It was a tiring but meanful 3 days. I want to thank our school for arranging this for us. I can see alot of people being 'transformed' and becoming motivated and enpowered. What touches me most are the group of 'famous' students going up on stage and promising the teachers that they will not cause any more trouble and will do their best for their PSLE. I have known some of them since P1 and am therefore very glad that they had their breakthoughs.
For myself, I was too shy to go on stage for something so personal. That does not mean that my resolve is any less. It is time to dig in and stake everything I have to fight for what I want.
I am aware of my own short comings. The trainers have thought us various strategies which will help. They have given us motivational talks, they have made us laugh and they have made us cry. It has been like an emotional rollercoaster.
To be honest, I have heard what they said before. Many times. From Miss Chia and from my mother. The message and lessons are consistent. I am sure that I am not unique in this. I am sure alot of my friends have their parents telling them different versions of the same thing we had in the last three days. So what is the differce that when trainers came we have so many breakthoughs while teacher have been bashing her head to help us to no avail.
I thought about it, definitely not any failing on our teacher's part. We are lucky to have a passionate and caring teacher. I think partly because of the humour. Partly, it is because the trainers are not stressed because whether we do well or not does not really effect them. So we don't feel the pressure from them. Partly, let's face it, because we paid for the lesson so we listened better. My mother always joke with me that if I paid her tuition fee, I would pay more attention when she teaches me. How true. Mostly, I think it is because the whole group of us are sitting there, expecting to learn and benefit from the course. So we did. That, I think is the main reason. OUR ATTITUDE towards learning make us more able to learn.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Book Review 2
As I was a little late to change books and it seemed everyone that everyone I asked was happy with their book, I had 2 choices: wait till monday and change with someone who is ready to change again which means I will be wasting more time, or do a book review on some other books. Since I just read this wonderful book and am very excited to share it I thought I will write a review on this book first.
Title
My Family & Other Animals
Author
Gerald Durrell
Summary
This is an extremely delightful, real, childhood story of a famous naturalist. The year was 1935 when Gerald was 10 years old and his family moved from gloomy London to sunny, exotic Corfu. The story focused on the family and how they adjusted to not only a new environment but the constant shock of finding all kinds of strange creatures in unexpected places in the house. These were of course brought back by Gerald from his expeditions around the island. He could not understand why anyone would object to snakes in the bathtub or scorpions on the dining table etc. The book is simply hilarious and the family is amazingly tolerant of each other's eccentricities.
3) What you have learnt or notice from the author about characterisations.
The book is written in the first person account, from young Gerald's point of view. He is very honest in his characterisatin of his family members and friends. He is able to write in such a witty way that even his obnoxious elder brother, Larry appeared funny.
Characters
Gerald
Larry
Leslie
Margo
Mother
Spiro Hakiapoulos
Personalities
Gerald - loves animals of all kind, intelligent and very curious
Larry - bossy, self-centered and arty
Leslie - Good with his hands, crazy over guns and hunting
Margo - Vain and abit empty headed
Mother - tolerant, supportive of her children
Spiro - loud, resourceful, protective of this strange family
How did the personalities play out in the story to make the story more alive and interesting.
The different personalities in the story and their relationship with each other made the story very interesting. Larry is self centered and artsy
eg - He invited his arty friends to stay with them even though there is no room. Then he insisted on shifting to a new villa to accommodate his friend.
'I don't think it's good for us to live like hermits,' said Larry. 'I only invited them for you....' "Well, let's move then. I've offered you a perfectly sensible solution. I don't know what you are arguing about."
Mother seemed to have no control of her children and she cannot seem to say no to them.
eg - "We are not moving to another villa," said mother firmly; "I've made up my mind about that." She straighten her spectacles, gave Larry a defiant glare, and strutted off towards the kitchen, registering determination in every inch.
After all that, the next chapter started with in a new villa.
Margo is a bit empty-headed. When they first arrived in Corfu and stayed at Pension Suite, she did not know that the little box by the toilet bowl is actually for used paper( this system is still in used china now). She used the dirty toilet and was freaked out when her family told her.
Leslie is crazy about hunting and drove the Larry mad with his target practice when Larry was trying to write a book.
Gerald roamed the island, looking for new exotic creatures and have the most marvelous adventures. Once he befriended a prisoner because of a seagull.
d) What did you learn from the author anout building interesting characters?
The author made used of detailed description and powerful vocabulary.
eg - ...passed vineyards where the tiny stunted vines were laced in green leaves, olive groves where the pitted trunks made a hundred astonished faces at us out of the gloom of its own shadow, and great clumps of zebra-striped cane that fluttered their leaves like a multitude of green flags...
The author made use of interesting conversations.
The author loved creatures of all kinds including greepy crawlies. His excitment showed through in the way he wrote about them, making us look at these bugs in a new light.
eg - ...the equally astonishing news that lacewing-flies laid eggs on stilts. This last miracle I was lucky enough to witness. I found a lacewing-fly on the roses and watched her as she climbed about the leaves, admiring her beautiful fragile wings like green glass, and her enormous golden eyes...
5)Recommendation
Absolutely 2 thumbs up. I chanced upon this book when I was looking for something to read myself to sleep. Little did I know that I would like it so much that I cannot put it down. So beware and take care not to read this at night.
Entertainment 5 stars
Learning 5 stars
Title
My Family & Other Animals
Author
Gerald Durrell
Summary
This is an extremely delightful, real, childhood story of a famous naturalist. The year was 1935 when Gerald was 10 years old and his family moved from gloomy London to sunny, exotic Corfu. The story focused on the family and how they adjusted to not only a new environment but the constant shock of finding all kinds of strange creatures in unexpected places in the house. These were of course brought back by Gerald from his expeditions around the island. He could not understand why anyone would object to snakes in the bathtub or scorpions on the dining table etc. The book is simply hilarious and the family is amazingly tolerant of each other's eccentricities.
3) What you have learnt or notice from the author about characterisations.
The book is written in the first person account, from young Gerald's point of view. He is very honest in his characterisatin of his family members and friends. He is able to write in such a witty way that even his obnoxious elder brother, Larry appeared funny.
Characters
Gerald
Larry
Leslie
Margo
Mother
Spiro Hakiapoulos
Personalities
Gerald - loves animals of all kind, intelligent and very curious
Larry - bossy, self-centered and arty
Leslie - Good with his hands, crazy over guns and hunting
Margo - Vain and abit empty headed
Mother - tolerant, supportive of her children
Spiro - loud, resourceful, protective of this strange family
How did the personalities play out in the story to make the story more alive and interesting.
The different personalities in the story and their relationship with each other made the story very interesting. Larry is self centered and artsy
eg - He invited his arty friends to stay with them even though there is no room. Then he insisted on shifting to a new villa to accommodate his friend.
'I don't think it's good for us to live like hermits,' said Larry. 'I only invited them for you....' "Well, let's move then. I've offered you a perfectly sensible solution. I don't know what you are arguing about."
Mother seemed to have no control of her children and she cannot seem to say no to them.
eg - "We are not moving to another villa," said mother firmly; "I've made up my mind about that." She straighten her spectacles, gave Larry a defiant glare, and strutted off towards the kitchen, registering determination in every inch.
After all that, the next chapter started with in a new villa.
Margo is a bit empty-headed. When they first arrived in Corfu and stayed at Pension Suite, she did not know that the little box by the toilet bowl is actually for used paper( this system is still in used china now). She used the dirty toilet and was freaked out when her family told her.
Leslie is crazy about hunting and drove the Larry mad with his target practice when Larry was trying to write a book.
Gerald roamed the island, looking for new exotic creatures and have the most marvelous adventures. Once he befriended a prisoner because of a seagull.
d) What did you learn from the author anout building interesting characters?
The author made used of detailed description and powerful vocabulary.
eg - ...passed vineyards where the tiny stunted vines were laced in green leaves, olive groves where the pitted trunks made a hundred astonished faces at us out of the gloom of its own shadow, and great clumps of zebra-striped cane that fluttered their leaves like a multitude of green flags...
The author made use of interesting conversations.
The author loved creatures of all kinds including greepy crawlies. His excitment showed through in the way he wrote about them, making us look at these bugs in a new light.
eg - ...the equally astonishing news that lacewing-flies laid eggs on stilts. This last miracle I was lucky enough to witness. I found a lacewing-fly on the roses and watched her as she climbed about the leaves, admiring her beautiful fragile wings like green glass, and her enormous golden eyes...
5)Recommendation
Absolutely 2 thumbs up. I chanced upon this book when I was looking for something to read myself to sleep. Little did I know that I would like it so much that I cannot put it down. So beware and take care not to read this at night.
Entertainment 5 stars
Learning 5 stars
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Book Review : SpyHigh Episode 5
1) Title : Spyhigh Episode 5 - The Soul Stealer
Author: A. J. Butcher
2) Summary
Ben was feeling tremendous pressure as the final examinations draw near. To make matter worse, Ben's mentor and idol , Uncle Alex made a pass at Lori resulting in the young couple's falling out. Things escalated and Ben lost his leadership of the Bond Team. He was also in serious jeopardy of a mindwipe if he fail to graduate the elite spy college. Meanwhile, strange things were happening at the Temple of Transformation, a sinister cult. However, when Cally's Uncle Mac was viciously attacked and the Bond Team was assigned to investigate, they put aside their differences and united in their efforts to finally get to the bottom of the mystery.
3) Even though the setting was 2050 and the characters were special teenagers in a spy school, the author was able to make them seemed real by focusing on their relationship and internal struggles. The author slowly built up suspence by giving information about the characters bit by bit over the story.
a) Main Characters :
Ben Stanton
Lori Angel
Cally
Eddie Nelligan
Bex Deveraux
Jake Daly
Alexander Cain
b) Characteristics :
Ben - proud, perfectionist, competitive
Lori - beautiful, capable, sensitive
Cally - courageous, streetsmart and determined
Jake - loyal, reliable
Eddie - seemed a joker but can be counted on when it matter
Bex - rebellious, humourous
Alex - rich, powerful, mysterious
c)How the personalities play out in the story to make the story more alive and interesting?
Ben - supposedly super rich, smart and good looking but he had his own struggles making him easier to relate to.
eg But now, as the computer fed code after code into his brain, he felt that clarity slipping, muddied by other considerations.
Lori - Is not confident even though she is beautiful and smart, making her more believable.
Cally's incredile bravery and determination was seen in her superhuman effort when she rescued uncle Mac from the burning building.
Eddie seemed to be happy-go-lucky but is actually clear about what he wants and is able to adapt to situation.
Jake, silent, dark and handsome and gentlemanly. He is the 'Knight to the rescue' for Lori.
Bex is the daughter of the founder of the Spy school yet she shows her rebellious streak in the way she coloured her hair and her piercings. She is also very witty.
eg 'Hands up...' Bex wondered idly, raising her hands as if it didn't matter. 'Don't worry, Ben. I've got underarm protection.'
Uncle Alex- Walked off the cliff, frightening the then six year old Ben. It turned out that he was wearing Air walkers. He in influential in Ben's life. Teaching Ben to have courage, strength and belief. In a surprising turn, he showed his ugly self when he made a pass at Lori at Ben's 16th birthday. This gives us a hint of his sinister side.
3d)What did you learn from the author about building interesting characters?
The author made use of surprising twist and in consistency in the characters to add dimension to the characters and made them more interesting. I learnt to describe characters along the story, not all at the beginning so that suspence can be bulid up.
4)Share some interesting learning of writing style if any.
The author used powerful descriptive phases, making it easy for the reader to imagine what the author has in mind.
eg : Age. On the faces on the screens, the decades could almost be counted in the deep cuts in the flesh, the parchment skin like ancient maps marking routes to forgotten citties, wrinkled like the heads had been stitched by blind seamstress. Wisps of hair like grass in the desert. Weak, sunken eyes. Teeth, vampire white, that were not he same age as the rest of the body. Age. And plenty of that.
He contrasted the exciting spy stuff with possible problems to make the story more real.
eg : The increased leisure time promised by the dawn of computer, machines to perform mundane tasks, robots to run the world while human frollicked in a endless kind of summer did not come to pass. Rather than liberating them from their labour, computers had opened way for people to do more in the same time. They threatened job security...
5) Recommendation
The story is interesting, an escape to the future. The plot is simple, good verses evil. I was very surprised to find that I enjoyed the book as in the beginning, the title of the book 'The Soul Stealer' put me off because it conjured images of violence and occult. The descriptions are very good.
Stars
4 Stars for entertainment
5 Stars for learning
Author: A. J. Butcher
2) Summary
Ben was feeling tremendous pressure as the final examinations draw near. To make matter worse, Ben's mentor and idol , Uncle Alex made a pass at Lori resulting in the young couple's falling out. Things escalated and Ben lost his leadership of the Bond Team. He was also in serious jeopardy of a mindwipe if he fail to graduate the elite spy college. Meanwhile, strange things were happening at the Temple of Transformation, a sinister cult. However, when Cally's Uncle Mac was viciously attacked and the Bond Team was assigned to investigate, they put aside their differences and united in their efforts to finally get to the bottom of the mystery.
3) Even though the setting was 2050 and the characters were special teenagers in a spy school, the author was able to make them seemed real by focusing on their relationship and internal struggles. The author slowly built up suspence by giving information about the characters bit by bit over the story.
a) Main Characters :
Ben Stanton
Lori Angel
Cally
Eddie Nelligan
Bex Deveraux
Jake Daly
Alexander Cain
b) Characteristics :
Ben - proud, perfectionist, competitive
Lori - beautiful, capable, sensitive
Cally - courageous, streetsmart and determined
Jake - loyal, reliable
Eddie - seemed a joker but can be counted on when it matter
Bex - rebellious, humourous
Alex - rich, powerful, mysterious
c)How the personalities play out in the story to make the story more alive and interesting?
Ben - supposedly super rich, smart and good looking but he had his own struggles making him easier to relate to.
eg But now, as the computer fed code after code into his brain, he felt that clarity slipping, muddied by other considerations.
Lori - Is not confident even though she is beautiful and smart, making her more believable.
Cally's incredile bravery and determination was seen in her superhuman effort when she rescued uncle Mac from the burning building.
Eddie seemed to be happy-go-lucky but is actually clear about what he wants and is able to adapt to situation.
Jake, silent, dark and handsome and gentlemanly. He is the 'Knight to the rescue' for Lori.
Bex is the daughter of the founder of the Spy school yet she shows her rebellious streak in the way she coloured her hair and her piercings. She is also very witty.
eg 'Hands up...' Bex wondered idly, raising her hands as if it didn't matter. 'Don't worry, Ben. I've got underarm protection.'
Uncle Alex- Walked off the cliff, frightening the then six year old Ben. It turned out that he was wearing Air walkers. He in influential in Ben's life. Teaching Ben to have courage, strength and belief. In a surprising turn, he showed his ugly self when he made a pass at Lori at Ben's 16th birthday. This gives us a hint of his sinister side.
3d)What did you learn from the author about building interesting characters?
The author made use of surprising twist and in consistency in the characters to add dimension to the characters and made them more interesting. I learnt to describe characters along the story, not all at the beginning so that suspence can be bulid up.
4)Share some interesting learning of writing style if any.
The author used powerful descriptive phases, making it easy for the reader to imagine what the author has in mind.
eg : Age. On the faces on the screens, the decades could almost be counted in the deep cuts in the flesh, the parchment skin like ancient maps marking routes to forgotten citties, wrinkled like the heads had been stitched by blind seamstress. Wisps of hair like grass in the desert. Weak, sunken eyes. Teeth, vampire white, that were not he same age as the rest of the body. Age. And plenty of that.
He contrasted the exciting spy stuff with possible problems to make the story more real.
eg : The increased leisure time promised by the dawn of computer, machines to perform mundane tasks, robots to run the world while human frollicked in a endless kind of summer did not come to pass. Rather than liberating them from their labour, computers had opened way for people to do more in the same time. They threatened job security...
5) Recommendation
The story is interesting, an escape to the future. The plot is simple, good verses evil. I was very surprised to find that I enjoyed the book as in the beginning, the title of the book 'The Soul Stealer' put me off because it conjured images of violence and occult. The descriptions are very good.
Stars
4 Stars for entertainment
5 Stars for learning
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A lesson Learned
Today I forgot to get my files signed and was sent out of class with a number of my fellow pupils. I know that MC sent us out not just because of the files. I think it is because of our attitude and for me, it is also because she has already given me many chances. I don't know why I keep forgeting. I know it is not because I am not bordered. I am! Very Much so. I will try harder. I almost didn't dare to come in when MC said that if we cannot be sure of bring everything in future then we should not come in. This is because I know I will try my best but I honestly cannot say that I will not forget after all it is human nature to make mistake. I know from what MC wrote in her latest blog that she is worried about us and how we are going to climb our next mountain. She asked for our obedience and trust and to follow her method. I know I am usually in my own world a fair bit but the last CA is really a good wake up call. I have to take the bull by the horn and face my greatest problem.. A laid back attitude. MC, I will obey and I will trust. I am very grateful for a teacher like MC.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sungei Buloh Reserve
When Ms Chia told us that we are going on a field trip to Sungei Buloh next term, I was excited as it is not only a favourite haunt of my family but a day out of class! Yeah, imagine sunshine on my back, sound of birds and insects to delight my ear and the class room miles away. But I could do without the commando mosquitoes though. A bit of mosquitoe repellent can handle that. If that fails, then there is always good old Mopiko.
Imagine my shock, when I learned that most of my class mates have not been to this wonderful place far from the 'maddening crowd'. I had been going there since I was 4. In fact, during the Sars period it was a weekly affair for us to take a walk there as my mum wanted to avoid crowded places and at the same time educate us on the flora and fauna of the wetlands of singapore. Imagine at four years old, alphabets lessons sounded like this: A-Asplenium nidus,B-bitterns, C-coucal, D-Dillenia, E- egrets etc
I really enjoyed our 'living classroom' with the richness of mangroves and the biodiversity that it harbours. With its mangroves, mudflats, pond and secondary forest, it is a rare oasis of natural wonders and tranquility. Sungei Buloh is home to unique plants as well as a wintering ground for migratory birds. There is always something new to see and experience there. Once, as we were walking, there was a huge splash in the water beside us and as we looked there was a dark shadow swimming away. We couldn't see what it was. But as we walk a little bit more we saw a sign that said 'Beware of Crocdile'. Later my dad was talking to one of the park ranger and he said that there is a resident crocodile there! How cool is that. Also when I was started going there at four years of age, I used to think that the gargantuan monitor lizards that we come across were komodo dragons. Of course my mum corrected me, but I was secretly convinced that my eyes were not wrong as those lizards were huge aspecially when one is looking at them practically at eye level(I was pretty small at that time).
Sungei Buloh is a transcient world of land and sea where flora and fauna have evolved to endure the relentless rhythm of tides. The unique plant life there whose ability to thrive in anaerobic, high salinity, water logged mud of the intertidal realm is something to be revered.Rich flora diversity of the fresh water, mangroves, swamps and secondary forest attract a wide variety of wetland fauna like mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, moths and monitor lizards. I remember feeling very important with my binoculars, looking for resident birds like herons, bitterns, coucals, sunbirds and kingfishers. The best time for walks there are from september to march when you can see migratory birds like egrets, sandpipers and plovers.
What I really want to see there are the wild otters. So far they have eluded me. It is so thrilling to know that Singapore despite being an urban jungle has wild animals other than cats, dogs and rats. However, recently, there are some disturbing news of a pack of wild dogs taking up residence there and terrorizing the fauna there. I guess 'terrorists' are fashionable now as there seem to be human as well as animals ones. It seemed these dogs were abandoned dogs that banded together for survival and living off the reserve. While my heart bleeds for them and I wish we could help them in some way, I sincerely hope we do not meet them on our school field trip. It seems that these animals have been causing great discomfort to visitors to the park.
Imagine my shock, when I learned that most of my class mates have not been to this wonderful place far from the 'maddening crowd'. I had been going there since I was 4. In fact, during the Sars period it was a weekly affair for us to take a walk there as my mum wanted to avoid crowded places and at the same time educate us on the flora and fauna of the wetlands of singapore. Imagine at four years old, alphabets lessons sounded like this: A-Asplenium nidus,B-bitterns, C-coucal, D-Dillenia, E- egrets etc
I really enjoyed our 'living classroom' with the richness of mangroves and the biodiversity that it harbours. With its mangroves, mudflats, pond and secondary forest, it is a rare oasis of natural wonders and tranquility. Sungei Buloh is home to unique plants as well as a wintering ground for migratory birds. There is always something new to see and experience there. Once, as we were walking, there was a huge splash in the water beside us and as we looked there was a dark shadow swimming away. We couldn't see what it was. But as we walk a little bit more we saw a sign that said 'Beware of Crocdile'. Later my dad was talking to one of the park ranger and he said that there is a resident crocodile there! How cool is that. Also when I was started going there at four years of age, I used to think that the gargantuan monitor lizards that we come across were komodo dragons. Of course my mum corrected me, but I was secretly convinced that my eyes were not wrong as those lizards were huge aspecially when one is looking at them practically at eye level(I was pretty small at that time).
Sungei Buloh is a transcient world of land and sea where flora and fauna have evolved to endure the relentless rhythm of tides. The unique plant life there whose ability to thrive in anaerobic, high salinity, water logged mud of the intertidal realm is something to be revered.Rich flora diversity of the fresh water, mangroves, swamps and secondary forest attract a wide variety of wetland fauna like mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, moths and monitor lizards. I remember feeling very important with my binoculars, looking for resident birds like herons, bitterns, coucals, sunbirds and kingfishers. The best time for walks there are from september to march when you can see migratory birds like egrets, sandpipers and plovers.
What I really want to see there are the wild otters. So far they have eluded me. It is so thrilling to know that Singapore despite being an urban jungle has wild animals other than cats, dogs and rats. However, recently, there are some disturbing news of a pack of wild dogs taking up residence there and terrorizing the fauna there. I guess 'terrorists' are fashionable now as there seem to be human as well as animals ones. It seemed these dogs were abandoned dogs that banded together for survival and living off the reserve. While my heart bleeds for them and I wish we could help them in some way, I sincerely hope we do not meet them on our school field trip. It seems that these animals have been causing great discomfort to visitors to the park.
Friday, February 26, 2010
My pet cat Cactus
Three weeks ago, my pet cat Cactus went missing for frantic four days. We did all the usual things of putting 'lost cat' posters and searching around the condo but to no avail. I went to bed each night with a hollow feeling in my guts as worries about her steal my sleep. I have known her all my life as she is already 13+ years. Goodness, that is like 90+ cat years. When I was in Shanghai, she was my only companion at night in the entire second floor of our three storey apartment. So as you can we are really good pals.
Finally on the fourth evening she appeared in the playground, crippled and bleeding from behind. My heart leapt with such joy and at the same time cracked with pain(this is paradox!). To see my precious cat in such a pitiful state is really heartbreaking but I am overjoyed that she has come back...
Three smelly(because she has lost control of her urinary function) weeks and $1000+ in medical fees later she has almost recovered. This is really miraculous. I am so thankful. However in mind, I am still wondering who has catnapped my friendly cat. I believe she must have jumped down from one of the upper floors to escape hence sustaining her injuries.
Finally on the fourth evening she appeared in the playground, crippled and bleeding from behind. My heart leapt with such joy and at the same time cracked with pain(this is paradox!). To see my precious cat in such a pitiful state is really heartbreaking but I am overjoyed that she has come back...
Three smelly(because she has lost control of her urinary function) weeks and $1000+ in medical fees later she has almost recovered. This is really miraculous. I am so thankful. However in mind, I am still wondering who has catnapped my friendly cat. I believe she must have jumped down from one of the upper floors to escape hence sustaining her injuries.
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