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Wednesday, August 5, 2009,5:44 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 3, Week 4

Article 1: Her world’s a stage- "Straits Times IN" section
Q1:
(a) Do you consider yourself an artistic person?
I do not consider myself as an artistic person. Firstly, I am not a creative person and I do not act well. Though I can draw and I love to draw, I think I am still not to the perfect. I do think that I still have room for improvement. To me, an artistic person must be good in not only drawing but also acting. Thus, I do not think I am really an artistic person, as I do not act well.

(b) What are your opinions of the theatre scene in Singapore?
I have not been to theatres to watch theatrical performances before. I think, in my opinion, theatre scene in Singapore should be quite good. I have heard friends and relatives sharing their experience to the performances they just went to, which most of them said it were good.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 3 week 4 (article 1)

5:28 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 3, Week 4

Article 2: Drink-and-Eat MRT Riders on the rise-“Straits Times IN” Section

Q2:
How do you feel about MRT commuters eating and drinking blatantly on the train?
I feel that MRT commuters eating and drinking blatantly on the train are very inconsiderate. These people did not think about how the other passengers feel, and when they are caught, instead of feeling very apologetic, they do not seemed to be sorry about what they did.
Commuters should know that eating or drinking in the MRT is not allowed since a long time ago. Since they already know that doing this is an offence, they should not have done it.
Also, when they take the food out of the plastic bag, their food may have smell.They themselves may not notice it, but it may be very obvious to other commuters. The smell may not be very fragrant to some people and hence, they might feel nauseous and uncomfortable. Those eating may be enjoying their time but what about those suffering? Those not eating paid for the same amount of cash to board the train but to find it uncomfortable, which is very unfair to them.
I remembered seeing people eating on the train for a few times. There was a time whereby I remembered a small child munching on some chocolates. Somehow, this child dropped a few pebbles of chocolates on the floor. Without picking it up, his mum pulled him and walked away. Other commuters walked onto the pebbles of chocolates and dirtied the floor. I think that if commuters are not prepared to pick up what they dropped on the floor, then they should not have eat in the train in the first place.
Commuters eating and drinking blatantly on the train should stop this act. I hope that commuters will take the initiative to stop eating on the train and think about other commuters.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 3, week 4 (article 2)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009,4:06 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 2, Week 5

Article: “I was an addict” – ‘Straits Times IN’ Section (In The Air Pg 2)

Q1:
(a) What are some of the earliest signs mentioned in the article to indicate that a person is addicted to gaming?
Answer: There are a couple of signs that can indicate that a person is addicted to gaming.
Firstly, the person would skip meals and lost sleep. One would start to skip meals and going without sleep just to play. Eventually, the temptation was to skip school and meals just so that one could spend all those precious hours gaming.
Secondly, one would start to call himselfherself by his/her avatar name. He/She not only calls it in cyberworld, but also in the real world.
Also, one would have a constant urge to have all the latest songs and the newest gadgets from his/her favourite games. Because of this, he/she will give in to the desperate desire to scour illegal downloading websites so that he/she could download all the songs that he/she wanted. Scrimping and saving to buy the stuffs of a game so that they can purchase the lastest items in the game was also another sign of addiction.
Next, one would talked about the game he/she liked all the time. Soon after getting addicted, one's conversation with a good friend would be all about the game. Of course it is not wrong to talk about gaming, but when gaming was the only thing he/she ever talked about, that would be freaking.
Lastly, one would began to imagine things. One would suddenly feel himself/herself playing the game that he/she always played. And when the song played in one's head, he/she would whip out a pen to draw the arrows and press them in the air. This was the most clear sign that the game was taking over one's mind.

(b) State some of the methods listed by the author to overcome the addiction to gaming.
Answer: Even though getting over the addiction was not easy, there are still several useful ways which can help us to overcome it. One can get their parents to lock up the computer. Another method that helped was to socialise more with people around you, such as your friends. Instead of talking about gaming with your friends, you can talked about other subject, which can really make a difference. This will distract your attention to not think about gaming. Also, balance your life by getting outdoors and exercise more often instead of sitting in front of the computer for a long time.

Q2:
What are some of your reactions after reading this article? If a close friend of yours confesses to you that he/she is addicted to online games, what would your advice to him/her be?
Answer: I did not feel surprised after reading this article. I met people that are addicted to gaming before. Furthermore, the lastest news about the NTU death fall- the deceased friends mentioned that he was addicted to the computer game before that rash act happened. News about teenagers falling from tall buildings, without reasons, are also seen in newspapers. Perhaps, they are already deeply addicted to the computer game and mix themselves up with the avatar, thinking that they have superpowers to 'fly'.
If a close friend of mine confess to me that he/she is addicted to online games, I would probably suggest to him/her that it will bring him/her no good. I would discuss to her the negative signs that addiction would bring, and also advice him/her stop doing so. But I think since he/she is already addicted, he/she will not easily give up. As a friend of his/hers, if he/she really does not heed my advice, I will try other methods to stop him/her from playing so much games. For example, asking him/her out sometimes or when he/she talks to me about gaming, I will try to change the subject so as to stop him/her from thinking about it. Of course, if he/she has any problems about trying to overcome the addiction, I would be very pleased to assist and help him/her anytime.
-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 2, week 5

3:30 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 2, Week 4

Article: “Mum’s catching up with me … on Facebook”– ‘Home’ Section (Pg B2)

Q1:
What were the reasons given by Facebook parent, Rashida Husian, when she requests access to the networking sites and also to what her children had put online?
Answer: The first reason she gave is that she agreed that the site is useful for keeping track of her children and their friends. But her main reason is to keep in touch with them, and also enable her to leave them words of encouragement when she feels that they need some.

Q2:
Do you think it is a good idea to accept requests by your parents to add them readily to your friends’ list on the Facebook? Why?
Answer: Yes, I think it is a good idea to accept request by my parents to add them readily to my friends' list on the Facebook. Since I did nothing wrong and I am not guilty of anything, why will I not add them? By adding them, this not only strengthen the ties between us, but also to let my parents know more about me. Perhaps at times when I am troubled, they might have notice it but did not know how to express themselves. With them as my "friend" on Facebook, they get more chances to express and give me their word of encouragement. Also, my parents will feel less worried as they get to know who are my friends and who I am mixing with.
-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 2, week 4

2:20 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 2, Week 3

Article: “HFMD cases near epidemic level”– ‘Home’ Section (Pg B3)

Q1:
How does HFMD spread and what are some of the preventive measures that the childcare centres and kindergartens have taken to ensure that the disease is contain?
Answer: HFMD usually affect mainly children aged 10 years and younger, and is spread through bodily fluids. This is why it can be passed quickly among young children who share toys that they may have put into their mouths.

Childcare centres and kindregartens have taken some preventive measures to ensure that the disease is contain. For example, the Church of the Holy Trinity Kindergarten in Tampines is spending an extra $400 more than the usual to clean its premises every quarter. Other kindergartens is also sanitised and thoroughly cleaned before every session to avoid of last year's incident, when the center had to shut for 10 days. Usual health screening and cleaning measures are also in place. Furthermore, children in childcare centres and kindergartens have been drilled into a routine of heading straight to the toilet to wash up and clean theri hands with a sanitiser before classes and meals. Children with ulcers, spots and fever are sent home and their parents are also told to take them to a doctor.

Q2:
In your opinion, what implications will the childcare centres face if the HFMD issue escalates further?
Answer: In my opinion, the childcare centres will have to face several implications if the HFMD issue escalates further. The childcare centres may have to close down so as to thoroughly clean the whole area to make sure that the disease is entirely wipe out, and perhaps longer than the previous case (10 days). Also, parents might press charges against the centre or make complains because they are unhappy that their child contracted the disease. Soon, some parents will want to let their children stay at home to play safe. And consequentially, the centres will lose a lot of children resulting in lesser payments from parents. The workers will earn a smaller amount of income. Thus, if the HFMD issue should escalate further, not only the children gets affected, everybody involved (the parents and the workers) will also get affected.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 2, week 3

Friday, April 3, 2009,8:00 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Term 2, Week 2

Article: “Sorry guys, these lots are not for you” – ‘Home’ Section (Pg B1)
Q1:
What were some of the reasons cited in the article why there was a need to have parking lots for women only in these buildings?
Answer: Firstly, the parking lots for women are located near the entrance to the hotel lobby, thus in this way, it is less tiring for women to travel long distances, especially when they are in heels. Secondly, women will feel safer parking at the reserved lots near lift lobbies. Lastly, as the reserved lots are bigger than the normal ones, it helps women, especially those with children, load and unload heavy and bulky prams more easily without accidentally scratching neighbouring cars.

Q2:
(a) In your opinion, do you think it is necessary to allocate parking lots for women only? Why?
Answer: No, I think it is not necessary to allocate parking lots for women only. Since women are able to drive car, it means they have the ability to do the same thing what men do. Not all women are weaker than men. Why must ladies be given this right? Yes, they are given this right so that they will feel safer and do not have to travel longer distances with high heels, but they can still choose to park at the lots near the lobbies when it is empty. If these lots are only open to them, then what if there is nobody who is accepted to park their vehicles there? Then this lots will be left empty while other car owners may have difficulty finding a lot. There may be other people who may need these lots too, like the disabled, the families and elderly. If it is necessary to allocate parking lots for women, then lots must also be specially allocated to other groups of people.

(b) Which group of people do you then feel should be allocated such priority parking? Explain.
Answer: I think that the disabled people and men/women with at least one elderly in the car should be allocated with such priority parking.
Some, which are physically handicapped, are difficult for them to push their wheelchair a long distance throughout the carparks to the lobbies. This would surely take a long time and most importantly, they have to make sure there is no vehicles coming in their way at the same time when they are pushing it. Thus, if priority parking are to be allocated, they must first be allocated to the disabled so as to make travel easy and convenient for them.
Elderly also take a long time to walk most probably because of their weak and hurting legs. They tend to walk slower than normal people do, and is inconvenient for them to travel. I have experience going out with my grandparents and it takes a very long time to reach our destination. Adding on that their eyesight is poor, they are not able to see that there are vehicles coming on time/ beforehand. Thus, I have to grab hold of them and walk slowly.
And in this case, the carpark is sure to have cars/ vehicles moving around. So, it is even more dangerous. Therefore, priority parking should also be allocated to the disabled people and elderly first.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection term 2, week 2

Saturday, March 14, 2009,9:17 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Week 6

Article: "Help for single mums in downturn" - 'Main' Section (Pg A4-5)

Q1:
What project was launched to help single mums? Briefly explain what is this project about.
Answer: The project, called WeCare for U - U forms the logo of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and is meant to represent every worker - was launched by labour chief Lim Swee Say on 8 March, to mark International Women's Day. This project focus on single mothers, who are likely to face a tough time in the current downturn, to get help finding a job. It makes them also able to join support groups that arrange activities for them and their children in these trying times. It aims to reached out to divorcees, widows and other single mothers who not only have a tougher time juggling work and family, but find it hard to get help.
Apart from helping those out of work to find jobs, NTUC's Women's Development Secretariat (WDS) will encourage those who cannot go out to work to make use of other skills, such as baking or sewing, so as to help themselves to earn an income. Furthermore, the WDS is working with the Law Society of Singapore to produce a comprehensive guidebook so that single mothers know how and where to find legal help. The booklet will also include material on custody, care and maintenance of children; where to seek help for family violence, and the telephone numbers of various support organisations.
Lastly, there are also other programmes being planned, in the consultation with single mothers, by the labour movement, such as the educational outings during the school holidays, weekly reading programme for children, and talks on parenting, legal issues and financial matters.

Q2:
Imagine you come across a single mum who is unemployed, what are some advice you can give her? Who can she turn to?
Answer: Being a single mother is not easy. They have to endure a lot of hardship and take up the responsibility for both father and mother. They are the only sole breadwinner. It is not an easy task as they have to juggle work and family.Thus, if they are not employed, it is even more difficult for them to raise a child by themselves.
If I happened to come across a single mum who is unemployed, I do not really know what to do or what to advise her. There is surely an age gap between us, so it is difficult for us to communicate and also wierd to do that. But, I would encourage her and tell her that she is not alone, left in the lurch. Making sure that she knows that she is important, can make her less likely to give up.
However, if she really cannot cope with the stress she is having, I would probably encourage her to seek help from support groups, where she can voice out her own opinions instead of keeping them to heart, or turn to this project where help is offered. She can also turn to her family and have a good chat with them, because they are the closest kin to her. They will understand her better than anyone else does. I will always remind her to stay strong because help is always available.

- DONE -

Labels: ST reflection week 6

Saturday, March 7, 2009,8:27 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Week 5

Article: "NTU Death Fall" - 'HOME' Section (Pg B6)

Q1:
What were some indications which showed that the victim was facing problems before he committed the rash act?
Answer: There are a few indications that shows that the victim was facing problems before he committed the rash act.
The victim's friends said he began behaving strangely earlier this year. He played a computer game for hours on end, was seldom seen outside of his hostel room, and then stopped replying to their MSN messages altogether. There were several students that said he was a cheerful and jovial person. But when the final semester began in early January, something changed.
A fan of the computer game World of Warcraft, the victim suddenly threw himself into it with a vengeance, spending as much as six hours a day huddled in front of his PC. His friends said hat this was unusual because he usually stopped playing when preparing for exams for when projects were due, and he had a looming deadline of March 10 to submit the draft for his Final-Year Project (FYP).
But then, two weeks ago, he abruptly cut off all comunication with his friends. There was a Indonesian student who said that the victim 'retreated into his shell' because he was having problems coping with his FYP.
A friend of the victim said that he knew he was having problems with his FYP and that he neglected it last semester as he was too busy with the other modules, and the victim did tell him that the other modules were too heavy. The friend believed that he played games to avoid his problems.

Q2:
(a) Is it very stressful being a student in Singapore? Explain.
Answer: Yes, I think it is very stressful being a student in Singapore at times. We not only face stress in studies, but also from our family and friends.
Being a student, facing stress in school is very normal. We have a lot of subjects to handle and there are tests frequently. Parents always expect their child/children to do well in school. As a child, we would hope that we could do a good job and prove to our parents that we can do it. Hence, if we got bad results for tests/exams, we will feel very upset that we did not reach our parents’ expectations, and at the same time, they might give us a scolding. In this way, we will push ourselves harder and ended up being stress.
Some of them may have family problems at home. After returning home from school, they may still have to face the problems at home, such as parents’ argument. This causes one to feel even more frustrated and angry, which adds to their stress level.
Students usually compare their results/ grades with their friends. Thus, if their friends scored better than them, they will think why they could not do it and will want to strive to do better than them. Consequentially, students will end up being more stress.

(b) What are some problems you face as a student which adds to your stress level?
Answer: As a student, the problems I face mostly come from school. Besides having a lot of homework, tests and exams, we also have to participate in CCA and CIP. Nowadays, I have about 8 subjects to handle and understand the concepts, which is very challenging for me. I have little time at home to finish my homework and revise because of CCA and some enrichment courses.
As I am in a very competitive class where a lot of them score high marks, I have to work extra harder so as to keep up with them. With the high expectations of parents and teachers, I have to work really hard so as not to let them down. Sometimes, I really feel that I cannot cope anymore and wanted to give up. The workload is so much that makes me very stress and tired. But I know that since I choose this path where there are so many subjects, I must not give up easily.Next, teachers sometimes skip some of the steps instead of going through everything. They expect us to know everything but however, some do not know. Thus, when the question appears in test, I usually cannot do it and makes me fail the test. This makes my stress level even higher.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection week 5

Friday, March 6, 2009,7:10 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Week 1

Article:"Tuition Crazy"-'IN' Section (Pg 8-9)

*MISS OUT
Q1:
State any two reasons mentioned by students why extra tuition was necessary.
Answer: Firstly, extra tuition was necessary because students feel that they are not being able to cope in school. This was the main reason for needing tuition. As there was not enough time and too much to understand within school hours, it was hard to grasp concepts and thus needed help at home. Some felt that teachers go to fast during lessons, making them unable to understand, and even if one wanted to seek help from teachers, they might not be free at all times. Consequentially, students may not be able to do well in studies and will go for tuition to prevent them from failing.
Secondly, extra tuition was necessary because students do not have the motivation. I believe many of them do not study on their own willingly and needs someone to urge him/her. They find excuses every time their parents ask them to study or do homework. Thus, by having a tutor, the tutor can hold the job of motivating the student and also answer all the questions the student has.

Q2:
Do you think it is necessary for you to have tuition. Why?
Answer: Currently, I do not have any tuition and in my opinion, I do not think it is necessary for me to have any tuition. I think as long as we, as students, have been paying attention in class, there is little need for tuition. I do have problems with grasping the concepts sometimes, and at times, teachers were rushing through main points or topics because there is a short of time, causing the class not able to understand. Then, my friends and I will have to seek help from teachers after school to clear our doubts and to answer our questions on the worksheets. Generally, this can already help me to clear most of my problems.
Even if there were CCA, there would be a way whereby I can cope and do well in both academic and CCA. The main point is to plan and manage our time well, and most importantly, having self-motivation to make an effort to study on my own or to form a study group with friends who are strong in respective subjects.
So, why pay the tuition when I can still managed in the mean time?

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection week 1

Thursday, February 19, 2009,4:35 AM

Straits Times E-forum Reflection Week 3

Article: “Ink Corporated” – ‘IN’ Section (Pg 8-9)

Q1:
What are some reasons stated in the article why some people choose to have body art like tattoos or piercings done on parts of their body?
Answer: There are several reasons why some people choose to have body art done on parts of their body. Firstly, they wanted to be different from other people, so as to be able to draws others attention to themselves. Furthermore, a lot of young people are trying to escape the run-of-the-mill.
Secondly, for some, it is also a means through which they express themselves and stand-out from the crowd. They want release their pent up stress and pressure, and also to served as a way to conform to their sub-group if they are part of them.
Lastly, some younger people tends to get easily influenced. They want to try out new fascinating fashion fads so as not to regret it.

Q2:
(a) What are some impressions you would form of a person whose body is covered with tattoo?
Answer: The first impression that I would form of a person whose body is covered with tattoo is that they are people which are very brave and may be involved in gangs. They may find it cool and nice, but to me, I find it scary and ugly. Thus, if I see someone with tattoos all over his/her body, I will stand further away from him/her and try to keep a distance away from him/her, even if he/she is not involved in gangs. Furthermore, it is also a painful experience and to pay a heavy price just for these, which may bring scars or infections on their body.

(b)Would you consider getting a tattoo in future? Why?
Answer: Since I find tattoos scary and ugly, I will never get a tattoo and will not even consider getting one. It not only makes me the centre of attraction, but others will also think bad about me. Furthermore, I will also suffer a lot of pain and have to pay a large sum to get one. And if I got one and regret it one day, I will have another painful experience once again so as to remove it and the worst of all, having a scar on my body. Hence, since I detest tattoos and have to go through so much, I will never get any tattoos.

-DONE-

Labels: ST reflection week 3