Words

Holidays end in 7 mins

2009-01-11T07:54:00.001-08:00

Posting from Windows Live Writer. Not very user-friendly though.

School school school

2009-01-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

Holidays will end in less than 50 mins.

The School Effect

2009-01-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Happy new year people!

It's 2009 and that means a new beginning for everyone; that sounds corny though. Anyway I hope that this year would be better than the last, like it always has.

Spent new year's eve in school and at laser quest. Final dry run for homecoming, it looks quite good I guess; though no promises :P. Unfortunately I have to cut my hair which I did today. I am so not going to risk getting kicked out of school and waste months of practice.

I went home to change after the dry run and spent nearly an hour to get from Bedok to Bukit Gombak, east to west. Laster quest was fun, though very tiring. My legs are aching, so is my back. Who can I blame for cooping myself at home the whole holidays doing absolutely nothing.

I strongly believe that the scoring system at laser quest is rigged :P. Somehow my kills aren't counted, and some people just won't die :P. Talk about having a bad day.

Anyway today went to Rocca's cafe to have a lunch treat. We don't know who treated us, but I just want to say thanks; although I doubt the person reads my blog, seems like nobody does anyway. I think the rest went to play laser quest after lunch, I went home straight instead, my legs were going to give way if I even walked for a bit more.

Well, homecoming tomorrow, need to wake up at like 530am, got to reach school by 645 for sound check and everything. Oh well...

The Return of the School

2008-12-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

Another day has passed, school is going to start soon. As I mentioned before, I am rather ambivalent about going back to school. Hopefully, next year won't be a chore like this year.

Today was rather unproductive, did nothing much after coming home from church, except to play Wow and sleep. Talking about church, the first few pews were really empty with almost everyone away. The girls from my school left before lunch and only Chuan, Jiawei and me had lunch together. Went home straight after; like what Chuan said, I really have no life :P.

Forgive me...

2008-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for all I have done, breaking your heart was never my intention, keep in mind that I would still be here somehow. I know that you won't regret your decision. I am really sorry.

Back to blogging

2008-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

I am back, at least for awhile. Changed my skin again. If I didn't change the profile, I would be Isabella from MGS. Well Isabella, thanks for the blogskin.

The new year is approaching, which means a new beginning for me. Well not exactly since I am staying in DHS for my JC life. Though it means new classmates, I guess it would pretty much stay the same. Talking about classmates, 5C11 consists of mainly 4B people, and apparently there are only 4 guys in my class including me, which, is still suject to appeals(not from me that is). I am so glad I got into my desired subject combination, though I kind of regret taking H2 Math; yes I took H2, don't laugh. But still, I am still looking forward to going back to school to study. For once, I am able to take subjects that I have interest in, though that doesn't include Maths. Despite looking forward to school, I shudder at the thought of having Orientation. I've never liked this sort of event, and I never will. All I hope is that it passes quickly.

I can say that many things happened this year, though I can't exactly remember much, or rather, I choose not to recall them. Still, I missed all the overseas trips that I had: Level Camp in Malaysia, Germany Trip and Family Camp at Batam. These three trips, though varying in purpose and length, were the best trips that I ever had. Though my memories in Family Camp were marred by events that followed :P. I have got to say, I really made many mistakes during the course of the year, and I really hope that I learnt from them and not make them again. When school starts again next January, I hope that I can really put in more effort into my work, and to do my best in everything else.

Moving on to the current, I spent my holidays doing absolutely nothing, I have not completed my work, did nothing productive except to play WoW. The only thing that I was proud of was the time and effort everyone put into the mime performance at Orchard Road. Though the holidays passed fast, I am glad at least I did something for God :D.

Well, I guess that is all I have to write for now, church in the morning, hopefully I can wake up :P :P. Sadly there will be lesser people occupying the front pews in the Upper Sanctuary, since quite a number of the youth went Batam and Tim's in KL. At least there is still Chuan. :D

2008-07-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

Back from cell. Lol today was all-guys, everyone else seems to be too busy. Anyway in the morning went to Kok Swee house like an hour before I went down to Edujoy. Chuan, Caleb and I went back to church to jam, lol we switched instruments and played Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, without all the fancy effects and notes of course. After cell was dinner at Subway, ate bread for dinner, how sad. Haiz tomorrow still need go Yuhding house do editing. Sianz

Thanks for blowing hot and cold, now I'm sick...

2008-07-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just reached home from LA filming. Should have taken MRT all the way to Clementi, 7 was just too damm slow. Anyway went to OCH to film, quite productive today I guess. Lol, tomorrow going Kok Swee house in the morning for absolutely no reason other than laughing at Bowen, heh.

Today was Chinese and Chemistry test, kinda of screwed both. Quite pissed off with myself actually. Today quite slack, no brain draining lessons. :P I guess that's it for now. Going to watch House later, today got two episodes.

Replies are difficult for you...

2008-07-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

Changed skin... Should be studying chemistry but I would rather spend my time on other important things... :P Doubt this blog will be active after this post, lol its like everytime I write a few posts my blog becomes dead. Oh ya changed tagboard to my old flashbox, I had it back in 2006, but I switched to cbox out of stupidity. :P

I would never worry about having you read this, so this is for you: It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

Finally back....

2008-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

... 5 days ago that is...
Anyway Germany was great, just that kind of boring with the museum visits. I won't post any pictures up, since i took them with a powerful 2.0 megapixel camera with 0x zoom. Lol, it was in Germany I discovered my utter disdain for camera flash. Although it is useful to take the beautiful scenery from our castle hostel. All in all, it was rather enjoyable; the sun almost never sets.

I suddenly forgot what i wanted to post next so it will be left blank here until i can remember.

Sometimes I really wonder whether should I even try, knowing that whatever I do would not change anything?

2008-05-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

With global recession accelerating, an oxymoron in fact, the economy of Singapore and the world at large seems to be in danger. Most of Singapore’s investments are tied up in the US, though banks in Singapore aren’t that hard hit by the subprime crisis. Nonetheless, it is hard to predict what the future of the economy will be with inflation and various problems plaguing the country. Even with the reassurance by the Singapore government that we will be able to face the oncoming challenges, it is hard not to worry.

Singapore has enjoyed relative prosperity after the economic downturn during the late 90s. We have more or less rebounded (although the houses I moved to are getting smaller), pay packages are much better, although inflation is partly responsible. However, in 10-20 years, which will be the period I start working, or not, the economy may have been reduced to naught. Of course, that would be a doomsday theory. Nonetheless, it is hard to predict what the economy is like when my generation reaches the working age.

I just wrote utter rubbish, but i didn't have anything better to do. I finally don't owe any teachers homework. Yay!

2008-04-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

My blog is dead... So is my tagboard... Today went to Child at Street 11... Haha the kids there so cute... Got one very violent... Haha, the kids all cut their hair, still quite cute nonetheless. No more common tests, like i cared about them anyway... Haha...

Do you know how it feels to be misunderstood, perhaps I shouldn't have cared in the first place.

2008-04-07T01:56:00.000-07:00

The history essay was given back to us today, only got 15, not including the bonus marks. ZK was right(first time :P), my essays don't have the fluidity. From now onwards, I shall read through whatever I written before I hand it up. This habit is going to be hard to change since I hate reading through what I written, but I shall not be complacent when writing, nor would I be complacent in guarding my valuables or Mas Selamat.

Read Article

The news article should be the one the VP mentioned; correct me if I am wrong. Regarding Mas Selamat, I don't have anything to say, mrbrown has already said it all. However, I don't exactly agree with the VP regarding his speech to us about complaceny with regards to our valuables. First and foremost, I must clarify that I am in no way using words to attack the VP personally(I don't feel like getting expelled). Nonetheless, I feel that some of his points have been misrepresented. The school is meant to be a safe place, and so is our home. Yet, we can't prevent thefts or robberies happening at our homes. Similarly, we cannot prevent thefts from happening in the school. Putting blame on us for not taking care of our valuables is clearly forgoing the fact that our safety and our belongings are entrusted to the school by our parents or guardians. Likewise, at home, we are entrusted with keeping our things safe. Other than the fact that both the school and our homes are paid for using our parents' taxes, or simply from their own pockets(or CPF), a school and a home is clearly different. In our own homes, we have every obligation to be responsible for our own vlauables. However, in schools, this obligation has to be shared by both us and the school. If the school cannot prevent outsiders from coming in to steal our things, then the trust given to the school has been misplaced. When things go missing in the school, both parties are complacent. The students did not take care of their own belongings, and the school's security system was breached(if it was committed by an outsider). In this case, how is it that we are blamed for almost everything? When the theft is committed by our own students, it is still up to the school to instil proper moral values, if not, what is the point of CME lessons. As mentioned by the VP, students, at this age, are easily susceptible to bad influences(sadly that is true) and are more than ready to commit acts of crime. Again, the responisbility falls to the school, to make sure their own students are of proper moral upbringing. Nonetheless, this resposibility also falls to the parents.

In conclusion, it is true that as the owners of the valuables, it is our responsibility to safeguard things that belong to us. But to push the blame to us, it is simply unfair and irresponsible.

I had to type this with one and a half hand, the injured arm pressing the space bar. Zzz, my arm is so tired that i shan't bother with a good conclusion(not my forte) or with reading through.

World Autism Awareness Day

2008-04-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

World Autism Awareness Day falls on April 2, which is tomorrow.

Autism is classified as a developmental disorder which affects 1 in 150 children. The prevalence rate is rapidly going up in the US, partly due to the expanded diagnostics boundaries. Nonetheless, autism cannot be taken lightly.

Sadly, help for autistic children in Singapore is limited. There are special schools and centres dedicated to helping autistic children, but are not given the resources needed to do more. The Singapore government has not been actively pumping in monetary resources to aid in the expensive therapy treatments, resulting in autistic kids being a financial burden to their parents.

Ironically, the government pumps in a lot of money to bring in the so-called foreign talents, just because they are able to bring economical benefits to Singapore, or simply make more money for the government. They give citizenships to them, give them the benefits of the education system and most of them leave after a few years working in Singapore for greener pastures overseas, without serving NS. How can we provide so much financial aid and benefits to people who are not even born in Singapore, and yet fail to give the simplest care to these special needs children? Does it mean being autistic one does not qualify as a Singaporean? Are people who can make money the only concern of the government? People with autism may not be able to bring in economcial growth, but they definitely can contribute to the society through different ways and means. Meritocracy applies regardless of race, religion, social standing, but not if you are slower than others, have a lower IQ or simply unable to contribute financially.

Note: Foreign talents come from countries not linked by a causeway, able to drive up to, or linked by ferries.

2008-03-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Haha, went to the Stomp to look for pictures of hailstones in Singapore. Well, didn't really find anything but pictures of inconsiderate teenagers, inconsiderate teenagers and inconsiderate teenagers:P. A lot of unkind comments on teenagers, ranging from is this our future generation, to teenagers simply do what they like. Numerous spelling mistakes here and there, of course there were some people where their teenage years was in a era without MRT. Since Singapore has a world-class transport system, oh wait I mean third world-class transport system (always forget that word), we have crowded trains and buses. The fact everyone seems to go out at the same dang time eludes many.

2008-03-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

2008-03-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Came back from church after briefing from Hilda on saturday's event. Quite a lot of things to move about, still got PA system to settle. The preparation starts on friday so i guess it won't be so tiring. School is boring, so am I. Zzz...

Don't think you would ever read this, but sorry about today...

2008-03-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Got 15/20 for maths class test, so now overall for the 30% I passed with a percentage of 57.xxxxx. Hopefully I can do well for the latest common test, or else I am screwed. Zzz. History was screwed too, 15/25, thats 60%... Maybe the map test would be taken into consideration with the same weightage. On a lighter note, Ace Essay got 30/30, :P.

I hate to be ignored by you, yet knowing that my love for you would never be reciprocated I would rather you do so...

2008-03-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. - John Wooden

This discussion is similar to the previous one on discipline.

This quote was seen under the Code of Conduct page in the Dunman High Student Handbook 2008.

It seems to me that the school is emphasizing on discipline mainly to protect the reputation of the school, rather than developing the character of the student. The quote suggests that the importance of reputation pales in comparison with character, and thus it is better to be of sound character rather than a false pretence. Nonetheless, the school seeks to place a cover on the students, a cover that is meant only for show and nothing deeper. A teacher once said if a student behaves badly in public, it would lead to them thinking that all the students are like that. Now I wonder what is more important, the school's reputation or the student's character? Discipline is and will never be about how others look at one. That would be merely a facade that does not present what is actually underneath it. When discipline is forced upon someone, it does not necessarily means that the student would be one of sound character, it would merely be patronising the educator. True discipline only ensues in a person when it is self-done, which in other words, self-discipline.

Self-discipline is the act of disciplining oneself without anyone telling him or her to do so. When one is able to discipline himself or herself, that is his true character. Sadly, many of us are not able to do that, and rely on other people to discipline us, me included. This results in a character moulded by others, making it not ours anymore. Also, it will result in the failure to see how character and discipline are interwoven, and discipline would become a chore instead of a natural thing.

The irony.

Don't mind my spelling mistakes and the British/American spelling. This is what happens when you try to type on blogger without spell-check.

Edit: Zzz I need to learn to read through my essay(?) before submitting or posting.

2008-03-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Nothing much today, cut my hair. It's still long but kind of screwed cause my sideburns and the backhair(?) is sloped. Oh well, hopefully don't get caught, or else have to cut again. $10 lei, can't afford it. Haha.

Oh ya must mention this, I recently read a fanfiction story about Maplestory(don't laugh) written by this guy called Kal Ancalas. He is a very very good writer and he is only 15 this year I think. His vocabulary is astounding for his age, not that I any older than him or something but his language skills surpasses those of his age and even those older than him. If anyone should want to see his work go to this link, http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4114145/1/Fairy_Tale. This is a rather short story so it would be easier to read. Nonetheless, it is still brillant. There is also the Revolt of the Archers, 24 chapters and still going, it is rather long but hell good. If you never played Maplestory before I doubt it matters, he is one hella of a good writer, believe me.

2008-03-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last day of First Aid course. Theory test passed easily, but practical may not pass. Zzz. Oh well, at most retake again. School starting soon, homework not done, expected. I think Gabriel Jiang was right, haiz that means I would become emo again...

Replies to tags:
Joyc: Lol aiya your eyes got problem la... Haha... May change if more ppl complain, but again, what people?

Bolong: Lol... No la, I writing rubbish only... Haha

I am sorry...

2008-03-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Oops, whatever I promised had been put off for too dang long. Oh well, I'll start eventually. Nobody comes to this blog though, not that there is anything to come to in the first place. Zzz.

Channelnewsasia online website is getting more and more boring. Don't know why, but anyway I would move on to CNN or maybe BBC. Haiz. Bored of reading online stuff, when's my Newsweek and Reader's Digest going to come... If i don't find something to read soon, my language would be just as bad as my Maths. Haha.

Anyway, First Aid Course today. Not that I find it useless or anything, just that the instructor talks too dang slow. No wonder it's from 9-6. If she talked any slower, the course would never end. Zzz. I realised something today that made me become emo all over again. Wahaha.

Maple Update:
Finally lvl 38, joined the most absurd Ludi PQ party ever. Oh well...

How I wish it was really you.

2008-01-13T04:02:00.000-08:00

Blogging from an I pod touch... Haha everything kinda of screwed right now.... Isn't it always? Anyway gona revive blogging... Not going to be much on my life but rather something like my previous post on this blog.... Stay tuned... Gona stop writing now.... Eyes hurting from small screen

Homosexuality

2007-08-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Homosexuality is a very controversial topic in Singapore. Most people are not in favour of legalizing same sex marriages, and almost all of the religious groups in Singapore are strongly against the idea of homosexuality. Putting aside religious concerns, and looking at the issue from a neutral viewpoint, I must say that homosexuality cannot be accepted no matter what.

The harm that it will bring to society is tremendous. If homosexuality is allowed a place in society, the idea of a family will become blurred. Homosexual couples are unable to produce children. Proponents of homosexuality may argue adoption would be a solution, but we cannot forget about the children. These children would have to suffer a lot of ridicule from school mates. Which child would want people to know that they have two fathers?

Proponents of homosexuality may argue that tolerance is needed. However, tolerance does not work this way. Tolerance, as I know it, is tolerating another race or religion because of the good points it have. In this case, tolerance cannot be applied as I cannot see any good points in two men kissing each other. Even so, proponents can argue that tolerance can be taught. Again, this point does not stand. Tolerance is not an academic subject, it cannot be taught. Tolerance comes from within, and two guys holding hands definitely will not bring it out.

Discipline

2007-08-17T07:51:00.001-07:00

One day, Jim was caught by the discipline master for having his hair too long. The DM wanted to cut Jim’s hair, but Jim, being the rebel he was, retorted that a lot of successful people had relatively long hair, and he took out a few pictures of them as proof. The DM was surprised at first, but proceeded to rebuke him,

“One person’s success doesn’t depend on how he looks Jim, what matters is your hard work.”

Jim replied without flinching,
“But sir, so why must you catch students for having their hair too long? If you say that one’s success did not depend on how he looks, then why should care about how we look”

The DM had nothing to say.

The above story most probably won’t happen; since no students would ever dare to talk back to teachers (We’ve been taught from young). However, the story puts forward the question whether school discipline is achieving its purpose. I am not saying that school discipline is not essential, or that rules are not important. The way schools put forward the notion of discipline is simply not catering to the growth of students. Firstly, as the story pointed out, we do not judge one’s success by his looks. I do have to admit that this problem is rather subtle as times have changed. Schools nowadays would like the students to view discipline, in particular self image, as something the public would take note of. The problem arises from here, we have always been taught to never be bothered how people thought about us. We’ve been taught no matter what we look like, what we wear, we should always have confidence in ourselves. However, schools would always want students to look good in front of the public, and to leave a good impression on them. If people are so concerned about first impressions, then it just shows how shallow people are. These people only know how to look at the surface, and never look deep enough. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

In a sense, schools are hinting that the general public, or should I say adults, are shallow and only knows how to look at the surface.

Comments:
This article I wrote is terrible. Clearly disorganized and not in order, out of point too. Hopefully none of my articles that follows is like that…..