What Matters in Life

Dear Readers,

My post is in response to my teacher's post on "What Matters in Life" (with regards to the education system).

In an ideal situation, it goes without saying that students should not be overly grade-conscious but should instead, do tasks with fervency, instead of doing them for the grades. In fact, it is a common sight in the classroom to see students questioning the number of ACE points or CIP hours before actually doing these activities. This is definitely a negative situation which we should try to rid of.

However, we must dig further into this phenomenon and explore the true perpetrator of this. It is the education system, both in Singapore and in Hwa Chong, which is causing this to happen. As we flip through the many pages of the Special Programmes booklet and glance through the criteria for qualifying into each of the special programmes, we observe a pattern. “__P: A1 in ___”. If we look down to the fundamentals of even qualifying for the next level, we see that our MSGs, both academic and scholastic, need to be of a certain level. How can we, as students, not be grade-conscious?

It was previously stated that we should not study for the sake of grades, but for the interest instead. This is definitely agreed, but once again, we have to consider that we NEED the grades to get into a programme which we are interested in. For example, if Student A wants to get into a specific programme, he has to excel in the relevant subjects. Furthermore, if he wants to get into the Centre for Scholastic Excellence (CSE), he has to attain an MSG of less than 1.5! Now, we return to the question: is it the students who work just for the grades, or is it the education system which forces the students to work just for the grades?

As for the case of ACE, it must be noted that every student has to undertake a minimum of 4 subjects every year. Amongst the 5 core subjects in Years 1 and 2, it is hard to expect a student to be fervent and interested in 4 of them. Every student has an area of interest, and an area of excellence. Everyone has to undertake subjects, one or more, that they are not very interested but have to do the relevant ACE work just for the grades. It is pretty much preposterous to expect a student to be interested in Language Arts, Chinese, Math, Science, and Humanities at the same time, isn’t it?

For Primary School Leaving Examination, ‘O’ Levels, ‘A’ Levels and further examinations, we must score well to proceed to a better education. Without the stellar results and exceedingly good grades, the path to a brighter future can be said to be more or less gone. How can we, as students, not be grade-conscious?

Many Singaporean parents are extremely kiasu and send their children to tuition centres and enrichment centres for extra lessons. They drill the message that they must do well in their studies deep into their young children’s brains. Their children, day after day of listening to this, will obviously be grade-conscious. How can we, as students, not be grade-conscious?

Singapore has slowly moved the children, the leaders of the future, into a vicious cycle of being grade-conscious. It is not the children who want to get the grades and are doing their work just for them, but it is the education system as a whole that is forcing them into this! Well, but I must emphasise here that I am not pushing the blame to the education system and saying that the students are in no way wrong. However, it is vital and essential to strike a balance between the two – interest and grades. Since the education system is not going to change (in the near future), I believe our mindsets have to change. As to how, I am not sure. We have been driven in such a manner for numerous years now, and asking us to change will be too much, I guess.

Sorry, if this above message seemed too fierce, it was not meant to be…

Regards,
Nathan (:

Supplement: What is Happiness - Wealth, Giving, Receiving or What?

Dear Readers,

Let me share with you what my notion of happiness here. Just a short note!

To me, wealth is not true happiness. Epicurus’ Notion of Happiness states that happiness is the absence of anxiety, but wealth makes one crave for more and be anxious over the possible loss of their expensive possessions, so wealth is not true happiness.

Aristotle’s Golden Mean states that we should strike a balance between the two extremes: excess and deficiency. Wealth, though, puts us on the extreme of having too much. Therefore, wealth is not true happiness, but only materialistic satisfaction.

It was said that “Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy you the kind of misery you prefer.”

Some might say that wealth brings about happiness, since it provides the elements of happiness. However, there are many situations which wealth cannot ease. For instance, on your deathbed, money means nothing.

I feel that we are happier when we give than receive. This is because receiving only fulfils our materialistic needs, but giving gives us mental satisfaction. By giving, we achieve utilitarianism, since more people are happy, not just us receiving. Upon seeing that the other party is happy, it is natural to feel happy.

Mark Twain said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

Regards,
Nathan (:

Supplement: Should Leaders Be Judged On Their Private Lives?

Dear Readers,

Should leaders be judged on their private lives? I staunchly believe otherwise.

Let me begin with my definition of a good leader. He is one who can provide for the people, create jobs with steady incomes, put roofs over their heads, a sound and solid education for the future generations as well as a safe and peaceful society. He also must have the foresight to lead the country to better and greater heights. As can be seen, a leader must be one of top calibre as well as substance.

Recently, there have been a slew of sex scandals that has put the spotlight on leaders whose lewd acts in private life had put their careers in jeopardy. First, there was Bill Clinton and recently we had International Monetary Fund chief accused of rape. All of them had to pay a price and that is to resign from the post that they excelled in. I really do not understand why there is so much woo-has about these sex scandals. Firstly, they happened abroad and there is little impact on us whatsoever. Secondly, these sex scandals happened in their private lives and so naturally should be handled within the wrongdoer’s family.

So why are the newspapers doing this? Are our lives so dull and monotonous that we have to seek out juicy gossips from these leaders? To me, this is totally unfair to them as they too, like all of us, are entitled to their privacy and secrets. Nobody wants to wash their dirty linen in public.

Though I am grateful that such scandals have not found their ways to the Singapore leaders, I feel kind of sorry for those leaders that were exposed. Their actions were news worthy solely because they are public figures. Does it mean that people lose their private lives once they become public figures? This added pressure from the press of having to look over their shoulders consistently does not help at all.

Running a country is no mean feat. These leaders have very demanding and taxing lives. When the pressure gets too much, they need an outlet like you and me. Their actions may not be right but it is not for us to be the judge.

We must try to remember that these leaders are first humans, then leaders. They are also governed by the same set of rules as any humans. My take is this, as long as our leaders do their jobs properly and ensure Singapore’s living standards, let us give them some space.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that private lives of all public figures should stay private. Each one of us should respect the other’s privacy. A public figure need not have his life open to scrutiny for he is still an individual first. He is entitled to the same respect as you and I.

Regards,
Nathan (:

Supplement: Singapore River - a Water Source?

Dear Readers,

This is apart from my 10 blog posts for LA ACE. This is just a supplement to this blog (: Singapore River is a renowned river and has been with Singapore for much of its history. Take a look at this for more details!

Is the Singapore River a source of water for us today?

No, the Singapore River is not a source of water for us today but will be one in the near future. The Singapore River has already been dammed to form the Marina Reservoir. When all the seawater has been drained off by 2010 or 2011, it will become the largest water catchment area which will cater to 10 per cent of the current water demand in Singapore.

If so, how? If not, what is/are our water source(s)? [Use diagrams]

The four major water sources which Singapore relies on today include reservoirs, NEWater, imported water from Malaysia (expiring in 2061) as well as desalination.

Reservoirs

After the collection of rainwater, it is aerated while it flows over a series of steps to help oxygenation.

In the sedimentation tank larger particles are allowed to settle. Aluminium sulfate is used to make small, suspended particles of clay coagulate. The water is filtered through layers of sand and gravel to make sure all solids are removed. The filter bed also contains carbon slurry to remove odours and any odd tastes. The water is disinfected by adding chlorine (chlorination). The chlorine kills all the bacteria in the water. Finally, this clean water is stored in reservoirs, where it is pumped into the water mains for use.

NEWater

The NEWater technology uses Microfiltration, Reverse Osmosis and Ultra-violet light disinfection in a simple three-stage treatment process.

The first process is called Microfiltration. The treated used water is passed through fibres that work as microscopic filters. It also removes bacteria and protozoa.

In the next process, the microfiltration filtrate undergoes Reverse Osmosis. This removes inorganics like heavy metals, nitrate, chloride, sulphate etc, and organics such as disinfection by-products, aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides etc present in the microfiltration filtrate. The RO membrane also removes viruses.

Finally, ultra-violet disinfection is a safety back-up to remove any bacteria or viruses should the reverse osmosis membrane be compromised and the viruses and bacteria go through the reverse osmosis process.

Purchased water from Malaysia

Singapore currently has a contract with Malaysia, where the latter will supply us with drinking water. However, this contract will end in the year 2061.

Desalination

Desalination is a treatment process that removes dissolved salts from seawater. The two main processes are the distillation and membrane processes. In the distillation process, a variety of methods are used to evaporate seawater, condense the vapour formed and obtain distilled water that is essentially free from salts. In the membrane process such as the reverse osmosis process, pre-treated seawater is pumped at high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane that separates the water from the dissolved salts.

What do you think is the best water source?

I think that the best water source is through desalination. Among all the water found on the surface of the Earth, 97% is sea water. Since the technology on desalination of water is getting more economical and affordable, more effort should be placed on converting this abundant seawater into drinkable freshwater.

[Optional] Propose new, alternative water sources.

Singapore has numerous flats in many estates spread across the entire island. If on every flat, there is a huge water container built, where great amounts of water in every part of the island can be collected whenever there is rain. This water can then be pumped to the nearest reservoir in or near the estate, where it can undergo necessary treatment before use.

Regards,
Nathan (:

My Ten Comments on Classmates' LA Blogs (Term Three)

Dear Readers,

These are some of the comments which I made on my classmates' Language Arts blogs. You can read them, if you like (:

1. Nicholas (“This I Believe – Personal Essay”)

http://nichtey.blogspot.com/2011/08/this-i-believe-personal-essay.html?showComment=1313304363343#c1959790448398005845

2. Raphael (“The Singapore Spirit under close inspection…”)

http://twoeyeone.blogspot.com/2011/08/singapore-spirit-under-close-inspection.html?showComment=1313305735051#c3546417015411311813

3. Roystan (“CIP: how it changed my mindset”)

http://2i102roystanang.blogspot.com/2011/06/cip-how-it-changed-my-mindset.html?showComment=1313307355307#c6550996466835434806

4. Daniel (“Sportsmanship”)

http://swordofthedragonslayer.blogspot.com/2011/08/sportsmanship.html?showComment=1313307833462#c6862908474776593463

5. Glenn (“Memorising? What’s wrong?”)

http://arts-language.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-do-you-want-out-of-education.html?showComment=1313308923487#c7410997089935702389

6. Gordon (“Mugging”)

http://twoeyeone-fifteen.blogspot.com/2011/08/mugging.html?showComment=1313310004589#c5445505282940482771

7. Eliel (“Something Special”)

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2778771748267035122&postID=3648663088570998830&isPopup=true (Main Post: http://le--apercu.blogspot.com/)

8. Daniel (“Happy National Day”)

http://swordofthedragonslayer.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-national-day.html?showComment=1313315303978#c6880328423450996564

9. Raphael (“Quest for World Peace – Impossible?”)

http://twoeyeone.blogspot.com/2011/08/quest-for-world-peace-impossible.html?showComment=1313317077727#c1512218365571344172

10. Roystan (“Trip to Universal Studios :)”)

http://2i102roystanang.blogspot.com/2011/06/trip-to-universal-studios.html?showComment=1313319242002#c7832434072761285902

Regards,
Nathan (:

Personal Essay: "This I Believe"

Dear Readers,

Here, I will be sharing with you a personal essay, exhibiting my beliefs(:

27 July 2011 is a date that I will never forget. My parents were sitting on the sofa when I came back from school at about 7pm. When we sat down to have our dinner, Mum spoke in a low voice, “The report is out. I have cancer.” Initially, I was both stunned and angry. I was unable to accept the news. Moreover, the examinations were round the corner. This was certainly the worst time for such news. I was in a daze. What is going to happen to me?

It is times like these that one will ask, “Why me? Of all people on this Earth, why does it have to me?” Such trying times make one forget the beliefs he stands firm in. For me, my beliefs in my religion and my strength to stay positive play a vital part in my accepting this fact about Mum.

As a child, I was brought up as a Buddhist. The main teaching of Buddhism is about cause and effect or karma. For everything that happens, I believe that it happens for a reason. And it is this belief that softens the impact and makes me accept the situation. Though difficult, I am still trying very hard to do so. This I believe.

Staying optimistic is my firm belief. I feel that optimism makes my life much easier to live by each day, instead of moping the days away. Up to today, there had not been a single drop of tear cast by anyone in the family. From this period right up to Mum’s operation, my family will try to stay happy and support each other both emotionally and psychologically. We will not succumb without a fight. Our familial ties have also grown stronger. This I believe.

My religion and optimism are two beliefs that I will not waver in, because they are what I hold dear to my heart. They are the ones which keep me going.

This I believe.

Regards,
Nathan :)

That Wasn't An English Word?

Dear Readers,

Welcome back to my blog! As usual, I promise you an exciting literary adventure which you will not forget but instead, have a takeaway every time you read a post. Today, I present to you: the marvels of the English language! In this post, I will be sharing with you some words that have been included into the language from other tongues, and it will be a ball of a time! I promise.

The English language has evolved rapidly, from a pure Old English form into an amalgamation of many different languages, mostly those of invaders who had conquered England and thus, had a huge influence on the language. However, I would also like to point out the existence of variations of the English language all over the globe, in various countries. Examples would be the one most common to us – Singapore Colloquial English (known as Singlish), Engrish (existing in the East Asian region) as well as the Australian English and American English which we are rather familiar with too.

Words from other languages which are now officially accepted by the English language are also known as “borrowed words”. I will share with you twelve more commonly used “borrowed words” as well as their origins and forms. May I warn you that many of these words have been widely thought to have been pure English words and not “borrowed” ones!

The word “tycoon” originated from the Japanese word taikun (太君). Its original meaning was a great lord, as suggested by its Kanji form, but is now adapted for wider use as a wealthy businessman. In both cases, it remains as a noun form.

“Rickshaw” is derived from the Japanese word jinricksha (人力车), which was a popular mode of transportation in olden Asian countries. It is a man-driven vehicle whereby the driver runs and pulls the vehicle where the passengers are seated. The man must be really powerful and hulky to perform such a feat! Its original meaning is still retained now. Both are nouns.

“Wok” comes from the Cantonese dialect of the word 锅. It is a piece of Chinese cooking equipment, which I believe all of us are aware of. Its meaning and form is retained when it is used in the English language.

“Mathematics” comes from the Greek word μάθημα, which means something related to learning, studying and science. However, when converted into the English language, it meant specifically the study of numbers, arithmetic, and basically, just math. Its form remains the same, though.

“Punch” was derived from the Hindi language of the word पाँच. This word means five in Hindi, but has been adapted to refer to the drink from the five ingredients used. The drink punch is widely consumed over the world, but few actually know about its Hindi origins. The form of the word is the same.

“Shampoo” comes from the Hindi word चाँपो which means head massage. It now means the liquid we use to wash our hair when we bathe or shower. The form of the word remains the same.

“Typhoon” comes from the Mandarin word 台风, which refers to a big wind. Now, it is defined as a violent Asian storm, like a hurricane in the context of the Atlantic tongue.

“Map” means tablecloth in the Phoenician dialect of Punic, but now refers to the picture depicting the geographical locations of specific places. The form is the same.

“Purse” means ox-hide in Punic, but now means a bag which is used to contain money.

“Penguin”, one of the favourite animals amongst young children, is derived from the Welsh language which actually means “white-head”.

“Magic” means a sorcerer in the Avestan language, but now refers to the act of something incredible like those in magic shows.

“Paradise” in Avestan means an enclosed space, but now has been adapted to mean something totally different – a haven or perfect place.

As can be seen, many English words are actually not that English after all! They are merely adaptations from various tongues, pieced together. Nonetheless, the English language is indeed an art, an amazing art that we use every day of our lives!

If you are interested to find out more “borrowed words”, feel free to check out the following website: http://www.krysstal.com/borrow.html#k. Have fun exploring the website, and be enlightened and say, “Hey, I didn’t know that word was not English!”

Goodbye, and see you soon! Wasn't that fun? :)

Best Regards,
Nathan