of just how public a platform Facebook is before posting anything, it being a social networking site [DUH ;)] Remember : Anything you post can be used against you!!!
That being said, another major problem is addiction. Do you sometimes find yourself with nothing to do on Facebook, yet you still check back as if something will magically appear? You don't? Well I guess its just me then. (: Anyways, mastering the Facebook addiction would be akin, to mastering, um.. Something that is really hard. (: Or is it just me again? ;)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
RHD!!!(Racial Harmony Day) :D
Hello loyal fans!! ._.
Um... Anyways, have you heard about what happened last Wednesday? You haven't??! Well let me tell you, it was RACIAL HARMONY DAY!!(:
It was awesome!! Secondary Two and Four students had to set up a stall at the Cultural Bazaar, so did the 4 Parent Support Groups from each Consortium. (Aphelion was the best!!!) :D The 2A1 stall did a game called "The Chopstick ____"(Sorry forgot the last word) It was fun. :) One of the prizes mysteriously broke (bad karma ._O) I spent much of my time slacking around the stall, but when I was not doing that, I went around looking at the various yummy food, contemplating what to spend my four dollars worth of coupons on. In the end, after the long process of much brain thinking, I settled on a two dollar-ed bubble tea and an ice-cream which cost one dollar. (: What a bargain!!
Did I mention that my mum and two there of my friends' parents were there to help out with the Aphelion PSG stall? That made it more exciting. (: Somewhat... Hehe.
That was not all. There was even a concert held in joint collaboration with our school's partner schools. (: I say the Aphelion performance was the most interesting, not because I am from Aphelion myself, but because it was the loudest performance. Kudos to the performers for their hard work and effort put into this performance! (:
Um... Anyways, have you heard about what happened last Wednesday? You haven't??! Well let me tell you, it was RACIAL HARMONY DAY!!(:
It was awesome!! Secondary Two and Four students had to set up a stall at the Cultural Bazaar, so did the 4 Parent Support Groups from each Consortium. (Aphelion was the best!!!) :D The 2A1 stall did a game called "The Chopstick ____"(Sorry forgot the last word) It was fun. :) One of the prizes mysteriously broke (bad karma ._O) I spent much of my time slacking around the stall, but when I was not doing that, I went around looking at the various yummy food, contemplating what to spend my four dollars worth of coupons on. In the end, after the long process of much brain thinking, I settled on a two dollar-ed bubble tea and an ice-cream which cost one dollar. (: What a bargain!!
Did I mention that my mum and two there of my friends' parents were there to help out with the Aphelion PSG stall? That made it more exciting. (: Somewhat... Hehe.
That was not all. There was even a concert held in joint collaboration with our school's partner schools. (: I say the Aphelion performance was the most interesting, not because I am from Aphelion myself, but because it was the loudest performance. Kudos to the performers for their hard work and effort put into this performance! (:
Monday, July 12, 2010
World Cup/Mug/Bottle... You get what I mean.
How long has it been since I last posted? :D 2 months to be exact, but who's counting eh? :) So here I am to revive my blog!
What other topic can be as appropriate as the recent ending of the ever so (in)famous Fifa World Cup. Lets start off with some fun facts:
1. It is held in South Africa.
2. Its national weap... I mean musical instrument of choice is the VUVUZELA *Bzzz*.(:
3. Many many high profiled teams could not live up to expectations and crashed out early.
4. To the amazement of many critics, there were no major fights breaking out.
Okay, with those out of the way, let us get to the main highlight of all World Cups - the final. This year's final was played between Spain(Espanyol) and Holland(Netherlands). Let me make my stand clear first. - I support both teams. (Go Spain!)
Both teams had reasons for winning this year's World Cup.
It would be the first time that either team has won the World Cup. Even sweeter for Spain was that it won the Euro 08, and if it won the World Cup, it would only be the second country to accomplish the feat of winning the European Cup and World Cup together.
The match was to be held at 2.30am in Singapore, which meant that I would not be able to watch it. D: However, long story short I was able to. ;) So there I was, waking up at 2.30 to watch the match. One word - Boring. Okay maybe I should explain myself. There were a few chances created throughout the entire match, but the way they seemed to clamp each others attacking forces made the match somewhat... Dull. Halfway through I checked on my father.
He was asleep.
Anyways, the match seemed to be heading for the dreaded penalty shoot-out when all of a sudden, a moment of brilliance amongst three Spanish players unleashed Iniesta, who volleyed a shot from close range. The net was finally disturbed.
Ecstatic cheers of joy rang throughout the stadium, for a moment overwhelming the blare of the vuvuzelas. 6 minutes later and the champions were crowned. Spain, for the first time ever, joined the ranks of 7 other countries who had won the coveted title before. I regretted not watching the part after that, as i wanted to see Iker Casillas aka "The Saint", Spain's goalkeeper and captain lift the trophy.
I heard he cried.
But I guess I'll have to wait for another four years then. :)
What other topic can be as appropriate as the recent ending of the ever so (in)famous Fifa World Cup. Lets start off with some fun facts:
1. It is held in South Africa.
2. Its national weap... I mean musical instrument of choice is the VUVUZELA *Bzzz*.(:
3. Many many high profiled teams could not live up to expectations and crashed out early.
4. To the amazement of many critics, there were no major fights breaking out.
Okay, with those out of the way, let us get to the main highlight of all World Cups - the final. This year's final was played between Spain(Espanyol) and Holland(Netherlands). Let me make my stand clear first. - I support both teams. (Go Spain!)
Both teams had reasons for winning this year's World Cup.
It would be the first time that either team has won the World Cup. Even sweeter for Spain was that it won the Euro 08, and if it won the World Cup, it would only be the second country to accomplish the feat of winning the European Cup and World Cup together.
The match was to be held at 2.30am in Singapore, which meant that I would not be able to watch it. D: However, long story short I was able to. ;) So there I was, waking up at 2.30 to watch the match. One word - Boring. Okay maybe I should explain myself. There were a few chances created throughout the entire match, but the way they seemed to clamp each others attacking forces made the match somewhat... Dull. Halfway through I checked on my father.
He was asleep.
Anyways, the match seemed to be heading for the dreaded penalty shoot-out when all of a sudden, a moment of brilliance amongst three Spanish players unleashed Iniesta, who volleyed a shot from close range. The net was finally disturbed.
Ecstatic cheers of joy rang throughout the stadium, for a moment overwhelming the blare of the vuvuzelas. 6 minutes later and the champions were crowned. Spain, for the first time ever, joined the ranks of 7 other countries who had won the coveted title before. I regretted not watching the part after that, as i wanted to see Iker Casillas aka "The Saint", Spain's goalkeeper and captain lift the trophy.
I heard he cried.
But I guess I'll have to wait for another four years then. :)
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Children in the Darkness"Brief Report and Analysis
Henry M Bechtold was in Vietnam in 1967 - 68 and again in 1969. He goes back often because his soul lives in Vietnam and hence visits it from time to time.
He was sitting in his hotel room in Saigon just before Christmas 2009 and he was trying to write a poem about the girls who work in the park and how badly men treat them. Henry was angry but unable to write anything that did not sound trite or weak. He looked at the TV and the news was on. He did not know what the news reader was saying but in the background was a photo of a small boy with a helmet and an automatic rifle. This poem flowed out. The words just came to Henry and he typed as fast as he could to get it all down.
Analysis of Poem
1. Point of View:
An outsider.
Elaboration and Evidence:
The speaker is actually familiar with Vietnam, since he feels his soul lives there. That is why he feels so much pain for the children who are suffering in Vietnam. He feels that the children there are not doing things children their age normally do, as they are kids "Who have not seen the light".
2. Situation and Setting:
Elaboration and Evidence:
The situation now is that the children are not given a choice to do what they want, for example pursure an education as "Chalk and blackboards will not be" And that "From this life they can not flee/And these children are not free". All this sentences show that the children are trapped from the beginning, they are not free to choose their paths and the only one available for them is to train and fight and prepare to go to war in case the need arises.
3. Language and Diction:
Elaboration and Evidence:
The poet uses simple words, but they are written such that it brings out a stronger message. The 3rd stanza asks rhetorical questions, as if drilling into the readers that although we want to try and do all those things for the children, we cannot, as they are already trapped and their fates sealed ever since they were born.
The next stanza shows that a war, one that they have been training since young for, might consume them, their "body and soul". This brings forward that a war would totally destroy them, even though it might not harm them physically, it might affect their mental well-beings and their entire bright life which they would have had if they were not subject to such a fate would be "Down some endless thirsty hole".
"Darkness" is then repeated in the last stanza, seemingly depicting that there is no way out of it, that they will be trapped in there forever. It is a darkness "Into which there shines no light", n help can get to the children who are possibly crying for help inside the darkness. This use of diction again emphasises the helplessness and pitiful plight in which the children have been thrown into.
4. Personal Response:
The poem truly brings out the sufferings of the many children who are forced to lead such a lifestyle since young, forced to learn how to fight so as to prepare them for any possible attacks on the country in the future. The children were never given a choice and since they are young, they might think this is the correct way for a children to live, and hence when they grow up, they
grow up thinking that parents should ask of this of their children. This would be passed on generations down and it is all to blame for the initial people who started it all.
"Rainbow Death" Report and Analysis
Task 1-Report
Hubert Wilson
Ssgt USAF, 1968-1972
This small poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering – not only to its intended victims, the Vietnamese people, but also the service personnel that used or even just came into contact with “Agent Orange”.
Wikipedia reports, “Agent Orange is the code name for a herbicide and defoliant—contaminated with TCDD—used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War.
According to Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, and 500,000 children born with birth defects.[1]
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was by far the most widely used of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides" employed in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production of Agent Orange (as well as Agents Purple, Pink, and Green) dioxins were produced as a contaminant, which have caused numerous health problems for the millions of people who have been exposed. Agents Blue and White were part of the same program but did not contain dioxins.”
This poem may remind us that wars aren’t over when the wars are over.
Task 2 - Analysis
An American soldier
Evidence and Elaboration:
"Expecting others to pay a high price." - America expects the Vietnamese to pay the price for being at war with America, but it is proven that the price is too high for the to pay.
"Nefariously America led astray" - America, being a leading powerhouse in the world is showing a bad example here by using such means to try and subdue the Vietnamese.
2. Situation and Setting:
Evidence and Elaboration
"All the deceit continues to spread." - Hubert felt that the Vietnamese did not deserve this type of treatment from the Americans.
"Toll on the innocent and unborn." - Hubert felt that countless innocent people were negatively affected and harmed by America's actions, and that they were suffering badly.
3. Language and Diction:
Evidence and Elaboration
There are instances where he uses interesting diction like "potpourri", which in this case would symbolise the mixture of death on both sides of the army. The poet also personifies America, "nefariously it led astray" and it "did not foresee" the sufferings it would bring upon the many people on both sides of the war, Americans and Vietnamese.
There is is also a hint of sarcasm in the sentence "Now thinking twice?" Hinting that America should reconsider its actions but even if it really does realise its mistakes, it is all too late as the effects are already done.
4.Personal Response:
I feel that this poem has shown the true devastating effects that war has on people on both sides. Regardless of which side launches the attack, both parties are bound to suffer at a point in time, and that their generations too would suffer as a result of the war. Countless innocent people are killed just because the leader's of the countries decide on going to war. They didn't even have the chance to voice out their opinions about a war and hence it shows the selfishness of war. Aptly named "Rainbow Death", signifies the colour of Agent Orange which determines the death of the people who come into contact with it.
References for Background:
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/2010warpoetry.html
Hubert Wilson
Ssgt USAF, 1968-1972
This small poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering – not only to its intended victims, the Vietnamese people, but also the service personnel that used or even just came into contact with “Agent Orange”.
Wikipedia reports, “Agent Orange is the code name for a herbicide and defoliant—contaminated with TCDD—used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War.
According to Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, and 500,000 children born with birth defects.[1]
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was by far the most widely used of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides" employed in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production of Agent Orange (as well as Agents Purple, Pink, and Green) dioxins were produced as a contaminant, which have caused numerous health problems for the millions of people who have been exposed. Agents Blue and White were part of the same program but did not contain dioxins.”
This poem may remind us that wars aren’t over when the wars are over.
Task 2 - Analysis
An American soldier
Evidence and Elaboration:
"Expecting others to pay a high price." - America expects the Vietnamese to pay the price for being at war with America, but it is proven that the price is too high for the to pay.
"Nefariously America led astray" - America, being a leading powerhouse in the world is showing a bad example here by using such means to try and subdue the Vietnamese.
2. Situation and Setting:
Evidence and Elaboration
"All the deceit continues to spread." - Hubert felt that the Vietnamese did not deserve this type of treatment from the Americans.
"Toll on the innocent and unborn." - Hubert felt that countless innocent people were negatively affected and harmed by America's actions, and that they were suffering badly.
3. Language and Diction:
Evidence and Elaboration
There are instances where he uses interesting diction like "potpourri", which in this case would symbolise the mixture of death on both sides of the army. The poet also personifies America, "nefariously it led astray" and it "did not foresee" the sufferings it would bring upon the many people on both sides of the war, Americans and Vietnamese.
There is is also a hint of sarcasm in the sentence "Now thinking twice?" Hinting that America should reconsider its actions but even if it really does realise its mistakes, it is all too late as the effects are already done.
4.Personal Response:
I feel that this poem has shown the true devastating effects that war has on people on both sides. Regardless of which side launches the attack, both parties are bound to suffer at a point in time, and that their generations too would suffer as a result of the war. Countless innocent people are killed just because the leader's of the countries decide on going to war. They didn't even have the chance to voice out their opinions about a war and hence it shows the selfishness of war. Aptly named "Rainbow Death", signifies the colour of Agent Orange which determines the death of the people who come into contact with it.
References for Background:
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/2010warpoetry.html
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