Ok, since this week is our nation's 42nd year of independence, let's talk about patriotism.
First, a little video from our home grown singer and judge on Singapore Idol, Mr Dick Lee.
With that video as a starting point, here's this week's wonderful journal you have to write on...
Do you think you are and will continue to be a patriotic Singaporean?
What makes you say that? And while you are at it, do you think Singaporeans in general are patriotic? Why or why not?
In fact, a lot of Singaporeans seem to take pride that they are NOT patriotic. Why do you think that is the case?
Being the multi-taskers that you young people are and sticking to my prescribed teacher role of being Ms Patriotic, here's 2 new songs for this year's NDP to keep you company while you are deep in thought about Singapore...
Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) 2007 theme song, Will You.
Singers: Jadani Sridhar, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Lily Ann Rahmat, JaiWahab, Shabir Mohammed, Sebastian Tan, Gani Karim
Music & Lyrics by: Jimmy Ye
Lyrics:
Will you make this islandAmazing in all ways?
Surprises every corner,Delightful nights and days.
Will you take this countryAnd turn it from a place
To a home that greets youWith smiles on every face?Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories,
Songs that everyone will feel?
So... Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen,
Will you let your dreams take flight?
And... Will you make the difference?
Will you seize the day?
Will you live each moment,
Will you dare to find new ways?
Will you take this city
And turn it into a place
To a home that greets you
With smiles on every face
Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories,
Songs that everyone will feel?
So... Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen,
Will you let your dreams take flight?
And... Will you make the difference?
Will you seize the day?
Will you live each moment,
Will you dare to find new ways?
Dare to find, dare to find, dare to find new ways!
Have a wonderful long weekend! :)
Monday, August 6, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Rosa Parks
You can go to this webpage to read about how her courage changed the world. And...
A video and article at the BBC website reporting her death in 2005.
KKK
Am trying out something. If you don't know the meaning of a word, move over it and see if the meaning of the word comes out. Not all of them will show up though. Only the words I think some of you may not know. Examples in this post are "waned", "guise" and "slurs". Let me know if it's useful. Try the lyrics of the song below too. Thank you.
Ku Klux Klan aka KKK as mentioned in class today which spreads the message of hate and violence. Though their power has waned, their presence remains though in a different guise and against different groups of people. Well, if you want to know more, go to this website for some history of this clan and this one (easier and shorter read) too.
Found another youtube video which features a report off CNN about the revival of the KKK in the United States. It's scary how people promote hate by feeding on the fear of others. More of concern is the fact that these people are recruiting young adults into their fold. Here we thought that we have become more educated and civilised as humans, these things remind us to be mindful of what we say and do. We really cannot take things for granted. Who is to say what can happen next if we tolerate things like insults and slurs on other people? Food for thought...
And another off the history channel..
Found another youtube video which features a report off CNN about the revival of the KKK in the United States. It's scary how people promote hate by feeding on the fear of others. More of concern is the fact that these people are recruiting young adults into their fold. Here we thought that we have become more educated and civilised as humans, these things remind us to be mindful of what we say and do. We really cannot take things for granted. Who is to say what can happen next if we tolerate things like insults and slurs on other people? Food for thought...
And another off the history channel..
Black Eyed Peas - Where is the Love?
Well, thought I'll just put this music video of "Where is the Love" by Black Eyed Peas and the lyrics to 'spread some lovin' as the blacks might say it...
Lyrics below:
Enjoy both the power of the music and the words :)
Lyrics from http://www.lyricsondemand.com/b/blackeyedpeaslyrics/whereisthelovelyrics.html
What's wrong with the world, mamaPeople livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love
It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?
I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
Now ask yourself
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love?
Sing wit me y'all:
One world, one world (We only got)
One world, one world (That's all we got)
One world, one world
And something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got
(One world, one world)
That's all we got
(One world, one world)
Monday, July 30, 2007
This week's journal writing topic...
Let's keep it simple.
Ethnic costumes are not racism level indicators
Students more inclined to learn racial sensitivity from example. Do you agree?
The article can be found here.
Please complete by this weekend.
Ethnic costumes are not racism level indicators
Students more inclined to learn racial sensitivity from example. Do you agree?
The article can be found here.
Please complete by this weekend.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Guess this is a familiar picture for all you Harry Potter fans around. So this week's topic for those who can't wait to lay their hands (and eyes) on this latest and last installment.
Do you like the ending of this last installment of Harry Potter? Why or why not?
For those who do not read Harry Potter or has yet to read the latest installment, fret not. Here's another one for you to think about.
Do you think the Harry Potter series is good enough to be considered a classic?
Anyway, here's J.K. Rowling reading from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the Natural History Museum, London on the 21st July 2007 during the book launch.
Oh and did you know that J.K. Rowling is the first billionaire author? Anyone interested? :)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Btw, 7.01am today...
Anyone going in their cosplay costumes to Kino? Remember to take pictures and share :)
Another one for you to ponder...
Hm.. looks like the guys are the ones who are better at this so far...
$0 ALL ALL ALL ALL
Let's see who can get it first.
By the way, heard of the new credit card that students below the age of 18 can get with no income requirement and a $500 limit? Go read about it here.
Personally I think it's a BAD idea. I believe in spending within my means and I've read enough of newspaper reports of people who did not manage to pay off their monthly installments and got into serious trouble trying to pay off their debts to the bank. There have even been people who have become bankrupt because of their credit card debts. The interest rate and more importantly the roll over effect is simply too high. (Something to ask your Maths teacher about :) ) Ultimately, is it worth it? I do not think so.
Indeed, one really needs a huge amount of discipline to own a credit card, which I dont think many people possess, young or old. Personally, I didn't even get my first credit card till 2 years ago and that is because I just couldnt resist the discounts these cards offer. Of course I made sure all my monthly installments are paid up on time and I am NEVER late. (for those who are curious :P)
There are, of course, people with a different point of view who believe that students should start young in terms of money management so as to prepare them for adulthood. Question: who are they going to learn it from? An oh so convenient source - schools. More periods for Money Management lessons anyone? :P The more responsible parents might take matters into their own hands and self educate the kids. What if however, the parents have the wrong values on money? What then? Are we going to create perpetual generations of credit card slaves?
Don't be mistaken, I'm not against credit cards. In fact, I do agree that it might be suitable for SOME students but the repercussions are greater than that. The possibility of the C.C becoming a 'status symbol' for students is definitely there and the inevitability of an ignorant or ill-disciplined youngster who spends beyond his/her credit limit and has to have the parents pay the debt off for them is almost certain. That is of course, if the youngster comes from a family background that is able to afford it. What about those who may not be able to do so? What possible lessons could then be learnt? Will it create more social problems?
In my opinion, if this goes through, a brand new social dynamics is going to be created amongst the youths and one that may not be too pleasant and may in fact go on to increase the gap and lack of understanding between the haves and have-nots.
That would be a very sad day.
What do you think?
$0 ALL ALL ALL ALL
Let's see who can get it first.
By the way, heard of the new credit card that students below the age of 18 can get with no income requirement and a $500 limit? Go read about it here.
Personally I think it's a BAD idea. I believe in spending within my means and I've read enough of newspaper reports of people who did not manage to pay off their monthly installments and got into serious trouble trying to pay off their debts to the bank. There have even been people who have become bankrupt because of their credit card debts. The interest rate and more importantly the roll over effect is simply too high. (Something to ask your Maths teacher about :) ) Ultimately, is it worth it? I do not think so.
Indeed, one really needs a huge amount of discipline to own a credit card, which I dont think many people possess, young or old. Personally, I didn't even get my first credit card till 2 years ago and that is because I just couldnt resist the discounts these cards offer. Of course I made sure all my monthly installments are paid up on time and I am NEVER late. (for those who are curious :P)
There are, of course, people with a different point of view who believe that students should start young in terms of money management so as to prepare them for adulthood. Question: who are they going to learn it from? An oh so convenient source - schools. More periods for Money Management lessons anyone? :P The more responsible parents might take matters into their own hands and self educate the kids. What if however, the parents have the wrong values on money? What then? Are we going to create perpetual generations of credit card slaves?
Don't be mistaken, I'm not against credit cards. In fact, I do agree that it might be suitable for SOME students but the repercussions are greater than that. The possibility of the C.C becoming a 'status symbol' for students is definitely there and the inevitability of an ignorant or ill-disciplined youngster who spends beyond his/her credit limit and has to have the parents pay the debt off for them is almost certain. That is of course, if the youngster comes from a family background that is able to afford it. What about those who may not be able to do so? What possible lessons could then be learnt? Will it create more social problems?
In my opinion, if this goes through, a brand new social dynamics is going to be created amongst the youths and one that may not be too pleasant and may in fact go on to increase the gap and lack of understanding between the haves and have-nots.
That would be a very sad day.
What do you think?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Guess why...
A man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer.
He tells the loan officer that he is going to China on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the man hands over the keys to a new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
After the man left, the bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the man for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.Two weeks later, the Chinese returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest,which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely,but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found out that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is why you would bother toborrow $5,000?
What do you think?
He tells the loan officer that he is going to China on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the man hands over the keys to a new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
After the man left, the bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the man for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.Two weeks later, the Chinese returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest,which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely,but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found out that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is why you would bother toborrow $5,000?
What do you think?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
He's Here, He's Lear
See that some of you have already voted. Glad to see that a few of you at least have an opinion about the issue. Keep the votes coming in!
Just read today's papers. Ian McKellen is here :) For those not in the know, the names Gandolf in LOTR and Magneto in X-Men will probably jog your memory. Nopes, he's not here to play either characters but he's here to act in the play, King Lear. A pity I didnt manage to get tickets for this play as I think it would be quite an eye-opener and a priviledge to see an accomplished actor 'live'. Ah well, the things I miss in life. That's why I say, experience life while you can, not when you need to work and make a living. It'll be a tad too late then eh?
2 things I found of interest: 1) With regards to Singapore being the only country in the King Lear Tour where he keeps his underpants on instead of removing it, this is what he says and I quote -
"I daresay if we were to argue the case, that there was an artistic reason for it (to appear nude for the play), maybe the young people would be allowed to respect an old man's genitalia. I think it's a pity, but not a great one."
Humourous, hehe.
2) He is known for his activist work for gay rights and he is one of the founding members of Britain's Stonewall, a gay rights group. Even more intriguing is this (and I quote from the ST) -
He says he has followed with interest the recent debate here on Section 377A of the Penal Code which bans homosexual sex. "Well, I feel a little bit guilty because the law you have in Singapore was one that was left behind by the British colonial forces and it's taken us an awful long time to get rid of it in Britain," he says "So I'm very sympathetic to the situation here."
Him being gay aside, what I found more interesting is that a Brit would actually know and "read with interest" this little debate that's going on in Singapore. If I were to ask a Singaporean on the street about this issue, which would defintely affect us all in some way or another in future, would she or he know or even be interested in this 'little trivia'? Food for thought about what it means to be an active citizen eh?
Anyway, for homework, just a gentle reminder:
- reflect on Mdm Gao Yao Jie on your blog by this weekend. For those without a blog, do give me a hard copy by this Friday.
- Due this Friday as well - (group work) list of achievements based on a biography of any character (either from ST or any magazines)
- next Weds 25 July, group essay on your debate topic.
That's all folks for today!
Rest well! :)
Just read today's papers. Ian McKellen is here :) For those not in the know, the names Gandolf in LOTR and Magneto in X-Men will probably jog your memory. Nopes, he's not here to play either characters but he's here to act in the play, King Lear. A pity I didnt manage to get tickets for this play as I think it would be quite an eye-opener and a priviledge to see an accomplished actor 'live'. Ah well, the things I miss in life. That's why I say, experience life while you can, not when you need to work and make a living. It'll be a tad too late then eh?
2 things I found of interest: 1) With regards to Singapore being the only country in the King Lear Tour where he keeps his underpants on instead of removing it, this is what he says and I quote -
"I daresay if we were to argue the case, that there was an artistic reason for it (to appear nude for the play), maybe the young people would be allowed to respect an old man's genitalia. I think it's a pity, but not a great one."
Humourous, hehe.
2) He is known for his activist work for gay rights and he is one of the founding members of Britain's Stonewall, a gay rights group. Even more intriguing is this (and I quote from the ST) -
He says he has followed with interest the recent debate here on Section 377A of the Penal Code which bans homosexual sex. "Well, I feel a little bit guilty because the law you have in Singapore was one that was left behind by the British colonial forces and it's taken us an awful long time to get rid of it in Britain," he says "So I'm very sympathetic to the situation here."
Him being gay aside, what I found more interesting is that a Brit would actually know and "read with interest" this little debate that's going on in Singapore. If I were to ask a Singaporean on the street about this issue, which would defintely affect us all in some way or another in future, would she or he know or even be interested in this 'little trivia'? Food for thought about what it means to be an active citizen eh?
Anyway, for homework, just a gentle reminder:
- reflect on Mdm Gao Yao Jie on your blog by this weekend. For those without a blog, do give me a hard copy by this Friday.
- Due this Friday as well - (group work) list of achievements based on a biography of any character (either from ST or any magazines)
- next Weds 25 July, group essay on your debate topic.
That's all folks for today!
Rest well! :)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Asian Hero - Gao Yao Jie
Attached is a video from youtube about this 80 year old lady called Gao Yao Jie. A lot of you may be wondering why on earth we are focusing on an 80 year old lady who is not even from Singapore. The reason is precisely that she is an 80 year old lady who is not from Singapore.
A lot of times when we look at the elderly in Singapore or anywhere in the world, we think of them as useless, slow, waiting to retire, retired or worse, waiting to die. Even when they are healthy and able bodied, there always seems to be this perception that they have something 'lacking'. As such, when I saw the article on the Sunday Times last week, I was struck by how when most elderly folk would be satisfied with just being laid back and enjoying the fruits of their labour, this elderly lady is moving around the country fighting for what seemed like a lost cause - Aids.
Yes, the degrading term that is often used by people on people as a joke, as something to be feared, as something that is meant to insult or at best, as something that is secretive and best left unsaid. The very term that makes one shun from another regardless of the facts - that Aids is not something that can be passed from talking, from sharing of food or from touch.
With such negative perception of what Aids is, the most one can expect from an individual like you and me is that we do not treat an Aids victim like a leper and that we do not discriminate against them. Or is it?
How many of us are actually prepared to stand up and say, "Let's fight for the discriminated! Let's help those who are suffering! Let's reach out and be friends to these victims?" I know deep in my heart that while I may feel sympathy for these sufferers of Aids and may want to help them, I simply do not have the convictions to actually stand up and do something about it. Then I look around me and realise this astounding fact - that there arent many around the world, more so in Singapore, who are prepared to do this. Many who have stood up and sacrificed the prime of their lives for this cause (or for any cause) are often treated as loafers, idealistic, rich enough to do something like that or simply silly for wasting their time on a cause rather than making money.
YET, we have this old lady, one foot in grave, who shows us, despite her pessimistic point of view, that there are people who dare to stand up against the torrid currents of criticism, against the powers that be that is the government, againsts threats against not only her, but also her family members as well as the burden of discrimination about this disease. She dared to stand up and be counted.
No fear.
The true definition.
Not something we wear on the sleeves/back of our shirts, carry on our bags or sprout out to friends like seasoned veterans.
This 'old' lady has definitely touched me with her actions and put me to shame. She not only talks the talk, she walks the talk.
Question:
What is your point of view about Aids?
Why do you think feel that way?
Do you think Singaporeans have the potential/what it takes to be someone like Gao Yao Jie?
You do not have to stick to these questions. If you feel passionately about the topic, just write about it. The blog is your platform. I am just your guide.
A lot of times when we look at the elderly in Singapore or anywhere in the world, we think of them as useless, slow, waiting to retire, retired or worse, waiting to die. Even when they are healthy and able bodied, there always seems to be this perception that they have something 'lacking'. As such, when I saw the article on the Sunday Times last week, I was struck by how when most elderly folk would be satisfied with just being laid back and enjoying the fruits of their labour, this elderly lady is moving around the country fighting for what seemed like a lost cause - Aids.
Yes, the degrading term that is often used by people on people as a joke, as something to be feared, as something that is meant to insult or at best, as something that is secretive and best left unsaid. The very term that makes one shun from another regardless of the facts - that Aids is not something that can be passed from talking, from sharing of food or from touch.
With such negative perception of what Aids is, the most one can expect from an individual like you and me is that we do not treat an Aids victim like a leper and that we do not discriminate against them. Or is it?
How many of us are actually prepared to stand up and say, "Let's fight for the discriminated! Let's help those who are suffering! Let's reach out and be friends to these victims?" I know deep in my heart that while I may feel sympathy for these sufferers of Aids and may want to help them, I simply do not have the convictions to actually stand up and do something about it. Then I look around me and realise this astounding fact - that there arent many around the world, more so in Singapore, who are prepared to do this. Many who have stood up and sacrificed the prime of their lives for this cause (or for any cause) are often treated as loafers, idealistic, rich enough to do something like that or simply silly for wasting their time on a cause rather than making money.
YET, we have this old lady, one foot in grave, who shows us, despite her pessimistic point of view, that there are people who dare to stand up against the torrid currents of criticism, against the powers that be that is the government, againsts threats against not only her, but also her family members as well as the burden of discrimination about this disease. She dared to stand up and be counted.
No fear.
The true definition.
Not something we wear on the sleeves/back of our shirts, carry on our bags or sprout out to friends like seasoned veterans.
This 'old' lady has definitely touched me with her actions and put me to shame. She not only talks the talk, she walks the talk.
Question:
What is your point of view about Aids?
Why do you think feel that way?
Do you think Singaporeans have the potential/what it takes to be someone like Gao Yao Jie?
You do not have to stick to these questions. If you feel passionately about the topic, just write about it. The blog is your platform. I am just your guide.
Welcome!
Hi 207,
Welcome!
Hope you have at least attempted to set up a blog of your own. Here's a few dates you should take note of:
Tuesday - 26 June
- successfully set up your personal blog for the upload of your journal writing. Remember to allow comments and if you have set your blog to private setting, remember to give me your password so that I can access your work.
- your holiday homework on Elizabeth Choy (for those who did not bring it today)
Wednesday - 27 June
- Reading assignment
- Vocabulary exercise due
- Remember to bring Shakespeare Short Stories for your English lessons
That's it for now. More to come! :)
Welcome!
Hope you have at least attempted to set up a blog of your own. Here's a few dates you should take note of:
Tuesday - 26 June
- successfully set up your personal blog for the upload of your journal writing. Remember to allow comments and if you have set your blog to private setting, remember to give me your password so that I can access your work.
- your holiday homework on Elizabeth Choy (for those who did not bring it today)
Wednesday - 27 June
- Reading assignment
- Vocabulary exercise due
- Remember to bring Shakespeare Short Stories for your English lessons
That's it for now. More to come! :)
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