Malay Dance at Bukit Panjang

Today was the Malay Dance @ Bukit Panjang. We learnt 4 types of Malay dance. Listed in order from slow to fastest, they are:

1. Asli,
2. Inang,
3. Zapin
4. Joget/Rong geng

The introduction of the zapin (Zar-Peen) is called Taqsim (tug-seem). This introduction is by the Gambus, which is a Malay Stringed instrument. It looks like a guitar, but instead of having a flat underside, the underside is concave. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qanbūs The Taqsim can last for 5 to 15 minutes.

The ending of the zapin is called "wind up". At this point, the dancers will yell "wind up". At this point, the music is at its fastest.

The dances were quite interesting. All of them, with the exception of the Zapin, start with the right leg. For the Asli for example,we would move from right to left with different arm movements. The dancing is mainly repeated steps.

However, it was a fun experience. This is the second last BPGHS session. Unfortunately, next Tuesday is POP (Passing Out Parade), so it is likely that I will not get to go for the BPGHS exchange.

Performance by Wild Rice, and other news.

Wild Rice - The importance of being Kay Poh

We had a performance by Wild Rice. The title as seen above is rather satirical. The play focuses on 4 neighbours and how they try to tolerate each other. More on this later.

The main characters were:

1. A Policeman
2. A Indian Resident from the HDB block
3. A Chinese Housewife
4. A Malay singer

In the story, the Chinese Housewife goes to the Void Deck to complain about the Singing of the Malay Singer, who is practicing before her sister's wedding in which she is performing. They both get into an argument as the Singing has a permit to perform at the void deck, while the housewife says that it is distracting her daughter from studying for "a very important exam".

At this point, the policeman shows up. He had lost a cat, Blacky, which his supervisor had ordered him to take care of. He is searching for the cat, a stray, so that he would not be scolded by his superior. At this point, the housewife tries to engage the policeman to help her quieten the singer. However, the policeman is tricked by the singer, who tells him that she saw Blacky.

At this point, while heading home, the woman is almost hit by clothes thrown down by somebody. It turns out the the clothes belong to the Indian resident. His wife threw the clothes down as he did not reserve a seat in their favorite restaurant for their wedding anniversary.

After this, the play goes on, and the characters manage to solve their problems. The play was packed with humour and was very interesting.

Other News:

Well, As you might have heard, a HCI student posted some grievances on STOMP. (http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/what_bugs_me/418626/teacher_takes_students_belongings_to_teach_them_a_lesson.html) He complained that his belongings were "taken away" by a teacher. However, this student certainly omitted certain points:

1. The teachers were safeguarding the items for them. Safeguarding. If they had been lost, he wouldn't have seen them again. (The last sentence is a quote from another student)
2. The classroom was not locked. All the classrooms involved had perfectly functional locks. It only takes 5 seconds to turn the locking knob.
3. The teachers posted a EMB message to the students whose belongings were safeguarded. The message was posted immediately after the belongings were taken. (The EMB is a sort of message board for teachers to send messages. The messages can be addressed to CCA groups, the entire student cohort, each level of the student cohort or private groups)

Furthermore, the incident has caused HCI to come under fire from many people, who only have a warped understanding of the issue.

For example:

horowitz said on 26 Jul, 2010

how can HCI allow its teachers to possibly commit theft within the school compound itself? the teacher should be sacked!!

We should reflect on this incident. Why did this happen?

Helping out with DSA

Today, I went to help out with the HCI DSA batch 2. This batch was the non-GEP batch. (There are two dates for the DSA exercise. The earlier date for GEP was about 2 weeks earlier, but I was unable to go as I was supporting the SJAB team at the SYF opening Ceremony.) Anyway, the people helping reported to LT3 at about 7.15. We were briefed first while we waited for the students to arrive at 0800. When we reached Kah Kee Hall, we saw groups of children and parents waiting to enter the Kah Kee Hall. We were arranged into groups - 1A to 1L and 2A to 2L and 3A to 3L. We were arranged in a line and among each number, we were given folders, as we were meant to collect and submit the papers of each student to the General office. After we took the attendance [of our groups], we left for the next location (either Interview, General Ability Test or Maths)

My group was first for the interview. While waiting for the other members. I chatted with the other members of the group. It turned out that one of them was from HPPS (aka my primary school). It was quite enjoyable talking to them.

The rest of the day was unremarkable as we were mainly bringing the students to the different locations. However, I did enjoy pointing out some of the landmarks to them. At about 2 pm, the exercise concluded and everyone headed home.

Racial Harmony Day. And Other News.

As I mentioned in a earlier post, I was performing during Racial Harmony day. The performance was done with the 11 HCI students and the Bukit Panjang students. We were playing two gamelan pieces. The first piece was Kebo Giro, and I was playing the Saron (on the right).

The piece sounded like this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlap5WulHOw

However, we had to perform the pieces four times for the Secondary 1 to 4 levels. Thus, we only got to explore the cultural bazaar after most of the stalls had packed up. Also, we missed the Indian Mass dance. The experience was quite interesting as I have never performed in front of such a large crowd. I was wearing A Jacket with a white shirt and Black trousers. (But because I had no black trousers, I had to wear track pants) There was also a cap for us to wear.

The cultural bazaar was also quite interesting. Most stalls were selling food, such as éclairs, Nasi Lemak and Chicken Curry. There were some stalls which sold snacks and drinks as well as some game stalls.

Other News:

I sprained my ankle last Sunday, accompanied by a cold. Thus, I had to wear a rather uncomfortable ankle support and I was unable to go for CCA.

News.

Well, I've been rather busy.

SJAB National Comp.

Recently, the HCI SJAB AC team made it to the National Competition, so most of us went down to support them @ Nan Hua Primary School. It was very exciting, and there were separate components, for each prize. The components included Transportation of Casualties, CPR, Footdrill, First Aid Long Case, and First Aid short case. (PS, It was on Sunday, 11th July, for pretty much the whole day.)

It was quite interesting watching the Footdrill, and certainly a good experience. The First Aid Long Case was also interesting. For one of the cases, a woman was worrying over her son, and was hindering the first aiders, but she was very resistant although they tried to get her to calm down. In the end, she became a casualty due to hyperventilation. However, I must agree that the casualties were very good at acting, and very convincing! It sent chills down my spine watching the woman trying to stay next to her son, as it was very realistic.

In the End, we swept the National Champions for AC and First in each category!! :)

http://www.hci.edu.sg/ViewBreakingNews.asp?BID=226 Yay!

A Bunch of tests.


Hmm... Another Reason why I took so long in posting this was that I have a lot of tests.

1. 13th July- Maths Test on Inequality and Statistics
2. 14th July - English ICAS
3. 15th July - English Comprehension -40% of Term 3 LA marks.

And many more to come...

Racial Harmony Day.

As you might or might not know, I am in the Bukit Panjang Government High Exchange Program.

So, for the first part of the year, the BPGHS people came to HCI for some activities:

1. Dumpling Making
2. Calligraphy
3. Dragonboating (I didn't go coz I was ill :( )
4. Lantern Making.

Then, it was our turn to go to Bukit Panjang:

1. Kueh Making (I brought mine home for my family. Sadly, the results were inconsistent. For example, when we bit into the kueh, sugar would occasionally spurt out, or you might get a mouthful of dough, of pandan flavoured dough, but still dough all the same.)
2. Batik Painting
3. Gamelan Practice

Gamelan is quite fun, and it is a form of traditional Malay or Javanese Music. The instruments are very varied, including a gong, some xylophone like instruments, drums, and stringed instruments.

We are performing on Racial harmony day. We must wear a traditional Malay costume which our friends @ Bukit Panjang have kindly provided. Being the first time I have performed to so many people, I am very excited and frightened.

Also, we had to go for another Gamelan practice today, so I had to miss my CCA.

Resorts World Sentosa Visit

I visited Resorts World Sentosa on Friday Night. There was a promotion, so, for two dollars, you could enter and look around. However, only some sections would be opened for public view, and there would be no rides. Also, it was only open from 7pm to 10 pm.

However, it was still very fun, as we were still able to see some of the attractions. After entering, we went to eat dinner,as it was already 7.30 and we had not eaten. We ate at the "Hollywood China Bistro". It seemed more of a fusion restaurant than a proper Chinese Restaurant. For example, the tea cups were very wide at the top and were probably about twice the size of a normal tea cup. In fact, judging by the name and the restaurant, it seemed more like a Chinese Restaurant you might find in America. It was somehow less authentic than other upmarket Chinese restaurants. However, it was still quite an enjoyable meal.

After dinner, we decided to head to "New York", before moving on to "Madagascar". It was just as well, as "Madagascar" was off limits. In "New York", we walked around. It seemed as if we were really in New York. Even the minor details were there. For example, on the side of a building, there was a fire escape, remiscient to those in sitcoms like "Friends". The rubbish bins were also green, and labelled "Please help keep New York City Clean".

Also, we got to see the Battlestar Galactica, although we only got a glance from New York City.

All in All, it was a very pleasant experience.

PS - My photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ng_jonathan_sy/sets/72157624262730078/

My favourite poem

Messy Room by Shel Silverstein

Whosever room this is should be ashamed! (Line 1)
His underwear is hanging on the lamp.
His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,
And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.
His workbook is wedged in the window, (Line 5)
His sweater's been thrown on the floor.
His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,
And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.
His books are all jammed in the closet,
His vest has been left in the hall. (Line 10)
A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,
And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
Donald or Robert or Willie or--
Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear, (Line 15)
I knew it looked familiar!

The poem uses mainly hyperbole and personification. Personification is less frequent, occurring only in Line 11, "A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed," This makes the reader think of a person in the bed, rather than a Lizard. This is also mainly due to the fact that the lizard has a name. 

Hyperbole is quite frequent, with it mainly referring to the messy room. Generally, it would be rare to find a room as messy as the above mentioned room. 

Also, the twist at the end makes the poem more enjoyable. The narrator has been "putting down" the room, and complaining about how messy it is. However, he finds out that it is his own room. "Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear, I knew it looked familiar!" (Line 15 & Line 16) This twist is also present in most of Shel Silverstein's poems, if you have read more of them. I have actually read quite a few of his poems, and his is one of my favourite poets. The others being Roger McGough and Kenn Nesbit.

I also like:

Food Fight
	by Kenn Nesbitt

We’d never seen the teachers in a state of such distress. The principal was yelling that the lunchroom was a mess. It started off so innocent when someone threw a bun, but all the other kids decided they should join the fun. It instantly turned into an enormous lunchroom feud, as students started hurling all their halfway-eaten food. A glob went whizzing through the air, impacting on the wall. Another chunk went sailing out the doorway to the hall. The food was splattered everywhere— the ceilings, walls, and doors. A sloppy, gloppy mess was on the tables and the floors. And so our good custodian ran out to grab his mop. It took him half the afternoon to clean up all the slop. The teachers even used some words we’re not supposed to mention. And that’s how all the kids and teachers wound up in detention.

IDS News... And other News

Today was the day when iSpark Students were meant to visit Sungei Buloh wetland reserve. We needed to take along a cap, water bottle, snacks, insect repellent, writing materials... etc. The trip was part of the IDS, which we are doing in Term 2 Week 10. Some consortiums did their IDS earlier. The IDS is short for Interdisciplinary Studies. It is meant to help us incorporate elements of all our subjects into a single project. The IDS will be completed over two days - ie, the next two days, in which the school will have home learning, but we will be doing our IDS at home.

Anyway, I had been to Sungei Buloh before. so the trap was not really new. However, the trip was certainly interesting, as being older this time, I was able to understand more things. My first trip there was memorable - in a bad way... I remember it was unbearably warm - leaving me very sweaty. Plus, there were plenty of mosquitoes. However, the second time I went there, the weather was pleasantly warm - not oppressively, and the weather was only marred by a short drizzle. The mosquitoes were also not a problem.

During the trip, we spotted many animals, including mudskippers. spiders, and several Monitor Lizards (Related to the Komodo Dragon). We spotted many plants which had aerial roots - pencil like roots which grew above ground or stilt like roots which also grew above ground.

It was very enjoyable. Finally, at the end of the trip, we watched a short clip on the Animals there. 

PS - We got to see a multicoloured bird through a telescope set up by someone. It was very beautiful...

Also, we had our LA Animal Farm Test Today... It was at LT2...

PS. MSG for this term coming out soon!!

Sabbatical- More News

This post is being published from SMU, SIS Seminar room 2.1... Seriously! This is the third day of the Problem Solving using Java Sabbatical. We will be at SMU for the remaining three days of the course, which I mentioned in yesterday's blog post. However, we all had to bring our own laptops as there were no computers available for us to use. The Seminar Room is really cool though :

1. It has automatic blinds - controlled by a switch
2. The room is designed like a miniature auditorium but more circular and smaller. 
3. There are full size desks in front of each row, which are like semicircles
4. There are LAN outlets and power sockets under each desk.
5. Each Person gets a nice "office chair" - One of those roller chairs - Very Comfy :)
6. The Speaker in the middle of the room gets bis voice amplified via a special system.
7. There are two whiteboards - (Not really that spectacular)
8. There are two very accurate clocks - digital, with seconds and date shown. (Accurate means the exact same time as mine :p)

Yup... Currently, it is break time, so I'm posting now...

Jon

Sabbatical Week... and other news

x

Well... Sabbatical week is here already, and I got into the "Problem Solving using Java" course. It is the second day of the course. On the last three days, ie - Wednesday to Friday, the course will be held at SMU (Singapore Management University). To be more precise, it is being held at SIS (School of Information Sciences) in SMU. The course is actually pretty fun!! Java Programming is a bit difficult, but you can do some pretty fun things on it too. I learnt how to create a infinite loop - the program runs til stopped. Also, I learnt some Command Prompt Commands, to add on to those I already knew.

1. shutdown - Shuts Down the computer, Restarts or logs off. Syntax - shutdown -s (seconds) -t (time) (time in seconds) shutdown -a to Abort shutdown
2. exit - Exits the command prompt window. Syntax - exit
3. dir - Directory - Gives a list of the files in a selected directory. Syntax - dir
4. md - Make Directory - Makes a new file in a selected directory. Syntax - md (New Directory Name) e.g md ps - A new file named ps will be created in the selected location
5. cd - Change directory - Changes the reference location. Syntax- cd c:/ (To go to hard drive)
6. java - (Only works after Java Development Kit has been installed and Computer Path has been changed) Runs a class file (created by notepad). Syntax - java MyProgram - Will run "MyProgram"
7. javac (Only works after Java Development Kit has been installed and Computer Path has been changed) Compiles a *.java file into a *.class file, which can be run with Command Prompt. Syntax- javac MyProgram.java - Compiles MyProgram into a usable class file. 

Other commands which I knew before the course:

1. ipconfig - Will find the ip address and other network information about a computer. Syntax - ipconfig
2. ping - Test Internet connections -Syntax- ping (ip address) or (website address)
3. tracert - Traceroute - Tracks the steps taken to a website. - Syntax - tracert (ip address) or (website address)

Note: For all the commands which require additional info - ping, tracert, javac, java and shutdown, typing the command by itself will bring up "help" for the command. 

Other News: 

Holidays!!

I can't wait for June Holidays to be here, and I expect most students will share my sentiments! A Month of hard earned rest is on the way... but we have to wait two weeks more :p. Anyway, I am going to buy Pokémon Soulsilver - The remake of Pokemon Silver. I am thrilled! Pokemon Crystal was the first pokemon game that I played. Of Course, judging by the fact that my mom doesn't like me playing it (she locks it up the whole year, except June and December Hols), she probably wished I never started... XD But anyway, I'm also looking forward to getting a DSi, which has not one, but two cameras, and a SD Card slot! Yay! But it has not GBA Port, so it is not compatible with GBA Games. However, I have a DS Lite which is compatible with GBA Games, so it shouldn't be a problem. 

P.S, While I wait for Soulsilver, I got a Pokemon Crystal Emulator on my Phone, so I'm honing my skills... (My Starter will be Totodile)

Piano Results...

Well, I finally got back the results for my ABRSM Grade 5 Theory... I got 85/100, which is Pass with Merit. :)

Finally got Flickr!

I finally got a Yahoo! email account, which grants me access to Flickr. Above is my Photostream, with the photos from my AAP Photomontage, so enjoy! (The photos were taken by me and a friend around the HCI Campus)(Some of the photos are from my Resorts World Sentosa visit - Not sure how to organize the photos)

Week- In Review

This is another week in review...

Performance @ HCI by Ms Chisato Kusunoki.

We had a performance by a renowned pianist, Ms Chisato Kusunoki. She was in Singapore to perform at the Victoria Concert Hall on Thursday, 7.30 pm. The performance was called "From Russia with love". She was featured in Monday's Life!, part of the Straits Times. The article was " 20th Century, here I come" by Christa Yeo. The article featured an 8 Questions interview with Ms Chisato Kusunoki.

She performed for the Sec 1s during the Sec 1 Assembly. She performed several short pieces, including:

1. Rachmaninoff, Six moments musicaux
2. Scriabin, Sonata no. 3
3. Tchaikovsky, The seasons
4. Liapunov, Etudes d' exécution transcendante

A Grand Piano was set up on the stage for the performance. I must admit that it was the first time I saw a grand piano being played... The music sounded wonderful. Ms Chisato Kusunoki was also quoted as being "One was the most talented pianist (sic) of her generation" by The Oxford Times, which gave her five stars (*****).

Other News -

Facebook

I finally set up a Facebook account, after receiving numerous invitations from my friends. I started receiving these emails as early as 2008, but did nothing about it. I am actually, to a small extent, rather narrow minded. These are some examples:

1. Refusing to believe that the NDS (Nintendo Dual Screen) was good. I in fact believed that it had "Too many features for its own good" and I ignored the reviews about it and insisted it was "feature - overloaded" I hung on to this believe for 2 years before succumbing. I am now the proud owner of one NDS and about 6 games for it, excluding GBA (Gameboy Advance) games which are also compatible. I am planning to get more games... (Like Pokemon Heartgold and Soulsilver, As well as Pokemon Black and White.


2. Being a rejector of Windows Vista. I disliked it from the start, without even using it. I was convinced that XP (operating system) was still the best, etc, etc... I finally gave in when the XP computer at home wen Kaput. At the time, all computers (desktop or laptop) for sale were loaded with Windows Vista. I currently use a Desktop with Vista. Although it acts up sometimes, it is better than XP in term of convenience. For Example, the quick search box (in the start menu) helps me find programs and files more quickly, which was troublesome when the Start menu got cluttered in XP. I am now convinced that Vista is the best thing since sliced bread.

3. I finally gave in and set up Facebook. I did not like it at first because I thought that:

1. It's too Addictive.
2. If you meet your friends daily, why would you need to talk to them on FB?
3. It's Useless.
4. Having 500 friends on FB meant that you had none in Real Life...
5. Etc.

However, I am now a FB Convert. While it is true that it is all of the above, to some extent, it's not that bad. I currently play some games on it, Including -- Mafia Wars, Petville (my sister forced me to join), Cafe World, Mousehunt (Doesn't Everyone), Ghost Trappers, and Backyard Monsters (My Fav!). I now have something in common with my friends, such as the FB games. Also, I use it to keep in touch with my CCA, SJAB and my friends from other schools. My class also has a FB group to keep in touch about... Homework...


I have a Flickr account for my IS ePortfolio


I now have a Flickr photostream @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ng_jonathan_sy/ . It contains all my Campus Photos of Hwa Chong! It is also part of the ePortfolio assignment for IS, which is also meant to help us learn about embedding new media. 

Eye Infections

Lastly, I got an eye infection. My eye kept producing a sort of whitish liquid, which had the consistency of slime. When I went to sleep and woke up, my eyes were glued together!! The liquid had evaporated, leaving a residue on my eyelids which "fused' them together. It was a bit painful pulling it off. I got an MC from the Doctor. My eye infection was so bad that I had to miss the HCINY CSM... (Hwa Chong - Nanyang Combined Sports Meet) :(

That's all for this week!

Week In Review - iSpark 18

This week, several things will be happening (or have happened). This is a "week in review" update of my blog.

IT problems

"My computer has epic problems. Google Chrome can't connect to the Internet, so I'm stuck with IE... Also, Norton Internet Security disappeared off my taskbar, and when I run it, a tiny window pop ups." - Post from last week.

Good News!! The problems are fixed. I uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome, but to no avail. Then, I uninstalled and reinstalled Norton. It worked. After that, I reinstalled Chrome, finally, it worked, allowing me to use Chrome again.

Sabbatical bidding for Term 2

Round 1&2 of Sabbatical bidding have been completed. I am not sure what my allocated course is, but I succeeded in the first round!

Maths Test and Other Tests

Maths results have come back... I got 31/40. The test was about Indices and Binary numerical System.

Also, the dreaded Chinese Results have arrived... I passed barely with 53/100...

AAP Photomontage presentation

Me and my partner presented our AAP photomontage in class. "Identity of a Hwa Chong Boy" It was quite good. Another group also presented "Game Over" (Theme: Conflict). It was hilarious and left the class in stitches.

That's all for now...

Week In Review - iSpark18

This week, several things will be happening (or have happened). This is a "week in review" update of my blog.

IT problems

Firstly, the most prominent thing - My computer has epic problems. Google Chrome can't connect to the Internet, so I'm stuck with IE... Also, Norton Internet Security disappeared off my taskbar, and when I run it, a tiny window pop ups. The window cannot be expanded, but can be moved around and closed. I ended up uninstalling Google Chrome, but I can't reinstall, since Norton Firewall is blocking it AND I can't run Norton to disable the firewall... Also, my favourite Online dictionary is down!! Woe is Me.

Sabbatical bidding for Term 2

Sabbatical bidding started yesterday. Our Sabbatical for Term 1 was the Annual Sec 1 Camp as well as the Research Studies Programme. However, for Term 2, we get a five day course on a topic of our selection. The courses including things like "Science Eureka", "Intro to fencing", etc... However, we had "bidding points" to bid. We would start with 1000 points. Points can be carried to the next year, and points are credited for lower MSGs, while Points would be subtracted for each demerit point - 1 demerit point - Subtract 100 Bidding points.
There are two rounds of bidding. If you still do not get a course after that, you will be placed in Sabbaticals with vacancies.

AAP lesson... Something different

We had our AAP Lesson in Space today (IT block). It was a departure from the AAP classes which are usually in class. While in Space, there were three activities we had to do (or games we had to play, if you want to be frank):

1. 
   A sort of Musical Chairs, but different - Each of us we assigned a Fruit Name (Mango, Jackfruit, Durian, and One more which I can't remember). There would be 23 Chairs for 24 people. Thus, the standing person would yell a fruit, or "Fruit Salad" which required all the fruits to get up. The learning point of the game was that Volume is important when speaking, especially when in a big room. (This game resembles "Blow Wind Blow")
2. 
   Broken Telephone Read the link. (The learning point was that when speaking, you have to be more articulate, and do not giggle or make noises when talking)
3. 
   Lying. We took turns to stand in front of the class and tell 2 lies and one truth. It was quite fun, and our teacher said that we were harder to decipher when we were lying - Most people fidget only during the lie and not during the truth, but we fidgeted all way through... (Learning point - Body Language is important)

That's all for now...

P.S 1i3 had a Math's test today... More details Later...

Resort World Sentosa - Visit

Actually, this is kinda old news... but my blog was not being updated for awhile because I was very busy. However, the Star Awards 2010, which will be partially held at Resorts World Sentosa reminded me about my visit to RWS shortly ago. My Parents had went to RWS before, and they liked it a lot. Thus, they decided to bring me on the weekend.

However, the morning was used for Homework, so we only had the night to explore the area. My parents made a reservation at Chilli's and then we left for RWS. The first thing that will strike you is the fact that the area is huge. Even the carpark is gigantic. A good way to explain it is that you could throw 1000 people in, and they could walk around and probably not see each other at all. After leaving the carpark, the next time you would see is The Globe (Apart from the REALLY long and high escalator). I am referring to the Globe which is Universal Studio's symbol. It is huge, and you can see mist around it from mist spraying nozzles.

After that, we headed to Chilli's, where about 6 people were in front of us. So we decided to explore more. We saw the Resorts World Gift Shop, A popcorn shop (I have never seen so many types of popcorn), and a Chocolate hershey's shop. The Hershey's Shop had Giant Plushy Hershey Kisses, Giant Kisses Coin Banks, Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate bars, and every other Chocolate related item you can think of. There were even Singing Chocolate dishes!!

Then, we headed back to Chilli's, where they were still 4 people in front of us. This time, we gave up and decided to go somewhere else to eat. We found a western Restaurant serving Burgers, etc, where we ate. After that, we headed back to Chilli's, just to find out what happened (They were meant to call us when the seat was available). In the end, the personnel there said that they called us already, although we didn't receive their call. Anyway, we then went to look at other shops and other attractions.

We had a look at the hotels around RWS, and some of the shops. We also stood outside the Casino. We also saw another RWS gift shop. It had all sorts of things, including umbrellas, golf balls, Chocolate poker cards (To eat???) and even a set of bejeweled boxes.

Finally, before we left, we heard that they was going to be a pyrotechnics show. It was really fascinating to see the two performers spinning and twirling (sticks on) fire. They had various implements, including fans(of the type that open up), Long Sticks, etc. They would take turns and while one performer performed, another would prepare another implement before coming to perform, while the other performer prepared another implement. There was even one point where one of the performers created many sparks from an implement.

At the end of the performance, the audience gave the performers a standing ovation.

Have you went to Resorts World Sentosa? Share your experiences in the Comments Box.

Track and Field Finals, as well as other News

Track and Field Finals

The 100 plus Track and Field Finals were held at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Wednesday, 14 April. Our Class (and 7 others) were chosen to support Hwa Chong there. Some of the councillors were in charge of leading the cheers.

Although it was a bit boring at first, the competition soon heated up when the running started. Soon, we were directed to "Squeeze" in the middle of the space which Hwa Chong was allocated, where cheers were started. At first, several people were not cheering, but soon, everyone was cheering at the top of their voices.

Finally, Hwa Chong won the B and C boys titles. (An achievement held for 10 and 20 years). The activity was very fun as we do not always get the chance to support our school at a sporting event. (We also supported Hwa Chong during the Water Polo Finals). The school spirit was almost tangible...

There was also a 100 plus man, (like the Milo Van at HCI Cross Country) there were about 3 of them, walking about with large 100 plus tanks on their backs. They would actually hand out cups of 100 plus while walking around the stadium.

Also, I saw some of my other friends from RI.

However, most of us reached home very late, as we were dismissed at about 7.20, and those who took the bus back to Hwa Chong, (like me) generally reached home at 2100.

We also got a half day on Friday, where school ended at 11 am. Yay!

SJAB Promotion Parade

We had a SJAB Promotion Parade today. Since Sec 1s do not take part in the Parade, we simply stayed in "Senang Diri" (At ease) position. It was a interesting experience as I had never seen a promotion parade. After the parade, there was a reception, and there was photo taking. Finally, we headed back to the Cadets Room to collect our Uniform parts, before being dismissed.

Lost something at school...

Disclaimer: Strictly Speaking, this isn't related to LA...

Anyway, I lost a cardboard sheet at school. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but the cardboard sheet had three newspaper articles pasted on it. The cardboard/poster was being used for Projects Day Prelim one Presentation. Also, the articles were important and vital to our project.

If you see it, post a comment here. (I also posted a message on the HS_lost message board)

Thanks!

Jonathan

P.S Sorry for not posting for so long...

PPS The link to my IS blog is: http://jonathan1i317-isblog.blogspot.com/ It contains all the IS and tech related stuff. (We have a new IS teacher, Mr Cheong, as we are now learning HTML)

(Update!!)

Someone returned the board to my class a few days after I posted on the SMB. Thanks to the Good Samaritan who took it back to my class.

AAP Camera Angles -- Anti Drink Driving Campaign

This was a assignment for AAP. We were meant to do a Advertisement review (print or video) and post it on our blogs and embed the video... The link to the video is here, but I'm not sure how to embed XD. I would appreciate some help.

Types of camera angles used in the Anti-drunk driving advertisement

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y250uqP3jA&feature=related)

(Anti Drink Drive Campaign - Singapore Traffic Police)

The angles used in this advertisement are stated below. The angles are used for certain reasons.

• ·Match cut – When the photograph of two of them changes to the scene of what happened that night.

• Head on shot – When the viewer sees both of them talking and laughing while they are driving. (0:26 and 0:27)

• Close up shot—When the narrator starts to cry after relating the story – (0:34 and 0:36)

• Zoom shot – When the camera zooms out to show the narrator in a wheelchair. (0:37)

These angles show the emotions and the pain that the narrator goes through after losing his friend. It serves to convince and remind road users of the danger of drunk driving. The zoom shot also emphasizes this, as the viewers can see the total extent of the narrator’s injury after the road accident.

The match cut is used to show the transition from picture to the actual scene. It serves to show the viewer that a flashback is going on. The photo montage at the start also shows the friendship of the narrator and Joe as well as the happiness they had together (In all the photos, they are smiling and laughing). It shows how their happy life was affected by one event and one bad choice. This further convinces viewers not to drink and drive.

The close-up shot allows viewers to see the pain and grief on the narrator’s face. We can also see that he suffered some sort of burn or scar on his face, apart from his other injuries. We are also able to understand that the injuries required him to amputate a leg, also implying that they were rather severe.

Me, My Learning Style and (Flowers for) Algernon

The First of March and the Second of March are two Home Learning days. We stay at home for the two days. Our schedule is: 8 am until 2 pm -- Work. But... We get a 30 min break between each subject. We have four subjects per day on the given schedule, although you can do it in any particular order.

For this LA assignment, I took a test on my learning style on this website--

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/ict/multiple_int/questions/choose_lang.cfm

I was able to see my results after entering a secret code at another area of the site. My (not so) secret code is: np28gwp68964. The place to enter the code is --http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/ict/multiple_int/results/results.cfm

Based on my results, I am intrapersonal, logical and visual spatial.

The test was interesting, but we (1I3) noticed that if you select "I am always like this" for all the questions you actually get, well, "Full Marks". You can use this code to retrieve it: wgv2vcr9b21803

Likewise, selecting "I am not like this at all" for all the questions gives you a empty graph.

Another interesting thing about the test is that it is based upon our perceptions of ourselves. E.g "I am good at mathematical problems and using numbers." Some people may interpret "good" differently, leading to somewhat biased results.

However, the test isn't meant to be exact, but it is a interesting benchmark to find out more about your intelligence type.

Jon

Finally. Internet that works.

About a year ago, my family upgraded our main computer. We upgraded it from a Dell to a Compaq. My first reaction was actually: Yes!! Another computer to take apart(Read: Destroy)! I have a knack of taking apart objects and never being able to restore them.

Some "victims" are:

1. A remote control for A RC car (It was never the same again)
2. A computer which ran on Windows 98 (I kept the parts for a year until I threw them away) (I also salvaged 40 screws and various thingamajigs)
3. A Creative e-Dictionary
4. etcetera, etcetera.

However, since the computer was still in a good condition, we kept it. In my room. It was not used for some 2 months, until we bought a wireless adapter for it, so that I could use the internet on it. However, that was a failure, due to unreliable internet access (Which died halfway through a game or assignment). So, the computer was un-used, and the monitor was taken by my Father. He connected his laptop to it for a bigger display.

This would have stayed like that, if not for 1 reason: the TV was next to the main computer & my parents believed that TV and work did not get along (Which was true). So, I was moved into my room with the computer.

The computer (at the time) was slow. After removing some less important applications, it was slightly faster. As for the internet, nothing worked for it. Finally, after I reverted to using the main computer, my parents bought a 15m internet cable and connected the outside modem right to my computer. Heh. It stretches through the whole corridor. It was well hidden behind a massive shelf and some well placed rugs/mats.

Now it works. FYI. I am using it currently to post this.

CCA allocation results... are finally out!!

Hi everyone!!

The CCA allocations results were out last Friday, 19th Feb.

The results were brought to the class before the reading period and pinned onto the noticeboard. Everyone swarmed around the noticeboard as they (frantically) tried to read the results. Soon, cries of "Yes!!" and groans were heard throughout the class. While some were joyful and proud of their allocation, some people were unhappy. Some of my friends (from other classes as well as 1I3) were planning to appeal.

You may be interested to know what CCA I got into. I got into a uniformed group... St.John's Ambulance Brigade.I also found out that two of my classmates were in SJAB (Short for St.John's Ambulance Brigade) with me.

After receiving the allocation results, we had to report to our respective CCAs later in the afternoon, at the respective times. Although I was a little disappointed with the results of my allocation, I decided to try out SJAB first before coming to a decision. There were 27 Sec 1s there on Friday. We learnt about Foot drills (we learnt two foot drills) and we also had the opportunity for some recreation, later on during SJAB. We went to the field to play Soccer. Although it was quite tiring (SJAB ended at 6.30) it was still very fun. I am not going to appeal as I like SJAB.

Bye!

Jonathan

P.S We had a cross-country practice. We will be having the real thing Day After Tomorrow (Wednesday 24 Feb)

Chinese New Year is here again!!

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, holds a place in many hearts. Many people have different ideas and thoughts about it. Some people remember it as a time of visiting relatives and of the Reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year. Others may remember it as a time when many festive snacks and tidbits are bought, or when festive songs are played on the radio, and other places.

For me and my friends, Chinese New Year, for this year, was when we went back to our Primary Schools. We had a half day to visit our old schools, and to show our gratitude towards our respective teachers. Also, this was a good opportunity to meet and catch up with my other friends from different Secondary Schools.

Everyone was thrilled to see each other. Many of us had gone to different Secondary schools, so we took the opportunity to meet up again. After meeting in school, some of us decided to go to a shopping centre to have lunch together, before heading for home. It was really fun, and there was a different feeling as we had not seen each other for 3 months. (13 people went out for lunch at Jurong point in one big group.)

However, while most families have "Tuan Yuan Fan" (Reunion Dinner), most of my relatives do not stay in Singapore. Thus, we have no opportunity to visit them. Although I do not get to meet my Grandparents and cousins, I am still quite content with having a Reunion Dinner with my parents and sisters. This is because, as a student, my commitments are increasing, meaning that I am more busy. My sisters and father can also be very busy with work. Thus, I treasure the time when we are able to sit down together to have dinner.

Flowers for Algernon (fictional) interview

We were meant to complete an assignment -- Issues in Flowers for Algernon and post it on our blogs. I chose the linguistic activity since I like writing. I had to write a fictional interview with Miss Kinnian, who was close to Charlie Gordon, the main subject of the story. For those who have not read the story, Flowers for Algernon is about a mentally challenged man who undergoes an experimental surgery to triple his IQ. The story focuses on Charlie's relationship with his co-workers and close friends. The story gets its name from a lab rat which underwent the same operation. The rat was called Algernon. The (fictional)interview transcript can be found below:

Interview transcript with Miss Kinnian regarding the Algernon-Gordon experiment

This interview was carried out with Miss Kinnian, who was Charlie Gordon’s teacher at a Adult Centre. She recommended him for the experiment to increase intelligence levels by almost three times. Charlie Gordon eventually reached the peak of his intelligence before regressing rapidly. At his peak, he had an IQ of roughly 185, much greater than his original IQ of 65. He wrote the famous thesis on the Algernon-Gordon Effect, when he reached the peak of his intelligence, (Refer to Page 56 ) which is now being studied all over the world in many prestigious universities. After he regressed, he disappeared. His current whereabouts are unknown.

How were you involved in the Algernon-Gordon experiment?

I was Charlie’s teacher at the adult centre. I was among the many teachers at various adult centres who were contacted to recommend someone from our class for the experiment. I decided to recommend Charlie Gordon as he fit the criteria; he was hardworking and he was very enthusiastic about learning to read and write.

I was told that the experiment could triple his intelligence, but it may be a temporary increase. I informed Charlie of this opportunity and after receiving his consent, I forwarded his personal details to the scientists in charge, Dr Strauss and Dr Nemur.

After the operation, I went to the laboratory to teach him personally. I started to teach him spelling, reading and punctuation. His progress was very quick after the operation. He started to learn the rules of punctuation and proper spelling quickly. He started to become a very quick reader and he developed a very accurate memory.

What can you tell us about how Charlie behaved before and after the operation?

As he started to progress in terms of intelligence, we could no longer relate to each other. During one such incident, he invited me to dinner, but we had nothing in common to talk about. I did not see him often after that, but I soon learnt from Dr Strauss that his intelligence was deteriorating quickly.

I went to visit him at the boarding house he stayed in, but he refused to talk to me. I was deeply saddened by his refusal to talk to me. I paid his rent, for he owed the landlady two months of rent, before leaving. I had gone back to the adult centre when Charlie walked in one night. On seeing him, I broke out into tears, because I did not realize the extent of his regression. I have not seen him since, and to this day, I do not know where he went.

Did you have any regrets about recommending Charlie for this experiment?

Well, Yes and No. I understood the risks of the experiment, and I was well aware that he might regress back to his original state. However, I ignored my doubts and I still recommended him for the experiment. Although I knew the risks of the experiment, I still felt very hurt and sorrowful when I saw how he had reverted back to his original state.

I am very motivated to try and enrich the lives of these mentally challenged adults. I feel disappointed that many people do not pay attention to them, or worse, laugh at them. These people are just like us, except that they do not possess the same mental capacity. They have feelings too.

I wished that Charlie could bring about a way to help these people, or even if he could not, he could at least raise awareness of the difficulties they face. I am glad that he managed to do so. Hopefully, maybe the surgical technique used by the doctors will be available to other mentally challenged people.

(Note: I used the novella for the interview, rather than the novel)

(The interview was also written as if a science journal was interviewing her.)

Introduction of myself

I’m Jonathan from 1i3. This is a short introduction of myself.

I like reading the Sunday Times and Urban on Friday. They both include food reviews and recipes. Although I do not cook much, I like finding out about ingredients used to cook various dishes.

My other hobby is reading. The magazines I read include DMAG, K-Zone and Reader’s Digest. I buy these magazines frequently to get updates on the latest games, etc. Reader’s Digest is my favourite magazine because of the many articles as well as the jokes section. I also enjoy reading books. My favourite books are: The Alex Rider series,the Horrible history series and the far-flung adventure series by Paul Stewart.

I recently went through the Hwa Chong Sec 1 Orientation. There were many fun team-building activities which we got to take part in. We were issued a "Survival Guide" at the beginning of orientation. The guide contained the lyrics of the various Hwa Chong school songs (there are 4 core songs) as well as the words to many cheers. There was also a letter from our seniors and the schedule of what we would be doing. Although the three day orientation period was quite tiring (We stayed in school till about 5.30), it will still very enjoyable.

Some of the team building activities included:

1. Building of a "structure" with materials (Logistics) gathered from games
2. Cheering together, and a Cheering competition
3. Catching of water balloons with rubber bands inside (Everyone got soaked)
4. A treasure hunt (We looked for Post its in the SALT centre which we could swap for logistics) (Some post its were hidden in rubbish bins)
5. And many others......

It was truly a fun experience and I made many friends from my orientation group (Group 7).

Also, we had a CCA orientation on the second day there. We got to see and visit all the sports CCAs. This was the first of a three part CCA orientation. I am not sure when the other parts will be held.

Jonathan