navixy

Back to Reality..

2011-12-15T00:31:00.003+08:00

Have been away on a trip to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam for the past 2 weeks plus. Then today I went to JB to splurge on myself. Spent SGD$200 in total, but I bought a lot of things for Chinese New Year and 2012. Think after this, I would not be spending much on clothes le. Enough.

Now I seem to be at the cross roads like a lost sheep. Not really knowing what to do anymore. Waiting is the worst thing that can happen to you. Now I am waiting for a reply from SIA to confirm the date for my 2nd interview. They called me on the day that I was leaving for my holiday but I couldn't make it for the interview date. Should I continue teaching or should I move on to unfamiliar grounds. Many things on my mind right now or should I say nothing? Because I have constantly been so comfortable in this world of mine, I am hesitant on whether to go ahead to more fulfiling challenges. Having great companionship with my friends on friday and saturday nights, playing soccer, enjoying at least a month of holidays every year, going to JB every other week to enjoy good food etc and of course the joys and laughter interacting with students are some of the great things that have happened to me.

Mundane work has become more "fun" and acceptable only after these elements have been added in. Just like a bowl of coarse brown rice, after adding on some delicious side dishes, your life suddenly becomes more interesting. And I have my parents at home and I am expecting a earful from my dad if I tell him of my decision to quit the service. I feel like I have so much more to contribute to the education system but yet I am a "wild" horse who has not met the master who can understand and manage it. My passion for character education is calling me to do more, yet my selfish heart to explore the wide world out there calls for a change. Mixed feelings dwell up my heart as I consider my options.

For the past few weeks, I have realized that to have complete trust in a person is a really difficult thing to do. Yet the word "trust" have made me learnt and realize many important lessons in life. One thing for sure, it really goes both ways for each other to have trust for one another. 用人不疑，疑人不用。Starting to rain again, time to lie on my bed and spend some time thinking again before I go meet Master Zhou.. Good night.. Probably my last post for 2011.

Farewell Steve Jobs, good job!

2011-10-06T12:54:00.003+08:00

Tribute to Steve Jobs (24th February 1955 - 5th October 2011)

This morning when I stepped into office, Elspeth told me that Steve Jobs has passed on and I suddenly felt so upset. Just 2 days ago, Apple just released Iphone 4S and the former CEO has passed on yesterday night. It was probably a coincident too that myself and Elspeth decided to wear black today as part of mourning for a great man.

I do not know why, but while I was reading through his life story on Wikipedia, I had a sad feeling and tears kept welling at my eyes. I still remembered doing this assignment when I was still a university student on the creation of Computers and his name was there. Since then, in the beginning of 21st century, after he revolutionized Apple and its products, we could suddenly browse the Internet in our hands and everywhere we go. Technology suddenly became closer.

To me, his major contributions would be invention of the PC, made animated films for the world, created Apple I-products which changed how the world functioned. I am yet amazed at how simple he has turned softwares into, such that they can be incorporated into his I-gadgets. I-movie, Iphone etc. With the demise of such a creative man, would we still be able to see more creative products from Apple? Arh..

Ok, life goes on.. I will go donate some blood to save some lives..

Oh by the way, do you know that he is the major single shareholder in Walt Disney? We should be grateful to have animation movies to watch...

Some excerpts from Wikipedia:

Apple released a separate statement saying that Jobs had died. The statement read '"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts"'.

Also on October 5, 2011, Apple's corporate website greeted visitors with a simple obituary listing Job's lifespan next to his greyscale portrait. Clicking on Jobs' image led to an obituary that read: '"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."' An email address was also posted for the public to share their memories, condolences, and thoughts.

Jobs is survived by his wife, Laurene, to whom he was married for 20 years, their three children, and a fourth child, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, from a previous relationship.

Statements on Jobs' death: (Who Steve Jobs was in the eyes of others)

Bill Gates released a statement saying:

I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.

Walt Disney Company president Bob Iger said in regards to Jobs:

Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.

Excerpts from President Barack Obama's statement:

Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

It has been a really long time...

2011-10-06T00:25:00.004+08:00

It has been almost 1 and 1/2 years since I last posted something on this blog. I have nearly forgotten that I still have this blog since my last post. Thanks to Candy who told me that I have not posted anything for some time. Many things have taken place and I have changed quite a bit. When I read what I have posted, I ask myself where is this 'fire' in me?

Well, 2011 is still quite a smooth sailing year for me, I teach 4 classes and almost all have graduated except for my 3 higher chinese class. They will have their End of Year exams in a few hours time and their 1st O level paper in less than a month's time. So, is it time to move on? I realized that it is difficult to move away now that I have built a bond with students from my CCA and also my Higher Chinese class but it all boils down to fate if I can move to another more personal platform where I could prove my worth. To me, a thank you from students are the best gift I can get..However at times, a nonsensical complaint can bog you down. Given my character, maybe I am not suited to be in this line. I only do what I think is right and worth doing.

I have made many friends with my students, really cool people, like Shaowei, Caleb, Hong Rong, Seri, Raidah, Gui Xiang.. To mention a few and many many more..Some, whom I believe will remain as lifelong friends. The education system has a weird way of restricting teachers befriending students hence I would still want to maintain my "professional" self while still maintaining a true friendship with them.

A piece of good news though, which happened after the 2011 General Election, which saw a shake up in the Cabinet. Seems like Mr Heng, our Education Minister has realized what many others failed to realize, the vision that character education is much more important than academia. I do not know what belies in the future for the next few months. I have personal dreams and also personal goals which I hope to achieve. In order to pursue one, I have to give up the other one. Both can't go together. In order to pursue my dream of travelling and widening my perspective, I have to give up my goal of educating the next generation and pass down my knowledge to shape characters.

I dare not say that I have done much to my students, especially those who have gone to Cambodia with me but I do see a change. " A change at a time" The slogan on my T-shirt of one of my expeditions and this is what I see in them. I am especially happy for Seri for the transformations that she has proven herself to be. Really proud of her. From being one of the last few in the stream and a student who had a 'poor' grade when she was in Sec 2; she is now an "excellent" student in teacher's eyes and topping the class in her prelims. My best Station Inspector in NPCC and she has been with me to Cambodia twice and seen more of the world there. Really great memories there.

As I sit down thinking back of my past few months, I feel that as a person, I have lost out a lot of precious time to think about what I really want in life. I have been focusing on things of what others expect of me which has made me lose myself and directions. I got into a minor accident in Cambodia on the last project and it has made me lose a certain part of me. Time to adjust back.

Time to make a decision. Time to make a stand. X-men: the last stand. haha

To be or not to be

2010-04-15T21:54:00.004+08:00

Looking back at the past few months, it has flown by in a blink of eye and as each day passes by, I am constantly bugged by the fact that being an educator is not easy. You get frustrated easily when you see others laughing away when you are worrying about their future.. You don't sleep well because there is always someone irresponsible enough to spoil your sleep when they do not hand in homework or hand in substandard work. You feel sad when you see a flawed education system which claims to be in the best interest of students yet the product of this system doubts the machine which shapes the way he/she is. You get upset when you see students after getting 10 years of education ending up in places where they are not supposed to be in, for e.g Prison, or hospital after getting hacked by others.. Are the schools or the teachers not doing enough? Or is this egalitarian system essentially flawed such that it only focuses on the A students and not those who cannot make the mark.

Must Schools be Results Driven because we grow up with the notion of "survival of the fittest" or can they be driven based only on Shaping the Character of the students? Which one should be the priority, Character or Results? To me, one with character will produce results, but not vice versa. But in the real world, in our education system, who truly and wholly believes that? No one, not even the ones who have the power to make decisions. Educators must believe in the power of shaping characters before they can really put their heart into it, but do they have the time and energy facing mountains and heaps of work? Do we?

I have to return to my mundane life of marking and thinking of how to motivate the students.. I always tell my friends, it is the holidays that drive me towards the completion of my work. But even the holidays make me worry.. Cos being an educator, work simply never ends..Never..

End of year.. Should I Lead another project? Should I or should I not? Do people see the value to doing such a project? Do you get recognized for what you do? Do people understand why you are doing so? Do you see RESULTS in your students after the project? What is the impact on them? Do they really feel it?

I have far too many questions in me....I only hope that someone can give me an answer..A student, a colleague or a stranger.. Should I or should I not lead another project?

Let me share a story before I end. It happened in class today.. A student asked me this question and it stumped me, which eventually prompted me to write this post to escape from the reality: "Cher, why does the school make use of us to achieve results?" Then they started comparing the time when they were released as compared to another neighbourhood "good" school. There were some answers coming from everywhere: " XXX school release their students at 1 plus everyday." "Because their students will go home and do their homework mah"..."Their students' results are better mah"..

Finally I stopped them and told them that there are 3 kinds of people who go to school. 1. They go to school because their friends are in school and they are just there to have fun. After school, they will return to computer and not knowing what to do with their life. 2.They go to school because their parents wanted/forced them to go and achieve results, and follow the path that they had mapped out for their child. 3. They go to school because they want to achieve something in life and they feel strongly that studying is their responsibility towards success. Most of us will stop at being the 2nd kind of people where our parents want us to grow up to be.. Few will be the 3rd kind of people and succeed in life.. And I continued to tell them about Veasna, a kid whom me and my friend "adopted" in Cambodia who is very clear about what he wants.. And it is because of his environment which shapes him into what he is..

What has become to our environment? Do kids grow up stronger and more independent? Or do they grow up listening to what their parents decide for them? Lesser and lesser people want to join the uniformed groups because they have grown up in well sheltered conditions.. UGs shape characters and I strongly believe in this. But how many actually believes in this?

Academic focused vs Character focused.. Time's up.. Back to normal life..

Of Delights, Disappointments and HOPE

2010-04-02T23:00:00.003+08:00

I brought my 5 NPCC cadets to the National Field Cooking Competition and we got 3rd out of 12 schools. The process was grilling when I watched them cook and sweat..When I saw them make mistakes, I was so anxious that I kept showing my disagreements.. Now, thinking back, I should have placed more trust in them since I picked my leader and asked her to take charge. Even if they lost, they would have learned something.. It is the process of learning that matters. Happy for them.. They have done our unit proud.

But there were 2 others who have disappointed me.. I placed high hopes in them for a National competition and thought that they would come up with something fantastic, but in the end, the higher your hopes, the greater you fall. So I learnt a lesson too. Never place your hopes too high nor your trust in someone too much, because in the end, you may be the one getting hurt.. Though capable, the 2 of my cadets whom I placed high hopes and expectations in, were simply taking the matter lightly. Initiative, something that I am looking for in my cadets.. But how many of them actually possesses it?

Then my Sec 5s, I am happy to see some of them waking up to the call and attending remedials and night classes.. When I look at them, I realize that though they are 16 or 17, but the gentlemen simply behave like small kids.. One even "forced" me to give him a sweet because he completed his work..When will they grow up? When will they realize that they have already spent one more year than the rest of the people of their age and that life is actually quite short? How can I make those who are still lost in their own world to wake up and realize that they are already at their last year of their studies and no one can help them if they do not wake up and help themselves.. HOW CAN I HELP THEM?? Still trying my best..

Now it is important to still have hopes because that is what keep us going.. that is what keeps my job going. If you lose hope, you lose the battle.. So I can only hope for them and for myself.. I just hope that they can all pass and for those who hope to achieve the results that they are aiming for, I hope that they can do it.. Jiayou..

罗志祥 - 爱不单行

2010-03-07T23:41:00.004+08:00

到底这首歌是什么意思呢？我们听说“祸不单行”，意思是惨祸接二连三接踵而来。那，“爱不单行”是否又是说，爱会不断接踵而来呢？会相信这句话的人不多，能实现爱一个人始终如一的人，更是凤毛麟角。我有一个朋友，他的恋情真的让我感受到浓浓的爱意，也让我深信这个世界上还存在一些希望。我最喜欢这句话：“爱只有简单笔画却比想象复杂”。。而这句“我在等一个人在等我的永恒”就是我目前的心情写照。

歌词：

找不到人说心里的寂寞
找不到人懂怕黑的折磨
找不到命中注定在一起的那个人
很多人都像我一个人过生活
爱只有简单笔画却比想象复杂
恨安定爱变化
我爱过几个人也被爱过几遍
却还是没能将幸福留下
爱是不可数的吗为何我还相信
它不是独行侠
我在等一个人在等我的永恒
告诉我爱不单行别害怕

用不完身边泛滥的自由
开始怕孤单是一种诅咒
羡慕我能飞的人为何在天黑以后
还是宁愿回到爱情那个枷锁

爱只有简单笔画却比想象复杂　（重复）
恨安定爱变化
我爱过几个人也被爱过几遍
却还是没能将幸福留下
爱是不可数的吗为何我还相信
它不是独行侠
我在等一个人在等我的永恒
告诉我爱不单行别害怕

我在等一个人在等我的永恒
告诉我爱不单行相信它

Changes

2010-03-07T06:06:00.002+08:00

I added some new songs to my playlist and created a new song.. A song that I searched for a long time, but could not find so in the end I created a very simple MTV for it.. 3rd song I think.. So this is the 1st change I made to the blog..

Changes happen almost every second and I wonder what could be happening the next second.. 《爱不单行》 seems to be the right song at this moment.. So far, one aspect of my life hasn't been changing. That is how busy I am, and this unchanged aspect has made one part of my life stagnant, which is not difficult to guess which one.. Work, Relax, Sleep, Work..Where is my L...?

I hope that I will be able to introduce more changes when I get to the 2nd half of the year where I see most of my Sec 4s/5s able to progress on. Only then, I will be able to really relax a bit.. I really hope my Sec 2s and 3s will be able to catch up fast and not be complacent. Good grades do not come naturally, what matters is always the attitude towards studies.. I am really worried that if my Sec 5s do not CHANGE their mentality and attitude, it is going to be worrying for their O Levels Exams at the end of Term 2.. Pls change soon..

Change is a constant, meaning that we should expect changes to constantly happen, but what if this change is something that we cannot accept? How should we handle it? Hmm, maybe I should spend some time thinking about it before it happens..

Fear vs Anger

2010-02-25T22:41:00.005+08:00

I do not know why, I do not understand why but things do not seem to go well lately. Time seems to be ticking away fast and furiously but the amount of work does not seem to cease and that is probably why I feel frustrated at times.. In fact in the past 2 days, i have been disappointed a few times, especially yesterday.. I have in fact vented my anger and frustrations at a class and a few ladies today. I swear I have not been so angry and disappointed before and it made me blast out in front of my class. I shouted at my most sensible yet most stubborn student and she totally ignored me after that. Now I am afraid of myself. In the past year, I have always told myself that I must maintain a high standard for my classes, such that they must be the best or one of the best.

And I maintain my stand that as long as I am reasonable, I believe that students will understand and reciprocate. But that is not the case for 2 classes that I am teaching.. Am I not strict enough? Some say that I am lenient with my students. Is that so? I believe that self discipline is the highest form of discipline and I believe that everyone of my student can achieve that, even the "worst" student in many people's eyes.

I am really frightened of myself. I never let myself burst out in class because I do not want to leave a bad impression for the class so I always try the soft approach. But it seems like anger is overcoming my rational mind and I am starting to fear that I cannot stop myself from being angry. Why can't teaching be a happy job? People say if I do not smile, I look fierce. Who do not want to smile or laugh? Who do not want to be happy? But if they do not change their attitude, how can I teach happily? I have really enjoyed myself teaching at certain classes and it is not only because they pay attention and want to learn, but because there is this mutual understanding that if work needs to be done, it SHOULD and MUST be done.

How I wish to see the hardworking Sec 4 NA students who put in their heart and effort during their N levels last End of Year.. I was so happy that they got what they deserved. But now again, I fear that they might not get what they are aiming for.

I love my CCA, NPCC. No doubt about it.. But do my students love them as much as I do? I treat every competition seriously and hope that we can put in our best and achieve the best that we can strive for. But, is that a dream? I ask myself what I can do for the team other than morally supporting them but it seems like only providing them drinks after training and trying to encourage them, I cannot do anything. In fact I am very happy to see the guys bonding so well, playing soccer and basketball after every training, and it reminds me of my secondary school days. But 2 of the ladies, where I hold high expectations and hopes, have consistently disappointed me by not turning up for training. They influence each other and not only the instructor, but the cadets and team mates question me on why the captain is not there to train for the competition. When I see the fire burning in the rest of the members, I can only stand there feeling helpless that I cannot do anything else to get the full team to train together.

I know that there is a chance and might be the only chance for the ladies to do something that they will be proud of but I just hate to see a dream being destroyed by irresponsible students. I trust her when she says her dad do not let her come for training due to common test, then why can she stay in school today until so late when there is no training? I tried to ask for the other student to come, and she said she will try, but did she try? Maybe I do not understand what they are thinking, maybe, but at least give me a reason so that I will not feel so helpless facing the bombardment of others because I claimed responsibility that the 2 of them will come. Why do they have to make it like I am begging them to do something? I do not understand. Maybe this is what Sec 3 is all about.. Not sparing a thought for others and doing what they like.. Sec 3s, my biggest fear..Now I am beginning to doubt my judgment. Did I place my belief in the wrong people?

Anger, pls do not appear again. I do not want to see you cos you always spoil my day. I hope that you disappear once I put a fullstop to this post. Go away and hide yourself. My life will be better without you..Come only when I need to fight for my rights and when my brain is not working anymore.. Bye anger. Fear, I do not like you too. You make me think and rethink what to do but because of these numerous considerations caused by you, I am leading a troubled life. Go away with anger and never return again. Thanks.

2010 A Busy and Tiring year

2010-02-18T17:06:00.003+08:00

After last year's clearance, my table looks much neater, but the things are starting to pile up bit by bit. This year, I have several classes which are really challenging for me. Let me talk about my classes. I really love and hate them at the same time, let me re-iterate more..

2HCL, a whole new experience this year. Just taken over and with my proficiency in mandarin, it should not be a great problem. Just that sometimes I do not have enough confidence to take them to a higher level. Maybe it is just a confidence problem, I am still trying my best to engage them in class. They are really a highly energetic bunch of students but most of them still need to try to increase their usage of Chinese during lessons. This batch of students is a quality batch, I do not know why, but I feel that they will go far, if they continue to work hard.

3C, meeting old and new friends. I feel close to this class, as there are many of them who came from 2D last year, yet at the same time, it has its side effects. Having 3/4 of the class full of male students, it is a great challenge for me cos of their different profiles. I have not managed to memorize their names yet and I am afraid I might neglect those quieter students and groups, which I am trying hard to get them to speak up. Those students who have known me seem to be noisier as they know that I will not be too harsh on them and I really hope that they can pay more attention and be better from last year. I hope to make them the next 4D class..Having high hopes for them, and if I can see an improvement in their overall grades at the end of year, it will really be a bonus. Great Year end bonus.

4D, my favourite bunch of students. Yar yar, do you know who is he? Without him around, there would have not been any excitement. I had fun with this class for the past 1year 2 months, and I have this sad feeling that they are all going to leave my class after June, after the MT O levels. I have a feeling that 80% of them will get their desired grades if they continue to work hard at the rate that they are performing. I feel very comfortable teaching them and will really miss them when they graduate.. I wish them all the best and hope that they get what they have aimed for and eventually get into their desired courses. Thank you for brightening up my days people.

5A/B, mixed feelings of frustrations and expectations. 34 students, 34 different personalities, 34 challenges to overcome. 34 young teens who will turn 17 or 18 this year. These bunch of students show the least amount of interest in my class, and I have been disappointed at a few occasions. I see many of them listening intently during lessons, but there are always students who would live in their own world, talking to their peers or doing their own stuff, not paying attention. They make me doubt my ability in teaching, and in fact in 2010, I told myself that it would be my greatest achievement of the year if all of them can get at least a B4 in MT O levels. Now that 2 months have passed by, and time reeling away, I get more and more upset each day, as I know I am moving away from this great expectation and dream. When I heard that 80% of the students from Sec 4NA will be coming back, and I will be taking them the coming year, I was very happy and excited, as I really enjoyed teaching them. In fact, they can be very quiet and nice, but it just doesn't last. Today, I was going to compliment them for being quiet and attentive during the 1st 20 minutes, but after that, they became rowdy again and some of them would either not bring their assigned worksheet or not have done their work. I want to help them and I have really high expectations for them, but if they do not want to help themselves,, who can help them? I just want to tell them that it wasn't easy coming to Sec 5, so if they want to give up now, then it will really be a pity. Pls buck up!

Ok that's all for now...I will see my report card at the end of the year and hopefully everyone of us strive and achieve what we have set out for.

Disappointments

2009-10-13T22:46:00.009+08:00

There are many things in life which will cause disappointments, and of these disappointments, there are major and minor ones.. Just to share a few with you, and I am sure you would have encountered some of them:

1. Friends not willing to share if they are attached anot.
2. Friends who are busy enough to ignore you when you want to chat with them.
3. People around you who do not take friendly advice, when you hope that they turn over a new leaf.
4. People around you keep making the same mistakes and getting into bigger troubles each time you give them a chance.
5. You do something with all your heart and soul, but your efforts do not pay off, and you get unrecognized for.
6. When you hear a piece of good news, then it suddenly becomes just another mistaken piece of news.
7. When you like someone, but that someone doesn't like you.
8. When you trust a friend so much that you are willing to do much to help him, but in the end, finds out that you are just another fool who have mistrusted him.
9. When your closest people, or family do not believe in what you say and/or doubts you.
10. When you want to buy something that you like, but you find that you do not have enough to do so.
11. When you really want to help someone, but they say they do not need your help.
12. When you really want to help someone, you do not have the means or money to do so.

Well the list can go on forever about the 1001 things that make us disappointed. But these are just some of those that I have experienced the past few months.. The bigger ones are when students do not heed your advice and carry on their mistakes, like smoking, and taking things in their hands. But you have to continue believing at times, cos someone once said this:" It is not about how many times they fall, but everytime they fall, they will learn something, and will grow faster.." BUT, how many times must they fall, in order to grow up? Not as many times as I did, I hope. Good luck for those who still have remaining papers..

Random

2009-10-12T19:22:00.005+08:00

I went for a KTV session with my Sec School Friends yesterday to celebrate one of their birthday. It has been quite a while since I last sang, and I really enjoyed myself during the session. Classics, new songs, were some of those being sung, how I miss my Secondary school days.. Now I can only reminicise about the old days.. These friends of mine for more than 13 years, have seen me through some of my lowest points in life, and also able to share our joys and pains.. And this is what I call true friends, those who will not abandon you even when you were in trouble..I see people making friends and destroying them the next day, but well, I guess this is part and parcel of life, where you have to accept each other's differences before you can really find your true friends..

Where friends come to mind, I seem to have made a lot of real friends but many still pass by as acquaintances. Some have grown to become close friends, but some have grown far apart and become acquaintances.. This is life, when you grow older, you tend to realize that people grow far apart..There are many whom I would like to maintain as friends, but I can't force them if they would like to maintain their distances, cos I believe that friendship needs time to cultivate..

That aside, many of my friends are getting married, and that further contributes to having fewer friends since they will be building their little families.. But I hope the tradition of celebrating each other's birthday will continue to last..

Lately I have been really busy, for my Cambodia trip, for end of year marking, and many other stuff.. but I told myself that a break is coming.. I need a break.. really.. And I found out that there are really many people smoking lately, especially students.. Many know smoking is bad, but at their age, they can't really withstand the lure of their friends and more importantly, the lack of care and concern from their parents. Parents do not know they actually do play a part in the child's upbringing, and the reason why we have so many children who needs help are because of bad parenting.. That being said, I hope that students do not engage in smoking especially smoking illegal cigarettes, which contain much more harmful substances that kill you faster..

Reasons for not smoking:

1. Waste Money! 1 pack $10, 1 day 1 pack, 1 year $3650, and the sum goes on.
2. Harmful for the body! Now below are some statistics and Q n A from Health promotion Board. I will highlight those which I think are really useful advice in RED.
3. DON'T MAKE ME VISIT YOUR GRAVE TO KNOW THAT YOU DIED OF SMOKING!
4. You can live a much more fulfilling life much longer than me!

Statistics

Tobacco use kills 5.4 million people a year worldwide - an average of one person every six seconds - and accounts for one in 10 adult deaths worldwide. It kills up to half of all users. Most of tobacco’s damage to health does not become evident until years or even decades after the onset of use. So, while tobacco use is rising globally, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has yet to reach its peak.

In Singapore:

About 7 Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking-related diseases each day.
Smoking-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD)- , are the nation's top killers.
The social cost of smoking in 1997 ranged from S$673 to S$839 million. The social cost of smoking in Singapore includes the direct costs (payments for hospitalisation and healthcare due to smoking), morbidity costs (lost production due to smoking related illnesses) and mortality costs (lost production from people who died early due to smoking).

Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death in the world. Don’t let yourself or your family become the next victim.

Your Questions on Smoking, Tobacco Use and Health

Is there a safe way to smoke cigarettes?

No. All cigarettes can damage the human body. Any smoking is dangerous. The cigarette is the only legal product whose advertised and intended use - smoking - is known to harm the body and cause cancer.

Some people think that switching from high-tar and high-nicotine cigarettes to those with low tar and nicotine makes smoking safer, but this is not true. When people switch to brands with lower tar and nicotine, they often end up smoking more cigarettes, or more of each cigarette, to get the same nicotine dose as before.

Smokers have been led to believe that "light" cigarettes have lower health risk and are a good option to quitting. A low-tar cigarette can be just as harmful as a high-tar cigarette because a person often takes deeper puffs, puffs more often, or smokes them to a shorter butt length.

Are menthol cigarettes safer than those without menthol?

Menthol only adds to the flavour of the cigarettes. It does not make the cigarettes any less dangerous.

In fact, menthol cigarettes may even be more dangerous. The added menthol produces a cooling sensation in the throat when the smoke is inhaled. It also decreases the cough reflex and covers the dry feeling in the throat that smokers often have. People who smoke menthol cigarettes can inhale deeper and hold the smoke in longer.

Is cigarette smoking really addictive?

Yes. The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes an addiction to smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug just like heroin and cocaine.

What are the normal reactions after you quit?

Difficulty in concentration or dizziness because your brain needs to get used to having more oxygen
Cough and running nose as your lungs get rid of all the dirt and germs that had accumulated inside while you were smoking
Strong craving for cigarettes while your body gets rid of the nicotine
Tingling sensations in your arms and legs as your blood circulation returns to normal
Not everyone will get these withdrawal symptoms but don’t lose heart if you do. They will disappear in one or two weeks and they are actually signs that you are getting better.

Am I at risk if I puff the cigarette without inhaling the smoke?

Yes.

Many chemicals in the cigarette smoke (including nicotine) can be absorbed through the mouth, nose and skin.
The smoke that you blow out stays in the surrounding air. When you take your next breath, it goes straight into your lungs, without you realising it.

What does nicotine do?

In large doses, nicotine is a poison and can kill by stopping a person's breathing muscles.

Smokers usually become dependent on nicotine and suffer physical and emotional (psychological) withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking. These symptoms include irritability, nervousness, headaches and trouble sleeping. The true marker for addiction, though, is that people still smoke even though they know smoking is bad for them -- affecting their lives, their health and their families and friends in unhealthy ways.

Who is most likely to become addicted?

Anyone who starts smoking is at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine. Studies show that cigarette smoking is most likely to become a habit during the teenage years. The younger a person is when he or she begins to smoke, the more likely he or she is to become addicted to nicotine.

Why do smokers have "smoker's cough”?

Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that irritate the air passages and lungs. When a smoker inhales these substances, the body tries to protect itself by making mucus and coughing. The early morning smoker's cough happens for many reasons. Normally, tiny hair-like formations (called cilia) beat outward and sweep harmful material out of the lungs. Cigarette smoke slows the sweeping action, so some of the poisons in the smoke stay in the lungs, and mucus stays in the airways. While a smoker sleeps, some cilia recover and begin working again. After waking up, the smoker coughs because the lungs are trying to clear away the irritants and mucus built up the day before. The cilia will completely stop working after they have been exposed to smoke for a long time. When this happens, the smoker's lungs are even more exposed and prone to infection and irritation.

The same noxious chemicals that cause the simple smoker's cough can lead to far more serious conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and lung cancer.

Why do I cough more after I've quit smoking?

Your lungs start to function properly again and are working to clear tar, dead cells and extra mucus accumulated from the cigarettes.

My husband was only 30 years old when he suffered from a stroke. The doctor said that smoking is the main cause of his stroke. How can smoking actually cause stroke?

Smoking causes a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, resulting in narrowing and blockage of the vessels. If the blood supply in these vessels leading to the brain is blocked, the surrounding brain cells will die, resulting in a stroke.

I've heard that smoking causes a fatty build-up in the blood vessels. But how is this so when fat is not an ingredient in cigarette smoke?

The moment you light a cigarette, thousands of poisonous chemicals in the cigarette smoke enter your body and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Some of these chemicals make your blood vessel walls sticky, damaging them, and causing them to collect the tiny fatty deposits that float in the bloodstream. The more you smoke, the more the fatty deposits build up.

How does smoking cause a heart attack? Is it similar to how smoking causes stroke?

Yes. Similar adverse effects take place when the blood vessels leading to our heart are blocked by fatty deposits. This cuts off the blood supply to our heart muscles, killing the tissue. As a result, a heart attack occurs.

How many cigarettes do I need to smoke to get lung cancer?

Lung cancer can begin from cell damage caused by smoking just ONE cigarette.

Research has found that one of the cancer-causing substances in cigarette smoke (benzopyrene) directly attacks and damages the p53 gene which blocks cancer and prevents cancer cells from growing. When cancer threatens a lung cell with a damaged p53 gene, a deadly tumour starts to grow.

Can quitting really help a lifelong smoker?

Yes. It is never too late to quit smoking. The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases. Within minutes of smoking the last cigarette, your body begins to restore itself.

Suppose I smoke for a while and then quit?

Smoking begins to cause damage right away and is highly addictive. Some studies have found nicotine to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

Do filters reduce the dangers of cigarette smoking?

Cigarette filters may trap part of the tar and nicotine, but they do not remove any poisons from the cigarette smoke.

PLS STOP SMOKING and Hurting yourself.. It hurts me too..

Touching Clips from Youtube

2009-10-06T23:34:00.003+08:00

It has really been a very long time since I last posted.. Have been down with diarrhoea and headaches these few days.. Really don't know what I have been eating.. haha.. Well, Shi teng introduced me to this little chimpanzee called Pan Kun, and I think many of you probably would have heard or seen what this mighty little champ can do.. People often describe chimpanzees as the closest kind of animals resembling human beings.. Indeed, they can do many things that we can, and much more that we can't.. Though they can't speak our language, yet, when they forge bonds with you, you can be sure they will never forget the ties between both parties.. Here is a link, you can take a look and discover what they can do.. Anyway, pan-kun is endangered, so he is currently kept out from the family with whom it has grown up with, and kept in a zoo.. What the govt did may be right, but in the long term, it is definitely going to upset the chimp..

At least I know that Pan-kun is a loyal friend or one who stands by your side when you are in trouble.. So, why are students always fighting with each other, over jealousy, minor affairs, and over competition in studies? Maybe it is a growing up process that one must go through to understand the true meaning of friendship; Maybe the word "friendship" has to undergo the rough seas, before it can ship off friends who are really true to each other.. Maybe after betrayals, fights, quarrels, or even calamities, before we know who will be the ones who will stand by us, when we are really in difficulties.. I have known many friends in life...Many whom I will proudly claim to be friends, and those whom I would only claim as acquaintances..

Who then are your true friends? Are you one who treats people with your heart too? If you are, good for you, cos you are already halfway to finding your true friends, because I believe in reciprocity. Do you? Watch the video and you will understand.

Pan - Kun : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cBwE6_VqXg&feature=fvw

Embarking on a new journey

2009-09-06T19:27:00.000+08:00

In life, we are always travelling on trips. We are always trying to embark on new trips, whether it is a new friendship, a new relationship, a new overseas trip,a new adventure or to another world (if it exists.)

The Buddhists believe that one transcends to another "world" once one is dead. And I do believe that my aunt has gone to fulfil her own trip that she has not been able to do so when she was alive. On Saturday, I went with my parents out to sea to scatter parts of her remains into the vast Seas, and as the bones flow with the waters, I believe one day, she will be able to "travel" to Africa, a place where she had always wanted to go, not to watch World Cup 2010, but to help the poor, hungry and homeless people there...Isn't it an irony that in parts of Africa, people are dying, while others are trying hard to attract people from all over the world to South Africa to make money out of World Cup? I hope my aunt finds peace after her death, while embarking on her new trip in the other world.

What about me? I will be embarking on another trip to Cambodia with a group of students in December. This project will last for around 14 to 15 days. My shortest out of 5 trips. This trip may not have materialised until the day we set off. It is interesting to see a project bear fruit and I certainly hope that this project will be the 1st to see the results that I anticipate. I will be blogging more about it later, and promoting some of the other stuffs that we intend to do for fundraising.

Before that, I will most likely be going on another trip to Yunnan with a group of colleagues from Other Secondary Schools. Yunnan is one of the places that I have longed to visit as I have always wanted to see the minorities' lifestyle, and their culture. The cultural diversity in these places are so vast that people living within the same piece of land could not communicate with each other due to language differences.

We always learn new things when we get to know someone new, and that in itself is a journey in life. I do believe that in every phase of life, I would have learnt something new to use it in my future life. Henceforth, I hope that all who reads this post, will be able to use their time wisely and learn whenever they can, everytime they embark on a new journey in life, whether it is from Sec 2 to Sec 3, or it is visiting a new place.

Well before I end, would like to add that West Spring will be embarking into new project soon, to mark its 10th anniversary celebrations. Hence I would like all students or visitors to give some really creative suggestions where students will be able to implement throughout the whole level (Sec 2) next year in 2010. Pls post under my Tag Board with your name and class, and the most creative ones, I will make a poll. The winner will get a gift from me, and those selected too, but a smaller one. hehe. So pls THINK creatively. Friends are welcomed too.. Haha..

In Living memory of a great woman

2009-09-01T13:46:00.003+08:00

Lee Siew Leh was her name, and she was born 74 years ago in China, and brought to Singapore with her mum. Her mum, married a man who had a family in China and the both of them had 5 other children. The 5 children called her big sister, and naturally all decisions were made by her, as she was more "knowledgeable" than her siblings, since she was older. As a woman of the last generation, she was told that women do not need much education and thus, she could only study up to primary level before she stepped out to society to help her dad and mum, in both work and managing the family.

As big sister grew up, her responsibilities became heavier, as more chores and burden were handed to her. She had blamed her mum for having to stay single in her life as she had wanted her to help in taking care of her younger brothers and sisters. According to her brother, she has had a boyfriend but eventually things did not work out then. Being the eldest in the family, unmarried, and not very educated, she worked as a cleaner, keeping estates clean and at the same time, she adopted a daughter. By and by, the daughter grew up and big sister sent her overseas for a degree, and afterwhich, she fell in love with anther Singaporean and got married.

While life was tough raising a daughter on her own, she worked hard both at increasing her knowledge and also at playing the role of a mother. When it seems like life was turning for the better for big sister, after her daughter got married, it only lasted for a few years. Things did not work well for the daughter and her husband and eventually they were both on the brink of divorce. Yet, more was to come. The daughter gave up her business, and moved out to their old house in Bukit Batok. Earlier on, big sister had used her savings, bought over the house and transferred the house to her daughter, in order for her to expand her business. So, with the house in the daughter's name, they(Big sister, her daughter and the daughter's son), moved back to Bukit Batok. However, quarrels were frequent, and they drifted apart.

[According to an entry in big sister's diary, it wrote:"I am very sad that when my daughter and grandson sees me walk past them, they do not even greet me. They just treat me as a complete stranger. At home, I have to do my own laundry, and I had to pay for the food that was bought, so in the end, I decided to cook my own meals. "

In other entries:"I think I am not that intelligent or knowledgeable, as those who have studied more than me seems to speak with more sense, and I feel so clumsy whenever I talk to them." In her heart, she feels that she is constantly stepping on people's tails, due to her bluntness and frankness in whatever she speaks. ]

Back to story, after the relationship between mother and daughter fell apart, big sister was left to fend for herself. But she never gave up faith, and she continued to go and help out in Charity work, in Tzu Chi, in charity clinics, and constantly showering care and concern to those around her. A humble woman she was, that she worked till her last breath..

One fine evening, she stepped back home and collapsed on the ground after having a stroke, and immediately she was hospitalized. She has suffered a stroke on her right brain and that paralysed her left side of the body. She looked so much like her mother when she laid there on the bed trying to convey a message to her younger brother, holding on to his hands tightly. Probably a message on her death bed. She struggled and tried to talk but could barely speak properly as all she could do was to blabber words. Her younger brother and family was there, and all were saddened by this image. The doctor has reassured them, including the daughter that the x-ray has shown nothing serious, and has to gauge her condition for the next few days. The next morning was the last time she was awake. When the younger brother visited big sister, and asked the doctor about her condition, the doctor only said that she has told the daughter everything, and will not divulge more. 2 days later, she passed away in the early mornings. If i had the money and energy, I would have sued the hospital and doctor for the way they have treated the patient. Why didn't they send her for a 2nd brain scan, when they said she died of retention of blood in the brain 2 days later? When she suddenly went into a deep sleep, why did it not raise the awareness of the doctor that something was wrong? She certainly did not look like she was going to die on the 1st day of admission, and the doctor was still advising on how she would get better after monitoring her condition? Was there nothing the doctor could do other than monitoring? Moral of story, if you want to live longer, do not go to hospital N.

Over 200 or more family and friends visited her wake during the short 3 days, and many were from Tzu Chi, the organisation where she has devoted her life, yes, pratically her life, to it, until the last minute. She has scrimped and saved, and left her wealth to the foundation to help those in need, which is in excess of $100k. She was a simple and humble woman, with nothing but a kind heart, but she had not enjoy much in her lifetime. Over the past years, she has helped to raise funds, and personally helped during Cyclone Nargis, Tsunami in Phuket, Sichuan Earthquake and the latest Taiwan disaster, to name a few of those that she has rendered her energy in.

Mdm Lee Siew Leh, Big sister, also my big aunt, will always be live on in my memory. According to my dad, her younger brother, she has sponsored part of my education and had wanted to take me in as her god son, if not for my dad's foul temper. What a pity. I also regret not doing much for her in this lifetime. What I learnt from all these, is to appreciate what my parents have done for me, when they are still alive, and not just mourn when they are gone.

What I disagreed and did not understand was the way she was treatedby her daugher before she was dead, and even when she was already dead.While hundreds of many others were chanting prayers for her to be reincarnated earlier, her daughter just sat by and did not join in, due to difference in religious beliefs. Why can't a Christian pay respect to her parents? While there is already no burning of incense and joss paper and monks chanting, why can't you sit in for the ceremony, at least sitting there with respect for your mum who have raised you for the past 30 plus years. I do believe and only believe in one thing: Religions work towards to goodness of all mankind, and whatever religion you are in, you should respect that of the others. Furthermore, we are talking about respecting a DEAD person's religion, and she was your kin.

I do not have biasness against any religion, but from the many incidents that I have seen or heard, I feel that Christianity, especially the teachings from the 2 largest churches in Singapore have not been rightfully inculcated to our youths and new believers. Even if it was a malay or indian funeral, it is only right to follow their ways of paying respect to the dead. Come on, THE PERSON IS DEAD, do you think your god will denounce or kick you out from the religion, or reprimand you for paying respect to your MUM? Sorry if I sounded too harsh, but what I have said is true from what I have seen.

So I hope that whoever sees this blog, pls, I implore you to be kind to your parents and show your respects in the right manner to the dead. Thank you.

博客比赛

2009-08-19T22:57:00.000+08:00

好了，伟源中学华文博客比赛进入下一圈，入围的20名参赛者现在剩下16位。下个星期，我又会残忍地向另外4名参赛者告别。所以，趁着刚考完统一测验，不如放松一下心情，让我们来支持这几位同学，鼓励他们再接再厉，力争上游。我看到一些同学放入许多心思去完成博客，因此希望大家去捧捧场。加油吧，大家！我只能确保奖品不错！其实，老师我有个难题。博客比赛后，我还有歌唱比赛！怎么办呢？不够礼物分给大家！看来我得出我的珍藏了。哈哈。歌唱比赛即将展开，敬请留意。

A Simple Life

2009-08-02T00:32:00.003+08:00

Seems like life is back on its old track, busy with work and nothing but work. Today, I went to my nephew's Full month celebrations. Seems like out of all my cousins on my dad's side, I would probably be the last to get married.. haha..When I look at how sound asleep the baby is, I wished that life would be as simple as a baby..

Reflecting on the past 26 years, I was born as a cute, little baby, so carefree, with nothing to worry, and then as we grow up and being influenced by our surroundings, and people, we experience the feelings of happiness, sadness, pain, troubled, boredom, excitement etc. But as we grow, it seems like we are forgetting how to be happy again. Many a times, we spend time feeling sad over trivial matters. The older we grow, the more pain, and sadness we go through, and as we experience, we grow in maturity. But, can't we grow up happily? What is making us feel so unhappy? The growing responsibilities that we have, or the greed that arises within us?

We yearn for better things in life to make us enjoy them, but in the process of getting all these, are we losing out on something? When we are still young studying in school, we fret over failures in exams, and we feel that studies is so so so difficult, and would rather come out earning money. When we grow up, we hope so so so much that we can lead the lives of a kid again. How I envy my nephew and my students...

As we grow up further, we get bothered about relationships, between our parents, between boy/girl friends, and friends around us. We blame our parents for not understanding us, but did we understand them in the 1st place? We blame him or her not caring enough for us, but did we give out as much as they did? We blame our friends for not treating us as important, but are they in our priority in the 1st place? Then, we go through breakups, go through quarrels with our parents, go through fights and power struggles with our friends, and make ourselves so unhappy. Why can't life be simple?

And then, when you grow up even more, to step into the society of work, you finally feel so excited being able to step into society to earn your 1st bag of gold. But to your great disappointment, you find that it is nothing but a scam. You work your life off, always trying to meet deadlines, and then you have less time for people who care for you, and have less time for YOURSELF.. Then you start to worry about 1001 things around you, your financial status, your family, your job, your students, and many more. Yet, at the same time, people around you also start worrying about you when you do not get yourself attached to a girlfriend or boyfriend.

We see lesser smiles, and even if we see, it is either a tired or weak smile, or a fake smile, especially in a metropolitan city like Singapore.. You seldom see warm and sincere smiles anymore. So, why can't life be simple?

I like to go to Cambodia, and South East Asian countries, where people lead a more simple life.. I see smiles and laughters, i see people who are very simple, and not scheming, I see people leading carefree lives... Can I be like them soon?

As I look on, I realize that these are inevitable, and of course, I do realize that some things in life are more appreciated after you visit other countries, after you see people who do not have the same privileges as you do, you feel that you are still more fortunate though not as happy. Hence I can conclude that as your quality of life increases, your unhappiness grows too, yet as your age grows, if you can still maintain a simple lifestyle, then you might feel happier this way. Of course, your outlook in life is still very important. If money is very important to you, then happiness probably would not be a permanent word in your life, unless you have countless money.

To my students, I am actually very happy when I am able to see all of you in class everyday, but the little insensible things that you do hurts me, like fighting in class, skipping school, scolding vulgarities, and not doing the work you should have done, makes me upset. I do hope that with you guys around, you can try to make me happier, by being really good kids.. especially 2F... You know who you are.. Love you all.. Let's make life simpler, shall we?

Enough blabbering.. let's take a look at 2 photos of my nephew.

Back from Holidays.

2009-06-21T22:27:00.002+08:00

Yeah, finally back from my 10 day holiday. Has been a fruitful holiday, covering Sydney, Goldcoast, Adelaide and Perth. Altogether, we took 5 flights and I clocked almost 900 km in driving, where the speed went up to almost 200km/h.. Haha, the feeling of driving a vehicle almost like a sports car, can really drive your adrenaline up, especially when you get to speed alongside a merz.. hahaha. Okie, bad example, no speeding in Singapore.. Luckily Chuyue is not around, if not, we would never have reached our destination on time.. hehe..

Now, together with my 4 other companions, Bro CJ and Suanhui, Sis Jiayin and Duck, we embarked on a trip that really got us high, and there were many memorable moments, including those where we took so many jump shots! Nothing speaks better than photos, and look at my facebook and you would have realized the amount of fun that we had.. Home-cooked meals, eating out in the cold in front of bypassing Angmohs, singing KTV, POSING for photos, adrenaline rides on the Superman Ride, Speeding, SPA, and of course, TABLE TENNIS after SPA!

Oh man, how cooling the weather was, winter time in Australia, oh my, to think we were supposed to drive all the way up to Melbourne, and go ski-ing there, but eventually cos of the stupid virus, we had to change our itinerary, but we got a surprise there, which happened to be the only 'high-class' apartment that we stayed in. Oh my, AUSTRALIA is really expensive lar! but the seafood was cheap and good.. That was the only good thing! Bought chocolates for my students, and burnt a hole in my pocket..

Oh oh, holidays ending soon, and new stuff coming up.. So many things breathing down my neck and I don't know if I can handle it well man, especially the Cambodia trip, seems like the virus is hindling my advancement.. hmm.. shall see how I can handle it.. Oh how i yearn for the next holiday to come, haha, but before that, I shall strive forward to getting my students to work harder and also to help them achieve better results!

Ok, there is another thing tingling in my heart for a long time.. During my trip, I begin to miss people, students, family, and her.. Uncertainties start to arise when my thoughts start running wild, but nevertheless, these are all what I have anticipated. The feeling of being lost, being so uncertain of myself, has not been there for quite some time, and now it has returned to haunt me.. It always happens after my trip overseas, but this time round, it doesn't occur because of the trip, but because of a person. Hmm, seems like I have to re-evaluate my ability to handle this feeling of lost.. Looking through her photos, make me feel ____..shall not elaborate.. Her smile, still as captivating as ever. One thing I know for sure, is time will not close up this feeling of lost, but hopefully work will. I think I will be drowned by work, before I know how I feel, in at least the next 1 month.

Well, these few days, some bad news, H1N1 getting worse by the day in Singapore, and school may be closed and E-learning might be activated. I booked 2 times for my class chalet, and both times, they have to shut down for quaratining purposes. So upsetting and disappointing for my dear students. So, in view of the fact that there are already 2 secondary school students who got the virus while attending some social functions, I decided to book just a BBQ for the students, and having just one day of fun, at West Coast park.. nearer, and lesser people, hence lesser risk! Hope my students will understand my difficulties. We shall have the chalet in November ok?

To my 2F Class

2009-04-26T19:40:00.004+08:00

Well, this happened a few days ago, and I only have time now to blog about it. Around 10 of you actually tried to escape lesson, by going to hide in the toilet. I was shocked when I saw the few of you at detention area when I went down to do my stuff. Really caught me off-guard. I asked some of you what happened and you seemed ashamed to see me there. Though I found out the roots of the problem, it seems that it is a problem that would take time before it can be solved.

Though you were at fault, and I am very against your irresponsible actions, yet I do not think that it should be totally your fault. I will try to let your voices be heard and see if things can be changed further.

But nevertheless, you are all grown ups, and should be responsible for all your actions. Imagine this, if you should choose to beat someone up, then you have to bear the consequences when he is badly injured, or you may be hurt in the process too. The Indian Rojak uncle, though was not around when the poisoning incident happened, yet he had to take up the responsibility to face the charges, as he is the owner. Just like, when I am your form teacher, and you act in this manner, I take it that I am not good enough, because I have failed to discipline all of you. I look forward to our class chalet, and I take this chance to urge all of you not to misbehave again, if not, I would have to seriously consider putting in so much efforts for all of you.

All of you are my beloved students, and I treat you like my little brothers and sisters, so I will feel upset if you all misbehave.. Pls take this chance to reflect upon your actions. I know it may be just a moment of spur that you acted in this manner, a moment of mischievous, but now this moment is gone, I hope that you will be able to be the bestest 2F which all teachers praise again.

My challenge to you: Can you do it, 2F? Tag and let me know. Thanks

Signed off: 10.22pm April 26 09

Planned trips for 2009

2009-04-11T18:40:00.004+08:00

If nothing goes wrong, I should be going to Australia and Bangkok this June Holidays. And my Aussie itinerary is as follows: Singapore - Perth - Sydney, Drive up to Melbourne and Adelaide, and then fly back to Perth - SG. All in all, it will take around 10 days. Sounds a bit rush, but I already have a crew of planners planning the accomodation and places to visit. A strong plan shall suffice in the cold winter in Australia. Just to let you guys drool a little, I will be skiing at Hotham, an outskirt town near Melbourne. Yes, Skiing.. haha.. In fact, this may yet be the 2nd time in my life that I am seeing snow~! The 1st was in India, up high in the mountains of Sikkim.

But of course Australia would be shortly after my 5th Bangkok trip. This would be the 2nd trip with my Secondary school friends! The 1st was also to Bangkok, and that dated back to 2003! My god, how time flies. So treasure your secondary school friends, people..

Well, it is time to take a break man.. But much more coming up! I should be bound for Cambodia for a 15 day project, if nothing goes wrong, but it is only open to the Sec 3 students, and I will be taking only a maximum of 20 students over.. Not my 1st Youth Expedition Project (YEP), but still excited at the thought of embarking on a life changing trip, not for me of course, but who knows.. We are all learning in any phase in life. So, Siem Reap and Phomn Penn, here I come again, 6th time and counting.. So anyone who needs an itinerary for a short break in these countries, feel free to come to me, and I can try to get you good deals for a great itinerary.

Travelling makes you look forward to completing all your work.. A real good destressing agent.. haha..

A touching Link (Pls Click and View)

2009-04-11T13:13:00.002+08:00

Mr Tan posted this link for all teachers to view, and I thought that it was quite a touching story, so I re-posted here on my blog. Do click on it and view it. Can post your comments or thoughts here after you have watched?

Make a difference. Take the 1st step to make a difference to someone else's life..

http://www.stservicemovie.com/land.html

你是个注重外表的人吗？

2009-04-11T01:16:00.002+08:00

大家好，耶稣受难节快乐！奇怪，为什么别人在受难，我们应该感到快乐呢？哈哈。今天心血来潮，结果约了我的好兄弟出来聊天，那我就想顺便一起看戏。又那么巧，我妹妹的男朋友下午建议我去看看这部新片，片名是《丑男大变身》，英文名是"Handsome Suit"。我觉得这不日本片是近两个月来我看过最发人深省的影片。这部片子和另一部韩国片，《200磅美女》有些类似，但是这次的题材是以男性为主。

在这个金钱挂帅的社会里，在这个物质享受（materialistic)充斥着的社会里，究竟我们是不是越来越注重自己或别人的外表，而忽略了更重要的内在美呢？不错，帅哥与美女都是每个人都想成为的一个梦想，有谁不想别人夸自己是个英俊潇洒的帅哥，或是个貌美如花的美女？杂志封面上的歌手，电影里的明星，走在时尚尖端、天桥云裳上的模特儿们，有哪一个不是帅哥、美女呢？但，事实上，在人们美丽的外壳下，究竟有几个是心灵与外貌一样美丽呢？

人，如果长得丑，还可以去做人工整形手术，来让自己变得漂亮，但如果人的心肠丑陋，又应该如何掩饰呢？

其实，我觉得现今社会为什么会有这么多的情侣办离婚，多是因为认识时间短，又注重对方的外表，因而没有更深入地去了解对方心里深处的想法，导致最后结婚了才发现彼此不适合，闹得不欢而散，以离婚收场。学校里，我看到一些男生，看到了漂亮的女生，便想展开追求，但其实身边还有许多样貌平平，却心地善良的女生。何必为了一朵鲜花，而放弃整片森林呢？

记住，钻石在变成钻石之前，只是一块普通的矿石。它需要工匠的细心雕刻，慢慢把它的优点呈现给世人欣赏。人也是一样，不论男生或女生，你可能长得很平凡，但只要你能找到欣赏你的优点的人，那么，你就是世界上最幸福的人。

《丑男大变身》是我非常推荐大家去观赏的一部戏，除了发人深省外，它的搞笑桥段也能令人捧腹大笑，放松心情，所以不妨去看看。如果你深深的去体会这部戏，就能发现以上的观点都深深在电影中呈现出来。如果你觉得不好，可以来发表一下意见。找个朋友一起去看这部戏吧！

写给我的3D班的一封信！

2009-04-07T23:17:00.006+08:00

今天，你们给了我一份惊喜，可能对你们来说，并不那么明显，但我却相当高兴。你们今天非常乖，竟然那么专注地在做公函，也没有交头接耳在讲话，就是那么地认真，那么地安静，就像在考场内。当然，你们平时在班上也是最听话的一群，所以教你们对我来说，是一种享受。在此，我要说：“谢谢你们”。

在我的心目中，除了一位不争气的同学外，你们全都是最棒的，而我也知道你们一定都可以取得你们心目中的A1A2，但，不知怎么的，可能你们还没有适应中三紧凑的步伐，又可能功课真的是太多了，我觉得你们还是没有办法发挥到我的要求。这让我质疑我自己，是不是对你们不够严厉，因为我不希望让你们失望。你们是我第一批中三的学生，所以对你们的期望与要求都相对提高了。

我希望大家都能像今天那么专注地对待你们的作文，实用文，理解问答，及每一份功课，因为我们只有一年的时间，就要面对恐怖的会考了。哎呀，其实也没那么恐怖啦！只要你们肯去背一些好词好句，慢慢累积你们的词库，绝对能够达到目标的。美琪在她的博客中提到，人因梦想而伟大，我真的希望你们能够加油一点，下多一点努力，用功一点，朝向我们的A1 梦想前进！

我刚去看了大家的博客，只有几位学生有持续上载照片，坚持不懈地更新博客，这真令人心痛。我原本以为大家与我的想法一样，能通过写博客来减少错别字，来加强华文水平，谁知道，一些男生竟然在博客上埋怨说是被强迫做的，有的还写了一些无厘头的东西，真是令人难过。女生们，都做得还不错，但一定要持之以恒！

3D，你们是聪明的一群，但你们也得记住，只有勤奋与懒惰的人，没有聪明与笨蛋之分！所谓“一份耕耘，一份收获”，你们能不能成功，就掌握在你们手中！加油吧！

李老师上
12am

Cheer Chen Concert (3Cs)

2009-04-05T23:28:00.004+08:00

Well, I went to her concert yesterday, 4th of April 2009, and it was one of the best concert I have attended, though the turnout was not that great.. I got a free ticket from Jeff, tks bro.. haha..Wanted to buy even until the last minute when they had got a 15% discount for full time students! haha.. Wanted to get someone to buy for me, but thought the tickets were still too expensive, luckily I am a lucky man! haha..

Super happy, and the atmosphere was great.. 5 encores..and she appeared so near us, but too bad my stupid battery had to go out at that time.. Angry..To me, she has one of the best voices around, and why she is my favourite female singer, other than her mesmerizing voice, she is super talented.. From composing, to singing, to musical instruments, she is well versed in all, just like a 3 in 1 singing talent.. She can rock, and she can soothe your heart with her voice.. Try and listen to her songs in the playlist and you will know, especially on a quiet night, void of any other noise. In any other concerts, you seldom get that kind of silence, as you sit there listening intently to her voice.. When she rocks, the crowd rocks together.. She holds her concerts every 2 years..and I will be waiting to see her again!

最美丽的第七天。。

2009-03-31T22:17:00.003+08:00

《最美丽的第七天》终于来到尾声了，今天大结局播映后，我终于知道为什么它的名字叫“最美丽的第七天”。这部剧集穿插着两条不同的故事线，由4位男女主角演绎着爱情的悲喜交错，以及浓缩了生命中所可能发生的人生故事。其中有一些感人的部分，但我比较喜欢的是主角们真挚的表情，与动人的演出。新加坡剧集是无法相提并论的。

以下是解说：

上帝創造了天地萬物,

做了七天的時間。

它將最美麗的事物，

都放在世人的面前，

所以人生在世，

無論你經歷過什麼，

只要你懂得珍惜，

一切都可以是最美麗的。

记住以上的这句话，人生其实可以是最美丽的，只要你不放弃，懂得珍惜自己，珍惜生命，一切都将完美。

Getting a new toy

2009-03-30T17:46:00.002+08:00

Well, I received a piece of news today, which was supposedly to be a good piece of news, but I was in a daze, and did not really respond to it. I am due for promotion in October to the next scale, but apparently, I did not feel a tinge of excitement, as more work load seem to be coming my way, and I have other things to worry about.. But then I guess it calls for a celebration after all.. Hmm.. ok, I just rewarded myself with some biscuits in office, trying to do some work, and got soo bored, and decided to come post a piece of my mind.

I would be getting my toy this saturday. A red one, and an expensive one. It was not an easy decision, and in fact, this decision has added on to my misery over the past weekend. Ok, it was partially my fault, that I did not discuss with them, before making the decision to get this toy. But, it was also because I knew their response, so decided to go on, before telling them. I knew that if I had told them beforehand, the deal would have fell through. Anyway, I had not much time then to inform them about my decision, since it had to be decided on the spot. So, I only hope that my parents can understand the fact that I can make my own decisions, and that they can respect my decision made. People tend to view others negatively in society, so why can't we take on a more positive view on others and encourage them, instead of just splashing cold water at them?

Some decisions take only a while to make, while other decisions take some time to realize, what makes them different, is the person making it. When you make a wise decision, others applaud your choice, when you make a bad one, they scold or jeer at you. BUT, some decisions take time to realize if it is a wise one, are you the one who is willing to stay and wait for the outcome, or are you the one who discourages at the beginning? If people made bad decisions, they have to learn from it, since life is like a box of chocolates, and you will not know until you open it. So learn and live fruitfully!

Relationships.. Love is Blind, or not?

2009-03-26T23:49:00.011+08:00

Hmm this is probably be a long post, cos I have got to dedicate this post to my bro (not my real sibling), and her. This has probably one of those things that have been on my mind and I have been wanting to blog about it, yar so.. here it comes..

This is dedicated to you, bro. I am going to talk about my bro's relationship. We met in Project Angel 8 and have since been great friends, and even went on to lead Project Angel 10. Now my bro got to know this gal and fell in love with her.. They have been through much pains before they were finally together, but with my bro bearing more of the pain. Why was this so? Cos love is blind, and I applaud what he has shown me: That, love is also unconditional and not wanting to ask for anything in return. Apparently, his gf have had another bf before him, whom she has loved very much, and she still could not forget this guy. Hence for most of the time, she has been comparing my bro and some guys with her ex bf. After around a year of courtship, they were finally together, and during these period of times, I have heard him say how much he has to devote to pacify and give in to his gf, and I am really proud of him. Such man are rare. Yet this relationship has not been that smooth sailing. Of course they have had their quarrels, and their memorable times, but it seems like it is on his part that he is trying to maintain this relationship, and as much as he wants the relationship to bear fruits, he cannot force it to happen overnight. Like what people says, it takes time to heal. Sometimes, he tells me that he has found it hard to accept the fact that they may break up one day, but he does not mind, and is willing to hold on to it with faith and dedication, cos LOVE NEED NOT BE RECIPROCATED, or love is blind again.

That is why I have a belief, a firm belief that in 90% of breakups/divorces, guys are the ones who initiate it, or are in the wrong. That is because I have heard so many stories from my female friends around me, and most of them have shown evidences that men are the real culprits of breakups, that I tell myself, I must be one of the 10%, whom even if we were to break up, then it must not be something that I have done to hurt her, and she would be initiating it. I find that responsibility is very important in a relationship...

I think I can write a story book on how my female friends have suffered.. Let me recall some of them: Jac, GL, Lay, Jy and many many more..

Finally, this is dedicated to her. Well, I have always thought that what happened to my bro will not happen to me, but funnily enough, heaven always has a way to make fun of you. Recently, I got to know someone, and to me, she is really special, in her own way. Some may find her irritating, or even too noisy, but I realized that after so many years of searching, I thought that I have finally found someone that I can proudly say that I love, but then, sometimes, by a stroke of fate, it so happened that she also had an ex-boyfriend whom she still deeply loves. I do not know if they will ever have another chance of getting together again, because if she does, I will be happy for her, and hopes that this guy do not break her heart again. I think there might not be a possibility of them getting together again, but if she still has someone in her heart, then when will this car drive out of her garage? I do not have an answer, neither does she.

I asked another friend today for advice. She has been with this guy for around 7 years, and cos they have been apart for quite some time, they have drifted apart, and she couldn't really let go, when she had to end this 7 year relationship, due to the bf's change of heart. Though they are stil friends who still meet up, but it took her around 2 years to put down this burden, and to accept another guy, coincidentally, by the same name. She told me that at the end of the day, it is just "执着", or stubborness... That was her 1st boyfriend. She said that love wounds take time to heal, and being the 1st boyfriend has also made it more difficult to let it go just like this. She said that if she has learnt to let it go earlier, it would have been better for her. Now she is happily dating this guy, and they are quite compatible..

So, I ask myself, how much time am I willing to let her heal her wounds.. How would she be able to put down the past, and say that it is time to move on in life? I find it a pity that I can't be that 1st person who occupies her heart, and I know that there will always be that small space in her heart dedicated to this man who have hurt her before. But, I do not know if I would be given a chance to even try to move into her heart. A lost love is irreplaceable, especially when it has been so 刻骨铭心, but if she doesn't let go, then I can only be parking outside her house... Well, I can wait, but I do not have much time, cos of circumstances. Whenever I think of it, I find it hard to breathe..and it seems like there is something nudging my heart.. Hope this feeling passes soon.

I just need a chance.. Will I get a chance? hmm..

I watched a movie with 2 Sec 4 male students yesterday, and I found out that one of them was in love. (Just happened that I saw them there and decided to catch a movie) I congratulated him, and asked him to continue to work hard in his studies. I also told him that I was rejected, and he actually used a chinese idiom to encourage me not to give up, and for that, I thank him. I also offered him an advice, asking him not to treat a relationship as a game, and that he must not be the guy who breaks her heart..

I guess I have written too long, far too long.. 4am in the morn..Love is blind, isn't it? Bro, I will do what is needed, and hopefully, both of us can succeed in getting our halves..

Just an update: I participated in a bowling competition today, and it was a great bowl, 2 games, I got 173, and 211.. and got the best bowler award.. Soo happy.. but, if she was there... Good Night.

Reflections from Class Chalet

2009-03-19T01:59:00.003+08:00

Arh, just brought my dear 2F to Aloha Changi to enjoy for a class chalet. Have been with this class since last year July..Now I believe that out of so many classes in Sec 2, my class is one of the best class, and I have no doubt about that. I have heard of notorious express classes, and also irresponsible form teachers.. And I do remember that the most memorable memory that is still deeply etched in me, would come from all those class outings and class chalets, hence I truly believe in unity through activities like class chalets..

Throughout this 2 days 1 night stay, I realized a few things about my class:

1. They like to form cliques, and it will be difficult to break them up to cooperate together. But when there are mass activities, they will still come together..

2. My Malay kids are more sensible than the Chinese Kids, through several observations..They would automatically clear up the rubbish, sms me to let me know that they want to thank me for this outing, and volunteer themselves at times. My Chinese Kids will give me a very unwilling face, whenever I get them to do things, and this upsets me to see that they do not know what it means by personal respoinsibility.

3. Boys are generally less lovely as girls, in terms of their behaviour and acts, but I still love them all.

4. They love BBQ, but I did not have the time to arrange for them..Sorry for that, will keep that in mind.

5. They are self initiated to bring their own games and stuff as long as it can satisfy their gaming needs.

6. They are generally rich nowadays, and many bring along their PSPs.

7. They can be well disciplined kids, and I hope that they can unite more as a class.

8. They have an appetite bigger than a lion, especially the guys.

Now, organising this chalet was not easy, and a pity that some of the gals could not join due to girl guides camp, and during the holidays, there will surely be clashes with remedials and school CCA camps, so luckily the turnout was good, with around 36 of us there. Coordinating and bringing them there proved to be a challenge, as we took the public transport, but I am glad that all went well. We went to the beach and had a great time there, playing soccer, cycling, playing in the sea, and taking photos. I think we should have a games IC to coordinate the games.. Then we went to have lunch at the Changi Village Hawker centre, and some of them were sun burnt, so all of us looked red and dark when we reached the chalet eventually. After check in, they proceeded to play their games, bathe, and I was doing meetings with some of my students, and time passed quickly. Then, we had pizza as dinner, but things did not turn out as well, as some of them did not get to eat enough and went hungry. So in the end, they had to order Mac, and I went to get some cup noodles and stuff for them. We had some fun playing the card game 99, through the night, and then, I really couldn't take it as we all collapsed for the night.. but some of them were still as active as ever.. Kids are still kids.. haha.. Eventually, we woke up the next morning, cleaned up, asked for their feedbacks, and checked out of the chalet, only to find that one of the knives were missing, and we had to pay for them.

I got some detailed feedbacks from the gals, but it was so obvious that some of the guys were trying to "entertain" me, when they only wrote 1-2 simple words, and 1 even needed to copy from his friend. Just so disappointing when you try to put in effort to get the best for them, yet they do not appreciate your efforts. I do hope to book at least 3 days 2 nights for the next chalet, and hopefully everyone can turn up for that, and more activities will be planned for that..

If and only if, they can show me that they deserve to have the next chalet out! What do you think, 2F? Do you think you can show me better results and behaviour in term 2? I believe in you, but do you believe in yourself?

Pictures are available in Facebook, can someone create a 2F facebook account, and I can share the photos.. Tks.

Part 1:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85687&id=608870951&saved#/album.php?aid=85685&id=608870951

Part 2:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85687&id=608870951&saved#/album.php?aid=85686&id=608870951

2009 年伟源中学博客比赛

2009-03-12T23:39:00.006+08:00

2009年伟源中学博客比赛

一年一度的校内博客比赛（Blog Competition）又来了。在这个新的一年里，我们希望看到各位同学展现出一些新的作品、新的创意。以下是比赛的资料与详情。

比赛的宗旨：

1。学生们能够通过网上写作提高语文能力。
2。学生学习运用汉语拼音来打字，以加强运用电脑科技技术。
3。学生能够分享各自的心情、生活点滴，利用轻松有趣的方法学习。

比赛规则：
1．比赛开放给中一至中三学生，每一班参加人数不限。
2．每位学生必须把网址于3月13日之前，呈交给老师。
3．这次的主题是“学校生活”，学生可以写关于他的同学、课外活动、考试、班上状况，也可以写校外与同学的聚会、班上聚会等。
4．学生必须在每个星期上载一篇不少于200字的作品，字数没有上限。
5．学生可以上载图片、录像、每周笑话、歌曲、播客（Podcast）等有趣的元素，这些额外的元素将可让你加分！
6．博客设计必须美观，分数将计算于评分标准中。
7．博客、播客等只能以华语来进行创作，不能用英语。
8．若能坚持博客内的字句没有错别字，将能提高获奖机会。
9．博客中不可有侮辱性文字、或涉及宗教信仰、色情等言论。

比赛开始日期：2009年3月13日
比赛截止日期：2009年6月假期结束。但非常鼓励学生们继续在博客上进行创作，因此没有截止日期。

比赛奖品：高达$100元的奖金，及额外奖品。（但会设以下奖项）
冠军、亚军、季军、安慰奖，最佳单篇创作（Best Single Entry)、最佳封面设计。

以下是老师去年买来奖励学生的Crumpler 书包。其中，我会拿两个出来当成首二名的奖品。全都是新的哦！第一与第二名可以从四个当中各选一个！

还有丰富的安慰奖：

期待看到各位的作品哦！

乱

2009-03-12T22:29:00.002+08:00

乱，这个字，听起来就让人觉得很烦，要解释这个字也并非这么容易。我这个人嘛，有个坏习惯，就是不会保持整齐。尽管我很喜欢整洁，但要在这么一大堆的工作压力下，维持乱中有序的情况，实在是不容易。所以，不只是我的桌子乱，有时又弄得我的心很乱，然后就会发脾气。但，在这一片忙乱中，我其实蛮佩服自己那种临危不乱的处事态度。

乱，这个字，是我经常会表现出来的一种形态。我会不照规矩做事，也就是乱做，但每次都会有意想不到的结果。我喜欢乱讲，所以能够逗人笑，但也因为这张口而让人难受，因为我喜欢乱‘酸’人。我的穿着有时也有些乱，因为我不注重打扮。我更喜欢乱吃东西，不论是中西和并，马来、印度等，我都不会拒绝。但是，你知道我最乱的是什麽吗？那就是，我的字体。你只要问我的老师，他们会说：“如果你的字写的美一些，可能就会拿A1了！”如果你问我的学生，他们会说：“老师，你的字体怎么歪一边呢？” 气死我了！！

乱，这个字，与我的生活息息相关。但乱并不完全是件坏事，因为我虽乱，但绝对不会把事情搞乱。哈哈，可能是迟早的事吧！好了，真是“乱”写一通。就此搁笔！

Once in a long time...

2009-02-28T13:26:00.003+08:00

Before I start, the videos above were taken while in Vietnam last December. I believe I have described the trip in one of my posts below. So for more information, feel free to read it.

Well, it has been a month since I last posted something..Just went for a course for the past 3 days, and it was quite a good break from normal routine in school where you have to face the piles of work everyday. But I actually marked 4 classes of exam scripts within the 2 and half day. It seems like teaching is a 24/7 job, never really able to take a break until the 1 month school holidays at the end of year, and even then, you have to prepare for the next year..And you have to face your students and make sure they return home more fulfilling than before with more knowledge. Frankly speaking, I love my form class.. Ladies, forever so obedient, but lately proving to pose some challenging problems to me and it really requires some cracking of brains to solve this episode; and Gentlemen, still acting like boys, sometimes unable to contain their anger, noise and laughters, but I believe it will be soon, before they transform into real men. But deep down in my heart, I hope that they will grow up to be great kids, and not the young tyrants in the upper sec classes, always full of vulgarities and can't control their emotions when dealing with matters.. Academics is important, but knowing how to act like a person is more important. 有句话说：“做人难，做好人更难。” How true.. How many of us actually knows how to act like a person, how to care for others.. I am trying, but not even halfway there.. More self reflection to do..

Now, recently I seem to have met someone whom I feel comfortable talking to.. But.. let's see how it goes.. Watched a few movies for the past 2 weeks.. Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionaire and He is just not that into you..Going to catch Marley and me later..

Of these movies, Slumdog left the deepest impression on me. Not only in the movies, but the after effects left me wondering how many people in this world are suffering while I am typing this. For those who watched the Oscars, this movie was the biggest winner of all, bagging 8 awards and made the director a famous man overnight. As for the kids who acted in the movie, this was the 1st time they have ever stepped out of their country, and probably the only time in their lives to ever step out into a world full of strangers and temptation. Slumdogs, a term used to describe people living in slums, and living a life of poverty where issues of survival, food, hygiene are the daily problems where people has to fight against.. Although the setting of Mumbai at the beginning of the movie seemed to have taken place in more than 10 years ago, but did you ever thought of where this setting is being taken? Did you think that the director re-enacted these scenes of poverty again? Of course not! They are real and alive in our modern society now somewhere in the poorest regions around the world.

We are very fortunate to be living in Singapore, but daily, often than not, people complain about how badly they are treated in school, at their workplace, how food at the canteen sucks, how little they are paid, how they do not have aircon at home, how much homework they are given every day. Now below are some facts:

1. 97% of the world's population are poor, and only 3% are rich people.
2. 3% of the world's population own 97% of the world's wealth, so if you are aiming of becoming the 3%, good luck to you.
3. More than 70% of the world's population is living in poverty, and by that, I mean that they do not have food, shelter, clean drinking water, or daily basic necessities.
4. Education is not one of the concerns or options in these countries, because the people can't even survive the next day, why do they need knowledge? Hence these people are always exploited by the rich.
5. By definition of poor, these people do not earn more than USD$1 per day. If you have S$1.50 to spend each day, that is the amount needed to feed one family of up to 8 people per day.

Now, the list is going to be exhaustive, if I continue to write on.. Of course, what I can do, is to try to educate my students the right values, but whether it will be just a 3 minute thing, it still depends on a learning journey to a country where they can truly see for themselves what is happening there..I also learnt through these trips.. Cambodia is almost my 2nd home now.. but I still think I am not doing enough.. So maybe more people can start to stop complaining and step out to help people elsewhere, locally or overseas.. Someone asked me this question before: " There are also people who are poor in Singapore, why do you want to volunteer overseas?" To which I have no reply, probably I will start to commit my energy to help locally more..

Next, Benjamin Button is a show quite unusual and I like the way how age evolves from the opposite end of life. Life is such a funny and remarkable thing. I shall not go on talking about it. Nice show, try to catch it..

Some things bothering me these days, would of course be PA 11, and the management of the project.. These questions still linger in my heart, and I truly hope that the project will be a success and not fail the expectations of past leaders, who have hoped for a continuity in these projects...

What a long post.. I shall take a break.. Will be back for more soon..

1st Post in 2009, Happy Chinese Niu Year

2009-01-26T22:18:00.003+08:00

So finally it is 2009, and sooner than said, Chinese New Year is here. Well, finally after a busy start for the year, I can finally take a short break of about 2 days to really think of how to continue this busy schedule in my life. I think everyone faces stress in life, and it is never easy to balance between work, stress and enjoying life. When people say "Work Hard, Play Hard", it is actually something easier said than done.

During this past month, I saw diligence in some of my students when we put up the posters, classroom Chinese New Year decorations, and painting together. I enjoyed doing these, but I did not get to see the whole class in action, which was something regretful. Unity in a class is not an easy task, and as much as I hope to make them work with more effort, I do realize that individual effort from the teacher is not enough to push a whole bunch of 42 students. I hope that they will be able to understand more, and work with more love together. Special thanks to Xinni, Pecky, Eugene, some of the gals, and the 4 handsome 'hunks' for preparing the food for the class party. I really hope we can work like a big family for 2009 and progress together.

During the past few days, I have had some feelings which I felt like sharing. I was at Sheng Shiong supermarket the other day and I saw a very disturbing scene. I heard cursings coming from a plump lady, and she was swearing in Hokkien with all her might, that stopped many shoppers to take a look out of curiosity. Imagine the crowdedness of the place during CNY eve, and so many children around, and there you see this foul-mouthed lady cursing a young man and his family who is around, just because he has accidentally bumped into her and forgot to say sorry. What has happened to our gracious society? Maybe it is just a small part of our society, but does it reflect also that whatever our young children are doing, they actually follow the footsteps or copy their parents' manners and behaviour?

Few days ago, a meaningful email was sent out. It says that as teachers, we should "walk the talk", meaning that we do not just say on mouth, but we must follow up with our actions. I agree with that, and hope that I have not passed any bad habits or behaviour to my students.. Haha..

Then I watched the movie "幸福万岁", and I must say that Jack Neo's movies are really getting more educational. As compared to his last production "钱不够用2" , I find that this production pales in comparison, but he doesn't fail to amuse his audience with the tinge of sarcasm well blended with humour. In fact, it brought out some of the things that is so real in society. The essence of this movie would be in summary "Is love = Sex ?"

Revolving around 3 main male leads, this show brings out the psychological and sexual aspects of all men and women. It is so real that while I was watching it, it dawned on me that whatever is happening in the show, is what young teenagers are doing to their friends nowadays, taking videos and putting them on youtube, unaware of the dangers, consequences and effects that it will bring upon those affected. While others are laughing away at some of the scenes elsewhere, I could not stop to think how useful it would be if I can show the movie to my students. This movie is classified NC16, and if not for part of its content, I am sure it would be a very educational movie for the students. At least they can understand how self taken videos can be harmful at times. Well, like most movies, this has a happy ending, and of course, it has set me thinking about the power of media and how it has affected this new generation of young people.

I strongly believe that the power of media is so great that all of us in Singapore should work towards the well being of our young generation by inculcating the right values to them, especially the media. Sloppy and slipshod scripts with scenes which portrays sex and violence has been some of the centre of attraction of some serial dramas, and this kind of irresponsible productions have deeply affected the behaviour of many others and they are copying what is shown on TV. I do believe that responsible script writing should not only focus on getting their audiences, but they should focus on how to spread the right values through their shows. That is also one reason that I loaf watching local drama serials. Hopefully things get better.

Well, 2009 is a very very very busy year for me. Other than my normal school workload, i would also need to handle students' assignments, committee stuff, Department stuff, and ..... So I hope that all will go well, I can have more time to plan my lessons, to teach better, and students will hand in their quality assignments on time, and I can probably not be so lonely anymore. Haha.. Well, these are my 2009 resolutions, and hopefully it gets done by the end of the year! Yay..

Form Teacher of 2F

2008-12-29T23:05:00.002+08:00

Well, I am back from holidays! Finally.. But I am still in Holiday mood.. Can't seem to gear back into school mood.. But then, I think it is a matter of time, before I go full gear back into school mode..Anyway, I got my most wanted position, Form teacher of 2F. Having spent around 3/4 of a year with them, I must say that they have brought me more joy and laughter, than anger, and with addition of 4 new members, 3 of whom from my previous class, I hope that 2F will become the most vibrant class in the whole Sec 2s.

Sec 2 is an age where you start to think you are a grown up, and start turning rebellious.. I only hope to do my best to gel my class and make them achieve what they are made of. I can identify a gem when I see one, and I can see that Laziness is the only thing that is stopping them from progressing..Let us fight the lazy bug together, 2F, and strive to a good 2009. Deal or no Deal?

Nha Trang.. Mui Ne Tmr

2008-12-07T00:05:00.004+08:00

Now in Nha Trang, staying in a 6USD guesthouse.. Not too bad, with aircon, cable TV, and internet. haha.. Great bargain, but took us around half an hour walking around before we got to find this lobang. Anyway, we went to the long awaited MUD BATH, and it was really great hot stuff. Only one in Vietnam.. haha.. None in Singapore.. Spent around 4 hours there, doing mud therapy and natural spring water bath.. woohoo.. And how did I get there? By motorbike, which I rented for around 4 Sing Dollars.. haha.. Britmand was on my pillion, and it was really scary on the busy vietnam roads.. We passed by this accident scene where 2 bikes collided and were damaged quite badly.. But I am a lucky man.. haha.. Without license, riding on the road.. haha... Just learnt once and rode twice in Cambodia.. If my dad was to know about it, I would never be able to go travel again.. hahaha..

Ok, watching Liverpool vs Blackburn right now, and still 0 -0.. Well, should I stay up for the Man Utd match? Maybe.. Ok, time to let my guest house hosts sleep liao.. Nights..

Oh yar, wait, I am going to see Sand dunes in Mui Ne tomorrow! A sunrise tour, must be a great place, cos I saw many pictures from my friend's previous trips.. I shall take more.. haha.. Anyway, the photos are available at my Flickr account.. only 1/4 or lesser.. Anyway, I really did a lot of shopping, and Brit said that I was more of a tourist than a traveller.. Well.. I am both.. Spend when you need too, and I enjoy the bargaining process.. hehe.. Returning with all my stuff soon.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13243680@N02/

11.10pm 6th Dec 2008 Nha Trang

A week done in Vietnam (Impression)

2008-12-04T08:48:00.005+08:00

Ah, Now, the time is 8am (9am in Singapore), and I am going to move off to Hoi an soon, trying to post an entry, as it has been quite barren for the past one week. I am feeling very revitalised now after a week of travel. Thankful that I have Britmand with me, and not travelling alone. Realized how many different things we have seen, how many different places we have visited and experienced, and how many people we have met along the way. Britons, French, Aussies, and what not.. Have seen quite a few Singaporeans, some as couples, and others with their families.

I do not know the reason, but I have tried to avoid conversation with them. People say that when you are overseas, you tend to want to meet your own countrymen, and share and talk about your experiences. But, it seems that I am a different breed. When I see Singaporeans, the only thing that I always notice that they do is: COMPLAIN. Well, not that I do not, but when you are out of the country travelling, you should be appreciating the culture, the place, and all the highlights of your trip, and not spend time complaining about the stuff around you.

I am staying at a hotel named, Impression Hotel,(Coincidentally) and I am sad to say that the impression that Singaporeans have given me, when they are abroad, has never been a pleasurable one. I have met some other familes from Aussie, Family of Richard and Helen, and we had a great time together playing cards and chatting about each others' culture. We are too "proud" of ourselves, and because we do not step out so often, we tend to compare and contrast all the other things that make us feel superior. This sense of superiority is something which I have been trying to change with, as well as to try to influence others to change, since my YEP trips 2 years ago.

Step out with a humble heart and you will be rewarded in due course. Share with others and you will realize the world is filled with kind people.

4th December, Hue (Vietnam), 8.15am

Appreciation

2008-11-20T01:29:00.002+08:00

How much do you appreciate what others did for you? How much do you show this appreciation? Sometimes it is easier said than done. Some will give gifts, plagues, certificates as a form of recognition and appreciation, while some are done through actions. Sometimes, it is just a simple act to show appreciation to the other person.

I would like to thank all who have shown me support and rendered help for the my beginning year in WSSS.. However so, I have had my fair share of being put down by some colleagues who do not understand the simple meaning of "appreciation". I do believe that no matter how much effort one has put into doing something, he or she must be given credit for what was being done. By not showing respect to what others have done, is not only only an insult to the person, but will also make the workplace a "political warzone" where people will treat each other with resentment. I always believe this motto since I joined NPCC about 14 years ago, and that is "One for all, and all for one." Since we are working under the same roof, why can't we discuss things amicably and appreciate what everyone has contributed, no matter how small the effort is? Actually, this does not only happen in the workplace.

At home, how often do you praise your mum or dad for their cooking? How often do you thank them for ironing your clothes, washing your clothes, and caring for you? I do not do it often, and am feeling guilty for that. But that doesn't mean I do not appreciate what was done for me.

Being appreciative is actually very simple. Just a "Thank you", "Oh, well done!" will suffice..But sad to say, there are very few who actually do that, and that is because they have taken things for granted since young, or they think that the world revolves around them. I get upset when people do not appreciate what I have done, and I feel encouraged when people give me recognition for what I have done. I accept criticisms openly if I have done something wrong. Though I may be stubborn to admit it at times, but deep down I know and will learn from these mistakes.

The nature of Human beings, as the type of Singaporean portrayed in " I Not Stupid", are stingy in paying compliments to those who have performed well. Hence, more often than not, kids do not feel motivated to do better, since they feel neglected no matter how well they have done. To me, if you have done what you deserve, and if I had promised to reward you, you will get what is deserved.

I attended a class outing yesterday from the "best" class in Sec 1, but I was disappointed at how I was treated in the end. I shall not elaborate the disappointment here, as I understand that there were some misgivings among the students before I came. That aside, I must still thank them for inviting me. At least, I am one of the 2 teachers whom they invited, and I am grateful for that. Thanks Edlyn for organising the event, Lixia and Jeslyn for inviting me and most of all, Jing Xuan, the only student who thanked me for gracing the event.

One more thing that I would like to add on for my students and I hope that they learn the art of appreciation and sacrificing. When I was younger (not that I am old), I used to be the organiser for almost everything, class gatherings, outings, birthday gifts, bbqs, KTV sessions, etc. And until today, though I have relinquished my role as an organiser for some of these activities, I still cherish the times when these outings were a success.. I do not regret organising, sending countless sms, looking for places to have a great dinner together, walk around shopping malls looking for a birthday gift and booking for chalets etc. All these have brought me great memories, and great friendships.

Friendship do not come easily, if you do not want to do the "dirty job", or go through all the hassles to organise an event, then don't force yourself to do do it, cos you will not only make yourself unhappy, but also your friends too. If you want to organise something, no matter how difficult it might be, do your best and have no regrets after doing it! And last but not least, PLS SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" FOR THE HARD WORK HE/SHE HAS PUT IN FOR ORGANISING AN OUTING.

Another Wedding..

2008-11-18T15:28:00.003+08:00

Cikgu (Teacher) Hayati got married last weekend. So happy for her. For that, I am going to send my greatest wishes for her through this poem that I saw during the last episode of "Golden Bride", a Korean Drama Serial that I thought was quite touching, speaking of a young Vietnamese Bride in search of a Korean Dad. Well, if you are free, go take a look. Here comes the Indiana wedding blessings:

In English:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for each other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, bu there is only one life before you.
Go now to you dwelling place, to enter into the days of your life together.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

In Mandarin （Simplified Chinese）,

以后两个人不再淋雨，
因为彼此会成为对方的屋顶。
以后两个人将不再受冻，
因为彼此会给对方温暖。
以后两个人将不再寂寞，
因为彼此会成为对方的伴侣。
虽然两个人有两个身躯，
但未来两个人的路上，
就只有一个人生，
就请到他们的屋子里，
请融入他们的生活里，
因为在这世界上，
他们将是永远幸福的人！
- - 印第安结婚祝贺词

In Chinese (Traditional):

以後兩個人將不再淋雨,

因為彼此會成為對方的屋頂.

以後兩個人將不再受凍,

因為彼此會給對方溫暖.

以後兩個人將不再寂寞,

因為彼此會成為對方的伴侶.

雖然兩個人有兩個身軀,

但未來兩個人的路上,

就只有一個人生,

請進到他們的屋子裡,

請融入他們的生活裡,

因為在這世界上,

他們將是永遠幸福的人!

--印地安結婚祝賀詞

All the best to those who have just gotten married or are going to get married. As for me, haha..

IF class celebration

2008-10-27T17:48:00.011+08:00

Strange, why did 1D get the best class award when there is 1F around? Oops, 1D is my favourite class too lar.. Hmm.. Arh I know why, cos 1F keep our love to ourselves right? My dear students are all afraid to show their love to other people, especially teachers and other classmates.. Now, I really do hope that all of us can put aside all that has happened in the past year, and move on steadily to 2F and go on to clinch the "Best Class" Award, ok? I really need the class T-shirt Design. Now last thursday was the last day of school, and I am happy to see that so much food and presents were prepared in such a short time. Special Thanks to Hidayah and Lydia for preparation of food. Great Food there. To Ivan and Jaslin for getting the cake and the drinks/snacks. Thanks to the birthday presents' in charge, and thanks to all who have come to attend the birthday celebrations. Well, I noticed that some were not keen to join in and most only wanted to eat, but did not want to help to clean up!

Hey peeps, I hope everyone can take note of the following in future when we have another gathering. 1. Pls respect the food that is specially prepared for you, and finish it. 2. If we create a mess, we should clean up the mess. We do not expect others to help us clean our butts after we do our business right? (Sorry for putting it in such a crude manner..) 3. Everyone who is in the class should participate if you are part of the class, a quote from NPCC:＂One for all, All for one!" Kindly bear it in mind. 4. It is not everyday that we have such celebrations, so care for one another, if you find that someone has not eaten, pls do not be selfish, and take all the good food for yourselves, share around, and spread our love around.

Can the above be done? I believe so.. Why Cos we are 1 Fabulous.. Class blog webby: http://1f-abulous-o8.blogspot.com/

For the rest of Videos and Photos, pls visit my personal photo collection at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13243680@N02/

Below are the pictures and video taken:

Coincidences

2008-10-24T21:45:00.003+08:00

巧合？何谓“巧合”？巧合是在你不经意时发生一些令你意想不到的事。有些人会把巧合误认为缘分，但人生中往往有太多巧合，所以我认为巧合是个非常微妙的东西。10月22日啊，我就度过了一个充满巧合的一个下午。

首先，我校刚完成了运动会，然后大家便从蔡厝港体育馆，走到了地铁站。然后，在第一乐广场里，我就遇到了我1D班的一群女生。真受不了，她们一直在那里吵到半死，只好破费带她们到Pizza Hut 去饱餐一顿，但事先说好，我只请那些取得了至少A2 的学生，其余的只付一半。其实我觉得1D这个班真的是一个好班，但男生平时有些好玩，要不然，肯定能够更上一层楼。吃饱了后，刚巧剩下3 片比萨（Pizza），我不忍心浪费，只好打包了，准备拿回家给老爸吃。但我又赶时间下去NIE，及乌节路去办事。

刚巧，在回家途中，我看到了我的NPCC的马来学生。于是，便问她们吃饱了没，又这么巧，她们也还没吃，于是我便把比萨给了她们，自己便到NIE去了。

所以说，人聪明，可是不要太过聪明。为什么这样说呢？那天代表部门赛跑时，因为鞋子不合适，所以坚持当一下“赤脚大仙”，想不到100米的赛程，竟然磨破了脚板，真是痛得我苦不堪言。

为什么要提到这件事呢？因为我到了NIE，在那里花上了一些时间在包扎伤口，之后在离开。想不到，离开时，竟然遇到了Justin。我本来还想去约他一起出去吃一顿，反正难得回来遇见这位老朋友。虽然只认识短短5个多月，但在南大（NTU）住大学时，不知为何却与他特别投缘。于是，我和Justin，就站在楼梯口聊起来了。聊着、聊着，我又看到Xiaojun走过。之后，我又站在那里，与Xiaojun聊上了一会儿。遇见老朋友，能够与他们叙旧是我这个忙碌的老师难得能做到的事情。像要约朋友出门，又担心不能及时把手头上的工作完成。所以有很多人都认为老师的社交圈子很小，而我也特别珍惜与这些朋友的接触时间。

如果我没有擦伤脚，如果我没有遇到那群1D的女生，如果我没有碰到我NPCC的学生，那么，我将不会遇见我的老朋友们。这，都是巧合吧！愿有更多巧合出现在我的人生里，为我带来一些惊喜与欢愉。

WHAT HAPPENED?

2008-10-19T00:26:00.002+08:00

Haha, Oops I shouldn't have put Caps on my title.. A lot of meanings behind the title... It can mean: What happened? Why didn't I update the blog for such a long time? What Happened to me recently? Anything fresh to share with you guys? What happened to the world lately? What is going to happen to us, with the world, US and Singapore economy going into recession? What happened to my students? Well, did something happen? Well yes, of course.. and last but not least, What happened to this chinese teacher? Why is he not using Chinese to type his blog?

Well, it seems like I do have a lot to write regarding the above questions... But due to "unforeseen" laziness, I have decided to post alternate posts in both languages to show that I can also be "effectively" bilingual. So bear with me, since the world is facing a bearish market now.. ( Sorry ar students, some of these jargons or phrases used here may be too difficult for you to understand, so I hope it provides a chance for you, yes YOU, to go look up the dictionary and learn a new word everyday..)

1st of all, would like to apologize for not updating this blog for quite some time, due to the busy term 4 where revisions, exams, marking, and scrutinising and heart bleeding comes in all at the same time, which explains for my lagginess in writing.. Finally it is coming to an end soon, end of an academic year for my students.. I still have another month to go, until I can leave the country to sort out my thoughts and really relax a bit, after such a busy half year.. I will try to update as often as I can in the upcoming days.. I hope I can internet connection to do a posting on my trips daily..I am planning to go to Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap via Phomn Penn - Singapore (For Andy Lau Concert) - Diving at Phuket - Singapore - 2009! Ok.. these are my holiday plans.. sounds interesting, but for the 1st part of the trip, I have yet to find someone to go with me yet.. Haha, anyone interested?

Nothing much has happened to me. In fact, quoting what a Secondary school friend whom I have not met for some time, who "spoke" to me on facebook today, she said: "haha! my, my! u have not changed a bit! ur looks and ur crap!" So it seems like I havn't changed since I was Sec 4??? Is this good or bad? I would deem it to be a compliment, haha, since that would mean that I have either upgraded my level of crappiness over these years, and I can still humour my friends after so many years, or it can also mean that I have downgraded my level of crappiness to that of the standard of a Secondary school student, and that makes it easier to build up rapport with them.. Either one of it seems fine to me. Well, she said that my looks have not changed a bit, it could either mean that I have maintained my handsome look, or preserved my "not so good looking" side..I managed to confirm the answer at 11 plus just now, with this answer from her: " Oh yah, didn't realise ur sis is so big now! saw her photo! omg! how come so diff??? she is very pretty leh! Why are u so dark and she is so fair?" It seems like looks doesnt seem to important afterall, what is more important is that I have maintained my tanned and dark look! With that, I take it as a compliment. This is what I replied: "I have a hidden identity.. I can mix well in different countries and races, and I get discounts cos I am tanned.." Well, Seems like I like deluding myself, but well, it makes me happier.. That's what matters..

So I have not changed in terms of my looks? Well, go check out my bus pass, and you will see the difference.. Hehe, I have bloated up over the years, especially after the Army days.. So now that I have told you what has happened to me.. Let us take a look around us, and see what has actually happened.. I am not sure if you have seen glum expressions on your parents' faces lately, taken a look at the global financial situation, despite the busy exams schedule? Or do you only know that China has some tainted milk products that contain melamine, a form of substance used for making plastics, because your mum threw away all your M&Ms, and forbade you to eat "Rabbit brand" Sweets? So much has happened over the last few weeks..

If you have not noticed yet, the 4th largest investment bank in US has gone bankrupt, US govt is forking out more than 700 billion public (tax-payer) money to save the US financial markets.. (700 billion is USD $700 000 000 000, ) ; Many other governments in Europe are forkig out money to bail out their economy crisis; Singapore, as well as many countries in the world has gone into recession, which would mean retrenchment, pay cuts, lower year end bonuses, and many more financial disasters coming up..Iceland has gone bankrupt, if you realised, this is the 1st time a country has gone bankrupt.. Read the below and you will realize how damaging the effect is..

A billion is a difficult number to visualize, let’s put a billion into perspective:
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

How long would it take to count to one billion?
If you count one number a second without stopping until you reach a billion. That task would take you 31 years, 259 days, 1 hours, 46 minutes, and 40 seconds.

US National Debt Facts
Every 8 hours and 20 minutes, the U.S. Government spends another billion dollars.
Of course, the current public debt is well over $8.3 trillion dollars.

Now, to put it simply, how has it affected you, my dear students? Can you imagine your pocket money goes down to $2 a day? That was the kind of allowance that I had during my secondary school days which was not too long ago (Ok lar, 10 years only, not very long, chicken rice was minimum $1.50 per plate) ..i see many of you coming to school with your wallets packed with $50 notes every monday. All the canteen vendors complained to me for having to bring spare loose change with them to change. Well, this is a difficult and trying time for your parents, so you may be scolded if you request to buy an expensive computer game, or go for rebonding, when they are in the office waiting to get sacked..My dear ladies and gentlemen, if you are sensible enough, do save up more money, especially during this period of "rainy season".. This whole global financial crisis will be raining cats and dogs for at least a year, before it can recover.. So, you should know what to do, my dear intelligent and sensible ladies and gentlemen.

Now allow me to share some personal feelings here..I thank those who have put in additional efforts in their End of Year Examinations..You should have reaped your harvest if you have put in effort throughout the year. I would especially like to commend Kelvin from my form class, as he has done exceptionally well, to deserve to get himself a chance to be promoted to the Express Stream..He came to me in term 3 with a clear goal in mind, and I hope that next monday's promotion exercise, he would have his wish fulfiled. Many have shown me that they have improved, and I want to tell you that: " GOOD JOB! You have done me and your parents proud. Keep it up, and you can do better!"

For those who know that they haven't been putting in enough efforts, try harder next year. Though I do feel a little disappointed in my Express class, yet I know that they have put in considerable efforts and feel very disappointed with the results too, especially the gals. Well for those who did not do as well, Laoshi has absolute trust and confidence in all of you, and I really hope that you guys can work harder next year..Not even next year, you can start from these holidays.. You must enjoy and learn at the same time, if not you will slacken down in no time. Learn from your past mistakes, be humble and acknowledge your setbacks. Only then, you can regain your confidence, and do better.. To me, my express class, 1D is my cream crop, though they may not have met mark this year, yet, the day will come when we all rejoice..

As for my form class, 1F, it has not been a smooth sailing term 3 and 4 to us.. Different degree of disciplinary cases arose, and we have almost every kind of possible cases that has happened. I want all of you to remember what I said: " Forgive and Forget" is the greatest virtue that I think should be present in everyone of us, cos we are "Full Of Love" Right? Let us start afresh from next year together, and we shall all work hard!

Finally things are coming to a close and the final year is going to be concluded after next weekend. I hope that better days are coming, and we will come back toether again next year..

Keep a lookout for future posts.. Tired liao.. Spent more than 1.5 hours typing..

Finally after much "pushing" by some of my students, I finally set my heart to update my blog.. yay! Underlined words, do go and check dictionary!

My Cambodia Trip

2008-09-10T23:08:00.003+08:00

It has since been one week since I came back to Singapore.. The pace is too fast to catch up.. Too fast.. Anyway, I attended a podcast workshop today and did up this video. But was not able to save using the best format available, due to time constraint. But I did realize the goodness of a MAC system. Probably that will be my next toy. So now, here below is a summary of the trip, and I think it is called a vodcast. A simple one.. Enjoy..

At the airport

2008-08-31T05:01:00.007+08:00

Many ask me what is my purpose of going overseas at this point of time? I said I needed to take time off the heavy work load and to do a recce for my friend who is leading a team over to Cambodia. I may be joining this team in December when they are going over to Cambodia for another Youth Expedition Project. Well, when I checked in 15 minutes ago, I saw yet another bunch of young teens from an institution in Singapore going over for another YEP. How do I know? Cos it is written all over their shirt!

After embarking on my 4th trip, I am seriously a little tired in leading yet another team over. It is always so mentally and physically straining, especially when you are in the teaching profession. So yar, I went for a KTV session before I came to the airport, and my friends from PA X were commenting on how my bag pack looked the same as what I brought for 22 days, and I just laughed it off. Who would have known that it contained some of my most valuable stuffs? Computer manuals for my Cambodian counterpart, loads of assignments/ compositions from my dearest students (seems like I am going to enjoy soo much there, haha) I promised myself not to return with any of the assignments unmarked!).. , my laptop and the DVDs that I promised to burn for my friends.. There seems to be so much to accomplish within these 5 days of trip, would I be able to complete all?

I would be revisiting one of the villages that I have gone to, and I will also be dropping by a more rural area where I will be looking out for the suitable accomodations, transport, food for a next project in one of the more untouched places in Cambodia. When I say "untouched", it means that the children there have not been exposed much to foreign culture, or have not seen strangers other than their own villagers. These are the places that probably need help, but I do believe this Team from NIE, Project Builders of Hope, will be able to achieve so much more other than just any other projects. I do hope that they will be able to apply what they have learnt in the schools that they will be posted to in future. There are so many things that we can learn from our Cambodian counterparts, and every visit there, I would be looking forward to learning something from them. Hopefully, I manage to visit some orphanages and try to come up with a rough proposal for my future projects. I do hope to bring my students over one of these days, probably from next year onwards to do a project there. But of course all these would need support from the school. Probably I will start from NPCC..So stay Tuned.

Anyway, I would try to post at least an entry every day to keep you guys updated of what is happening in Cambodia. If there is chance, I will take fotos too.. Good Morning Singapore, Time to wake up, it is 5.20am on a Sunday Morning!

Time Flies

2008-08-24T01:26:00.002+08:00

Time waits for no man. Everyone knows this, yet few knows how to make full use of it. I have a little joke which has left a deep impression on me.

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

This is the story about 4 people named: Everybody, Somebody,
Anybody, and Nobody.

- There was an important job to be done and Everybody was
sure Somebody would do it.

- Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

- Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

- Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized
that Everybody wouldn't do it.

- It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody
did what Anybody could have done.

So, my question, did anybody do his job? haha..

Ok, back to the topic. "Teaching saps your mind, but fills your soul." One of my friend put this phrase on his MSN nick, and I found it appropriate.. When you are teaching, you will not realize how time passes so much faster.. How I wish I could have 48 hours instead of 24. Well, in the end, it is still a numbers game. Even if I had 48 hours, I would have wished for more. Men is greedy. So in the end, I can only blame our ancestors for regulating the number of hours in a day. Why do we even have days, hours, minutes, seconds? Indeed this is a tough question. As I am lying down thinking of this question, I ask myself what have I achieved in this 26 years of life? Some say that blogs are a waste of time, so am I wasting my time writing all these? Time is a commodity that we cannot stop it from flowing away, and as I type out these words, watching these words appear word by word on my screen, time flows past me. Tick tock, Tick tock... there it goes, even for you, my dear readers, you have spent at least 5 minutes of your precious time reading my post. And for that, I thank you.. Thanks to all the supporters coming to tag my blog every now and then.

If you intend to race with time, you can never win it. So the next question will be how do you make full use of it? If I have a choice, I would have hoped that time can reverse and I can make better use of it. Men is lazy. That is why we need deadlines..If we are not given deadlines, god knows when we will be able to finish the job! However, having said so, you either choose to cherish time or see it flow by.

Happy Birthday? Random thoughts

2008-08-17T12:43:00.004+08:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Jenny, Happy Birthday to you! Happy 24th Birthday, dear sis..

All right, I shall start by wishing my dear sister a happy birthday. Another year older.. Come to think of it, 24 years since birth, everything seemed to have passed by in a flash. She is a big girl now, matured enough to make decisions on her own. How time flies. Dear sister, you have a totally different character from me, and you are someone who wants to earn big bucks, and is really "stingy". But it is a good thing cos you always make plans for the things you buy and for your future.. I hope you do. Anyway, you are someone who can't step out of the house without putting on makeup, so haha, I guess, it is a girl's right and privilege to make men wait.. Oops, no longer a girl, a lady.. Yar, in terms of size, I am almost double your size, and 10 shades tanner than you are. Just look at our family photo and you will know.. The guy beside her is her bf..

Strange that I can only remember the times which I bullied her and made her cry, and when she asked me if it was a right choice to just have one boyfriend in her life, since she thought that she should be given a chance to go out and know more guys before making a decision. It was a tough one, I thought, and so, I told her that whether you want to trial and error or stick to your choice, it is your personal decision. The most important thing is to ask yourself if you are happy with this person, and if it is, then why change?

These days, when I see my Sec 1s, almost every class, my dear students will come and tell me their "secrets", like this person "stead" with who, and who likes who etc... Though I know that they may not be matured to really know what is "LOVE", but it is difficult to drive through this idea. The media has portrayed such images that break-ups are very common in life, and you must really go and trial and error before finding the right one. But, how do you know he is the right one? Maybe the one after is a better one, or the previous one was already the best, but you chose to regret after breaking up? When you try to tell these students that they are still too young to experience what is love, they will then ask you back, " How do you know we do not know what is love?" Arh, indeed I do not know, cos even I am looking for an answer.

I see students happily "steadying" together, one who said that there is a guy who tried to ask her to stead for 4 times, and finally they got together for 1 day, before the girl decides that it is still better to stay as friends. Then I have students of different classes "steadying" together, and students who break and reconcile, break and reconcile. Arh... indeed Secondary school life is indeed a place where it is full of drama, just like TV.. I have at least 3 pairs of friends who have been together during Sec School and have since gotten happily married, and I am really happy for them. Those whom I have not discovered, may be more..

If people a decade ago can start to fall in love with one another, and eventually gotten married, why are we stopping the youths today from falling in love? Arh, there is a catch to this question. Responsible behaviour.. To fall in love, means to love someone responsibly, thinking of all consequences before he or she acts. As teachers, we have the responsibility to let students know that getting into a relationship does not mean getting too intimate..It is good to give it a try in Secondary school, but if you find someone better in your JC or Poly, or ITE, then what would you do? Break up and move on in life? Well, life is a contradiction and change is indeed the most constant thing in life. So, I do not have advice for you, you have to make the choice.

For me, if I know that there will not be any progress, I will put a stop to it, before I move on. You must know what you want before you can move on. If I know that if this is not the kind of life we can spend together, or the woman that I can love for at least the next half of my life, then I think I should give up. And all these, you learn from experience. And how do you learn? From advice, from others' experience and of course, from your own experiences. Love is irrational, or rather it is blind to make you not think rationally. Often than not, when you fall into it, and you know that it is not the path that you want, you will still choose to be blinded by it, rather than to face the momentarily pain after a break up. Sometimes, things are easier said than done. I can only hope that people will cherish whatever happiness that they already have and appreciate it. If you do not feel happy, move on. Happiness is never too far from you... : )

Money Not enough 2 and Batman: The Dark Knight

2008-08-11T17:56:00.002+08:00

These are the 2 movies that I watched recently, and are movies that I would recommend if anyone would want to catch movies which sets your mind thinking. 1st of all, for Money Not Enough 2, another local production directed by our Jack Neo, and I must say that he has once again produced another movie that makes you think critically about the problems of our society, the place that we live in everyday. Alongside the movie, societal problems arose, problems that many would not want to confront face to face, problems which expose the ugly side of Singaporeans or rather normal human beings.

Some of these problems, like throwing our parents in old folks home because we only have time to make money and not time to take care of them; like parents sacrificing their time, money, effort, dignity, and even life to save their children, to help them overcome their difficulties; like wives and mothers staying under one roof, like sons fighting to cast their mother away even though they know that it is wrong to do so, like sons reprimanding their mother when she is begging for money to help them tide over the financial crisis, like children nowadays treat their parents like maids, like children who do not understand dialects, and do not grow up in a Chinese Speaking family, like people can do anything illegal to make money, like rich men who would want to squander their money outside looking for women, when they have a beautiful wife waiting at home..

When did people start to think that English is a more superior language than their mother tongue? When did people start to think that making money is more important than family ties? When did people start to regard the roots of all evil - money, as the only one important thing revolving around their daily lives, and forgetting about their loved ones around them? Why is it that divorce cases are on the rise every year? Why do people take things for granted? (hospitals must have enough blood supply for the patients) Why do people not treasure what is around them (family ties, love) until it is no longer around? Why do people even allow themselves to continue to make mistakes when they know that it is wrong to do so?

Because humans are flawed when they are born? Laziness, greed, timid to assume responsibility, and many others....Whatever this movie has shown, it has not only tried to "complain" about what the government has done so far, in fact it has surpassed that level, if you are still thinking that Jack Neo is just trying to portray the Singaporean image of always complaining and complaining about Singapore's government and its system. What do you think would do good even if he has complained in the movie? Do you think the government will change because of this? Then, if not what do you think has attracted you to watch the movie? I think that anyone who is staying in this fast-paced city should take a look at this movie.

Money not enough, true. So is money not enough for use, or money not enough to buy back what is lost? As the saying goes, You do not bring anything to this world when you are born, and you do not take anything with you when you depart from it. This is something so true that you can't deny, unless you are really "born with a silver spoon" in your mouth, which may happen if your mum happened to swallow it when she was pregnant. (Scientifically impossible).. Well, people laugh when I tell them that I teared twice during the show, which I am baffled. Why can't a man cry? Is it a woman's right? haha..

There are many deep truths that are portrayed in the movie, many of which are problems we do not want to face, but at the end of the day, the hard fact that slaps in your face will still be the same: You need to solve the problems that you created, and lamenting over them is not going to help. So pls cherish whatever you have.

Batman is another movie that uncovers the dark side of human beings. Everyone needs a hero, but only when they are in need of help, and when it doesn't clash with their personal interests. In times when humans need to make a choice, it is often when selfishness will start to set in, and they will try to push the blame to others, and also not trusting others. At the end of the day, the true hero emerges as the dark knight bearing the mistakes of others, letting others put the blame on him for crimes he has not committed. What Batman has done is only to help to preserve the peace of Gotham City, but its people has turned their backs to this hero. From hero to villian, Joker has made him see the loneliness of being a hero, and the sacrifices that he has to make to save his city. Indeed, Joker does makes people see that life is nothing but a joke, but Batman chose to be the butt of these jokes, sacrificing his name in search of the goodness in human beings.

Do catch these 2 movies, if you have the time. Batman is still available in malaysia though. haha..

溏心风暴

2008-07-28T22:14:00.006+08:00

何谓溏心风暴？"溏心"指的是鲍鱼，有溏心的鲍鱼就算是一等一的好鲍鱼了。

而剧名中“溏心”二字意思是说一个温馨的家庭就好像内藏溏心的上等鲍鱼一样，不是轻易得来，必须经过多重工序，加入不同材料与心机，耐着性子才能煮出来。也牵连出现代人往往着眼于金钱利益，从而轻视亲情的社会现象。

这部电视连续剧终于播放完毕。我非常喜欢《溏心风暴》，尤其是它戏中的歌曲，非常抒情、感人。最喜欢当中的“MyLove will get you Home", 及"Vincent"。听说已经推出了第二部由同一班演员演出的《溏心风暴之家好月圆》，即将在新加坡的DVD店可找到！太高兴了。我的学生买来看完后，就会借我！哈哈！

话说会来，我最喜欢这个故事中的大妈，她不仅是家中的守护天使，还有着非常锐利的目光，可以清楚地看透人的本性。看着大结局时，虽然有一些仓促，但是却令我感动万分，还流下了男儿泪。哈哈，但我不觉得丢脸！其实我是个蛮感性的人，有时看到那些令人感动的戏时，都会不自觉流下眼泪。这套连续剧的曲折性、及演员的演绎真的让我折服。新加坡演员何时才能演到这种出神入化的程度呢？

常在心（故事中的女主角之一）是另一个令我欣赏的故事角色。我欣赏她对真爱的执著，也常在想自己什么时候也能像她身边的男生一样找到我的“常在心”呢？“还可以”（Pretty Ok, 故事中的男主角之一），最终守得云开见月明，最后与常在心在一起。我觉得能为自己喜欢的人默默付出，无条件地不要求任何回报，只希望对方开心，保持笑容，是一件多么伟大的事。明明喜欢，但却只能做最要好的朋友，真是令人。。。所以说，故事的结局都是皆大欢喜的，尽管在现实生活中不可能像在电视连续剧中有着完美的结局。

人生如果没有遗憾，就枉费此生了。有遗憾不要紧，最重要的是自己觉得所作的事是正确的。我在刚过去的生日里许了两个不同的愿望，其中一个是为学生许的。真是令人感动，他们虽然被其他老师视为顽劣不堪，但我却喜欢教他们，而他们也买了个蛋糕为我庆祝生日；第一次有学生为我庆祝生日，因此我也为他们许了个愿。他们说：“说出来就不灵了。”所以，我就不说了。

另一个愿望，在家里及与朋友庆祝时许下了这样一个愿望。很简单，也很老土。希望她能永远快乐。这个“她”，可能是个虚拟的她，并还没出现，也可能是我曾经或现在心仪的女生。好了，Emo 后，是时候面对现实了。去改功课了！下次见。希望不会太久。

在这里附上这首歌《My Heart will get you on》的歌词，一起唱吧：

插曲：my love will get you home
原唱：Christine Glass
歌词
If you wander off too far
My love will get you home
If you follow the wrong star
My love will get you home
If you ever find yourself
Lost and all alone
Get back on your feet and think of me
My love will get you home Boy
My love will get you home
If the bright lights blinds your eyes
My love will get you home
If your troubles break your stride
My love will get you home
If you ever find yourself
Lost and all alone
Get back on your feet and think of me
My love will get you home Boy
My love will get you home
If you ever feel ashamed
My love will get you home
If its only you to blame
My love will get you home

贴标签？Labeling?

2008-06-29T00:43:00.003+08:00

English Translation below

你们在什么时候会看到一件东西上贴着标签呢？可能多数在罐头、日常用品、各类食物等“身上”看到标签吧。贴标签是为了让人们知道所吃、用、买的东西到底包含了什么，是否对自己有利或有害，甚至是做为相互比较的依据。那么，我想借助这个我们天天都会接触到的看到的标签，来谈谈我们每天如何也用着这些标签来 “贴”在我们周围的人的身上。

每一天，我们在上班、上学的途中会遇到一些陌生的脸孔，或一些熟悉但却认不得的脸，或一些非常熟，简直就已经熟透了的朋友的面孔。不管是哪一张脸，我们的心里都已经在不知不觉下，为对方贴上了一种标签。你们不相信吗？让我举几个例子。你有没有在路上看过染金发的男生，或抽烟的男人，然后第一时间认定他们一定是什么三教九流的人物。如果对方穿西装、打领带，可能会认为他是个斯文败类，或心中可惜为什么这么个大好青年会因抽烟而断送美好的将来（因抽烟会给予人们不好的印象）。你是否也有看过穿迷你裙或穿着性感的女生嘴里叼着一根烟，然后与男朋友楼楼抱抱？你是否有一个你本来以为是个品行良好、很负责任的朋友，而你也为他/她贴上了好好先生或你最要好的朋友等“标签”，但他却做出一些令你意想不到的事情，或一些与你的理念背道而驰的事情来，让你非常失望？

当学生不交功课时，你是否也认为他们懒惰呢？当学生不把衣服穿好，你是否认为他们的品行有问题？当学生染头发（金色或红色，不是黑色！）、抽烟、打耳洞（男生）、穿着露骨（露股沟、性感），你是否认为他们是坏学生，是无可救药了呢？当学生在班上和你顶嘴，你是否认为他们没有口德？可能现在的你还没有发现，其实每个人的心中都有一把尺，去衡量其他人，但可惜的是，在对其他人品头论足的同时，我们忘了要自我反省自己的缺点，自己的过错。

当我们为其他人贴上标签后，就很难摒除这种偏见。就比如我有很多朋友因为中国人来新加坡与他们争夺念读大学的位子，在课业方面又名列前茅，所有的A +、A都被他们扫空，以致使自己不能以优秀的成绩毕业。又有一些则受不了中国人、越南人、及一些其他国籍的学生所用的口音，而对他们进行排斥。其实，新加坡人有一种很奇怪的心理，我们有一种自认比其他人优秀，比其他人更高一等，高高在上的心理，因此当我们面对竞争时，往往由于养尊处优了太久，就会开始埋怨政府。我们曾几何时会对自己的不够用功，去进行反省，为我们所拥有的一切珍惜而感到满足呢？当我们在为其他人贴上标签的同时，是否会想到对方的感受，是否会顾及到他们的面子？

人靠衣装，佛靠金装。我们可能外表打扮得很好看，但若内心却一直在检视别人的过错，而不自我反省，那我们将在思想上停滞不前。我看到一班的学生一直在嘲笑、作弄班上一名稍微弱智的学生，让我觉得异常痛心。尽管我尝试与他们讲道理，但由于他们还是普通工艺的学生，他们还很难明白自己行为对于同学所造成的伤害。这种心灵上的伤害比肉体的伤害还要严重，还要深远。我刚看了一个中国中央电视台的节目，题目为“少年英雄”的一个颁奖礼，为的是肯定一群在四川大地震中奋不顾身救出同学的事迹。其中一位身患残疾的学生尤其感动了我，而我也不止一次流下眼泪。我再看看我们的学生，然后想象如果学校发生火灾，到底有几个会伸出援手来救出和自己同窗的同学呢？可能人要到了最危险，生死关头的那一刹那，才能真正发挥出自己内心深藏的“人”/“仁”性吧？这也是为什么有一位中四生告诉我，他认为这个世界的人都没有爱心。那，我问他，什么是爱？你们说呢? 我将尝试在下一篇给一个答案。

我为什么会写这篇短文呢？前天当我经过地铁站时，看到一群青少年穿着光鲜，似乎是中学生，晚上了还在外溜达，而其后我又看到另一群青年，女生在抽烟，男生则蓄长发，说话粗鲁。在我心里，我觉得他们似乎已经学坏了。在那一刹那，不知为何，我又问自己这样一个问题：为什么我要以这种眼光来看待他们呢？他们又没有打家劫舍，做出丧尽天良的事，只不过是一些受不了诱惑的青年想要享受周末夜晚而已。他们有自己的自由，一种无拘无束的自由，这就是年轻的本钱，做事不需付出太多的考虑，太多的责任。每一个人都有他们的强项，都有他们生存的价值，只要尝试去看到他们好的地方，我们看东西的方法将会不同，也将活得更快乐。

讲个小“笑话”。有一位学生告诉我，班上的一位女生认为我长得蛮帅的，让我听了也不禁开心了一会儿。仔细想想，可能不同人的有不同的审美观吧，因此只要你告诉自己，你是最帅最美的，说不定有一天就有人会来夸你了。记得，不要去看别人的缺点，尝试去发掘他们的优点，你将发现世界更美丽。

English Translation:

When and where do you see a label? Maybe mostly on canned food, daily necessities,and all sorts of food products. Labels are there to let us know what we are eating, using or buying, and whether the ingredients/ components are useful or harmful to our body, or even for comparison purposes. So, I would like to use this thing that we come into contact everyday - LABELS, to talk about how we actually use labels to tag the people surrounding us everyday.

Everyday, while we are on our way to work, to school, we always see new faces, or familiar yet unrecognizable faces, or very familiar faces of friends. Whichever face we see, we will unknowingly tag the person with a label. You don't believe me? Let me give a few examples. Have you ever seen boys with dyed hair, or are smoking, and at the 1st instance deduce that they must belong to some gangs or some bad boys. If he is wearing a suit, with a tie, hen maybe you will think that he is a scum in society, or wonder why has this young man waste his future away, smoking his life away. (Smoking leaves a bad impression to others) Have you also seen skimpily dressed girls in mini skirts, with a stick of cigarette between their lips, and hugging and kissing their boyfriends? Have you ever had a friend when you thought that he was someone of great conduct and a responsible friend, and you tagged him/her as a role model or your best friend, only to find out one day that he did something beyond your expectations, or done something that is contrary to your beliefs, and made you disappointed?

When students do not hand in their work, do you think that they are lazy? When students do not wear their uniforms appropriately, do you think that their conduct is flawed? When students dye their hair (gold or red, not black pls!), smoke, pierce their ears (guys), dress up scantily (revealing or sexy), did you think that they are ill disciplined students who are beyond redemption? When students talk back to you in class, do you think that they do not have manners? Maybe you haven't realized, actually in everyone's heart, we have a ruler to judge others, but sad to say, this ruler is not used to judge our own character. When we are criticizing others, we often forget to look back at our mistakes and reflect on them.

When we start labeling others, it will be difficult to erase this biasness. Just like I have many friends in University who have deep biasness with the Chinese from China PRC, as they come to Singapore to fight for the limited vacancies in University intake, and also doing so well in their academics, sweeping away all the A+ and As from the Singaporean students, resulting them from being unable to graduate from University with flying colours. Another bunch of friends just cannot stand the accent of Chinese PRCs, Vietnamese, and some of the accents from other nationalities, and so ostracizing them in the process. Actually, we Singaporeans have a very funny mentality, and that is, we have a mentality of being more superior than others, especially than people from other nationalities. Hence when we meet with obstacles or problems, due to being in our comfort zone for too long, we tend to complain about our government and everything around us. When do we ever blame ourselves for our complacency, lack of diligence, and do self reflection or feel contented with what we already have? When we are labelling others, do we ever think about their feelings, or care about their "face"?

Men rely on their clothes to look good, likewise for the mighty Buddha coated in gold. We can look nice on the outlook, but if we continue to judge and criticize others' mistakes, and do not do self reflection, then our mindset will remain stagnant. I saw students in one of my classes mocking and making fun of a student who is slightly mentally handicapped, and that made me feel very sad. As much as I tried to talk sense to them, but because they are from the normal Technical stream, it is difficult to make them realize the damage that was inflicted on the student. The emotional distress is more serious than physical pain inflicted and it can have a lasting effect. I was just watching a programme on a Chinese Channel (CCTV 4), and it was a show called "Young Heroes", celebrating the brave deeds of the young students during the Sichuan Earthquake. There was this girl who was handicapped, and she managed to save a friend out of the rubble and carry her despite being hit by rocks, and it deeply moved me. Among other touching stories, I teared than once upon the recount of their brave deeds. Then I look at Singaporean students, and imagined that there was a huge fire in school, how many would actually lend a helping hand to save friends or classmates who have been studying with them? Maybe humans will only react and show their true humanity / benovelence, during the most critical moment in life, when they face life and death. This may also be why one of my Sec 4 students told me that he thinks that there is no love in this world. Then, I asked him, what is love to you? Hey readers, what do you think? I will try to provide an answer in the next post.

Now, why am I writing all these? The day before, I was passing by the MRT, and I saw this bunch of young people wearing very "Ah beng" clothes, looking like Secondary school students, still out wandering around late at night; Then I saw another bunch of teenagers, girls smoking, guys with long hair, speaking vulgarities. In my heart, I thought that they have already turned bad. But at the same time, which I do not know why, I asked myself another question: Why am I passing such judgments on these kids? They do not rob, do not steal or kill, in fact, it is just some teenagers who cannot stand the lure of materialism, and whom wanted to enjoy their weekend night. They have their own freedom, an unrestrained freedom, and that is the biggest capital of being young. When you are doing something, you do not consider much, do not pay attention to how much responsibility you need to bear, nor consider about the consequences. Everyone has his own strengths, and a purpose to why they are here in society. As long as you take on a positive mentality to discover their strengths, the things that you see will be different, and you shall also live a more fulfilling and happier life.

Just a "joke" before I end. A student told me yesterday, taht her friend thought that I am actually quite handsome, and that did brighten my day. Come to think of it, different people have different perspective to the definition of "handsome" or "pretty", so you just have to tell yourself that you are the best, and who knows, in time to come, someone will be there to appreciate your beauty. So remember, do not look at others' flaws or shortcomings, try to uncover their merits and strengths, and you will discover a more beautiful world around you.

开学第5天！

2008-06-27T00:00:00.008+08:00

（English translation below)

今天是开学第5 天。其实还有6个小时才正式起床上班。在这个新的学期里，我负责教1D，1F，1H，3F/G，及4D，而我也负责学生警察的课外活动职务。最令我遗憾的是无法继续在2B班执教，但我告诉他们只要有缘，我们一定能在他们中三时再见！这次的班级最有挑战性的自然是中三的普通班，因为他们绝对不普通。哈哈。说真的，只是与他们接触两天，我已经能深深体会到新加坡教育制度下，一群被“遗弃”孩子的感受。因此我新的座右铭是：天底下没有教不好的学生，也没有坏学生，只有不能教好学生的老师。我希望我在教育界的日子里，能一直秉持这个座右铭，并且希望能“挽救”一些面对问题的学生。我发现其实中三的这群学生知道他们自己要什么，只是他们已经被“遗忘”了太久，没有人尝试去接触他们，去启发他们，去触碰他们的心灵。

可能我是个“怪胎”，喜欢享受与学生接触的时间，也喜欢陶醉于与他们欢笑。有个学生在MSN上告诉我，在这个假期会来后，发现我比较开朗，比较多笑容，希望我能继续保持如此。哈哈。可能多笑能让我显得更年轻吧！有位中四的学生说我讲话时比较紧张，好像没有准备。其实我要告诉她，这正是现在很多新加坡的华文老师所面对的一个问题。表面上，我们似乎是双语“精英”，但其实很多时候，我们说话时都会“词穷”，意思是想不到恰当的词语来表达我们想说的。为什么会这样呢？因为我们也是这个不完美的教育制度下的产物。其实，当我们在面对朋友时，常常在言语中中英混杂，甚至加入一些新加坡式英语（Singlish）。在面对学生时，要顾及到言语上的妥当性，及正确性，有时学过的知识一时无法显现在脑海中，因此说话时会有一些迟缓。因此，我很庆幸学生再次举出了我这个缺点，我也希望长时间的磨练下，能够逐渐适应这样的环境。

再者，有几位2B的学生都问我为什么没有教他们，也向我诉苦，发牢骚。我很高兴他们期盼我再去教他们，但事与愿违，但我还是希望他们能够继续用功学习。

其实在实习的日子里，我得到了“Credit”（分级为 Pass， Credit， Distinction），已经算是很不错了，因为我整班37位同学中，只有一位取得 Distinction（特优），因此我很满意了。但，由于我在教育学院（NIE）时，实在对他们的“硬邦邦”的授课方式不感兴趣，因此也没有多下苦功，取得了个及格而已。心中虽然有一些遗憾，但我认为我的使命在两年前已经不是在读书而是在启发人，因此我在2007年刚进入NIE 时，就接下了本地社区服务（Gesl）及海外社区服务的领队职务（Leader）。在这段期间，我很惭愧地称自己为NIE中文班的班长，因为我真的象是没什么贡献，除了举办一些庆生活动和卡拉OK时光外，也不是个很好的榜样。哈哈。在此，要感谢我的搭档，忆雅，为班上付出了不少努力。今年初，在我的实习期间，我又得准备及率领一队30人的国大学生到柬埔寨去当了22天的义工,因此我很高兴在学校里的表现没有受到太大的影响。可能这也是我为何在班上笑不出来的原因吧！其实，有很多朋友质疑我为何当老师，因为我太喜欢开玩笑了，不像会认真和严肃。哈哈。其实他们也是开玩笑的啦。至此，我两年来的4趟海外义工服务，也算是告一段落了。

接下来，我只希望能举办多一些到海外学习的义工学生团，让他们更能珍惜自己的人生。因此经过了这一些日子，我也得出一个结论：我不一定是一个最好的语文老师，但我要做到一个能让学生记得的老师，记得我曾经教导他们如何走自己人生的道路，就像在多个老师中，我印象最深刻的还是我的中学华文老师。希望我能达到这个目标。我也很高兴我得学生有抽空时时来看看我是否有新的帖子。谢谢你们的支持。我一定会继续在博客上分享我的心得，敬请留意。我看我明天再翻译为英语吧！好累啊！

English Translation:

Today is the 5th day of school, actually it is another 6 hours more before I wake up. In this new term, I am in charge of teaching classes Sec 1D, 1F, 1H, 3F/G, and 4 D, and am also in charge of NPCC as my CCA. The most regretful thing is not being able to continue teaching class 2B, but I have to tell them that if fate decrees, we will meet again next year in Sec 3. The most challenging class assigned to me would be the Sec 3 normal academic class, because they are really not "normal" kids. haha, seriously speaking, just 2 days of interaction with them, have made me realize under the current education system, how a bunch of "rejected" kids feel. Henceforth, my new resolution is: There are no unteachable or bad students, there are only teachers who cannot teach their students well. I hope that in my days as a teacher, I can continue to pursue this resolution and fulfil this calling to help as many "problem" kids out there. I realize that this bunch of Sec 3 students under me know what they want, it is just that they have been "forgotten" for too long, as not many tried to interact with them, inspire them or even touch their hearts.

Maybe I am a "freak", cos I enjoy the interaction time with students and like to indulge in having fun with them. A student told me on MSN that after the holidays, I looked happier with more laughters and smiles, and she hoped that I can maintain this look. haha, maybe laughing out more can make me look younger. A Sec 4 student told me that I seem nervous when I speak, and sounded like I did not prepare my work. In fact, I want to tell her that this is one of the serious problems faced by Singaporean Chinese Teachers (Locally born and bred teachers). On the surface, we may seem like bilingual elites, but at times, when we speak, we are actually stuck at certain phrases, and need to think of suitable sentences, or words before we deliver what we want to say. In short, we take a longer time to think and process what we need to say as compared to teachers from China. Why is it the case? Actually, if you notice, when we speak to friends, we mix English and Chinese, and at times, Singlish. But when we are facing and talking to students, we need to gauge the appropriateness, and the correctness of the things we say, and sometimes, the knowledge that has been learnt just doesn't pop up in your brain, so we pause more often when we speak. Hence I am very happy that my students pointed out this flaw of mine, and I hope that in time to come, I can gradually adapt to the chinese speaking environment and speak more fluently.

Next, a few students from 2B has asked me why I wasn't teaching them, and complained to me. I am glad to know that they had wished that I could continue teaching them, but since it is not heaven's will that we meet this term, I can only hope that they continue to work hard and strive for better results.

Actually, I got a "Credit" (Grades are Pass, Credit, Distinction) for my practicum, and I am very happy with this results, because among my whole class of 37 NIE batchmates, only 1 got distinction, hence I am grateful for this grade. But, because I really could not get used to the "boring" teaching methods in the courses, hence I did not really put in a lot of effort to study, thus only getting an overall pass for my NIE life. Though there are some regrets in my heart, but I thought that since my resolution since 2 years ago has changed from studying to excel in academics to nurturing and inspiring people, when I entered NIE in 2007, I took on the leader's role for a local community project under NIE - GESL, and also led a team to an overseas community trip. In my NIE life, I feel ashamed to call myself the class representative of my class, cos I really did not seem to have made any contributions, other than organising some birthday parties and Karaoke Sessions, and I was not a good example in class. Haha, hence, I would like to thank my partner, Yiya, for contributing her efforts for the class. Without her, we would have missed out a lot. Once again, thank you. At the beginning of 2008, when I was on practicum, I had to juggle with leading a team of 30 NUS students with my buddy, over to Cambodia to fulfil 22 days of community service work, hence I am also glad that this has not affected much in my overall performance in school. Maybe this was also one of the reasons why I had not been able to smile or laugh out in class in the last term. Actually many friends questioned about me being a teacher, because I really love to joke and crap around, and don't look like the serious type who can teach in class. haha, actually they are also joking lar. Henceforth until now, my 2 years of 4 overseas expeditions have finally come to an end as I embark on a new journey in teaching.

In the following days, I hope to lead more teams of students overseas, to let them learn about others and cherish or appreciate their life more. Hence, after all these time, I also came to a conclusion: I may not be the best Chinese language teacher, but I must be a teacher that will be remembered by students, remembered for how I used to guide them in their lives, just like in the many teachers that I used to have, the one that left a lasting impression was still my Chinese teacher.I hope I can attain this goal. I am also very happy to know that my students still take time to check out my blog. Tks for all your support, and I will continue to share my thoughts online. Do keep a lookout, and I will do the translation tomorrow. So tired. ( In fact, today is already saturday. haha)

我回来了。

2008-06-12T15:45:00.002+08:00

是的，我回来了，已经有两天了。有一种淡淡的失落感。不知为什么每一次在一个海外工程完成后，都会有这种感觉。这次尤其强烈，就是不知为什么？说起来，我这次率领的这个小组，虽然不是我理想中最好的，但却是最团结的一组。虽然中途发生了一些令人遗憾的事情，但我觉得这次的工程让我收获不少。好长又好短的22天。长，因为我们在这漫漫22天中完成了许多许多，了解与领悟了很多很多，学到了好多好多。短，因为22天在一年365天里，微不足道，这短暂让人能喘息时间，不仅没让我充电，反而消耗了我大量的功力。哈哈。短，也因为我还没完全认识这一群PA X的好朋友们。真希望我们能有更多时间再一起来相聚。

现在，我的人生又要重新出发了，这次是一条漫长又艰辛的旅途。在这条新的路上，我将遇上许许多多莘莘学子，我将在无意或有意中影响他们。我只能带着一个目标继续前进：让他们知道活着的意义，及做人的道理。

好了，不要再说这么沉闷的东西了。其实在这次的旅途中，我发现我是个容易对人有好感的人。简单来说，我喜欢上了一个女孩。有人问：“你不觉得博客很假吗？因为你不会在网上说出你真正的感受。但我觉得这是因人而异的。起码我会尝试写出我的想法，因为我觉得这是一个很好收藏回忆的管道。在若干年后，当你再读到自己的回忆时，也会会心一笑。

在去年十二月的旅程中，我觉得我好像喜欢上了这个女生，但这份感觉很奇怪。后来，我才知道原来我只是想要尝试培养出一种“喜欢”的感觉，因为我觉得这位女生很不错，是值得交往的对象。在这22 天中，在与许多人分享了他们的恋爱史时，我不得不同意这一点，感情是很难培养出来的，一定要有一样东西牵引着两人，或是让两个人在一起时觉得很舒服。

正当我在尝试找寻一样让彼此都能更舒服的默契时，我竟然在另一个女生的身上找到了这份默契。她让我觉得交谈中很舒服，又很想让人去呵护。只可惜她已经有了男朋友，而且这可能是一厢情愿，但我很珍惜这难得的心动。说真的，已经有很久没有这种感觉了。哈哈，没关系，我只希望她能得到真正的幸福和快乐。这才是最重要的。有一位朋友告诉我：好的东西是值得等待的。此时的我，只能再期待下一次的心动了。哈哈。今天，我发现有很多人在MSN 上写了这样的一句话：Yesterday is History, Today is a Mystery, and Tomorrow is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present. 我想了很久，好像在哪儿见过，因为今天我不止一次在网上看到了这句话。好吧，让我们努力迎接明天将到来的礼物吧！

好了，这篇花了一天来写。哈哈。

At Changi Terminal 1 Gate C19

2008-05-20T05:25:00.003+08:00

Here I am, going to leave Singapore soon, to embark on a learning journey of 22 days. In these 22 days, I may become darker, I may slim down, I may be sick, but nonetheless, I look forward to this trip. And well, I look forward to the visit to Ang Kor Wat again tomorrow morning. Of course, one more thing that I am anticipating, Champions League Finals, tomorrow, Man Utd Vs Chelsea.. haha.. How to watch leh? Well, I will find a way out.. So, half an hour more to boarding the plane, and here I am, feeling bored and using the free Internet..

I have looked through the blogs again, and am glad that some of my students actually mentioned me in their blogs, all missing me of course.. hahaha.. Well, same sentiments here.. Looking forward to teaching in the new term liao.. Remember to watch the " Hua Wen Zhi Duo Xing", 8 pm on every monday. I think it is a great way to improve your chinese. Sorry ar, this computer here cannot type chinese. Okie.. Nothing much to write.. and a big challenge awaiting for me ahead.. To lead 28 angels on a mission.. Hope they do learn something..I will try my best to blog whenever I can, I have brought my laptop along too, and there is this one single place that has wireless access in Cambodia, called "Blue Pumpkin".. I will take some time to type out my blog, if I have the chance..

Hail Man Utd.. Winners tomorrow night! Till 22 days later..

The different faces of life (人生中不同的脸孔）

2008-05-19T02:45:00.000+08:00

很多人说我如果不笑，我的样子看起来会很凶。可能是我的皮肤黑吧，每次会被当成脸黑黑。可能这是一件好事，也有可能，这是件坏事。为什么我这么说呢？今天，我除了要分享我的脸上的表情代表着什么意思外，还希望能谈一谈我的一些看法。

有时候，当我不笑的时候，其实我感到很累，很疲倦，尤其是这上半年，我笑与不笑的时候差不多都各一半。我是个很喜欢笑的人，也很喜欢带给我周围的人欢笑。但遗憾的是，我的家里常常都是吵闹多过笑声。所以每次我和朋友在外面时，都尽量保持愉快的心情。这上半年，由于受到学校教学的压力，以及两个海外义工工程的进行与后续工作，让我筋疲力尽，想笑也笑不出来。

我不笑，除了疲倦外，其实有时是在想事情。当我在思考时，是我最认真的时刻，所以经常会看到我不说话，然后也不笑。可能就是因为我平时笑太多，给人一种吊儿郎当的感觉，因此，当我不笑的时候，就会被当成是“脸臭臭”、“发脾气”。你或许还没察觉，我其实不喜欢发脾气，也不喜欢生气的感觉，因为生气很累。当我生气时，我会让你知道你把我惹火了，而那是每个人最不想看到的脸。

因此，如果我凶，那是因为我有必要对你凶，而不是因为我生气了。例如：当我发现班上有人说话时，我必须凶，学生才不会吵闹；或者当在学生警察中，为了维持纪律，绝对有必要对学生凶，才能让他们知道什么时候应该遵守纪律；又或者当我是领导时，为了维持队中的合作精神，我得拿出领队的威严来达到目的。但，如果你是一个正常人的话，你不会喜欢人们对你凶，或对你呼来唤去，或骂你。这也是我常被人误会的地方。或许可能是我认为别人误会我，但事实上，这与人的本性有关。

我非常讨厌我的父亲经常无缘无故就对我怒吼，尤其当我没有犯错时，因此我时时警惕自己，除非有必要，不然我不会对任何人这么做。其实，这些日子以来，尤其是上个星期所发生的一些事，让我深深明白了人性的一个弱点：人，不喜欢被其他人把他们当成小孩子般来使唤，或训话，因此他们常常怪罪于骂他们的人，从来不会反省自己是否有错。换句话说，现在的人们只会埋怨别人对自己怎么样的不好，却不换个角度想想他们是否真的有错，以致招徕他人的谩骂？他们也不会去设身处地想想为何人们要如此对待他们？我不否认有些人就喜欢针对人，又或者观点存有偏见，因此常喜欢骂人。总而言之，我觉得反省之心非常重要。

我的父亲是个脾气极度暴躁的人，因此我常被骂。这也导致我们父子俩的关系处于一种敬畏的阶段。但，我必须说一点：没有我的父亲的“骂”，就没有今天的我。我有很多缺点都是经过“骂”之后，才改正过来，但遗憾的是，他很少会去发掘我的优点。可能是我曾令他失望过。

在这次的四川大地震中，我看到了不少新的脸孔，一些人生中难得一见真诚的脸孔。我看到了人们在寻找孩子忧虑的脸孔；我看到了人们在面对亲人尸体时无可奈何，欲哭无泪的脸孔；我看到了更多人们抱着希望的脸孔，日以继夜地不断搜寻失踪者的下落；我也看到温家宝总理温和慈祥的脸孔安抚着沮丧的人民；我更看到了为了保护学生而壮烈牺牲的老师僵硬的脸孔；我也看到了学生们感激老师的脸孔；我看到了全世界不分国界、种族、语言的人民，慷慨解囊，伸出援手，为灾区人民默默祈祷，盼望有更多生还者，那种恳切的脸孔。

在这次缅甸的热带风暴中，我看到了政府对人民不屑的脸孔；我看到了全世界人们想要帮助，但却无可奈何的脸孔；我看到了缅甸人民在被自己政府残酷的遗弃后，自动自发地从全国各地到灾区去出一份绵力，向自己的同袍伸出援手，那种互助互爱的脸孔；我更看到了救难人员，及联合国因为缅甸政府不肯配合而生气的面孔。

以上种种的面孔，不管是善良或丑陋，都在这两个大灾难中显现出来。我从这些人生中不同的脸孔中学到了四个字、一个道理：人性本善。善良是人们天生的本性，尽管缅甸的政府从表面上看来对外来的援助很不友善，但那时因为权力的斗争腐化了他们善良的本性。在这里，我希望我的学生及到我的博客阅读的朋友，都能保持自己善良的心，并要懂得从经验中虚心学习，不要一直埋怨他人对自己开骂，要换个方式去反省为何人们会这样对你。可能你会发现这个人其实教会你更多的人生道理，毕竟我是这么过来的，你呢？

English translation of the above text:

Many people say that if I do not smile, I actually look very fierce. I look into the mirror and thought: Maybe I am too dark，so i get mistaken as being angry. Maybe it is a good thing, but maybe it is not that great after all. Why do I say so? Today, I am going to share what the expressions on my face mean, and what they actually represent of me, and I also hope to share some of my views about the different faces of life.

Sometime, when I do not smile, it is actually because I feel tired, really tired. Especially for the last half of 2008, the times where I smiled/ laughed, and the times where I do not smile at all, I think they are quite equal. I am someone who likes to laugh or rather, I like to bring laughter to the people around me. But regretfully, I have not been able to fulfil this wish at home, as scoldings exceed the amount of laughter being heard. Hence everytime when I go out with my friends, I do my best to maintain fun and laughter. For the last half of the year, due to pressure from teaching in school, and my 2 overseas community projects, its preparation for one and its closing for the other, it has drained me totally of my energy, so as much as I want to laugh, but I do not have excess energy to do it.

When I do not laugh, besides being tired, actually I am thinking about some matters. When I am really in deep thought, that is when I am serious about some important matters, hence you will see me being very quiet, and not smiling at all. Maybe I usually give others an impression whereby I laugh and joke a lot, giving people an impression that I am not serious about things, hence when I don't laugh, people will think that I am angry, or feeling unhappy. They will not think that I am tired. Maybe you have not realised one thing about me, that is, I so not like to be angry, as I hate the feeling of being angry, because it tires me further to be angry at someone. So when I am really angry at you, I will let you know about it, and that will really be the face which you will really hate to see.

When I am fierce to you, that is because I feel that there is a need to be fierce, and not because I am angry. For example, when I find someone talking in class, I have to be fierce, so that the students will not be noisy and thus affect the learning of other students; Or when in NPCC, in order to maintain discipline, I have to be fierce to the students so that they will know when is the time that they have to obey orders and not to fool around; Or when I am in the position of a leader, in order to maintain the team's discipline in doing things, I have to exert my authority on you to achieve the aim. However, having said so, if you are a normal being, you will not like people to be fierce to you, nor will you want people to boss you around to do things, or scold you. No one likes that， and that is why I am always being mistaken by others. Or maybe it could be that I have mistaken how others think of me. Nevertheless, I have come to realize one thing, in reality, this has got to do with the nature of human being.

I really hate my dad at times, when he rants at me for no particular reason, especially when I am not wrong..Hence I keep reminding myself, unless there is a need, if not, I will not scold people for no particular reasons. Actually, through these days, especially after what happened last week, I realized that human have a weakness, and that is: Man, as much as they do not like to be treated as kids, being commanded at or scolded, they turn to vent their frustrations on the people who scolds or reprimands them. Man seldom does reflect on his own mistakes. In another words, people nowadays only know how to complain about how others are treating them badly, but they do not change their perspective to wonder if they really did something wrong, that deserved a scolding from others? They do not put themselves in others shoes, and think of why people have to treat them in this lousy manner? I do not deny that there are cases where people just like to find fault in others, or some whose viewpoints are biased and flawed, such that they just like to scold others unnecessary. All in all, I feel that self reflection is very important.

My dad is someone who has a very bad temper, hence me being scolded that much. This has also caused our relationship of me to always be in a position more of respect rather than us trying to understand each other better. But, I have to say this, without the relentless scolding from my dad, there will not be the Ivan Lee today. I learn through the many mistakes through his scoldings, but the one thing that I find regretful is that, he seldom explore my strengths. Maybe because I have hurt him badly before.

In the aftermath of the Si Chuan Earthquake, I see a lot of refreshing faces, some which can only be seen in a lifetime. I saw the faces of people frantically looking for their children in the rubbles; I saw the helpless, sad faces of those who have lost their closest kins and friends; I saw more hopeful faces working hard day and night trying their very best to look for the traces of their loved ones, or of stangers that they do not even know; I saw the kind face of Premier Wen Jia bao providing mental support and calmness to the helpless victims of the earthquake; I even saw the hardened, expressionless faces of the teachers who have sacrificed themselves in the event of protecting their students from the quake; I also saw the faces of gratitude of the students who were saved from the rubbles; and of course, I saw the earnest faces of kind people from all over the world, regardless of country, race and language, doing their best to raise funds, and pray for the well being of the victims, hoping that there can be more survivors as time ticked past.

In Myanmar's Cyclone Nargis, I saw the uncaring face of the government of Myanmar; I also saw the helpless faces of those who have kind intentions to help, yet unable to do anything due to the government's restrictions; I saw the helpful, kind and loving faces of burmese coming from all over the country to lend a helping hand to their own people; and I also saw the angry faces of the rescuers from all over the world as well as the frustrated faces of the UN counterparts who wanted to help.

以上种种的面孔，不管是善良或丑陋，都在这两个大灾难中显现出来。我从这些人生中不同的脸孔中学到了四个字、一个道理：人性本善。善良是人们天生的本性，尽管缅甸的政府从表面上看来对外来的援助很不友善，但那时因为权力的斗争腐化了他们善良的本性。在这里，我希望我的学生及到我的博客阅读的朋友，都能保持自己善良的心，并要懂得从经验中虚心学习，不要一直埋怨他人对自己的不好，要换个方式去反省为何人们会这样对你。可能你会发现这个人其实教会你更多的人生道理，毕竟我是这么过来的，你呢？

From all the different faces from all walks of life, no matter whether they are kind or ugly faces, it has surfaced from the 2 natural disasters and tragedies. I have learnt an applicable phrase from the above, and that is: Human is kind by nature. Being kind is an inborn nature of human beings. Even when we see the Myanmar government unwelcoming outside aid, we have to realise that it is because of the struggle for power that has made the junta defect from their original kind nature. Hence finally, I hope that my students and other visitors of this blog, can maintain a kind heart, and learn humbly from your experiences and failures, and do not keep blaming others for being harsh on you. Try to think from another positive perspective on why people are treating you in this manner. Maybe you will find that this person whom actually scolds you have actually taught you much more than you have ever learnt. Well, at least that was how I lived by, what about you?

( wah, I actually spent 3 hours on this.. 2.45 am le.. Time to sleep.. Going Cambodia tomorrow le.. Last night on my precious bed..)

心痛! 中国人不会那么容易倒下。。

2008-05-15T22:10:00.004+08:00

I am feeling very heavy now, not physically, but deep down in my heart. My last post was dated 11 may 08, now on this day 15th May 08, as I regained consciousness of what is happening around me, I realized that I am a lucky man. After the Pulau Ubin camp with my Project Angel X members, I revolved around feeling tired and burdened by personal unhappiness, with the news of the China earthquake ringing around my ears, cos my dad was watching the Chinese news yesterday.

On 12th of May，I was still at the chalet in Aloha Changi.. Yet there, 5 hours flight away from me, people are dying, people are howling in pain, people are...... using their bodies to save each other. Yes, these are the noble people. I just read in the papers today about 2 parents cowering over their child to protect her from the falling wall. The parents were dead in the rubble, though the child was rescued.

A teacher blocked his students from a falling ceiling, and his head was crushed in, but his 4 students survived. A 65 year old man, used all his strength to carry his disabled wife from 3rd level, to 7th level. Thousands of students died in the secondary schools, and primary schools in Si Chuan, and people lose their families and friends.

Tears welled up my eyes when I read these news, and I really felt that I could do nothing when I see and read these news. My heart ached and it will continue tonight only until I fall asleep. I am glad that I am staying in this small yet safe country. I am glad that my students are still safe in their homes, enjoying TV and playing computers. I am glad that I do not have to go through the ordeal of separation from my parents. I am a free thinker, so I thank whoever brought me where I am.

Yet, I feel sad when I see people not learning to appreciate what is around them, I feel sad when people quarrel over small things and abandon their loved ones. I feel sad when I am able-bodied yet I cannot stretch out my hands to save a life. Here, I can only thank the Chinese government for being able to save as many lives as they could, thank Premier (Prime Minister) Wen Jia Bao, who stepped out just 90 minutes after the quake, and went straight into the rubble to calm everyone down, and direct the whole rescue operation. Yes, China is filled with love, let us all pray for the 2 countries.

In the month of may, more than 200,000 innocent lives have perished under the hands of natural disaster. Who do we blame? The incumbent government of Myanmar or the cruelty of the natural disasters? Why do people perish like this in Myanmar? Because they are still living in poverty and do not have the power to save themselves. They do not have the power to stay in better houses, do not have the ability to feed themselves, and do not have the power to overthrow their corrupted government. Can you imagine now, what might happen if those in power chose to ignore the life and death of its people?

In China, it was a totally different scenario. Thousands of people rushed over with aid from over the world, and China welcomed them with warmth. The Chinese work day and night to save their people from the rubble, and of course, the most touching scenes would be people sacrificing themselves to save others. Other than wishing them good luck, I do not think I can contribute much other than some money. Below is a link that lets you donate to redcross, who will bring over our donated amounts over to both people of China and Myanmar. Maybe we could do something.. maybe..

Students, do get your parents to make a gift in this difficult time..And lastly, appreciate all your loved ones, and learn to love yourself too.. I will be away in Cambodia from Tuesday 20th May to 10th June. I will try to keep a diary if I can manage, and will post if I have time. Meanwhile, I hope all of you (1F, 1D, 2B）, pls continue writing and updating your blogs, and when I say I miss you guys, I mean it.. See you all in a month time.

http://www.redcross.org.sg/chinaearthquake_src_donate.htm

Ivan

缅甸风灾

2008-05-11T14:09:00.003+08:00

前几天，缅甸发生了一场惨不忍睹的人间悲剧。以下是风暴袭击缅甸点滴：

5月1日早晨，热带风暴“纳尔吉斯”在伊洛瓦底省的海基岛附近登陆，接着横扫缅甸三角洲地区。

5月3日，缅甸5个省邦遭遇气旋风暴凌晨袭击仰光

5月3日，仰光市遭遇特强热带风暴袭击至少4人死亡

5月3日，缅甸政府宣布仰光省、伊洛瓦底省、勃固省、孟邦和克伦邦为灾区。

5月4日，风暴造成351人死亡。大部分电力电信服务中断。

5月5日，强热带风暴袭击已造成缅甸3969人死亡，至少2879人失踪]

5月5日，强风暴致缅甸一城镇死亡近万人

5月5日，强风暴致缅甸数十万人无家可归

5月5日，风暴造成的死亡人数上升至1万5千人左右。

5月6日，数万人无家可归。风暴开始从缅甸转向泰国。

5月6日，缅甸前首都仰光受风暴袭击死亡10000人。

根据其他媒体、新闻报道，死亡人数介于20，000（中国新闻）至100，000不等（海峡时报，Straits Times）。其实，根本不会有这么多的伤亡人数，但就是因为长期压制人民的缅甸军政府（Military Junta/government), 缅甸局势才会一发不可收拾。

以下是我看到的一些新闻、事件和所知道的事实，我将翻译成英语。
Below are some news, events and truths that I have heard and seen with my own eyes, and I would like to share with all of you, hence I did a translation to English.

你们知道吗？Do you know that:

1。在灾难发生初期，缅甸政府不让外国援助、医疗机构进入，以致更多的人死于饥饿、缺乏食水、缺乏栖身之所、寒冷的天气。

1. During the start of the disaster, just after the cyclone hit Burma, the military Junta/Government refused entry to international aid, especially food and medical aid, because they were afraid that they would bring harm to the military reign. Hence, at the expense of the lives of the burmese, the number of deaths tolled from a mere 10,000 to nearly 100,000, due to starvation, lack of drinking water, lack of accomodation and of course, lack of protection from the cold and attack from the winds.

2。有一个怀了孕的母亲，爬上了树去逃过被水冲走的厄运，最后诞下了一个宝宝。但她的七名子女却在风灾中无一幸免。

2. A pregnant lady climbed up a tree to prevent herself from being flushed away by the floods caused by the cyclone. Finally, she was saved, and she gave birth to a healthy baby. It brought joy to the sad news that a new life was born. But her 7 children all perished in the cyclone. I will always remember this news.

3。新加坡有很多缅甸人，他们都是因为受不了受到缅甸军政府的欺压，得出外寻求生存。

3. There are many Burmese in Singapore. You would have noticed that if you visit City Hall during the weekends, near Peninsular Shopping Centre. These Burmese came over to Singapore, or to other countries, with the hope of escaping from the clutches and suppression from the Military government in Burma, and to seek a better life out there. Anywhere is better than Burma.

4。缅甸人民痛恨他们的政府，但由于一些国家的经济利益，使得国际社会不能对于其军政府加以制裁。

4. The Burmese hate their government, but for economic reasons, some of the bigger countries like China and India, have been providing support for Burma, such that the international community is unable to do anything to stop the dire state of Burma.

5。缅甸最有钱的人是政府中的将军，其他地方的百姓有很多每天都赚取不到1美元的薪水，可见他们是多么穷困。

5. The richest people in Burma, are the military generals, and if foreigners were to go, we need to pay double the price of what the locals pay. (Told by my burmese friend). There are many small villages, where the people do not earn more than 1 USD per day, so you can see the state that they are in.

6。由于缅甸政府长期残杀克伦族（Karen tribe）的族群（现在依然如此），从缅甸流亡到泰国的难民多达100，000人，而这个数目还在增加。泰国政府本来想将他们遣返回国，但由于这是条死路，所以继续给予帮助。

6. Due to the long term massacre of the tribal people in Burma, mainly the Karens, the number of refugees who have fled over across the border to Thailand, has increased to nearly 100, 0000 over the years, and this number is still increasing. The thailand government wanted to expedite them back to Burma, but on knowing that this is dead road, they continue to provide help and shelter to these refugees. (The military government wanted to kill the Karens, mainly because of religion differences, since 80% of Burmese are Buddhists, and Karens are the minorities, the christians. )

7。我在去年5月时，去了泰缅边界的难民营去，看到了那里友善的克伦族人民。他们对于教育十分注重，而且也非常努力为自己的将来奋斗，因为只要他们学好英语，学业有不错，一年中，会有几户家庭有机会到美国、英国、澳洲等地，去开始新的生活。

7. I went to Mae Ra Camp， a refugee camp in Northeastern Thailand, near the borders of Thailand and Burma, and saw the kind hearted Karens. I found that they are not only friendly, but they give their guests the best thing. Because we went in groups, my other group of friends had "VIP" 5 star treatment from the Karens. They used fans to fan away the houseflies, and to keep my friends cool while enjoying their meals, and they kept refilling the food, as if we are really there for a buffet. But from these small actions, you can see no reasons why the government can be so brutal to kill their people. The Karens strive hard in their education, giving their children the best, to learn English, so that they would stand a chance for an interview to be given a chance to go overseas, to US, UK, Australia, to start a new life.

8。或许你不知道难民营是不容许难民外出的，因此他们如果没有钱贿赂官员让他们到泰国找寻工作，或到美国过新的生活，那么，他们就会像坐牢一样，一辈子都困在这个地方。但是，我看到的却是非常知足的克伦族人民。他们满足于现状，还有的告诉我，只要没有战火，这样的生活，有得吃、穿，已经很好了。

8. Maybe you do not know that a refugee camp does not allow refugees to go out of the camp. They need special permits to go out for interviews, or sometimes to buy new goods in. If they really want to leave, they have to give 10,000 Thai baht to the camp officers to bribe their way out of the camp, and start a new life in Thailand. Either that, or after they pass the interviews and tests, then they can be released to a new country of their choice, with their families. Hence staying in the refugee camp is like staying in prison, and if they do not get to leave, they will stay here forever. However so, I only see satisfied faces of the Karens, living happily without much complaints. The reason why they are contented is because they do not need to face a life full of fear and warfare. To them, as long as they have a place to stay, food to eat, and clothes to wear, they are happy enough.

9。由于缅甸与泰国只隔着一条大河，因此他们不时还会听到不远处传来的枪声。现在缅甸面临这场灾难，真不知缅甸人还要熬到多久，才可以得到真正的自由？

9. As Burma and Thailand is only a river apart, hence they can still hear gunshots from not far away at times. They can only pray for their counterparts' safety in Burma. Now that Burma faces the new series of disaster, I do not know how long they would need to suffer before being able to release themselves from the clutches of their government, and gain the true happiness...

10。加油吧，缅甸！Strive on, Burma.

谢谢。有空，请留言。

问世间情为何物？

2008-05-11T01:21:00.003+08:00

我读到了一位学生的博客，才发现我的一位同事最近失恋。可能我太忙了，没有察觉到。

但古人有一句常被引用的话，问世间情为何物，直叫人生死相许。。应该是看太多《神雕侠侣》了。这位学生提到的爱情观，我也非常赞同，而我本身的爱情观又是什么呢？可能这其中带有些哲理，但我却认为拥有一个正确的爱情观是至关重要的。为什么呢？请让我娓娓道来。

首先，我发现现今社会有个很严重的问题。那就是离异的家庭很多，也就是说有很多离婚夫妇或单亲家庭的存在。而这些事件最大的受害者其实就是他们身边的亲人。如：我的堂姐最近正在办理离婚，而其家庭关系闹得很僵，我看了不禁叹息不已。这个严重的社会现象背后其实造成了更多的社会问题，如：孩子必须饱受父母在离婚期间的吵闹，孩子在父母离婚后的赡养问题，而最重要的是，对孩子在心理上所造成的负担和阴影，会使他们在往后的日子里对于男女关系的质疑，与否定。对于追求真爱，可能孩子已经不抱任何期望。。不仅如此，这些孩子往往都会成为学校的问题学生，因为他们已经缺乏了正确的家庭教育，以及更为重要的关爱。有谁不要得到父母的疼爱呢？

人们结婚时究竟是否把婚约当成一个永恒的承诺呢？可能有，但就在那一霎那吗？
又是否在离婚时，已经把从前美好的回忆已经淡忘了？

人们时常在抱怨，若不是为了孩子，我可能早已经离婚了。孩子本来是两人的爱情结晶，现在竟然成为了两人之间的累赘、绊脚石。我最近更听闻很多关于家庭暴力的问题，如：父母听闻老师向父母汇报孩子的状况后，竟然回家痛殴孩子，对其拳打脚踢，真是令人听闻后，痛恨得咬牙切齿。我一向认为，如果你不懂得教育孩子，请不要把他们生下来，因为他们也是有生命的。人性本善，如果这些孩子不是受到了家庭、朋友的不良影响，他们能变成问题学生吗？

哈哈，看来我的主题越扯越远了。爱情，究竟我如何看待呢？有很多学生问我有没有女朋友？好，我不回避问题。没有，从来也没有。你们可能认为没有女朋友就对爱情一无所知。可能吧。但我周围有很多活生生的例子，有很多向我诉说心情的朋友。我一向认为，那些一见钟情的爱情，都不会长久，那只不过是电视连续剧，爱情小说里面理想世界的例子。

在残酷的现实生活中，人们分分合合，有些是男的错，有些是女的错，但为何容许自己犯错呢？为何容许自己加入三角恋，或一脚踏两船，或有婚前性行为，让自己怀孕，或明知道与对方性格不合，却勉强要在一起，然后结婚后再后悔。这些都可以避免，只要你有了正确的爱情观，绝对能够得到你所渴望的真爱。

那么，何谓正确的爱情观呢？我认为必须先认识这个人，通过长久的相处，可能是一个月，也可能是一年，然后，在你们确定彼此都与对方互有好感后，可以尝试单独约会，更深入地认识对方，然后才决定是否要正式交往，成为正式的男女朋友。至此，双方都必须正常交往，而不能利用“性”作为一种交换条件，应该给予彼此尊重与空间。此后的一且可能还是会导致分手的局面出现，但只要不要犯下一些不应该犯的大错（如上所述），那么分手后，还是朋友。这就是我的爱情观。

我没有女朋友，就会有人问：“为什么不找呢？”
答案是：“不是我不找，我一直在寻找，只是还没找到。”

曾经有过两次心动，而且差点儿有成为男女朋友的机会，可是可能是我的问题，因为我还没准备好，不想让对方失望，不想成为伤害女人的男人，所以到了最后，我还是放弃了继续发展的机会。可能我就是喜欢找借口，但，我很珍惜与这两位女生在一起的日子，因为她们都是很好的女生。

好了，写了这么多，好累啊！改天再见。请留意了，我会带电脑到柬埔寨，因此，希望我的学生还能继续在自己的博客上发帖子。谢谢。

What Love means to Kids

2008-05-11T01:00:00.000+08:00

WHAT LOVE MEANS TO AGE 4 TO 8 YEAR OLD CHILDREN

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it.
Touching words from the mouth of Babes.
What does Love mean?
A Group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds,

'What does love mean?'
The answers they got were broader and deeper than

Anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

'When my Grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails

Anymore.

So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his Hands got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8

'When

Someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know

That your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4

'Love is

When a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out

And smell each other.'
Karl - age 5

'Love is

When you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without

Making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6

'Love is

What makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4

'Love is

When my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to

Him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7

'Love is

When you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want

To be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They

Look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8

'Love is

what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and

Listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you

Want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million

More Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is

When you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7

'Love is

Like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after

They know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6

'During

My piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people

Watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one

Doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8

'My mommy

Loves me more than anybody

You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep

At night.'
Clare - age 6

'Love is

When Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5

'Love is

when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than

Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7

'Love is

when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day'

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know

my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go

out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4

'When you

love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.'

(what an image)
Karen - age 7

'Love is

when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'

Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you

should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8

And the

final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he

was asked to judge.

The purpose of the contest was to find the most

caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the

little boy said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

听歌、唱歌

2008-05-04T00:33:00.004+08:00

听歌与唱歌是我最喜欢做的其中两件事。如果你发现，这与我们学习是一种不断循环的过程。为什么呢？你如果想唱一首歌，想要唱好一首歌，就必须反复地听这首歌很多很多遍。读书也是一样，如果我们反复练习，一定能达成熟能生巧的程度。所以说，要学好华文，除了读书，听歌，看漫画，也是很好的工具。好了，大道理就不说太多了。我有一个习惯，就是喜欢把我喜欢听的歌曲与其他人分享，或是去把喜欢歌曲的歌词放在面前，然后一直唱，或是去卡拉Ok，去唱个痛快。说到这，我发现最近唱功退步了，因为必须每天上课时，在喉部方面，费很多功夫去维持班上的秩序，久而久之，就会发现声音的素质越来越差。所以呀，那些顽皮的学生，请你们不要再让我对你们大呼小叫了。哈哈。

以下就是我所推荐的两首歌。第一首：眼泪，我在中学时期的歌，一直很喜欢，到了今天，听着这首歌，还是会有淡淡的忧伤。第二首：情歌王，里面结合了多大30首歌曲，有些是新歌，有些是很久以前脍炙人口的金曲！忘了说，我喜欢听抒情歌曲，也喜欢听周杰伦的歌，因为里面的歌词让我有很美的画面感，又能学习几个新词，何乐而不为。好了，以下是两首歌的歌词，你可以一面听，一面唱！

眼泪：

歌手：范晓萱 专辑：绝世名伶演唱会

青春若有张不老的脸但愿她永远不被改变
许多梦想总编织太美跟着迎接幻灭
爱上你是最快乐的事却也换来最痛苦的悲
苦涩交错爱的甜美我怎样都学不会 ha......
oh 眼泪眼泪都是我的体会成长的滋味
oh 眼泪忍住眼泪不让你看见我在改变
孤单的感觉你从不曾发现我笑中还有泪
oh 眼泪眼泪流过无言的夜心痛的滋味
oh 眼泪擦干眼泪忘掉一切曾有的眷恋
眼泪是苦眼泪是伤悲眼泪都是你
眼泪是甜眼泪是昨天眼泪不流泪

情歌王：

(Forever love 王力宏)
爱你不是因为你的美而已我越来越爱你每个眼神触动我的心
(两个人的烟火黎明)
最爱你的是我否则你怎麽让我
否则我怎麽可能赴汤蹈火你说什麽都做
(如果·爱张学友)
如果这就是爱在转身就该勇敢留下来
就算受伤就算流泪都是生命里温柔灌溉
(童话光良)
我要变成童话里你爱的那个天使张开双手变成翅膀守护你
你要相信相信我们会像童话故事里
(很爱很爱你刘若英)
舍得让你往更多幸福的地方飞去很爱很爱你
只有让你拥有爱情我才安心
(我愿意王菲)
我愿意为你我愿意为你我愿意为你忘记我姓名
只要你真心拿爱与我回应我什麽都愿意为你
(好想好想古巨基)
好想好想好想好想好想好想和你在一起
(明天我要嫁给你了周华健)
明天我要嫁给你啦明天我要(终于)嫁给你啦
要不是你问我要不是你劝我要不是适当的时候你让我心动
(不得不爱潘玮柏/弦子)
天天都需要你爱我的心思由你猜
I love you 我就是要你让我每天都精彩
(阴天莫文蔚)
开始总是分分钟都妙不可言谁都以为热情它永不会减
总之那几年感性赢了理性那一面
(飞机场的10:30 陶喆)
Baby baby baby baby baby baby 是不是拥有以後就会开始要失去
我给你的越多你却要想要躲爱已无法回答所有的问题
(那麽爱你为什麽黄品源/莫文蔚)
离开你是傻是对是错是看破是软弱这结果是爱是恨或者是什麽
(你怎麽舍得我难过黄品源)
最爱你的人是我你怎麽舍得我难过
对你付出了这麽多你却没有感动过
(爱我别走张震狱)
爱我别走如果你说你不爱我
不要听见你真的说出口再给我一点温柔
(让我欢喜让我忧周华健)
就请你给我多一点点时间再多一点点问候不要一切都带走
就请你给我多一点点空间再多一点点温柔不要让我如此难受
(原来你什麽都不想要张惠妹)
原来你什麽都不想要我不要你的承诺不要你的永远
只要你真真切切爱我一遍就算虚荣也好, 贪心也好
最怕你把沉默, 当做对我的回报原来你什麽都不想要
(用心良苦张宇)
你说你想要逃偏偏注定要落脚情灭了爱熄了剩下空心要不要
(祝福张学友)
伤离别离别虽然在眼前说再见再见不会太遥远
若有缘有缘就能期待明天你和我重逢在烂灿的季节
(吻别张学友)
我和你吻别在无人的街让风痴笑我不能拒绝
我和你吻别在狂乱的夜我的心等着迎接伤悲
(把悲伤留给自己陈升)
能不能让我陪着你走既然你说留不住你
回去的路有些黑暗担心让你一个人走
(征服那英)
就这样被你征服切断了所有退路
我的心情是坚固我的决定是糊涂
(听海张惠妹)
听海哭的声音叹惜着谁又被伤了心
(味道辛晓琪)
和身上的味道我想念你的吻和手指淡淡烟草味道记忆中曾被爱的味道
(我怀念的孙燕姿)
我怀念的是无话不说我怀念的是一起作梦
我怀念的是争吵以後还是想要爱你的冲动
我记得那年生日也记得那一首歌记得那片星空最紧的右手
最暖的胸口
(领悟辛晓琪)
啊!多麽痛的领悟你曾是我的全部只愿你挣脱情的枷锁
爱的束缚任意追逐别再为爱受苦
(月亮惹的祸张宇)
都是你的错在你的眼中总是藏着让人又爱又怜的朦胧
都是你的错你的痴情梦像一个魔咒被你爱过还能为谁蠢动
(我们的爱 F.I.R)
我们的爱过了就不再回来直到现在我还默默的等待
我们的爱我明白已变成你的负担
只是永远我都放不开最後的温暖
(你把我灌醉黄大伟)
你把我灌醉你让我流泪扛下了所有罪我拼命挽回
你把我灌醉你让我心碎爱得收不回
(眼泪范晓萱)
Oh 眼泪...
眼泪都是我的体会成长的滋味
Oh 眼泪...
忍住眼泪不让你看见我在改变孤单的感觉...
你从不曾发现我笑中还有泪...
(情非得已庚澄庆)
只怕我自己会爱上你不敢让自己靠的太近
怕我没什麽能够给你爱你也需要很大的勇气
(你是如此难以忘记梁朝伟)
你是如此的难以忘记浮浮沉沉的在我心里
改变自己需要多少勇气翻腾的心情该如何平息
(心太软任贤齐)
你总是心太软心太软把所有问题都自己扛
相爱总是简单相处太难不是你的就别再勉强
(Forever love 王力宏)
Forever love forever love
我只想用我这一辈子去爱你
从今以後你会是所有幸福的理由
Forever love Forever love Forever love

好了，希望你们会喜欢。谢谢。

什么是成语？

2008-05-02T08:15:00.002+08:00

同学们，

考考你们，请问什么是成语？
1。一五一十
2。三只小猪
3。三五成群

或许答案很明显，1。和3。都是成语，而第2。只不过是一则童话故事。但可笑的是，台湾的教育部长，杜正胜竟然把“三只小猪”定义为成语，实为可笑，以下是摘要：

原文：

据台湾媒体报道，“三只小猪”变成语，“教育部长”杜正胜还大力相挺，不过当初负责编订成语字典的教授却表示，当初这“三只小猪”根本只是附录，不算成语。而网络上网友也骂声连连，还有人直接点名，说杜正胜就是那第四只小猪！杜正胜昨天教大家“三只小猪”怎么造句：“当我看到小朋友很偷懒，我跟他说，不要像三只小猪里面的老大一样，三只小猪的故事要想一想啊，这就算是运用成语。” “教育部”昨日立刻紧急处理，把“三只小猪”的批注网页关闭，但还是挡不住网友的热烈反应，有人办了投票要表决“三只小猪”到底算不算成语，还有民众直接在网络上留言，说杜正胜自己的名字也可以当成语，定义是不太会做事的官员。还有网友直接给杜正胜安排角色，说他是那第四只小猪，就叫“杜小猪”。

这还不止，有没有哪一位学生可以告诉我“罄竹难书”是褒义（positive)还是贬义(negative)成语？以下是新闻摘录，而且还有解释此成语的渊源。

陈水扁5月20日在白沙湾当环保志愿者净滩时表示，台湾义工的贡献是“罄竹难书”。杜正胜22日上午在台“立法院教育委员会”回应相关质询时“说文解字”，表示，“罄是用尽，竹是竹片。”，“罄竹难书”用现代白话文来说就是“事情多到连纸张都写不完”。中国国民党籍“立委”李庆安质疑，如果学生作文中出现“老师对我的恩惠真是罄竹难书”，这样算对还是不对？杜正胜则回答说，“我不能当阅卷老师”，李庆安最后语带嘲讽地“赞许”杜正胜对教育的贡献“罄竹难书”。

台湾中山女中语文教师李素真的话指出，“罄竹难书”一词源自于《吕氏春秋》，是指一个人的罪恶太多，就算用尽所有的竹子，也写不完罪状。罄竹难书是“负面”形容词，不应随便解释。
台湾师范大学退休语文教授李鍌也说，“罄竹难书”是指一个人坏事做尽，是用来骂人的负面成语，且已经沿用上千年，如果杜正胜硬要作字面解释，把一个负面的形容词解释成好的，那也只能说“官大学问大”。

附：罄竹难书：出自《吕氏春秋．季夏纪》记载：“此皆乱国之所生也，不能胜数，尽荆越之竹犹不能书”。《后汉书》卷六十六﹝《公孙贺传》﹞也说：“南山之竹，不足受我辞”。《旧唐书》卷五十三﹝《李密传》﹞：“罄南山之竹，书罪未穷；决东海之波，流恶难尽”。后世因此以“罄竹难书”比喻人的罪状之多，难以写尽。

批：历史学者杜正胜丢脸，当然是他自己的脸。中央研究院应该把他院士名衔取消，让他专门做攀龙附凤的“教育部长”，或者是陈总统的个人秘书。

成语不能乱用，不能说只要是四个字的词语，都称为成语。最重要的是，它必须具有代表性，及合理性，既能代表某一段词语的概括意思（summarizing a sentence），又能符合一定的原理（rational, makes sense)。所以，同学们，希望你们注意了。

由于杜正胜硬把一个童话故事套上成语的名义，又硬把一句成语从坏的意思，说成是很好的意思，结果台湾民众也拿他的名字来开玩笑，说：“你不要杜正胜啦！”意思是你不要一直硬拗，把错的硬说成对的，把死的都说成活的。哈哈，如果你们平时闲着没事做，不妨扭开电视观看台湾的嘲讽节目“全民大闷锅”，或“全民开讲”，绝对可以让你捧腹大笑。（Starhub Cable Vision Channel 52/54). 台湾的教育部长虽然对台湾的教育界有做出贡献，但却是贬多于褒，过多于功。还好，台湾的民众的眼睛是雪亮的，把民进党这个贪腐的政府拉下，看来台湾接下来的几年将能在马英九及国民党的带领下，迈入新的纪元。

Mixed Feelings on Labour Day

2008-05-01T15:12:00.005+08:00

On this day, where most people take a break, and go on holiday, why are there still many people working? Is this unfair? Why do I say so? Hawkers, restaurants, shopping mall retail shops, and Teachers do not have time to take a break. Papers to mark, lesson plans to write, administrative work to take note of, the only difference is, you work at the comfort of your home, with your radio blasting at your ear, and trying to take more breaks in between.

As I speak, I keep thinking about what my students are doing. Some of them are doing their homework, some of them are studying for their common tests, some are out enjoying the day with their parents, some are out with their friends and some would be online playing games, chatting with friends or watching TV? Which one of these do you belong to? Why do we have public holidays? So that we can relax, or so that we can work more (like the hawkers, restaurants etc). Some of my students keep complaining that they are very "Sian", and well, this is what most Singaporeans complain about, including me. When you have something to do, you feel "Sian", if you have nothing to do, you also feel "Sian". The only difference would be that when you have nothing to do, it is only because that you know you should be doing something, like studying, but subconsciously, you do not want to do it, so you feel very "sian".

Well that aside, I should need to address another issue. Some of my students, actually 2 lar, asked me to use these 2 techniques, so that students will hand up work. 1st, Be fierce, and stand resolute, just like some teachers, so that students would not dare to delay your work. 2nd, threaten them with detention, and carry out the practice, so that they will not dare to be playful and not hand in your work.

My next question is: Why do you need teachers to threaten, to scold, and to be fierce so that you will only obey? Are you a cow who needs the farmer to whip before it will move forward a step?

Do you really want to see me angry and scold you? It is bad for my health, and bad for your ears, and heart. And NPCC members should have seen me flare up before. You really will not want to experience this 'dark' side of me. And do you guys really want detention? I find it a waste of time, and it is really for students who are poorly disciplined. But if you do not obey the teacher and hand up your work, is it because you are poorly disciplined too? Think again.

I only know one thing, that is to be myself, and those who really know me, I can be really nice to people, but you have to be cooperative 1st, if not, I would only be condoning your acts. Because of my dad, who is a very very authoritative and strict person, I hate it when he scolds me, because it can go on for hours. So I have told myself that I will not do that to others unless forced to. "Do what others unto to you." 己所不欲，勿施于人。

Now, the point about saying all these, is not to hope that I can really transform my students overnight. For all you know, it may not even get to any of my students! I only hope to pass down one message before I ..... The message is :"Think about others before yourself."

If there are no "accidents", I will be leaving this school after next friday, and it is not because I do not want to come back. The main reason is because, the school have no needs for me at the moment. And it will be difficult to apply back to the school. Though I have requested to return back, but I think the chances are slim. I have enjoyed myself throughout my 2.5 months in this school, and have made many friends, seen many students worked harder, and seen students giving up their studies. I am glad to be given a chance to have come here, cos I know in my heart, this will be one school that I can identify with, cos of its character building programmes for the students. But I think it is ok. 所谓：此地不留人，自有留人处。

I only hope that I can continue to keep in contact with these students, and hopefully they can improve under another teacher, and finally grow and become better people in the future. Thank you students, my CT, Zhang Laoshi, and those who were with me throughout. That's all for the day.

欢迎大家参加博客比赛！

2008-04-29T23:43:00.002+08:00

请各位同学到这个网址， http://westspringchineseblogcompetition08.blogspot.com/点击其他伟源中学的学生创立的博客，然后给予一些评语。看到了我的班的学生占了这个比赛的70%，我都不好意思。哈哈。请各位同学要继续努力发上贴子（posting)，因为老师知道你们能够与高年级的学生一较高低！哈哈。加油吧！请注意以下几点：

1。错别字 - 问题严重啊。不要懒惰，知错能改，善莫大焉。你们可以印出来，然后来找老师，我会告诉你们哪一些词有问题。

2。内容 - 目前为止，我看到一些很生活化的帖子。希望你们再接再厉，想出一个好的话题，让大家来讨论，比如：我前天在报纸上看到一名15岁的学生出手打老师，哈哈！是华文老师呢！

3。到别人的网址去留言。希望你们能给予其他同学宝贵的意见，而非胡言乱语！宁莎与镇豪做得不错，请大家多多向他们学习。

加油咯！

为什么要教实用文？

2008-04-28T13:22:00.003+08:00

由于学生“热烈”要求我写博客，刚好我有一位好朋友向我提问了一个问题，因此想与各位学生分享愚见。这篇言论有一些争议性，不知各位对实用文有什么看法？

这是我的朋友所提出的问题：

我有一个疑问：

为何我们还需要学生写应用文？《华文应用文改革大纲》首次在1977年编写，到了现在已经有31年了。当时的社会环境与今天相比，已大不相同。要教导学生掌握一项日常生活中几乎没有机会使用的技能，我实在不能信服。我们教学生文学，是因为文学有其存在与欣赏价值。应用文的写作过程是类似‘八股文’般的练习。清朝都已经废除了八股文，我们呢？我们不能忘记新加坡的官方语言是英语；华文不应该与英文相竞争，而是各事其位。我不是反对教应用文，我只是反对考应用文。难道，我们的华文试卷就没有其他东西可以考核了吗？

文学和语言真的应该清楚划分吗？我认为作为华文老师，如果只教语言，不教文学，文化，传统，实在。。。。。。。

以下是我的回答：

这是一个很值得探讨的问题。问题有两个：1。为何要教及考应用文（现在改名换姓成了“实用文”）？ 2。我们要怎么教一个令自己难以信服的题材，要怎么把它教好呢？

我本身认为，决策权既然不在我们的手上，那不如，顺水推舟，来一个借题发挥。应用文及作文对我来说是不具有现代意义的，但它既然还存在，必然有其目的。不管是手写的文章，或是网上的博客，或是日常MSN/email, 与朋友交谈、联络，我们所要看到是一种通顺的文笔，流利且没有错别字的文法。但现实往往事与愿违。如果你们发现我最近有了个博客，而且还有许多学生的联系，那是因为我校正举办中文博客比赛。很多学生的博客中，文笔还算不错，但却错字百出，要不然就是中英混杂。

我承认应用文与时代的脱节，但与其以一个它完全没有实用价值的态度来教学，不如将它视为另一个训练学生来写他们的日常交际用语的工具？我将它视为强化学生在网上的语言表达工具。你们或许也发现了，现在的学生，你若叫他们写一页，他们不就写一页给你，有的还偷工减料，空行或少写几行。如果他们连写都要偷懒，试想想要他们用电脑以汉语拼音打出来，再去选择正确的字，那可不是要了他们的小命。有空不妨去看看我那参差不齐的学生所作的博客。

应用文既然改为实用文，必然有其意义。两个作用，我们可以在博客上教他们用正确的字，然后再以实用文考察。或我们可以在实用文中，加入多一些与日常生活有关的话题，来鼓励学生以华文创作博客，或与中国的朋友交流（现在有很多出国游学的机会，一定有机会让学生间互相交流）。不知道大家认为以上的提议怎么样，但我相信若能将实用文的内容及如何有条理地报告一个事件，必定能够为他们日后的交际方式（email, msn, 或真的有学生讨厌打字，而选择写信给中国的朋友？）

以下是我的朋友针对我的电邮发出回复：

我们为何要拐个弯，用实用文来教学生交际？我们应该直接教学生如何用 email,msn 等等来交际。我须要澄清，我绝对不反对教授实用文，我只是觉得不应该花4年的时间来专注教授实用文来应付考试。学生毕业后，就算写了一篇满分的实用文，又能怎样？我们所生活在的时代应该是一个以transferable skills 为主的时代。

我是反对应用文在考试所扮演的角色，对我来说，应用文往往只是送分项目。我并不反对考试／考察。只有这样才可以区分学生之间的程度。我也同意我们应该着重于教学过程，而不是结果。但是，你认为你告诉家长、导师、校长、校董、学生等等，他们会接受这样的理念吗？成绩如果不好，无论教学过程多么有趣，在现有社会的眼里，都是不可取的。

最后，我也提出了一些看法：

我们都是应用文时代的产物，可能在可见的未来，应用文或实用文将走入历史，但我想提出几点：

1。我们学艺未精，如果连我们的导师等都无法改变这个趋势，那么，我们又该如何以待？

2。导师说过，近来很多学校有校本教材，我更在星期五周报中读到，有些学校应用星期五周报教学，完全不用课本。我校呢？虽说没有特别强调教课本，但却没有额外的资源去开创新的校本课程。重点是，如果我们能在可见的未来里看到这些政策正在逐渐改变，那也未尝不值得大家的期待。要得到学校中文部门的全体投入，制作教材，不是一朝一夕的事，所以尽可能搜集经验，以备未来之需。

3。我所看到的大趋势就是，现在是个过渡期，不管我们有什么不满，现在不妨静观其变，然后做出相对措施。我们现在每走一步，都是在做新的尝试，新的实验，为的是准备在可能的将来里，可以取代过时的产物。

4。益兄说得对，我们应该积极一些，所以应该多提议如何改进，如何利用现有资源做出调整。我已经说过，要学生去用电脑来打字，已经是非常困难的事了，如果要运用于考试上，可能得费一些时间进行。目前，用中文来交际，运用于MSN 或Email，还是没有得到广泛的支持，而且身为老师的我们，有时也觉得打字费时，更何况是要求学生这么做。因此，我还是认为这些是长远的考量，但博客，或创作歌曲，绝对可行。大家不妨想各自的学校提议，绝对能够改善孩子们错别字的问题。但，这却要有耐心，及老师的恒心继续坚持下去，相信从中一到中四都用，肯定能够提升他们的程度。

5。最后，我想说的是，实用文绝对不是一定能取分的项目，若是如此，何来优劣之分，为何有人还是不及格，有人却可以文笔流畅，取得满分？现时今日，最大的问题已经不是要学生做实用文，而是如何再让他们找到对学习中文，讲中文的动力。不管是作文、实用文、感想、理解问答、读后感，或任何与写作有关的作业，只要能够启发学生，能够让他们找回动力（motivation)，我认为我们的仗已经打胜了一半。

好了，讲了这么多，我看我的学生应该是睡着了。哈哈。那些有恒心读完又明白这篇博客的同学，你们已经很不错了。加油吧，大家！

欢迎各位同学踊跃投稿，给我一些评语，告诉我，你们对于实用文的感受。可以在你们的博客上写明。谢谢。

Random thoughts

2008-04-25T18:52:00.003+08:00

Hmm today, I shall write about some things about myself that I think is funny.

1st of all, I am a cancerian, hail all cancerians! yay! Now this joke happened during my secondary school days, think it was sec 3. The 1st time my English teacher walked into class (A big fat Angmoh) started off class by asking us to introduce ourselves and asking about our zodiac signs. Then, when he reached me, i was acting smart (ge kiang), so I said loudly, Last day of cancer! Then he gave me a very sad look and said: "Oh so sad, Please take care of yourself." I gave him that blur look, and the rest of the class were already laughing away. It was then I realized the joke. Did you get it?

Next, I was the geography rep in class during Sec 3. Apparently, teachers don't always choose the best student to be the rep! Yeah, and there were 2 instances that I could remember. There was once when I was disturbing others in class, talking to them during lesson, then suddenly, my geography teacher shouted across to ask my 3 other friends to stop disturbing me, cos I need to study! haha. Then, there was another instance when I was napping in class (cos it was really boring), and I was woken up by my Geog teacher again, who asked if I was sick, and whether I need to go to the sick bay! haha..

And the next 2 incidents is something that will be in my memory for life. Some of you who have noticed, would have known that my front 2 teeth are dentures. During my Primary 4, I was running along a bench, and I slipped and knocked my teeth on the edge of the bench. Ouch (number 1) , I can only recall that my whole mouth is bleeding, and was sent to the hospital, and there goes my baby teeth.

This is the interesting one. When I was in Sec 1, on this fateful morning, we were given a scolding by one of our NCOs in charge, so he was talking and talking, and the next thing I recalled was when I opened my eyes and saw my 2 front teeth lying neatly on the floor. Then, the pain came, Ouch (number 2)..My whole mouth was bleeding and of course it hurts lar, MY MOUTH HIT THE TARRED ROAD! So I was sent to hospital again, and I laid there for few hours. Luckily my NCO picked up my teeth, and both me and my teeth underwent an operation before they were back into place again. But, by the time it ended, my lips were swollen like 2 sausages, and until now, there is still a small scar on my lip..What then happened to my teeth? The 2 teeth went back into the slots where they belonged but did not have a life of its own, as I refused to go back to the dentist due to the agony he put me through. Well, I regretted it, because my teeth were dead from the moment it was put back. During my JC time, when I extracted it out, it smelt like.... and it was already rotten inside.. So, finally I got dentures, and I just changed into a new pair recently. You must be wondering, so what exactly happened during my Sec 1, and why I did not go for implants (i.e permanent teeth, or denture)?

One set of implant (2 teeth) , where they screw it into your gums, will cost around $8k. Yes, that is how expensive it is. So I have not saved enough for my precious teeth.

And next, it goes that, few years down the road, during one of our NPCC gatherings, when we were all 20 plus, we were reminiscing about the good old days, and we were joking about how our NCOs, and one of our friends, who nearly fainted after he saw me blackout. haha. His face was greener than the leaves. And one of my friend then made this admission: " Actually hor, I was in front of you, but you may not have remembered. But I thought you were playing with me, so I siam (jump) to one side, and then you fell onto the floor liao." Can you imagine how hard we were laughing cos of this? My PRECIOUS front 2 teeth were gone because he thought I was joking with him?? haha.. my precious... All right, we are still friends..and that is also one reason why I get so involved in NPCC.. Now my NPCC story.

I still remembered the days when there was still saturday for CCAs, when the government haven't realised that we are not making enough babies to make Saturday a non-working day. So we went to school early around 7.30am on Saturday morning for NPCC, and we spent about half a day marching, singing songs, and after lunch (my favourite curry maggi mee with luncheon meat and eggs.. Yummy! The only time where maggi mee was allowed to be cooked in school..) , we went on to play soccer, or captains ball, or telematch, or talk crap...But that was the time.. and my class from Sec 1 to 4, had the largest number of people in NPCC, 1/4 of class. So until now, 13 years of friendship, and going on strong. We still celebrate each others birthday, go out frequently to chill out, and share our laughter and woes.. haha.. my dear frens..

Okie.. so much for today's post.. But just for my students who still do not know me much, Cancerians are very emotional and sensitive people, but I am a very optimistic person. It is just that I do not laugh in front of you.. haha..That's all folks!

Reflection of the day..

2008-04-24T13:40:00.000+08:00

I just finished teaching 2 classes today, and I experienced something that was hurting again. Why do I feel so emotional these days? One of my classes realized that some of them need to buck up and scored full marks in their spelling. I am very happy for them. However so, I realized that some of them still persisted their own ways, and did not learn their spelling.

I saw 2 boys making fun outside the class, and one of them suddenly pushed the other guy, and he flew at the door, and landed hard on the ground. Luckily he was not hurt. I called on the culprit who pushed him, and called him over. The guy who was pushed to the ground, flew into a great rage, banged the door, and went into his class and kicked the chair. After which, he stepped out, weeping, and looking very angry, wanting to confront the culprit who was standing in front of me. I stopped him, and calmed him down before speaking to the both of them. Then, both were asked to stay back to talk to me. I wouldn't have imagined what would have happened if I was not around. I think both boys would have gotten into a fight so bad that more would get involved and get hurt. I only felt lucky that I was there.

Next, I stepped into my other class, and again saw the boys fooling around, spraying water at one another and playing PSP. They were afraid that I may confiscate the PSP, and tried to hide it. But I promised to return if they studied their spelling. So indeed they took effort to study, but the work that I tasked them to do, most did not do. That was recess time.

When I went for the last class, I was feeling moody, because I had a very lost feeling, which I do not usually have. Maybe guys do have periods too. haha. I gave them their spelling, and after that, I went on to 念经 to them. I asked them what the meaning of "放弃” is, which means give up. I asked them why are they giving up on themselves, and their lives. While I was talking, I suddenly felt very sad, so sad that I nearly wept out, and my voice started to tremble a bit. I do not know if they realized, but I composed myself and carried on a while more, before getting on to serious work. I could see that most of them understood what i said, but some of them still continued to poke fun of each other in class, which also upset me. However so, I think they got the message across, but whether they will continue to be like that, or they will change for the better, it is up to them.

"I LEAD MY LIFE"
"I AM THE MASTER OF MY LIFE"

Finally, I am glad that I met them in a part of my life. If they change for the better, I will be happy for them, but if they continue as what they are, then I can only hope... Hope that one day, they will understand and see the true meaning of what I have said today. Saying is easier than done. Jiayou bah, my students, and whoever reading this.

十件学生想要知道关于他们老师的事（10 things that student want to know about their teacher)

2008-04-24T12:40:00.000+08:00

当学生看到新的老师，都会对他们的身世、背景感到很好奇。以下是他们所会向老师“炮轰”的问题。

1。老师，你今年几岁？
2。老师，有没有女朋友？
3。老师，你结婚了没？
4。老师，你的父母是华人还是马来人？
5。老师，你住在哪里？
6。老师，你几时要请我们吃东西（棒棒糖、午餐等）？
7。老师，为什么你给这么多功课？
8。老师，你去过什么国家旅行？
9，老师，为什么你要做老师？做老师会吐血啊！
10。老师，你喜欢做什么，或你有什么嗜好？

为了满足学生的好奇心，也为了阻止他们对老师的炮轰，我决定把以上的答案公布。以下是我的答案。哈哈。

1。你猜咯，20+
2。为什么你不问我有没有老婆？
3。我的样子像结婚了吗？
4。我是真正的华人，父母也是华人。
5。我住在新加坡的一个角落，蔡厝港。
6。请客不是问题，但要让我觉得是值得的。你们开心，我也请得高兴。
7。你以为我想给那么多功课吗？你们做得越多，我的工作量越大！你们做一份，我做90份。说到底，还不是为了你们好，不做能学到东西吗？
8。我去过柬埔寨、泰国、澳洲、马来西亚、香港、中国、印度等。每年都设法去至少一个国家开阔视野。
9。这个问题我想了很久，最后的答案是为了启发学生，希望你们能够多珍惜自己所拥有的，看看周围其他不幸的人，不要一直觉得你是最惨的，有很多功课做很惨，因为有很多人连上学的机会都没有。
10。我有很多嗜好，但没时间进行。打羽毛球、唱卡拉ok、打桌球、踢足球、潜水、旅行、启发他人、和朋友出门、上网、尝试新的事物、教书，还有很多很多。

Think about others before yourself.

2008-04-24T12:02:00.003+08:00

These are some questions that I think many teachers will ask of their students, and the answers given are always so standard, so I try to see how students think.

1. Students, why did you not do the homework I give?

Sample Ans: Got tests, and so many homework that other teachers give. You only give 1 day or 2 days to do, where got time to finish?

The real scenario:

1. There is really a lot of work that teachers give (but which teacher doesnt give homework except PE teacher? They also gave homework too, by asking you to keep fit!). But if most students can complete, why can't you?

2. I am just lazy, when I see homework, I really have phobia, I rather the teacher come and chase after me, then I stay back and do.

3. I rather play the computer, playing games is better than writing work! Or I play the computer for more than 3 hours a day, after that so tired already, how to do work? Might as well go to sleep.

4. Wah, CCA is more important, I rather go for CCA, than do work, so much more enjoyable!

5. Simply can't be bothered. Heck care lar, do you think doing homework can help me pass?

Isn't it true? Come on, I was a student once, how can I not know what you are thinking? So give me a break, treasure what you have got, and really go and DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Next,

Question: Students, why do you keep on talking?

Answer: Sorry, next time will not do it again. ( Liar, I know you will make noise again!)

Real Scenario:
1. Because I have ADHD, and I just can't stop talking or moving about.

2. The more likely case: Because I just feel like talking, and can't keep my mouth closed.

3. Also highly likely: I need attention, I need the guys or gals in class to take notice of me!

If you talk, you not only disrupt the lesson, but it makes learning difficult. Before you talk, ask yourself, is it necessary to talk? Think about other's feelings.

If you do not want to do your work, think about your poor teachers who have to keep hounding you, think about your parents who will be disappointed when your poor teachers call them up and tell them the problem, and think about what is your purpose of coming to school to study. Thanks.

My heart pains for you!

2008-04-21T15:45:00.002+08:00

My heart ached this afternoon, at 3pm sharp. What happened? I was speaking to this student from a normal academic class, and he was supposed to be punished by my friend, and sent to detention. There were actually 2 of them, and both ran into the male toilet to escape from my friend. So I had to go in and catch them out. Indeed they came out, but were reluctant to go for detention. One of them said he hated teachers, and asked my friend to just give him a zero mark for the test, and he was not interested in his studies at all. Furthermore, he said he was better off dead, and he rather be dead, cos no one even bothers about him. I realized then that what he required was probably a counsellor, and a really professional one. But this was not what make my heart ache.

Following by, the Discipline mistress walked by and took over with my friend and they walked over with the student. I was left there then and I spoke to the remaining kid, supposedly to be sent for detention too. I had wanted to ask him to apologize to the teacher, since I believed that my friend would have released him, if he was to admit his mistakes. But it went on that I had this conversation with him, that made me feel down.

"Why are you being spiteful, and giving yourself up?"
"Well, no one cares about me, my dad hits me for all the right or wrong reasons, when he can't find a job. Then, only my mum, and maybe grandma will stand up for me. But they will get scolded as well."
"But then is it because of your attitude then?"
"NO! I always stand there and get scolded, and beaten up."
"Why don't you tell teachers about that?"
"I hate teachers, all teachers, they always aim at me, always scold me, blame me for everything."
"Are you sure it is not because you did not do your work, or behaved badly?"
"Well, if it was not for their attitude, then I would not hate school that much. I hate my father, hate to go home, and hate the teachers."
"But no matter how much you hate them, you still have to live strongly and graduate, before you can make your own plans."
"No point, I don't feel like living anyway, I want to move out of home."
"But where can you move to?"
"Anywhere, I don't mind going to jail, got free food, and lodging."
"But did you consider that if you go to jail, you will be unhappy and your mum will be very sad."
"Whatever, No one will care for me lar."
"No matter what, you have to be strong and not look down on yourself, no matter who looks down on you. "
" No one treats me like a human. Teachers call me idiot, stupid, Father calls me a log, sister calls me a pig, I don't know."
I tried to tell him how my dad hits me when i was small but for the right reasons, and I told him this: "Do you know my heart hurts when i hear you say this?"
"I duno you too, what for, even if you try to talk to me?"

Then, we walk over to the detention area to ask if he can be dismissed, he was scolded again for showing attitude, and was warned that he would be slapped and sent for detention if he continues to show the same behaviour. After I asked my friend for consent to dismiss him, I walked out with him. Out of spite, he said, " I will burn her whole family." I knew that would be his response, as he was still angry at being wronged, since he only wanted to see if he can go home.

Nonetheless, I told him that he is behaving like his dad, and he should not learn the bad habits from his dad, which he seemed to realize and then left silently.

As I write this, I keep questioning myself this: Why are there more and more counsellors? Why are there more and more students behaving in this manner, giving themselves up? Who gave them up? The society, their parents, teachers, who? Who is responsible for whom they are? Previously I thought that the main culprit should be the Media, now, I still maintain that, but I only have this to say: "If we can show more concern and care to these lonely kids, who dread going home, because it is forever so empty, with their parents working, and no one to talk to them, then they might not be what they are now. We, refers to anyone reading this post. Look around you, go and talk to these children, they need you to care for them, not more scoldings, and grudges against them. " See you in the next post.

"PS: the conversation in English may not sound so strong, but i conversed in Chinese, so I can feel how much hopelessness there is with the conversation."

柬埔寨、缅甸点滴

2008-04-19T21:32:00.027+08:00

2006年8月至12月

柬埔寨(Cambodia, or Kampuchea)，一个历尽风霜的国度，在近二十年来受到了不同国家在经济与物资方面的资助，现在已逐步走出阴影，迈向一个新的纪元。1960 年代，资政曾说过柬埔寨是一个值得新加坡学习的国家，想不到到了1975年发生了一次族群灭绝（genocide)的事件，导致了柬埔寨从国际舞台中淡出，而国家更是陷入了血腥与暴力当中。详细的历史资料，请自己去做调查。

无论如何，我是对这个国家有着一份特别的感情。可能，这是我的第二个家园了。我曾两次到过柬埔寨，第一次在2006年底，那时，我与国大科学系，一班志同道合的好友，到那里开始了我第一次海外的义工工作。我们在新加坡筹了约10千新币，然后全数用来资助柬国的人民。那次的任务着重在建盖两间课室，然后再教导那里的学生如何运用简单的英语来与外界（外国人）交流。然后，我们也带了书本、文具及校服到那里，让他们能够有新的校服。（他们一个星期六天可以穿上同一件校服去上课，衣服已是破烂的状态。) 那一次的工程代号是“Project Angel 8"，而历时约一个月（因加上到处旅游） . 以下是一些图片摘录：

Picture 1: One of the Mass graves containing 8985Victims

Picture 2: Shackles that were used on prisoners at the Tuol Sleung Prison (S-21 Prison) Millions died in these prisons, and only 8 survived after 1979.

Picture 3: Rules and regulations at the Prison. Most were tortured and killed on the basis that they were traitors.

Picture 4: All the skulls and clothings that were dug out and placed in a Stupa at Genocide Museum.

Picture 5: Happy children of Cambodia today. These 2 are the better off children in Phomn Penn.

Click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view.

这里有一个Video, 是我在去年制作的，有着我在柬埔寨“Project Angel 8”的照片。希望我的学生能够看过，而我也在结尾的地方给了你们一个小小的祝语。我一向相信照片胜过千言万语，因此，敬请收看。

2007 年月至六6月

在那一次之后，意犹未尽，于是在2007年五月，我参加了“Project Angel 9”，到了北泰国（NorthernThailand) 去，也是一项教育的工程。（注意：每一项工程的筹备时间是半年）原本是到缅甸去的，但由于缅甸政府的贪腐*（corruption），他们的教育部与当地政府不希望外国人来给予他们的人民帮助，于是我们才会到南泰国帮助那里逃亡的缅甸难民。据估计，泰国政府已经收留了近一百万缅甸的难民。如果大家有看过Rambo 4，就会明白我所说的。现今的缅甸，与1975年的柬埔寨，有着很大的共同点。缅甸政府目前还是大规模地在屠杀自己的百姓，尤其是在泰缅边界，只是外界看不到而已。最糟糕的是，由于一些经济上的利益，连国际社会，如中国与美国方面，都没有办法去阻止这类惨事的发生。所以，我们这次就是想帮助那些（Karen）族的人民，因为他们是缅甸军政府残害的最大族群。这次的工程历时约一个月，因为后来在曼谷旅游。

你们可观看一下Youtube 片断，（学生们，请考完试再看）

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2xBZi-EkZw&feature=related （背景资料，简短而且详细）

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-YVdpQHdqo&feature=related （较长，但有丰富的资料）

2007年8月至12月

也许是做义工作上瘾了，又有机会出国开阔视野；于是在接下来在师资学院（NIE）里，我又带着一群十四个人的团，到了北印度(Yuksam, Sikkim)去，做了一项环保的工程，历时一个月，是去年2007年11月底进行的。这次是我第一次作领袖（Leader)，所以既兴奋又害怕。兴奋，因为我能传授先前所学到的知识，害怕是因为怕不能胜任。但，还是完成了使命。Hooray..

2007年8月至2008年6月

在来临的五月，我会与另一名好兄弟，一名与我一起到过Project Angel 8 的好伙伴，一起做领导，率领30人的团队再度共赴柬埔寨，而这是Project Angel X （10）。以下是这次工程所设的博客：www.projectangel10.blogspot.com. 这次，我以Facilitator的身份去，而我相信我能传授的学习点将会更多。我也希望在往后的日子里，会有机会带领学生到柬埔寨去，因为我认为我们生长在这样一个舒适的环境里，但却把它当成是理所当然，而不去珍惜它，真是太可惜、太可怜了！希望我能利用我的经历，多启发一些学生能珍惜所拥有的一切。好了，下次再聊吧！

How students view Chinese？

2008-04-18T15:10:00.004+08:00

I am now in the computer lab with a bunch of students, trying to drive me crazy. So I asked them this question: Do they like Chinese?

Hmm, they gave me a list of answers, and extortions.

1. It is boring. Why is it boring? I do not know. Maybe my lessons are not interesting enough. But, haha, this is what I assume, is it true? Students, pls comment.

2. Next I asked them if my CT, Zhang Laoshi taught better, they tried to extort me by asking me to treat them to Mocca, and then they will be nice to you, and remember you. haha.. Will I succumb to threats? What do you think, students?

3. Do they like to type their Chinese Blog? Hmm, I think not, they dislike to write out in Chinese, cos they dislike to write out the "一笔一划”（quoted by student E). They also do not like to type it out cos they think it is difficult to spell out the hanyu pinyin, and a waste of time typing out word by word.

4. My question is: why do they think it is not a hassle to type in English? That is because they have adapted themselves to typing out English, and they have mastered enough vocabulary and Singlish to type out a so-called posting on a blog. The main distinction between myself and my students is that I have mastered more words than them over the years, so I do not experience as much difficulty as them, having to go through word by word to identify the correct word. That is also why you would have realized that most of their Chinese blogs under my link have many vocabulary mistakes. And as there is no online dictionary to their knowledge that they can utilize. and due to laziness to check a hardcopy Dictionary, it is difficult for them to be able to type out a good post, unless they have mastered a good command of Chinese vocabulary.

5. Chinese characters is one of the most difficult language and writing system worldwide, but I always believe that if "Angmohs" and "Africans" can master Chinese, as their 2nd Language, then I have confidence that my students will have the ability to master this language if they put in enough effort. Jiayou bah, students. That's all, folks!

Essence of Chinese and the relevance to modern Singapore

2008-04-18T10:55:00.002+08:00

This is the 2^nd post of the day, I shall write in English, because of the audience that I am addressing the issue to. Well, studying Chinese seems to be a chore to many people, especially many students whose 1^st language at home is English and not Mandarin. 1^st Language means that after you were born, the language that you had in contact with mainly and had used most commonly. Many people do not realize that they are descendents of the “dragon”, i.e 龙的传人, that they are Chinese and this is a fact that cannot be changed. Yet, they prefer to cling on to a language and culture that does not originate from their roots.

Now, what is the difference between English and Mandarin in Singapore? Do you know that English is just a “Tool” Language, i.e “工具用语”, meaning we learn English mainly for conversation in school, at work, for economic purposes and other instances when we need to interact with people of other countries and culture. Currently, I feel that the main reason why Chinese has become a language that many dreads, is because of the fact that it is being taught in schools as a “Tool” language too. Just because China is on the rise, people are starting to learn Chinese just for future interaction and business opportunities with the Chinese PRCs.

What many lack to envision is that, Chinese in itself has more than 5000 years of culture and richness in it, and to us, it is a “Soul” Language, i.e “灵魂用语”. What does this mean? Do you realize that when speaking Chinese or dialects, it actually brings us closer and easier to bond through interacting with this medium, just like Malay Language is to Malays etc. This “Soul” Language is a platform for people to build up their personal character, their personal beliefs, like filial piety, respect etc. If you look at how the current society has evolved, how the media has influenced our kids, you would have realized that this is due to the loss of a crucial culture. What is our identity? A Singaporean Identity? What is that?

In the west, they do not teach you to respect your parents and teachers, they do not teach you that you cannot go out there, pull out your gun and shoot at people. The moral values, and the festive seasons that the Chinese inculcate and celebrate differ so much from what the Westerners practise. We have Qing Ming, where we pay respect to our ancestors, but they only pray to a particular God in which they believe in. (No offense) In general, Westerners have a weaker sense of family ties as compared to Asians. And if you compare Singaporeans to them; Yes, we are moving towards this trend of talking back to our parents, wanting freedom, wanting more time of our own.

Now as you are reading this, you may be wondering if this is going to continue to bore on, well, let me just quote a case that I hear today. This is a case which happens almost everyday, and is no longer something new, but something worth our concerns. It seems like some students have been engaging in silly acts, involving daring sexual acts in their school uniforms. And were caught by members of the public who took down photos and videos of their “shameless acts”.

Why do all these happen? What is the root cause of these problems? I will only blame it on MEDIA, and the general societal views (already influenced much by the western society) on these issues. What is exactly wrong with the above scenario? Is having sex wrong? Is watching pornography online wrong?

I am sure all of you reading this may hold similar views as myself. If you are of legal age (above 16), and having a proper male/female relationship, and both parties are able to agree upon the responsibilities and consequences of having sex, able to understand the implications if one party were to get pregnant or contract sex diseases, then it may seem to be engaging in responsible sex. In these recent years, it is very common to see teens engaging in these so-called “shameless acts”, and it is wrong in the following ways:

They are minors, not of a legal age to assume responsibility for their foolish acts.
They are wearing uniforms representing their schools, and in the process, damaging the school’s reputation in the public’s perception.
This is the most worrying! THEY ONLY DO IT OUT OF FUN, AND DO NOT KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTS.

Due to globalisation, which brings about the convenience of accessing pornographic materials, students are very much exposed to these things that they are curious about, especially at their puberty age. The loss of our “Soul language”, Mother tongue and the culture to be responsible people, is something that is worth our reflections, especially young parents today. If you want to give birth, pls assume the responsibilities of a parent and teach the right values.

Final Advice: A moment of FUN, A lifetime of REGRETS.

PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTS!

Tip of day: Embrace Chinese as your foundation, and enjoy yourself when learning the language. Only when you enjoy doing something, then it will not be a chore.

无心之失

2008-04-17T12:46:00.004+08:00

做老师难，做个称职的好老师更是难上加难。今天，我又犯了一个失误。近来似乎有些恍惚，竟然会看错时间表。我要向1F的学生倒个歉，对不起。看来我得找个时间来补课。我怎能犯这种错误呢，真是深深自责。既然今天的题目是无心之失，那么就再聊一聊这个话题。

何谓“无心之失”？它的意思就是不小心犯下了错误。那么对于这种失误，我们应该给予怎么样的对待呢？此时，我正想像着我的这个“反省篇”究竟在不同的读者的眼中，会呈现一幅什么样的情景。

Scenario 1: 家长看到了之后，肯定会觉得这个老师挺糊涂的，然后去投诉，让他有被开除的可能。
Scenario 2：校长看到了之后，可能会找老师“喝咖啡”，提醒一下。（或更惨！）
Scenario 3: 学生看到了之后，觉得很可笑，或觉得老师勇于认错。
Scenario 4：大众看到了之后，和学生反应大同小异，可能会通知晚报或新民，然后就能拿到$50礼券。
Scenario5：同事看到了之后，会提醒自己不要犯同样的错误，也不要这么笨在网上写上这种篇章，以免被以上的各大人物来“Arrow”。
Scenario 6：自己以后再回顾时，嘴角还会露出一丝微笑。

既然是无心之失，相信无最终会的到谅解，但无论如何，知错能改，善莫大焉！大家就原谅我吧！哈哈。

啊，我想我应该是太无聊了。好了，继续奋斗！加油！

池鱼之殃

2008-04-16T21:57:00.001+08:00

这是本尊的第一篇博客。刚才一路上想到了很多不同的课题让我来发挥，但最后还是决定一步一步来。今天，我看到了一幕参不忍睹的画面，正好应验了这句成语：池鱼之殃。

根据百度的解释：比喻无端受祸。其事本于《吕氏春秋·必己》：“宋桓司马有宝珠，抵罪出亡，王使人问珠之所在，曰：‘投之池中。’於是竭池而求之，无得，鱼死焉。此言祸福之相及也。”后人加以附会，演化为“城门失火，殃及池鱼”。《太平广记》卷四六六引汉应劭《风俗通》：“城门失火，祸及池鱼。旧说：‘池仲鱼，人姓字也，居宋城门。城门失火，延及其家，仲鱼烧死。’又云： ‘宋城门失火，人汲取池中水以沃灌之，池中空竭，鱼悉露死。’喻恶之滋，并伤良谨也。”

以上有两个故事，故事很简单，古代有个有钱人，当他逃亡时，宝珠掉了。后来国王派人查问宝珠掉到了哪里，他的手下说宝珠被扔进了河里。于是，国王下令将水池中的水捞干，谁知道却找不到宝珠，池中的鱼儿反而都死了。后来的人们，又加入了另一个相似的故事，并在“池鱼之殃”前，加入了“城门失火”，结果整句就成了“城门失火，祸及池鱼”。这个故事大家应该都听过了吧！

绕了个大圈，我都还没说发生了什么事，但相信我的学生应该已经猜出来了。今天当我去上课时，我看到楼下有一堆“鱼尸”。这究竟是怎么一回事呢？原来是好心做了坏事！学校请了人来清洗鱼池，由于水池里的水必须经过一夜的“平复期”才能让鱼儿回到水中。想不到第二天，因为鱼儿缺氧，几乎全部成了“无主鱼魂”，真是可惜啊！一条条锦鲤就这样“英年早逝”。哈哈。

其实，人何尝不是跟这些鱼一样呢？有时候，人们因为自己的贪念，而害得身边关心他们的人伤心落泪。我就曾经犯过这样的错误。那已经是3 年多前的事情了，但似乎仍然记忆犹新。我也是人，是人就会犯错，孰能无过呢？重要的事，我们不要放弃自己，要勇于面对过错，当然更重要是要改过。我相信，只由不断检讨、反省(Reflect) 自己的过失，才能够变得更好！好了，还要备课，待会儿再聊。

My New Blog in Chinese or English?

2008-04-16T16:50:00.000+08:00

Dear all viewers, this is my latest blog! I actually have had another 2 blogs before, at blogdrive and friendster. But due to laziness, I did not update regularly. I hope that I can continue to write more and keep a diary of my own. Since I am a chinese teacher, I shall type more in chinese, but since I am a modern age chinese teacher, I shall decide on my own discretion whether to type in chinese or english according to my MOOD!~ haha..

2008-01-25T17:54:00.000+08:00

I don't know what this thing is..