O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman
1
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
2
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.
3
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
1) How are the figurative language used in the poem?
This poem “O Captain! O Captain!” written by Walt Whitman uses a lot of figurative language. The phrases "O Captain”, “O heart” and “O Shores” are the use of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a form exaggeration as the author wants to make a great impact on the readers. When the author keeps repeating the words, it make the reader feel sad for him as his father is dead. The phrase “the vessel grim and daring” is an example of personification. By writing that, the author wants to portray the image of the vessel as a daring person, which in turn makes the readers want to respect the vessel. For the use of metaphors, the phrase is “fearful trip”. I think that the symbol used is the vessel because the vessel is daring and victorious (victor ship).
2) Why do I like this poem?
I like this poem because it shows a contrast between happiness and grievance. Happiness is the fearful trip being accomplished and the grievance is the death of the author’s father. The author felt joyful at first and later, he felt crestfallen due to his father’s death. This poem uses a lot of figurative language, which is personification, hyperbole and symbolism. These factors make the vessel and the trip more life-like, which in turn makes the poem interesting. Also, this poem does not have any difficult words, and is readable for all ages. From the poem, I can feel that the author is trying to manipulate the readers’ feelings between happiness and grievance. (112 words)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
My favourite Poet
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
"Poets, come out of your closets, Open your windows, open your doors, You have been holed up too long in your closed worlds... Poetry should transport the public to higher places than other wheels can carry it..."
This was what Lawrence Ferlinghetti said because he thought that poets should be engaged in the political and cultural life of the country. Sounds intriguing, right? I think so too. Also, other than being a famous poet, do you believe that he was also a philosophical painter, army soldier and a politician? I was shocked when I realised it too. When he was in his twenties, he served the US Naval Reserve and was in charge of to defend the Pearl Harbour. That was in the time of World War II. He fought bravely, and fortunately, he survived and escaped back to American after the Japanese won the war. Then, throughout his life, he was a philosophical painter and a poet.
In my opinion, I think that Ferlinghetti is a selfless man who likes to contribute to the society. From what I know, he was the most active poet as he had a lot of occupations and made significant contributions to his country. From his poems, I infer that he is a sensational man as he knows how to write different types of poems.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1919. After spending his early childhood in France, he received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a PHD. from the Sorbonne. He married in 1951 and has one daughter and one son.
Ferlinghetti is the author of more than thirty books of poetry, including Americus, Book I (New Directions, 2004), San Francisco Poems (2002), How to Paint Sunlight (2001), A Far Rockaway of the Heart (1997), These Are My Rivers: New & Selected Poems, 1955-1993 (1993), Over All the Obscene Boundaries: European Poems & Transitions (1984), Who Are We Now? (1976), The Secret Meaning of Things (1969), and A Coney Island of the Mind (1958). He has translated the work of a number of poets including Nicanor Parra, Jacques Prevert, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Ferlinghetti is also the author more than eight plays and of the novels Love in the Days of Rage (1988) and Her (1966).
In 1994, San Francisco renamed a street in his honor. He was also named the first Poet Laureate of San Francisco in 1998. In 2000, he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Book Critics Circle. Currently, Ferlinghetti writes a weekly column for the San Francisco Chronicle. He also continues to operate the City Lights bookstore, and he travels frequently to participate in literary conferences and poetry readings.
Poetry as Insurgent Art
"Poets, come out of your closets, Open your windows, open your doors, You have been holed up too long in your closed worlds... Poetry should transport the public to higher places than other wheels can carry it..."
This was what Lawrence Ferlinghetti said because he thought that poets should be engaged in the political and cultural life of the country. Sounds intriguing, right? I think so too. Also, other than being a famous poet, do you believe that he was also a philosophical painter, army soldier and a politician? I was shocked when I realised it too. When he was in his twenties, he served the US Naval Reserve and was in charge of to defend the Pearl Harbour. That was in the time of World War II. He fought bravely, and fortunately, he survived and escaped back to American after the Japanese won the war. Then, throughout his life, he was a philosophical painter and a poet.
In my opinion, I think that Ferlinghetti is a selfless man who likes to contribute to the society. From what I know, he was the most active poet as he had a lot of occupations and made significant contributions to his country. From his poems, I infer that he is a sensational man as he knows how to write different types of poems.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1919. After spending his early childhood in France, he received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a PHD. from the Sorbonne. He married in 1951 and has one daughter and one son.
Ferlinghetti is the author of more than thirty books of poetry, including Americus, Book I (New Directions, 2004), San Francisco Poems (2002), How to Paint Sunlight (2001), A Far Rockaway of the Heart (1997), These Are My Rivers: New & Selected Poems, 1955-1993 (1993), Over All the Obscene Boundaries: European Poems & Transitions (1984), Who Are We Now? (1976), The Secret Meaning of Things (1969), and A Coney Island of the Mind (1958). He has translated the work of a number of poets including Nicanor Parra, Jacques Prevert, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Ferlinghetti is also the author more than eight plays and of the novels Love in the Days of Rage (1988) and Her (1966).
In 1994, San Francisco renamed a street in his honor. He was also named the first Poet Laureate of San Francisco in 1998. In 2000, he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Book Critics Circle. Currently, Ferlinghetti writes a weekly column for the San Francisco Chronicle. He also continues to operate the City Lights bookstore, and he travels frequently to participate in literary conferences and poetry readings.
Poetry as Insurgent Art
I am signaling you through the flames.
The North Pole is not where it used to be.
Manifest Destiny is no longer manifest.
Civilization self-destructs.
Nemesis is knocking at the door.
What are poets for, in such an age?What is the use of poetry?
The state of the world calls out for poetry to save it.
If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge of apocalyptic times, even if this meaning sounds apocalyptic.
You are Whitman, you are Poe, you are Mark Twain, you are Emily Dickinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay, you are Neruda and Mayakovsky and Pasolini, you are an American or a non-American, you can conquer the conquerors with words....
The Changing Light
The changing light
at San Francisco
is none of your East Coast light
none of your
pearly light of Paris
The light of San Francisco
is a sea light
an island light
And the light of fog
blanketing the hills
drifting in at night
through the Golden Gate
to lie on the city at dawn
And then the halcyon late mornings
after the fog burns off
and the sun paints white houses
with the sea light of Greece
with sharp clean shadows
making the town look like
it had just been painted
But the wind comes up at four o'clock
sweeping the hills
And then the veil of light of early evening
And then another scrim
when the new night fog
floats in
And in that vale of light
the city drifts
anchorless upon the ocean
The North Pole is not where it used to be.
Manifest Destiny is no longer manifest.
Civilization self-destructs.
Nemesis is knocking at the door.
What are poets for, in such an age?What is the use of poetry?
The state of the world calls out for poetry to save it.
If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge of apocalyptic times, even if this meaning sounds apocalyptic.
You are Whitman, you are Poe, you are Mark Twain, you are Emily Dickinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay, you are Neruda and Mayakovsky and Pasolini, you are an American or a non-American, you can conquer the conquerors with words....
The Changing Light
The changing light
at San Francisco
is none of your East Coast light
none of your
pearly light of Paris
The light of San Francisco
is a sea light
an island light
And the light of fog
blanketing the hills
drifting in at night
through the Golden Gate
to lie on the city at dawn
And then the halcyon late mornings
after the fog burns off
and the sun paints white houses
with the sea light of Greece
with sharp clean shadows
making the town look like
it had just been painted
But the wind comes up at four o'clock
sweeping the hills
And then the veil of light of early evening
And then another scrim
when the new night fog
floats in
And in that vale of light
the city drifts
anchorless upon the ocean
To the Oracle at Delphi
Great Oracle, why are you staring at me,
do I baffle you, do I make you despair?
I, Americus, the American,
wrought from the dark in my mother long ago,
from the dark of ancient Europa--
Why are you staring at me now?
in the dusk of our civilisation--
Why are you staring at me
as if I were America itself
the new Empire
vaster than any in ancient days
with its electronic highways
carrying its corporate monoculture
around the world
And English the Latin of our days--
Great Oracle, sleeping through the centuries,
Awaken now at last
And tell us how to save us from ourselves
and how to survive our own rulers
who would make a plutocracy of our democracy
in the Great Divide
between the rich and the poor
in whom Walt Whitman heard America singing
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I rather be the city rat than the country rat
I would rather be the city rat than the country rat. Why is this so?
It is because I can get to eat more food and have a nice and comfy place to live in. If I were to live in those dirty villages, I would not have enough food to eat as the rubbish disposed by the villagers is little. The villagers not wasting resources so easily causes the low amount of rubbish disposed by the villagers, sadly for me, food for rats is insufficient. Also, due to the presence of my enemies such as snakes and cats, I cannot find a safe and peaceful place to live in.
However, if I were to live in cities, where buildings and transportation are common, I would then able to find plenty food and a safe place to live in. It is because the city folks do not treasure resources as much as villagers do and as a result, the amount of waste disposed is high. I can then able to find food from the rubbish in the bins, such as half-eaten fish and expired canned food. Also, I can find a safe place to live in by hiding in man-holes or buildings, where snakes and cats are not around.
That is enough. Let me change back to myself; a student! From the words above, I think you can guess the irony between the village and city.
In villages, people cherish things and they would not dispose things just because they are useless. For example, if a canned food has expired, the villager will not throw it away, but to either feed it to dogs or eat it himself. For city folks, it is a different case. Due to the ample amount of resources, they do not cherish them and can bear to throw them away without hesitation. This shows the good point of living in villages from the view of a rat.
Next, there are no snakes or few stray animals in the streets of cities as the people want to have a clean and peaceful environment to live in. However, in the case of the villages, there are a lot of snakes and wild animals. It can be due to that the villagers do not really care or they do not emphasis on hygiene. From this piece of evidence, we can infer that cities is better than villages in terms of hygiene.(I know it is a long post. Pls bear with it. J)
It is because I can get to eat more food and have a nice and comfy place to live in. If I were to live in those dirty villages, I would not have enough food to eat as the rubbish disposed by the villagers is little. The villagers not wasting resources so easily causes the low amount of rubbish disposed by the villagers, sadly for me, food for rats is insufficient. Also, due to the presence of my enemies such as snakes and cats, I cannot find a safe and peaceful place to live in.
However, if I were to live in cities, where buildings and transportation are common, I would then able to find plenty food and a safe place to live in. It is because the city folks do not treasure resources as much as villagers do and as a result, the amount of waste disposed is high. I can then able to find food from the rubbish in the bins, such as half-eaten fish and expired canned food. Also, I can find a safe place to live in by hiding in man-holes or buildings, where snakes and cats are not around.
That is enough. Let me change back to myself; a student! From the words above, I think you can guess the irony between the village and city.
In villages, people cherish things and they would not dispose things just because they are useless. For example, if a canned food has expired, the villager will not throw it away, but to either feed it to dogs or eat it himself. For city folks, it is a different case. Due to the ample amount of resources, they do not cherish them and can bear to throw them away without hesitation. This shows the good point of living in villages from the view of a rat.
Next, there are no snakes or few stray animals in the streets of cities as the people want to have a clean and peaceful environment to live in. However, in the case of the villages, there are a lot of snakes and wild animals. It can be due to that the villagers do not really care or they do not emphasis on hygiene. From this piece of evidence, we can infer that cities is better than villages in terms of hygiene.(I know it is a long post. Pls bear with it. J)
Confessions of an alcoholic
Let me introduce myself first. I am a manager, working for Fedlex. My monthly salary is two thousand dollars. I am married with two children. Everyday after work (about 8pm), without fail, I will go to a coffee shop to drink beer, the shop which I patronize the most.
Okay, I know you will say that I should go home right after work to play with my kids, but I really cannot control my urge to drink. Moreover, the so-called “drinking session” is the only time for me to take a good rest after the long day at work. Also, if I go home too early, my wife will start nagging at me for coming home too early, and she will say that I should spend more time working overtime and earn more money, instead of coming home to slack.
I started drinking beer when I started working as I really could not cope with tremendous stress that my boss gave me. Therefore, I can only drown my sorrows with beer. Of course, I know that drinking too much beer will harm me and family a lot. I may have lung cancer in a few years’ time but the beer seemed as drugs to me and I really cannot control myself.
Normally, I will spend one hundred bucks after every “drinking session” and I don’t really care about it very much. I know, I am not supposed to drive after consuming beer as I may harm the lives of road-users and myself. However, how should I go home if I cannot drive? Taking a cab home and abandon my car?
By drinking beer, I feel high and all my worries are gone. Beer is the only thing that I can think of when I am sorrowful. Although some of you may say that the effects of drinking beer is the same as consuming drugs, but the only thing different is that drinking beer is legal but not for drugs. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Playing sports or exercise will not help as I do not have any friends to play with and I hate to sweat (haha!).
I have confess to you all of myself being an alcoholic. Can you really understand my plight?
Okay, I know you will say that I should go home right after work to play with my kids, but I really cannot control my urge to drink. Moreover, the so-called “drinking session” is the only time for me to take a good rest after the long day at work. Also, if I go home too early, my wife will start nagging at me for coming home too early, and she will say that I should spend more time working overtime and earn more money, instead of coming home to slack.
I started drinking beer when I started working as I really could not cope with tremendous stress that my boss gave me. Therefore, I can only drown my sorrows with beer. Of course, I know that drinking too much beer will harm me and family a lot. I may have lung cancer in a few years’ time but the beer seemed as drugs to me and I really cannot control myself.
Normally, I will spend one hundred bucks after every “drinking session” and I don’t really care about it very much. I know, I am not supposed to drive after consuming beer as I may harm the lives of road-users and myself. However, how should I go home if I cannot drive? Taking a cab home and abandon my car?
By drinking beer, I feel high and all my worries are gone. Beer is the only thing that I can think of when I am sorrowful. Although some of you may say that the effects of drinking beer is the same as consuming drugs, but the only thing different is that drinking beer is legal but not for drugs. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Playing sports or exercise will not help as I do not have any friends to play with and I hate to sweat (haha!).
I have confess to you all of myself being an alcoholic. Can you really understand my plight?
My favourite character in Village by the sea
My favourite character in Village by the Sea is Lila, one of the main characters in the story. She contributed to her family by assuming the role as the mother as her mother was severely sick.
Lila has to wake up early in the morning to make tea for Bila and Kemal before they go to school. In the afternoon, she has to wash their clothes and prepare the meals for the family. At night, she cannot sleep peacefully as her father will make a lot of noises by breaking the clay bowls. In other words, she received nothing in return for her contributions to them. If I were Lila, I would surely feel unfair as I cannot receive education, unlike my younger siblings, who study and will have a bright future. Her spirit to persevere makes her want to continue her “mundane” lifestyle. She can choose to throw tantrums at her parents for the unfairness they treated her or abandon her family for Bombay, like Hari. I dare to say that if Lila abandon her family and leave for Bombay to find a job, her life will be better and more meaningful. Sadly, she did not as she wanted to stay with her mother and siblings to take care of them. Therefore, I really admired her spirit of selflessness and perseverance.
Some people might say that Hari is the same as Lila, as they both contributed much to the family. However, Lila’s case is somehow different from that of Hari’s. Hari hated his father so much that he wanted him to die, but for Lila, she accepted the fact that their father is an useless man. Also, Hari left for Bombay in anger as he hated his father very much, neglecting the feelings and welfare of his family. Who will be the breadwinner if Hari leaves? It is obviously Lila, thus, her “workload” increased. However, Lila did not grumbled as she knows that being the eldest silbling in the family, she has the responsibility to take good care of her family.
Now, do you know why she is my favourite character in the story?
Lila has to wake up early in the morning to make tea for Bila and Kemal before they go to school. In the afternoon, she has to wash their clothes and prepare the meals for the family. At night, she cannot sleep peacefully as her father will make a lot of noises by breaking the clay bowls. In other words, she received nothing in return for her contributions to them. If I were Lila, I would surely feel unfair as I cannot receive education, unlike my younger siblings, who study and will have a bright future. Her spirit to persevere makes her want to continue her “mundane” lifestyle. She can choose to throw tantrums at her parents for the unfairness they treated her or abandon her family for Bombay, like Hari. I dare to say that if Lila abandon her family and leave for Bombay to find a job, her life will be better and more meaningful. Sadly, she did not as she wanted to stay with her mother and siblings to take care of them. Therefore, I really admired her spirit of selflessness and perseverance.
Some people might say that Hari is the same as Lila, as they both contributed much to the family. However, Lila’s case is somehow different from that of Hari’s. Hari hated his father so much that he wanted him to die, but for Lila, she accepted the fact that their father is an useless man. Also, Hari left for Bombay in anger as he hated his father very much, neglecting the feelings and welfare of his family. Who will be the breadwinner if Hari leaves? It is obviously Lila, thus, her “workload” increased. However, Lila did not grumbled as she knows that being the eldest silbling in the family, she has the responsibility to take good care of her family.
Now, do you know why she is my favourite character in the story?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Is progress necessarily beneficial for the society?
iPhones, iPod, Vista, PSP, these are the so-called fashion stuff nowadays. Can people die if these gadgets are not invented? However, if computers or handphones were not invented, communication among the people in the world will not be possible and I am sure we will have trouble surviving in this planet. Therefore, do you think progress is necessarily beneficial for us?
In my opinion, I think I am near to the disagreeing side. Let me tell you the reason. Let’s take Village by the Sea as an example. As Biju’s motorised boat was being built, a lorry transporting timber tried going into the sandy beach. However, it got stuck and needed the help of the villagers to make it going again. As a result, a boy joked that the lorry driver should send his timber in a bullock cart as it will not get stuck in the sand like his “modern” lorry does. This shows that progress may not always make the lives of people more convenient. Another example: Biju’s motorised boat. Do you think Biju can catch so much fish if his boat is not motorised? No, he cannot. Therefore, this shows that progress or invention may make the lives of people more convenient.
As society progresses, many pros and cons appeared. The pros are the convenience it brings to us and the cons are that we may become too reliant over that invention and cannot live without it.
Think about it. Since the ancient people can survived happily without any invention or progress, why can’t we?
In my opinion, I think I am near to the disagreeing side. Let me tell you the reason. Let’s take Village by the Sea as an example. As Biju’s motorised boat was being built, a lorry transporting timber tried going into the sandy beach. However, it got stuck and needed the help of the villagers to make it going again. As a result, a boy joked that the lorry driver should send his timber in a bullock cart as it will not get stuck in the sand like his “modern” lorry does. This shows that progress may not always make the lives of people more convenient. Another example: Biju’s motorised boat. Do you think Biju can catch so much fish if his boat is not motorised? No, he cannot. Therefore, this shows that progress or invention may make the lives of people more convenient.
As society progresses, many pros and cons appeared. The pros are the convenience it brings to us and the cons are that we may become too reliant over that invention and cannot live without it.
Think about it. Since the ancient people can survived happily without any invention or progress, why can’t we?
My favorite part in Village by the Sea
I think that my favorite part in Village by the sea is the part where Hari left for Bombay to find a job and to earn money.
Let me give a summary of that part:
Just as Hari reached Bombay, he was enthusiastic about everything in Bombay; the lights, vehicles and the many buildings. However, it surprised Hari that he and the other fishermen were not chosen to give the petition to the Chief Minister. Then, Hari had no choice but to stay in Bombay as he could not afford a boat ticket. He met Billu, a coconut seller, who gave Hari a small coconut to quench his thirst. Then, he attempted to look for the De Silvas for help but it failed. As a result, he got to know Hira Lal, a security guard working in the De Silvas’ flat. He brought Hari to Sri Krisna for food and shelter. Jagu, Hari’s boss, was a selfless man, who gave Hari a job and a shelter to live in. The watchmaker, who has a shop beside Jagu’s one is the person whom I think is Hari’s biggest benefactor. The watchmaker not only gave a high-salary job to Hari, he still taught him on how to repair watches and imparted him life values. It was also him who made Hari feel not so lonely in Bombay. Moreover, if he did not teach him watch-repairing skills, Hari cannot be a watchmaker when he went back to Thul.
In my own opinion, I think that it is Anita Desai’s intention to write this part of the story so as to show that Bombay is not a place full of evil people; it also has some kind people too like Jagu and Hira Lal. With the benefactors’ help, Hari could then settle down in Bombay and earn a living.
Let me give a summary of that part:
Just as Hari reached Bombay, he was enthusiastic about everything in Bombay; the lights, vehicles and the many buildings. However, it surprised Hari that he and the other fishermen were not chosen to give the petition to the Chief Minister. Then, Hari had no choice but to stay in Bombay as he could not afford a boat ticket. He met Billu, a coconut seller, who gave Hari a small coconut to quench his thirst. Then, he attempted to look for the De Silvas for help but it failed. As a result, he got to know Hira Lal, a security guard working in the De Silvas’ flat. He brought Hari to Sri Krisna for food and shelter. Jagu, Hari’s boss, was a selfless man, who gave Hari a job and a shelter to live in. The watchmaker, who has a shop beside Jagu’s one is the person whom I think is Hari’s biggest benefactor. The watchmaker not only gave a high-salary job to Hari, he still taught him on how to repair watches and imparted him life values. It was also him who made Hari feel not so lonely in Bombay. Moreover, if he did not teach him watch-repairing skills, Hari cannot be a watchmaker when he went back to Thul.
In my own opinion, I think that it is Anita Desai’s intention to write this part of the story so as to show that Bombay is not a place full of evil people; it also has some kind people too like Jagu and Hira Lal. With the benefactors’ help, Hari could then settle down in Bombay and earn a living.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Are we really nerdy?
During the previous Sec 1 assembly, we had the Principle’s Dialogue session. It was about a quiz on Facebook which commented on various schools. The topic was “ Are HCI really nerdy or reserved, just like what the “Facebookers” label?”
I have two points to support my decision.
First, if we were nerdy and reserved, can our school even survive for 90 years, without any setbacks? Okay, this means that a lot of parents wanted their children to study in HCI. Then, will it mean that they want their children to become nerdy or reserved? I know, the temple-like gates, students wearing short and brown khaki shorts make the people think that we are reserved and nerdy. However, these “traditions” had been ongoing since the opening of HC and we had to keep them as they are our symbols.
Secondly, I think, in my opinion, the “Facebookers” are jealous of our success. Well, just like Dr Hon said, people will always find chances to find fault with successful ones. (okay, I am not boasting) Wonder how they would feel if they were in our shoes? Usually or always, people, mostly from the press, like to “find fault” with elite schools so that they can attract attention from people and earn money.
Let me give you an example. If there are two students in Macdonald’s and they come from an elite school and a neighbourhood school and they speak vulgarities. And there is a Straits Times reporter there… Let me ask you, will the reporter want to write the title “ HCI caught in action” or “ ABC school caught in action” Which one is more catchy? The answer is obvious.
Therefore, let me give HCI students a piece of advice. Don’t ever commit a mistake or the school’s reputation will be ruined!
I have two points to support my decision.
First, if we were nerdy and reserved, can our school even survive for 90 years, without any setbacks? Okay, this means that a lot of parents wanted their children to study in HCI. Then, will it mean that they want their children to become nerdy or reserved? I know, the temple-like gates, students wearing short and brown khaki shorts make the people think that we are reserved and nerdy. However, these “traditions” had been ongoing since the opening of HC and we had to keep them as they are our symbols.
Secondly, I think, in my opinion, the “Facebookers” are jealous of our success. Well, just like Dr Hon said, people will always find chances to find fault with successful ones. (okay, I am not boasting) Wonder how they would feel if they were in our shoes? Usually or always, people, mostly from the press, like to “find fault” with elite schools so that they can attract attention from people and earn money.
Let me give you an example. If there are two students in Macdonald’s and they come from an elite school and a neighbourhood school and they speak vulgarities. And there is a Straits Times reporter there… Let me ask you, will the reporter want to write the title “ HCI caught in action” or “ ABC school caught in action” Which one is more catchy? The answer is obvious.
Therefore, let me give HCI students a piece of advice. Don’t ever commit a mistake or the school’s reputation will be ruined!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
CIP in Clementi
Last Saturday, the Ortus sec 4s and the HCINCC went to Clementi for a food drive, organized by the Ortus Service Learning Club. There were 55 of us and I earned 8 hours of CIP.
Our aim was to collect food (such as instant noodles, rice) from various houses and donate them to the needy and helpless elderly who are living in Clementi. We were divided into four groups. The three groups, which comprises about 45 students, was in charge of collecting food whereas the second group was in charge of classifying the collected food into groups such as instant noodles, oil and canned food. All the sec 1s were in group 1.
The SLC had rented the nearby RC for convenience and a place for us to rest. To be frank, it was my first time approaching so many houses to collect something. Our group was given three black garbage bags and off we went!
Usually, most of the doors were closed as it was 9pm then, which I think that it was quite early as it was a Sat. The people would normally give instant noodles as they were cheap but some kind Samaritans gave food like rice, oil and canned food. Unluckily, for my group, we met an unreasonable Aunty……
We saw an apartment which the door was opened. We approached it and rang the doorbell. Out came an obese Aunty. My friend said that we came from HCI and were here to collect food and … Do you know what her reply was? She replied in Chinese, “ I can give the food to the elderly myself and not need middlemen like you all! After all, I am an elderly and you all not only do not give me food, you all still want me to give you food! Tell me, is this world fair?” Having heard her words, we stood rooted to the ground, not knowing what to say. “Aunty, come on, your house is so well-furnished and you still claim that you need those food? Morever, you can just gave us a straight ‘No’, instead of telling us a long story!” I muttered to myself. After calming ourselves, we thanked her and left in a hurry, not wanting anymore ‘trouble’!
With the strength of so many people, we managed to collect quite a large amount of food for the needy elderly. I think that when the elderly receive these food, they will be elated as they know that there are people around to help them.
From this CIP opportunity, I not only earned some CIP hours, I also get to learn on how to socialise with all sorts of people. Also, I had learnt that being a salesman is not easy as they will be rejected or rebutted when they attempt to sell their products.
Our aim was to collect food (such as instant noodles, rice) from various houses and donate them to the needy and helpless elderly who are living in Clementi. We were divided into four groups. The three groups, which comprises about 45 students, was in charge of collecting food whereas the second group was in charge of classifying the collected food into groups such as instant noodles, oil and canned food. All the sec 1s were in group 1.
The SLC had rented the nearby RC for convenience and a place for us to rest. To be frank, it was my first time approaching so many houses to collect something. Our group was given three black garbage bags and off we went!
Usually, most of the doors were closed as it was 9pm then, which I think that it was quite early as it was a Sat. The people would normally give instant noodles as they were cheap but some kind Samaritans gave food like rice, oil and canned food. Unluckily, for my group, we met an unreasonable Aunty……
We saw an apartment which the door was opened. We approached it and rang the doorbell. Out came an obese Aunty. My friend said that we came from HCI and were here to collect food and … Do you know what her reply was? She replied in Chinese, “ I can give the food to the elderly myself and not need middlemen like you all! After all, I am an elderly and you all not only do not give me food, you all still want me to give you food! Tell me, is this world fair?” Having heard her words, we stood rooted to the ground, not knowing what to say. “Aunty, come on, your house is so well-furnished and you still claim that you need those food? Morever, you can just gave us a straight ‘No’, instead of telling us a long story!” I muttered to myself. After calming ourselves, we thanked her and left in a hurry, not wanting anymore ‘trouble’!
With the strength of so many people, we managed to collect quite a large amount of food for the needy elderly. I think that when the elderly receive these food, they will be elated as they know that there are people around to help them.
From this CIP opportunity, I not only earned some CIP hours, I also get to learn on how to socialise with all sorts of people. Also, I had learnt that being a salesman is not easy as they will be rejected or rebutted when they attempt to sell their products.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sec 1 NCC Camp Feast
On 2o-21 April, we, the sec 1 of HCINCC went to Ang Mo Kio where the NCC HQ is located. We spent a fun and interesting 2 Day- 1 Night camp there. Alot of schools were there like New Town, West Spring, Nan Hua High and the one that I can't forget most--- Crescents' Girls. The Crescent girls really gave me a deep impression and they let me think again what NCC is like. They were so disciplined, more "obedient" than boys.
They even had their own club water bottles and attire. Maybe I should suggest this to my seniors. I was so-called traumatised when they could 'stone' under the hot sun for two long hours, and they neither moved nor talked! For the boys, including our school, we just chatted happily, as if no one was watching. Unluckily, one of the 'Sirs' saw our act and he decided to 'knock us down' ( which means to make us do push-ups). At first, all the boys were pumping and the girls continued being statues. Then, a Malay boy from Kent Ridge shouted, "Sir, u taught us the meaning of 'one for all, all for one', so I think that the girls should pump with us to show team spirit!!!" After hearing his words, my eyes widened and jaw dropped, body still in the pumping position. I think it was not only the boys, the girls were shocked too!(Haha!!)
After much consideration, the Sir ordered the girls to pump. Giggles could be heard among the boys. The boys were told to do 30 whereas the girls---15. This was the most interesting and shocking experience I had in NCC!
The food provided there was not too bad( since the name of the camp is Camp Feast). Surprisingly, we slept on beds and I thought it was tents at first. For the whole of two days, we did abseiling, flying fox, shooting paintballs at targets and the night performance! Actually, when I was told to go up the 5-storey building for the flying fox, my legs really wobbled and went numb instantly! After all the safety measures were checked, I was told to sit on the edge of the building, ready to jump. I really felt like backing out but it was all too late. The staff pushed me down with his legs and here I went!! The experience was really thrilling and fascinating. My newly- made friend from West Spring did the Flying Fox for three times as he joked in improper English, " Why u so stupid? U know, outside, one trip costs 70 Bucks and I can save 210 Bucks if I go for three times!" What a typical Singaporean!
After all camp, we exchanged contacts with one another. We reached the school at 4pm. What a fun and exciting camp I had!
They even had their own club water bottles and attire. Maybe I should suggest this to my seniors. I was so-called traumatised when they could 'stone' under the hot sun for two long hours, and they neither moved nor talked! For the boys, including our school, we just chatted happily, as if no one was watching. Unluckily, one of the 'Sirs' saw our act and he decided to 'knock us down' ( which means to make us do push-ups). At first, all the boys were pumping and the girls continued being statues. Then, a Malay boy from Kent Ridge shouted, "Sir, u taught us the meaning of 'one for all, all for one', so I think that the girls should pump with us to show team spirit!!!" After hearing his words, my eyes widened and jaw dropped, body still in the pumping position. I think it was not only the boys, the girls were shocked too!(Haha!!)
After much consideration, the Sir ordered the girls to pump. Giggles could be heard among the boys. The boys were told to do 30 whereas the girls---15. This was the most interesting and shocking experience I had in NCC!
The food provided there was not too bad( since the name of the camp is Camp Feast). Surprisingly, we slept on beds and I thought it was tents at first. For the whole of two days, we did abseiling, flying fox, shooting paintballs at targets and the night performance! Actually, when I was told to go up the 5-storey building for the flying fox, my legs really wobbled and went numb instantly! After all the safety measures were checked, I was told to sit on the edge of the building, ready to jump. I really felt like backing out but it was all too late. The staff pushed me down with his legs and here I went!! The experience was really thrilling and fascinating. My newly- made friend from West Spring did the Flying Fox for three times as he joked in improper English, " Why u so stupid? U know, outside, one trip costs 70 Bucks and I can save 210 Bucks if I go for three times!" What a typical Singaporean!
After all camp, we exchanged contacts with one another. We reached the school at 4pm. What a fun and exciting camp I had!
Friday, March 6, 2009
My Reading Habits
Hmmmmm...... My READING HABITS?..... let me think...
I think I like to read fiction books more than non-fiction ones. Why?? It is because fiction ones are more interesting and not boring. In non-fiction books, they just give you the scientific facts which are rather boring. And, I can learn new vocabulary from fiction ones, thus helping me in my literature essays. Lastly, it is because there is a story in fiction books, which can make me 'go into their world', but not non-fiction books. How nice it would be to have a story in non-fiction books so that I could learn new vocabulary and scientific facts!
Recently, I read a book called Holes, which is rather interesting and uncommon. It is a story about an unusal Boys' home, where rebellious boys stay. The main character(I forgot his name) was sent to there because he was a theft. The master of the Boys' Home told the boys to dig holes because there was a rumour that there was a valuble treasure near the Boys' Home. Then, one day, the main character found that treasure, which was a gold gun. Rather angry with the master, he decided to keep it to himself. However, his 'best' friend betrayed him and went to tell on him. Knowing that, the main character escaped with the gold gun. His adventure began...
I think I like to read fiction books more than non-fiction ones. Why?? It is because fiction ones are more interesting and not boring. In non-fiction books, they just give you the scientific facts which are rather boring. And, I can learn new vocabulary from fiction ones, thus helping me in my literature essays. Lastly, it is because there is a story in fiction books, which can make me 'go into their world', but not non-fiction books. How nice it would be to have a story in non-fiction books so that I could learn new vocabulary and scientific facts!
Recently, I read a book called Holes, which is rather interesting and uncommon. It is a story about an unusal Boys' home, where rebellious boys stay. The main character(I forgot his name) was sent to there because he was a theft. The master of the Boys' Home told the boys to dig holes because there was a rumour that there was a valuble treasure near the Boys' Home. Then, one day, the main character found that treasure, which was a gold gun. Rather angry with the master, he decided to keep it to himself. However, his 'best' friend betrayed him and went to tell on him. Knowing that, the main character escaped with the gold gun. His adventure began...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Ways to save the environment
Some people might think it is ironic to save the environment because they think that their efforts are not enough to save it. We need the whole world’s effort to save the environment. Here, these are some of my suggestions to save the environment:
First, in homes, we can use energy-saving bulbs instead of normal light bulb to save energy. We can also use fans instead of air-conditioners. And, switching off electrical appliances when not in use. These can not only save the Earth, we can also save money on electrical bills!
Secondly, we can choose to sell our cars and use public transport like buses and MRT. If not, we can also save car fuel by not using cars if the distance is near.
Thirdly, we can reduce things like plastic bags, clothes and paper. Instead of using plastic bags for groceries, we can use environmentally- friendly bags. For the use of paper, we can use both sides of it. By saving paper, less trees will be cut down and global warming will not take place.
Fourthly, we can recycle stuff like aluminum cans and paper. Dumping these stuff into the recycling bins is a contribution to our society. Of course, recycling is not the best way. If we recycle, but we consume a lot, it is useless.
In conclusion, by contributing to save the environment, we can make the Earth a better place to live in.
First, in homes, we can use energy-saving bulbs instead of normal light bulb to save energy. We can also use fans instead of air-conditioners. And, switching off electrical appliances when not in use. These can not only save the Earth, we can also save money on electrical bills!
Secondly, we can choose to sell our cars and use public transport like buses and MRT. If not, we can also save car fuel by not using cars if the distance is near.
Thirdly, we can reduce things like plastic bags, clothes and paper. Instead of using plastic bags for groceries, we can use environmentally- friendly bags. For the use of paper, we can use both sides of it. By saving paper, less trees will be cut down and global warming will not take place.
Fourthly, we can recycle stuff like aluminum cans and paper. Dumping these stuff into the recycling bins is a contribution to our society. Of course, recycling is not the best way. If we recycle, but we consume a lot, it is useless.
In conclusion, by contributing to save the environment, we can make the Earth a better place to live in.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What is the difference from Singapore's education system from other countries?
I think that the main difference in the education system between Singapore and other countries is that Singapore has a lot of major exams like PSLE, ’O’ Levels, ’A’ Levels, which can decide on which school you will study in. We also have the IP Programme, which last for six years . The bad point of having so many exams is that the students will have lots of stress. In most other countries, they only have the ‘O’ Levels exams. The bad point of having a few exams is that the students will ‘slack’ and become lazy. Well, in my opinion, I prefer Singapore to other countries. Because, by having more exams, we can know what our weaknesses through the mistakes made in exams are and to improve on them.
Another difference is that, in Singapore, there are various ways to enter a good school like your grades or your sports talent. However, in other countries like Malaysia, the students’ parents can pay a sum of money to the school such that the principal of that school let their children enter it.
I think that no matter what country you are in, the education system will do good for us and not ‘harm’ us.
Another difference is that, in Singapore, there are various ways to enter a good school like your grades or your sports talent. However, in other countries like Malaysia, the students’ parents can pay a sum of money to the school such that the principal of that school let their children enter it.
I think that no matter what country you are in, the education system will do good for us and not ‘harm’ us.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Chinese New Year
My Chinese New Year resolution is to have lots of hongbaos and my target for this year is $250!
On Sunday, which is the CNY Eve, my family and I had our reunion dinner in a Chinese restaurant. We had chili crabs, steamed fish, cereal prawns and of course, shark fin’s soup. After the sumptuous dinner, we took a walk in Labrador Park, to aid our digestion. My grandparents started their long-grandmother-story while we walked. We had heard this almost every year! Then, we went home, though tired but jubilant, to watch the New Year’s countdown show.
On Monday and Tuesday, we went to our relatives’ houses to pay them a visit. I gave them two mandarin oranges and said some CNY greetings in exchange for a hongbao. The feeling of counting the hongbaos at night was truly thrilling. On Tuesday, we went to Johor Baru (JB) as most of my mother’s relatives were there. Luckily, there is no school for me on Wednesday so I can do my homework the next day.
On Wednesday, we mostly spend our time at home, thus, I used this time to do my homework.
Happy Chinese New Year to one and all!
On Sunday, which is the CNY Eve, my family and I had our reunion dinner in a Chinese restaurant. We had chili crabs, steamed fish, cereal prawns and of course, shark fin’s soup. After the sumptuous dinner, we took a walk in Labrador Park, to aid our digestion. My grandparents started their long-grandmother-story while we walked. We had heard this almost every year! Then, we went home, though tired but jubilant, to watch the New Year’s countdown show.
On Monday and Tuesday, we went to our relatives’ houses to pay them a visit. I gave them two mandarin oranges and said some CNY greetings in exchange for a hongbao. The feeling of counting the hongbaos at night was truly thrilling. On Tuesday, we went to Johor Baru (JB) as most of my mother’s relatives were there. Luckily, there is no school for me on Wednesday so I can do my homework the next day.
On Wednesday, we mostly spend our time at home, thus, I used this time to do my homework.
Happy Chinese New Year to one and all!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
What caused Adeline(Based on Little Ironies) to commit suicide?
What really caused Adeline to commit suicide? Was it because that one mark which her teacher did not give her, even though Adeline pleaded her? Or was it because she did not want her demanding parents to ‘lose face’ in front of their friends?
Well, in my opinion, she died because her parents were too demanding and unreasonable. Imagine, if Adeline’s parents had not been so demanding, would all these had happened? No, it would not. Her parents had to take the blame for losing her daughter. If all the parents in the world were as demanding as Adeline’s parents, all the children would have commit suicide!
Some people say that her teacher was partly to blame. I somehow do not agree with that. When Adeline went to her teacher for a mark, just to pass her grades, she rejected Adeline, without asking for the reason why she wanted it so badly. However, her teacher would not know that Adeline would kill herself because of this. And, if her teacher had known earlier, I believed she would give her that one mark.
From this touching story, I learnt that parents should not force their children to get high grades if they are not clever or so-called ‘study-type’. Dear Parents, try putting yourselves in their shoes, and how would YOU feel?
Well, in my opinion, she died because her parents were too demanding and unreasonable. Imagine, if Adeline’s parents had not been so demanding, would all these had happened? No, it would not. Her parents had to take the blame for losing her daughter. If all the parents in the world were as demanding as Adeline’s parents, all the children would have commit suicide!
Some people say that her teacher was partly to blame. I somehow do not agree with that. When Adeline went to her teacher for a mark, just to pass her grades, she rejected Adeline, without asking for the reason why she wanted it so badly. However, her teacher would not know that Adeline would kill herself because of this. And, if her teacher had known earlier, I believed she would give her that one mark.
From this touching story, I learnt that parents should not force their children to get high grades if they are not clever or so-called ‘study-type’. Dear Parents, try putting yourselves in their shoes, and how would YOU feel?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What is the difference from Singapore's education system from other countries?
Please give your comments regarding the question above. I will give mine someday. Thank you :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
What is Education?
The meaning of the word ‘education’ found in the dictionary is the process of teaching and learning, usually at schools, colleges and universities. But I think that its meaning is to impart knowledge to someone anywhere, anytime. Normally, this word is associated with ‘teaching’ and 'learning’. Every time the word ‘education’ comes to people’s minds, they will think of schools and other education centres. However, they never think that education can come from homes.
Well, in my view, learning can come from anywhere you can think of. Learning from homes such as parents teaching their children how to use the computer or telling them what is right and what is wrong. It can also be during school outings to zoos and the teachers teaching them the characteristics of animals. There are a lot of examples of education. Teachers in schools teach more on studies and not on moral education whereas parents in homes are more on moral education.
But together, teachers and parents play an essential role in making the child’ future brighter.
Well, in my view, learning can come from anywhere you can think of. Learning from homes such as parents teaching their children how to use the computer or telling them what is right and what is wrong. It can also be during school outings to zoos and the teachers teaching them the characteristics of animals. There are a lot of examples of education. Teachers in schools teach more on studies and not on moral education whereas parents in homes are more on moral education.
But together, teachers and parents play an essential role in making the child’ future brighter.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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