Social Star Dees, implicating the nation.

Example: Does race divide people?

2009-08-21T12:19:00.003+08:00

Image taken from: http://nineisenough.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/racism.jpg

Are we totally different just because of 'colour'?

It's important to maintain racial harmony in Singapore. Long ago........

Crediting sources

2009-08-18T08:30:00.002+08:00

Image obtained from http://www.ideasinaction.com.sg/2009/images/ico_bonding.gif

"But we cannot just bond once a year on National Day and around this period. We have to build good relations with one another through our daily contacts, ordinary lives and friendships and working relationships. And therefore, it is important to have shared facilities and facilities where we can interact with one another, regardless of race and religion, where we can mingle, and be comfortable with one another and gain confidence in each other."

Comments extracted by PM Lee's speech, at the National Day Rally 2009.

Image taken from http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__XBw8cqgq1A/SPdui_tU39I/AAAAAAAAA8c/D0z8h_e-Hkw/s400/quek5.jpg

This picture of the group of army men shows us that no matter what race we belong to, we work hard to defend Singapore as one. On the battlefield, it is not the colour of our skin, or the race we belong to, but it is actually our hearts and our commitment to defend Singapore which makes our military strong and mighty.

Hi everyone!

2009-08-18T07:59:00.000+08:00

Group members:

Leader: _____________
- to lead in any discussion, to resolve disputes and to make sure that the task is completed for marking.

Secretary: ____________
- to record any verbal discussions in the blog.

Time-keeper: ____________
- to check the blog and remind the team about the deadlines.

IT-coordinator: ___________
- to help group members to pose their reflections in an interesting manner in the blog.

Blog Designer: ______________
- to set up the blog, get it ready for members to post their reflections and discussions and to see to the overall presentation of the blog.

Hi all!

2009-08-17T07:59:00.004+08:00

IPW begins now!

Assessment:

• English Language teachers will mark the presentation and the language of the blog. (10% Term 4 CA - language)
• Humanities (S.S) teachers would mark the content of the blog. (10% Term 4 CA - content)

Project Focus:

Pupils will appreciate what Singapore has done so far to foster social cohesion as well as generate new ideas to unite Singaporeans as one people and one nation and to forge a national identity in a globalizing world.

Do reflections on the following guiding questions:

1. How different are we as Singaporeans?
2. What are the challenges of multi-ethnicity in Singapore?

How racial issues could divide the people.
What were the events that led to the race riots of 1964?
What were the causes of the race riots 1964?
What happened during the race riots?
What were the consequences of the race riots?
What were the lessons learnt from the riots?
Why do people react sensitively to race issues in Singapore?

How religious issues could divide the people.
What were the events that led to the Maria Hertogh riots of 1950?
What were the causes of the Maria Hertogh riots?
What happened during the riots?
What were the consequences of the riots?
What were the lessons learnt from the riots?
Why do people react sensitively to religious issues?

How issues relating to transnational terrorism could divide the people.

3. What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion (unity among the people) in multi-ethnic Singapore?
4. Why is it important to foster social cohesion?
5. Explore other ways to foster social cohesion in Singapore.

Your group will set up a blog to reflect on the challenges at social cohesion that Singapore (a multi-racial society) has faced and is facing today. You are to blog about how the government has managed ethnic diversity and the importance of doing so. You are also to explore other ways of bonding Singapore and to invite comments on your suggestions or proposals.

Project Schedule:

Weeks Activities Time Frame

8
Humanities teacher will explain the project task.

Group forming and assigning of roles.

Equal division of work for each group member.

Setting up of blogs – Etiquette of Blogging – Personalization of Blogs
Making various sections and Tag board/Comment area for other groups.

Researching on the internet. Use of search engines and valid references and web sources.

You can also do your research using relevant books from the library and even your textbook. Remember to credit these sources too.

You need to credit/acknowledge all the sources used and need to compile all research materials in a file which must be handed up to your Humanities teacher.

You will be penalized for plagiarizing (cut and paste jobs) copying from websites wholesale and passing it off as your own work. Your group will be given a zero and you will be sent to the discipline committee.

Humanities Teachers

9
You are to consolidate your research and apply what you have gathered and learnt, to complete the project task.

The blog should contain reflections from every member of the group. Each member is to reflect on a different aspect of the task.

Every group must visit the blog of all the other groups and leave comments on their tag boards after going through what they have reflected upon. Give suggestions and appraise what is good and also advice on what needs improvement upon. Also spot if the other groups are plagiarizing.

Humanities Teachers

10
Blogs must be fully completed and ready. Files are also to be handed up to your teachers.

You will be assessed on the richness and the relevance of your materials.

Your EL teacher will assess you on the language of your blog. Your Humanities teacher will assess you on the accuracy and the depth of analysis in the content of the blog and whether you credit sources in the blog.

Humanities and English Language Teachers

New blog

2009-01-07T21:27:00.001+08:00

Finally set up a personal blog.

http://www.burningfreezer.blogspot.com/

Let's hope I'll have time to update it.

I've closed down this tag board.

Any comments can be made at the latest post.

As mentioned in class, this blog will remain on hiatus now until there's Lab work or during E-learning.

=)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T00:48:00.002+08:00

Such a cool picture.

Yes I've been enjoying the break! I'm not rich, but let me just remind all of you that saving up is a good virtue to have.

Anyway, I've decided that this blog, as well as the EL blog will be on haitus until I use it during lessons. That's right, I intend to start up my own personal blog as well as a blog on NE (national education) because I'm the main coordinator for our school, and like I said, any feedback from you guys will be received quickly! I'll be sure to post up the URLs to stay tuned!

(Feeling lazy, so this message will be identical to the one on the EL blog.)

大家好！ (Everybody good!)

2008-11-30T23:46:00.001+08:00

我去旅行了！（I'm off to a holiday!)

1-12December. Take care everyone!

Simple Plan - Generation

2008-11-28T15:16:00.001+08:00

Currently stuck in my head.

Heard this during the recent HEROES advertisments.

So nice.

Photos of grad night (appeal)

2008-11-20T21:16:00.005+08:00

Erm.

I just realised none of you sent me any of those pictures which we took on grad night. =(

I went blog surfing and found one pic of me, and I grabbed it. =p
Most other blogs did not have the 'archive' function so I couldn't track back.

I'm also aware that not all of you know of this blog, and that you might have no idea how to send me the photos (other than posting on your blog and giving me the link), so here's an email address that you can send them to: (edited)

I understand that there's a certain amount of risk involved when I reveal such an address, but I sincerely hope that it wouldn't get spammed, and that I would receive those photos, for memories' sake of course. It was a good half year teaching you all. =)

Also, some of you might not even be viewing this blog as often anymore, so those of you who are reading this now, and however desperate I am, I don't see the need to mass tag you guys for the photos, so those of you have who have some contacts with the 4-5,4-6,4-8 people, please help me pass this message to them.

Thank you.

New blogs

2008-11-20T12:14:00.002+08:00

Wassup yo,

I'm planning to start 2 new blogs. One for updating personal (but not so personal) stuff as well as stuff on SS and EL, and one for NE (national education). In case some of you have not realised, I've been put in charge of coordinating NE events in our school. With this NE blog, we can now chit chat about all things NE, and you guys can give feedback on all issues related to NE too, like what you would like to see during e.g. racial harmony day or "That National day gift (the blue bag) was not as useful as we thought." etc etc.

So,
Any ideas on how to name the NE blog?
Something along the lines of www.NEonecanplayapart.blogspot.com
But I don't quite like it because it looks like neon-e-canplay-apart, which sounds negative.

As you all know, there is no limit to how cheesy/corny/lame/stupid/attention-grabbing a blog address can get!
But ultimately it has to have some meaning.

This also means I'll be closing down this blog, as well as the EL blog when it's all set up. The NCC blog will stay of course. I love NCC!

O level Students taking SS

2008-11-02T18:08:00.002+08:00

Cliche to the max, but read on if you want.

Hmm actually why are you spending time online? Ah well, please go revise somemore.

Cliche message starts from here:

THE TIME IS NOW!

THIS IS SPARTA!!

Image taken from http://marcvz.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/caution-this-is-sparta.jpg

Good luck for the SS paper! If you have taken a calculated risk (e.g. not studying certain chapters) I hope you feel responsible and confident enough for the challenge.
Remember, quantity is not always better than quality, but having said that, the more you write, the higher the chances you 'hit' the points, especially for the SBQ. DO NOT leave blanks or give simple sentences. And always give 2 sides of the story.

We've practised well. You all can and will do it! =D

Change

2008-10-28T21:14:00.002+08:00

Thinking of deleting blogs, and starting a new one.
Hmm.

Holidays for Sec 3s and below. Enjoy!
I'm currently on NCC course till 14th Nov.

Sec 4s and 5s: Study hard! Just the last lap, really. Go all out.

Random stuff:
Man Utd drew 1-1. -_- For all their dominance in the first half, they only had a Fletcher goal and they paid for it.

Few more days till AMERICA DECIDES! Obama or McCain?

I finally killed off some devils of procrastination, employed some angels of determination, and ran 5k. Really miss those days when I used to do that every day! OMG! I know you people can't believe it. Haha. Having more time to myself, and loving it!

Shontelle Layne - Tshirt

2008-10-21T17:24:00.000+08:00

Nice song.

OUT

2008-10-19T22:58:00.001+08:00

Monday 20th Oct 2008

I will be out of school.

Conflict

2008-10-16T10:23:00.000+08:00

For today, we're gonna touch on the topic of Conflict, and thereafter, how to manage peace and security: deterrence and diplomacy (Sec 3 Chapter 6)

Why does conflict occur? Why do you quarrel with your friends / siblings /parents / teachers (hopefully not)?
On a bigger scale, why do countries quarrel, and eventually when they can't settle via peaceful means, do it the violent way and go to war?

Mainly there are 3 big reasons:
Competing of territories: control over land etc..
Conflict over scarce (rare) resources: Natural resources etc...
Conflict over ideological differences: Different values and beliefs.

Competing of territories
In a scenario:
In a class,
Peter: Eh why you sit on my chair?
John: Who say this is your chair?
Peter: I say.
John: So what? I sit on it, so now it's my chair.
*Peter punches John. They fight.*

Conflict over scarce (rare) resources:
John: Eh my turn to play the psp!!!!!
Peter: Wait!!! I haven't killed the king yet.
John: You played for 20mins already! Recess is ending!
Peter: Wait~~!!
*John punches Peter. They fight.*

Conflict over ideological differences.
John: I think Social Studies is easy.
Peter: I think it is difficult.
John: Easy lah! Just write, explain, link can already.
Peter: Difficult lah!
*They fight.*

Today's task: Find as many videos / pictures that can depict conflict. What does conflict mean to you? An example is given below.

Two hamsters fighting for a drink.

Picture obtained from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/269418605_ed252d9acd.jpg?v=0

Sec 4 SS Consultation (ignore previous post)

2008-10-13T09:40:00.006+08:00

The school has told me to confirm some time slots, so barring any last minute changes, these are the slots that I've come up with. I just want to quickly inform everyone. They will be posted on Eblaze as well. Barring any changes,

here's the plan. I've even come up with some FAQs~!

15th Oct Wed 130-330pm: Class 4-5
16th Oct Thurs 130-330pm: Class 4-6
17th Oct Fri 130-330pm: Class 4-8

Venue: Library

What's gonna happen:
You will ask question. I will answer your question. Simple as that. I repeat, I'm not gonna conduct any lesson nor revise on any particular topic. You will come prepared with questions, than in the course of answering your queries I might indirectly revise, and so on.
Things like SBQ techniques, format, SEQ techniques, format. Reading of SS paper, finding tone, purpose etc. Content of Sec 3 and Sec 4 chapters (pls at least show me if you have tried to read and digest and still don't understand, and that's why you're asking me. If not, just go read your textbooks for the content.).

Is it optional?
Yes, it is.

Can I bring food?
Er, preferably not. Some sweets I don't mind I guess.

Should I bring sweets for the teacher?
Yes. Sharing is caring.

Will there be extra notes given out?
Nope, but I'll be giving you exam papers from other schools.

Will there be spotting of exam questions?
Nope.

What to bring?
Whatever notes you want to bring; questions / exam papers / past year papers you wanna discuss.

When other people are asking questions, what do I do?
I will share the questions with the class, and go through them together.

Do I need to pay for consultation?
-_-'''

What if I'm emo, but I really want to go for the consultation?
Then er, just come and sit there and hope there are others asking questions. If it's just the two of us, then we'll emo together.

What if I have questions, but I really am too shy to go down?
Well this is your Os, so shyness wouldn't get you good results. If you are really so shy, then post your question here and remain anonymous?

What if I am supposed to attend (for eg) Wednesday's class, but I can't make it. Can I go the other slot?
If there's no other choice, then I guess so. If not, stick to the class slot.

Mr Ng why you so unfriendly, don't give me your handphone number? You think I so free to spam you, or you think I will wanna ask you out meh?
I'm sorry. Like I said. Personal policy. Thanks for respecting and understanding it.

If I am coming, must I tag the board? Can I just drop by?
If you think you're coming and are already at this site, why not just tag? But yah of course, 'walk-ins' are fine.

Social Studies so difficult, I sure fail. Go also no use.
Disagree to biggest extreme extent. It's not difficult. You just need to equip yourself with some skills. When you received your scripts back, you always notice: people who write a lot longer than you doesn't mean they get higher marks. It's how you phrase things. If you have been practising, you will realise it's always the same 'links', same impacts, just need to rephrase a bit here and there.

Wah Mr Ng you very free hor type so many FAQs?
No I am not, and I shall stop here. Ciao.

Mr Ng's consultation hours (subject to changes)

2008-10-11T17:48:00.003+08:00

Well, I did promise all of you to check and update my blog more often since the sec 4s have officially graduated, so now I'll type out the days which I think I am free, AFTER school hours. There is still school for sec 1,2,3s, so I'll be in school everyday as usual. I will update again when I am confident I will be free in between lessons in the morning. As of now, I think if there's a need for consultation, it can only be done in the afternoons.

I'm at home now and so I don't have my stuff, but IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY the SS paper is on 3rd November, 2pm. (Please cross-refer this data with your own timetable or something.)

Monday 13 Oct: Free after 4pm.
Tues 14 Oct: OUT. Invigilation at Unity Sec.
Wed 15 Oct: Free after 4pm.
Thurs 16 Oct: Free after 4pm.
Fri 17 Oct: Free after 2pm.

Mon 20 Oct: Out. Might have external ncc camp.
Tues 21 Oct: Out. Might have external ncc camp.
Wed 22 Oct: Free after 2pm.
23 Oct onwards: On course. Will not be in school. Post questions here.

Disclaimer: Hours subject to last minute changes. Please understand!

Like I said, it's easier to discuss after school, so I don't have to worry about when is my next lesson etc etc. I'm usually at my desk as well, so you can either tag me, or call me extension #324.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Questions students ask which makes you think that you are an alien to them.

2008-10-08T17:48:00.002+08:00

At a class today,
Mr Ng: "...... take on the challenges...."
Student: " tickle the challenges?"
Mr Ng: Take on, take on! Not tickle!
Another student: Tickle my mutton~!!!
Mr Ng: Yeah I like that show as well, especially the part where callers call in and they insult each other.
Yet another student: Wah teacher go home got listen to radio wan ah.

.............................................................
Dot dot dot dot dot dot dot dot dot.

Sec 4 SS consultation

2008-10-08T17:42:00.004+08:00

Quick note:
SS consultation for sec 4s. Just a very casual one.

This Friday 1-2pm at library.
I know I mentioned 1240pm but I have departmental photo taking then. Hope it wouldn't drag.
I also know some of our muslim friends have Friday prayers. I apologise but it's the only time available this week. I have an external meeting at 3pm, and after that it's preparation for the graduation ceremony!
Please come with questions. SBQ, SEQ. Don't come expecting me to go through the chapters with you - Go read up on your own!

As for the period after this Friday (Graduation!), if you wanna meet me, the best way is to tag at this board and ask. I know at times I have not been responding fast enough on this blog, but once you have 'dispersed' I will make more effort to be here. I know you might have other teachers' HP numbers but it's my own policy and I sincerely hope you respect that.
FYI I'll be on course from 23oct- 14nov.

The political cartoon on foreign talent.

2008-10-03T16:21:00.002+08:00

qn : Do you think the cartoonist supports the foreign talent policy in Singapore? Explain your answer.

Suggested Ans:
No, the cartoonist does not support the foreign talent policy.
The cartoonist perceives the foreigners as giants, and Singaporean as a dwarf. The cartoonist portrays Singaporeans as weak and small, while foreigners are big and powerful. The local has to bow down in respect / hang his head in shame as the foreigners look down on him. The cartoonist portrays Singaporeans as second class citizens in their own country.

Alternatives:
Firstly, the three countries represent a barrier between the local and any progress that the country can make. This is because the three pairs of legs are large, imposing and obstacles that stop the locals from moving over to the other side. The cartoonist is implying that foreigners will not help to open Singapore to the global economy.

Secondly, the huge feet imply that the shoes of the foregin talent will be hard for locals to fill. The local will not be able to match up with them and to be as good as they are.

Thirdly, since the three countries are proportionately bigger than the local, it shows that the foreign talent policy views locals as much smaller both in importance and ability compared to foreigners. Locals have to submit themselves to the foreigners because they are powerless to do anything. The cartoonist is also implying that the policy sees locals as dispensable (in singlish: if have, ok. if don't have also nvm. In chinese: 可有可无). Since the local is so small and unimportant, his abilities are unimportant in the development of Singapore. On the other hand, foreign talents are not. Their sheer size in the picture implies that their presence in Singapore and the abilities they have are very important. Without them, Singapore cannot succeed.

Fourthly, the fact that the local is bowing signifies his willing submission to the foreigners. He belives that he is less significant than they are are and he has to show them the respect they deserve. Furthermore, since the upper body and faces of the foreigners are missing, it implies that locals submit to foreigners just because they are foreigners and not because of who they really are or what they are like. Singaporeans themselves show blind submission and respect for the foreigners.

[Example of how we blindly follow foreigners, agreeing with whatever they say / thinking that whatever they say must be better than the locals:

Boss: Can I have a suggestion as to how we should use this space?
Local: Boss boss! Let's build a ktv lounge!
Boss: Crazy! So expensive!
Foreigner: Let's renovate the place into a relaxation corner, where we can sing, play, drink.
Boss: That's a great idea!]

Lastly, the picture is an indication that Singaporeans have resigned themselves to their fate. By bowing, it implies that the local agrees he does not match up to the foreigners and will constantly believe that he is not as good as they are.

-------------------------

Mr Ng's words:
As you can see, there is no definite answer. The worst answer is when you leave a blank! From a picture, you can think of many things. You can infer a lot from it. It's how you phrase it that makes the difference. Everyone can see the foreigner's leg is bigger than the local. So what? You have to say things like "foreigners trampling over locals / locals being bullied / foreigners look down on locals etc etc etc....."

Use words like "imply", "portray".

2008-10-03T15:57:00.002+08:00

The questions on Tamil Tigers.

Source A:

Qn: What can you learn from this source about the reaction of the Sri Lankan government to the Tsunami disaster? Explain your answer, reffering to details of the source.

Suggested Ans: The Sri Lankan government is trying to reassure the public that help is being rendered quickly to everyone, Tamils and Sinhalese alike. The government is trying to convince the public that regardless of race, help will be given out. There is no special treatment given to the Sinhalese or Tamils.

qn: (c) Why do you think the Tamil Tiger commander made this speech? Explain your answer.

Ans: The Tamil Tiger commander made the speech at the conference to let the United Nations by aware of their situation and how they are being discriminated against. He made the speech to persuade the United Nations to offer help in restoring parity / equality between the Tamils and Sinahlese.

Announcement for Sec 3 SS peeps

2008-10-03T13:41:00.004+08:00

The worksheets are available for downloading at Eblaze. Just log in, go find my name and my blog inside that portal. Any problems, enquire here.

Study hard. =D

TWO VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-09-26T17:15:00.002+08:00

1)
All sec 3 students:
The Singapore-Indonesia Camp is IN SINGAPORE.
It's just a collaboration between both countries. As stated, the camp is at Dairy Farm road (near the Salvation Army area)

2)
Sec 4-5, 4-8 students of mine, if you see this message, please pass the word round to get everyone to bring their ss papers on Monday. More standardisation needs to be done. 4-6 papers with me.

That is all. Have a nice weekend!

Sec 3 students alert!

2008-09-24T15:12:00.002+08:00

Singapore-Indonesia Student Friendship Adventure Camp 2008
(Only sec 3 students eligible)

The second Singapore-Indonesia Student Friendship Adventure Camp will be held in Singapore. It will host some 180 students and 20 teachers from schools in Singapore and Indonesia.

Singapore-Indonesia Student Leaders Adventure Camp 200 will have 5 participating schools from Singapore along with 80 participants from Indonesia. A total of 180 students and 20 teachers from both countries will participate in a camp and attend classes.

B. Objectives of Singapore-Indonesia Student Friendship Adventure Camp 2008

This camp aims to promote international understanding, collaboration and bonding between Indonesia and Singapore pupils in an outdoor setting. The program will include adventure activities, nature appreciation as well as cultural experiences. The desired learning outcomes of this camp is the fostering of friendship and bond with partner schools through a common experience, as well as to expose participants to environment and heritage conservation efforts in Singapore.

C. Date and Venue
All participants will be accommodated at MOE Dairy Farm Adventure Centre (DFAC) from 1st to 5th December 2008. The address of JBAC is 30 Dairy Farm Road Singapore 679058.

D. Accommodation

All participants will be housed in dormitories

E. Camp Activities · Outdoor Adventure Activities –Abseiling, Artificial Rock Climbing, Zip-Line, and Challenge Rope Course.
· Water Activities –Rafting/Kayaking.
· Nature Walk/Land Expedition/Orienteering
· Campfire –participants will be engaged in the campfire programme (e.g. performance) and preparation.
· Heritage Programme in the City area
· Art Project

(Only sec 3 students eligible)

--------
I'll be making this announcement during the upper sec assembly tomorrow. Anyone interested please come and see me personally. (You may TAG to say you're interested, but do still come see me personally.)

Please also spread this blog around. Not so that you can spam it, but because it will be full of useful information. =x

Heroes

2008-09-22T18:02:00.004+08:00

No. Not him.

We Can Be Heroes" - that's the title of this year's National Day Video which celebrates the ordinary heroes in Singapore, people who have contributed to making Singapore what it is today, whose contributions may have sometimes gone unnoticed. The four-minute original music video features the young, the old, those with special needs, those who have contributed to the community and the country through their actions and selflessness.

Or if that's not hip enough for you, you can check out this track performed in 1998.

Godzilla OST.

mini-hiatus

2008-09-19T13:41:00.001+08:00

As mentioned in the El blog (you're supposed to read both haha),

I'm very busy these few days, marking SS prelim papers, writing testimonials (not those in friendster ok) etc etc. Hence I wouldn't be updating much. It makes sense, since the examination period is around the corner and you guys should be spending more time on books rather than online anyway.

Work hard, and take care. =)

2008-09-08T16:51:00.001+08:00

Just changed the song.

Sad melancholic reminiscence. What do you think of?

Not that you should be so down in the spirits with your EXAMINATIONS UNDER WAY
(sec 4s and 5s)!!

Baby Ally says WHATEVER~

2008-09-04T13:02:00.002+08:00

Can't believe I did this in class, but for those of you who are still clueless to who I was referring to, check out the video (old one, but neverthless very entertaining!)

I, fashionista.

2008-09-01T16:44:00.003+08:00

{pic removed)

Aie, I should have been more stern in that look.

K. Stop laughing please.

Teachers' Day dinner at clarke quay.
Theme: Retro.

So erm, that was as retro as I could get. I was the host! Together with Miss L Li.
So nervous! Not just because I was gonna be talking in front of allll the teachers, but also in front of the vice principals and principal, as well as our guests of honour - 3 distinguished guests from our school advisory committee.

It all went pretty well, except a couple of hiccups (which I hope nobody noticed).

For the staff lucky draw, I won the 2nd prize which was $150 cash! I didn't know it at first because I kept thinking I was number #51!

Me (emcee): 2nd prize is.... $150 cash! Wow, you can buy many things with $150... and the winner goes to (receives lucky draw ticket picked out by the P) number #57!!!

Crowd: [silence]

Me: Are you sure none of you is the winner? It's $150!! Check your ticket stubs!

Crowd: [silence], with some people shouting "re-draw! draw again!"

I was about to say "going once..going twice....too bad!" when a teacher at my table told me I was the winner!

Then I was so happy and I kept pointing to myself and shouting "Hahah! It's me it's me!!"

And everyone shouted KELONG!

=p

sec 4 remedial

2008-09-01T11:09:00.001+08:00

Tuesday 2nd sept

8am: 4-5
10am: 4-6
12pm 4-8

Venue: Canteen. I'll confirm the classroom on that day.
Bring: Venice Notes, stationery. I don't mind you bring some snacks. Just don't bring food like char kuay teow or hokkien mee.

Acknowledge your sources.

2008-08-27T11:29:00.005+08:00

Credit your sources.

For example:

Hi everyone! I have something to share with you today!

Picture obtained from: http://www.ireporter.tv/Upload/www.247-people.com/stupid-people-shut-up--c11751586.jpg

IOC president Jacques Rogge has criticised Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt for showing a lack of respect to other competitors after his record-breaking gold medal performances in the 100m and 200m.

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion," Rogge said.

Text source from: http://au.sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news/article/-/4943731/ioc-chides-bolt-lack-respect.

Final task:

2008-08-25T23:36:00.002+08:00

You are to reflect on the challenges at social cohesion that Singapore (a multi-racial society) has faced and is facing today. You are to blog about how the government has managed ethnic diversity and the importance of doing so. You are also to explore other ways of bonding Singapore and to invite comments on your suggestions or proposals.

Your reflections can take the form of words, pictures, cartoons or videos. Remember to acknowledge the sources when you put them on your website.

Do reflections on the following questions:
1) How different are we?
2) What are the challenges of multi-ethnicity in Singapore?

How racial issues could divide the people.
How religious issues could divide the people.
How issues relating to transnational terrorism could divide the people.

3) What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion (unity among the people) in multi-ethnic Singapore?
4) Why is it important to foster social cohesion?
5) Explore other ways to foster social cohesion in Singapore.

Reminder:
Your reflections can take the form of words, pictures, cartoons or videos. Remember to acknowledge the sources when you put them on your website.

This is your FINAL TASK.

At the end of it all,
make sure you write in proper, grammatical English. For the part on English, you will be graded in terms of writing quality, use of resources, insights and understanding, progress and development.

Seal - Kiss from a rose

2008-08-25T23:16:00.002+08:00

Another one of THE best love songs in the world. Love the lyrics. Before the Dark Knight, there's the old-school Batman, and this was from the soundtrack of Batman Forever (1995). Check out the details here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112462

Lyrics:
There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea.
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and
The light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.
Ooh,
The more I get of you,
The stranger it feels, yeah.
And now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain,
My power, my pleasure, my pain, baby
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grave,
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave,
I've been kissed by a rose
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave,
...And if I should fall along the way
I've been kissed by a rose
...been kissed by a rose on the grave.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain
My power, my pleasure, my pain.
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny, yeah
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
Yes I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
And now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grave
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grave.

Raindrops keep falling on my head

2008-08-24T15:30:00.002+08:00

What an awful rainy day. Some people like the rain. I don't. Rain brings about darkness. Makes everything seem so gloomy. Takes away light; takes away life. You have to close your windows, and you wouldn't be able to see much outside. The birds fly away; nobody's playing; hardly anyone is out there.

Only thing that comes out of it is that it's good weather for sleeping.

How many hours do you sleep on Sunday anyway? Anyone?

Currently watching the American redeem team play Spain in the Olympic Men's Basketball Final.

USA leading 91-88 with 8 minutes remaining. It's gonna be close!

Foreign Talent

2008-08-17T14:10:00.002+08:00

A topic to be discussed over and over again.

Tonight, our very own Singaporean team will take on the giants of China, in the table tennis women's team final. Winner takes gold.

Our team comprises 3 paddlers (people who play table tennis are called paddlers), and they are all born in China. The male coach is also from China.

Netizens have been lamenting the fact that the players are not born in Singapore, and thus the final consists of players only from China.

What's your take? Must we only be born in Singapore to be a Singaporean. If we have been here since say, 12 years old, does that make us any less Singaporean?

Should Singaporeans be proud that we have earned a medal (silver or gold) because of the hard work that we have put in, or be proud that we are able to attract foreign talent who can bring us honours in various fields? (If you look at it this way, it IS something achievable if there are so many countries out there, and yet these talents choose to come to Singapore. There must be something attractive about Singapore, be it the financial rewards, or the system of our state.)

Will you be cheering them on because they are Singaporeans competing on the world stage, for our country? Regardless of where they were from, the fact that they are wearing our country's colours and flag proudly on their hearts and sleeves deserves support and encouragement?

Do comment! Anything you would like to say in response to these negative sayings, or well wishes, or anything at allllll.

Always be my baby

2008-08-15T10:57:00.004+08:00

There is one thing I CANNOT stand (don't ask me to sit down), and that is people listening to a song and enjoying it so much, YET they do not realise that the song has already been made famous by someone else.

This song has been given a second life by David Cook, but if you are from my dinosaur era, you would have definitely heard of the Mariah Carey version, which was an absolute hit back then.

Suddenly this cooking guy came along and turned such a romantic song into a monotonous, low drumming song. Oops perhaps I have just annoyed half the school population. Actually he's fine, just that I feel that he's not even stretching his vocals in the song, so there's not much of an IMPACT.

Enjoy. =)

Happy National Day!

2008-08-11T11:36:00.004+08:00

I mentioned I was at the preview show last month.

I saw Zoe Tay! (Yay? I behave like a frog in the well. Yay!)

Lady with the white hat. Click to enlarge.

Anyone there at Marina? I was in front of the tv. =x

ERP Drift

2008-08-07T09:36:00.003+08:00

You guys know of the recent inclusion of many ERP gantries.

The song playing on the background speaks of that.

--------------

I wonder if you know,
How they live in Ang Mo Kio
Go to city many gantry
Can’t afford your speed too low
Fast and furious! (Kena!) (beep! beep! beep!)
Slow is dangerous (Aiyah!) (beep! beep! beep!)

I wonder if you know,
How they live in Toa Payoh
Please lah tolong, only Lorong
Not Expressway also tio!
Fast and furious! (Kena!) (beep! beep! beep!)
Spread like virius! (Aiyah!) (beep! beep! beep!)

Many many taxes danglin
ERP now is randomin
Keep your speed ‘bove 45
Or everybody Cashcard won’t survive!
Suka suka ERP on
Happy happy gantry can born
16 new ways to gope your lui
See already want to pui!

Gahmen say take MRT
Cos car is only luxury
Build the road for Fellari
Normal car will up lorry
Ji Pa Ban (uh!), Ichiban (uh)
No million dollars you Lan Lan
CTE is the place to be
Singapore road for VIP

I wonder if you know,
How they live in Ang Mo Kio
Reach work early, at 5.30
Spend three hours drink teh-o
Can’t be seraious! (wah lau!) (beep! beep! beep!)
Live like vampires (ouch!) (beep! beep! beep!)

I wonder if you know,
Where the gantry never grow
Where the lorry Never worry
Travel freely where you go
Pulau Bukom! (Don’t have!) (beep! beep! beep!)
Pulau Tekong (Huat ah!) (beep! beep! beep!)

---------

Of course, you already know it's adapted from Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift!

Lyrics for the original song here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p07GQhBdIPQ

------------------------------

Of course, with every new implementation, like I mentioned, there will always be people who agree, as well as people who disagree (in this case creative people too).

What's your take on the increase in ERP gantries? It doesn't affect you because you don't drive, but does it affect your parents?

For Sec 3-6

2008-08-05T16:48:00.001+08:00

Hi.

There is no SS lesson with you guys this week. On Thursday you will be having the common test during the first period, and on Friday, National Day celebration.

Please make sure you all have settled into your groups and created a web page and distributed the work load accordingly.

Discussions/complaints

2008-07-28T11:30:00.003+08:00

About the SS paper today,

I thought the SS paper wasn't that difficult. All of you should be able to do well.

Feel free to comment about the SS exam practice today!

Racial Harmony Day: A day of parade

2008-07-21T21:33:00.003+08:00

And finally, a picture of yours truly.

Talk to the hand!

2008-07-20T21:50:00.003+08:00

Recently someone wrote in to the papers to complain about this advertisement, where it shows this well dressed gentlemen standing out in a group of people who looks hideous. It says "Stay ahead of the pack". It's actually an advertisement promoting accountancy.

The reader wrote in saying that he felt that the advertisement is unfair in depicting other white collared workers in a bad light (can't remember the words he used).

Do you think such an advertising style is fair? Was he/she just being a oversensitive crybaby? There was no direct or specific attack on anyone.

You may use the comments tab at the bottom of this post.

RHD

2008-07-17T14:20:00.004+08:00

Well I had that quick little 'cameo-like' appearance during the assembly earlier.
It's not my first time speaking on stage, but still some jitters.

Any comments? About the assembly: the performance by wild rice, the slides, me, you, the friend snoring beside you etc..

Was a very funny drama acted out. My pics on my hp, but erm.. this laptop doesn't have bluetooth... so they will have to wait..

And remember: get your costumes ready!!

Chocolate salty balls.

2008-07-15T20:26:00.002+08:00

For some reason at class 4-5, while talking about Venice and the BALLS (you know, the one where Cinderella went to), some of the students had a different interpretation -_-

Then we talked about Southpark which had this song about chocolate salty balls. Southpark is banned in Singapore, for a good reason too, because its supposedly satire on the American state is too much to handle for us Singaporeans.

I'm not gonna paste the lyrics here. Just click on the link and see them.

There is no motion in the video. It's just the song.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lnNYXgV7L-c

Critics and conservatives didn't like the song for its supposedly sexual innuendo, but I remember vividly now that Perfect 10 played it all the time so there's no harm listening to it here.

Enjoy?

Linkin' Park is teh sex.

2008-07-15T20:13:00.002+08:00

There are times for emo songs, melancholic songs, but THERE ARE TIMES FOR LINKIN' PARK!!!!

Yeah, here we go for the hundredth time
Hand grenade pins in every line
Throw 'em up and let something shine
Going out of my beepbeep mind.
Filthy mouth, no excuse,
Find a new place to hang this noose.
String me up from atop these roofs,
Knot it tight so I won't get loose.
Truth is, you can stop and stare,
Bled myself out and no one cares.
Dug the trench out, laid down there,
With the shovel up out of reach somewhere.
Yeah, someone pour it in.
Make it a dirt dance floor again.
Say your prayers and stomp it out,
When I bring that chorus in.

I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
I bleed it out

Go, stop this show
Choppy words in that sloppy flow
Shotgun opera, Lock and Load
Cock it back and then watch it go.
Mama, help me, I've been cursed.
Death is rolling in every verse.
Candy paint on his brand new hearse.
Can't contain him, he knows he works
Beep, this hurts. I won't lie.
Doesn't matter how hard I try.
Half the words don't mean a thing
And I know that I won't be satisfied
So why, try ignoring him?
Make it a dirt dance floor again.
Say your prayers and stomp it out
When I bring that chorus in.

[Chorus]

Saving Gaia

2008-07-13T20:49:00.004+08:00

http://www.turner.com/planet/characters/img/planeteers.gif

Gaia: Spirit of the Earth.
Represented in Captain Planet and the Planeteers! One of my favourite cartoons! =x

As mentioned in SS (sec 4),
we talked about saving the environment, and we mentioned that advertisement that many Singaporeans found distasteful.

It eventually got removed from television, but hail Youtube!

Here you go:

The message is actually very straight forward. You harm Earth, you harm your own future. Not really suitable for younger kids though, I guess.

Any comments?

You may wish to click on the comments at the bottom of this post, rather than tag at the tagboard.

Your new time table is out!

2008-07-13T12:44:00.000+08:00

http://eblaze.regentsec.net/

Check it out now.

Reminisce.

2008-07-10T22:42:00.003+08:00

Was at a student's kick ass blog, and found that this student posted the lyrics of this super awesome song that I grew up listening to. I'm not sure if this student knows that there is a song for this, but it really made me reminisce.

By growing up I mean when I was in my JC years during 1999 and 2000. For some reason everyone (who listened to contemporary pop music) totally loved this song and kinda memorised the lyrics to that.

Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

It's never gonna be the greatest hip hop or pop song, but the lyrics are thought-provoking and oh so true.

No I don't feel emo. Stop asking.

Take a listen. Any comments?

Speaking of songs that make me reminisce (OH GAWD AM I OLD), here's the famous one which all of you should be familiar with. Some parts of it are now used as our Regent song (Not sure the official name of this Regent song. Not the official school song; but this other song that we sing at times. Hope someone enlightens me.)

vitamin C - Graduation (Friends Forever)

Sigh. Songs that accompanied me through my school years.

And no. I'm still not feeling emo. Stop asking.

Saturday 5th July NE Show @ Marina Bay floating platform.

2008-07-06T15:20:00.005+08:00

I went to the NDP preview's preview!

Write up and pictures to follow.

My girlfriend, who shall be known as Miss Confidential, had extra tickets for the show from her friend. Off we went! I've been to NDP'01, and this was my second time going to watch the parade. This was not an actual NDP though, because it was just a full dressed rehearsal for the performers, and they used this opportunity to call it the NE show so that Primary 5 kids -amongst others- get a chance to witness how our nation celebrates our birthday.

Blogging status:
Incomplete. Kinda busy. I'll be updating this post in bits and pieces.

Tamil Tigers

2008-06-29T16:43:00.003+08:00

As mentioned, the fighting in Sri Lanka continues, even as you read these words.
It's good to read the newspapers so you are constantly aware of such issues, and hopefully together with the discussions in class, you will understand the relevance of studying this chapter on conflict.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

43 killed in fresh Sri Lanka fighting
Posted: 29 June 2008 1615 hrs
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/357098/1/.html

COLOMBO : At least 41 Tamil Tiger rebels and two government soldiers have been killed in fresh fighting in Sri Lanka's embattled north, the defence ministry said on Sunday.

Troops shot dead 20 guerrillas in the district of Vavuniya on Saturday while 14 were killed in neighbouring Weli Oya region, the ministry said, adding that another seven Tigers were killed in the coastal district of Mannar.

The ministry said 33 members of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were also wounded in Saturday's clashes with security forces. Two soldiers were killed and seven more wounded in the fighting, the ministry said.

There was no immediate word from the Tigers on the latest violence.

The defence ministry claims raise the number of rebels reported killed by government troops since the beginning of the year to 4,586, against the loss of 418 soldiers.

Government figures cannot be independently verified as journalists are barred from visiting frontline areas.

- AFP/vm

--------------

Edited: 6th July latest:

Sri Lanka says another 21 killed in fresh fighting

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan troops have killed another 19 Tamil Tiger rebels and lost two of their own soldiers in fresh fighting in the island's north, the defence ministry said on Sunday.

Troops killed the 19 members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and wounded 27 others in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Jaffna on Saturday, the ministry said.

A total of 13 government soldiers were also wounded in Saturday's clashes.

There was no immediate word from the LTTE on the latest violence.

However, the Tigers released pictures of their elusive leader Velupillai Prabhakaran commemorating his suicide bombers on the 21st anniversary of the first suicide attack by his guerrillas.

The Tigers have deployed over 250 suicide bombers, known as Black Tigers, to carry out devastating attacks since July 1987.

The defence ministry's latest claims of casualties takes the number of rebels reportedly killed by government troops since the beginning of the year to 4,755 against the loss of 427 soldiers.

Government figures cannot be independently verified as journalists are barred from visiting frontline areas.

Sri Lanka has been wracked by civil war for more than three decades. The rebels are fighting for an independent homeland for minority Tamils on the Sinhalese-majority island.

- AFP/so

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/358585/1/.html

50 cent

2008-06-27T18:22:00.000+08:00

Here's the conversation that was on earlier during the SS lesson.

Mr Ng: Can anyone help me pull down the screen (for the projection)?
Velan: If I help you, you give me 50cents.

And he went on to do it.

So here's a song by 50cent, dedicated ENTIRELY TO VELAN.

(I wanted to play the popular ones, but the music videos were either too sleazy or were clouded with vulgarities, so let's listen to this one instead.)

McDonald's

2008-06-27T08:42:00.004+08:00

Just trying out google docs. Here's the very short presentation I gave on McDonald's when I spoke on Globalisation (sec 4s). I wouldn't be printing them out because it was just a brief introduction.

And here's one of the advertisments I showed you. This is the one from Korea. You can just go to youtube and dig out the rest! =D

Workshop Reflections

2008-06-25T16:30:00.004+08:00

This has been an excellent workshop. It has renewed my interest in blogspot (being an ex-blogspot, current wordpress user). The tools are user-friendly and there are many features which will definitely make learning online fun and interesting. This is also a platform which is not strange to the students, and hopefully they will be attracted to such stuff.

Welcome!

2008-06-25T15:54:00.001+08:00

Hi.
Welcome to the SS blog!

To prove your worth in visiting this blog, please make sure you pass the stupidity test, as stated below.

Some of you might experience problems clicking that link. Don't worry, just wait for the loading to start.

Next, watch this video.

That's the end of our very first lesson!

Do come back regularly for updates!