Straits Times Reflection:D

Week 8- PM's Basic Rules for Religious Harmony

2009-09-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

1a) What are the 4 rules for religious harmony?

b) In your opinion, how can we maintain a common space in schools?

2) Do you respect other religions? Why or why not? What do you think of children who stay away from their parents' funerals because they believe the traditional rites are against their new religion?

Yes! Other religions are part of our community and without each other; we would not be the one to advance in terms of efficiency of the country and the technological development. As a fellow Singaporean, we pledge to be as one united country without regarding what races we are. I treat them equally and do not judge them by their race. From our daily life experience, we encounter difficulties and challenges, but we experience these hardships with other races. In schools we are taught to learn and care with each other or else they would not be harmony and peace in the country.

I think that the children who stay away from their parents’ funerals are awful! They would not witness their parent’s funeral just to follow a tradition! Isn’t it a pity for their parents that their own daughter or son doesn’t wish to see them during their funeral?

Week 6-Elderly Falling Prey to 'Volunteer' Ruse (trick)

2009-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

1a)What is the modus operandi (method of operating) of the con artists?

1b)What are the Lion Befrienders planning to do to ensure the old folks do not get conned again?

2)Do you like doing social work? Why or why not?

Yes! Doing social work would benefit me a lot, not only to improve my character, but it also benefits the rest who are at a disadvantage. Even though it would take our precious time and hard work, just seeing the smiles of others are absolutely worth it. Giving hope to the less fortunate is worth sacrificing our time and energy! If others wouldn’t care less about them, who will? They need hope and support to live their life and we should be the one to play our part! We would also be skilled in handling the elderly and those who are suffering from a disease. Not only would our task is to help, we would also inspire them not to give up on life.

Week 5- A Deadly Business

2009-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

1a) What are the 2 worrying trends about drug trafficking mentioned in the article?

1b) Why are Singaporeans increasingly being used as "drug mules"?

2) What will you do if you find out that one of your friends is selling drugs? How will you react if someone tries to sell you drugs?

If one of my friends were selling drugs, I would immediately go up to them and ask them why are they doing so? I would tell them about what the consequences would be if they were to get caught and if they were also influenced by drugs, I would have no choice but to take him/her to a rehabilitation center and hopefully this will make him/her come to their senses. I would advice them strongly about the negative effects of drugs and ask them what lead them to this awful act and try to find out a solution to prevent others from being influenced.

If someone were to sell me drugs, I would strictly decline and approach a crowd if the seller was still pestering me to buy it. I would try to search for a safer place if the seller threatened me. But if he/she was constantly seeking me, I would then take precaution and tell them harshly to back off or else I would hand them over to the authorities.

Week 4- Hawkers fall prey to brazen break-ins

2009-09-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

1a) Why is it easy for burglars to break into stalls at the two markets in the Kallang area?

It was easy as both the stalls are open as they are positioned at the top, which gives the burglars a better chance to steal. Just a leg up on the pipes or metal bars along the walls increases the chance of the burglars attempting to break in this includes not having the roller shutters down.

1b) What is the Geylang East Central Merchants' Association going to do about the break-ins?

The Geylang East Central Merchants' Association held a gathering regarding the accident on 8th July. Mr. Tan Seng Peng, Chairman of the Geylang East Central Merchants' Association, said they will gather the NEA and the town councils to scrutinize for improving protection, possibly by altering the stall layout.

2) What do you think should be done to tighten the security of the markets? What do you think of the burglars who brazenly break into stalls?

To tighten the security of the markets, I think the stalls should appoint a proper look-out team after an incident of the burglary. Surely the burglar would strike again when knowing that breaking into the stalls is a much simpler job that expected. If a look-out team were sent out, they would be able to acquire evidence of why the burglary was taken place and might have a higher percentage of catching the thief. The thief would then think twice on whether to break in during the next visit. The stalls should also be surrounded of security cameras so that they would be able know how the strategies made by the thief are made. Plus, they would be able to track down the thief by identifying their faces. The stall owners should also take action by locking their stalls properly to ensure that it would not be able to pry open easily.

In my opinion, I think that the burglar was in need of money and the only way of getting it was to steal. The burglar’s impractical mind was not the reason why he/she could not do something useful to gain cash and also have a productive career. If the thief were lacking of money, he/she could have request for help from some local organizations. I also feel that the burglar’s state of mind was only to do things that would have a positive effect to his life only, and not consider about the others. He/she should understand and try to put themselves under the shoes of those stall owners who are in a loss.

Week 3- Cheers For the Team

2009-09-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

1a) why is cheer leading an expensive sport?

Cheerleading is an expensive sport due to the constant demand of new uniforms, fake hair, nails, make-up and also travelling. Cheerleading would also require special lessons in the gym as they have to practice inside.

1b) what makes cheer leading such a tough sport?
A lot of things can harm you. However, if you are properly taught and don't attempt things you don’t know how to do, you are much safer to danger. Weightlifting and aerobics are an excellent way to improve your stamina. Cheerleaders need to be healthy and strong in order to do gymnastics and perform stunts. Aerobics is great for training your heart to get through a routine without being out of breath. You can't go wrong with cardio and weight training. You can also do cartwheels and stretches it helps you not disconnect any muscles. Cheerleading is a very aggressive sport and it depends on how motivated and cooperative the team is to tell how difficult it is going to be. If a team is astonishing then we would surely know how much time and effort they have gone through of putting up hard practice into that routine.

2) What is your opinion of cheerleaders? If given a chance, would you join cheer leading? Why/ Why not?

In my opinion, cheerleaders have a very strong determination to strive and work hard for their team. They would go through challenges such as competitions and would need to compete with other cheerleaders in different schools. They have a wide amount of energy to do stunts and shouting cheers during football games and other occasions. Besides, cheerleaders are also the ones who give out encouragement and willpower to the football team to win. They also come out with cheers to grab the crowd’s attention. In my opinion, cheerleaders also encourage athleticism, emphasize teamwork, and inspire athletes a sense of self-worth that extends beyond the competitive arena. They also demonstrate positive self esteem and self confidence, respect for self and others and able to discipline themselves. Cheerleading also helps us feel better and makes us feel important!

Yes, I would certainly try out for the team! It inspires me that even a 7-year old kid can do a back-flip at that mere age. Cheerleading would also give me a chance to expose a new side- instead of just focusing to books and essays; it would certainly be a new sport to experience. Another reason would be is that, we would learn new skills, find out more about the safety precautions, and also show sportsmanship to the other competitors. I would also be able to boost up my self-esteem and be confident of myself when performing to the crowds.

2009-03-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

ST Reflection 2009 – Secondary 2NA/Exp
Term 1, Week 8 (23 Feb 09)

Getting to the heart of Total Defense (Home-Youthink pg B7)
Q1) In the last line, what did the writer mean by suggesting that “he may have found more porcupines than rats?”
Q2) What’s worth giving up your life for?
..................................................................................
Question 1
The writer wrote “he may have found more porcupines than rats?” meaning that Singaporeans today are valiant and have the audacity to stand up and protect their loved ones. Singaporeans nowadays would give up everything including their precious time and even their life just to ensure that their loved ones are protected and saved. Singaporeans would stand up for what they think is right, and always be there to support and cherish people who they think that have made a big impact on their lives such as their family, close friends and even their neighbors. They would sacrifice their lives just to protect and prevents provoker from harming them. Without this positive thinking and action, Singaporeans would have a hard time getting along with one another. The writer also wrote “Are we rats that scurry at the sounds of footsteps” meaning that will we abandon and desert our precious ones when they are in trouble. If Singaporeans were to continue this selfish act, the country will not be in harmony and in agreement. This also means that Singaporeans are threatened when they are attacked by antagonist. Singaporeans should always have an optimistic thinking and always think about others before themselves. If we are not prepared to give ourselves up, there’s no telling what will become of Singapore.
Question 2
I would give up my life for things that are most imperative to me. One of them is my family. Families are most important and are always treasured as they are the one who has provided me love, care and affection since young. Families including relatives are the ones who protected and are always concern about me. I wouldn’t mind giving away my life, wealth and status for them as without them, I would not be able to survive alone in this world. I would also give up my life for the country. Why? The government has provided us with supports and has always asked for opinions to make the citizen’s life easier and simple. Without the acknowledgment, wisdom and their devoted love to the country, we as the people of Singapore would suffer and not be able to endure our lives in Singapore. I would also give up my life so that people won’t be able to criticize and make others feel down whenever they are not accepted in a crowd. People should always be able to voice out their opinions and always be able to pursue their dreams and aspirations and not judge them according to their appearance. Other than that, I would always defend my friends as they are here for me whenever I need them. We went through hardships and memorable experiences together, and giving my life for them feels that it’s not enough. Friends are always treasured and are always remembered by others.

2009-02-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

ST Reflection 2009 – Secondary 2NA / 2E
Term 1, Week 7 (16 Feb 09)

No Loitering After School (IN! pg 7)
Q1) Why Coral Secondary School forbids students to idle around near their school in their school uniform?
Q2) Do you agree with this rule? Explain your answer
..................................................................................
Question 1
First and foremost, every school wants the best from the students and wants them to achieve and excel in their lives. Tell me; don’t you think that rules are given for a purpose? Yes, rules are very important and should always be carried out. For example, Coral Secondary School, forbids students to idle around near their school in their uniforms. Why the school has forbids them from doing so? One word to describe their act is ‘responsibility’. The school has enforced these rules so that the students would think twice before they would want to linger around such places as, White Sands shopping mall in Pasir Ris. As told by the principle of Coral Secondary, she says that the school wants their students to manage and use their time efficiently. These will help the students to make do of their time in revising and putting their best efforts in schoolwork’s and tasks. If anything is to be blamed for, it is surely to be the school. The school is the one who is responsible for the student’s grades and achievements. Low grades and achievements means that, the school has not been putting their best efforts in providing their students in necessities such as educational workshops and provide talks so that the students would have a clearer understandings of managing their time. Thus, enforcing this rule is a good way to prevent lowering down the school’s standard.

Question 2
Based on this article, I can clearly say that there are advantages and disadvantages about this rule. One advantage is, the students will have a lower chance of getting into trouble. Why is this so? The reason being, if the students were to idle around in their school uniforms and were making noises in the residential areas, they might get into trouble if the residents living there might file a report saying that the students in Coral Secondary (example) are not behaving well, and this will affect the appearance of the school and bring down the school name. The rules stated that the students are not allowed to even buy food and just to bring home and eat. I positively disagree to this statement. Students, who usually have their lunch out, will need to go home, and change into different attires, and then he/she may go to eat lunch in these places. This makes it hard for the students, as they are in fact wasting their time and money. Money is involved why? Firstly, students who used public transport to reach home, needs to travel back and forth just to have lunch. This will also reduce the time for the student to revise and complete their work. Students will also have a hard time to communicate with their friends when it comes to projects and group works. Group members will have a hard time discussing about their project, as they are unable to discuss and complete their work outside school. Though the library is a place where we can all go, it is very troublesome for the students to acquire confirmation from the Discipline Mistress or Operations Manger. Therefore this concludes my answer to the statement that students should/should not be wearing school uniform to idle around near their school.

2009-02-12T07:43:00.001-08:00

ST Reflection 2009 – Secondary 2NA / 2E
Term 1, Week 6 (9 Feb 09)

Master of One (Life! People pg 4)
Q1)What was Jack Neo’s vocation when he was serving the nation?
Q2)“Hard work leads to success.” To what extend do you agree with this statement?
.................................................................................
Question 1
Jack Neo had signed on with the army as an infantry officer and soon, had been posted to the army's Music and Drama Company. He also did part time acting, emceeing, singing and comedy skits on TV and live theater and getai shows. He even conducted drama-training classes;produced karaoke music videos;recorded best selling comedy albums and he also published a comic book. Most considerably, he had a hit Chinese language TV show called Comedy Night, which had been running for eight years.Heartland Singaporeans loves his salt-of-the-earth, slapstick humour, exemplified by his most memorable comic creations, Liang Po Po, a mischievous granny, and Liang Ximei, a personification of the typical heartland auntie. Soon, he found himself a new career as a film-maker, which secured him to the Cultural Medallion in 2005. Jack Neo performed at getai shows for five years, from 1983, hosting and singing. Three years after he signed on with the army, Liutenant Neo Chee Keong, who had been a quartermaster, then a platoon commander at an infantry unit, was posted to the Singapore Armed Forces' Music and Drama Company. He had also contributed cartoons to Pioneer magazine, published by the Ministry of Defence for its troops.

Question 2
Yes, I agree that hard work leads to success. Hard work will determine our future whether we will succeed or not, but it should depend on our attitude to work hard towards our goal. Without a dream, our lives will be miserable, as we won't be able to know what we want to achieve in our lives and we also have no idea where we are heading to. You should always set a goal for yourself so that you know the expectations needed to achieve your goal. Every student should know their responsibilities, therefore, they should have interest to study and work hard in order to succeed in life. We should always try our best in every work we are doing. No matter what the results will be, we should always try harder to improve our work. If you have fail for countless of times, you should never give up. Failure doesnt mean you fail in life and you cant do anything with it. If you try hard enough, you'll be able to succeed in life.

ST Reflection

2009-02-04T19:59:00.001-08:00

ST Reflection 2009 – Secondary 2NA / 2E
Term 1, Week 5 (2 Feb 09)

Golfers, youths in brawl on green (HOME, pg 1)
Q1)How did the teenagers trespass into Singapore Island Country Club?
Q2)Is underage drinking correct? Explain your answer.
...............................................................................
Question 1
The teenagers trespass into Singapore's Island Country as they were under the influence of alcohol and wanted to find their way out of the forest and by mistake had wandered onto the golf course. The teenagers who were aged between 13 to 25 years old had been drinking alcohol all night at VivoCity. They were confused of where they were heading to as they were dizzy and were not focused on which path they were going to. This shows that anyone can go to Singapore's Island Country Club by going through the forests, and slowly finding the way to the club. This is very dangerous for those who are members of the club. This incident of which the club members got hurt might occur again, and they won’t have any privacy on what they are doing.

Question 2

Underage drinking is a serious problem that many Singaporeans are doing. Initially, alcohol generally produces feelings of relaxation and cheerfulness, but further consumption can lead to blurred vision and coordination problems. This may cause death and other brainless acts. For example, after consuming alcohol, you might jump off a roof without a clue knowing what you are doing. Drinking alcohol is a way for a worry-free life, but this might cause more harm than you think it might. Teenagers are not allowed to drink alcohol until they reach a certain age, as they do not know what are the effect and consequences they will be going through in their life. They should provide talks in schools to ensure that they knew the consequences and that how alcohol can effect their health problems. They should also provide talks on how to solve problems in calm and a non-violence solution. Drinking might cause you to be addicted, such as drugs and glue sniffing. Therefore, underage drinking is a serious problem that should be stop in Singapore and every country if possible.