2I3 18 Aloysius Poh

Interview

2010-03-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Interpersonal:

Conduct an interview with a friend (not from HCI) or family member. Find out from their point of view on prejudice and discrimination. Either record the interview or write out the interview transcript.

Interviewed: Father

Me:
These are the definitions of prejudice and cultural attitude.

Prejudice is a cultural attitude that rests on negative stereotypes about individuals or groups because of their cultural, religious, racial or ethnic background.

Discrimination is the active denial of desired goals from a category of persons. A category can be based on sex, ethnicity, nationality, religion, language or class.

Disadvantaged groups now also include those based on gender, age and physical disabilities. Discrimination and prejudice is being displayed worldwide despite the advocates of democracy. It stems from people's fears of insecurity.

Father:

I feel that prejudice and discrimination are deeply imbedded at both the individual and societal levels. Attempts to eradicate them must thus deal with prevailing beliefs or ideologies and social structure. All these discrimination and prejudices are created by people because of their fear and insecurities. For example not wanting your children to marry others of different race or religion. It is ridiculous but its something that is not easily eradicated since it is developed from fear and insecurity. Fear and insecurity is what most lives with everyday and in order to eradicate prejudice and discrimination, we would have to deal with our fears and insecurities. At best, one can only reduce them but not totally eradicate them. For example, currently in America racism between blacks and white are still prevalent, although greatly reduced.

Diary Entry of TKAM Character

2010-03-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Intrapersonal:
Write a diary entry for a major character of the novel.

Dear Diary,
Today, it was Tom Robinson's trial. Although the trial turned out as what I had feared it would, there is still the appeal. Frankly, this case should never have come to trial. It is simply a case of black or white. It is not a difficult case, in fact, it is an obvious case, but what matters in this case is our conscience and judgment. I pity Mayella Ewell, but definitely not to the extent of letting her risk a man's life. She has made an unjust staement to rid herself of her guilt, the guilt caused by breaking a rigid code of our society-to tempt a black man. Mayella had been beaten up by somebody with a dominant left hand, whereas Tom Robinson swore the oath with his only good hand, his right. There is no medical evidence the country has produced to prove that Tom had done what he was accused of doing. The people in this county feel that all Negroes lie, all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all negro men are not to be trusted. It was an obvious truth in everybody's hearts, a truth that applies to the entire human race. In any court, it is a place where Men are created equal. I hope they would come to realise one day that everyone should co-exist in peace, whether they are black or white.

Atticus

Learning Profile

2010-03-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

The learning profile can actually identify our learning styles and attitudes. I feel that it's a good gauge for ourselves, as well as teachers. Not only can we find ways to improve on our own learning styles and attitudes, teachers can also take note of these and teach us in a way that can maximise our learning capacity. We can also take the Multiple Intelligence Test frequently, to know how much we have improved or worsened in the different aspects. However I feel that the Multiple Intelligence Test is not very accurate. People who take the quiz several times may be influenced by the questions, as well as submitting politically correct answers. These are my thoughts on the Multiple Intelligence Test.

A Green Singapore

2010-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Recently, I helped out at an called "Eco Day Out @ South West 2010". Eco Day Out 2010 was held at Hong Kah North Community Club, the guest-of-honour being Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. The event consisted of a variety of exhibits and games which aimed to showcase the changes made to make Singapore more environmentally friendly, and also to spread the notion of being green. Basically, my job was ushering and crowd control.

I'm sure most, if not all, of you have seen this on TV. This is one of the advertisements the Singapore government is using to spread the word of being Green. These are some of the movements the government has, to promote a more environmentally friendly Singapore.

1) There are recycling bins around for the recycling of cans, glass, plastic, paper etc.

2) The government encourages the public to take public transport (public buses, MRT, etc) so as to reduce the carbon emission.

3) The government will build more environmentally-friendly public housing and reduce energy consumption of common areas in HDB estates by 20% to 40%. They will also pilot the use of solar energy in HDB estates.

4) They will enhance environmental education, spreading the word through schools.

5) Waterways will be transformed to support recreational use as well as protect and enhance our biodiversity to conserve our natural heritage.

Let's work together to make Singapore a clean and green city! :D

Please comment on other ways the government is trying to promote a greener environment.

Reflection on AEA Concert

2010-02-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I attended the "A Silver Lining" Concert, a combined concert featuring HCI String Orchestra, Bellios Public School Symphony orchestra and the Beijing Military Music and Arts Academy. The entire Secondary Two cohort was strongly encouraged to attend the concert since it was part of our Arts Enrichment Programme (AEA).

The concert consisted purely of music and only music (perhaps noise to some). Frankly I felt the concert was a little boring. To me, they were almost playing the same tune throughout. However, I find this a good way to enrich us in the aspect of the Arts. The more we attend such events, we would probably understand and learn to appreciate such music and art. At the same time, the money collected from the sales was for a good cause- the needy pupils' funds.

There were certain inconsiderate people who bought tickets but did not attend the concert. Considering the fact that ticket sales exceeded the limit, what they did was inconsiderate. Others could have had the chance of watching the concert instead. Refunding of the tickets were allowed for those who could not attend the concert. So if they really intended not to go for it, they could have simply refunded their tickets. Of course, some really couldn't make it due to unforeseen circumstances.

The appreciation of the Arts plays an important role in our development and we should all cherish these opportunities given to us.

Project's Day Competition Finals

2009-07-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

We're finally through the finals! Our hard work has paid off after all.

We have had many meetings, discussed the prototype and edited the powerpoint. I felt the presentation went smoothly and although Justin's legs were shaking wildly, the presenters did a great job. Luckily, the judges did not really critiscize our invention that much. The coordination between the group members were good too and I feel that everyone deserves a clap.

However, I feel that there's always room for improvement and we will not be complacent. We shall make the necessary changes to our invention to make it an even better one. I hope we will be able to make it to the grand-finals and that our project would be a successful one.

Wish us luck!

National Day Song 2009

2009-07-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

National Day is around the corner and Singapore has their new annual theme song. This year's theme song is titled "What Do You See" and it is sung by a home-grown band known as Electrico.

Watch the music video here:

Singaporeans had mixed reactions. Some (more of the younger generation) enjoyed this song because they found it catchy. They also felt that it was good to finally have a band singing for our Theme Song after all these years.

Some did not like the theme song at all, saying that it was a complicated song and it was hard to sing along. Other comments were that the previous songs were more energetic and catchy compared to this year's theme song.

Singapore's post-independence...

2009-07-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Now, here's a short review of Singapore's history....

Singapore was separated from the rest of Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became a sovereign, democratic and independent nation.
Independent Singapore was admitted to the United Nations on 21 September 1965, and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations on 15 October 1965. On 22 December 1965, it became a republic, with Yusof bin Ishak as the republic's first President.
Thereafter commenced Singapore's struggle to survive and prosper on its own. It also had to create a sense of national identity and consciousness among a disparate population of immigrants. Singapore's strategy for survival and development was essentially to take advantage of its strategic location and the favourable world economy.

Singapore entered the 1970s as a politically stable state with a high rate of economic growth. The one-party Parliament that emerged from the 1968 general election became the pattern, with the PAP winning all seats in 1972,1976 and 1980. In the 1984 and 1991 general elections, the PAP won all but two and four seats respectively.
On 28 November 1990, a new chapter opened in Singapore's modern history Goh Cheok Tong became the second Prime Minster of Singapore when he took over the office from Lee Kuan Yew who resigned after having been Prime Minster since 1959. Our third prime minister is Mr Lee Hsien Loong, who is our current prime minister...

Favourite Poet

2009-06-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

The poet I will be blogging about is William Wordsworth.

Here's some information about him:

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)Born in England in 1770, Wordsworth attended Cambridge University and afterwards went on a walking tour of France and Switzerland. When war broke out in 1793 he returned to England, moving in with his sister Dorothy in Dorset. It was during this time he discovered his calling as a poet with a predominant theme of the common man close to nature. In 1798 he was instrumental in the advent of Romantic Poetry, together with Coleridge writing the Lyrical Ballads, which began with Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner" and ended with Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey". He spent a year in Germany, then settled down in Dove Cottage, Grasmere with his wife Mary Hutchison in 1802, where he wrote his poetic autobiography The Prelude and two other books of poems. He was selected poet laureate in 1843 and died in 1850.

Some of William Wordsworth's poems:

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay
:Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Analysis:

.......While wandering like a cloud, the speaker happens upon daffodils fluttering in a breeze on the shore of a lake, beneath trees. The daffodils stretch all along the shore. Because there are so many of them, they remind the speaker of the Milky Way, the galaxy that scientists say contains about one trillion stars, including the sun. The speaker humanizes the daffodils when he says they are engaging in a dance. In their gleeful fluttering and dancing, the daffodils outdo the rippling waves of the lake. But the poet does not at this moment fully appreciate the happy sight before him. Not until the poet later muses about what he saw does he fully appreciate the cheerful sight of the dancing daffodils

Composed Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth

Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth like a garment wear
The beauty of the morning; silent , bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky,
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did the sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;
Ne'er saw I, never felt a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!

Analysis:

"Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is an Italian sonnet, written in iambic pentameter with ten syllables per line. The rhyme scheme of the poem is abbaabbacdcdcd. The poem was actually written about an experience that took place on July 31, 1802 during a trip to France with Wordsworth's sister, Dorothy Wordsworth.
The poem begins with a rather shocking statement, especially for a Romantic poet: "Earth has not anything to show more fair." This statement is surprising because Wordsworth is not speaking of nature, but of the city. He goes on to list the beautiful man-made entities therein, such as "Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples." In fact, nature's influence isn't described until the 7th line, when the speaker relates that the city is "open to the fields, and to the sky." While the city itself may not be a part of nature, it is certainly not in conflict with nature. This becomes even more clear in the next line, when the reader learns that the air is "smokeless" (free from pollution).
Wordsworth continues to surprise his reader by saying that the sun has never shone more beautifully, even on natural things. He then personifies the scene, giving life to the sun, the river, the houses, and finally to the whole city, which has a symbolic heart. The reader imagines that the city's heart beats rapidly during the day, while everything and everyone in it is bustling about, but now, in the early morning hours, the city's heart is "lying still." By using personification in his poem, Wordsworth brings a kind of spirit to the city, which is usually seen as a simple construction of rock and metal.

London, 1802 by William Wordsworth

Milton! thou should'st be living at this hour:
hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,
Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.
Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart:
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:
Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,
So didst thou travel on life's common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
The lowliest duties on herself did lay.

Analysis and summary:

London, 1802" is a sonnet with a rhyme scheme of abbaabbacddece. The poem is written in the second person and addresses the late poet John Milton, who lived from 1608-1674 and is most famous for having written Paradise Lost.
The poem has two main purposes, one of which is to pay homage to Milton by saying that he can save the entirety of England with his noblity and virtue. The other purpose of the poem is to draw attention to what Wordsworth feels are the problems with English society.
According to Wordsworth, England was once a great place of happiness, religion, chivalry, art, and literature, but at the present moment those virtues have been lost. Wordsworth can only describe modern England as a swampland, where people are selfish and must be taught about things like "manners, virtue, freedom, power."
Notice that Wordsworth compliments Milton by comparing him to things found in nature, such as the stars, the sea, and "the heavens." For Wordsworth, being likened to nature is the highest compliment possible.
Related Content for Wordsworth's Poetical Works

William Wordsworth uses great descriptions that allow us to imagine what he is actually thinking. His figurative phrases show us what he thinks of an object or person. Wordsworth gives his famous definition of poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility".

My opinion of him is that he is a very calm person. He was able to write poems despite the stress he had. Wordsworth's father, although rarely present, did teach him poetry, including that of Milton, Shakespeare and Spenser, in addition to allowing his son to rely on his father's library.

He wrote his acclaimed "It is a beauteous evening, calm and free," recalling his seaside walk with his daughter, whom he had not seen for ten years. At the conception of this poem, he had never seen his daughter before. The occurring lines reveal his deep love for both child and mother.

During the harsh winter of 1798–1799, Wordsworth lived with Dorothy in Goslar, and, despite extreme stress and loneliness, he began work on an autobiographical piece later titled The Prelude.

After the war, he led quite a simple life. In his quiet and tranquil environment, Dove Cottage,he started writing more poems.

Sources : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wordsworth,

http://www.geocities.com/infinitum_poetry/bioswilliamwordsworth.html

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides3/IWandered.html

http://www.gradesaver.com/wordsworths-poetical-works/study-guide/section2/

http://www.gradesaver.com/wordsworths-poetical-works/study-guide/section7/

My favourite poem

2009-06-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

The poem "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein is a poem about a place where things are better than they are here. It's where the sidewalk ends where Silverstein says that "And there the grass grows soft and white, / And there the sun glows crimson bright" (3-4). In this place the sun is much brighter and the grass much softer and it seems to be a better place. Silverstein uses words like "peppermint wind" to show the childlike glow that this imaginary place has (6). These words are setting the mood for our imaginations to take over and think of an amazingly perfect place. Silverstein is trying to get us away from the "place where the smoke blows black / And the dark street winds and bends" (7-8). He is saying that we should free ourselves from the world full of pollution and concrete and go to the beautiful place where the sidewalk ends. The overall tone to this poem seems to be that we can be better off than we are if we just "go where the chalk white arrows go / for the children, they mark, and the children, they know" (14-15) Silverstein is encouraging us to change here and is saying that we need to have the innocence of children instead of being so corrupted. He is saying that if we could all believe in things like the sidewalk coming to an end in a enchanting place we would stop with so much of our polluting and watefullness. Silverstein seems to want everyone to be kids.

I like this poem because of its figurative language. Shel Silverstein gives vivid descriptions of the better place. Phrases such as grass grows soft and white, And there the sun glows crimson bright and pepermint wind gives a relaxed feeling. He shows how wonderful the place is. He also uses other words to describe the corruption in this world. The innocence of kids is used to describe the purity of the new place. There is a huge contrast between the corrupted world and where the sidewalk ends. This poem dragged me into a world of fantasy and relaxation.

E-Learning Lesson 1 discussion

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

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I-I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

ABOUT THIS POEM:
Meaning: A traveler comes to a fork in the road and needs to decide which way to go to continue his journey. After much mental debate, the traveler picks the road "less traveled by."The figurative meaning is not too hidden either. The poem describes the tough choices people stand for when traveling the road of life. The words "sorry" and "sigh" make the tone of poem somewhat gloomy. The traveler regrets leaves the possibilities of the road not chosen behind. He realizes he probably won't pass this way again.

Devices: There are plenty literary devices in this poem to be discovered. One of these is antithesis. When the traveler comes to the fork in the road, he wishes he could travel both. Within the current theories of our physical world, this is a non possibility (unless he has a split personality). The traveler realizes this and immediately rejects the idea.Yet another little contradiction are two remarks in the second stanza about the road less traveled. First it's described as grassy and wanting wear, after which he turns to say the roads are actually worn about the same (perhaps the road less traveled makes travelers turn back?).

Personification:All sensible people know that roads don't think, and therefore don't want. They can't. But the description of the road wanting wear is an example of personification in this poem. A road actually wanting some as a person would. However: some believe this to be incorrect and believe "wanting wear" is not a personification, but rather older English meaning "lacking". So it would be "Because it was grassy and lacked wear;".
Taken from:http://poetrypages.lemon8.nl/life/roadnottaken/roadnottaken.htm http://poetrypages.lemon8.nl/life/roadnottaken/roadnottaken.htm

St Paul the Musical

2009-06-28T03:50:00.000-07:00

I went for St Paul the Musical yesterday. It was a church activity and production, which was held at the NUS cultural centre. It was a 3hr show including an interval. The musical was about St Paul, obviously. It showed some obstacles he faced in accepting God and how faith grew stronger in him. The songs of the musical were a little weird, but the great singing made up for it. The musical had touching scenes, comedy, as well as boring parts. Overall, I felt that this musical was quite entertaining. It also strengthened my faith in God. I hope the church continues organizing enriching events for us.

Here are some pics:

NUS Cultural Centre

The theatre. We shifted from the second storey to the first. The second storey seats were not very good because we would have to lean forward to watch the show.

My Cousin and I on the bus.

Memories at Old Ford Factory

2009-06-22T06:21:00.002-07:00

Old Ford Factory was Ford Motor Company's first Southeast Asian car assembly plant. It is today a prominent historucal and architectural landmark in Singapore. It was the place where the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese on 15 Feb 1942.

Old Ford Factory houses a permanent World War 2 exhibition gallery and archives repositories. It is also the first "Green Mark" certified national monument in Singapore.

My history groupmates and I visited Old Ford Factory.We walked along the same driveway Lt.-Gen. Percival and his officers trudged up in 1942 to meet their Japanese counterparts. Along the way, there are storyboards that detailed the 70 days of the Malayan Campaign, which also serves as a connection to Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Stirring oral history anecdotes and artefacts led us on an emotional journey through the 44 months of Occupation. Diaries and drawings of Prisoners of War( POWs ) were also on display to show their joys and sorrows during internment. The weapons used by soldiers then were also on display.

We also watched a short movie about how it was like during WWII. It featured survivors of WWII who shared their experiences. When i saw the POWs being tortured by the ruthless Japanese, I pitied them. Innocent people had to endure untold hardships during the occupation, they did not succumb to them. I admired their courage and will to survive in those difficult times.

Some of the weapons used then:

A replica of the meeting room in which General Percival surrendered Singapore to the Japanese.

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

2009-06-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

My history groupmates and I made a trip to Bukit Chandu, which is also known as Opium Hill. We saw many exhibits about World War 2, from how it began, to how it ended.

In Gallery 1, we saw how World War 2 began in Malaya. It describes the socio-political climate of the Malay Peninsula in the late 1930s and Japan's invasion plans. There were maps, photographs. artefacts and even videos to show us the situation.

Gallery 2 showed us the battle for Singapore and at Gallery 3, the battle of Pasir Panjang is told through a gallery of pictures.

On Level 2, there was a small theatre in which the three of us watched the story of World War 2 unfold through a short movie. We also saw some of the weapons that were used during World War 2.

Here are some pics:

The Kangxi Emperor

2009-06-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Yesterday, Aloysius Oh, Xu Yi and I made a trip down to the asian civilisations museaum to check out the Kangxi Emperor exhibition. Here's some information about him:

For more than 2000 years, the Chinese empire was ruled by a succession of emperors. Seated on the dragon throne, they were the symbolic centre of the known world in the eyes of their subjects, sacred mediators between heaven and earth. Among them, the emperor Kangxi (康熙）of the Qing dynasty (1644 -1911) is regarded as one of the greatest. Under his rule (1662 - 1722) the empire was expanded and the foundations for peace and prosperity were laid down for future generations.

Kangxi actively took measures to perpetuate the Manchu way of life. He placed great value on martial arts and military affairs. Shamanism and usage of the Manchu language were encouraged in the Qing court. These activities were meant to emphasise the Manchu identity.

Kangxi was what we would call a life-long learner today. Open-minded and curious, he discussed and studied a wide range of subjects under the guidance of his tutors. He also stressed the importance of Confucian values and actively cultivated the support of the scholar class.

Here are some pics:

The Kangxi Emperor

Scrolls...

The Emperor's Robe

Taekwondo

2009-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Taekwondo means way of hands and feet. It is the primary form of Korean unarmed combat, a modern form of martial art descended from ancient korean martial art. It is an olympic sport, an artistic discipline, a system of self-defence and a way of life. It is to build self-confidence, respect, patience, discipline, coordination, humility.

Taekwondo also improves concentration, reduces stress. So, it is not just about fighting techniques, but it integrates mind, body and spirit and contributes to the total well-being of individuals.

The philosophy of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perserverence, self-control and indomitable spirit..

Courtesy: Treating others with respect and kindness.

Integrity: Conducting ourselves with total honesty- if we cannot be honest with ourselves, we cannot be honest to others.

Perserverance: We must possess self-determination that does not allow us to quit- when the going gets tough, only the tough gets going.

Self-Control: Having the ability to control one's emotions and desires and the discipline to do what is right.

Indomitable spirit: A refusal to be beaten, no matter how tough, talented or big your opponent may
be. However it is not only about being beaten by people. The strength of
indomitable spirit varies from individual to individual and project to project.

National Inter-School Taekwondo Championships 2009

2009-05-15T18:04:00.001-07:00

Aniaml Farm Vids

2009-05-10T06:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some animal farm cartoons i found on the web :DDDDDD haha....

Animal Farm Chapter 10

2009-05-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Now, the final chapter of animal farm!!!!

The next generation flooded the farm and almost nobody remembered the old days.
Clover was 2 years pass retirment but in actual fact, nobody had ever retired.
The farm was now very successful and the windmill had been rebuilt.
Squealer taught the sheep to chant "Four legs good, two legs BETTER"
The pigs had learned how to walk on two legs.
Napoleon had his dogs as his bodyguards as usual and a whip in his trotter.
The Seven Commandments were changed to one single commandment: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
Now, the pigs wore clothes, and even engaged in human activities in the farmhouse such as reading magazines and listening to the radio
One day, Pilkington visited the farm. They had a game of cards and Napoleon made a speech. He said that the farm would be renamed Manor Farm.
Soon, a quarrel broke out. The animals could no longer diffrentiate between Man and Pig....

My thoughts: The pigs have reached the final stage of becoming Man-like. They were exactly like them and have fallen into the trap of greed and power.

Animal Farm Chapter 9

2009-05-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

More points and thoughts of Animal Farm Chapter 9...

Boxer continued working despite his split hoof.
The animals were discussing retirement more often now.
Even though the farm was prospering, the animals rations were still reduced and the pigs' and dogs' kept the same.

My thoughts: The animals were suffering so much that they wanted to retire earlier. Instead of getting pension, their rations were reduced.

Napoleon had 31 piglets in total with other sows. A school house would be built for the young pigs. They took their excercise in the farmhouse garden and were discouraged from playing with other young animals. There was also a rule that if a pig and any other animal met on a path, the other animal must stand aside. They were given te privilege of wearing green ribbons on their tails on Sundays.
There were lamp oil and candles for the house and sugar for Napoleon's own table. Sugar was forbidden to the other pigs on the grounds that it would make them fat.
Rations were reduced again and again.
All barley was reserved for the pigs. They received a pint of beer each, with half a gallon for Napoleon.

My thoughts: The pigs were now treated like they were inferior to the other animals. They received more respect and privileges than the others too.

There were Spontaneous demonstrations.
The only candidate, Napoleon, was elected to be the leader of Animal Farm.
Moses the raven was back, and told the same tales of Sugarcandy Mountain.

My thoughts: Moses symbolised hope and dreams and now that the animals were suffering again, he was back.

One day while working, Boxer collapsed. He was brought away to the knacker's. Napoleon claimed that it was actually the veterinarian's van that had not been repainted.
Three days later, it was announced that Boxer died peacefully at the hospital. Somehow, the pigs had acquired the money to buy themselves another case of whisky.

My thoughts: This shows how cruel the pigs can be just for personnal benifits. They did not have the spirit of Animalism from the very beginning.

Animal Farm Chapter 8

2009-05-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Now, animal farm chapter 8! haha....
Some of the points of chapter 8 and my thoughts:

The animals realised that the sixth commandment that no animal shall kill any other animal had been broken. They thought their memories were failing them and nothing was wrong. However, the pigs modified it.

My thoughts: The pigs were changing the rules as and when they liked. They were doing it to prevent the animals from thinking they had done wrong. This was unfair to the animals in a way.

The animals worked doubly hard in the building of the windmill and was treated no better than in Jones' days.
Napoleon was seen less often as before, appearing only about once in two weeks.
Napoleon now ate alone, with two dogs waiting upon him. The gun was fired on Napoleon's birthday too and he was referred to in a formal style, such as "our Leader", "father of all Animals" etc. A song was composed by Minimus about Napoleon.
Napoleon now had four dogs guarding his bed at night, and a pig as his food taster.

My thoughts: Napoleon worked less while the other animals worked even harder. However, Napoleon still underfed them. Inequality is evident and Napoleon is being treated as a king.

The windmill was finally built and named "Napoleon mill" and all good happenings were attributed to Napoleon.
Napoleon announced that he would be selling the pile of timber to Frederick.
Frederick paid with fake notes and attacked the farm. They blew the windmill up with blasting powder. They were chased away by the animals in the end.

My thoughts: They should have been more careful with trading since they had not done it before. They should have Whymper there to assist them and ensure that everything was right.

Almost all the animals were injured. Some animals such as Squeler was absent from the battle.
Napoleon was claimed to be poisoned by Snowball, but seemed to be better that same evening. He said that the drinking of alcohol was to be punished by death.

My thoughts: This is ironical since none of the animals drank alcohol except the pigs. They were showing that they were not drinking alcohol and they had not broken any rules.

One night, there was a loud crash. Squeler had broken a ladder while he was standing on it. He was holding a paint-brush and an overturned pot of paint lay beside him. It was where the Seven Commandments were written.
Another of the Seven Commandments was modified(The fifth commandment was changed to: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess" )

Animal Farm Chapter 7

2009-05-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Now, the points of Chapter 7 in Animal Farm :D

The animals experienced a bitter winter which was followed by sleet and snow.
Little could be done in the builiding of the windmill due to the snowdrifts in the quarry.
It was cruel work. The animals were always cold and usually hungry. They were not as hopeful as before...

My thoughts: They were treated worse than before. Inequality is evident. The pigs do nothing but supervise, while the other animals work hard.

In January, food fell short and the animals were starving.
Napoleon hardly comes out of the farmhouse now.

My thoughts: Napoleon is now enjoying himself in the farmhouse, without having to do any work. He doesn't even bother to attend Sunday meetings at times...

The chickens were forced to lay 400 eggs for sale to get buy grain and meal for the animals.
The chickens revolted, but Napoleon ordered the hens rations to be stopped. 9 chickens died in the process.

My thoughts: This shows the cruelty of Napoleon and how he gets his way. He no longer treats the animals as his comrades now since he can do such ruthless things to them.

Napoleon was on better terms with the other farmers than before. He was planning to sell a pile of timber to either Frederick or Pilkington.

My thoughts: The pigs are starting to trade with humans... They are starting to become like humans.

As usual, everything that went wrong was blamed on Snowball. There were even claims that he had been frequenting the farm at night, doing horrible things.
Lies were made about Snowball, saying that he was in collabaration with Jones from the very beginning.

My thoughts: I think this was just to make Snowball Napoleons scapegoat. This way, the animals would think Napoleon's planning is flawless and everything bad that happens is not because of him. It is also to make the animals forget Snowball as a great leader, so that Napoleon can get their complete trust and support.

Animals were slaughtered for the sins they had confessed.
There was no such bloodshed since the day of the Rebellion.
One of the commandments,"No animal shall kill any other animal" was broken.
"Beasts of England" was abolished
A new song composed by Minimus replaced "Beasts of England".

My thoughts: This was to make the animals forget the content of the song --the benifits they would get after the rebllion. The animals would not find something lacking in theirlives and rebel.

Animal Farm Chapter 6

2009-05-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

These are some of the points in Chapter 6 of Animal Farm and my thoughts about them:

The animals worked like slaves, but were happy in their work as they knew they were doing it for themselves.Working on Sundays was voluntary, but those who did not work would have their rations cut by half.

My thoughts: This is the same as making it compulsary and punishing anyone who doesn't work! Napolean really knows how to put things in a nice way...

They had a tough winter ahead.

My thoughts: Since the land was not ploughed early enough, the animals were probably too busy with the building of the windmill and other work. Napolean is treating them like slaves while he sits back and enjoys himself.

The building of the windmill was a slow and laborious process.
Boxer worked the hardest, with his two maxims: "I will work harder"&"Napolean is always right"

My thoughts: Napolean only seems to be right. He knows how to twist facts and tell lies.

As the summer wore on, various unforeseen shortages were felt.(including machinary for the windmill.
Napolean announced that Animal Farm shall start trading with neighbouring farms to obtain certain materials which were urgently necessary.

My thoughts: I think this is absolutely necessary. If they do not do so, the farm would not be able to continue operating.

The rule that animals shall not touch money and never to have any dealings with human beings was broken.This shows the first change that pigs are starting to become like humans.
The humans hated the farm more than ever.
The pigs started living in the farmhouse and broke one of the Seven Commandments that no animal shall sleep on beds. The windmill was destroyed one stormy night and Napolean blamed it on Snowball.

My thoughts: The pigs are starting to become like humans...

Projects Day Competition

2009-04-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

We just had our project competition preliminaries last week. My group encountered some problems with the video and did more modifications to the design of our product. Due to everyone's own CCAs and activities, we couldn't get together as often as we liked...this has also resulted in some conflict between our group members. However, we managed to compromise and complete what was required at the end of the day. Although the preparation wasn't that smooth, we managed to get the project going just one day before the competition.

On the day of the competition, we were a little anxious since we were the First group to present. I was one of them who presented. So, guess how I was feeling ...Everything went on quite smoothly(the video, the inventor's log and the powerpoint).The judges asked some questions and we replied promptly ...and ..and finally it was all over! I think our group did fine and I hope we can pass the prelim judging...

MILO MOE Youth Triathlon

2009-03-08T01:18:00.000-08:00

Yo...

SO, shall post about the events that happened yesterday. I teamed with jeff and marcus for the MILO youth triathlon. The individuals in our age category had to swim 200m, cycle 8km and run 2km. The teams had to do the same.

I had to wake up at about what? 5+? And left the house for Sentosa after having my breakfast. We soon reached Sentosa and before i could place my bike in the transition area, it started pouring. Everyone was drenched by the time they found a shelter. The event was held up because of the rain.

The horn was sounded and the race began. Everything went smoothly until the cycling section. The transition area was jammed and there weren't enough marshalls to guide us. To make things worse, the instructions given kept changing. We had no idea where to exit the transition area. Many parents had to help out with the marshalling and we finally got going.

I certainly enjoyed the experience though it was quite badly organized.

Some pics:

Marcus, Jeff and Me...

Same...

Jeff and marcus looking at chiobus

Rest time...

Headed back for lunch. After a short nap, i went to the MRT station to meet up with my project mates, justin, jin hien and wei keat. Arrived at jin hien's house soon after and started brainstorming. And we got the powerpoint done? Stayed for dinner...it was quite good actually, the fried rice and all...

K that's all..byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Visit to National Metrology Centre

2009-03-06T02:56:00.000-08:00

Visited the National Metrology Centre last week. It was fun and enriching. Firstly, I never thought that the centre had so many laboratories and staff. We learnt how the SI units were obtained. I was fascinated by the set-ups that measured the temperature of the water, the lasers and all the sophisticated equipment used by the scientists. These machines measure temperature, speed of light, time and weight, etc. It was so advanced that I thought I could only see them in the movies. It was truly an eye opener!
In one of the labs, we saw the actual prototype of 5kg and 1kg.( We were not allowed to touch it in case we disturbed the readings). A machine would measure any changes in the weight and the reasons identified. The place had to be so clean that we had to cover our shoes with 'plastic covers'. Each year the scientists will visit their counterparts in Paris and elsewhere to compare results.
The next lab we visited was one which measures the speed of light. The machines used lasers and were very complicated. Mirrors were used to reflect the laser beam and Iodine cells are then used to direct the lasers to the exact spot. The speed of light was then measured. Somehow the results are more accurate this way.
The temperature lab was equally exciting. There were tanks of water, heaters and freezers. Different substances were either heated or cooled before being measured. We were shown the water bath as well. An iron block was used to stabilised the temperature of the water. A very accurate platinum thermometer was used. There was a demonstration of how pure ice was made. It was initially white before turning more and more translucent as water was added. This was my favourite lab as I enjoyed the experiments and set-ups.
At the time lab we saw the atomic clock and were given an explanation of how it works. Overall I find the trip a refreshing change, something you don't usually see in your everyday life. I'm quite sure there are more places I haven't seen or experience yet and I can't wait for the next opportunity!

How to make a blog

2009-02-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

How to make a blog:

First you have to decide the theme, and if you want your blog to be private or personal. Write about what interests you, not what you think your readers want.

Then you should check out a few of the free blog sites, like Livejournal.com, Blogger.com, Blog-city.com, TheDiary.org or Blogdrive.com. They offer free accounts that come with a lot of features. I recommend you to use Blogger.com.

Once you enter blogger.com, click on the "Create a Blog" button to register. You will need to fill in your details, including your e-mail address.

Next, you will be prompted to choose a blogskin. Pick the blogskin you prefer. After that, you can start blogging! Nicer blogskins can be available at blogskins.com. Other "accessories" that can be added to your blog include a chatbox or a music player. You will have to register yet again at cbox.ws to get a chatbox. You are required to copy and paste a code onto the template of your blog to get the chatbox. This applies for the music player as well. They can be found at imeem.com and other websites.

These are what blogs commonly have. However, if you wish to add more interesting"accessories"onto your blog, searching the net will definitely help you find what you want.

Happy blogging!!

Similarities and differences between blogs and journals

2009-02-18T04:58:00.000-08:00

Blogging has become famous around the world. However, many people do not know the difference between blogs and journal entries.

These are the similarities and difference between journals and blogs:

Similarities:

Both blogs and journals are about the writer's experiences and opinions.
Both blogs and journals can be written anytime and need not be written daily.

Differences:

Blogging can be shown to everyone but journals can be kept a secret.

It would be dangerous to post private and personnal details on a blog, but it is safe to write them in a journal.

Journals tend to focus on events going on in the writer's immediate life (experiences, thoughts, and opinions). Journals may be introspective or even intimate sometimes.Blogs are focused outside the author and tend to be about more general topics that are less obviously oriented to the writer.

Blog entries are often shorter than journal entries and are more focused on links to other information.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Blogging

2009-02-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

Blogs can be useful and also harmful to us. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of blogging.

The advantages of blogs :

In the case of an organization, the consumer is better informed and this can be good for the long-term health of economies.

Blogs can help the organization develop stronger relationships with its customers, as they interact with the organization through blogs.

Blogs can build the profile of the writer, showcasing the organization as having talent and expertise Blogs are an excellent way of sharing knowledge.

Blogs can be a positive way of getting feedback as readers react to certain posts, give opinions or ideas,etc

The disadvantages of blogs are:

Most people do not have much to say that is interesting and are unable to write down their ideas in a compelling and clear way.

Most of the time, people who have most time to write have least to say, and the people who have most to say don’t have enough time to write it. Thus, the real expertise within the organization lays hidden.

Blogs are easy to start and hard to maintain.

Writing coherently is a difficult and time-consuming task. So, blogging is a very expensive strategy, as it eats up time. Because of this, many blogs are not updated, thus damaging rather than enhancing the reputation of someone or an organization. Also, the average customer prefers it if the organization they are about to purchase from is at least somewhat coherent.

Most people blog for fun and others do it to make money.These advantages and disadvantages can help them decide whether blogging is beneficial.