Lotteries have been called a tax on the poor. Ultimately at only a dollar or two a ticket, anyone can play the lotteries. However, many people become addicted to buying tickets and they can cause family/marital problems. Discuss this topic with a parent and get their view on lotteries and specifically lotteries in Singapore. Include at least one quote from an adult, one quote or reference from either an NPR presentation or YouTube video in your discussion. Your blog entry has to be at least 200 words in length and you must either support lotteries or condemn them.
Buying lottery is a form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize. Some governments outlaw it, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national lottery. But should Singapore continue with the sale of lottery tickets?
When you ask someone why he or she buys lottery, the answer will often be "Just for the fun of it!", "There is still chance that I might win." says my uncle, "life is a gamble!". But why is it so fun? Is it the thrill of winning some money? Is it the suspense of waiting for the results to be announced? A Psychologists from the videos said that it brings you "a sense of excitement of being on the edge, literally holding your fate in your own hands at a poker table."
I pretty much agree with that. One is will be unable to control the impulse to gamble, even when they know their gambling is hurting themselves or their loved ones.
Gambling is all they can think about and all they want to do, no matter the consequences or effects on their family. Compulsive gamblers keep gambling whether they are in their ups or downs, broke or flush, happy or depressed. It becomes part of their daily routine, every bet that they put will carry the heavy load of making or breaking their lives.
To me, gambling kills and that I am totally against buying lottery. It strains your relationships, interfere with ones responsibilities at home and work, and lead to financial catastrophe. You may even do things you never thought you would, like stealing to get money to gamble or take money meant for your children’s education! From one of the videos, Jonny W. says “he lost almost everything to a gambling addiction — his wife, his money, and the life he once knew.”
I know someone who had suffered a great deal due to gambling. Even before I was born, he had already started gambling, he thought he was able to control himself, but it was nearly impossible. He had gambled away a lot of money resulting in his family members working twice as hard just to keep the family going despite the fact that they were already poor.
The message is simple. Buying the lottery, as a form of gambling, is addictive. Do not even think that you can control yourself, it just takes one try and you will be on your way to your downfall.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Edgar Allan Poe
“One the greatest and unhappiest of American poets, a master of the horror tale, and the patron saint of the detective story.” Edgar Allan Poe had first gained critical acclaim in France and England but had only a slight reputation in America until French-influenced writers and representatives of the Lovecraft school created interest in his work.
I personally find Edgar Allan Poe intriguing for he gone through many setbacks like the death of both of his parents, his brother and his sister later had sort of a mental breakdown which she became insane, and finally getting disowned by his foster parent. Yet, he did not give up his passion of writing poems and persisted on writing. What is interesting about his works is that his life depictions also blend in with characters from his stories, suggesting Poe and his characters share identities. He was just seventeen years old when he was accepted into Virginia University. First year he managed to gamble all his scholarship money. It was also later reported that Edgar owed around $2500 to local gamblers. Gambling addiction led to alcoholism, which is still debated by many his followers. However, it was reported by school systems that Edgar showed up in class drunk even during the examinations. The interesting fact is that Edgar Allan Poe finished with highest grades in his class and became best student of his generation!
Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents who were itinerant actors. His father David Poe Jr. died in around 1810. His mother died one year later, leaving three children behind. Edgar was taken into the home of a Richmond merchant John Allan. The remaining children were taken cared for by others. At the age of five Poe could recite passages of English poetry.
One of his teachers in Richmond commented: "While the other boys wrote mere mechanical verses, Poe wrote genuine poetry; the boy was a born poet."
Poe has a beautiful way of describing things, with the most vivid and imaginative vocabulary. It is true that he died long ago, but his poems still having meaning even today. You can tell by some of his works that a lot of thought had been put into creating these masterpieces. Much of the melody of "The Raven" arises from alliteration, which makes the poem flow smoothly and even adds on to a sleepy sensation, accompanied by wonderful uses of adjectives; makes one feel very relaxed. Yet it is germane and draws the reader further.
Edgar Allan Poe was the first person to earn a living solely based on writing alone which resulted in his financially difficult life and carrier but nevertheless –
Doing what he loved.
Here are three of his works:
The Raven (parts of it)
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. " 'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door —
Only this, and nothing more."
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had tried to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore — For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore —
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating " 'Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door — Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; —
This it is, and nothing more."
Followed fast and followed faster — so, when Hope he would adjure,Stern Despair returned, instead of the sweet Hope he dared adjure —
That sad answer, "Nevermore!"
But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust, and door; Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore — What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us — by that God we both adore — Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore — Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!" I shrieked, upstarting — "Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! Leave my loneliness unbroken! — quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming, And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted — nevermore!
IMITATION.
A dark unfathom'd tide Of interminable pride — A mystery, and a dream, Should my early life seem; I say that dream was fraught With a wild, and waking thought Of beings that have been, Which my spirit hath not seen, Had I let them pass me by, With a dreaming eye! Let none of earth inherit That vision on my spirit; Those thoughts I would controul, As a spell upon his soul: For that bright hope at last And that light time have past, And my worldly rest hath gone With a sigh as it pass'd on, I care not tho' it perish
With a thought I then did cherish,
Romance.
Romance, who loves to nod and sing, With drowsy head and folded wing, Among the green leaves as they shakeFar down within some shadowy lake, To me a painted paroquet Hath been — a most familiar bird — Taught me my alphabet to say — To lisp my very earliest word While in the wild wood I did lieA child — with a most knowing eye. Of late, eternal Condor years So shake the very Heavens on high With tumult, as they thunder by, I have no time for idle cares Through gazing on the unquiet sky. And when an hour with calmer wings Its down upon my spirit flings — That little time with lyre and rhyme To while away — forbidden things! My heart would feel to be a crime Unless it trembled with the strings!
These are my sources:
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/ravena.htm
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe
-http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/eapoe.htm
-http://www.famous-poems.biz/Famous-Poets/Famous-Poet-Edgar-Allan-Poe-best-poems-and-biography-online.htm
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/imitata.htm
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/romancef.htm
I personally find Edgar Allan Poe intriguing for he gone through many setbacks like the death of both of his parents, his brother and his sister later had sort of a mental breakdown which she became insane, and finally getting disowned by his foster parent. Yet, he did not give up his passion of writing poems and persisted on writing. What is interesting about his works is that his life depictions also blend in with characters from his stories, suggesting Poe and his characters share identities. He was just seventeen years old when he was accepted into Virginia University. First year he managed to gamble all his scholarship money. It was also later reported that Edgar owed around $2500 to local gamblers. Gambling addiction led to alcoholism, which is still debated by many his followers. However, it was reported by school systems that Edgar showed up in class drunk even during the examinations. The interesting fact is that Edgar Allan Poe finished with highest grades in his class and became best student of his generation!
Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents who were itinerant actors. His father David Poe Jr. died in around 1810. His mother died one year later, leaving three children behind. Edgar was taken into the home of a Richmond merchant John Allan. The remaining children were taken cared for by others. At the age of five Poe could recite passages of English poetry.
One of his teachers in Richmond commented: "While the other boys wrote mere mechanical verses, Poe wrote genuine poetry; the boy was a born poet."
Poe has a beautiful way of describing things, with the most vivid and imaginative vocabulary. It is true that he died long ago, but his poems still having meaning even today. You can tell by some of his works that a lot of thought had been put into creating these masterpieces. Much of the melody of "The Raven" arises from alliteration, which makes the poem flow smoothly and even adds on to a sleepy sensation, accompanied by wonderful uses of adjectives; makes one feel very relaxed. Yet it is germane and draws the reader further.
Edgar Allan Poe was the first person to earn a living solely based on writing alone which resulted in his financially difficult life and carrier but nevertheless –
Doing what he loved.
Here are three of his works:
The Raven (parts of it)
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. " 'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door —
Only this, and nothing more."
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had tried to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore — For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore —
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating " 'Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door — Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; —
This it is, and nothing more."
Followed fast and followed faster — so, when Hope he would adjure,Stern Despair returned, instead of the sweet Hope he dared adjure —
That sad answer, "Nevermore!"
But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust, and door; Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore — What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us — by that God we both adore — Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore — Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!" I shrieked, upstarting — "Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! Leave my loneliness unbroken! — quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming, And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted — nevermore!
IMITATION.
A dark unfathom'd tide Of interminable pride — A mystery, and a dream, Should my early life seem; I say that dream was fraught With a wild, and waking thought Of beings that have been, Which my spirit hath not seen, Had I let them pass me by, With a dreaming eye! Let none of earth inherit That vision on my spirit; Those thoughts I would controul, As a spell upon his soul: For that bright hope at last And that light time have past, And my worldly rest hath gone With a sigh as it pass'd on, I care not tho' it perish
With a thought I then did cherish,
Romance.
Romance, who loves to nod and sing, With drowsy head and folded wing, Among the green leaves as they shakeFar down within some shadowy lake, To me a painted paroquet Hath been — a most familiar bird — Taught me my alphabet to say — To lisp my very earliest word While in the wild wood I did lieA child — with a most knowing eye. Of late, eternal Condor years So shake the very Heavens on high With tumult, as they thunder by, I have no time for idle cares Through gazing on the unquiet sky. And when an hour with calmer wings Its down upon my spirit flings — That little time with lyre and rhyme To while away — forbidden things! My heart would feel to be a crime Unless it trembled with the strings!
These are my sources:
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/ravena.htm
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe
-http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/eapoe.htm
-http://www.famous-poems.biz/Famous-Poets/Famous-Poet-Edgar-Allan-Poe-best-poems-and-biography-online.htm
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/imitata.htm
-http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/romancef.htm
Monday, June 29, 2009
W I N D by Dionne Brand
I pulled out a hummingbird out of the sky one day
but let it go,spellchecking
I heard a song and carried it with me
on my cotton streamers,
I dropped it on an ocean and lifted up a wave
with my bare hands,
I made a whole cane field tremble and bend
as I ran by,
I pushed a soft cloud from here to there ,
I hurried a stream along a pebble path,
I scooped up a yard of dirt and hurled it
in the air,
I lifted a straw hat and sent it flying,
I broke a limb from a guava tree,
I became a breeze, bored and tired,
and hovered and hung and rustled and lay
where I could.
This poem consists of mainly Personification with numerous uses of "I" followed by a human action, like for example, "I pushed a soft cloud from here to there ,".
I especially enjoy this poem for it has the ability to change one's mood after reading it. The verbs that the author chose also contributed to the more free and relaxed style of writing, they somehow tend to have more of a humane touch and feeling unlike ordinary verbs. Just close your eyes and imagine that you were the wind. How would you feel?
This poem certainly allows one to fantasise about freedom, not tied to the chains of work or time, abandoning the phrase "Time waits for no one".
But rather cheerfully pass time the way we want to. Just imagine...
This poems also reminds me of my days as a two year old, clumsy but entitled to this luxury of being set free of all the daily chores and homework. Leading a carefree life without worries and and getting to do most of my simple-minded plans without any self-caution. For the mind is just too simple - free.
Though now I am much older and have to worry many things like whether i have completed my homework or whether I logged on to my SMB and etc. I had hoped of dreaming that day of mine would one day come back...
"But Life has killed the dream I dreamed"
but let it go,spellchecking
I heard a song and carried it with me
on my cotton streamers,
I dropped it on an ocean and lifted up a wave
with my bare hands,
I made a whole cane field tremble and bend
as I ran by,
I pushed a soft cloud from here to there ,
I hurried a stream along a pebble path,
I scooped up a yard of dirt and hurled it
in the air,
I lifted a straw hat and sent it flying,
I broke a limb from a guava tree,
I became a breeze, bored and tired,
and hovered and hung and rustled and lay
where I could.
This poem consists of mainly Personification with numerous uses of "I" followed by a human action, like for example, "I pushed a soft cloud from here to there ,".
I especially enjoy this poem for it has the ability to change one's mood after reading it. The verbs that the author chose also contributed to the more free and relaxed style of writing, they somehow tend to have more of a humane touch and feeling unlike ordinary verbs. Just close your eyes and imagine that you were the wind. How would you feel?
This poem certainly allows one to fantasise about freedom, not tied to the chains of work or time, abandoning the phrase "Time waits for no one".
But rather cheerfully pass time the way we want to. Just imagine...
This poems also reminds me of my days as a two year old, clumsy but entitled to this luxury of being set free of all the daily chores and homework. Leading a carefree life without worries and and getting to do most of my simple-minded plans without any self-caution. For the mind is just too simple - free.
Though now I am much older and have to worry many things like whether i have completed my homework or whether I logged on to my SMB and etc. I had hoped of dreaming that day of mine would one day come back...
"But Life has killed the dream I dreamed"
Q1. The Fair Fox of Boston
Fair Fox, full of grief
sailed away from the Boston shore
she wept,oh my!
For hours and hours, oh my!
Weeping!Oh her grief,
It is a leaking faucet
It is like a pouring shower, and her ship begins to sink down.
She is sinking!
But, the wind carries her tears away,
The breeze is cool and relaxing
The Fair Fox is happy
The boat is now afloat,
and her grief gown gone
Oh my!
Figurative language is used everyday in our speeches or daily lives. In figurative language, we use words to draw upon representative meaning, creating a likeness or image and that we should take them figuratively. From the video, we are exposed to just five types of uses of figurative language. They are: Hyperbole, Personification, Metaphor, Simile and Symbolism.
Hyperbole is an exagerant statement which involves and emotion and relates the reader to that particular emotion. From this poem, examples of Hyperbole are "Oh my!" and "Weaping! Oh her grief," It creates an overly grevious emphasis on the sadness and the extent to which it has become.
Personification makes use of giving an ineniment object or abstract ideas, human traits and qualities. From this poem, an example of Personification is "Wind carries her tears..." It assumes that the wind is taken on a human action.
Metaphor directly compares seemingly unrelated subjects with or without using the words "like", "as' etc. from this poem, an example of a Metaphor is "It is a leaking faucet" and relates the subjects "her grief" with "a leaking faucet".
Simile is almost similar to a Metaphor but instead just makes use of "like", "as" etc. and explicitly relates the two subjects. In this case, an example would be "It is like a pouring shower"
Lastly, Symbolism uses a representative figure to carry a digital meaning. In this case, an example of Symbolism would the boat which represents the Fox's grief. The boat and her grief were played simultaineously, when the fox is crying, the boat started to sink, when she is happy the boat stays afloat to the end. I guess the author of the poem wanted to further enrich his poem and makes the reader view the poem as germane and relevent which does not bore despite it's simple storyline but infact makes it more interesting.
sailed away from the Boston shore
she wept,oh my!
For hours and hours, oh my!
Weeping!Oh her grief,
It is a leaking faucet
It is like a pouring shower, and her ship begins to sink down.
She is sinking!
But, the wind carries her tears away,
The breeze is cool and relaxing
The Fair Fox is happy
The boat is now afloat,
and her grief gown gone
Oh my!
Figurative language is used everyday in our speeches or daily lives. In figurative language, we use words to draw upon representative meaning, creating a likeness or image and that we should take them figuratively. From the video, we are exposed to just five types of uses of figurative language. They are: Hyperbole, Personification, Metaphor, Simile and Symbolism.
Hyperbole is an exagerant statement which involves and emotion and relates the reader to that particular emotion. From this poem, examples of Hyperbole are "Oh my!" and "Weaping! Oh her grief," It creates an overly grevious emphasis on the sadness and the extent to which it has become.
Personification makes use of giving an ineniment object or abstract ideas, human traits and qualities. From this poem, an example of Personification is "Wind carries her tears..." It assumes that the wind is taken on a human action.
Metaphor directly compares seemingly unrelated subjects with or without using the words "like", "as' etc. from this poem, an example of a Metaphor is "It is a leaking faucet" and relates the subjects "her grief" with "a leaking faucet".
Simile is almost similar to a Metaphor but instead just makes use of "like", "as" etc. and explicitly relates the two subjects. In this case, an example would be "It is like a pouring shower"
Lastly, Symbolism uses a representative figure to carry a digital meaning. In this case, an example of Symbolism would the boat which represents the Fox's grief. The boat and her grief were played simultaineously, when the fox is crying, the boat started to sink, when she is happy the boat stays afloat to the end. I guess the author of the poem wanted to further enrich his poem and makes the reader view the poem as germane and relevent which does not bore despite it's simple storyline but infact makes it more interesting.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"Papa, don't eat!!!!"
During my trip to Malacca, my family often find it a burden to find a place to eat as there was not much left in that hour and we were partly a little fussy. But when we arrived at a noodle stall, our spirits were heightened as we hopped in to grab our lunch.
The food was good or too good in fact, that I ordered two bowls of steaming hot noodles ease my hunger. When I came to my second bowl, my father was still waiting for his food and was extremely hungry. He then asked me for a spoon of my noodles saying that he would like to try some. Instinctively, I grabbed MY bowl of noodles further away from him as I knew I was still hungry. "You just wait for your own food!" I murmured, and he took his eyes off my bowl.
However, when I returned from the toilet, I realised that my bowl of noodles was with my Dad and that he was about to take a away a few precious strands!
"Papa, don't eat!" I cried out loud before he gulped it down. I went into a rage at the sight of that, my mind was just concerned about my bowl of noodles that I had totally forgotten about my father's starving tummy! Forgotten of how effort he had put in just so that this greedy me could enjoy two scrumptious bowl of noodles!
Now looking back, I truly believe that I did not deserve those bowls of noodles at all. My father had paid for them and not me. Had he worked so hard just so that I could repay him with that, 'Papa, don't eat!"? Do I deserve that kind of luxury?
My father has been working very hard lately just so that my family could have a chance to go on holiday and now I regret for even saying those horrid words. Ultimately, he should have had taken the bowl of noodle away from me but yet he chose not to. He could have gave me a good scolding but yet he chose not to.
But yet he chose not to. Why?
My father truly loves his family and he is always willing to work those extra long hours just so that we are able be to have the writing materials to do homework with, to lose them like no body's business. Just so that we are able to go on a wonderful holiday. Just so that we are able to live such enjoyable and comfortable lives! He wants the best for us, the best of everything to shape my brother and I to be real gentlemen. But what have I been like to him? How have I always treated him?
I feel that i have not behaved in a manner I am supposed to be as a Christian, "honour your parents" has simply slipped out from my mind both constantly and subconsciously. Then how am I going to lead Christian lives in front of others when even the smallest things like honouring your parents have not been constantly put into action! I must change so that I am to be worthy. Worthy of being a Christian, for being a Hwa Chong boy and worthy of being a Hainanese Tan (read my previous blog post to find out more!).
So from now on, "Papa, please eat, as much as you want."
The food was good or too good in fact, that I ordered two bowls of steaming hot noodles ease my hunger. When I came to my second bowl, my father was still waiting for his food and was extremely hungry. He then asked me for a spoon of my noodles saying that he would like to try some. Instinctively, I grabbed MY bowl of noodles further away from him as I knew I was still hungry. "You just wait for your own food!" I murmured, and he took his eyes off my bowl.
However, when I returned from the toilet, I realised that my bowl of noodles was with my Dad and that he was about to take a away a few precious strands!
"Papa, don't eat!" I cried out loud before he gulped it down. I went into a rage at the sight of that, my mind was just concerned about my bowl of noodles that I had totally forgotten about my father's starving tummy! Forgotten of how effort he had put in just so that this greedy me could enjoy two scrumptious bowl of noodles!
Now looking back, I truly believe that I did not deserve those bowls of noodles at all. My father had paid for them and not me. Had he worked so hard just so that I could repay him with that, 'Papa, don't eat!"? Do I deserve that kind of luxury?
My father has been working very hard lately just so that my family could have a chance to go on holiday and now I regret for even saying those horrid words. Ultimately, he should have had taken the bowl of noodle away from me but yet he chose not to. He could have gave me a good scolding but yet he chose not to.
But yet he chose not to. Why?
My father truly loves his family and he is always willing to work those extra long hours just so that we are able be to have the writing materials to do homework with, to lose them like no body's business. Just so that we are able to go on a wonderful holiday. Just so that we are able to live such enjoyable and comfortable lives! He wants the best for us, the best of everything to shape my brother and I to be real gentlemen. But what have I been like to him? How have I always treated him?
I feel that i have not behaved in a manner I am supposed to be as a Christian, "honour your parents" has simply slipped out from my mind both constantly and subconsciously. Then how am I going to lead Christian lives in front of others when even the smallest things like honouring your parents have not been constantly put into action! I must change so that I am to be worthy. Worthy of being a Christian, for being a Hwa Chong boy and worthy of being a Hainanese Tan (read my previous blog post to find out more!).
So from now on, "Papa, please eat, as much as you want."
Thursday, June 11, 2009
March of the Tans
Waking up early in the morning today (In Hainanese we call it "hi gui da da") at around 30 past 6, both my grandfather, my father brought me on a termly outing with the Hainanese Tan clan association. The trip was incredibly enjoying and fruitful despite being one of the only two children present, with a reasonably large age difference between us and majority of the adults.
Being dragged out bed, we first headed for the Association located at Seah Street near South-beach Road and allowed my grandfather to burn some joss sticks as a form of respect to our ancestors. When I first stepped into the place, thoughts began to flush through my mind as the smell of burnt joss sticks drifted in the air. ‘The place is bound to be run-down’ I thought. The horrid thoughts however, suddenly began to vanish as I was greeted by a well-furnished room that was kept exceptionally clean and tidy! I found out that the association does not employ cleaners and did all the cleaning on their own, I was absolutely amazed! Everyone seemed to be playing their part in keeping the place in tip-top condition and each of them is aware that their own individual effort is crucial in maintaining the place, no matter how small the job may be. Everyone takes his or her own responsibility.
The day followed by hopping onto the bus to our destination. We waited for quite some time before heading off for someone had lost her way. Her brother, whom I noticed was already on the bus, began complaining about her lack of a sense of urgency and started washing dirty linen in the public. When she had finally arrived, his lamenting took a turn for the worse and had become a scolding, also hinting that he was and is never like that. He kept on saying that she was the only one at fault and that he as a brother was disgusted at her behavior.
But think about it; was it entirely the lady's fault in coming late? Was it necessarily her fault for losing her way? Had she even came to the association before?
I began to feel a little restless at the sight of this incident. I mean, the lady had not been to the Hainanese Tan clan Association ever before! So was it right to tell her off for not knowing where to go? This lead to her taking the wrong route which wasted a lot of her time and our time. The man might have told his sister exactly where the place was and clarified with her again. He should have also woken her up early aware that she had never been to the place before and might still have difficulty in finding the place. His lack of responsibility and selfishness not only affected the whole ' Battalion' of us going, but also himself by starting the day off in a bad mood which could have affected his health for he is approaching senior citizenship. Therefore, I feel that one should always reflect on oneself first before criticizing on others.
As we now put that matter behind us, we alighted the bus and strolled to the Marina Bay Barrage. The Barrage was built basically to ensure the sustainability of Singapore's water by temporarily blocking up the seawater from entering and start cleaning the water within Singapore to transform the Kallang River into reservoir.
Standing between the Old and the New water, I tried comparing the quality of the water by just looking at the colours of the two types of water and there seemed to have a significant difference!
Despite huge effort being put to fanning oneself, the weather still remained as King until we reached the bus when our spirits where lifted by a simple gust of cold wind just when the door slid open.
The next destination was the Asian Civilization Museum, the Kang Si emperor. He is said to be one of the greatest emperors of all time and ruled for 61 years. He was said to be chosen for he survived smallpox and was thought to be the strongest amongst his siblings. He worked hard throughout his reign to meet high expectations for he was expected to demonstrate that he was worthy of his high office. He was the one who had introduced a new communication system channel called the 奏扸 in order to receive information directly from specifically chosen officials. He finally died as a result of severe cold.
One of the most spectacular sights was this old looking protractor used during that time. This instantly gave me a shock for it looked exactly the same as the ones that we use today! If not, slightly bigger! Technology right now, compared to back then, had totally involved for the better to suite the needs of people. However, some inventions back then were extremely well thought of that even now in the 21st century, we are constantly using them. So things invented in the past need not be useless to us now, in fact, they are the essential basic building blocks in creating our modern day inventions that make our lives more comfortable today.
Before proceeding to lunch, we took a ride on the Singapore Flyer, watching out for the past, eyeing the present and catching a glimpse to the future. The view was simply stunning! Things have changed since my father’s and grandfather’s time, the Singapore which they once knew had evolved into a bustling city filled with high-rise buildings and shopping malls instead of those attap houses they used to live in, now only the fond memories of their childhood days remains. We had a chance to observe models of buildings of what Singapore would be like in the years to come, just hope that that change would take place within my years on Earth!
The day finally ended with a visit to the New Parliament opposite the Supreme Court. We made somewhat a grand entrance with people coming out to welcome us, someone even joked that the police were stationed to protect us! We had been made compulsory to go through a security check due to strict regulations and I felt like I was in the Air-port going through the security check as well.
We were escorted to the viewing gallery of the chambers where all the meetings took place called the ‘Riverside Gallery’. The reason having built the public viewing gallery is to show the transparency of the Singapore government. The layout of the chambers was similar to the ones in the UK for it originated from there. I found out that if a meeting is to be conducted, a lot of planning and preparation had to be undergone to ensure a smooth discussion. After having heard the in depth explanation of how the meetings proceeded, I also learnt that there were a few protocols to take note of when present for the meeting, for instance, the bowing. One had to bow to the Speaker of the meeting (someone sitting on the highest seat who oversees the proceeding of the Parliament to ensure a smooth discussion and is held responsible for allowing who to speak first and the duration of his or her speech.) before entering or leaving the chambers. Just imagine if one had a diarrhea on that day!
The visit to the parliament was certainly an eye-opener to me as I am now aware that a lot of work is needed to just hold one parliament discussion. Though I felt that I have not known enough yet, I plan to visit the Parliament once more to attend a live discussion! One hilarious moment of the trip was when one of the tour guides had forgotten that we were from the Hainanese TAN clan Associationand started calling out, "Mr Tan!" You could imagine the number of faces that turned around to face her! Including me! The next time I catch a parliament discussion on TV, I will be able to have a clearer understanding of what is going on and whose seat to look out for!
The trip organized by the association today was wonderful and I have seriously learnt a lot from it including a sense of belonging and pride of being a Hainanese Tan. I am also warmed by the fact that this trip was organized by elderly people who want to get together to socialize and catch up on each other. This trip had demonstrated the immense capability of the older generation despite of age catching up on them, they build strong bonds and new friendships with each other and that this will play a very important part in their lives for when tough times draw near, theses small things will then matter the most, being aware that there is always someone willing to render support… to a friend.
Being dragged out bed, we first headed for the Association located at Seah Street near South-beach Road and allowed my grandfather to burn some joss sticks as a form of respect to our ancestors. When I first stepped into the place, thoughts began to flush through my mind as the smell of burnt joss sticks drifted in the air. ‘The place is bound to be run-down’ I thought. The horrid thoughts however, suddenly began to vanish as I was greeted by a well-furnished room that was kept exceptionally clean and tidy! I found out that the association does not employ cleaners and did all the cleaning on their own, I was absolutely amazed! Everyone seemed to be playing their part in keeping the place in tip-top condition and each of them is aware that their own individual effort is crucial in maintaining the place, no matter how small the job may be. Everyone takes his or her own responsibility.
The day followed by hopping onto the bus to our destination. We waited for quite some time before heading off for someone had lost her way. Her brother, whom I noticed was already on the bus, began complaining about her lack of a sense of urgency and started washing dirty linen in the public. When she had finally arrived, his lamenting took a turn for the worse and had become a scolding, also hinting that he was and is never like that. He kept on saying that she was the only one at fault and that he as a brother was disgusted at her behavior.
But think about it; was it entirely the lady's fault in coming late? Was it necessarily her fault for losing her way? Had she even came to the association before?
I began to feel a little restless at the sight of this incident. I mean, the lady had not been to the Hainanese Tan clan Association ever before! So was it right to tell her off for not knowing where to go? This lead to her taking the wrong route which wasted a lot of her time and our time. The man might have told his sister exactly where the place was and clarified with her again. He should have also woken her up early aware that she had never been to the place before and might still have difficulty in finding the place. His lack of responsibility and selfishness not only affected the whole ' Battalion' of us going, but also himself by starting the day off in a bad mood which could have affected his health for he is approaching senior citizenship. Therefore, I feel that one should always reflect on oneself first before criticizing on others.
As we now put that matter behind us, we alighted the bus and strolled to the Marina Bay Barrage. The Barrage was built basically to ensure the sustainability of Singapore's water by temporarily blocking up the seawater from entering and start cleaning the water within Singapore to transform the Kallang River into reservoir.
Standing between the Old and the New water, I tried comparing the quality of the water by just looking at the colours of the two types of water and there seemed to have a significant difference!
Despite huge effort being put to fanning oneself, the weather still remained as King until we reached the bus when our spirits where lifted by a simple gust of cold wind just when the door slid open.
The next destination was the Asian Civilization Museum, the Kang Si emperor. He is said to be one of the greatest emperors of all time and ruled for 61 years. He was said to be chosen for he survived smallpox and was thought to be the strongest amongst his siblings. He worked hard throughout his reign to meet high expectations for he was expected to demonstrate that he was worthy of his high office. He was the one who had introduced a new communication system channel called the 奏扸 in order to receive information directly from specifically chosen officials. He finally died as a result of severe cold.
One of the most spectacular sights was this old looking protractor used during that time. This instantly gave me a shock for it looked exactly the same as the ones that we use today! If not, slightly bigger! Technology right now, compared to back then, had totally involved for the better to suite the needs of people. However, some inventions back then were extremely well thought of that even now in the 21st century, we are constantly using them. So things invented in the past need not be useless to us now, in fact, they are the essential basic building blocks in creating our modern day inventions that make our lives more comfortable today.
Before proceeding to lunch, we took a ride on the Singapore Flyer, watching out for the past, eyeing the present and catching a glimpse to the future. The view was simply stunning! Things have changed since my father’s and grandfather’s time, the Singapore which they once knew had evolved into a bustling city filled with high-rise buildings and shopping malls instead of those attap houses they used to live in, now only the fond memories of their childhood days remains. We had a chance to observe models of buildings of what Singapore would be like in the years to come, just hope that that change would take place within my years on Earth!
The day finally ended with a visit to the New Parliament opposite the Supreme Court. We made somewhat a grand entrance with people coming out to welcome us, someone even joked that the police were stationed to protect us! We had been made compulsory to go through a security check due to strict regulations and I felt like I was in the Air-port going through the security check as well.
We were escorted to the viewing gallery of the chambers where all the meetings took place called the ‘Riverside Gallery’. The reason having built the public viewing gallery is to show the transparency of the Singapore government. The layout of the chambers was similar to the ones in the UK for it originated from there. I found out that if a meeting is to be conducted, a lot of planning and preparation had to be undergone to ensure a smooth discussion. After having heard the in depth explanation of how the meetings proceeded, I also learnt that there were a few protocols to take note of when present for the meeting, for instance, the bowing. One had to bow to the Speaker of the meeting (someone sitting on the highest seat who oversees the proceeding of the Parliament to ensure a smooth discussion and is held responsible for allowing who to speak first and the duration of his or her speech.) before entering or leaving the chambers. Just imagine if one had a diarrhea on that day!
The visit to the parliament was certainly an eye-opener to me as I am now aware that a lot of work is needed to just hold one parliament discussion. Though I felt that I have not known enough yet, I plan to visit the Parliament once more to attend a live discussion! One hilarious moment of the trip was when one of the tour guides had forgotten that we were from the Hainanese TAN clan Associationand started calling out, "Mr Tan!" You could imagine the number of faces that turned around to face her! Including me! The next time I catch a parliament discussion on TV, I will be able to have a clearer understanding of what is going on and whose seat to look out for!
The trip organized by the association today was wonderful and I have seriously learnt a lot from it including a sense of belonging and pride of being a Hainanese Tan. I am also warmed by the fact that this trip was organized by elderly people who want to get together to socialize and catch up on each other. This trip had demonstrated the immense capability of the older generation despite of age catching up on them, they build strong bonds and new friendships with each other and that this will play a very important part in their lives for when tough times draw near, theses small things will then matter the most, being aware that there is always someone willing to render support… to a friend.
Friday, June 5, 2009
How could I !
How could I be so useless! How could i leave the rest of my part mates from NCC suffer without me! Leave them to suffer through the camp on their own...
Yesterday, the first day of the camp, I 'fell' in (NCC term for reporting) just like everyone else at block B in school bright and early. Not long after that we immediately received a terrible scolding from our NCOs for 'falling' in without one of our platoon mates, and that was when all the scolding began. One shelling after another until the cows came home. I felt honoured of being appointed as a COS and had to wear a special larnyard on my uniform. I wore it with immense pride and also filled with gratitude for the NCOs had chosen to believe in me, thinking that I deserved it.
Nervousness had always gotten the better of me and I began 'screwing up' almost every single time. It seemed like a habit already whenever I get nervous, therefore I was 'knocked'( another NCC term for being asked to do push-ups as a form of punishment) continuously and asked to run up and down until I went extremely blank! My mind was filled with emptiness till the brim before it began to spin. The last words I could remember was from my NCO which used to take me for training " Ming Shi, we know that you tend to screw up when you get nervous but just stay focused and you will benefit through it." At that time, my strength had started to seep out of my body as my mind and hands felt totally useless.
Before I knew it... I reported sick.
As an NCC cadet, reporting sick was the last thing that could ever cross one's mind. But however my sense of willingness to go on had vanished into thin air. I was asked to take my temperature and found out that I was running a fever and was immediately instructed to sit down at the benches nearby. However, training had to go one thus I was told to remove that larnyard from my uniform and give it to someone else. I took it out with great reluctance and sorrow, I felt as though part of my body had been taken away.
But I had no other choice!
All that I could do then was to take a shower every 15mins until my fever subsided. My towels were soaked when it had been the 7th time and my nose kept running. But all efforts had proved futile. Left with no other options, I was sent home. My parents were called up to pick me up. I sat at the benches watching the rest of the company proceed with their training. My eyes began to well up with tears.
How could I leave my part mates to 'DIE' without me by their side! How could I have been so useless! I would now like to give my word that from today onwards, I shall never report sick ever again unless it is serious. Forget about my weak ankle! Forget about my sinusitis and forget about however tough the training may be.
I want to be a stronger person.
Yesterday, the first day of the camp, I 'fell' in (NCC term for reporting) just like everyone else at block B in school bright and early. Not long after that we immediately received a terrible scolding from our NCOs for 'falling' in without one of our platoon mates, and that was when all the scolding began. One shelling after another until the cows came home. I felt honoured of being appointed as a COS and had to wear a special larnyard on my uniform. I wore it with immense pride and also filled with gratitude for the NCOs had chosen to believe in me, thinking that I deserved it.
Nervousness had always gotten the better of me and I began 'screwing up' almost every single time. It seemed like a habit already whenever I get nervous, therefore I was 'knocked'( another NCC term for being asked to do push-ups as a form of punishment) continuously and asked to run up and down until I went extremely blank! My mind was filled with emptiness till the brim before it began to spin. The last words I could remember was from my NCO which used to take me for training " Ming Shi, we know that you tend to screw up when you get nervous but just stay focused and you will benefit through it." At that time, my strength had started to seep out of my body as my mind and hands felt totally useless.
Before I knew it... I reported sick.
As an NCC cadet, reporting sick was the last thing that could ever cross one's mind. But however my sense of willingness to go on had vanished into thin air. I was asked to take my temperature and found out that I was running a fever and was immediately instructed to sit down at the benches nearby. However, training had to go one thus I was told to remove that larnyard from my uniform and give it to someone else. I took it out with great reluctance and sorrow, I felt as though part of my body had been taken away.
But I had no other choice!
All that I could do then was to take a shower every 15mins until my fever subsided. My towels were soaked when it had been the 7th time and my nose kept running. But all efforts had proved futile. Left with no other options, I was sent home. My parents were called up to pick me up. I sat at the benches watching the rest of the company proceed with their training. My eyes began to well up with tears.
How could I leave my part mates to 'DIE' without me by their side! How could I have been so useless! I would now like to give my word that from today onwards, I shall never report sick ever again unless it is serious. Forget about my weak ankle! Forget about my sinusitis and forget about however tough the training may be.
I want to be a stronger person.
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