Today I would like to discuss about a topic that is very recent. Once again, Hwa Chong has appeared on the infamous "Stomp" social website. As usual, it is not any matter to start rejoicing about. This time, it concerns public transport and food.
Recently, a few of our students were caught on camera for consuming ice cream. This is of course not allowed and wrong of them to do so. As a result, due to this little "crime", an annoyed commuter on the bus decided to post the picture onto the Stomp website and back it up with the title being "Even elite school students can't follow the law". Firstly I would admit that I am rather enraged by what this person has done, especially to the school's reputation. The poster is exaggerating the matter in my opinion. Thinking about it, the general public has a very bias image of elite school students at this point.
What most people think about Elite School Students is that they are "perfect" and absolutely flawless- and that every error is a major downfall. Let's face it, elite school students are still ultimately humans. All humans commit sins and wrongdoings. What this article on Stomp is trying to bring out is that anyone and everyone not from an elite school cannot do something wrong and incorrect without a care in the world while for the case of elite school students the perpetrator must be brought to light and should be reprimanded and dealt with very heavily. Reality is not like that. The people like the contributor of this stomp post have a selfish and thoughtless mindset. They like to push the blame to the better. He should be scolding himself for not taking the initiative to stop the students from consuming the ice cream.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Jiang Lai Controversy
As we all most likely should know, especially when pertaining to Hwa Chong and students of other elite schools, there has been recent gossip and controversy over a Singaporean blogger.
Simply to summarize the blogger's posts, the female blogger known as of now by the name of Jiang Lai, was a Chinese Relief teacher. She on her blog has posted critical comments about students from elite schools mostly related to their looks and most superficial impressions. She labelled Hwa Chong Institution as "ugly" and that alone has sparked a lot of rage and unhappiness among students.
Most of the people around me, especially students of these elite schools feel very enraged by Jiang Lai's posts. Firstly I would like to comment on Ms. Jiang Lai as a very ignorant and egotistic person. She is very evidently prejudiced against students of some schools. She is also a very suspicious person as there might be other motives behind what she has done. She has also been heard to be harassing few students from a particular in which she used to teach in.
My personal response to this incident is very simple- ignore. As our ESTEEMED Humanities Teacher states: "The best response is to simply ignore this person as giving her the attention only brings us down to her level". It is very true. The motives of a proud and ignorant person is for people to bow down to him. Similarly, Jiang Lai intends for people to think of her as very "great" and entertain her. So by not giving her the attention she wants, we do not lose anything nor bring any unhappiness to ourselves, however at the same time it serves as the most effective weapon against Ms. Jiang Lai's posts that lack intellect.
I personally think this situation will eventually subside and serve as a moment of comedy in history. I conclude that there is not need to pay any attention to Ms. Jiang Lai at all.
Simply to summarize the blogger's posts, the female blogger known as of now by the name of Jiang Lai, was a Chinese Relief teacher. She on her blog has posted critical comments about students from elite schools mostly related to their looks and most superficial impressions. She labelled Hwa Chong Institution as "ugly" and that alone has sparked a lot of rage and unhappiness among students.
Most of the people around me, especially students of these elite schools feel very enraged by Jiang Lai's posts. Firstly I would like to comment on Ms. Jiang Lai as a very ignorant and egotistic person. She is very evidently prejudiced against students of some schools. She is also a very suspicious person as there might be other motives behind what she has done. She has also been heard to be harassing few students from a particular in which she used to teach in.
My personal response to this incident is very simple- ignore. As our ESTEEMED Humanities Teacher states: "The best response is to simply ignore this person as giving her the attention only brings us down to her level". It is very true. The motives of a proud and ignorant person is for people to bow down to him. Similarly, Jiang Lai intends for people to think of her as very "great" and entertain her. So by not giving her the attention she wants, we do not lose anything nor bring any unhappiness to ourselves, however at the same time it serves as the most effective weapon against Ms. Jiang Lai's posts that lack intellect.
I personally think this situation will eventually subside and serve as a moment of comedy in history. I conclude that there is not need to pay any attention to Ms. Jiang Lai at all.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Essay- "Work hard, play hard"
"Work Hard, Play Hard"- it is such a common phrase that comes to our ears. However, thinking about it, are the effects as phenomenal as it may sound? Does it even account to be a "Piece of Advice"? I hereby agree with this statement. For a matter of fact, it is my favorite. Hence, working hard and playing hard is a piece of valuable advice.
Working hard and playing hard ensures that one's efforts are not made at the expense of his own entertainment. Ultimately, we, as humans like to enjoy. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"; I am sure that many of us have heard of this phrase. In fact this phrase is very existent in life. All work and no play in our lives simply makes it boring, stressful and tiring. By playing hard, we can observe and make a balance in between working and playing. Hence it can be concluded that by playing hard is an essential partner to working hard, as this is the best way to achieve a balance in life.
Changing the point of view, we can view this phrase to be playing hard and working hard. As always, humans love to have fun. Our society has improved itself to provide more enjoyment. From "Five stones" in the 1900s to Televisions to Computers to iPods and Apple Products. The society is made to bring fun and joy to people. However, how can a society provide so much without an element of effort and hard work? This is a crucial investment to be made by every member of the society. Playing hard- enjoying life, sports, computer; but have you thought where all these came from? These wonderful gadgets are the fruits of great researchers. If humans only cared about playing hard, by now we should still be in the stone age. However if humans play hard and yet work hard too, we would be able to achieve much success in society. Hence, it can be concluded that by working hard is an essential partner to playing hard, as this is the only way for the individual to elevate his intelligence and moral aspects.
Working hard and playing hard ensures you and the people around you to be happy. People complain, and most of the time what they complain about will be that their lives "are too difficult" and "too tiring" or "painful". These are the results of working hard, without a correct balance. Introducing the aspect of playing hard, these people's lives will be much happier. They work hard- tired, stress. Now, they play hard- happy, relax, remove stress. People are now satisfied, and there is also no need to complain or throw tantrums anymore. Other people do not need to be the victim of your complaints and help solve unnecessary problems. Let alone the individual being happy, the people around him, his family, his friends are also happy now. Hence working hard and playing hard ensures you and the people around you to be happy.
A common refute to the working hard and playing hard is more specifically directed at the part of playing hard. What people say is that playing hard might bring negative effects to the person. Playing hard brings significant and considerable problems, such as addiction. The person might also absorb some bad qualities and ideas through playing hard. However the key thing that is missed out here is the role that working hard would play. The role in which working hard would be playing is to balance out this "impurities". What is needed is to consider the positive ideas that the individual will gain from working hard. Working hard teaches a person to not be lazy, to be self reliant. These qualities will successfully negate the bad influences of playing hard.
Work hard and play hard, it may seem like an easy motto to come by, but it is highly subjective. However at least now we know that not all clever people in this world necessarily need to be "nerds" or insane bookworms. Similarly not all successful people spend all twenty-four hours digging through piles and piles of books and paper. Indeed, "Work hard, play hard" is a great and wonderful piece of advice.
Working hard and playing hard ensures that one's efforts are not made at the expense of his own entertainment. Ultimately, we, as humans like to enjoy. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"; I am sure that many of us have heard of this phrase. In fact this phrase is very existent in life. All work and no play in our lives simply makes it boring, stressful and tiring. By playing hard, we can observe and make a balance in between working and playing. Hence it can be concluded that by playing hard is an essential partner to working hard, as this is the best way to achieve a balance in life.
Changing the point of view, we can view this phrase to be playing hard and working hard. As always, humans love to have fun. Our society has improved itself to provide more enjoyment. From "Five stones" in the 1900s to Televisions to Computers to iPods and Apple Products. The society is made to bring fun and joy to people. However, how can a society provide so much without an element of effort and hard work? This is a crucial investment to be made by every member of the society. Playing hard- enjoying life, sports, computer; but have you thought where all these came from? These wonderful gadgets are the fruits of great researchers. If humans only cared about playing hard, by now we should still be in the stone age. However if humans play hard and yet work hard too, we would be able to achieve much success in society. Hence, it can be concluded that by working hard is an essential partner to playing hard, as this is the only way for the individual to elevate his intelligence and moral aspects.
Working hard and playing hard ensures you and the people around you to be happy. People complain, and most of the time what they complain about will be that their lives "are too difficult" and "too tiring" or "painful". These are the results of working hard, without a correct balance. Introducing the aspect of playing hard, these people's lives will be much happier. They work hard- tired, stress. Now, they play hard- happy, relax, remove stress. People are now satisfied, and there is also no need to complain or throw tantrums anymore. Other people do not need to be the victim of your complaints and help solve unnecessary problems. Let alone the individual being happy, the people around him, his family, his friends are also happy now. Hence working hard and playing hard ensures you and the people around you to be happy.
A common refute to the working hard and playing hard is more specifically directed at the part of playing hard. What people say is that playing hard might bring negative effects to the person. Playing hard brings significant and considerable problems, such as addiction. The person might also absorb some bad qualities and ideas through playing hard. However the key thing that is missed out here is the role that working hard would play. The role in which working hard would be playing is to balance out this "impurities". What is needed is to consider the positive ideas that the individual will gain from working hard. Working hard teaches a person to not be lazy, to be self reliant. These qualities will successfully negate the bad influences of playing hard.
Work hard and play hard, it may seem like an easy motto to come by, but it is highly subjective. However at least now we know that not all clever people in this world necessarily need to be "nerds" or insane bookworms. Similarly not all successful people spend all twenty-four hours digging through piles and piles of books and paper. Indeed, "Work hard, play hard" is a great and wonderful piece of advice.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Diary of a World War 2 Civilian
18th July 1944
The Germans looted the store. All the beef, chicken and pork were all taken away. Samuel tried to resist. The Germans put a bullet in his head. I lost my job. I guess I'm clever enough to give in. Two weeks ago my house was raided, and now the store is gone. All I have now is the kitchen knife Father left for me and a few dollars I managed to grab from the store. I probably would not survive the next week. I can't care enough for myself to care for others anymore. Or perhaps- I should learn to fight.
Perhaps, I could drive the Germans out of this beautiful land. Father told me about a resistance group. My age should be suitable- I'm already a strong young man!
I have decided, tomorrow shall be the start of the end. I shall travel via the sewers to the Resistance camp.
The Germans looted the store. All the beef, chicken and pork were all taken away. Samuel tried to resist. The Germans put a bullet in his head. I lost my job. I guess I'm clever enough to give in. Two weeks ago my house was raided, and now the store is gone. All I have now is the kitchen knife Father left for me and a few dollars I managed to grab from the store. I probably would not survive the next week. I can't care enough for myself to care for others anymore. Or perhaps- I should learn to fight.
Perhaps, I could drive the Germans out of this beautiful land. Father told me about a resistance group. My age should be suitable- I'm already a strong young man!
I have decided, tomorrow shall be the start of the end. I shall travel via the sewers to the Resistance camp.
Descriptive Essay 18th April 2011
The crimson blood flowed profusely from his nose. The bullet showed no mercy at all. His body was lifeless now. The stench of the trenches was gruesome. One of his squad-mates drops knee first. His grip on his rifle tightens. He was filled with rage. The other squad-mate reaches out for the dead soldier’s tag- silver, cold and metallic. The ground was littered with waste, blood and tears of soldiers. It was a bloodbath.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Response to a Chinese Debate Topic
The topic is originally in Chinese- “新加坡建设核能电厂是否利大于弊还是弊大于利”。
In English, this would simply mean- "Would the construction of Nuclear Power Plants in Singapore bring more positive or negative effects to Singapore?".
Firstly, I would like to establish a stand. I think that the construction of Nuclear Power Plants would have greater negative effects to Singapore than positive effects.
I would state some reasons to support this statement.
Overall, it will be based on the issue of Safety.
Safety is a big issue when it comes to Nuclear Power. As we have recently in Japan, the Nuclear Power Plants were affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami in March. The radiation has affected the area. Water has been contaminated and life around the area has also been disrupted. This has not only posed health issues to Singapore, the economy is also affected as people will be reluctant to purchase Japanese goods in fear of radioactive contamination.
Similarly in 1986 Chernobyl's Nuclear Power Plants exploded, causing heavy amounts of damage. The city is now abandoned and can be considered as the worst nuclear disasters in history.
As the above imply, Nuclear Power plants can pose great threats to the livelihood of a country. Furthermore, Singapore lacks the space to build nuclear reactors. In the event of a disaster Singapore could very well be wiped out. At the end of the day, we would most likely be suffering instead of benefiting as we planned.
Hence I think constructing nuclear power plants in Singapore would bring more harm than benefit.
In English, this would simply mean- "Would the construction of Nuclear Power Plants in Singapore bring more positive or negative effects to Singapore?".
Firstly, I would like to establish a stand. I think that the construction of Nuclear Power Plants would have greater negative effects to Singapore than positive effects.
I would state some reasons to support this statement.
Overall, it will be based on the issue of Safety.
Safety is a big issue when it comes to Nuclear Power. As we have recently in Japan, the Nuclear Power Plants were affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami in March. The radiation has affected the area. Water has been contaminated and life around the area has also been disrupted. This has not only posed health issues to Singapore, the economy is also affected as people will be reluctant to purchase Japanese goods in fear of radioactive contamination.
Similarly in 1986 Chernobyl's Nuclear Power Plants exploded, causing heavy amounts of damage. The city is now abandoned and can be considered as the worst nuclear disasters in history.
As the above imply, Nuclear Power plants can pose great threats to the livelihood of a country. Furthermore, Singapore lacks the space to build nuclear reactors. In the event of a disaster Singapore could very well be wiped out. At the end of the day, we would most likely be suffering instead of benefiting as we planned.
Hence I think constructing nuclear power plants in Singapore would bring more harm than benefit.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Maid Carrying for NS Man
Recently, an NS soldier was seen using his phone while his maid quietly follows behind, carrying the young NS soldier's backpack for him. This scene was caught on camera and posted on many media platforms including the internet and newspapers. There has also been a lot of debate regarding the national pride as reflected in this scene.
My view on this matter is that this case is an extreme case and it is not fair to use this sole case alone to deduce a general statement about young men nowadays.
Very obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is that this young man is obviously pampered and not independent and "good-for-nothing". And then, the people will take it to the next level, they will then conclude that the NS men of this age are pampered and non-independent too. This however is wrong.
I do admit that this individual's actions are certainly disgraceful. However I do not think a sole case should be sparking so much of concern and debate as it is a rather isolated case and to a certain extent, very extreme.
Indeed this individual is a disgrace to many men, however I do not think it is fair to assume the similar traits from the rest of the NS men.
My view on this matter is that this case is an extreme case and it is not fair to use this sole case alone to deduce a general statement about young men nowadays.
Very obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is that this young man is obviously pampered and not independent and "good-for-nothing". And then, the people will take it to the next level, they will then conclude that the NS men of this age are pampered and non-independent too. This however is wrong.
I do admit that this individual's actions are certainly disgraceful. However I do not think a sole case should be sparking so much of concern and debate as it is a rather isolated case and to a certain extent, very extreme.
Indeed this individual is a disgrace to many men, however I do not think it is fair to assume the similar traits from the rest of the NS men.
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