The globe in thoughts

Casino In Singapore?

2009-07-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Now lets start with the fact that Singapore is a city with an abundance of "concerns" and "protection".

Firstly, lets look at the activities being banned here and deemed as illegal:

Pornography, littering, nude beaches (Obviously), Illegal Casinos, Drug abuse, Underage sex, Underage smoking, etc.

Taking out one ban would mean quite a lot wouldn't it? Its not literally taking out I mean, the government can do what they desire. Let's start a LEGAL casino!

Alright, having said that, it is obvious that there are countless illegal "gambling dens" existing on this island. How patronized are they? Very highly indeed. So, now that there is one BIG LEGAL "den" available in Singapore, how are people going to react to it? Is this really a money-maker and job creator?

Of course, the job opportunities present at the casino will be alluring. They are jobs, a steady and fixed salary following into your bank account monthly. Why not? Especially in this financial crisis we are drowning in, a job means everything to the unemployed. In this case, the casino will definitely create job opportunities, understandably.

With the casino comes patronizes. Is the casino in Singapore going to be infested and flooded with Locals? Or will it be as what it is meant to be - a tourist attraction? That is a question and doubt that is yet to be answered. But one thing is for sure, when the word "Casino" rings in your ears, the only logical place you would think about is Vegas, never Singapore.

So, suppose that the casino is, very unfortunately, mainly patronized by us, Singaporeans. Gambling addiction will be on the RISE. Its LEGAL! No need for cover, or scurrying out of that small apartment when men in blue uniform are seen patrolling around. Given that illegal gambling is already such a HOT activity, like I said, make it legal and we'll all be smiling our lives out. Adults will be seen pulling those Jackpot levers with vigor. Cards will be shuffled with anticipation. Dices will be rolled with triumph. This is - The One And Only Casino In Singapore.

What if, what if supposing, you've been addicted to gambling LEGALLY and very sadly, lady luck is not on your side and money just keeps flowing out of your pockets like water out of a kettle. This can't be happening to me! I need to get back every single cent I have lost no matter what! I need MONEY! Off you go, searching high and low for money. Then, a man spotted you in distress and offered you help - money. YES! I got it! I can do this! I can WIN! On loan that is, though, the authorities are not informed of this matter or the presence of this man. Or should he even be here? Right, illegal loan of money would be on the rise too, that is in this scenario.

After saying this all, it is kind of bias I feel, because all the scenarios I've written are mostly negative and bleak. So, obviously, I am not supporting the construction of the casino in Singapore. Let's hope for the best though, all the best. And may luck be on our side as always. May the money flow into your pockets. And not have a hole for it to flow out again.

Favourite Poet

2009-06-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

"The phrase "Renaissance man" tends to get overused these days, but apply it to Shel Silverstein and it practically begins to seem inadequate. Not only has he produced with seeming ease country music hits and popular songs, but he's been equally successful at turning his hand to poetry,short stories, plays, and children's books. Moreover, his whimsically hip fables, beloved by readers of all ages, have made him a stalwart of bestseller lists. A Light in the Attic, most remarkably, showed the kind of staying power on the New York Times chart — two years, to be precise — that most of the biggest names (John Grisham, Stephen King, and Michael Crichton) have never equaled for their own blockbusters.

And there's still more: his unmistakable illustrative style is another crucial element to his appeal. Just as no writer sounds like Shel, no other artist's vision is as delightfully, sophisticatingly cockeyed.

One can only marvel that he makes the time to respond so kindly to his friends' requests. In the following work, let's be glad he did. Drawing on his characteristic passion for list making, he shows how the deed is not just in the wish but in the sublimation."

--------- A blurb by Otto Penzler from his crime anthology Murder for Revenge (1998)

An American poet, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author - Shel Silverstein (September 25, 1930–May 10, 1999). This very talented individual strikes me as my favourite poet, because the poems he composed are just so addictive and intriguing. What do you get when you throw creativity, lots of wit, rhymes, stories, adventure and intelligence onto a piece of paper - a work of Silverstein.

It is amazing that Silverstein composes poems without any influences. None at all. No favourite poets. He wrote down what came from his mind. His own style.

When he was a kid in his teens, Silverstein was not good at ball, and could not dance. There goes the girls. Thus, he devoted his time to writing and from then developed a great interest in it and formed his own style of poems. The bewildering thing is, it is said that he read no other poems from distinguished poets, none that he knew of. Amazing, is it not? A teenager producing various mesmerizing short stories and poetry out of nowhere, just solely on his very talented mind. A prodigy indeed. Though some of his work may be filled with profanities, it is solely in the name of wit and realism. The world we are in. Face it.

Silverstein had his own view of how his life started out:

"When I was a kid — 12, 14, around there — I would much rather have been a good baseball player or a hit with the girls. But I couldn't play ball, I couldn't dance. So I started to draw and to write. I was also lucky that I didn't have anybody to copy, be impressed by. I had developed my own style; I was creating before I knew there was a Thurber, a Benchley, a Price, and a Steinberg. I never saw their work till I was around 30. By the time I got to where I was attracting girls, I was already into work, and it was more important to me. Not that I wouldn't rather make love, but the work has become a habit."

— Jean F. Mercier. "Shel Silverstein", Publishers Weekly, February 24, 1975).

Here are some of his works you can enjoy:

Picture Puzzle Piece by Shel Silverstein

One picture puzzle piece

Lyin' on the sidewalk,

One picture puzzle piece

Soakin' in the rain.

It might be a button of blue

On the coat of the woman

Who lived in a shoe.

It might be a magical bean,

Or a fold in the red

Velvet robe of a queen.

It might be the one little bite

Of the apple her stepmother

Gave to Snow White.

It might be the veil of a bride

Or a bottle with some evil genie inside.

It might be a small tuft of hair

On the big bouncy belly

Of Bobo the Bear.

It might be a bit of the cloak

Of the Witch of the West

As she melted to smoke.

It might be a shadowy trace

Of a tear that runs down an angel's face.

Nothing has more possibilities

Than one old wet picture puzzle piece.

Bear In There by Shel Silverstein

There's a Polar Bear

In our Frigidaire--

He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.

With his seat in the meat

And his face in the fish

And his big hairy paws

In the buttery dish,

He's nibbling the noodles,

He's munching the rice,

He's slurping the soda,

He's licking the ice.

And he lets out a roar

If you open the door.

And it gives me a scare

To know he's in there--

That Polary Bear

In our Fridgitydaire.

Whatif by Shel Silverstein

Last night, while I lay thinking here,

some Whatifs crawled inside my ear

and pranced and partied all night long

and sang their same old Whatif song:

Whatif I'm dumb in school?

Whatif they've closed the swimming pool?

Whatif I get beat up?

Whatif there's poison in my cup?

Whatif I start to cry?

Whatif I get sick and die?

Whatif I flunk that test?

Whatif green hair grows on my chest?

Whatif nobody likes me?

Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?

Whatif I don't grow talle?

Whatif my head starts getting smaller?

Whatif the fish won't bite?

Whatif the wind tears up my kite?

Whatif they start a war?

Whatif my parents get divorced?

Whatif the bus is late?

Whatif my teeth don't grow in straight?

Whatif I tear my pants?

Whatif I never learn to dance?

Everything seems well, and then

the nighttime Whatifs strike again!

My tribute:

Silverstein,

O'Silverstein,

thy shall say your name.

A legend you shall be,

in thy heart and always will be.

Sources: http://www.wikipedia.com

http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com

Yahoo! Answers

2009-06-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Disenchanted - My Chemical Romance

Well i was there on the day
They sold the cause for the queen
And when the lights all went out, we watched our lives on the screen
I hate the ending myself,
But it started with an alright scene

It was the roar of the crowd that gave me heartache to sing
It was alive when they smiled and said,
"You won't feel a thing"
And as we ran from the cops we laughed so hard It would sting

Yeah Yeah, Oh

If i'm so wrong (so wrong, so wrong)
how can you listen all night long?
(night long, night long)
How will it matter after i'm gone?
because you never learned a goddamned thing

You're just a sad song with nothing to say
About a life long wait for a hospital stay
Well if you think that i'm wrong,
This never meant nothing to you

I spent my high school career
Spit on and shoved to agree
So I could watch all my heroes sell a car on tv
Bring out the old guillotine
We'll show 'em what we all mean

Yeah, Yeah, Oh

If i'm so wrong (so wrong, so wrong)
How can you listen all night long?
(night long, night long)
How will it matter long after i'm gone
Because you never learned a god damned thing

You're just a sad song with nothing to say about a life long wait for a hospital stay
Well if you think that i'm wrong,
This never meant nothing to you

So go,
Go, just go, run away.
Now where did you run to? and where did you hide?
Go find another way...

Woah oh, Woah oh...

You're just a sad song with nothing to say about a life long wait for a hospital stay
And if you think that i'm wrong, this never meant nothing to you, come on

You're just a sad song with nothing to say about a life long wait For a hospital stay
And if you think that i'm wrong, this never meant Nothing to you

At all...
At all...
At all...

Straight from the title, the word disenchanted means to be free from illusion or false belief. Thus, this song revolves around being freed from illusions and lies. It is normally an event that started out well but ends horrendously wrong because you are being freed from the illusions you think you are in. Much of this is evident in the course of the song.

In my opinion, the title is a symbol itself.

"And when the lights all went out, we watched our lives on the screen
I hate the ending myself,
But it started with an alright scene"

Hate the ending, but it started with an alright scene. Starts well, ends wrong. It is supposedly a metaphor, referring his life as a movie/show with the scenes and endings.

This symbol is again emphasized.

"It was alive when they smiled and said,

"You won't feel a thing"
And as we ran from the cops we laughed so hard It would sting"

Laugh so hard, it would sting. Starts well, end wrong. Disenchanted.

Hyperboles can be seen quite often.

"You're just a sad song with nothing to say

About a life long wait for a hospital stay"

Its quite exaggerating to be waiting your whole life for a hospital stay isn't it?

"I spent my high school career
Spit on and shoved to agree"

Once again, a hyperbole is seen again.

It is exaggerating to have a profession in school where you are constantly spat at or shoved to be forced to do something.

Another metaphor.

"You're just a sad song with nothing to say "

Gerard refers a life to a sad song with nothing to say. Saying that that life is merely a sad song with no significance.

Personally, I enjoy this song because of its meaning within. After analyzing, there are two possible scenarios for this song.

First, it could be the band telling their fans that they are not getting or catching what they are is driving at. For the record, every single song written by them has a meaning embedded within. So the band is criticizing them for it in "If I'm so wrong, how can you listen all night long" and if that is the case, "You're just a sad song with nothing to say" would be referring to their fans too and "Now where did you run to? and where did you hide? Go find another way..." would be asking those fans who do not catch what they are driving at to listen to some other music/band.

Second, it could be a life of a patient looking back and reflecting at his life on his death bed. "And when the lights all went out, we watched our lives on the screen. I hate the ending myself, but it started with an alright scene." After that, he reflects about his high school life and all the difficulties he faced. People insulting him and so on. It is mainly like the patient is talking to himself. In this case, "You're just a sad song, with nothing to say. About a life long wait for a hospital stay." would be referring to the patient's life. It is mournful and depressing indeed.

Name one character. Rewrite a short excerpt of the story from this character's point of view.

2009-06-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

Book read: Raven's Gate from The Power of Five - Anthony Horowitz

Character: Matt Freeman

Pg.10, 3rd paragraph

I only had three pounds in my pocket, saved up from the newspaper round. Another twenty pounds was at home, hidden in a box under my bed. I needed money. It wasn't just because my trainers were falling apart and the games on my XBox were six months out of date. Money was power. Money was independence. I was in need of it and tonight I was here because I wanted some.

But already, I was wishing I hadn't come. It was all wrong. It was stupid. Why had I ever agreed in the first place?

I glanced at my watch. Ten past six. We had arranged to meet at a quarter to. Well, that was excuse enough. I swung myself off the wall and headed across the station front. Not taking more than a couple of steps, an older boy appeared out of nowhere and blocked my path.

Who do you think the author intended to read this book and why?

2009-06-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

Book Read: Twilight - Stephen Meyer

After flipping through the pages of this book, an impression struck me. Teenage girls. Vampires living in bungalows, going to school, studying biology. Is this not what most teenage girls want to experience? A vampire classmate sitting beside you in class? Charming, sexy and ever-so-attractive?

In my opinion, this book is mainly intended for teenage girls to read. Not like any other teenage romance novels, this book has an element different from 'Gossip girl' or 'The princess diaries'. A touch of the supernatural! Vampires! Sexy creatures of the night. More alluring is it not? Additionally, there's that struggle of love between the two main characters of the book that acts a lot like a 'page-flipper'.

With crushes on hot and hunky guys catching up on girls in their teens, this book is definitely intended for them. Romance is definitely not lacking. Struggle for love, the mysterious vampires... the various fights between them... For the record, vampires are known to feed on blood and Bella (the girl whom Edward the vampire fancies) is human with a lot of fresh, red blood... I wonder how challenging it was for Edward to curb the urges and just take a bite...

Besides teenage girls, boys will read it too. Much battle scene is evident in the book and the action-packed novel can be enjoyed by teenage boys too. With Edward the vampire possessing supernatural powers like superhuman strength and speed, this book is somewhat similar to 'The X-men" or other superhero novels. The only thing is, it has a speck of romance that will attract that little more of your attention.

Thus, in conclusion, I personally feel that 'Twilight" is meant for teenagers of both genders though more to the females. Much of the content is what teenagers fantasize to be in. Vampires, love, supernatural powers... I am a guy and I have to admit I had a whale of a time digesting this book bit by bit and can't wait to purchase and devour the sequel.

So, girls out there if you are yet to be mesmerized by Edward, or desire for some 'vampiric romance', this book is definitely the book for you. Grab it now!

Could there be a perfect world and what would it be like?

2009-06-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

A perfect world.... what exactly is perfect?

Perfection is, broadly, a state of completeness and flawlessness.

I define a perfect world as a world free of hunger, slavery, prostitution, greed, lust, dishonesty, murder and all the other negativities of our current world.

So, heres the question, could there be a perfect world?

No. It is straight and direct. No.

How can there be a perfect world when everyday, people are jumping to their deaths, killed by ruthless, serial murderers, young girls at the end of their wits being prostitutes, slaves being whipped.... greed... lust...

Can we put it to a stop? Or, how can we put it to a stop?

We can't.

For a toddler, a perfect world may be very easily achievable considering the fact that their needs comprises of only food, water, air and sleep. This is perfect to him. I get my food, water and sleep, that's all I require! Life is perfect!

When he goes up to elementary school, things get different. Homework, exams, friends, grades, different impressions of him.... How can all these be absolutely flawless and perfect? They can't.

Obviously, more problems will arise in high school, college, the office and at home. The world is created to be perfect but because of man's greed, solely on greed, the table is turned around.

For example, a woman named Rebecca could be living in a mansion with swimming pools, impressively huge bedrooms, endless supply of the latest fashions - a life others deem as perfect. But just because of greed, solely greed, she sees a celebrity in Hollywood owning a castle on a remote island, she starts thinking that her life needs a lot more than what she has now. A mansion... I want a castle like Madonna! Greed is the word.

Things are made to be perfect, greed spoils it all.

This world can never be perfect because men are made and created to be greedy, and if thats the case, talk about perfection.

What is beauty?

2009-06-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

Beauty is a characteristic of a person animal, place, object or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure, meaning, or satisfaction.

The experience of "beauty" often involves the interpretation of some entity as being in balance and harmony with nature, which may lead to feelings of attraction and emotional well-being. Because this is a subjective experience, it is often said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

In my opinion, beauty can be classified into two categories - Outer and inner.

For outer beauty, it includes physical factors (physical attraction) like youthfulness, sexiness, complexion, causing others to be in admiration of you. Outer beauty is commonly associated with lust and greed, mainly because outer beauty invokes lust and attracts the opposite gender.

For inner beauty, it normally includes psychological factors such as personality, intelligence, grace, congeniality, charm, integrity, congruity and elegance.

To measure outer beauty, usual ways of measurement includes hosting beauty pageant events and comparing the different levels of beauty on a stage. It is a much more challenging task to measure inner beauty though.

However, in conclusion, I personally feel that a person is only considered "beautiful" when he/she has of both inner and outer beauty but more of inner beauty.

For example, if a person has a very attractive appearance but has bad habits like consuming drugs, will he/she be considered beautiful that way?

Thus, I find that though outer beauty attracts the eye and attention of others, it is still vital to look out for the ones with real inner beauty and realize the beauty within them that is embedded under the flesh of their bodies.

What is happiness

2009-06-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

Happiness. The mere thought of it may bring many people down to thinking if this state of mind even exists in this increasingly treacherous world of ours. Nonetheless, I shall be elaborating more on what I personally feel happiness is.

For most of us, happiness is a state of mind rather than a specific emotion or response to positive outside forces. One important element of happiness is a sense of self-satisfaction. Many of us spend our days in a perpetual state of neediness. We have physical, emotional and spiritual needs which we believe need to be satisfied in order to experience some degree of happiness. It is indisputable whether you accept it or not. For example, when you have a cup of coffee in the morning, completed an assignment, found out that your crush like you too or simply have a hearty lunch. Wouldn't you feel a sense of satisfaction surging through your body, making your day eventually? In one sense, happiness occurs when our list of needs becomes replaced by a new list of physical, emotional and spiritual fulfillment.

Mainly, real happiness is a state of mind that is free of guilt, doubts, lust, greed and any negative form of feelings. For example, if one is in guilt, he can never feel happy as the guilt will overwhelm him frequently, causing him to be overly-wary, suspicious or frightened. For instance, if one is lustful and greedy, he can never feel real happiness as he will only feel momentary happiness, yearning for more and more, which links back to self-satisfaction - an important element of happiness.

In conclusion, happiness is accepting your role in the eternal battle for souls. Don't get wrapped up in the pleasures of this life, which serve only as a distraction. Strive to become what you are, not what people define for you.

"I am lying." True or False?

2009-06-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

"I am lying." This single statement is considered a Liar Paradox.

The Liar Paradox is an argument that arrives at a contradiction by reasoning about a Liar Sentence. The classical Liar Sentence is the following self-referential sentence:

(1) This sentence is false.

Experts in the field of philosophical logic have never agreed on the way out of the trouble despite 2,300 years of attention. Here is the trouble--a sketch of the Liar Argument that reveals the contradiction:

If (1) is true, then (1) is false. But we can also establish the converse, as follows. Assume (1) is false. Because the Liar Sentence is saying precisely that (namely that it is false), the Liar Sentence is true, so (1) is true.

We've now shown that (1) is true if and only if it is false. Since (1) is one or the other, it is both.

Thus for the case of "I am lying.",

If I am lying, then the statement is true. But if the statement is true, then I'm not really lying, am I? But if I'm not lying, then it must be false! It is unanswerable, a splendid paradox indeed.

More detailed analysis:

Person: I am lying right now.

Reply: To be lying you would have to be trying to get me to believe something that you do not believe by presenting yourself as though you believed it. Therefore, (a) if you are trying to get me to believe that you are lying and you do not believe that you are lying, then you are lying. Or, (b) if you are trying to get me to believe that you are lying and you do believe that you are lying, then you are not lying but simply confused about what 'lying' means. And, finally, (c) if you are not trying to get me to believe that you are lying then you are not lying whether you believe that you are lying or not.
In short, whether one lies or not is purely a matter of motive and not at all a matter of whether the normal meaning of what one says is true or false.

Sources: Yahoo!Answers

http://www.alanrhoda.net/blog/2006/09/how-to-respond-to-liar-paradox.html

Sulphur - rings a bell?

2009-05-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

"Sulphur is a yellow non-metallic element, found in the free state.

It is used to harden rubber used for making tyres.

It is also used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, pesticides and drugs'

This element is commonly associated with the Devil or Satan that is. Many people have accounts of smelling sulphur(rotten-egg smell) when witnessing the Devil. Piqued by curiosity, I was determined to find out if this is found in the bible, flipping and pouring through the endless pages of yellow, my landed on this:

About a century or two before the birth of Christ. Satan almost certainly gets his rotten scent from his underworld lair, described in the Book of Revelation as a "lake of burning sulphur." Hell as such doesn't appear in the Old Testament, but the book of Genesis does recount how God "rained down burning sulphur on Sodom and Gomorrah." The idea of a sulfurous Hell ruled by an archvillain called Satan seems to have arisen at some point in the period between when the two sacred texts were written—probably in the first or second centuries B.C. The Apocryphal Books of Enoch, for example, talk about a place of punishment with "rivers of fire" and "a smell of sulphur."

The idea that Satan had a strong odor is consistent with ancient attitudes about smells. A connection between sweet, dry smells and the divine goes back to the Greek epics, and it shows up in precise terms in the Old Testament: The Lord tells Moses to prepare an anointing oil "blended as by the perfume" consisting of liquid myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and olive oil. Rotten-smelling gases like hydrogen sulfide would have been associated with moral corruption.

Sources: www.slate.com

Projects day preparation

2009-04-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a fruitful day, very fruitful indeed. Much has been done today, from polishing of powerpoints slides to rehearsing. Although it was exhauting, the sense of satisfaction and achievement never seems to tire me, pushing me on instead. With the day at an end soon, it is imperative that I get enough rest for tomorrow- the day of reckoning has finally arrived!

2009-03-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

Mao Tse Tung (26 December 1893 – 9 September 1976) is a great leader that I admire. He was a Chinese Communist dictator, leading the Communist Party of China (CPC) to victory against the Kuomintang (KMT) in the Chinese Civil War. He was the leader of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Mao Tse Tung has been regarded as one of the most important figures in modern world history, and named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He is officially held in high regard in China where he is known as a great revolutionary, political strategist, and military mastermind who defeated Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek in the Chinese Civil War. His policies transformed the country into a major world power. Besides that, he is viewed by many in China as a poet, philosopher, and visionary.

However, Mao Tse Tung remains a controversial figure to this day, with a contentious and ever evolving legacy. Critics blame many of his socio-political programs, such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, for causing severe damage to the culture, society, economy, and foreign relations of China, as well as a probable death toll in the tens of millions. Although his methods and ways of achieving a goal were considered cruel by many, it is without doubt and indisputable that Mao Tse Tung has made China a much more powerful country.

Reference: http://www.wikipedia.com

Investigators struggle to explain German school killings

2009-03-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Bewildering is it not? Teenagers nowdays seem to be on a "killing spree". Is the influence of media getting too strong? Or is the world plummetting into a state of mayhem? These questions whirled in my head aimlessly. It is so common to hear of teenagers killing students and teachers in school with a gun nowadays that it did not astonish me much when I hear of such events. This is causing me some considerable consternation. Many experts and phycologists have claimed that the violent and irrational behaviour portrayed by children and teenagers is mainly due to the influence of the violent video and computer games they spend hours playing. I do not deny that fact at all. It is indeed a factor but, have you wondered why teenagers engage in playing violent computer and video games when this problem did not even exist last time? Yes, it can be due to the ever-advancing technology and teenagers feel "left-out" if they do not keep up with the trends. But, is that the real reason behind all questions? In my opinion, it is NOT. I think that the teenagers play and engage in hours of violent computer and video games because they long to feel the sense of satisfaction they cannot achieve in reality. By attaining a high level of recognition in a game, the teenager feel a sense of great satisfaction, similar to scoring straight "A's" in school. It is their desire to stand out and feel important. This will ultimately lead to commiting more daring acts to show their power and might. Thus, in my humble opinion, lead to killings and assults.

NTU professor discharged from hospital

2009-03-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

It is a great relief to hear that the professor who was stabbed by a student at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on Monday was discharged from hospital early Wednesday morning after a speedy recovery. With reference to this incident, I would wish to comment and raise my views about the rash and irrational student who attacked the professor. By committing such a serious offence, he reflects very poorly on himself, portraying himself as a person who is unable to manage stress and solve problems. Although it is stated that the student attacked the professor due to his terminated scholarship, this is definitely not a valid reason. I am sure that there will be a lot of assaults daily if such an offence were to be condoned when a reason like this was given. By stabbing the professor and committing suicide, the student is obviously not solving any problems but in fact, creating more problems. First of all, he is acting as a bad role model for other distressed students. Committing suicide is the easy way out, a path that bears no consequences experienced physically, leaving others to solve the problems one has created. The student had obviously not spared a thought for his grieving parents, not forgetting the fact that they had nurtured him and toiled hard to feed him. If I were the student, I would never do such a foolish and irrational act. Instead, I would work harder and strive to greater heights, treating the termination of the scholarship as a lesson learnt instead of a discouraging fact. Hurting others or oneself will never never the best solution.

Deadly tornado kills 8 in Oklahoma

2009-02-12T00:56:00.000-08:00

It is unfortunate and devastating to hear of such a tragedy. The vagaries of Mother Nature really astonishes the unsuspecting victims, sending them to their "airy-grave". I feel really fortunate to be in Singapore where there are no such catastrophes. I guess it is considerably disturbing to be walking down the street and worrying if the ground is going to split into two parts or if a gale is appraoching. But life still has to go on. It is very unfortunate though. So many major incidents in a week. Australia's wildfire.... Terrorist attacks... Earthquakes.... and a tornado... tomorrow is Friday the 13th......

ACE blog prompt

2009-02-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

Should science be used to artificially improve someone's intelligence or external appearance?

Plastic surgeries, advanced simming programmes, instant acne removal surgeries and treatments. These are the few common examples of science being used to artificially improve ones external appearance. In my opinion, by having these advancements, things have became much more easier. An overweight and obese person no longer have to run rounds everyday to get slim. Just sign up for an advanced slimming programme and the next thing you know, "POOF!" He lost a respesctable amount of weight. If this persists, we human beings will get lazier by the day and rely solely on machines for our work. I think in the near future, people will be able to change the looks of their faces, bringing danger to the world. People will be able to disguise as each other and get away with whatever crime they perpetrated. Now lets talk about using science to improve one's intelligence. If everyone goes for this operation or treatment, will there be a need to get smark or clever? Everybody will be as smart and as clever! So it goes back to square one. It will be as good as not coming out with this operation as people can get smart so easily without working hard and I am positive that many people will go for the operation. Thus, I personally feel that science should not be used to artificially improve someone's intelligence or external appearance.

ACE blog prompts

2009-02-04T02:07:00.000-08:00

As you annotate The Taximan's story, think about the following questions:

1. What is the irony in the story?
The taximan dislikes teenager nowadys but he makes a living from thhe exact same group of people that he dislikes and disagrees with.

2.What are the themes raised in this story?
- Degeneration of teenagers ( lack of moral values)

3.How realistic is this story?
I personally think that this story is without doubt, very realistic. This is happening in all parts of Singapore! Teenager lying to their parents about goin to school or the library but instead patronise coffee house or hotels. I think the main reason for this is peer pressure or a way for youngsters to distress and hang out with their peers. There are many life examples on these cases.

4.What do you think of the taximan? Do you feel sympathy for him?
I feel that the taximan is very rash and does not think before he acts when he gets infuriated. This is a main reason why people get into fights or conflicts. The ability of controlling ones temper and thinking before one does something is lacking in the taximan. If he thinks before he acts before confronting his daughter, the taximan may have went up and asked his daughter about the matter first rather than hurting her physically. I think that the taximan acted so rashly and violently because he was frequently beaten up by his father during his childhood and early adulthood until it is in his blood. He has the mindset that being strict with children is necessary. I do feel sympathy for him as he has gone through a very tough and harsh childhood. I am sure he felt very disappointed and betrayed when he found out that the daughter whom he trusts had betrayed him and lied to him. However i really feel that he should not act in a moment of anger and should think twice before he does anything.

5.Do you agree wuth his lamenting?
Yes, i do agree with his lamenting. Teenagers and youngsters nowadays are really getting out of hand. It is so common for youngsters to go to coffee houses and pubs after school that peole do not find it a strange sight anymore. I think that the youngsters and teenagers behave in this manner because their parents did not discipline them well. I am not recommending or encouraging canning or hurting the teenagers. I am proposing that parents should inculate a sense of self-discipline and integrity in the children from young. Parents should also be firm with their children and not give in easily. By doing so, I am sure the children will be more responsible when they become teenagers and not cause any trouble.

6.What about the oher characters in the story? Do you feel sympathy for them?
No, i do not feel sympathy for Lay Choo. It is hrt choice about hanging out at coffee houses or hotels after schoool and lying to her parents. It is solely her choice. Even if its peer pressure, a teenager with good moral values and a clear mind should know that those people who take friendship so lightly are not worth befriending. Although I realise and feel that her punishment was very severe, it is understandable that her father gets so angry.

ACE Flowers for Algernon (Assignment 1)

2009-01-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

Linguistic: There are diverse views and possibly some misunderstandings on Gifted Education in Singapore. Conduct a research and write a letter to the Editor of Straits Times, expressing your point of view on gifted education. Cite your sources. It should be no less than 400 words.

Mr Yeo Kang Le
Blk 142 Lorong ah Soo
#11-255
Singapore 530142

27 January 2009

Editor of The Straits Times
Singapore Press Holdings
1000 Toa Payoh North
News Centre
Singapore 318994

Dear Editor:

Re: Views on the gifted education in Singapore

I am writing to express my views on the gifted education in Singapore. The GEP is definitely a conducive and proven programme which assists and aids "gifted" pupils in soaring to greater heights. This is a fact that has to be agreed on. The GEP pupils are educated on skills that are taught in higher levels of education which is very useful when they leave their primary school. Besides that, the pupils also have numerous projects and reprts to research on, which is a requisite in higher levels of education. Thus, it is encouraging to see that the pupils are given a chance to experience and get used to higher levels of education compared to other fellow primary school mates who do not get that chance.

However, I have noticed that a handful of GEP students are arrogrant, bashful and look down on the "mainstream" pupils (pupils not in the gifted programme). Some are to the extent of not willing to mix and interact with the "mainstream" pupils. I am alarmed and dismayed at the rate things are going with the GEP. I am sure some pupils from the GEP will lead or govern this country in the near future. In that case, they will have to converse and interact with people from all walks of life, including those from humble familys and the less fortunate example people who are mentally or physically challenged. If the GEP students are presently not willing to interact with people who are not in the "mainstream", I personally do not see how they can attain the art or even the basic requisite skills of conversing with fellow singapore citizens, let alone foreigners or Permenant Residents as Singapore is a cosmopolitan city. This a point I would like to voice out about the GEP.

In my opinion, I would humbly propose that the Ministry of Education look into inculcating thoughts and ideas to be shared with the "mainstream" pupils and urging them to participate zealously in CIP (Central Involvement Programme) activities and not concentrate solely on their accademic achievements. By doing so, the GEP pupils will be more exposed, less bashful and not have a "us-vs-them" thinking or mindset. This will also help blend the "mainstream" pupils and the GEP pupils together for the mutual understanding of both streams. Besides that, the Ministry could also hold additional workshops to expose the GEP students with good morals and values a leader should attain in order to work in a harmonious and progressive manner. I am positive that if such actions are taken, the GEP pupils will be more widely accepted and less criticised by the public.

I look foward to seeing changes in the GEP and sincerely hope that the MOE ( Ministry of Education) would consider my humble suggestions.

Yours faithfully,

Yeo Kang Le

Sources: http://www.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/164520 (SG forums)

Obama's inauguration

2009-01-22T01:15:00.001-08:00

It is without doubt, a historical event that the whole whole will remember deep in their hearts. Its not really surprising that the whole world has witnessed this grand event on the TV or live in Washington DC. I am not being sceptical but, is Obama human? If he acomplishes his goal and promise, I must admit, I will be awed and lost for words. How can this man be human if he alone with little assistance, can save the entire world from this purpotedly bleak financial crisis currently and spend ample time with his family? It is really amazing if he can accomplish that. (No offence to Obama hardcore fans) To put it seriously, I tink the americans are kind of unrealistic to place all their hopes on ONE man. " But I would need all your participation and help." quoted from Obama. How long can that last? People will start to be cynical and question his ability in a few months time if nothing has been greatly improved. Okay, again no offence to Obama's fans. It is really HARD to predict presently. Time will tell. Correct me if I am wrong.

ACE Complusory Blog Prompt

2009-01-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

Recenlty, I've viewed a video clip in class called "News-In-Class" which reported about the current problems and solutions to the fishing of blue-fin tuna.Its a rather interesting clip but i can't seem to undestand the accent of the news reporter. It sounds like a cross between a British and um French accent? Try deciphering that. So I've received a blog prompt: What if I was a member of the SPCA and was chosen to deliver a speech on the cruelty of the fishing industry to whales? Strings of thoughts and ideas coursed thorugh my adolescent mind......

Ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, in an effort to get people to understand and realise the cruelty of the fishing industry to whales, I am honoured to be here, to present this speech.

The whale population is dwindling dramatically. It is predicted that the whale population will be extinct in a matter of years if this rate persists. Why is this happening? Why is this happening to us and the whales? The main reason is due to us humans. We are killing these enormous creatures in the sea for food. We are destroying their family lines, their eco-system, the balance of Mother Nature. How horrible is that? Thats the main reason I'm here, to answer that question. It is very horrible. Whale meat may taste delicious, however, I strongly urge that we as humans, the most intelligent mammals, should spare a thought for these creatures. By hunting the whales excessively for supply demand, there will not be a good end for us. Think about it, once the whale population is extinct, the eco-system will be destroyed, resulting in other unforeseen problems that may arise. Eat less whales, hunt less whales, kill less whales. It will make a difference people. A great difference. We need a change. A change in our destiny. We can stop this increasingly treacherous trend of animal populations dwindling drastically. Hunt in moderation and save our wildlife.

Thank you.

MP Seng Han Thong undergoes skin graft operation

2009-01-12T01:08:00.000-08:00

I understand that MP Seng H.T. was attacked by a purportedly metally unsound man yesterday. About 14% of his body was burnt and the member of parliament was sent to the hospital to receive skin graft operations. Personally, i feel that attacker is outrageous and ridiculous. Burning someone alive is definitely not a valid solution to solve problems. By doing so, the attacker instills fear in the hearts of the residents and the other MPs, causing them to worry about their safety. However, not much can be done to completely prevent such events from happening. Unless the MPs or ministers stop appearing in public to present speeches or visit the members of the public, there is still that tiny risk in geeting into an event like this.
But, i also realise that this is the second time MP Seng H.T. has been attcked. (The first time was less serious though.) This rings a bell. If he had been doing his job and serve his residents properly, he most probably would not be in such trouble would he?

Welcome

2009-01-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog =D Feel free to browse thorough and leave a tag. Thx :>

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1999-01-04T02:14:00.000-08:00

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1999-01-03T02:12:00.000-08:00

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1999-01-02T02:06:00.000-08:00

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1999-01-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

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Reasons behind blogging

Blogging allows me to express myself freely by sharing and voicing out my thoughts to others through the internet, enabling them to be seen at the click of a mouse

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