I was on the MRT last Saturday when I was making my way to Church. What I saw on the MRT was kind of strange, and I don’t know if its acceptable to be done in public. Well, this was what happened . . .
I was slouching on the MRT seat on my way to church, my head leaning against the glass panel. I was about to doze off, when something caught my attention. You might not believe this but, 2 couples were smooching in the public! Immediately, I was woken up from my drowsy state. I was not the only person watching them. A few small toddlers who were previously running around stopped in their tracks to watch them. Promptly, their mother came and blocked the couple from their view. This led me to think, is smooching in public acceptable??
Obviously, from the mother’s view point, this act was clearly an act of indecency and thus wanted to protect her children from learning from them. However, in my perspective, I feel that it is alright. Maybe it’s because I have seen many movies before with the same sort of scene and I have gotten used to it. But honestly, to me, this is just another way of professing their love for one another. It’s the same as saying I love you in public. But is that wrong? NO! So, likewise, these couples are not doing something unacceptable and thus, I don’t see the point in looking at them in a strange or angry manner.
However, this is just what I think. I would like to hear some responses from you so please feel free to air your views and comment on this thread.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Litter on the bus - Whose fault?
Last Thursday, I remember taking a bus with Jong home and noticed the remains of a very inconsiderate commuter. This is what happened. . .
As I stepped into the bus, the first thing I noticed was the shreds of paper lying on the floor of the bus. These shreds of paper were not drifting across the floor of the bus, but instead were stuck firmly to the ground, hence proving that it was there a long time already. The next thing I noticed was the bubble tea cup lying on the floor with ants in it, once again proving that it has been there for quite long. This led me to think – Whose fault is it?
After thinking for a while, I realize that there were 2 people at fault here. The first is obviously the person that littered on the bus. They might not be the same person, but their crimes are the same, which is littering. Littering is frowned upon in a place like Singapore, who prides itself in being a clean and green city. Littering, on a more serious note, is strictly prohibited on the bus and the person who littered can be fined up to a few hundred dollars. The person who drank the bubble tea in the bus is even worse. He should not even be drinking drinks in the bus as there are clear signals to remind you not to consume any drinks onboard the bus, mainly for the reason to prevent such things from happening.
However, it is also the bus drivers’ fault as well. According to my understanding, the bus driver is supposed to be in charge of maintaining the bus’ cleanliness and working condition. Obviously, he has not been doing his duty well. If he is, these litters would not have still remained on the bus for such a long time. Hence the bus driver is at fault.
From here, we can conclude that everyone has a part to play in keeping the environment clean, from everyday commuters like us, to the bus driver himself.
As I stepped into the bus, the first thing I noticed was the shreds of paper lying on the floor of the bus. These shreds of paper were not drifting across the floor of the bus, but instead were stuck firmly to the ground, hence proving that it was there a long time already. The next thing I noticed was the bubble tea cup lying on the floor with ants in it, once again proving that it has been there for quite long. This led me to think – Whose fault is it?
After thinking for a while, I realize that there were 2 people at fault here. The first is obviously the person that littered on the bus. They might not be the same person, but their crimes are the same, which is littering. Littering is frowned upon in a place like Singapore, who prides itself in being a clean and green city. Littering, on a more serious note, is strictly prohibited on the bus and the person who littered can be fined up to a few hundred dollars. The person who drank the bubble tea in the bus is even worse. He should not even be drinking drinks in the bus as there are clear signals to remind you not to consume any drinks onboard the bus, mainly for the reason to prevent such things from happening.
However, it is also the bus drivers’ fault as well. According to my understanding, the bus driver is supposed to be in charge of maintaining the bus’ cleanliness and working condition. Obviously, he has not been doing his duty well. If he is, these litters would not have still remained on the bus for such a long time. Hence the bus driver is at fault.
From here, we can conclude that everyone has a part to play in keeping the environment clean, from everyday commuters like us, to the bus driver himself.
Impatient Woman
I was taking the bus home after training one day when I saw something that really made me boil. This is what happened . . .
It was the peak hour. 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm and it was guaranteed that the bus was going to be full. True to expectations, the bus was packed like sardines. And to be honest, being on a crowded bus make me very irritable. Hot and humid, combined with the inability to breathe is the perfect combination for irritating a person. Already at this precarious state, a woman did something that really made the blood in my veins boil.
This woman was in her 60s I suppose and had a big mole above her right eye. She clad in a gaudy dress and her face was puffed up with thick mascara. When she wanted to alight at the bus stop near Bukit Timah Market, she just shoved her way through without saying so much as a simple “excuse me” or “please”. When she came to the exit, she was blocked by a guy with a humongous bag. No matter how hard she tried, she jus could not squeeze past. As a result, she kept harassing the girl in front of her and repeatedly ask her in a very impatient tone to “GET OF THE BUS”. The guy with the big bag soon began to realize the obstruction he was causing, and when he was about to move away, he was met with the woman’s icy glare. The girl who was harassed also looked very angry at the impatience of the woman. But as the woman was about to alight, the door closed before her and the bus just left, leaving the woman fuming and smarting and glaring and me, laughing gleefully at the woman.
I was really pissed at the woman and I almost wanted to shout at her, but my self pride held me back. I could not bring my self to argue or bring myself down to the same level as her. I am sure that the guy and girl who were affected by the shameless, impatient woman also felt this way. Sometimes, it makes me wonder how there could be such people in the world.
It was the peak hour. 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm and it was guaranteed that the bus was going to be full. True to expectations, the bus was packed like sardines. And to be honest, being on a crowded bus make me very irritable. Hot and humid, combined with the inability to breathe is the perfect combination for irritating a person. Already at this precarious state, a woman did something that really made the blood in my veins boil.
This woman was in her 60s I suppose and had a big mole above her right eye. She clad in a gaudy dress and her face was puffed up with thick mascara. When she wanted to alight at the bus stop near Bukit Timah Market, she just shoved her way through without saying so much as a simple “excuse me” or “please”. When she came to the exit, she was blocked by a guy with a humongous bag. No matter how hard she tried, she jus could not squeeze past. As a result, she kept harassing the girl in front of her and repeatedly ask her in a very impatient tone to “GET OF THE BUS”. The guy with the big bag soon began to realize the obstruction he was causing, and when he was about to move away, he was met with the woman’s icy glare. The girl who was harassed also looked very angry at the impatience of the woman. But as the woman was about to alight, the door closed before her and the bus just left, leaving the woman fuming and smarting and glaring and me, laughing gleefully at the woman.
I was really pissed at the woman and I almost wanted to shout at her, but my self pride held me back. I could not bring my self to argue or bring myself down to the same level as her. I am sure that the guy and girl who were affected by the shameless, impatient woman also felt this way. Sometimes, it makes me wonder how there could be such people in the world.
Polite Bus Driver (RUDE BUS DRIVER CONTINUED)
This post is written with reference with the previous post on the rude bus driver. This is what happened . . .
About 2 days after the fortunate meeting with the rude bus driver, I still had not topped up my Ez - link card as I did not have the time to do so. (OOPS!!XD) Still remembering what happened 2 days before, I was very weary of another shelling from another bus driver. So, as the bus approached, I timidly inserted 60cents (I learnt my lesson) into the coin collector and wanted to rush to the back of the bus without getting into trouble with another of bus driver. However, as I was making my escape, the bus driver asked my to tap my bus card. Oh dear, not again! I thought.
However, there was something different with this bus driver. He spoke with a cheerful intonation and began his statement with a “Please” and ended it with a “Thank You”. Obediently, I followed his instructions. Then, as I was about to make my second escape, he again stopped me and asked, “Where do you want to go boy?” OH DEAR, NOT AGAIN! I contemplated what to say. I remembered very clearly that I had paid 60 cents this time, but if I told him that I wanted to go to Upper Bukit Timah like last time, I risked getting scolded by this bus driver again. Seeing I was dumbfounded, the bus driver asked me the same question again. Not wanting to create a bad impression of Hwa Chong students, I made up my mind to be honest and tell him the truth. To my surprise and to some extent, relief, the bus driver excepted my answer with no qualms or questions. As he saw the look of bewilderment on my face, the bus driver, in a very calm and gentle manner, explained to me about the new rule imposed by the SMRT Bus Company, which is that those people who pay with coins have 2 different fares depending on the distance of their journey.
I really respect this bus driver. He was very polite in the whole conversation with me and explained to me every detail of the new rule without getting frustrated nor impatient. I feel that this is the proper way to tell the commuters on the new rule and not get fed up with them like the other bus driver. This bus driver has also gone a long way to clear any lingering doubts about the company having good bus drivers. Well done!
About 2 days after the fortunate meeting with the rude bus driver, I still had not topped up my Ez - link card as I did not have the time to do so. (OOPS!!XD) Still remembering what happened 2 days before, I was very weary of another shelling from another bus driver. So, as the bus approached, I timidly inserted 60cents (I learnt my lesson) into the coin collector and wanted to rush to the back of the bus without getting into trouble with another of bus driver. However, as I was making my escape, the bus driver asked my to tap my bus card. Oh dear, not again! I thought.
However, there was something different with this bus driver. He spoke with a cheerful intonation and began his statement with a “Please” and ended it with a “Thank You”. Obediently, I followed his instructions. Then, as I was about to make my second escape, he again stopped me and asked, “Where do you want to go boy?” OH DEAR, NOT AGAIN! I contemplated what to say. I remembered very clearly that I had paid 60 cents this time, but if I told him that I wanted to go to Upper Bukit Timah like last time, I risked getting scolded by this bus driver again. Seeing I was dumbfounded, the bus driver asked me the same question again. Not wanting to create a bad impression of Hwa Chong students, I made up my mind to be honest and tell him the truth. To my surprise and to some extent, relief, the bus driver excepted my answer with no qualms or questions. As he saw the look of bewilderment on my face, the bus driver, in a very calm and gentle manner, explained to me about the new rule imposed by the SMRT Bus Company, which is that those people who pay with coins have 2 different fares depending on the distance of their journey.
I really respect this bus driver. He was very polite in the whole conversation with me and explained to me every detail of the new rule without getting frustrated nor impatient. I feel that this is the proper way to tell the commuters on the new rule and not get fed up with them like the other bus driver. This bus driver has also gone a long way to clear any lingering doubts about the company having good bus drivers. Well done!
Trivia
This is just a small trivia question to test your knowledge. (ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM)
Q: What are the words imprinted on the YOG buses??
Q: Why are they inverted??
A: Give way
A: This is to let drivers see the the words in the correct orientation when they see it in the mirror.
Q: What are the words imprinted on the YOG buses??
Q: Why are they inverted??
A: Give way
A: This is to let drivers see the the words in the correct orientation when they see it in the mirror.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Disgraceful Singaporeans
As I listened to the speaker from the SBS Transit Bus Company during the assembly today, I suddenly remembered the memorable journey I had on the MRT last Tuesday. This was what happened.
Last Tuesday was a school holiday due to the National Day Celebrations the day before and my church friends and I had agreed to meet up to watch the well - reviewed "Inception". So, I took a train from Bukit Batok to Boon Lay. Along the way, although it was just a small trip, I realised a lot about us Singaporeans, all of which are not positive.
First observation I noticed - Ungracious. As the doors of the MRT opened, the whole crowd who were waiting for the MRT at Jurong East just rushed into the MRT, without letting the people on the inside to alight first. I was terribly appalled at the lack of graciousness of Singaporeans and felt rather disappointed. Did all the effort from the posters that told us to let the passengers inside to get down first before boarding and all the talks in schools on proper behaviour in the MRT go down the drain? Was it to no avail? I was greatly disappointed.
Second observation I made - Ignorant. I didn't think that I would have ever noticed such an act before and I thought I would only come across such things in the newspaper. Anyway, I saw a group of boys playing sitting on the floor playing a game of cards. They were taking a lot of space and were also making a lot of noise with all their excitement that they were causing much disturbance to the other commuters. However, they were ignorant to their glares and stares and continued with their marry making. Ignorant can sometimes be bliss, but not in this case. I was greatly annoyed.
Finally, the last observation I made - Inconsiderate. Again, thisact seems unlikely, as it only comes out in oral books, or so I thought. Anyway, I noticed an old lady, who was holding a walking stick, standing on the MRT. To my dismay, no one bothered to give up their seats for this poor old elderly woman. Again, there are many posters that remind us to give up our seats for the people who need it more like pregnant woman, or elderly folks. However, these posters seem totally ignored. What's worse is that most of the people sitting down were young people. Young people whose legs can possibly stand for more than 10 times the time the poor elderly woman can. And yet, none of them gave up their seats.
Could this really be what Singaporeans are like? A day after 9 August, National Day. A day where we sang that we would stand up for our fellow man. A day after we pledged our loyalty to Singapore and promised we would do everything in our capability to help her. And this? This, to me, is utterly disgraceful.
Last Tuesday was a school holiday due to the National Day Celebrations the day before and my church friends and I had agreed to meet up to watch the well - reviewed "Inception". So, I took a train from Bukit Batok to Boon Lay. Along the way, although it was just a small trip, I realised a lot about us Singaporeans, all of which are not positive.
First observation I noticed - Ungracious. As the doors of the MRT opened, the whole crowd who were waiting for the MRT at Jurong East just rushed into the MRT, without letting the people on the inside to alight first. I was terribly appalled at the lack of graciousness of Singaporeans and felt rather disappointed. Did all the effort from the posters that told us to let the passengers inside to get down first before boarding and all the talks in schools on proper behaviour in the MRT go down the drain? Was it to no avail? I was greatly disappointed.
Second observation I made - Ignorant. I didn't think that I would have ever noticed such an act before and I thought I would only come across such things in the newspaper. Anyway, I saw a group of boys playing sitting on the floor playing a game of cards. They were taking a lot of space and were also making a lot of noise with all their excitement that they were causing much disturbance to the other commuters. However, they were ignorant to their glares and stares and continued with their marry making. Ignorant can sometimes be bliss, but not in this case. I was greatly annoyed.
Finally, the last observation I made - Inconsiderate. Again, thisact seems unlikely, as it only comes out in oral books, or so I thought. Anyway, I noticed an old lady, who was holding a walking stick, standing on the MRT. To my dismay, no one bothered to give up their seats for this poor old elderly woman. Again, there are many posters that remind us to give up our seats for the people who need it more like pregnant woman, or elderly folks. However, these posters seem totally ignored. What's worse is that most of the people sitting down were young people. Young people whose legs can possibly stand for more than 10 times the time the poor elderly woman can. And yet, none of them gave up their seats.
Could this really be what Singaporeans are like? A day after 9 August, National Day. A day where we sang that we would stand up for our fellow man. A day after we pledged our loyalty to Singapore and promised we would do everything in our capability to help her. And this? This, to me, is utterly disgraceful.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Rude Bus Driver
I was taking the bus home on last Thursday when I was met with a very rude bus driver. I knew I had no value in my EZ - link card and thus I paid 50 cents ( I thought it was 45 cents ). I was about to walk to the back of the bus when the bus driver, in a very rude manner, hollered, "Where's your bus card?". I was taken aback by the sudden shout of the bus driver. Like a timid mouse, I obediently scanned the card on the scanner. Then, he took a look at the 50cents I inserted and then, in a very sarcastic manner, asked, "50cents go where?". As I thought I had paid the full amount, I didn't really understand his question. So I asked him again, thinking that I heard wrongly. But again he said the same thing. After a while, the bus driver got so agitated that he said controlling his anger, "Must pay 60cents". Not wanting to anger him further, I did as I was told and went to the back of the bus. As I was walking home that day, I could not help but think about the incident that happened on the bus. I feel that the bus driver was very rude as he immediately raised his tone when he talked to me. He might have thought that I was trying to scam him as other people (especially teens) might have done so. Still, I felt he was too rash and rude. If it was a tourist who had come to Singapore for a slight vacation, and they don't know the bus fares (like me XD), and if this bus driver so happens to be driving the bus and gives them the same treatment as he gave me, that would really ruin the good image of Singapore.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Children in the Darkness ( Task 2 )
1) This poem's point of view is from the poet. His point of view should be reliable as he had first hand experience as to what happened in the war. From this poem, we can tell that the poet is not supportive of war at all, expecially when young children are being forced to go to war. The poet's purpose in this poem is probably to represent all the people who share the same view as him to try and condemn the government's actions to force children to fight in the war.
2) The setting is in Vietnam, around the year 1967 - 1968. This was when Vietnam was at war and they made young boys go to war, which is the main conflict of the poem.
3) The choice of words of this poem are relatively simple, to reinforce the main conflict on children fighting in the war. There is no common rhyme scheme and this reflects the unpredictability of the childrens' future. The repetition of "Could We" also reflects the uncertainty of the lives of the children in the future. The repetition of "darkness" could mean that the children would have a bleak or dark future. Finally, the poem goes a full circle, ending almost where it started off. This could symbolise the vicious cycle that Vietnam is experiencing. With the children fighting in the war, they would have less education. With less education, means that their children will also be taken advantage of and also be forced to fight in the war.
4) After reading this poem, I felt very sad for the children in Vietnam. They had such a bright future, only for the government to make use of them. I also realised how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore. With a good government that makes sure everyone enrolls in at least primary and secondary school enables us and our parents to have a good education and make good choices for us and not let us be easily take advantage of.
2) The setting is in Vietnam, around the year 1967 - 1968. This was when Vietnam was at war and they made young boys go to war, which is the main conflict of the poem.
3) The choice of words of this poem are relatively simple, to reinforce the main conflict on children fighting in the war. There is no common rhyme scheme and this reflects the unpredictability of the childrens' future. The repetition of "Could We" also reflects the uncertainty of the lives of the children in the future. The repetition of "darkness" could mean that the children would have a bleak or dark future. Finally, the poem goes a full circle, ending almost where it started off. This could symbolise the vicious cycle that Vietnam is experiencing. With the children fighting in the war, they would have less education. With less education, means that their children will also be taken advantage of and also be forced to fight in the war.
4) After reading this poem, I felt very sad for the children in Vietnam. They had such a bright future, only for the government to make use of them. I also realised how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore. With a good government that makes sure everyone enrolls in at least primary and secondary school enables us and our parents to have a good education and make good choices for us and not let us be easily take advantage of.
Children in the Darkness ( Task 1 )
Henry M Bechtold was in Vietnam during 1967 - 1968. During that period of time, there was a war raging and he witnessed what was happening. Although he rarely talked about it, he could never close that chapter in his life. Thus, he always goes back there every now and then. He wrote this poem during one of his visits in 2009. He was in his hotel room in Saigon watching the news channel on the television. At the same time, he was finding inspiration to write another poem on the mistreatment of girls by men when a picture of a young boy with a helmet and an automatic rifle in hand flashed on the news channel. This reminded him of the Vietnam war that happened during the late 1960s and immediately, began to pen down his feelings of the war and it resulted in this poem.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Life of a bus driver
As I was taking the bus to church on Saturday, I was thinking of how the life of a bus driver might be. After contemplating for a while, I came up with 2 descriptions of their lives.
The first description is boring. Driving this big, old bus along the same dreaded route 24 hours a day, 7 days a week must seriously be quite boring. Sitting in that cram space, changing gear every few seconds and with no one to talk to, I can;t imagine a more boring job than that!
Another description I would say is pitiful. These bus drivers have to work everyday, including on public holidays. When everyone else is spending quality time with their families, these bus drivers would have to look enviously at them while they drive their buses along the road. They would miss out on their family bonding time and I am sure they would definitely miss their families, which might result in broken relationships. What's more is that for all their efforts, they are not rewarded with a decent income.
But despite saying all these, I feel so helpless that I cannot do a thing to help them.
The first description is boring. Driving this big, old bus along the same dreaded route 24 hours a day, 7 days a week must seriously be quite boring. Sitting in that cram space, changing gear every few seconds and with no one to talk to, I can;t imagine a more boring job than that!
Another description I would say is pitiful. These bus drivers have to work everyday, including on public holidays. When everyone else is spending quality time with their families, these bus drivers would have to look enviously at them while they drive their buses along the road. They would miss out on their family bonding time and I am sure they would definitely miss their families, which might result in broken relationships. What's more is that for all their efforts, they are not rewarded with a decent income.
But despite saying all these, I feel so helpless that I cannot do a thing to help them.
Ewww!!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Boogerman!! Supervillain of the universe, arch enemy of Superman, the brother of Boogeyman and ... Ok, put aside the corniness, this was what I saw last Friday at the bus stop near my house.
I was waiting at the bus stop for my parents to pick me up as I was too tired to cross the over head bridge :) As I sat down, I noticed a relatively old guy had some thing that irritated his nose. Little did I know that, to my total disgust and horror, he stood up, went to the grass patch and blew his nose. Not once, not twice, but three times. Just like that, in front of the public numbering 10 odd people. Then, he returned to his seat, as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.
I was terribly disgusted by his act of indecency. After all the advertisements on TV or the newspaper to blow your nose into a tissue, some man still comes along and does this kind of thing, making my blood really boil. But what can you do to curb this behavior? I don't think fines are of much use to deter these really stubborn pests. So, what are your views?
I was waiting at the bus stop for my parents to pick me up as I was too tired to cross the over head bridge :) As I sat down, I noticed a relatively old guy had some thing that irritated his nose. Little did I know that, to my total disgust and horror, he stood up, went to the grass patch and blew his nose. Not once, not twice, but three times. Just like that, in front of the public numbering 10 odd people. Then, he returned to his seat, as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.
I was terribly disgusted by his act of indecency. After all the advertisements on TV or the newspaper to blow your nose into a tissue, some man still comes along and does this kind of thing, making my blood really boil. But what can you do to curb this behavior? I don't think fines are of much use to deter these really stubborn pests. So, what are your views?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Determination amidst difficult circumstances
About last month, I remember taking a bus and saw a very unusual sight. I mean very, very unusual. Something most of you might not have seen before with your own eyes.
Well, there was a man sitting two rows in front of me. He looked like just your ordinary man - tall and big sized, wearing a striped T-shirt and long pants and with a normal crew cut hairstyle. As I was behind him, I could not see his facial expression. It was only when he stood up that I realised what so unusual about him. He had a prosthetic leg.
I was shocked! I had seen prosthetic legs before in movies, but this was the first time I have seen it "live". It was much thicker than I expected. But that wasn't the main thing that moved me. Rather, it was his facial expression. As he was facing me, I could see his facial features and expression clearly. His eyes were dreary and his looked worn out. I thought I could see the pain in his eyes every time he took a step forwards. But there was something else. It was determination. Determination to press on. Determination to lead a normal life. Determination
Even though he was just a stranger, I still have great respect for him. I feel that we have a lot to learn from him. His determination to lead a normal life despite his disability is really worthy of praise and commendation.
Well, there was a man sitting two rows in front of me. He looked like just your ordinary man - tall and big sized, wearing a striped T-shirt and long pants and with a normal crew cut hairstyle. As I was behind him, I could not see his facial expression. It was only when he stood up that I realised what so unusual about him. He had a prosthetic leg.
I was shocked! I had seen prosthetic legs before in movies, but this was the first time I have seen it "live". It was much thicker than I expected. But that wasn't the main thing that moved me. Rather, it was his facial expression. As he was facing me, I could see his facial features and expression clearly. His eyes were dreary and his looked worn out. I thought I could see the pain in his eyes every time he took a step forwards. But there was something else. It was determination. Determination to press on. Determination to lead a normal life. Determination
Even though he was just a stranger, I still have great respect for him. I feel that we have a lot to learn from him. His determination to lead a normal life despite his disability is really worthy of praise and commendation.
Out of retirement!!
All those who have been following my blog would have realised by now that I have not been posting anything up recently and gone into "retirement" mode. Well, GOOD NEWS!! Jim, the COOLEST is coming out of retirement! There will be some changes to my blog. From the past term, I realised that there is insufficient things that happen in a bus and thus, I am broadening my scope to all forms of public transport like happenings in the MRT and or a taxi. So, get ready for a whole lot of new observations from Jim the COOLEST.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Home learning Part 2
Interpersonal (Interview with Dad)
Me : What first comes to mind when you hear the word "Prejudice"?
Dad : Unfair, preconceived ideas, uninformed.
Me : Is Prejudice right or wrong or does it have a certain extent to which it is right?
Dad : It is wrong, because it does not judge a case on its own merits, but instead rely on past experiences to form a conclusion.
Me : Have you ever been a victim of prejudice?
Dad : Yes, when I was in UK, around 1987/88. As a Chinese in a predominantly English neigbourhood, I was always treated as an outsider, and found it difficult to integrate with the local people there.
Me : What is your stand about Discrimination?
Dad : Neutral. Discrimination is usually negative, but it may sometimes be positive. For example in the case of hiring older workers compared to younger ones, or disallowing young people from visiting the casinos, etc.
Me : Do you know of any recent cases of Discrimination?
Dad : Positive discrimination yes. For example, Singaporeans have to pay $100 to enter the casino, but foreigners need not.
Me : How are Prejudice and Discrimination similar?
Dad : They both have to do with making judgements or actions without objectivity but based on preconceived notions.
Me : How are Prejudice and Discrimination different?
Dad : Prejudice is a preconceived judgement, it is an attitude of the heart. Discrimination usually has to do with actions, or rules that favour one group versus another group.
Me : How do you prevent prejudice and discrimination? State at least 2 examples
Dad : Firstly, one needs to be very open and objective about issues or people. Secondly, one needs to develop a genuine love for the world and humanity in general.
Me : Thanks dad!
Dad : You are most welcome.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Home learning Part 2
Intrapersonal (Diary entry)
Dear Diary,
today was a terrible day. After coming back from a tense day at work, I learnt the news that my children, Jem and Scout were being bullied in school by their peers, being called names like "nigger-lover" and stuff. Sigh. Did I make the right decision in trying to defend Tom Robinson. Is it all my fault that my children are suffering and being persecuted by their school mates. I knew I should not have taken up this case.
No, country comes before self. I must persevere. I must push on. I must fight to the end. I am sorry children, that daddy has to put you through so much trials and hardship, but you must understand where I am coming from. I am doing this for you, and also for Maycomb, in the dim glimmer of hope that when you grow older, the Maycomb you live in then will be much different from the Maycomb you now live in. A Maycomb where everybody is equal. A Maycomb where blacks and whites can live together in harmony. So please, children, bear with it for a while. Please forgive me, I beg you.
Yours truly,
Atticus
We are the WORLD
As I took the bus to church yesterday, my sister showed me this music video on her hand phone. The name of the song is "We are the world" and was sung by many different artistes. I believe many of you have heard the song as it was played on TV countless times but for the benefit of those who have not yet heard it.
I was very touched when I first saw this video. It comforted me to see that all my favourite artistes were part of this short video to help the people in Haiti and not just focusing on earning money. I think this video could not have come at a better time, with all the disasters currently happening in the world today, like the earthquake in Chile and the Tsunami in Japan. This video calls for us to be united as one world and to help each other in need. All these are summarized in the rap - "We all need somebody that we can lean on, When you wake up look around and see that your dreams gone, When the earth quakes we’ll help you make it through the storm, When the floor breaks a magic carpet to stand on, We are the World united by love so strong, When the radio isn’t on you can hear the songs, A guided light on the dark road your walking on, A sign post to find the dreams you thought was gone, Someone to help you move the obstacles you stumbled on, Someone to help you rebuild after the rubble’s gone, We are the World connected by a common bond, Love the whole planet sing it along". They have done their part, now it is our turn to do our part as WE ARE THE WORLD.
My learning profile (Home Learning part 1)
I scored 18 for kinesthetic, 13 for linguistic, 14 for logical, 19 for interpersonal, 16 for intrapersonal, 14 for musical, 15 for visual or spatial and 7 for naturalistic.
I think that this test is good in the sense that it will help your learn more about your learning style. This would prove beneficial as then you will be able to craft your revision in such a way that will help you learn and remember best. For example, if you are good in music or musically inclined, you can compose a poem or song or even just change the lyrics of the song to help you remember your facts better.
However, these sort of test maybe inaccurate. This is because there are only 5 degrees as to which you must choose from 1 of them. Let's say if you feel that you are in between 2 of the options then the test would be unable to accept that answer, thus making it inaccurate.
I think that this test is good in the sense that it will help your learn more about your learning style. This would prove beneficial as then you will be able to craft your revision in such a way that will help you learn and remember best. For example, if you are good in music or musically inclined, you can compose a poem or song or even just change the lyrics of the song to help you remember your facts better.
However, these sort of test maybe inaccurate. This is because there are only 5 degrees as to which you must choose from 1 of them. Let's say if you feel that you are in between 2 of the options then the test would be unable to accept that answer, thus making it inaccurate.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Dirty and disgusting
As I sat at the rear of my favourite bus, 852(because there is usually very few people), I looked around and felt very disgusted. Why? Because the bus was in a very bad condition.
The windows were full of fingerprints marks ; The floor was covered in "black soot" and something that looked like blue tack or bubblegum. The fabric on the seats were terribly frayed and now feels and looks like grass. The air-conditioner was spewing out cold but stale cold air that made me fell like puking. The ez-link card reader's carder looked old and faded.
That was the most uncomfortable bus ride I had ever taken. The harder I tried no to think about it, the more I kept thinking. I am very confident that my fellow passengers were just as "urked" out as me. I was totally appalled at the condition of the bus. I could only come up with 1 reason. The bus companies are not doing their job in maintaining the buses. If so, then why? Is it a lack of man power, or is it just plain laziness. I personally think it is the latter. Maybe if they don't want to maintain it, they could save all the trouble and just buy a new bus. Overall, I am very disappointed with the bus companies.
The windows were full of fingerprints marks ; The floor was covered in "black soot" and something that looked like blue tack or bubblegum. The fabric on the seats were terribly frayed and now feels and looks like grass. The air-conditioner was spewing out cold but stale cold air that made me fell like puking. The ez-link card reader's carder looked old and faded.
That was the most uncomfortable bus ride I had ever taken. The harder I tried no to think about it, the more I kept thinking. I am very confident that my fellow passengers were just as "urked" out as me. I was totally appalled at the condition of the bus. I could only come up with 1 reason. The bus companies are not doing their job in maintaining the buses. If so, then why? Is it a lack of man power, or is it just plain laziness. I personally think it is the latter. Maybe if they don't want to maintain it, they could save all the trouble and just buy a new bus. Overall, I am very disappointed with the bus companies.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Crowded or not??
As I looked back on the recently concluded Chinese New Year, reminiscing of all the sumptuous food and bonding with the family, a question suddenly appeared in my mind - "Would the bus be crowded or not during the three public holiday?".
I consulted my cousins on this question and they all said confidently that the buses would definitely be less crowded than on usual days. They reasoned that everyone would be driven by their relatives or family members which is what happens in my maternal's family. Either that or they take the MRT or a taxi as it is much faster and more convenient.
However, I think that the the buses would be more crowded than normal days. This is because I think that not every family in Singapore would have the luxury of having enough cars to drive the whole family to go for visitations. Taking a taxi would also be a too expensive way to travel here and there. MRT - Well, I think that although MRTs are faster, people would still have to take a bus to go to the nearest MRT station or to take to the desired place from the MRT station as MRTs cover only a general area and not each and every corner of Singapore.
After listening to my cousins' and my stand, who do you support? Please leave a comment.
I consulted my cousins on this question and they all said confidently that the buses would definitely be less crowded than on usual days. They reasoned that everyone would be driven by their relatives or family members which is what happens in my maternal's family. Either that or they take the MRT or a taxi as it is much faster and more convenient.
However, I think that the the buses would be more crowded than normal days. This is because I think that not every family in Singapore would have the luxury of having enough cars to drive the whole family to go for visitations. Taking a taxi would also be a too expensive way to travel here and there. MRT - Well, I think that although MRTs are faster, people would still have to take a bus to go to the nearest MRT station or to take to the desired place from the MRT station as MRTs cover only a general area and not each and every corner of Singapore.
After listening to my cousins' and my stand, who do you support? Please leave a comment.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Gracious act
Today, as I took the bus home, I noticed a gracious act that really warmed my heart. This is what happened.
The bus was packed to the brim today. Standing with the majority of us was a frail, old Chinese man with a hunched back and head with a few pathetic strands of white hair. Sitting beside him was an Indian lady who was rather plum and listening to her i-pod. At first, I thought she was going to ignore the old man by pretending to listen to her i-pod, but contrary to my thoughts, she stood up, got off her seat and offered it to the old man. The old man hesitated for a while but after much persuasion by the Indian lady, accepted the act of kindness readily.
Although this was just a small act of kindness, I think it goes a long way to show how Singapore has progressed over the years. A few years back, this would have been a rare occurrence, but nowadays, more and more people are beginning to give way to the elderly, whether it is in the bus or on the MRT. This also shows that people are not so concerned over the race of a person and are now learning to accept people of other races.
The bus was packed to the brim today. Standing with the majority of us was a frail, old Chinese man with a hunched back and head with a few pathetic strands of white hair. Sitting beside him was an Indian lady who was rather plum and listening to her i-pod. At first, I thought she was going to ignore the old man by pretending to listen to her i-pod, but contrary to my thoughts, she stood up, got off her seat and offered it to the old man. The old man hesitated for a while but after much persuasion by the Indian lady, accepted the act of kindness readily.
Although this was just a small act of kindness, I think it goes a long way to show how Singapore has progressed over the years. A few years back, this would have been a rare occurrence, but nowadays, more and more people are beginning to give way to the elderly, whether it is in the bus or on the MRT. This also shows that people are not so concerned over the race of a person and are now learning to accept people of other races.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sickening Sight
As I took bus 171 home yesterday, I saw something that left me with mixed feelings. A malay man was sitting down on the floor, half dazed, with his legs sprawled out, as if it was owned by someone in his family. The man was probably in his late 50s and wore a white from top to bottom and had a hat with green diamonds propped up on his head. He was able to do so as it was a bus meant for people with wheelchairs. He was clearly obstructing the passage as many passengers almost tripped over his legs while others had to make a conscious effort not to do likewise. I looked at that scene in disgust and at the same time, amusement as it was a little funny see people tripping or trying to jump across the malay man's leg. Other passengers were also looking on at the malay man; Some questioning, some glaring. Still, the man seemed oblivious to the stares that he is getting as he continues to sit there with no further action.
Overall I felt that the malayman was very inconsiderate and irresponsible. Inconsiderate by taking much space in the already crammed bus and irresponsible as his actions could have hurt somebody.
Overall I felt that the malayman was very inconsiderate and irresponsible. Inconsiderate by taking much space in the already crammed bus and irresponsible as his actions could have hurt somebody.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Poem : The Monster
In the Monster's stomach we stood and sat.
The stomach lurched forward then backwards;
It's rear spewed out toxic fumes.
Anxiously, patiently, we waited,
hoping to get out soon.
(This is a poem created by me and me only. This is a metaphor of a bus.)
The stomach lurched forward then backwards;
It's rear spewed out toxic fumes.
Anxiously, patiently, we waited,
hoping to get out soon.
(This is a poem created by me and me only. This is a metaphor of a bus.)
Hellloooo!!!
Hey guys, Jim The Coolest is back blogging! How cool is that?! Now, after 1 year in secondary school, I believe that my blog posts this year would be more structured and have more depth than ever before. So look out for my posts, comment on them, and I will be eternally grateful to you!
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