Sheldon Alan "Shel" Silverstein was an American poet, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books. Silverstein confirmed he never studied the poetry of others therefore, developed his own quirky style: laid-back and conversational, occasionally employing profanity and slang.
Let me show you 3 poems by him:
Sick
'I cannot go to school today, '
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
'I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more-that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut-my eyes are blue-
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is...Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play! '
Smart
My dad gave me one dollar bill
'Cause I'm his smartest son,
And I swapped it for two shiny quarters
'Cause two is mroe than one!
And then i took the quarters
And traded them to Lou
For three dimes-i guess he don't know
that three is mroe than two!
Just them, along came old blind Bates
And just 'cause he can't see
He gave me four nickels for my three dimes,
And four is more than three!
And i took the nickels to Hiram Coombs
Down at the seed-feed store,
and the fool gave me five pennies for them,
And five is more than four!
And then i went and showed my dad,
and he go red in the cheeks
And closed his eyes and shook his head-
Too proud of me to speak!
Forgotten Language
Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly
in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions
of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying
flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?
I think Silverstein wrote the first 2 poems for children as it was related to them. It was about how they think, how they act. The first poem was about a child pretending to be sick and when he/she heard that it was Saturday, he/she immediately went out to play. The second poem is about the way children thinks. They thought that as long as the numbers are larger, the value is higher. This shows that he knew a lot about children or he is very close to them.
The last poem is most probably about his life when he was young. He spoke the languag of flowers and understood what caterpillars said. He may be lonely when he was young and always spent his time with nature till he spoke their language. He joined the crying of each falling dying snow flakes. This shows that he is very close to nature.
I feel that his poems are all related to his life be it young or old. I find it easy to comprehend too. I would recommend his poems to those who are weak in English.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Because you are my friend,
my life is enriched in a myriad of ways.
Like a cool breeze on a sweltering day,
like a ray of sunshine parting glowering clouds,
you lift me up.
In good times, we soar,
like weightless balloons
over neon rainbows.
In bad times, you are soothing balm
for my pummeled soul.
I learn so much from you;
you help me see old things in new ways.
I wonder if you are aware
of the bright seeds you are sowing in me.
I'm a better person for knowing you,
so that everyone I interact with
is touched by your good effect on me.
You relax me, refresh me, renew me.
Your bounteous heart envelops me
in joy and love and peace.
May your life be filled
with dazzling blessings,
just as I am blessed
by being your friend
By Joanna Fuchs
Hyperbole:
Quotes: -
There are no hyperbole in this poem.
Personification:
Quote: Your bounteous heart envelops me in joy and love and peace
The post uses this as she thinks her friend as a generous heart. Her friend's heart overwhelms her joy, love and peace.
Metaphor:
Quote: In bad times, you are a soothing balm for my pummeled soul.
When the author is feeling down, her friends makes her feel better.
Simile
Quote:Like a cool breeze on a sweltering day, like a ray of sunshine parting glowering clouds, you lift me up.
The author's friend is represented by a cool breeze and a ray of sunshine which both lifts him up.
Quote 2:In good times, we soar, like weightless balloons over neon rainbows.
When both of them are happy, they are like weightless balloons. They are light which also means they are very happy.
Symbolism:
Quote:-
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My favourite part was when Pinto died. When Pinto died, it made Hari go to Bombay. He made the decision because he wanted to escape. If he had not escaped, he would not have known Mr Panwallah and Jagu who were his biggest benefactor.
Mr Panwallah spent his free times with Hari, accompanying him. He even agreed to teach Hari the watchmending skills which not many know. Mr Panwallah is also kind and caring. He lent Hari money when he wanted to send a postcard back home, Thul. He also told Hari many facts of life which helped him. It helped him to adapt to the changes.
Jagu was also kind and caring. He agreed to let Hari work in his restaurant and earn a stable income of one rupee a day. This amount was a lot to Hair already. When Hari was sick, he brought Hari back home when there was hardly any space left. This shows how kind Jagu is as he let many people stay in his house and leaving little space for his family.
This is why Pinto's death is my favourite part.
Mr Panwallah spent his free times with Hari, accompanying him. He even agreed to teach Hari the watchmending skills which not many know. Mr Panwallah is also kind and caring. He lent Hari money when he wanted to send a postcard back home, Thul. He also told Hari many facts of life which helped him. It helped him to adapt to the changes.
Jagu was also kind and caring. He agreed to let Hari work in his restaurant and earn a stable income of one rupee a day. This amount was a lot to Hair already. When Hari was sick, he brought Hari back home when there was hardly any space left. This shows how kind Jagu is as he let many people stay in his house and leaving little space for his family.
This is why Pinto's death is my favourite part.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Who is your favourite character in Village By The Sea?
My favourite character in Village By The Sea is Mr Panwallah. I feel that he is the benefactor who made the most impact on Hari's life in Bombay. Let me give you a few examples.
On the day of the monsoon, Mr Panwallah asked Jagu to give Hari an evening off, and brought him to the Worli Seaface on a bus. He insisted on buying Hari a green coconut and a paper cone filled with puffed rice and made him feel like a child. As Hari watched the approach of the monsoon, Hari felt lighter and happier than he could remember feeling for a long time. Mr Panwallah provided companionship and was like a family to Hari.
During the month of May, the weather was very hot and Hari went out of the shop to sit on the pavement. Mr Panwallah came to Hari and asked," What's the matter, Hari? Not ill, are you?" He showed concern and kindness. He also kept Hari company by talking to him.
On one hot afternoon when there was no customers, Hari stood and watched the traffic. Mr Panwallah called and asked whether he wants to learn watchmending skills. He told Hari," Tell you what- I'll take you on as an apprentice- in the afternoons, when you don't have to work in the kitchen." He offered Hari a second job, allowing him to earn more money. Watchmending is not a profession many know, thus it is a good oppurtunity for Hari. In this way, Hari will be prepared for the change in Thul.
During the monsoon, Mr Panwallah said, "You have to be willing to learn- and to change- and to grow." He also said," Things change all the time, boy- nothing remains the same.". With these facts of life, it helped Hari. It taught him to adapt and to change.
Without all this help from Mr Panwallah, I don't think Hari's future will be as good as it is now. This is why Mr Panwallah is my favourite character in Village By The Sea.
On the day of the monsoon, Mr Panwallah asked Jagu to give Hari an evening off, and brought him to the Worli Seaface on a bus. He insisted on buying Hari a green coconut and a paper cone filled with puffed rice and made him feel like a child. As Hari watched the approach of the monsoon, Hari felt lighter and happier than he could remember feeling for a long time. Mr Panwallah provided companionship and was like a family to Hari.
During the month of May, the weather was very hot and Hari went out of the shop to sit on the pavement. Mr Panwallah came to Hari and asked," What's the matter, Hari? Not ill, are you?" He showed concern and kindness. He also kept Hari company by talking to him.
On one hot afternoon when there was no customers, Hari stood and watched the traffic. Mr Panwallah called and asked whether he wants to learn watchmending skills. He told Hari," Tell you what- I'll take you on as an apprentice- in the afternoons, when you don't have to work in the kitchen." He offered Hari a second job, allowing him to earn more money. Watchmending is not a profession many know, thus it is a good oppurtunity for Hari. In this way, Hari will be prepared for the change in Thul.
During the monsoon, Mr Panwallah said, "You have to be willing to learn- and to change- and to grow." He also said," Things change all the time, boy- nothing remains the same.". With these facts of life, it helped Hari. It taught him to adapt and to change.
Without all this help from Mr Panwallah, I don't think Hari's future will be as good as it is now. This is why Mr Panwallah is my favourite character in Village By The Sea.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Confessions of a Dreamer
I will be blogging about Confessions Of A Dreamer.
Many of you may not know that I am someone who dreams a lot. Well, now you do. I love to dream. Especially when I am bored. I tend to dream about my future. Like being a soccer star, a famous guitarist or an architect.
I know some people laugh at people who dream a lot. (I have never been laughed at, because no one knows except my best friends). They would laugh at these people and say," Haha. What a loser." I have heard that in my primary school many times before. However, many of them do not know that dreaming is not something funny. It is something that motivates one and it helps one to set his/her goal. It is also a form of planning. If you are one of those who laughs at dreamers, I think you ought to think over again. At the end of the day, a dreamer would always win someone who doesn't dream.
This are some quotes/sayings I got from the internet:
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~Anatole France
Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. ~Gloria Steinem
Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. ~Goethe
Every great dreams begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~Harriet Tubman.
That is all I have for you. Please comment if you agree/disagree with me. Thank you! :D
Many of you may not know that I am someone who dreams a lot. Well, now you do. I love to dream. Especially when I am bored. I tend to dream about my future. Like being a soccer star, a famous guitarist or an architect.
I know some people laugh at people who dream a lot. (I have never been laughed at, because no one knows except my best friends). They would laugh at these people and say," Haha. What a loser." I have heard that in my primary school many times before. However, many of them do not know that dreaming is not something funny. It is something that motivates one and it helps one to set his/her goal. It is also a form of planning. If you are one of those who laughs at dreamers, I think you ought to think over again. At the end of the day, a dreamer would always win someone who doesn't dream.
This are some quotes/sayings I got from the internet:
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~Anatole France
Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. ~Gloria Steinem
Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. ~Goethe
Every great dreams begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~Harriet Tubman.
That is all I have for you. Please comment if you agree/disagree with me. Thank you! :D
Friday, June 12, 2009
My best friend.
This is my own blog prompt. I just have this urge to post about this.
My best friend. He is someone who changed my life. He is the one who is always by my side. He is the one who shares his joys with me. He is the one who gives me a shoulder to lean on when I am feeling down. We celebrate together and we also cry together. This is my best friend.
I met him when we were Primary 1. Yup. We were small children. We hardly talked and when we were Primary 3, we went to different classes. However, when we were Primary 5 we went to the same class again! We were sitting beside each other.
Every examination, we would compare our results and encourage each other. We spent most of our times together. That was how we become best of friends. We played soccer together, did our homeworks together. That was why our results were always the same. Life seemed perfect then.
When we were 12, we continued playing together and studying together. However, due to PSLE my mother stopped me from studying together. She wants me to study alone. But I cant study myself, I need someone beside me to accompany me. During the prelims, I did badly. Comparing my results, I realised that I had deproved tremondously. I was sad, very sad. My goal was to get into Victoria Secondary, but with that kind of results I could not get in.
I felt like dying. I felt like giving up. I felt as though the whole world just fell. I wanted to stop education and run away. I thought it was impossible to get into Victoria. I was afraid. My best friend came forward. He talked to me for a long time. He encouraged and motivated me. Tears filled my eyes but I held it back. I told him I was scared. Scared that I could not get into Victoria.
He changed my life. He changed my mindset and made me work harder. I had only a short period of time to study for my PSLE. I put studied hard everyday. He sacrificed his own time to teach me. Whenever, I do not understand anything, he would explain it to me patiently. When I got back my PSLE result slip, I was shocked. The greatest shock of my life. I improved by leaps and bounds. I even beat my best friend. I looked at him and he just smiled back.
He told me a sentence and it will be etched in my mind forever. He said," A true Stephenian puts others before himself and is never self-centred."
He got the Star Pupil award. During his speech he said," A true Stephenian puts others before himself and is never self-centred. He puts himself in the shoes of others before making decisions, and gives others a shoulder to cry on when times are bad. He is compassionate, trustworthy and respected by many others."
He meant what he said. Even my brother respects him. He is a real role-model. No matter how many 'thank you' I say, it will never be able to pay for what he has done for me.
My best friend. He is someone who changed my life. He is the one who is always by my side. He is the one who shares his joys with me. He is the one who gives me a shoulder to lean on when I am feeling down. We celebrate together and we also cry together. This is my best friend.
I met him when we were Primary 1. Yup. We were small children. We hardly talked and when we were Primary 3, we went to different classes. However, when we were Primary 5 we went to the same class again! We were sitting beside each other.
Every examination, we would compare our results and encourage each other. We spent most of our times together. That was how we become best of friends. We played soccer together, did our homeworks together. That was why our results were always the same. Life seemed perfect then.
When we were 12, we continued playing together and studying together. However, due to PSLE my mother stopped me from studying together. She wants me to study alone. But I cant study myself, I need someone beside me to accompany me. During the prelims, I did badly. Comparing my results, I realised that I had deproved tremondously. I was sad, very sad. My goal was to get into Victoria Secondary, but with that kind of results I could not get in.
I felt like dying. I felt like giving up. I felt as though the whole world just fell. I wanted to stop education and run away. I thought it was impossible to get into Victoria. I was afraid. My best friend came forward. He talked to me for a long time. He encouraged and motivated me. Tears filled my eyes but I held it back. I told him I was scared. Scared that I could not get into Victoria.
He changed my life. He changed my mindset and made me work harder. I had only a short period of time to study for my PSLE. I put studied hard everyday. He sacrificed his own time to teach me. Whenever, I do not understand anything, he would explain it to me patiently. When I got back my PSLE result slip, I was shocked. The greatest shock of my life. I improved by leaps and bounds. I even beat my best friend. I looked at him and he just smiled back.
He told me a sentence and it will be etched in my mind forever. He said," A true Stephenian puts others before himself and is never self-centred."
He got the Star Pupil award. During his speech he said," A true Stephenian puts others before himself and is never self-centred. He puts himself in the shoes of others before making decisions, and gives others a shoulder to cry on when times are bad. He is compassionate, trustworthy and respected by many others."
He meant what he said. Even my brother respects him. He is a real role-model. No matter how many 'thank you' I say, it will never be able to pay for what he has done for me.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
I rather be the city rat then the country rat.
Hello there!
The June holidays are finally here and I'm going to blog about 'I rather be the city rat than the country rat.' I don't really agree. I rather be a country rat myself. Before I elaborate, I would like to list out the advantages and disadvantages of both city and country rats first.
Advantages:
City rat: They have technology to help them in their daily life. They have computer, washing machine, television. They can use the computer to access to internet and chat with friends online through MSN. They have the washing machine to help them wash their clothes. They use the stove to make cooking easier. They have a PSP to enjoy playing the games. They can also watch the television. All this makes their life easier.
Country rat: They are able to enjoy nature as they are surrounded by greenery. They have more space to play. Some of the games are catching and hide-and-seek. They don't have to buy food as they can farm them.
Disadvantages:
City rat: All the things that I have mentioned above are runned by electricity. By using too much electricity, it will cause global warming. In fact, it is already happening. The only way to prevent global warming is to go green and be environmentally friendly. All the technologies like television, computer and PSP causes children to suffer from myopia if they spent a lot of time on it.
Country rat: Their life is not so relaxing like the city rat. They have to perform their duties with their hands. They don't have technology to help them with their daily work. This makes their life difficult.
From all these advantages and disadvantages, I don't agree with the statement. I rather be a country rat as I love nature. I like to be surrounded by greenery and I like to have lots of place to do whatever I want to do.
Please do comment! Thank you! Bye bye.
The June holidays are finally here and I'm going to blog about 'I rather be the city rat than the country rat.' I don't really agree. I rather be a country rat myself. Before I elaborate, I would like to list out the advantages and disadvantages of both city and country rats first.
Advantages:
City rat: They have technology to help them in their daily life. They have computer, washing machine, television. They can use the computer to access to internet and chat with friends online through MSN. They have the washing machine to help them wash their clothes. They use the stove to make cooking easier. They have a PSP to enjoy playing the games. They can also watch the television. All this makes their life easier.
Country rat: They are able to enjoy nature as they are surrounded by greenery. They have more space to play. Some of the games are catching and hide-and-seek. They don't have to buy food as they can farm them.
Disadvantages:
City rat: All the things that I have mentioned above are runned by electricity. By using too much electricity, it will cause global warming. In fact, it is already happening. The only way to prevent global warming is to go green and be environmentally friendly. All the technologies like television, computer and PSP causes children to suffer from myopia if they spent a lot of time on it.
Country rat: Their life is not so relaxing like the city rat. They have to perform their duties with their hands. They don't have technology to help them with their daily work. This makes their life difficult.
From all these advantages and disadvantages, I don't agree with the statement. I rather be a country rat as I love nature. I like to be surrounded by greenery and I like to have lots of place to do whatever I want to do.
Please do comment! Thank you! Bye bye.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hello!
I'm back! :D
I'm 13 now!
Haha.
I celebrated my birthday yesterday with Yi Kuan(yk).
It was a lonely celebration but I still enjoyed myself :D
Actually, 5 people were coming but due to the Mid-year examinations many could not come.
We bowl, watch a movie and shopped
Haha
SHOP
Not really shop.
We just walked around.
Look at stores.
I saw a cute Elmo shaking its head
Haha
I should buy it for someone
:D
That is all!
I have to go, bye!
I'm back! :D
I'm 13 now!
Haha.
I celebrated my birthday yesterday with Yi Kuan(yk).
It was a lonely celebration but I still enjoyed myself :D
Actually, 5 people were coming but due to the Mid-year examinations many could not come.
We bowl, watch a movie and shopped
Haha
SHOP
Not really shop.
We just walked around.
Look at stores.
I saw a cute Elmo shaking its head
Haha
I should buy it for someone
:D
That is all!
I have to go, bye!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Hello!
Today Im going to post about the Annual Sports meet Heats.
I ran 200m and 4x400m yesterday, Wednesday.
200m, I was in Heats 2.
A few trackers.
I had no confidence at first.
But when I ran, I gained confidence every seconds.
I managed to get 2nd, losing to the first by around 0.01-0.10 seconds.
I was shocked.
I did not expect myself to get such a good result.
I managed to qualify for the finals!
I am so happy!
*yay!*
*applause*
I was the 7th qualifer.
I clocked 29s.
Hehe
4x400m:
Yi Kuan, Joel, Tan Jun and I ran.
I was the last runner.
We were leading by a huge gap by then.
All I had to do was to mantain it.
I managed to, however I also managed to lose the 1st place.
The 2nd was very close.
Luckily, I had fairly long legs allowing me to jog with long strides.
My legs were as soft as jelly when I left 200m.
I persevered and continued running, helping our class to get 1st!
*yay!*
We have to thank Joel.
He was the one who helped us win.
He increased the gap tremondously.
So all of you thank Joel :D
I think I have blogged long enough.
Bye!
Today Im going to post about the Annual Sports meet Heats.
I ran 200m and 4x400m yesterday, Wednesday.
200m, I was in Heats 2.
A few trackers.
I had no confidence at first.
But when I ran, I gained confidence every seconds.
I managed to get 2nd, losing to the first by around 0.01-0.10 seconds.
I was shocked.
I did not expect myself to get such a good result.
I managed to qualify for the finals!
I am so happy!
*yay!*
*applause*
I was the 7th qualifer.
I clocked 29s.
Hehe
4x400m:
Yi Kuan, Joel, Tan Jun and I ran.
I was the last runner.
We were leading by a huge gap by then.
All I had to do was to mantain it.
I managed to, however I also managed to lose the 1st place.
The 2nd was very close.
Luckily, I had fairly long legs allowing me to jog with long strides.
My legs were as soft as jelly when I left 200m.
I persevered and continued running, helping our class to get 1st!
*yay!*
We have to thank Joel.
He was the one who helped us win.
He increased the gap tremondously.
So all of you thank Joel :D
I think I have blogged long enough.
Bye!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hello!
I'm back once again!
Today I'm going to blog about something
:D
We had land training today and I just realised that I'm super weak.
I can only do 3 pull-ups non-assisted!
That sucks.
*cries*x10000000
Hehe
Nevermind, its only the beginning.
I will continue to train hard together with my other team-mates.
We will bring back gold next year!
:D
I'm back once again!
Today I'm going to blog about something
:D
We had land training today and I just realised that I'm super weak.
I can only do 3 pull-ups non-assisted!
That sucks.
*cries*x10000000
Hehe
Nevermind, its only the beginning.
I will continue to train hard together with my other team-mates.
We will bring back gold next year!
:D
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hello!
I'm back
:D
Sorry for not posting for a long time :)
I have been more active on my personal blog than this blog.
Haha.
Sorry!
Today I will be posting about my CCA, canoeing.
Yay!
Hehe
I did not really enjoy it at first.
But now i LOVE it!
Haha
My coach is Mr Cheong.
He likes to torture us.
Haha.
But he is actually very fun. :D
He is an ex-Hwa Chong-ian.
He is going to University already.
This June :(
That means he will be leaving us!
NO!
*cries*
I'm 210% sure that my stamina has increased tremendously.
Before joining canoeing, my 2.4km run was 16minutes!
Haha.
Now its 10+minutes.
*Jumps for joy*
Haha
Let me tell you what we do during water training, which is on Tuesday and Saturday.
1) Warm-up
2)1.1km run
3)3 sets of 6exercises.
4)Carry boats to platoon.
5)Warm-up (1km)
6) Race (1 race 2km. We do total of 2-4races)
7)Cool down (1km)
8)10 rounds up and down the slope (Its super steep!) + total of 100 burpee-pushup.
or
9)15 rounds up and down.
Its super tiring!
*pants*
Then we are free!
Yay!
*collapse*
Now you know why its SO tiring!
However, I still LOVE my CCA!
It is fun because of my team mates!
Especially Davis, Jun Ying(junyingg), Nigel, Shian Hao.
They are SO fun!
hehe
I think I have posted LONG enough.
Bye!
I'm back
:D
Sorry for not posting for a long time :)
I have been more active on my personal blog than this blog.
Haha.
Sorry!
Today I will be posting about my CCA, canoeing.
Yay!
Hehe
I did not really enjoy it at first.
But now i LOVE it!
Haha
My coach is Mr Cheong.
He likes to torture us.
Haha.
But he is actually very fun. :D
He is an ex-Hwa Chong-ian.
He is going to University already.
This June :(
That means he will be leaving us!
NO!
*cries*
I'm 210% sure that my stamina has increased tremendously.
Before joining canoeing, my 2.4km run was 16minutes!
Haha.
Now its 10+minutes.
*Jumps for joy*
Haha
Let me tell you what we do during water training, which is on Tuesday and Saturday.
1) Warm-up
2)1.1km run
3)3 sets of 6exercises.
4)Carry boats to platoon.
5)Warm-up (1km)
6) Race (1 race 2km. We do total of 2-4races)
7)Cool down (1km)
8)10 rounds up and down the slope (Its super steep!) + total of 100 burpee-pushup.
or
9)15 rounds up and down.
Its super tiring!
*pants*
Then we are free!
Yay!
*collapse*
Now you know why its SO tiring!
However, I still LOVE my CCA!
It is fun because of my team mates!
Especially Davis, Jun Ying(junyingg), Nigel, Shian Hao.
They are SO fun!
hehe
I think I have posted LONG enough.
Bye!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Today I am going to blog about the article: NTU’s final year engineering student stabs professor.
A Nanyang Technological University (NTU) spokesman had confirmed that a final year student from the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering stabbed a professor Monday morning.
The professor at the engineering faculty was in his office when the student stabbed him with a knife in the back.
Prof Chan Kap Luk, a Singaporean in his 40s, is said to be the supervisor of the fourth year student in a project.
After stabbing the professor, the male student — who was in his 20s — slit his wrists and jumped down a building at the engineering block.
His body was found at the bottom of the building, which was about five storeys high. He died from his injuries.
Prof Chan received medical treatment for cuts and is in stable condition.
NTU said both parties’ next—of—kin had been notified.
NTU’s president, Su Guaning, rallied the university community together and pledged to help the families of the professor and student.
He said the matter will be investigated thoroughly. The university has mobilised its counselling professionals to help.
Dr Su said: "The university is deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened... The university community will rally together at this difficult time and do our utmost to help the student’s family, the professor and his family, and those traumatised by the incident."
My view:
First of all I do not know why the student stabbed the professor. I think no ones knows at all. Most probably, the professor has done something that the student doesnt like and thinks the professor is unfair. Maybe. However there should not be any reason as to why he stabbed the professor. He should not stab the professor no matter how angry he is. Instead he should go for counselling. I think NTU would have a counsellor for students to talk to. The student have also caused a huge problem for his family and the professor's. I hope from this article, we will learn that we should never do any harm to our teachers or friends or family. Secondly, we should always bare in mind that our actions will lead to problems that cause much discomfort to people, especially those who care about you.
A Nanyang Technological University (NTU) spokesman had confirmed that a final year student from the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering stabbed a professor Monday morning.
The professor at the engineering faculty was in his office when the student stabbed him with a knife in the back.
Prof Chan Kap Luk, a Singaporean in his 40s, is said to be the supervisor of the fourth year student in a project.
After stabbing the professor, the male student — who was in his 20s — slit his wrists and jumped down a building at the engineering block.
His body was found at the bottom of the building, which was about five storeys high. He died from his injuries.
Prof Chan received medical treatment for cuts and is in stable condition.
NTU said both parties’ next—of—kin had been notified.
NTU’s president, Su Guaning, rallied the university community together and pledged to help the families of the professor and student.
He said the matter will be investigated thoroughly. The university has mobilised its counselling professionals to help.
Dr Su said: "The university is deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened... The university community will rally together at this difficult time and do our utmost to help the student’s family, the professor and his family, and those traumatised by the incident."
My view:
First of all I do not know why the student stabbed the professor. I think no ones knows at all. Most probably, the professor has done something that the student doesnt like and thinks the professor is unfair. Maybe. However there should not be any reason as to why he stabbed the professor. He should not stab the professor no matter how angry he is. Instead he should go for counselling. I think NTU would have a counsellor for students to talk to. The student have also caused a huge problem for his family and the professor's. I hope from this article, we will learn that we should never do any harm to our teachers or friends or family. Secondly, we should always bare in mind that our actions will lead to problems that cause much discomfort to people, especially those who care about you.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Today I am going to blog about what Figo, a portuguese soccer player said about Ronaldo, a portuguese soccer player too. Figo said that Ronaldo should join Real Madrid, the Spanish Giants.
"Manchester United's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo should join Spanish giants Real Madrid, " Figo said.
"Real Madrid is the most important club in the world, the best club in the world. I think Ronaldo has already wrapped up a stage at United," the Inter Milan midfielder said
"He has won everything he can with the English club, which is another great club, but he should have other goals now, other ambitions, and Real Madrid would allow him to achieve more importance, more relevancy," he added.
"That is what I have told him. I don't know what he thinks now," the 36-year-old former Real player added.
Real tracked Ronaldo all of last summer following his Champions League and English Premiership triumphs and 42 goals across the campaign before United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in and emphatically vetoed his departure.
But Spanish media continue to insist that the 2008 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Footballer of the Year will join Real at the end of the season. Ronaldo added to the speculation in January when he told Spanish television he was learning Spanish.
My Opinion:
I think Ronaldo should join Real Madrid on his point of view. However I think Ronaldo should not join the Spanish Giants on Manchester United( includes staff and players) and the fans' point of view.
First I shall start with Ronaldo's point of view. First of all like what Figo said, Ronaldo has won everything he can in the Barclays Premier League. Its time for him to win some other trophies from other leagues. Why not go and win the Spanish Liga? Since he cannot decide, why don't he just join? During Euro 2008, he said that he like to play in a white jersey to play. Which is also the home colour for Real Madrid. This is a hint that he wants to join Real Madrid. He also said that he is learning Spanish. Why does he learn Spanish when he is playing for an English club. Isn't that another hint that he wants to play for the Spanish Giants so he can communicate with the people there easily.
Next its Manchester United and the fans' point of view. There are many Red Devils supporter in this big world and I am one of them. We will definitely not want Ronaldo leave Manchester United as he is one of our star players. He bagged a total of 42 goals last season. Which is amazing for a 24-year-old. Mind you! 24-year-old! I remembered during the start of the 09/10 season. The Red Devils were playing without Ronaldo as he had underwent a ankle surgery at Lisbon, Portugal. The Red Devils were not playing very well. This shows that Manchester United needs Ronaldo to win the trophy.
In conclusion, I really depends on Ronaldo himself. The amount of money Real Madrid is offering is very difficult for Manchester United to reject therefore, its Ronaldo's choice. Leave or stay, he decides.
"Manchester United's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo should join Spanish giants Real Madrid, " Figo said.
"Real Madrid is the most important club in the world, the best club in the world. I think Ronaldo has already wrapped up a stage at United," the Inter Milan midfielder said
"He has won everything he can with the English club, which is another great club, but he should have other goals now, other ambitions, and Real Madrid would allow him to achieve more importance, more relevancy," he added.
"That is what I have told him. I don't know what he thinks now," the 36-year-old former Real player added.
Real tracked Ronaldo all of last summer following his Champions League and English Premiership triumphs and 42 goals across the campaign before United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in and emphatically vetoed his departure.
But Spanish media continue to insist that the 2008 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Footballer of the Year will join Real at the end of the season. Ronaldo added to the speculation in January when he told Spanish television he was learning Spanish.
My Opinion:
I think Ronaldo should join Real Madrid on his point of view. However I think Ronaldo should not join the Spanish Giants on Manchester United( includes staff and players) and the fans' point of view.
First I shall start with Ronaldo's point of view. First of all like what Figo said, Ronaldo has won everything he can in the Barclays Premier League. Its time for him to win some other trophies from other leagues. Why not go and win the Spanish Liga? Since he cannot decide, why don't he just join? During Euro 2008, he said that he like to play in a white jersey to play. Which is also the home colour for Real Madrid. This is a hint that he wants to join Real Madrid. He also said that he is learning Spanish. Why does he learn Spanish when he is playing for an English club. Isn't that another hint that he wants to play for the Spanish Giants so he can communicate with the people there easily.
Next its Manchester United and the fans' point of view. There are many Red Devils supporter in this big world and I am one of them. We will definitely not want Ronaldo leave Manchester United as he is one of our star players. He bagged a total of 42 goals last season. Which is amazing for a 24-year-old. Mind you! 24-year-old! I remembered during the start of the 09/10 season. The Red Devils were playing without Ronaldo as he had underwent a ankle surgery at Lisbon, Portugal. The Red Devils were not playing very well. This shows that Manchester United needs Ronaldo to win the trophy.
In conclusion, I really depends on Ronaldo himself. The amount of money Real Madrid is offering is very difficult for Manchester United to reject therefore, its Ronaldo's choice. Leave or stay, he decides.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Today I am going to blog about the article: Diet, exercise could cut cancer rates by third.
A third of common cancers could be prevented if people shifted to a sounder diet, exercised more and controlled their weight The report, by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, analysed incidence of 12 types of cancer in the United States, Britain, Brazil and China.
Around a third of these cancers could be prevented by better nutrition, physical activity and obesity controls.
The figure does not include the benefits of tackling cancer by stopping smoking. Tobacco use alone accounts for about a third of cancers.
"On a global level every year, there are millions of cancer cases and this is why we need to act now before the situation gets even worse," said the report's leader.
"We are expecting a substantial increase in cancer rates, with the ageing population, obesity rates soaring, and with people becoming less active and increasingly consuming highly-processed and energy-dense food and drinks."
"The good news is that this is not inevitable and we still have the chance to avert a crisis before it is too late."
The report makes four dozen recommendations, authored by 23 leading cancer experts.
It includes the advice that schools and workplaces bar unhealthy foods from vending machines and governments encourage cycling paths and walking routes to promote physical exercise.
According to a report issued on February 2 by health foundation and consultancy Axios International, 12 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2008, resulting in 7.6 million deaths.
There could be 20 million new cases of cancer each year, and 13 million deaths, by 2030, it estimated.
A third of common cancers could be prevented if people shifted to a sounder diet, exercised more and controlled their weight The report, by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, analysed incidence of 12 types of cancer in the United States, Britain, Brazil and China.
Around a third of these cancers could be prevented by better nutrition, physical activity and obesity controls.
The figure does not include the benefits of tackling cancer by stopping smoking. Tobacco use alone accounts for about a third of cancers.
"On a global level every year, there are millions of cancer cases and this is why we need to act now before the situation gets even worse," said the report's leader.
"We are expecting a substantial increase in cancer rates, with the ageing population, obesity rates soaring, and with people becoming less active and increasingly consuming highly-processed and energy-dense food and drinks."
"The good news is that this is not inevitable and we still have the chance to avert a crisis before it is too late."
The report makes four dozen recommendations, authored by 23 leading cancer experts.
It includes the advice that schools and workplaces bar unhealthy foods from vending machines and governments encourage cycling paths and walking routes to promote physical exercise.
According to a report issued on February 2 by health foundation and consultancy Axios International, 12 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2008, resulting in 7.6 million deaths.
There could be 20 million new cases of cancer each year, and 13 million deaths, by 2030, it estimated.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Today I am going to blog about the article: Iraqi police shoot dead four US soldiers.
The incident took place during a US army visit to the Mosul headquarters of the Iraqi police in charge of protecting the city's bridges. The bullet-riddled body of the interpreter was taken to the local mortuary.
It was the third such fatal shooting involving US soldiers in just over a year in Mosul, one of the country's most restive cities. Example: On November 12, an Iraqi soldier shot dead two US soldiers in the city before being shot dead himself.
Iraqi officials said the soldier opened fire after an altercation with the Americans during a joint patrol in the city, but the US military insisted it was an unprovoked shooting inside an Iraqi army compound.
Iraq's defence ministry spokesman, said that the shooting took place during a joint patrol to inspect security procedures in Mosul, which the US army says is Al-Qaeda's last urban bastion in Iraq.
An official in the Iraqi interior ministry said "a US soldier slapped an Iraqi soldier during the patrol."
A similar incident took place in Mosul in January 2007 when an Iraqi soldier opened fire on American troops during the erection of a combat outpost in the city, killing two US soldiers.
US and Iraqi forces operate together throughout the country, and the United States has long said that the training of Iraqi troops and police is a central part of its military strategy.
The incident took place during a US army visit to the Mosul headquarters of the Iraqi police in charge of protecting the city's bridges. The bullet-riddled body of the interpreter was taken to the local mortuary.
It was the third such fatal shooting involving US soldiers in just over a year in Mosul, one of the country's most restive cities. Example: On November 12, an Iraqi soldier shot dead two US soldiers in the city before being shot dead himself.
Iraqi officials said the soldier opened fire after an altercation with the Americans during a joint patrol in the city, but the US military insisted it was an unprovoked shooting inside an Iraqi army compound.
Iraq's defence ministry spokesman, said that the shooting took place during a joint patrol to inspect security procedures in Mosul, which the US army says is Al-Qaeda's last urban bastion in Iraq.
An official in the Iraqi interior ministry said "a US soldier slapped an Iraqi soldier during the patrol."
A similar incident took place in Mosul in January 2007 when an Iraqi soldier opened fire on American troops during the erection of a combat outpost in the city, killing two US soldiers.
US and Iraqi forces operate together throughout the country, and the United States has long said that the training of Iraqi troops and police is a central part of its military strategy.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Today I am going to blog about the article: School's Out. I think it is a character-driven story. This article is about a few teachers who teach during the morning and switch to rocker mode at night. All of them agreed that manging both passions can be a challenge. I believe that all of them have good time management skills. We, as students, should learn from them especially me. My main job is to study and I love to switch to rocker mode after my work. But this requires the above skills which I dont have currently. I should really learn those skills from them.
Mr Rai said that music was his "escape"- though he never let it get in the way of work. This shows us that he does not let music affect his career. We should also learn this from him. We should not let our passion affect our studies. He also said, " Academics is still important and you do not have to sacrifice studies for a passion." Academics is the top priority and the others are below it. Our passions should not interfere our studies. I am stressing this as I know some of us, teenagers or children, put their passion as their top priority. This is wrong! Academics come first. Our passion is for us to relax. I know that if we do not give up and practise all day we can achieve our dream. Some children want to become a professional soccer player. However in Singapore, what are the chances of playing in top leagues like the Barclays Premier League? So we should put academics in our top priority.
Magdelene said that she is the exact opposite in her class. She is very strict unlike her rocker attitude outside class. This tells us that we should focus on studying when its time to study and play well when its time to play. We can try to be balanced instead of focusing on academics or passion. If we study too much, we may become stresssed. However if we play too much we will forget about our studies and will do badly in our examinations. Therefore we must be balanced.
After reading this post, I hope you guys will change your time-table if necessary. Do not study too much or play too much. Be balanced. Remember that academic is always the top priority. Play only after you have finish studying.
Mr Rai said that music was his "escape"- though he never let it get in the way of work. This shows us that he does not let music affect his career. We should also learn this from him. We should not let our passion affect our studies. He also said, " Academics is still important and you do not have to sacrifice studies for a passion." Academics is the top priority and the others are below it. Our passions should not interfere our studies. I am stressing this as I know some of us, teenagers or children, put their passion as their top priority. This is wrong! Academics come first. Our passion is for us to relax. I know that if we do not give up and practise all day we can achieve our dream. Some children want to become a professional soccer player. However in Singapore, what are the chances of playing in top leagues like the Barclays Premier League? So we should put academics in our top priority.
Magdelene said that she is the exact opposite in her class. She is very strict unlike her rocker attitude outside class. This tells us that we should focus on studying when its time to study and play well when its time to play. We can try to be balanced instead of focusing on academics or passion. If we study too much, we may become stresssed. However if we play too much we will forget about our studies and will do badly in our examinations. Therefore we must be balanced.
After reading this post, I hope you guys will change your time-table if necessary. Do not study too much or play too much. Be balanced. Remember that academic is always the top priority. Play only after you have finish studying.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is an occasion celebrated on Febuary 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's card, presenting flowers , or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines."Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I am going to talk about the story 'Adeline Ng Ai Choo' from 'The Little Ironies- Stories Of Singapore' by Catherine Lim. I will blog about my feelings after reading this short story.
Just a summary of the chapter, Adeline Ng, aged fourteen, plunged twelve storeys to her death after being refused one mark by her English teacher.
The points I will be discussing about are:
1) Who is to blame?
2) Parental Pressure
The first point is 'Who is to blame?'
Most people who read the newspaper article will blame the teacher, Mrs Tan Cheng Kwee. However, she does not blame herself at all. We can only guess at her innermost feelings and wonder if her emphatic tone belies her inner convictions.
Towards the end of the teachers meeting, Mrs Tan suggested that Adeline should be blamed instead of the pratice of not amending borderline cases into clear passes and failures, or the practice of returning marked examination answers to students. She commented on Adeline's 'unstable' character, her nervousness and inability to concentrate, and the fact that she was often 'doing irrelevant things in class, such as scribbling in her diary'.
In the conversation between Adeline's parents, the father was very angry with his daughter. While not actually blaming her, he implied that she was very ungrateful and had repaid him badly for all the time and interest he took in her work. Adeline's mother keeps saying, 'you've got nothing to reproach yourself with'. The more she says this, the more we realise that she does blame themselves, perhaps her husband most of all.
Adeline's diary confirms where the blame should lie. It reveals her unhappiness and mounting despair, and it shows very clearly that this is caused by her parents, especially her father.
The second point is 'Parental pressure'.
Should parents take an interest in their children's schoolwork? The answer is probably 'Yes'. However, opinions will differ on how much interest parents should show and how much pressure.
We probably agree that Adeline's father was too strict with her but, again, opinions will vary on how strict a parent should be. We should bear in mind the age of the child, the character of the child and the ability of the child. Example: Adeline was probably trying her best and could not do any better. She might have passed the exam if her father had put less pressure on her.
Adeline's father said he did what few fathers would do. We have to consider whether in pushing children to do their best, are parents really doing what is best for their children, or whether they are really thinking of themselves, wanting to take pride in their children's achievements? It would seem that Adeline's parents were thinking more about themselves than their daughter.
I am done with my post. Thank you for your time. :D For the time being, if you want to comment please comment at the tag box.
Just a summary of the chapter, Adeline Ng, aged fourteen, plunged twelve storeys to her death after being refused one mark by her English teacher.
The points I will be discussing about are:
1) Who is to blame?
2) Parental Pressure
The first point is 'Who is to blame?'
Most people who read the newspaper article will blame the teacher, Mrs Tan Cheng Kwee. However, she does not blame herself at all. We can only guess at her innermost feelings and wonder if her emphatic tone belies her inner convictions.
Towards the end of the teachers meeting, Mrs Tan suggested that Adeline should be blamed instead of the pratice of not amending borderline cases into clear passes and failures, or the practice of returning marked examination answers to students. She commented on Adeline's 'unstable' character, her nervousness and inability to concentrate, and the fact that she was often 'doing irrelevant things in class, such as scribbling in her diary'.
In the conversation between Adeline's parents, the father was very angry with his daughter. While not actually blaming her, he implied that she was very ungrateful and had repaid him badly for all the time and interest he took in her work. Adeline's mother keeps saying, 'you've got nothing to reproach yourself with'. The more she says this, the more we realise that she does blame themselves, perhaps her husband most of all.
Adeline's diary confirms where the blame should lie. It reveals her unhappiness and mounting despair, and it shows very clearly that this is caused by her parents, especially her father.
The second point is 'Parental pressure'.
Should parents take an interest in their children's schoolwork? The answer is probably 'Yes'. However, opinions will differ on how much interest parents should show and how much pressure.
We probably agree that Adeline's father was too strict with her but, again, opinions will vary on how strict a parent should be. We should bear in mind the age of the child, the character of the child and the ability of the child. Example: Adeline was probably trying her best and could not do any better. She might have passed the exam if her father had put less pressure on her.
Adeline's father said he did what few fathers would do. We have to consider whether in pushing children to do their best, are parents really doing what is best for their children, or whether they are really thinking of themselves, wanting to take pride in their children's achievements? It would seem that Adeline's parents were thinking more about themselves than their daughter.
I am done with my post. Thank you for your time. :D For the time being, if you want to comment please comment at the tag box.
This is my first post. I know long posts are very boring so i will try to make my posts short and interesting.
Let me introduce myself first. I am Zamen Lin, Index number 15. I am from class 1o3. I think you all know where to see for more information about me. You are more than welcome to tag on the chat box. I apologize as you all cannot comment on my blog currently. I will try my best to figure out a way. If you have a solution, please feel free to suggest it to me. Thank you. :]
Let me introduce myself first. I am Zamen Lin, Index number 15. I am from class 1o3. I think you all know where to see for more information about me. You are more than welcome to tag on the chat box. I apologize as you all cannot comment on my blog currently. I will try my best to figure out a way. If you have a solution, please feel free to suggest it to me. Thank you. :]
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