PEDALAB

WELCOME

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000+08:00

************** ********************* THIS IS A COMMUNICATIONS STUDENTS' BLOGSITE.PLEASE SEND YOUR CREATIONS TO digicentrex@gmail.com OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK - (Pedalab Blogspot) & MEET COMMUNICATION STUDENTS (PAST AND PRESENT) FROM ALL INSTITUTIONS.

FOR QUICK UPDATES FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - PEDALAB

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII WRITE TO THE STRAITS TIMES CLICK: http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/ST+Forum_20090305.html XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX HMVs click here > wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww REGISTER YOUR BLOG WITH http://education.totalblogdirectory.com/add_link.html FOR MORE HITS WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW AIMING TO BE A JOURNALIST? VISIT FAREED ZAKARIA GPS ( CNN ) 1. Click: http://edition.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/fareed.zakaria.gps/ 2. See: QUESTION OF THE WEEK 3. send your opinions to GPS@cnn.com //////////////////// (((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))) Wanna be a CNN Reporter? REGISTER YOURSELF AS A CNN I REPORTER click url below http://audience.ireport.com/services/cnn/register.do?pid=cnn.ireport&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ireport.com%2Faccount-success.jspa Submit from your phone See it. Snap it. Send it! At the site of a major breaking news, snap a picture and send it directly from your phone to iReport.com at ireport@cnn.com. You may be the first person to break the news worldwide! *************************** =#==@==#===@==#==@== Consolidate your communication networks http://www.get-digsby.com/download.html from CLICK (BBC) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ////////////////llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll By: Raymond Lau Get more hits , register your blog with http://www.bloggersg.com/ llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll BUY SOFTWARE AT YOUR OWN RISK click LABEL: PUBLIC SERVICE INFORMATION }}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ NEED A REASONABLE AND FREE ANTI-VIRUS?? click LABEL: PUBLIC SERVICE INFORMATION BY: SUMITHRA }}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ WRITER'S SPEED METER FIND OUT YOUR COMPOSE SPEED click http://www.oneword.com/ from DIGITAL LIFE ))))))))>>>><<<<(((((((((( Enhance your professional networking http://press.linkedin.com/ from DIGITAL LIFE ))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((( JOB VACANCIES click LABEL : JOB VACANCIES }}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{ check this http://communicationnation.blogspot.com/ tip by: Winnie Teo )))))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((((( Something for the writer in you http://sgwritersguild.com/ tip by:Ali Akbar Khan ***************************** EARN CREDIT FOR YOUR TALENTS AND BECOME FAMOUS http://www.zooqoo.com/#http://www.firstwriter.com/ {{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}} SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE WRITERS http://sgwriters.org.sg//

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

NOTICE

TO POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

THE ARTICLES AND PHOTOS PUBLISHED IN THIS BLOG SHOWCASE THE VARIOUS TALENTS OF OUR FELLOW COMMUNICATION STUDENTS.

MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS WHO WISH TO CONTRACT THE SERVICES OF THE AUTHORS OF THE PUBLISHED ITEMS MAY LIAISE DIRECTLY WITH THE AUTHORS IF THE CONTACT INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED IN THE POST.

IF CONTACT INFORMATION IS NOT PUBLISHED IN THE POST

click LABEL: REQUEST FOR AUTHOR’S PARTICULARS

WE WILL FORWARD YOUR REQUEST TO THE AUTHOR CONCERNED.

NOTE

The Administrators of this blog shall have no dealings in any transaction made as a result of contracts if any and bear no responsibility for the OFFER and ACCEPTANCE of products or services rendered.

digicentrex@gmail.com

DIGICENTREX TEAM

((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))) OUR BLOGNALISTS Aaliyah Aaron Ho Ali Akbar Khan Annabelle Lim Anita d/o Thangaraju Arbella Salim Asha Rai Alister Pang Angela Kwok Byron Yeo Beng Kiat Cassandra Teo Catherine Anderson Cindy Tan Clarence Ngian Eudora Chew Eugene Woon Esther Tan Faridah Fauziah Begum Ferlicia Boon Goh Swee Lan Gregg Vinod Irene Chua Jane Ang Jessica Koh Joanne Wee joshua Ng Khushboo Tulsiani Krishna Singh Lim Thye Song Leonard Tan Loni Lovleen Lynn Teo Manisha Ghorpade Manisha Patel Mariammal Pugelenthi Mark Thomas Matthew Lee Muhammad Faizal Bin Aziz (Iz) Murni Abdul Manap Murugesan s/o Palani Nancy Ho Nisha Begum Nur Atika Nur Azida Ong Swee Lin Pamela Ng Pooja Bhayana Pooja Tagore Prathap Krishna Rajamanickam Raymond Lau Ravindranath Robert Chew Rohini S Vengkatraman Iyengar Ronnie Lim Ruth Forrester Samantha Ng Sarah Elizabeth Sarah Josef Sarojini Sivakumar Selina Sharma Shamala Nagulendran Shanniz Prianka Irmana Sharon Francis Sharon Ng Shobana Nair Shyamini Naidu Silas Benjamin S. Pino Sim Chen Xing Siti Farween Suhailah bte Mohammad Ismail Sumithra Sunita Rai Suneetha Melwani Sylvester Ong Tamilchellvan Chennai Tan Keng Yong Thiagu Purushothaman Timothy Tan Thomson Yeo Uma Kishan Varshi Choudhari Viess Vishnu Varma Widyawati Isnin Winnie Teo YiPing Zainuddin BML Zubaidah Rasid ((((((((((())))))))))) NOTICE DELETION OF NOTES*** ALERT ALL ACADEMIC NOTES THAT ARE PUBLISHED WILL AUTO DELETE ON THE 7TH DAY FROM THE DATE OF PUBLISHING .

GRAMMAR TEST- EXAM QUESTION (EDITING)

2012-01-28T00:02:00.000+08:00

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

TIME :1½ hours
TOTAL : 50 marks

Write the correct answers on a separate sheet of paper.

SENTENCE ERRORS ( 15 marks)

Part I: Choose the correct form for each of the following.
EXAMPLE: Jack and Jill (is, are) over the hill.
Answer: are

1. Ken is one of those singers who (is, are) always off key.
2. There (go, goes) Julia and her favorite parakeet.
3. Each of the contestants (has, have) a chance to win a trip to the North Pole.
4. The healthiest specimen among the monkeys (was, were) chosen to imitate the television actor.
5. I gave ten dollars to the clerk (who, whom) I think works on Saturdays only.
6. Between you and (I, me) and the bartender, I find Sazaracs potent cocktails.
7. Leave all arrangements to (her, she) and (me, I)
8. I expected the gentleman caller to be (he, him).
9. If one tries to whistle while laughing (he, they) must be highly optimistic.
10.Each of these bananas has a split in (its, their) side.
11.Jean’s perfume smells (sweet, sweetly).
12.Roy (sure, surely) is the best catcher in the big leagues.
13.The posse (seeked, sought) in vain to find the murderer.
14.Years ago, I (saw, have seen) Scaramouche in silent films.
15.If he had entered the building, I (saw, had seen, would have seen) him.

Part II: Rewrite the following sentences to ensure clarity and correctness.
(20 marks)

1. If we all strive towards peace, one may hope that the world will be a better place to live in.

2. Wash your hair with Squeaky Lotion and then you should use Eeky Hair Tonic.

3. I expect Bill to arrive early and bringing his cousin Ann.

4. His ankle broken, his owner had the racing colt destroyed.

5. A good scholar must be precise and possess originality.

6. Consider the origins of man and how he has developed.

7. Give me the aggressive fellow and who has initiative.

8. This morning I went to a brunch party, shopping at the supermarket, and lunching at the diner.

9. Nero was flattered by the courtiers, praised by the soldiers, but the people hated him.

10. The prophet warned his people of oncoming disaster and that the Assyrians would conquer them.

PUNTUATION
(10 marks)

Insert punctuation wherever needed. If no punctuation is need, let the sentence remain as is.

1. Jane answer the telephone.
2. The athlete who performs well pleases the crowd.
3. If I draw a thousand dollars from the bank I shall be only nine hundred dollars over-drawn.
4. Millie who has several boy friends loves none of them.
5. Gretchen he begged won’t you for goodness sake share a doughnut with me.

END

GRADUATION PROJECT

2012-01-27T00:02:00.003+08:00

PLEASE CLICK THE LABEL: GRADUATION PROJECT

1)FOR INFORMATION
2)TO DOWNLOAD THE FORMAT
3) CHECK MEETING DATES
4) EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CONSULTATION

EXAM QUESTION No. 7 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001+08:00

HOMEWORK

1. READ Page 9.2 EYE CONTACT

What meaning has eye contact in your culture?

2. READ Page 9.2 POSTURES AND GESTURES

Do the postures and gestures of a certain culture have different meanings in some other culture?

3. READ Page 9.3 TIME

How is punctuality viewed in your culture?

4. READ Page 11.3 INDIVIDUALISM

Does you culture believe in Individualism or Belonging to Groups?

5. READ Page 11.4 CHANGE

How does your culture view ‘CHANGE” ?

6. READ Page 11.4 AVOIDING ETHNOCENTRISM

Discuss ethnocentrism and xenophobia.

END

GRADUATION PROJECT

2011-04-04T00:36:00.001+08:00

PLEASE CLICK THE LABEL: GRADUATION PROJECT FOR INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD THE FORMAT

EDITING & DRAFTING SERVICES

2011-03-27T00:10:00.002+08:00

SCRIBE CONSULTANTS https://sites.google.com/site/edit4english/home SERVICES PROVIDED

Editing Copywriting Correcting errors in commercial documents Drafting of brochures, flyers, advertisements and marketing material Conducting workshops/seminars on WRITING FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES Providing consultations on BRANDING

THE PRODUCERS AND EDITORS OF SINGLISH HUNTER

click Label :SINGLISH HUNTER (in this blog)

MAID ABUSE

2011-02-18T00:15:00.000+08:00

BY: ERIC TEO

NOTICE

2011-01-15T00:01:00.001+08:00

1. ALL NOTES WILL AUTO DELETE ON THE 7th DAY FROM THE DAY OF POSTING.PLEASE COPY THE NOTES PROMPTLY OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRINTING.

2.ORAL PRESENTATION

NOTE
1.Absentees will have to produce a valid Medical Certificate or a FAIL grade will be recorded.
2. Please see the Attendance list for your exam dates.
3.A minimum of 2 HARDCOPY VISUALS are needed for a pass grade.
4.A demo is essential for a Distinction.

SPOT THE MISTAKE

2011-01-09T00:24:00.002+08:00

By: JOSHUA NG

SINGLISH HUNTER

2010-08-05T17:31:00.003+08:00

DO NOT LET SINGLISH RUIN YOUR BUSINESS & IMAGE We will check your Signboards, Standard Letters, Notices, Brochures, Advertisements and any other form of written media for errors and advise you about correcting them for a nominal fee. Please contact us at singlishx@gmail.com for further enquiries. (from the people who gave you SINGLISH HUNTER – see pedalab.blogspot.com) SCRIBE CONSULTANTS : https://sites.google.com/site/edit4english/home

A self made man/woman

2010-05-14T00:30:00.001+08:00

By: VISHNU VARMA

Definition: A person who owes his/her position and possessions solely due to providence rather than to alleged hard work and perseverance.

2010-05-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

By :Leon Eng
Definition of “PATRON OF THE ARTS.”
A person who splurges his/her ill-gotten gains on frivolous antics by charlatans.

CAPTURE EVENTS & FUNCTIONS

2010-04-28T01:52:00.000+08:00

Pixel Artist: SANGAMITRA BHARGOV

Contact No. : 84018711

Email: sang1985@g mail.com

SAMPLES

PUZZLED INNOCENCE

PEARLS OF DEW

SPECIALIST MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPY SERVICES

2010-04-23T12:30:00.000+08:00

ARTIST/PHOTOGRAPHER:ABHISHEK

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTISING
EDITORIAL
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
INDUSTRIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTACT DETAILS :
Abhishek Bhonsle
Contact Number : +65 93576079
Email : abishek.bhonsle@gmail.com

SAMPLES

FAST & FURIOUS

2010-04-03T23:40:00.003+08:00

BY : VISHNU VARMA

THE JACK NEO AFFAIR

2010-03-18T02:20:00.002+08:00

BY : MARK THOMAS

With reference to the Straits Times,15-3-10, (Forum pg A19). Article by Ms Corinna Lim:”Jack Neo affair bares a problem that goes undetected.”

In particular the sentence, “They (women today) will not accept that a husband’s infidelity is “unavoidable,” no matter how successful he is.”

Perhaps Ms Corinna Lim does not read the World News section of the Straits Times. If she had she would have come across women( Hillary Clinton,Elin Nordegren,Carla Bruni and Silda Wall Spitzer – just to name a few) who debunked her newfangled social thesis above.

REVELATION

2010-03-07T22:32:00.001+08:00

BY : Chenxing Sim

In the crowded city that we knew best,
stood a silent living dead.
He came to seek for a chance of revival,
but he left without saying a word.

The crowded street - He may be in.
He sees no one, but that empty corridor.
Noises of strangers, buzzed around his ears.
He hears no one, but his hollow breath.

Tried his best to join in; indifference was what he'd got.
He tried to break the barrier; He never succeeds.
Acceptance was what he longed for.
But its ignorance that he thought he has.
For all that he once felt - have left.

Isolation, an attractive route.
The search for a person goes on.
Family and friends' comforting hands fingered on his shoulder.
These ain’t the love / care he's looking for.

He laid himself down, closed his eyes.
There's no meaning to life but a tedious wait.
The selfless life, led by many
A torture; seen in his eyes.

He stepped out of the circle of life.
He gave no comments.
Come what may, he will say no word
as his dream of revival - vanished without a trace.

A life alone - a life of his own
No friends; No acceptance
He awaits for the end of time.

END

A PUBLIC DISSERVICE/SERVICE ADVERTISEMENT?

2010-02-15T03:00:00.001+08:00

By:Sarojini Siva Kumar

“If you are harassed by hospitals for being unable to settle medical bills or if your employer is not paying your wages ,pawn your family jewellery and valuables at MONEY MAX,” - an advertisement on and by Vasantham Central on 14/2/10 during the telecast of the Tamil movie Unnaipol Oruvan.

I was wondering why our hospitals are being portrayed as loan sharks and our local employers as non wage paying slave drivers through this advertisement. And what kind of message is this ad sending to our youths( one youth was persuading the other to pawn the family jewellery in the ad)?

THE HAUNTING

2010-02-08T10:00:00.002+08:00

By: Sharon Francis

Fragments of transitory visions litter my mind
Evoked by thou whose identity eludes me
In moments of insanity, they come rushing into the hazy labyrinth of reason and logic
Speeding
Colliding
Exploding
Dissipating
Till your hypnotic presence emerges from the shadows of obscurity
Lingering visions are buried within the infinite depth
Of the murky ocean

Review on Liv (Full Frontal)

2010-01-21T21:00:00.001+08:00

By: Sim Chen Xing

What’s life all about? Are you living a meaningful one?

These should be the Directorial Vision for the play itself, is it? But what’ve it got to do with insomnia? Maybe there’s a link between the lack-of-sleep element and the life-factor? Let alone the “lying” factor except for the latter part of the play when the doctor said “Tell me the truth; the whole truth.” The play was about 4 human subjects, all with different interests, coming together for this sleeping test that’d put them in PMD (I guess) Physical Mental Disorder, in order to find a cure for Insomnia.

The discussion with TzeChien gave us an insight on Liv, saying that it is in fact an experimental play and not a dramatic script. The play itself was fragmented into many different episodes that weren’t very much linked.

For all that I know, Liv made use of analogies (made up AS WELL AS quoted then edited) to portray the characters’ wants in life. For example, the playwright uses the theme from the Noah’s Ark, to portray the deprived businessman’s wants. The flood may symbolize his workload and his diminishing time to have sex with his wife. And he just want to have it. So the act of Noah sending the pigeons out of the boat to seek for land symbolizes his ever-coming temptation to have sex with his wife but didn’t due to the flood. Or so, I guess. Of course, my reason to say that that analogy was edited purely because there’s ONE and only one God as stated in the bible where the analogy originates. And there’s no “other Gods”. And Noah sent out his dove, only twice when the water subsided. He didn’t save ALL the animals. He merely saved a couple of all land animals. Edited huh.

The overall portrayal of the play was good! Of course, nothing’s perfect. The shorter guy who’s trying to act as some Gongfu master, trying to be immortal was trembling, trying to stay in balance as he perform those stuns in his scenes. Okay, maybe because I was at the second row, that’s why it’s obvious to me. But his ability to maintain that was simply astonishing! Letting aside the plot and just focusing on the acting of the individual actor, I must say that their acting’s quite good! At least I, as an audience, am able to see no change in characters. Maybe because they’re all acting as victims of insomnia and that’s why their expressions are all seemingly forced, everything else was great!

Their simple set layout gave them a much greater advantage when it comes to the manipulation of space. The former clinic scene consists of only 3 screens and 4 benches (I guess it’s some canteen benches), was later shifted and arranged to become a “runway” for some fashion show. The leftovers were then moved to another corner to portray individual dreams of the subjects. This simple design made it seemed dream-like. Like those little things that kids play around with, it made perfect resemblance to a virtual reality of nothingness where one just indulges in his / her own world (If only the lights were from above and not projectors). Simple as it may have seemed, there’s a drawback. The special effects are projected onto the screens using projectors. Projector’s light rays are normally very definite, like that of an ellipsoidal light, so it’s very distracting to have a certain part of it that’s not shining on the actors if the actors are further up stage front. But in order to compromise for the special effects that the director wants to produce on the screen, this setback with areas that weren’t lighted will be evident. Maybe it’s only distracting me? I don’t know about the rest.

Okay, talking about special effects. Those projectors were used to project effects such as videos (that acted as flashbacks) and special “camera” effects such as flash lights (to enhance the overall portrayal of the runway).

Tension was kept, even when there’s almost no use of sounds. Apart from the initial hollow sound that was being played before the play started, no other special tracks were used. Or there were? They were too perfectly inserted into the play that I was kept uninformed of any changes. Sound technologies were used to alter the voices to differ the tester from his subjects in the play. This was most probably done through the manipulation of the equalizer configurations.
Their make-ups were superbly GOOD! They used SERIOUSLY thick use of eyeshadows and under-lighting marks made the subject’s facial features sink into his / her skin. These made them look seriously tired and sleepy. A little over exaggerated; but it matches the theme of the play. Okay, I must admit that it’s kind of distracting too. I found myself staring at his (the office guy) extremely thick eye bags rather than concentrating on the play.

Well, what can I say from an experimental play? As long as it held onto my attention throughout, I guess it’s a job well-done!

2010-01-17T14:00:00.002+08:00

Shot by:KRISHNA SINGH

Location:Salvation Army HQ (Bishan)
Error:preposition "TO"

2010-01-17T01:04:00.000+08:00

By: Joanne Wee

I refer to The Straits Times, January 16th 2010, FORUM page where the caption, “Get real, race is important,” is given prominence.

Man/Woman is divided not only by race, ethnicity and religion, but also by denomination/sect/clan/caste, education level, nationality, family name, ideology and viewpoint and the divisions and labels are infinite.

If every newfangled division is given prominence and debated at a national level, in a national newspaper where would we be?

What next, remove the words,“regardless of race, language or religion” from our National PLEDGE.?
END

iPhone iDie

2009-12-25T12:02:00.001+08:00

By: Ferlicia Boon

Two weeks ago I bought an IPHONE from one of the major service providers (lets call this service provider XX) in Singapore. My main reason for buying it is/was to download music into my iPhone from the iTunes Store with a press of a button. At least this is what the iPhone advertisements and brochures claimed.
After queuing up for almost 3 hours I reached a counter and signed away my freedom, my rights and trust for humanity and 50% of my income as a part- time waitress before becoming a proud owner of a Iphone.

Naively I asked the salesperson if it is difficult to download songs into my iPhone using the iTunes icon/button and she gave a beaming smile and said “jus press and choose song, that’s all .”
As soon as I reached home I went through the Manual provided. Now this Manual tells you almost nothing about operating a Iphone. You have to go online and look at the actual manual online. This is only feasible if you have an up to date PC and the Internet service provided by the service provider works at the speed promised. In my case my service provider is also XX, and its promises of speed is as good as the devil’s.

On day two of becoming a proud owner of a Iphone I discovered the ITunes button/icon on my phone does not work. I called up their hotline and after developing severe neck cramps due to wedging my phone between my head and shoulder and dozing off waiting for the operator to answer, I was told Itunes icon does not work in Singapore.

I asked her why I was not informed about this and an argument started. Finally a male supervisor from XX told me that I cannot be given a refund and I have to continue paying half my income to XX for the next 2 years failing which I have to pay a huge fine.

I like the Iphone, I won’t deny that but I bought it for the only reason, that it is easy to browse and download the songs I like directly into my Iphone. Now I have to buy a new PC and upgrade my internet service (which means I have to pay more) to browse the Itunes store and download the songs into my PC first before syncing it to my iphone.

I am just a student doing a part-time job as a waitress, I can’t afford a Lawyer to fight with XX.I am writing this in the hope that my class and schoolmates would read this and not get themselves into the mess I got into.

INDIANS AND SINGAPORE INDIANS

2009-12-02T01:23:00.004+08:00

By: POOJA BHAYANA

Indians are an integral part of Singapore. They form 9% of the Singapore's citizens and permanent residents, making them Singapore's third largest ethnic group. Among cities, Singapore has one of the largest overseas Indian populations. Singapore Indians are linguistically and religiously diverse, with ethnic Tamils and nominal Hindus forming majorities. And now thanks to banks and financial companies that have regional headquarters in Singapore, there is a substantial expatriate population of Indians here. In fact, there are so many Indians here that Bollywood movies are released here on the same day as in India.

Indian culture has endured and evolved over almost 200 years. By the 1990s, it had grown somewhat distinct from contemporary South Asian cultures, even as Indian elements became diffused within a broader Singaporean culture. Since then, new immigrants have increased the size and complexity of the local Indian population. Low-cost carriers, cable television and the Internet now connect the local Indian community with the culture of India and the Indian diasporas.

We could say that Singapore represents a part of India because of the majority of Singapore Indians being Tamils from the southern regions of a multi cultural country i.e. India. And due to the same reasons we also observe the differences in attitudes and behavior. The basic difference can be observed in the attitude towards life and towards different aspects of life.

Indians have a sense of aggression in probably everything they do. On the other hand, Singapore Indians are calmer and view life as an opportunity because a Singaporean doesn’t have to fight for a seat in the train or bus so the anger isn’t there. They don’t have to face the feeling of crowding and invasion of personal space every day.

The sense of safety that Singapore gives an individual is very hard to beat and this security gives the Singapore Indian the freedom to roam around freely in shorts and low tops. The scope of this is very limited in India restricting the Indian to wait for special occasions or specific places where people would not stare at you. Not just the place but the upbringing also plays an important role. Even though being from the capital country of India, Delhi, I was pleasantly surprised myself at the freedom which I couldn’t have possibly experienced in India. A Singapore Indian would probably feel restricted going back to India.

The mindset of an individual towards their culture is one thing that is common between both- Indians and Singapore Indians. Religious practices are duly followed with rituals. This is probably the basic feeling in every Indian whether they reside in India or no. The abundance of temples and Gurudwaras is one thing that is a proof. The festivals and celebrations are almost the same but restricted with the chain of rules.

But a shocking thing that I realized once I started interacting with Indians in Singapore is that a major chunk of them don’t even speak their national language- Hindi. English and Tamil are the languages for them. This came as a shock for a girl born and brought up in the city of Hindi-speaking citizens. Once a taxi- driver asked me if the national language of India was Tamil and I had a hard time explaining to him why Indians here can’t speak Hindi. I didn’t have an answer not even for myself.

A conclusion can’t be formed on the differences or similarities of Indians and Singapore Indians as the Indians in Singapore represent just a part of India and Indians. But Indians all over share their cultural habits like respecting elders, treating parents as god and such. Now I’ll conclude saying that Indians in Singapore are also as warm and welcoming like the Indians back home.

END

Tabla should cater to the Singaporean South Indians

2009-11-15T00:17:00.001+08:00

BY:RAJAMANICKAM S/O SIVASUBRAMANIAM
I refer to the article posted in PEDALAB on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009,WHAT AUDACITY TO TOUT “ tabla “ AS “THE HEARTBEAT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.” By: Mariammal Pugelenthi, and also to the comments by Sheeltz and Sebastian.
Perhaps all 3 writers are confused with the terms NATIONALITY and RACE, and even CITIZENSHIP.
The term Indian means many things to many people. In this issue we have:
Indians – who by birth are Singapore citizens
Indians - who are born in India and presently in Singapore for employment purposes.
Indians - who are from the South of India, the South Indians
Indians – who are from the North of India , the North Indians
North Indians – who by birth are Singapore citizens
South Indians - – who by birth are Singapore citizens.
North Indians – who by birth are Indian citizens
South Indians - – who by birth are Indian citizens.

The fact is the majority of Indians in Singapore are Singapore born South Indians and Tabla should cater to the Singaporean South Indians before it lay claims that it is “THE HEARTBEAT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.”

WHAT AUDACITY TO TOUT “ tabla “ AS “THE HEARTBEAT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.”

2009-10-31T01:26:00.000+08:00

By: Mariammal Pugelenthi

I wonder why “tabla” (a SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS PUBLICATION) is touted as “THE HEARTBEAT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.”

All articles in this publication are about and devoted to expatriate Indians from the Indian peninsula who have come here to make a living in Singapore.

On closer scrutiny one would notice the articles/news published are solely about the North Indian expatriates.

I believe the editors of this “newspaper” are either not aware or xenophobic and ethnocentric to such an extent that they have totally ignored the fact that the majority of the SINGAPOREAN Indians in Singapore are South Indians , and their heartbeat is not the Indian peninsula’s arrhythmic beat of the tabla but the MAJULLAH SINGAPURA.

Have You Taken The Stage?

2009-10-31T00:01:00.002+08:00

By: Sharon Francis

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been faithfully following the extraordinary lives of five talented youths as it is played out on MTV’s latest offering – ‘Taking The Stage’. Once in a blue moon, we set our sights on the kind of show that entertains and inspires; the kind of show that evokes the desire to be stronger, faster and better. ‘Taking The Stage’ is all this and more.

The show revolves around the visionary dreams, sky-high goals and bold ambitions of five gifted individuals feverishly pursuing their artistic inclinations in the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. Needless to say, with these effervescent youths come the eternal trials and tribulations of high school drama.

My personal favorite character, based solely on artistic flair, which, is in no way an indication nor representation of one’s personality; is Mia – a brilliant singer/songwriter whose music and voice is reminiscent of the soulful and sultry likes of Corrine Bailey Rae and possibly even, pre-‘Intuition’ Jewel.

Apart from her impressive talent, to me, what stood out most is her relentless drive, perseverance and sheer passion for music –admirable traits that are essential ingredients in the receipe for success.

‘Taking The Stage’ is a show that brings to mind two questions: What is my passion in life? How can I try to manifest that passion in my academic and future career pursuits? It is easy to quickly and unquestioningly accept ideals and norms of life without pausing to think about what is it that you have a zest for. I guess the most important lesson I picked up along the way is, no matter how many times I falter and stumble, drive and the will to go the distance will allow me to “take the stage”.

THE ZHANG YUANYUAN SAGA

2009-10-14T02:35:00.002+08:00

By: LI JINJIN

I am surprised that so many Singaporean NETZIENS are angry and upset about Zhang Yuanyuan renouncing her Singapore PR status.

These angry Singaporeans have forgotten that their ancestors also renounced their motherland citizenship to stay in Singapore. Presently some renounce their Singapore citizenship to return to their motherland after collecting their CPF money because the cost of living in their motherland is cheaper.

There are a good many professionals (Singaporeans ) who also renounce their Singapore citizenship to migrate: the brain drain.

A good many Singaporeans also hold onto dual citizenship, cat on the wall?

Some wealthy Singaporeans send their son/s overseas not just for education but also to “escape “the National Service obligation, a good many never return to Singapore. And if their daughters do not do well in Singapore schools they too join their brothers pursuing an overseas education. While the Singapore government is trying to make Singapore an Education hub, Singaporeans with pink ICs send their children overseas for education

Singaporeans have to depend on foreigners to clear their rubbish, build their buildings, nurse their sick and injured in hospitals and even to look after their children and old parents. The latest trend is to ship out their old parents to the other end of the Causeway.

For every tourist that comes to Singapore, ten Singaporeans leave Singapore for tourist destinations in other countries, especially during school holidays; the Singapore teachers forming the single biggest group.

I am also shocked that the patriotic Singapore NETZIENS who slammed Zhang Yuanyuan did not send a single protest about the number of Singapore cars leaving Singapore for Malaysia before the Singapore National Day, not to mention crowds of Singaporeans leaving by air and by sea.

Singaporeans only hate foreigners but not they money they make from these foreigners. It is quite common to see 20 foreign workers staying in a Housing Board 3 room flat, each paying S$ 150/- per month.

Another NETZIEN accusation is that Singaporean men fall victim to foreign women. Perhaps Singaporean ladies should examine themselves before calling us names. They need a maid to cook, clean the house, look after the children and husband, and they spend most of their time and money in Yoga classes, spas and boutiques. Most can’t or don’t breastfeed their babies, the maid stores the suctioned milk in a fridge till it is time to feed the baby. Once the husband loses his job the patriotic Singaporean wife immediately goes for a divorce so that she can have half the proceeds from the sale of the matrimonial home.

And have you ever heard of any country who chose an ex- criminal to become a beauty queen to represent the country in an international event? Yes, patriotic Singaporeans did that, and patriotic Singaporeans, the press and the NETZIEN community meticulously took pains to insult the young girl but not the people who gave her the title. If something were to happen to her will the aforesaid people accept responsibility?

The NETZIENS quarrel about Singlish and English. The problem is a good many Singaporeans can neither speak good English nor good Chinese.

“WHEN YOU POINT ONE FINGER TO BLAME SOMEONE YOUR OTHER THREE FINGERS POINT AT YOU.”

ancient proverb

GENDER CRISIS

2009-10-09T00:12:00.003+08:00

By : Robert Chew

Adonis is a name of a Greek god and HIS name is often applied in modern times to handsome youths/ extremely attractive, youthful MALES.

Wonder why an establishment which provides beauty enhancement services to WOMEN has the name ADONIS?

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.

2009-10-08T02:06:00.002+08:00

By: Aaliyah

In response to Pooja Tagore.

Howdy southern Indian Singapore girls. Take heart, BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL. Agbani Darego was the first black African to win the Miss World title in 2001.FAIR DOES NOT EQUAL TO BEAUTY.

2009 Formula 1Singapore Grand Prix

2009-10-05T23:28:00.004+08:00

By: Sharon Francis

The most anticipated event of the year was held last weekend over 3 spectacular days. The 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix set the stage for high-octane racing action on track plus the hottest after-parties off track.

Combine the street circuit night race with a liberal dash of celebrity entertainers like Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and the Black Eyed Peas who performed at the F1 Rocks concert; an addictive cocktail of exhilarating excitement that everyone on the island seemed to be hooked on. Everyone, but me.

While I felt the event was over-hyped; my interest for the sport is almost non-existent. A complimentary pass, courtesy of a dear friend, to the qualifying round of the night race was received with more gratitude and curiosity than hysterical disbelief.

There I was on race day. In spite of the stifling heat and humidity, the anticipation was palpable. As the crimson ball began its descent into the west, downtown Marina Bay sparkled to life. Seated at the waterfront grandstand; to my right, the sea glittered in the sunset while the skyscrapers towered over the F1 track to my left.

The rich baritone of the race commentator snapped my attention to the circuit as I heard the unmistakable hear-thumping roar of the powerful engines in the distance. Quickly donning my trusty neon orange earplugs, I braced myself as the sleek, powerful beasts came tearing round the bend; leaving in their trail a huge carbon footprint, heat, dust and thousands of ringing ears.

While attempting to marvel the unfathomable skill, precision and guts needed to steer an internal combustion powered metal coffin around street corners, a cynical enlightenment dawned upon me. Yes I was witnessing mankind’s fascination with speed ,ever since the invention of the wheel. It was cars, and then some more cars madly zipping past us while the pro global warming lobbyist sat enraptured without making much sense of it.

In attendance that night, were probably, mostly people with super slim wallets who wanted to be in the thick of the action where everyone else was; to experience a thrilling night as proclaimed by advertisements island wide; even, to witness firsthand if and when a crash occurred.

With the bigger spotlight directed at the star-studded F1 Rocks concert, how many were truly enthused and pumped about the race itself? While the support event provided a fantastic addition to the race and undoubtedly did wonders for ticket sales, I can’t help but wonder whether the mega-star concert overshadowed the sport.

A fan of the sport I am not. Even so, I wonder if genuine passion for the motor-sport still exists in the face of other dominating concerns such as –money, status, glory and entertainment. Has motor racing morphed into yet another source of profit for those involved and mere entertainment for the masses? Would people still rave about the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix sans the celebrified likes of Hamilton, Rosberg and Webber?

In an age where profit-generation reigns supreme, it is little wonder, that in some sports, passion may have been sidelined in favour of lucrative enterprising opportunities.

WHOSE LEG ARE YOU PULLING?

2009-10-05T02:40:00.000+08:00

By: POOJA TAGORE

I refer to the article by Thiagu, “OF SHORT SHORTS AND INDIAN GIRLS.”

Perhaps Thiagu is referring to local South Indian Girls in Singapore. Maybe he has never heard of Bollywood nor seen the queens of Bollywood.

Well local Indian girls have never even made it to Miss Singapore. But Indian girls from India, especially from the North, reigned as Miss World more than a few times.

SEX SELLS?

2009-09-28T00:30:00.000+08:00

By: Timothy Tan
SEX SELLS?
Why resort to base ambiguity against Ris Low?
“Ris Low bares all” - headline published on 27/9/09, page 1,The Sunday Times.

A boost for the YELLOW RIBBON PROJECT?

2009-09-28T00:23:00.002+08:00

By: Goh Swee Lan
Why blame Ris Low? Blame the people who gave her the crown without vetting her application. And she repents not for her crimes but for the fact she was not smart enough to escape the LAW!
“If I am smart, I wouldn’t get caught.” Published on 27/9/09, HOME page 8,The Sunday Times.

An Air Stewardess is not “a high- class waitress.”

2009-09-28T00:16:00.001+08:00

By: Ruth Forrester
I am indeed disappointed that the Beauty Queen of Singapore has such a low opinion about the Air Steward/Stewardess profession.
An air steward/stewardess is a trained person who plays a major role in air disasters such as an air crash or hijack attempt. If you are an air- passenger you take instructions from “a high- class waitress ” to save your life in these situations.

I would like to say to Miss Singapore that an air stewardess is not “a high- class waitress.”(her quote published on 27/9/09, HOME page 8,The Sunday Times)
It is tantamount to saying a beauty queen is a porn artiste.
Perhaps air stewardess means high- class waitress in her native Singlish, but definitely not so in English.

OF SHORT SHORTS AND INDIAN GIRLS

2009-09-20T02:26:00.001+08:00

BY: THIAGU

Nature has not endowed Indian girls to look good in short shorts the way it has endowed girls of the other races. Blame DNA, chromosomes, diet etc.

Girls of Indian ethnicity, be it a Singaporean or an Indian Indian (from the North or South) , have 2 problems to contend with short shorts.

1. Short shorts expose a good portion of flesh covering the femur. In most cases the Indian damsels pack ample and loose adipose tissue in the aforementioned region, tissues that wobble pendulously when in locomotion. Even if the lady is slim or skinny the short shorts displays the orange peel or cottage cheese effect.

2. The area between the knee and the foot is in complete contradiction to the upper regions. The genetic trademark of an Indian woman is her calf/shin region which is (9 out of 10 cases) disproportionately thin, scrawny, wasted and atrophiesed in comparison to the over nourished thighs. How she precariously balances herself on this shriveled appendage in full gait is awe inspiring.

Paying scant attention to the mirror they try to ape girls of the other races and boldly expose details that do not flatter their looks nor their integrity.

DARK LIGHT (PART 11)

2009-09-17T02:28:00.002+08:00

BY: SHAMALA

I have seen you see me when I am not looking at you. I have seen your hands tremble and your voice murmur when you speak to me. I know this as I am as stricken by your voice, the smell of your breathe and the intoxication of your eyes.

But I can never look into your eyes and feel the comfort of knowing that you love me. I can never have your head on my chest and have the chilly night wind blow your hair into a frenzy. I can never hold your hands and feel their warmth. I can never push a shopping cart and walk alongside you in a shopping centre. I can never put my arms around you and hold you for a eternity and wish I could die holding you because, my love, I am dead. A vampire.

And yet I feel the sweet pain of love, the kind of love which is felt but not expressed. Our love is doomed to whither before it blooms. I shall make sure our paths never cross again for if it does, I have not the strength to prevent myself from telling you that I want to look into your eyes for eternity.

Good bye sweet angel, perhaps we will meet in dreams.

RIS LOW, THE SINGLISH QUEEN

2009-09-14T00:15:00.007+08:00

By: CATHERINE ANDERSON

Why blame Ms Ris Low for her pidgin English?

After all she has been chosen to be a beauty queen of Singapore where poor English is not only spoken but also written in official letters,banners,signboards and even engraved on hospital walls.

I wrote this article after reading the section in your blog "SINGLISH HUNTER"which potrays several photographs of poor English in public places.

But what is puzzling is why they chose Ms Ris Low as Miss World Singapore, a girl with masculine broad shoulders and and a small pelvic girdle, attributes which would well favour a MR WORLD SINGAPORE.

TIPS ON INTERPRETING NVC

2009-09-05T00:25:00.001+08:00

BY: SHARON NG

THE EYES
Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response
Eye contact is the most powerful non verbal means of giving out messages. It has many flavors – it can be direct, indirect, lduration can be long or short or it can be a contact at regular intervals of time when communicating with a person. If you have an eye contact for a longer duration with people, it will be taken as a stare which could be uncomfortable for some people. People if comfortable while conversing maintain a steady eye contact. People if uncomfortable or if afraid or feel guilty avoid eye contact. One way to effectively read body language is through the person's eyes. According to studies, dilated pupils reveal a person's interest about the topic at hand. The direction towards where the eyes are gazing is also an indicator of how they are feeling.
When riddled with guilt, a person usually looks to the side; when feeling shy, they tend to gaze down. But like any other signals, it could be interpreted in various ways.
A person's eyebrow is another very expressive feature of the face. A raised eyebrow indicates shock or surprise, while flicking them up or down whenever greeting someone is a means of acknowledging their presence. Evaluate where the person is looking. If his eyes are straight ahead, that indicates concentration and truthfulness. If they're looking down, however, that often indicates he is lying--the same is also true for side-to-side eye movement. If the person is looking up, on the other hand, he is probably telling the truth (people tend to look up when they are thinking or recalling a memory).

THE FACE
This is next interface while communicating. Face is the first thing that anyone notices in a person first and foremost. Face is the mirror of our emotions. Small gestures of the face can tell a lot about a person. Gestures like eyebrow flash while greeting someone can tell that we are pleased to see the person. A smile is great means of breaking the ice with someone. A smile can put other people at ease with you, help them calm down. A genuine smile spreads to the eyes and lights up the whole face, whereas a nervous smile doesn’t spread past the lips. You can also tell if the person is a auditory or visual or kinetic by examining the face where one is looking while someone is speaking to them. Look at the person's lips. Are they parted? If so, that's a good sign that he is flirting with you or wants to talk. Pursed? The person may be angry with you or disapprove of something you've done. Puckered lips may indicate uncertainty or desire. Watch to see if he touches his nose often--this can mean the person is uncomfortable or lying. The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures

HAND GESTURES
Politicians are the best examples in using hand gestures. Using hand gestures while speaking is a great way of telling the world about your attitude and confidence. Sincerity is shown if the palm is open. The person is authoritative if the fingers are steepled. If you tap or drum fingers it indicated anxiety. Touch also has a lot of interpretations – touching the face shows thought, hair shows insecurity and ears shows your indecisiveness. A person's hands could also immensely express inner feelings and state of mind. A common interpretation of open palms is that a person feels relaxed. When a person's palm or hands are open, their defenses are down. Analyze her hands. Typically, an open palm indicates truthfulness and sincerity. When someone rubs his or her hands together, than can mean several things--the person may simply be cold or it can indicate happiness and extreme excitement. Constant hair-touching or ear-pulling usually means the person is flirting with you. Check to see if the person you're watching is tapping his or her fingers. If so, she is probably feeling anxious. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we’re arguing or speaking animatedly–expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so it’s important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation.We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given by the following: a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.

THE LEGS
Here's how to read body language by observing a person's legs. You might not be aware of it, but a person's posture and the position of their legs are indicators of their level of confidence. If a person is standing with both legs shoulder-width apart, it means they're in a relaxed state. If it is wider than that, then it means that they're in control. Meanwhile, if a person's legs are crossed while standing, it could mean they're shy.
The position of legs while sitting down also has varied interpretations. Crossed legs means that the person is in protective mode. Crossed legs typically come with crossed arms.

THE POSTURE
The posture you take tells a lot about your attitude. Also when conversing the body language of the people also tells a lot about the chemistry about them. Are they leaning towards each other? A great way to establish rapport is to have the same body language as the other person’s and this can happen quite naturally sometimes. Try this trick, but do it in a subtle way. Is there any specific posture with which one can feel confident? Observe how one sits or stands when one is under threat or fear. If you feel nervous while giving a presentations, take a posture that makes you feel confident, think positive and you are sure to gain a lot of confidence. Analyze how the person is sitting. Crossed arms? This may just mean the person is cold or it can mean he doesn't want to be there. What about the legs? If they're crossed at the ankles, the person is probably relaxed, but if they're crossed at the knees, she may be feeling defensive. Take note of which direction the person is leaning. If it's toward you, then he is interested in what you're saying or may even be attracted to you. If the person is leaning away from you, however, then you may want to step back, as that's an indication that the person feels threatened.

PERSONAL SPACE
Each person has a personal space which he/she would like to stay intact. Moving into this personal space may be invading privacy and the other person will retract to a place/posture wherein he/she feel safe. This invasion particularly happens in crowded situations and it is under this circumstance that other gestures like avoiding eye contact and adopting a defensive posture comes in picture. Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

BODY CONTACT
Shaking hands is the most widely used gesture and is a form of body contact. It is used generally to welcome or bid farewell. A handshake should be firm whenever put into use. A handshake that is weak shows that you are lacking in confidence, or lack sincerity or are hesitant. On the other hand, if the handshake is too hard – to the extent of crushing the other person’s hand, it shows your aggressive attitude. People who have been brought in a culture where body contact is normal will be more open and accepting to come in body contact with others. Hence be sure to know if the other person and his culture is fine with you making a body contact with him/her.
All parts of our body work in synch. If you observe a change in the normal body language of a person, it indicates a change in the attitude or mood of the person. It is not always the case that someone with hands crossed is defensive, it could be just that they are indifferent. Observe all the indications before you conclude anything. It is essential to know the natural behavior of a person before you interpret his/her body language. Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, slouch or stand up straight, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.

VOICE
We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words. Nonverbal speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are important communication elements. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide subtle but powerful clues into our true feelings and what we really mean. Think about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

END

SINGLISH TRAVELS

2009-09-01T00:39:00.002+08:00

SHOT AT:KL to SINGAPORE BUS

BY:WIDYAWATI ISNIN

MEDIA INTERVIEWS

2009-08-15T09:22:00.002+08:00

Compiled by: AUDREY

1. Be clear about the INTENT/PURPOSE of the interview.
2. Draft your interview questions.

TOOLS FOR THE INTERVIEW
Voice Recorder: After the introductory formalities always ask permission if you can use a recorder BEFORE the interview starts, then produce it and get started on the interview. Always Keep the cassette on file in case someone should ever claim they have been misquoted.

Camera: Take any photos you require at the end of an interview when the person is relaxed.

Notebook and Pen: Use your notebook for the accurate spelling of names (companies, locations etc), jotting down a few main points and perhaps some question reminders for later. Be careful when recording that you don't lose concentration as this will "deaden" an interview. Listen carefully to what is being said and be sure to understand the answers otherwise it will be difficult to write clearly enough for your readers. If you don't understand something, ASK! "Can you put it into simpler language?" or "Can you clarify that a little more".

Identification Documents : Bring along all pass/documents/letters that authorise you to conduct the interview

PREPARATION
Do your homework on the person before going to the interview.
This could involve a search of the persons online press kit page, through media press clippings, at the library, the who's who directory etc.
Having some background knowledge will give you greater self-confidence and will help give a stronger line as to the questions you may want to ask.
Interviews can be 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or over the course of a month or more e.g. if you are doing an autobiography.
When you make a time for the interview propose to take at least 30 minutes.
Suggest you go to the persons, home, office or place of business - being in their own environment will put them at ease and may provide the right background to your interview.
Dress appropriately for where you are going, and who you are meeting. As a rule wear clothes that will not cause offence as many people you meet will be very conservative.

TYPES OF INTERVIEW

· Informal, conversational interview - no predetermined questions are asked during the interview, the interviewer "goes with the flow".
· Standardized, open-ended interview - here, the same open-ended questions are asked to all interviewees
· Closed, fixed-response interview - where all interviewees are asked the same questions and asked to choose answers from among the same set of alternatives.

PREPARING THE INTERVIEWEE
1. Explain the purpose of the interview.
2. Explain who will get access to their answers and how their answers will be analyzed. If their comments are to be used as quotes, get their written permission to do so
3. Explain the format of the interview. Explain the type of interview you are conducting and its nature.
4. Indicate how long the interview usually takes.
5. Tell them how to get in touch with you later if they want to.
6. Ask them if they have any questions before you both get started with the interview.
7. Don't count on your memory to recall their answers. Ask for permission to record the interview or bring along someone to take notes.

DOS AND DON’TS

1. If you take photographs, always get a signed agreement before taking them and as a safeguard for yourself have them sign a Model Release Consent form.

2. Before asking about controversial matters (such as feelings and conclusions), first ask about some facts.

3. Wording should be open-ended. Respondents should be able to choose their own terms when answering questions.
4. Questions should be as neutral as possible. Avoid wording that might influence answers, e.g., evocative, judgmental wording.
5. Questions should be asked one at a time.
6. Questions should be worded clearly. This includes knowing any terms particular to the program or the respondents' culture.
7. Be careful asking "why" questions. This type of question infers a cause-effect relationship that may not truly exist. These questions may also cause respondents to feel defensive, e.g., that they have to justify their response, which may inhibit their responses to this and future questions.
8. Don't lose control of the interview. This can occur when respondents stray to another topic, take so long to answer a question that times begins to run out, or even begin asking questions to the interviewer.
9. The last questions might be to allow respondents to provide any other information they prefer to add and their impressions of the interview.
10. Prepare your list of questions in advance jotting down the questions and points you want to ask in brief heading form (they should be used only as a point of reference during the interview).
11. Maintain eye contact with the person you are interviewing as much as possible.
12. Listen carefully and establish a relaxed style of questioning.
13. Allow the questions to flow according to the context, glancing at your list only to refresh your memory or fill a long pause in the conversation.
14. Be open to new questions and new points raised during the interview. Flexibility in your interviewing will allow you to pursue interesting or relevant sidelines as they come up. These may be areas of activity that you are unaware of despite your research.
15. Don't worry about ending up with more information than you require. Use what you need and put the rest in your files to be used at another time.
16. If a person is evasive of a question or doesn't give an answer, ask the question
in a different way and at another point in your interview.
17. If someone gives "off the record information" turn the recorder off. Don't do too many off the record interviews as they don't contribute to the information you require.

POST INTERVIEW
Verify if the VOICE recorder, if used, worked throughout the interview.
Make any notes on your written notes, e.g., to clarify any scratchings, ensure pages are numbered, fill out any notes that don't make senses, etc.
Write down any observations made during the interview. For example, where did the interview occur and when, was the respondent particularly nervous at any time? Were there any surprises during the interview?

END

2009-08-14T23:00:00.000+08:00

Shot at : CHINESE GARDEN

bY: Muhammad Faizal Bin Aziz (Iz)

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

2009-07-29T08:54:00.004+08:00

IzPhotoWerkz

Photography Services
• Birthdays
• Weddings
• Engagements

Please contact:

Muhammad Faizal Bin Aziz (Iz)

Tel : +65 91283311
E-mail: admin@izphotowerkz.com
Website: http://www.izphotowerkz.com/

SOCIALIZING

2009-07-08T01:00:00.002+08:00

By: Shanniz Prianka Irmana

There are times I wonder what a socialite really does. If he or she Is a person who socializes with all kinds of people at all time and actually enjoys it, I really got to give credits to Paris Hilton. I’m not a loner, and I actually like socializing with people. But still, sometimes it gets so hard.

It is simply impossible to please everyone. Each individual has his own likes and dislikes, beliefs, opinions, etc. And eventually, some are going to judge you by every tiny detail about yourself. Sometimes, you’re going to do that to others as well. But I’m fine with all of these. The fact that I don’t actually give a thought to those who assume things about me before really getting to know me is actually helping a lot. To me, the hardest, most complex, perplexing part of socializing with others is tolerating. Trust me, if you’ve been stuffed in a boarding house for over four years like me, you’d know what I’m talking about.

You’d think I’m a master at this after seeing and living with them all –from housemates who eventually became my best pals, to those who shut themselves away from others, and even those who cried over a hairpin. That was awfully interesting. Let’s talk about the ‘hairpin breakdown’. In a nutshell, what happened was, my sister borrowed a hairpin from the pin girl (who turns twelve this year, by the way) and went to take a shower before returning it to her. The younger sister of the pin girl came into my room a couple of times asking where the pin was. And I honestly did not know. The third time she came in I offered to lend mine first and told her that the first thing my sister would do after she stepped out of the bathroom was to return the pin to her. She rejected my offer and finally told me the unthinkable truth. Her pin girl sister was crying over it.
What?! Of course, the first thought that crosses your mind when someone cries over a bloody hairpin would be that it carries sentimental values. Well, it didn’t. The young sister told me the pin girl was extremely fond of the special color of the pin. Fine, I thought. Maybe it was her precious gold pin. So, eventually when my sister finished her shower, I asked her to show me the treasured pin before returning it. When I finally saw it, I swear to God I was about to throw whatever was available within my reach at the pin girl. Black pin. It looked identical to mine. Thankfully, my sister managed to stop me from creating a scene over the pin, which would have made me equally dumb.

The first thing I do when I encounter incidents like these is always to ring someone up. This time, I picked my mom. So after using up all my strength to recount the story to her, she took her side. Yes, the pin girl’s side. What the hell? And the worst of all is that, when your mother actually disagrees with you on this kind of thing, you start to wonder if you are the one who is insane and unreasonable. Fortunately, I kept my senses working within my head.

My mom laid out this whole theory about the possibility of her having a rough day and not having anyone to turn to, blah, blah, blah. I know this might make me sound so devilishly heartless, but honestly, I don’t care. I’ve been there before. I’ve been through calling my mom up in the middle of the night because I was feeling so painfully homesick. And I was there long enough to know what it feels like to want nothing but to be home. I’ve had my share of crying over nothing. But I’ve never, ever, made anyone else ride my emotional roller coaster.

Yes, I tell people how bad I was feeling. And yes, I ran to people and cried my eyes out all night long. But one thing is that I don’t turn these people into a reason for me to cry.

So, just when I almost thought I’ve seen it all, I realized I had so much more to learn, see and experience.

INTERCEPT ACADEMY

2009-07-04T00:25:00.001+08:00

Kenray Tan
Founder & Instructor –in -chief

http://www.interceptacademy.org/
email: eliteguy@singnet.com.sg

Crimes against persons have increased over the years.
Assault cases may be treated as Civil cases.

DON’T BE A VICTIM !

We specialise in teaching evasion and defence techniques used by elite military units.

Our instructors have improvised these techniques which can easily be acquired.

We conduct self-defence courses for ladies and student uniform groups on an ad-hoc basis.

As part of our expansion we are offering introductory courses for ladies.

ELEMENTARY 1

(STREET ASSAULT: 1.Theory of setting 2.Physiological and Psychological constraints 3.Disabling strikes)

JOURNALIST OR SPY?

2009-07-02T00:27:00.003+08:00

bY:ZAINUDDIN BIN MOHAMMAD LATIF

North Korea
Laura Ling (ethnic Chinese) and Euna Lee (ethnic Korean) both American citizens, purportedly journalists working for the Western media were arrested for espionage.

IRAN
Roxana Saberi (ethnic Iranian) an American citizen, purportedly journalist working for the Western media was arrested for espionage.

Facts
1.All 3 of them are women and reasonably good looking, Roxana was an ex beauty queen.
2.All 3 of them were working in countries in which they could move around inconspicuously because of their native looks and language ability.
3. All 3 of them were American citizens working in countries which were hostile to America and its buddies.

WONDER WHY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR IRAN AND NORTH KOREA TO ARREST THEM?

MEDIA BULLSHIT

2009-07-02T00:01:00.001+08:00

By: Annabelle Lim

“FANS MOURN THE PASSING OF MICHAEL JACKSON.”

JUST THINK .....

WOULD HE HAVE MOURNED THE PASSING OF HIS FANS????

FAST AND FURIOUS 2

2009-06-27T01:09:00.001+08:00

BY: Jessica Koh

HOAX 1 NUMBER 1= H1N1

2009-06-27T01:04:00.002+08:00

By:GREGG VINOD
Shot at :SUNTEC on 25/6/2009 at 4.32pm

Fine.But where is the "temperature screening" ?

DO YOU SEE ANY TEMPERATURE SCREENING?

SOFTWARE BUYING GUIDE

2009-06-23T01:18:00.009+08:00

BY: ONG SWEE LIN

THE FOLLOWING NOTICES WILL NOT BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED IN THE SHOPS SELLING SOFTWARE.

NO REFUND IF:
1.ONCE YOU OPEN THE PACKAGING OF THE SOFTWARE YOU BOUGHT.

2.ONCE YOU HAVE DONE AN ONLINE REGISTRATION OF THE SOFTWARE YOU BOUGHT.

TO GET AN EXCHANGE FOR THE FAULTY PRODUCT
1.YOU HAVE TO BRING YOUR DESKTOP OR LAPTOP TO THE SHOP YOU BOUGHT THE SOFTWARE FROM AND PROVE IT TO THE SATISFACTION OF SHOP’S COMPUTER TECHNICIANS THAT THE SOFTWARE YOU BOUGHT IS FAULTY/NOT COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR PC.
2.ALL PLASTIC COVERING/BOX MUST NOT BE DAMAGED.

GUESS HOW WOULD YOU KNOW THAT THE SOFTWARE YOU BOUGHT IS NOT WORKING IF YOU DO NOT OPEN THE PACKAGING AND INSTALL THE PROGRAM ON YOUR PC????????????????????????

note

THE ABOVE "RULES" APPLY TO ALL SOFTWARE INCLUDING THE ANTI-VIRUS.

FREE ANTI -VIRUS

2009-06-13T01:54:00.001+08:00

SICK AND TIRED OF PAYING A YEARLY RANSOM TO ANTI -VIRUS COMPANIES ????

DOWNLOAD
AVG Anti- Virus
FREE EDITION

Tip by:Sumithra

Singlish at CGH

2009-06-05T01:20:00.001+08:00

By: Nisha Begum

Shot at: Main Podium(affixed to the walls)
See paragraph 2,lines 3 & 4 on the 2 shots above.
CHANGI GENERAL HOSPITAL considers "Staff development" a "SOFTWARE"?
Then what are patients considered to be????????

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE

2009-06-05T01:04:00.002+08:00

By: Nancy Ho
Is it a new natural spring?
Is it a geyser?
NO.

It is a local Country Club's way of saving the earth,specifically WATER!
Not only do their sprayers water the green,they also water the pavement outside their boundary,the adjacent road and some passing vehicles.
Of course Country Clubs can afford the WATER bills,recession or no recession.

ESSAY 2

2009-06-03T01:20:00.003+08:00

By:Zubaidah Rasid
Jane’s paragraph 2 portrays a man- woman relationship (love) as a purely exploitative phenomenon. So what is she advocating,same-sex sexual relationships? Of course the question that arises is,”Is there true love in same-sex sexual relationships or is it simply a manifestation of psychological malady?”

Then she is against progeny. Here is a true advocate who is anti family, both conjugal and consanguine.
END

DARK LIGHT (PART 7)

2009-06-03T00:34:00.002+08:00

By:Sarah J

The kiss was plainly a yearning quench, a need.

She realized the moments before the kiss were more excruciating, the gradual and hesitant closing of the distance between them, the uncertainty, a momentary thought to resist the enchanting pull to his lips, the smile which was slipping away from her, the quickening of her breath, the swift hammering of her heart, and then the distance between their lips evaporated.

The bench they were seated on, Fort Canning and a couple who was approaching them – ceased to exist. Her arms went around him and confusion ensued as his arms were pursuing the same course of action, seconds passed as palms, fingers and forearms sought purchase on each other’s body.

Locked they sat. Lips fused, breathing erratic. It was like a dance or perhaps even a song. Soft moans, greedy repositioning of the lips lest the fusion should become unglued.

Emboldened by stupor her tongue intruded into his mouth, she could feel the warm welcome as she explored his mouth. Her eyes succumbed to the onslaught on her senses and flickered shut.

It hurt her tongue. What? Her tongue retraced its movements and touched the same thing again. As her tongue traced down the length of it, the needle sharp tip stung again.

“Mmmm.” She muffled a soft moan. It didn’t matter. Again with no conscious intent on her part her tongue went back to the pin like structure in his mouth. There was one more on the other side of his mouth as well. Passion gave way to curiosity. Her eyes flicked open to encounter the strange sharp projections in his mouth.

In the dull light from the ornamental lamp post , two tips of the elongated canines greeted her. Raphael Alexander Craigz’s initiation to his first kiss ended abruptly as his lover’s screams shattered the quiet of Fort Canning.
END

Whose bike is this?

2009-05-30T00:09:00.003+08:00

WOLVERINE'S aka SSN

By: Suneetha

ROAD RISK

2009-05-30T00:03:00.000+08:00

BY:FAUZIAH BEGUM

Passenger alighting from the taxi in the middle of the road.

REQUEST FOR AUTHOR’S PARTICULARS

2009-05-28T00:26:00.001+08:00

Name of Author:
Title of Post:
Date published:
lllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
YOUR PARTICULARS
a.name of person and designation:
b.organization requesting information:
Reason for request:

NOTE
The information you have provided would be sent to the author concerned. However the author may or may not contact you at his/her discretion.

FAST AND FURIOUS 2

2009-05-23T00:10:00.000+08:00

By : JESSICA

The ‘Hollywood Effect’

2009-05-17T10:00:00.001+08:00

By:Shanniz Prianka Irmana

One single argument: positive or negative? So it’s got the whole world ‘Americanized’. People, never mind male or female, young or mature, want to speak like Americans. Why? ‘Cos it’s kinda cool, ain’t it? Almost every single one of us has contributed to the solid growth of McDonald’s and KFC. Even those who strongly oppose to globalization are somewhat affected. I mean, it’s not really often that you see people walking around in cheongsams or kilts these days. Okay, actually I’m not exactly sure about kilts because I’ve never been to Scotland. And I’m pretty sure non-Scottish don’t wear kilts. Anyway, the point is, people wear pants nowadays. And stilettos. And mini-skirts. And how would we ever be exposed to all of the above if not for Hollywood?

First of all, let’s look at the downside. An endless list, some would exclaim. From premarital sex, abortion, drugs to violence. Hollywood has somehow managed to make it all seem acceptable, make it all okay. Whereas, in the older days, all of the above were the ultimate taboos. When I brought this topic up while talking to one of my dearest girlfriends, she remarked: “Whatever, I don’t care, I just wanna look like Pamela Anderson in Baywatch.” It’s no wonder some parents have stopped subscribing to channels like HBO and Star Movies, at the same time banning their children from going to cinemas. I do agree that parents need to sort out selectively the movies they allow their children to watch and those they don’t. Because, personally, I think movies do play a huge part in the developments of young minds.

Now on the positive side, forget What Happens in Vegas. Forget Gossip Girl. But let’s not forget that Hollywood, besides producing quality movies that deliver moral values, eg. Good Will Hunting and Crossroads, also gave (and still does) rise to many new industries. The most remarkable ones are plastic surgery and fashion. So, if girls want to look like Pamela Anderson, how can they possibly achieve it? The answer is, they do what she did. They go for breast augmentations and then show them off in revealing clothes designed by Zac Posen. I’m not against any of these, in fact, I wonder how many jobs these businesses have created for people who were previously wandering about the streets, thinking how they were ever going to earn a living.

Local TV is also largely affected by Hollywood. More and more movies and reality programs are making use of the easy-selling formulas that Hollywood invented. This further strengthens the assumption that even most of the locals prefer Hollywood productions rather than our own. The truth is, we humans are fascinated by what we don’t have, what we have never done, what we are not. Let’s take the movie Titanic as an example, according to Wikipedia, some theatres in Pakistan, India and South Africa ran the movie for more than a year, while the longest those in North America did was 9 months. This proves that the non-American communities responded to the movie more strongly than those who were Americans. This is probably because the plot of Titanic, which included a lady of the high society being in love with a man who was from the lower one, challenged the whole idea of one having to marry someone in the same social groups, which was widely practiced especially in Asia.

Overall, I feel that Hollywood, like any other things, has its own pros and cons. Would there ever be Media Corp if Hollywood were never there in the first place? And would the audience bother to watch if local programs invented its own formula and apply it? It is, after all, the movie goers who decide what sells, as they are the ones to decide what they buy.

END

DON'T SMEAR

2009-05-09T11:27:00.004+08:00

By : Manisha Ghorpade

This is in reference to the article in the Straits Times, published on 22nd of April in the LIFE section, titled “My Bollywood Dreams”, by Deepika Shetty.

The advent of Indian cinema commenced with Hindi movies and was founded by Mr Dadasaheb Phalke. If it wasn’t for him there would not be a Malayalam Film Industry nor would there be a Mr PriyaDarshan. Bollywood has a successful history of more than 50 years and it’s been proven that the fraternity is very professional and committed.
“Actors who sign up with him have to commit an uninterrupted block of time for the shoot, something which was not a standard practice in the early 1990s when actors were straddling productions simultaneously.”

(“...he entered Bollywood in 1993.”).

Deepika Shetty

Bollywood has the second largest number of releases in the world, and if the actors were sluggish, signed multiple films or were not capable of completing films on time, then Bollywood wouldn’t be able to stack up such a staggering number.

If the history of Bollywood was reviewed, all the legendary work has been done by stalwarts, none of them were Malaylees, until late when Priyadarshan came into the scene. None of the big blockbusters were done by Malaylees. If this was the case the Malaylee Film Industry would be the face of Indian Cinema Worldwide.

Priyadarshan should be fortunate that he got a break in Bollywood and the industry had a big heart to welcome him and give credit to his work.

Bollywood makes hit movies and blockbusters which appeal to audiences of all segments, some to the masses and some to intelligent moviegoers. More Hindi movies are released abroad and in cine-multiplexes that cause wider box office successes in India and overseas. So let me rephrase it for you, Hindi speaking actors are rather hardworking and good at multi tasking. A good example would be Priyadarshan’s favorite actor, Mr Akshay Kumar, who gave four movies in 2008, proud to say all of them were hits at the box office, one of which was directed by Priyadarshan himself.

Whatever Priyadarshan has to say might be his constricted opinion, he cannot at any point judge the entire film fraternity based on a few individuals. He has not worked with many others as yet. Plus if his experience with movie stars and “star ego” is so bad, then why does he keep chanting Akshay Kumar and attempt to get credit by association with top actors and actresses in Bollywood?

“Before he arrived on the scene, a Hindi film took anywhere between two and five years to be completed.”

Deepika Shetty

I disagree with the fact that films took 3-5 yrs, some films have been done in 3months. Lagan was done in 6 months and Amir Khan used to be present on the sets at 6 am, and that too travelling a distance of more than 60 km from his residence to the sets. The whole unit had stayed away from their families for 6 months, shooting in the desert heat of Rajasthan. Ashutosh Gowarikar the director of the film, suddenly fell ill and then he directed few scenes while on a stretcher.

What surprises me is that why would an industry which has been in existence for 50 years beg a guy who wasn’t even known in the arena to do a film; doesn’t make sense. Legends and professionals like Satyajit ray, Raj kapoor, Javed akhtar, Gulzar, Subhash ghai, and many many more; are any of these Malayalee’s ?

Today, the Hindi film industry is more organized in terms of getting scripts ready, drawing up schedules and working out cost estimates; everything is upfront for most ventures. Looking at the broader picture, I would like to say that the Indian Film Industry (not the Hindi or Malayalee film industry) must cooperate with each other and respect cinema as a whole beyond all cultural boundaries since we all contribute to the building of Indian Cinema. I believe that if we cultivate this attitude and improve upon the art of film making through exchange of positive ideas and forget the differences we can take Indian Cinema to great heights than the existing. It is only then that the Indian Film Industry will become the number 1 Film Industry and the world will be watching and learning from us.

END

LOVE IS A TERM USED TO EXTENUATE A MULTITUDE OF EXPLOITATIONS

2009-05-06T10:08:00.007+08:00

Rules
1.Each writer will write a single argument(which agrees or disagrees with the proposition) in about 50 to 100 words.

2.You may also wish to contradict one of the arguments published by another writer in which case you should

a)copy and paste the Essay question

b)copy and paste the argument(paragraph) you are contradicting

c) state the writer's name

The writer you have contradicted has the right to respond to you.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ARGUMENTS TO digicentrex@gmail.com

NOTE*
Please state if you would like your email address to be published.

////////////////////////////

TOPIC
LOVE IS A TERM USED TO EXTENUATE A MULTITUDE OF EXPLOITATIONS

}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Essay 1

BY:JANE ANG

Love has many connotations, denotations and semantic hair splitting. But one thing constant about the term is it is used by both the giver and receiver to gain some physical or psychological satisfaction.

In a man – woman relationship, men use the extenuation (love) to get free sex and women use it (love) to obtain material needs.

In a parent - child relationship, the parents use the term love to achieve psychological satisfaction from a purely animalistic need to ensure the continuity/survival of their genes. The child/children exploit the parents to fulfil his/her/their needs for sustenance and procreation (food, clothing, shelter and sex) and money to keep themselves entertained.

END

Aggressive Women: Good or Bad?

2009-05-05T20:38:00.006+08:00

by :Shanniz Prianka Irmana

I was attending Human and Mass Communication lecture the other day when we discussed the two types of people in general: aggressive & submissive. The lecturer went on to talk about how women tend to be aggressive in the beginning of her relationship but turn to be submissive along the way. Well, I agree with this statement to a large extent. I’ve seen women who are extremely controlling and dominant in a relationship. However, recently I’ve witnessed a women behaving in a really, really aggressive manner. I would even call it bold.
Okay, it was a hot Tuesday afternoon and I was all by myself, strolling down Orchard Road, outside Wheelock Place to be exact. So I was walking towards the traffic light and my female hormones kicked in and made me notice an incredibly head-turning, full of charm Spanish gentleman walking right in front of me. Well, of course I don’t know if he was Spanish or not, he just looked Spanish (let’s name him Marco). Anyway, he just turned around out of the blue and we had this three-second eye contact. But that’s not really the point. Because just a few seconds after that, a girl, who I didn’t think was a local (again, I’m not sure if she wasn’t, she just didn’t look and sound like one) running up, like literally chasing after Marco. Let’s call her Mimi, by the way.
So I decided to walk a little slower. It’s been ages since I last saw something this interesting. Anyway, I found out that Mimi was really quite a loud girl, considering I could hear 100% of her opening line, which was: “Excuse me, I think I’m lost. Can you show me the way to this place called Takashimaya?” Bad pick-up line, I thought. First, why would you ask for direction from someone who doesn’t look local at all? If Marco wasn’t dumb enough, he must’ve known Mimi was just trying to get near him. Second, why, of all places, did she pick Takashimaya? She must’ve forgotten she was carrying a Takashimaya shopping bag. Okay let’s move on with the story. I couldn’t really hear what Marco said, but I saw him shaking his head and heard something along the line of “… not sure if I can help you”.
Well, Mimi didn’t give up. Instead, she tried her luck (which obviously wasn’t helping very much) one more time. And it definitely took a good deal of courage and insanity to be able to deliver her second line. She said: “Okay, so in case I got really lost, can you give me your number? So I can at least have someone to call.” The next thing I realized was that my jaw was on the ground. And I didn’t stay around to watch anymore in fear I might break out laughing anytime. So I walked as briskly as I could and reached the traffic light, and while waiting for it to turn green, I took a peek of what was going on with them. They were both still talking. Okay, I thought maybe Mimi threw in another line. The light turned green, I reached the other side of the road and decided to take one final glance. They were still standing in the same old spot, talking, this time with Marco smiling a lot. WHAT THE?! Maybe Marco had fallen into Mimi’s trap after all.
The question is: what are women like Mimi promoting? That it’s okay for women to hit on men in an obvious manner? That, hey, the whole ‘asking-for-direction’ move works after all? Some might argue that this is the outcome of the sheepish modern men. Some might even applaud Mimi for pulling it off. I’m not saying what Mimi did was entirely bad and shameless. In fact, there are times I wish I had her guts.
But what if it had worked out for Mimi because Marco was just trying to be nice? Or simply because he was into Asians? And what if he wasn’t? What if he gave Mimi some random numbers? What if he told her bluntly to stay away from him? Some friends had asked me why I didn’t pull the same trick on Marco. Why hadn’t I told him I was lost too and pretended I had twisted my ankle and therefore needed him to carry me all the way to Wisma Atria? We did, in fact, had that pathetic three-sec eye contact. So I’ve come to a personal conclusion, that is I’m going to stick to waiting for the other party to make the first move, even if it only happens once a year.

2009-04-28T13:09:00.002+08:00

By: Lovleen

I refer to the article in the Straits Times published on 22-4-2009, LIFE – Part C, page C3,Title of Article – “My Bollywood dreams.”Authored by Deepika Shetty.
I wonder why Bollywood is so badly insulted by the Malayalam film director turned Hindi movie director, Priyadarshan, and Deepika Shetty in the said article.

Deepika wrote , “Actors who sign up with him have to commit an uninterrupted block of time for the shoot, something which was not a standard practice in the early 1990s when actors were straddling productions simultaneously.”

According to Deepika, Priyadarshan put an end to “ straddling ” in Bollywood (“...he entered Bollywood in 1993.”).Taking away the metaphorical sweetening she alleges that Bollywood actors refused to commit themselves to any single movie production and they acted in more than one movie shoot at the same time. And the reformer Priyadarshan put an end to this?

Wonder what he would say about Singapore in posterity.

END

2009-04-26T13:25:00.001+08:00

By: Shobana Nair

I refer to the article (BOLLYWOOD INDISCIPLINED?) published in your blog by Selina Sharma on 22/4/09.

Ms.Deepika (the Straits Times reporter) is absolutely right to claim the Hindi movie industry is sluggish. If you look at the track record Malayalam movies, though low budget, are finished on time and the direction speaks for itself.

A point to consider would be the fact that it is the “Hindi speaking people” who went begging to the Malayalam Director, Mr.Priyadarshan, to direct a movie for them. No Malayalee has ever gone begging to Bollywood to direct Malayalam movies.
END

UN ANTI - RACISM CONFERENCE

2009-04-26T13:05:00.000+08:00

By:Cindy Tan

The world needs the UN ANTI - RACISM CONFERENCE like it needs the plague, and it is not as if it (the UN) has got nothing better to do or solve.
Adding injury to insult and insult to injury the news media aka VULTURES flew around begging for responses, stoking hatred and verbal wars.

TUTOR FOR SEC & PR SUBJECTS

2009-04-25T00:38:00.000+08:00

Tutoring ‘O’ Levels Chemistry and Physics / Primary English, Math and Science

Name of Tutor: Eugene Woon Yong Sheng

Mobile Phone Number: 90231398

E-Mail Address: penpen36@hotmail.com

Profile
Scored A1 in both Pure Chemistry and Physics at ‘O’ Levels. Graduated with grade ‘A’ in Chemistry from Serangoon Junior College (2005). Have 3 years of tutoring experience in primary and secondary school tutoring.
Note: able to give tuition only on weekends.

BOLLYWOOD INDISCIPLINED?

2009-04-22T16:37:00.003+08:00

BY: Selina Sharma

I am from Mumbai, India.I am studying Communications in Singapore. I refer to an article in the Straits Times(A English language newspaper published in Singapore),published on 22-4-2009,LIFE – Part C, page C2,Title of Article – “My Bollywood dreams.”Authored by Deepika Shetty.

With specific reference to Column 3, “Before he arrived on the scene, a Hindi film took anywhere between two and five years to be completed.”
I believe that this sentence is authored by the writer of the said article, Deepika Shetty. The inference being the Hindi film industry is run by inefficient and lazy people and it took a Malayalee from Kerala to put the Hindi film industry in order. I wonder where she got her facts from.

Apart from this remark from Shetty there are also several implications from Priyadarshan that the Malayalam Film industry is more efficient and the Hindi film industry has a lot to learn in terms of “discipline” from the Malayalam film industry.

Priyadarshan feels he is working with an inferior lot of Hindi speaking people , and he has no qualms insulting them in a foreign country.

This is indeed a sad day for his staff , cast and the Hindi movie industry.
END

2009-04-17T20:43:00.000+08:00

By: JESSICA KOH

FAST AND FURIOUS

CLASS PARTICIPATION ASSIGNMENTS

2009-04-11T10:10:00.023+08:00

CLASS PARTICIPATION ASSIGNMENTS = 10%

GROUPWORK
1.PRESENTATION ON CULTURE/RELIGION

2.POLEMICS - CLASS DEBATE

3. PRESENTATION SKILLS – 2%
ASSIGNMENT: IMPROMPTU SPEECH

4.MOCK JOB INTERVIEW

5.DISCOURSE SKILLS (SKIT)

6. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION(video documentary)

(CD VIEWING & PRESENTATION ON THE 2nd LAST LESSON)
7. RESEARCH PROJECT (MEDIA INTERVIEWS)

(PRESENTATION VIA COMPUTER)

8. GROUP DEMO - click Label GROUP DEMO

9. MOVIE REVIEW

10. NON- VERBAL MESSAGES

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
SKIT
(click link below for script writing tips)

http://scriptangel.co.uk/scriptwritingtips.aspx

TOPIC : Discourse Skills (Conflict)
1. 10 students per group
2. Duration of skit - about 10 minutes
3. The theme of the skit should be based on CONFLICT
Merit Points will be awarded for
· Props
- stage effects/computer generated scene graphics
· Costumes
· Narrator/narration /verbal signposts
· Background Music
· Diction
· Role portrayal ability
NOTE
1.You may wish to use existing dialogue pieces from popular drama/plays eg Shakespeare. Please give due credits and acknowledgements if you are adapting.
2.The Manager has kindly given permission to invite your parents to see the SKIT performance.
3.The SKIT will be recorded and placed on the class blog .
END
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

MOVIE REVIEW

GROUPWORK - (8 TO 12) STUDENTS PRESENTATION – ABOUT 20 MINS

Review a movie using the following : (show excerpts where necessary – a minimum of FIVE scenes)

Title of the movie –

Stars –

Setting (circa, place) –

Movie genre –

Plot –

Acting –

Direction –

Editing –

Costume design –

Set design –

Cinematography/Camera –

Background music –

Your overall reaction to the film -

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
NON - VERBAL COMMUNICATION

CHOOSE EITHER ASSIGNMENT A OR B

ASSIGNMENT A
Stimulating Non- Verbal Communication
(video documentary)
Video length : 10 to 15 mins

SMILING IN SINGAPORE
PRODUCTION AND FILMING
1.Smile at a subject.

2.Your team members will film both you and the subject smiled at.

3.You have to state verbally the result of each encounter-smiling episode. eg -no response,hostile look,the subject proposed to you etc

4.Give possible reasons for the outcomes - eg why certain people returned your smile or refrained,do you have a theory you want to expound?
Vary subjects by race,age,uniformed and non - uniformed,gender etc.The more variations the better.
Vary shooting locations eg busy areas,Starbucks ,shopping centre etc.The more variations the better.
Please do not offend anyone .

THINGS TO ADD
BACKGROUND MUSIC(fast)
NARRATION WRITTEN AND SPOKEN
CREDITS-PARTICIPANTS' NAMES AND ROLES
SUB-TITLES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS .
The presentation is on Lesson is on the 2nd last lesson.

Please hand me your CDs after the presentation.

IMPORTANT
IF YOU DONT HAVE A VIDEO CAMERA - MOBILE PHONE SHOTS ARE ACCEPTABLE ,,PLEASE DONT FORCE YOUR PARENTS TO BUY YOU ONE.

END
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
ASSIGNMENT B
Non- Verbal Communication – An Observation
(video documentary)

IMPORTANT

Please click LABEL: TIPS ON INTERPRETING NVC

What we are looking for is an indication that you recognise Non Verbal Communication and can observe and interpret its role in the communication process.

Video Length: 10 to 20 minutes

1. Divide into groups of minimum 8 to maximum 12 students .

2. Each group is to observe (discreetly) and record short video clips on
the use of NVC in a public place.

3. Allocate tasks to group members – eg recording, editing etc.

4.Include information that may be pertinent – interpretation of NVC , details of the observed subjects (age, gender, race, place etc); details of the setting of the encounter observed and so on. This information can be presented as spoken commentary or floating text.

5. Please do not offend anyone.

THINGS TO ADD
1.BACKGROUND MUSIC
2. NARRATION WRITTEN AND SPOKEN
3. CREDITS-PARTICIPANTS' NAMES AND ROLES
4. SUB-TITLES
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS .

The presentation is on the 2nd last Lesson
Please hand me your CDs after the presentation.

IMPORTANT
IF YOU DONT HAVE A VIDEO CAMERA - MOBILE PHONE VIDEO/SHOTS ARE ACCEPTABLE. PLEASE DO NOT FORCE YOUR PARENTS TO BUY YOU A CAMCORDER.

}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

RESEARCH PROJECT(MEDIA INTERVIEWS)

click LABEL : MEDIA INTERVIEWS for more information

About 8 to 12 students per RESEARCH GROUP.

A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 persons should be interviewed.

The written outcome of the interview and related photographs/audio - videos should be submitted to the tutor/lecturer by the second last lesson of the Module. THE SUBMISSION MUST BE ON A CD.

A Proposal to conduct the research must be submitted to the tutor/lecturer by Lesson 6.
Requests for LETTER/S OF INTRODUCTION/VERIFICATION must be submitted with the Proposal.

It is an open TOPIC for the Research Project, however topics related to SEX, POLITICS or RELIGION are NOT ALLOWED.

END

CLASS ASSIGNMENT PROJECT

2009-04-11T10:00:00.012+08:00

*** NO WORD COUNT RESTRICTION.FOLLOW GUIDELINES FOR PAGE NUMBERS.USE FONT SIZE 12.

First page (no page number)

----------------------(your topic)

By
-------------------------------------------(your full name)

Submitted as part requirement for Diploma in Mass Communication(TPSW Module) BATCH :-----------------------------

DATE : -------------------------

================================================================================

Second page (no page number)

CONTENTS PAGE

1.INTRODUCTION---------------1 (1 short para-text only) = 2 MARKS
2.????????????---------------------2
3.??????????------------------------3
4.?????????-------------------------5
5.?????????????--------------------7
6.???????????????????????-------9
7.CONCLUSION-------------------10(1 short para-text only) = 2 MARKS

· (Intro to conclusion - minimum pages 10 or max pages 15)
- (No word count restriction)

8.ILLUSTRATIONS = 2 MARKS
· eg. Graphs/tables/ pie-charts /maps/diagrams) obtained
from pages( 2-9 )
· A minimum of 2 illustrations are required
1. name of illustration (1)-------3
2. name of illustration (2)------7

9.APPENDIX = 2 MARKS
· (examples/pictures - should not be obtained from pages 1-10
· A minimum of 2 appendices are required
1.picture of ???-----------11
2. picture of ??????------12

10.BIBLIOGRAPHY-----13 = 2 MARKS
· minimum of 3 websites-state website addresses ie websites where above info was obtained from and the date accessed)
· this is the last page of the assignment

==================================================================

INTRODUCTION

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .

PAGE 1

(page numbers start from this page)

Singlehood is increasingly popular today. Do you agree?

2009-04-11T10:00:00.010+08:00

Rules
1.Each writer will write a single argument(which agrees or disagrees with the proposition) in about 50 to 100 words.

2.You may also wish to contradict one of the arguments published by another writer in which case you should

a)copy and paste the Essay question
b)copy and paste the argument(paragraph) you are contradicting
b) state the writer's name

The writer you have contradicted has the right to respond to you.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ARGUMENTS TO
digicentrex@gmail.com

NOTE
*Please state if you would like your email address to be published.

////////////////////////////

QUESTION
Singlehood is increasingly popular today.Do you agree?

By Asha Rai
The semantic interpretation of 'Singlehood” is ambiguous and carry several connotations , denotations and metaphorical imports. For the purposes of this essay singlehood would be defined in accordance to the natural and ordinary meaning of the word which is to be single as far as marital status is concerned. The sanctity of marriage brings with it amongst other things especially for a woman the compulsion to satisfy a man's needs, primarily sex since marriage is a social institution which condones sex for procreational purposes. Sex carries with it apart from progeny, STDs(AIDS), abortion, complications in delivery, ten long months of labour and the risk of not delivering a normal healthy baby. Then there is the possibility of dealing with the husband's infidelity, abandonment and becoming a single parent and not to mention hanging around THE FAMILY COURT trying to collect maintenance from your estranged and now invisible spouse. Marriage has become an antiquated tribal custom which is no longer viable.
-
END

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
By Prathap

In response to Ms. Asha / QUESTION : Singlehood is increasingly popular today.Do you agree?

Ms Asha has a myopic view about the question and she has not addressed the main component of the question which is why singlehood is popular?
And obviously she is under the impression that singlehood only applies to women.

Marriage was an institution that functioned in the pre-industrial era and also in the era of the industrial revolution. However in the post industrial revolution the institution of marriage outlived its usefulness as women became independent of men as they became wage earners.

Financial independence brought with it newfangled social norms. As the working women no longer needed a provider and a strong limbed man to protect her from predatory animals at night, the need for a man ceased to exist.
In the case of man, always driven by procreational instincts which is common among the male species of the animal kingdom, he welcomed this escape from a monogamous jail .Thus both sexes welcome singlehood.
END

llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
By Lynn Teo

The Registry of Marriages statistics(2006 – 2007) shows that more Singapore men tie the knot then women, and the Singapore men tie the knot not with their fellow citizens of the fairer sex but with women who come from as far as the frozen lands of Russia and Beijing to the humid wetlands of Vietnam.
These Singapore men find the grass greener on the other side because these foreign women are submissive and quite happy to have been saved from starvation, disease and natural calamities by their heroes. Little do they realise that their ‘saviours’ are rejects as far as the Singapore husband market is concerned.

These ‘saviours’ are usually men with low education, low pay and even lower self esteem. After having been banned even from SDU, and close to male menopause they turn their attention to young women from impoverished countries.

The average Singapore woman is self sustaining and not in dire necessity for mating especially with someone her social inferior and prefers singlehood.
END
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

By Gregg Vinod
In response to Ms Lynn
Lynn Teo is definitely right, “Singaporean men marry submissive women.” And they are “rejects as far as the Singapore husband market is concerned.” Yes they “are usually men with low education, low pay and even lower self esteem.”

But she has failed to mention what the fairer sex found wanting in these men. It is perhaps idiosyncratic to women of this island that nature and nurture conspired to imbue them with a perennial craving for wealth ,especially wealth acquired not through hard work but that which is bequeathed upon them by holy wedlock and then by the Womens Charter upon divorce or demise of the husband.
Women in Singapore crave marriage for the oddest of reasons(financial enhancement that is) just like the recent “baby vogue”. They suddenly decided to have babies not because of maternal instincts but because of the 4 months maternity leave and pecuniary benefits.

These women have one true ambition in life and that is to land a rich fish before their smooth skin succumbs to wrinkles. Age, race and looks are no barriers to these fortune hunters and they live by the maxim, “Money is not dirty.”

So all things considered the spinsters here have morals and ethics akin to their sisters who are in the flesh trade. The latter being more noble as they work for the money and not dependent on the Family Court for a share of the unfortunate now ex-husband's moveable and immoveable property.

For men who are wise and escape these fortune hunters, and for unfortunate women who had worked hard from puberty to menopause to relieve a rich man of his wealth but in vain, singlehood is increasingly popular today.

END
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

In response to Gregg Vinod and an opinion of the statement "Single hood is increasingly popular today".

BY : Audrey Heyzer

Clearly Gregg Vinod has but grazed through the content of Lynn’s commentary. Was it not stated that, ‘The average Singapore woman is self sustaining’? Hence truly, it seems, that response from Gregg is but without substantiation.With equal opportunity amongst both sexes and the rise of females holding managerial positions in the corporate world (read: high paying employment)(article: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_347481.html), Gregg’s casual remark on women’s ‘true ambition in life and that is to land a rich fish before their smooth skin succumbs to wrinkles.’, seems bias as per his own disgruntled mindset and petty assumptions.Before this discourse evolves into another my-gender-is-better-than-your-gender deliberation, I’ll stir this into the direction of the discussion topic. “Single hood is increasingly popular today. Do you agree?”Single hood, as defined in the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, (Fourth Edition) is, the state of being unmarried. Such was also the concept laid down by Asha Rai.On this notion, I am compelled to agree on this statement, that, single hood is increasingly popular today.The mandate of marriage has but lost its covenant to the practice of cohabitation. Cohabitation is to live together as husband and wife, but usually without legal or religious sanction. In other words, it is to live together in an intimate relationship, outside the institution of marriage.With the economy developing at rapid pace, the advanced nations have produced a breed of highly intelligent, highly efficient and highly paid homo sapiens. Mutual respect amongst the genders has sprouted into both men and women having the opportunity to work hard and climb the corporate ladder, hence resulting in the climb of income and financial stability. As such, being able to afford an apartment becomes a trivial issue that the incentives the Singapore government provides for married couples may be disregarded. Unwed couples are able, with their combined wages, to rent or even afford a private apartment, without the barriers of an age limit (as opposed to, if an unwed person would like to purchase a public housing unit under the Singles’ Scheme, he/she would have to be at least 35 years old to be eligible).The concept of having children has also evolved. Children are no longer viewed as persons who will be able to carry on the family name, or “insurance” for someone to take care or support the parents’ when in old age. In this day of technology, having a child does not only mean seeing him/her through his/her education and basic well-being. In the past, a child’s well-being would be to provide them with essentials for survival, such as shelter and food. In today’s context, essentials for survival have multiplied ten-fold, to not only shelter and food, but the latest gizmos and gadgets (ie, personal computer, mobile phone with camcording functions and MP3). Bringing up a child is a labour of agape love, that in today’s cosmos of individualism and survival-of-the-fittest, many are not willing to make that sacrifice."Sometimes you have to stand alone to prove that you can still stand." - Anonymous

END
(((((((((((((())))))))))))))))

SAVING THE EARTH ON 10/04/09

2009-04-11T09:07:00.000+08:00

ALL THESE FLOOD LIGHTS

FOR

THIS 98% EMPTY STADIUM

BY: THOMSON YEO

Blessings in a Bag!

2009-04-05T16:04:00.001+08:00

By: Arbella Salim

Blessings in a Bag is a Singapore; not-for-profit, non-governmental charity organization with an aim to help underprivileged, abused, and medically-ill children all across Asia.

Founded in 2007 by Emily Teng, a college student and a part-time radio DJ with 987FM, Blessings in a Bag seeks to partner with existing communities, schools, and alongside initiatives as well as individuals, especially youths, to involve them into philanthropic actions and show that they too, can make a difference to their society.

Blessings in a Bag collects new and used items that are in good condition and delivers them to our beneficiaries over in the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia. One of its long-term aim is to help build an eco-friendly and sustainable environment (orphanages/homes/villages) where education, social and health facilities are available mostly for the children.

For more information about donating/volunteering, check out the website at http://www.blessingsinabag.org/

CHARITY IS THE BEST BUSINESS

2009-04-04T11:30:00.002+08:00

BY: LEONARD TAN LUM KUAN

I think there may be a few good charities around. But from what we read and see in the media there is no better business than the CHARITY business.
Be it big or small, secular or non- secular, ethical or moral it is the best money spinning machine.
When fast food/ home delivery companies pay a few coins to motor cycle riders (a.k.a. cadavers) for risking their life and limbs on the road (speeding to deliver cholesterol filled and carcinogen laden food) CHARITIES earn their millions by merely clicking the sympathy switch in unsuspecting victims.

Make no mistake, I am one of those potential body spare parts organisms riding a motor cycle and delivering cholesterol and carcinogens to your doorstep. If I graduate with a degree in Communications and if I am lucky enough to find a job I might take home about S$1500/-.The Charity dons who earn nothing less than 5 figure salaries have no qualifications, some can hardly speak English and a good many of them are obese due too much good food and lack of any labour. Many of them drive huge cars and live in palatial abodes and indulge in lusty activities which would put the porn industry to shame.

If providence is kind to them and their ill- gotten gains are not exposed they die as martyrs ;some have statues erected in their memory and some fill up the pages of the newspapers with disproportionately ridiculous obituaries and condolences from people who quite genuinely miss the kickbacks from the deceased con.

I wish I had signed up for a course of study in Bachelor of Charities & Sponging.

END

TAKDIR (FATE)

2009-04-04T10:18:00.003+08:00

By: Siti Farween

He was at the schoolgate, controlling traffic and getting students to board the schoolbus. The crimson ball hung mercilessly over the mosque, sapping out energy, make-up, foundation and perspiration. Singapore , 33 degrees C.His grizzled short white hair glistened with beads of sweat which ran down in rivulets to soak his white shirt/uniform. Gnarled fingers beckoned students to cross the road and hesitantly requested BMWs and AUDIs to move on.The chaos was not to be defied. More students poured out and more cars roared out their defiance to the uniformed man who convulsed as a spasm of cough hit him. Bending over almost double on the onslaught of the cough, he held up his hand as if saluting the angry drivers and begged them to move on.Some of them were too busy smsing or talking on their cells to heed the pleas of the ancient. They would not move till their nubile passengers boarded their cars. Horns and tempers flared. A tacky vixen slammed into him as she howled her arrival to a waiting Volvo Sports.He half spun as a result of the slam and stumbled backwards. Another bout of phelgmy coughs hit him and a fine spray of red dots hit his white shirt. Unaware or beyond care he went on with his duty requesting the young driver of an obstructing Cefiro to move. His effort was rewarded with the humming of the rapidly descending car window glass and a loud imperative to couple with his mother. Singapore, courtesy.The security–guard looked down, his gaunt wrinkled face acknowledged submission and defeat; one more blow to the several fate had served him. Before he could straighten up to face the world he convulsed as another spasm of coughs engulfed him and more red dots hit his shirt.I looked towards the mosque questioningly and tears flooded my eyes.
END

ALIEN PATRONAGE FOR SINGAPORE INDIANS!

2009-04-03T21:15:00.003+08:00

BY: Uma Kishan

I wonder why The Indian Women's Association (IWA) of Singapore “is under the patronage of the High Commission of India”.
Are there no local (Singapore) bodies to patronise a local association?

SEMAKU EXPEDITION

2009-03-29T11:41:00.000+08:00

by: CLARENCE NGIAN

I joined a group of 30 other volunteers from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on an overnight trip on Sat, 10 May 08 to Semakau. It is Singapore's only landfill formed by 7.1 kilometres of perimeter bunding from Pulau Semakau and Pulau Sakeng off the southern straits.

We departed Marina South Pier in an air-conditioned launch together with approved guides from Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore.

As it was a landfill, I had expected to inhale some stench as we approached the island. Surprisingly, the air was fresh and crisp when we alighted from the launch. We unloaded all our stuff from the launch and headed straight for the visitor centre where we had an introductory briefing of the island. A bus then took us on a tour of the island and its facilities.

When we were back at the visitor centre, there were bicycles waiting for us. Thanks to the National Environment Agency, they were loaned to us free-of-charge. So we rode on the vehicle-free road and did birdwatching at the same time. We spotted the Nightjar and a Great-billed Heron, one of the largest birds that can be found in Singapore.

At about 5pm, we cycled to the lagoon bund-end to start the barbecue fire. We had the chance to watch black-tip reef sharks in action chasing their prey in the lagoon. That little recreational area was powered by a combination of fast spinning windmill dynamo and solar energy. In the distance was Raffles Lighthouse, and we could also see fighter aircraft flying and training above Pulau Sudong, Pulau Pawai and Pulau Senang.

After the barbecue, we cycled 4 kilometres in pitch darkness back to the visitor centre to rest. The bicycles came without lights and torches, so we really had to make our way back with extreme caution. But along the way, we chanced upon mangrove trees that glittered like Christmas Trees. They were lighted up by fireflies. What an awesome sight!

We couldn't wait for Sunday as it was the best part of the trip - the intertidal walk on the Semakau shore. Waking up early, we walked this time a long distance to the shoreline. We divided ourselves into 3 groups so we could interact better with our guides.

Before entering the area, all 3 guides gave us a briefing. "Check that all of you are wearing covered-footwear. For your safety, no sandals or slippers. I have seen stonefish at other nearby islands but not here. If you are lucky, you will see one here. If you are not lucky, you will step on one. Please do not touch anything as the creatures you see may be poisonous. I will tell you which of these creatures can be touched and I will let you touch them. Please walk behind me in a single file so as to minimise any damage. You would step on some creatures during the walk and they may pinch, bite or inflict pain on you. Please remember that they are living things and they are merely defending themselves. It is their habitat and they are also struggling to survive."

It was an abundance of life when we stepped in there. Gobies and other fishes were swimming everywhere. Among the common things were the seagrass, mushroom coral, sponges, sea cucumber, common sea star, the edible flower or blue swimmer crab and the hairy "teddy bear" crab.

There were also creatures like nudibranchs, anemone shrimp, a resident giant clam, pipefish, the knobbly sea star, noble volute, scallop, snapping shrimp, frog fish and clown fishes.

We left there amazed as we learnt and saw so much from the walk.

I would certainly love to go back there again.

Pulau Semakau is open to the public, but visits must be arranged with guides from the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.
There is another place in Singapore called Chek Jawa Wetlands, which is similar to Semakau. Boardwalks have been built so that visitors do not step on the animals and damage the mudflat. Chek Jawa is on Pulau Ubin which is open for public visits.

YOUTH ARISE MINISTRY

2009-03-27T22:50:00.000+08:00

Youth Arise Ministry (YAM) is a Catholic Charismatic youth and young adult ministry based in OLPS (Church of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour- http://www.olps.org.sg/) and affiliated to the Youth wing of SACCRE (Singapore Archdiocese Catholic Charismatic Renewal).

Our Vision: “To raise up a generation of people to praise and worship the Lord wholeheartedly.”

Our Mission: “To inspire, equip and journey with young people towards spiritual maturity.”

What we do:
We are a group of young people on a journey, desiring to know God more by building a personal relationship with Him through worship, prayer, breaking of the Word, partaking in the Sacraments, and sharing our lives with one another. In short, building a community of faith, because it is challenging to be a young Catholic in today’s world and we need all the support we can get.

Why we do what we do:
Each member of our ministry can testify to the power of the Holy Spirit, of His deep love and presence in our lives, an experience of Him that quite literally changed us from the inside out. Jesus became real... Real enough to make us come together gladly every Saturday to praise Him, instead of being out in town.

The Catholic faith becomes fascinating... Fascinating enough to inspire us to learn more and share more, with one another, and with other young people through serving in retreats, camps, rallies and other youth events in the parish and beyond.

As it was in the beginning:
For most of us, it was a journey that began with a simple prayer: “Come Holy Spirit.” YAM first came together in year 2000 when a handful of youth, their faith renewed through experiencing an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, decided to stick together to journey as a group. In 2005 we officially became part of OLPS Youth Ministry and have since found a home in this parish community.

Over the years, many members have moved on to pursue their calling elsewhere or to serve in other ministries, and we continue to share the joy of Christ to all who walk through our doors.

If you know that somewhere, you hunger for more of Christ, or seek a place to grow, why not join our meetings?

We welcome you every Saturday at OLPS St. John/Luke Room, 7.30 pm.

You can also visit us online at www.youthariseministry.blogspot.com or www.youthariseministry.com.

DMCD CLASS BLOG

2009-03-25T11:55:00.000+08:00

BY: bEnJaMiN lIm

http://www.dmcdpost.blogspot.com/

CORRECTIVE MAKE UP TECHNIQUES

2009-03-25T11:45:00.001+08:00

By: Viess

Corrective make up techniques is a skill to correct and contour facial features. It is also an art as one should know how to make the facial features natural. This make up techniques includes skills such as blending the camouflage cream or other cosmetics in order to suit the model; drawing a facial feature using an eyebrow pencil, lip pencil etc and using highlighting and shading powder to enhance the face shape and etc.
Corrective Make up Technique is not only used in Fashion or bridal make up. It is widely used in all areas. It can be used in any part of the body to perfect the features or to create desired features. The basic tools for Corrective Make up will be make up brushes, powder puff, sponge, spatula and a palette for blending the colours. Lip, eye or eyebrow pencils are also use to correct features such as filling partial missing eyebrow, or to widen the look of the eyes or lip pencil for correcting the shape of the lips.
Once you have mastered the skill of blending the colours, corrective make up can be applied easily. However, the most important product that plays a very big role is the camouflage cream. Camouflage cream is just like an eraser that temporary “erases” the marks and scars on the skin. However, it is always very difficult to get the colours off the shelves. It normally needs us to get one light and one dark tone of the camouflage cream so that when it is too light, we can always add in the darker tone bit by bit. When the closest skin colour tone is achieved, one should use a brush; lightly and gently apply the cream on to the marks or scars with a sharp tip brush. This is because it can let us apply on the precise location. And once the colour is blended to the skin we can move on the next step.

Other than stage, fashion, bridal and special effect make up, we can use corrective make up techniques on daily basis. People who after go for a chemotherapy session for cancer treatment would have hair loss as side effects. Not only the hair is lost, the eyebrow and eye lashes on the face will also experience the same problem. Thus, the patient can use the eyebrow pencils; draw out the shape of the eyebrow and use a brush to blend it to make it more natural. As for eye lashes, the patient can purchase false eye lashes, and apply it onto the line of the upper eyelid.
Stroke patients may also experience something similar. After stroke, a patient may experience that their lips have slanted to one side nearer to the left or right – making the mouth look stretched. Thus, a patient can choose to use a camouflage cream and apply on the lips to make it less obvious, followed by a lip pencil to draw out the shape of the lips on the face and then apply a less prominent colour lipstick on the skin.
People who have scars after accidents, make use of camouflage cream to cover the scars or marks. Some people have face profiles that are more protruding at one side and less protruding on the other side . He/ she can use highlighting and shading powder for this purpose. Highlighting powder is to make the facial feature more prominent and shader is to make the features or area less prominent. Thus, this model can use a shader to tone down the area which is very prominent and enhance the other side of the face with a highlighting powder.
Bear in mind that these are just some simple examples that can temporarily enhance a look. It is best to check with the doctors if you are suffering from some illness or sensitive skin. Do try to do some research before purchasing the products as corrective cosmetics tends to be stronger and thicker that normal over-the-counter cosmetics.

ONLY BY SMS

2009-03-22T10:23:00.005+08:00

ONLY BY SMS

By :X Man

It started and ended within the first semester of my Diploma class. The first day of class it started, and on the last day of class it ended.

She was short, a bit too short for me, and she was not a head turner. A bit intelligent though, she was a class debater.

This accident (yes, it was an accident) happened to me almost 1 year ago, but as I type these words a strange pain crawls into my soul.

The first thing I noticed about her was her foot; on the very first day of class. There was a plaster on her foot. It didn’t look serious but when I told her about it about 3 weeks later, it (my words) stunned her into falling in love with me or at least that’s what I was led to believe.

She couldn’t believe that I was scrutinizing her that closely from the very first day of class.Somehow or other we ended up as members of the same group project team. We were forced to talk to each other ,and I noticed we both had the same problem. We couldn’t look at each other in the eye when we spoke to each other; my heart would start racing and my mind would slowly lose focus on what was happening around me.

I tried to avoid her by not going to the canteen, quickly running out of the class if she was alone in class and was slowly developing a fear for her. YES FEAR!

WHY? I didn’t know .All I knew was that she might make me say or do something retarded when she was near me.

So started the hide and seek game with her. Until one fateful night. It was about 10.30pm.The wind was howling and dark clouds poured out torrents which were lashed by cold gusts.

Maybe it was the fury of nature that prompted me to sms her. It started off as a discussion about our group project at 1030pm and by 1200am we were talking (smsing) about our favorite songs , colours and stars. That's when I told her that I avoided her in class because she was making me feel uncomfortable.

She did nor reply and I thought she must have slept off. Just as I was about to turn in my phone beeped an in -coming sms. She replied that she could understand me because she was having the same problems .And she asked me what was the first thing I noticed about her and I told her about the plaster on her feet. That struck a chord in her and we continued smsing till 500am.

The following morning we continued smsing and the following night I smsed (asked ) her if she would give me a place in her heart and she said YES without any hesitation. From then on I didn’t feel hungry, I didn’t get angry with anyone and I was in heaven.
Night after night we smsed till daybreak, we almost lived a life on text messages. It was intoxicating and addictive, in my mind I was living with her. We even quarreled about names for our future children.

Though we were close (by sms) we didn’t show it in school. She told me that if I ever wanted to see her - just sms her. True to her words she would come running to see me as soon as I smsed her (NOTE – In any part of the school).

I finished late in school one day and I knew she was in school as well. She smsed me that she was leaving for home and I told her that I would take a MRT train ride with her .

DISASTER struck.

She said “NO.”I asked her what was wrong in taking a MRT ride together and she refused to reply. Boy did we quarrel (by sms) like mad. Finally she told me that she doesn’t mind meeting me in school but definitely not out of school as she had given her word to her mum that she would not go out on a date with any man.(She was 19 at that time).

I went mad with anger. She could spend hour after hour smsing me about love and then some more but taking a MRT ride is a sin?

I asked her if she attacked by some guy (date molest etc).No nothing of that sort, her mother doesn’t like her “to meet any guy outside the school compound” and she was just being an obedient daughter.

I guess I sent her some nasty messages accusing her of fooling around with me.

She stopped replying and a couple of days later she smsed me that she was infatuated with me for some time but has gotten over it. She made it very plain she was never in love with me and we could be friends if I wanted to. She also said that she would be busy and she would call me only if she is free.

I felt that the whole thing didn’t make sense and I pestered her for some explanation. In return her mum called me and warned me not to bother her and briefly mentioned about making a police report if continued smsing her daughter.

My family and financial situation was not fantastic and I needed a police case like I needed the bird flu.

I lost my head. I couldn’t concentrate on my studies, I couldn’t do my part-time job. I just felt that I had been robbed of the little happiness I had in life.

It has been a year and I still think of her on dark and rainy nights or when I hear a love song. I would wish my phone would beep and she would sms me…

I wont deny it, I still love her and it is painful when I think of her. I know she will never sms me again and the only thing I can do is pray she will find someone nice and be happy.

THE END

Events/Activities by Islamic Organizations/Mosques

2009-03-20T20:28:00.000+08:00

By:Murni Abdul Manap

A mosque is a place of worship used by Muslims. The English word 'mosque' is derived from Arabic equivalent, masjid, which means 'place of prostration'.
Mosques play a vital role in the lives of Muslims. The primary function of the mosque is to provide a place where Muslims may perform Islam's obligatory five daily prayers as a congregation. A mosque also provides sufficient space in which to hold prayers on Fridays, the Muslim day of communal prayer and on the two Muslim holidays, called Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
Though its main function is as a place of prayer, the mosques play a variety of roles, especially in Singapore. Many satellite mosques also have madrasah (Islamic schools) and pre-school centers. Mosques also provide diverse services such as Arabic classes, Quranic instructions and youth activities. Some satellite mosques also have a Family Development Centre which provides courses and classes related to the well-being of a family unit and also give away financial assistance to the needy. From time to time, mosques also conduct Islamic festival activities like Maulidur Rasul (Remembrance on the birth of Prophet Mohamad), Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) and other social activities.
The mosque also provides the following programmes for all levels in various areas:
· Tahfiz Al-Quran (Memorization of Al-Quran)
· Tafsir and Hadis
· Arabic Language
· Haji and Umrah courses
· Lectures and Forum

As a centre for Muslim community and Islamic missionary, the mosque has undertaken a multi-pronged approach in disseminating information relating to religion, health and other con temporary issues concerning the Muslim public. The initiatives include:

· Appointment of qualified religious teachers to serve as resource persons and to answer religious queries
· To organize exhibitions and open houses
· To put up informational posters, newspaper cuttings and articles
· Dissemination of public education pamphlets, magazines and religious books
· Promote reading and research
`
The mosques in Singapore, led by MUIS, are good examples that religious institutions can change with the times. Over the past 30 years, the mosques have successfully transformed themselves into agents of social change, promoting much goodwill and social activities for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

2009-03-18T11:11:00.000+08:00

By: ALI AKBAR KHAN

Business is bad ,so it is no longer "OPENING BELL " ,it is the "THE OPENING KNELL ON WALL STREET"

SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND

2009-03-12T01:00:00.004+08:00

BY: Clarence Ngian

VISIT
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Clarence conducts nature walks as a hobby for walk-in visitors to the reserve on an ad-hoc basis usually on Saturdays which happen to be his off days.

Please visit his blog to confirm the days he is available:

http://clarencengian.pcriot.com

OF SLUMS AND DOGS

2009-03-09T12:17:00.002+08:00

BY : MANISHA PATTEL

Wonder why they picked on India to shoot the movie Slumdog Millionaire?
It is not as if they don't have slums or dogs or slum dogs in the USA .

END

to expose or not to expose?

2009-03-09T12:07:00.003+08:00

BY: GREGG VINOD

A GOOD MANY Educational institutions are against their students turning up for classes in skimpy outfits.I guess they (the Schools) have to maintain some sense of decorum.
A pilot project done by a group of Communication students revealed the following facts as far as female students were concerned.
It was noticed that female students who were not presentable or good looking (pretty) resorted to baring their flesh by wearing exceptionally short shorts, bare backs and blouses with low necklines that also fail to cover the mid drift.
Our group concluded that these skimpy dressers were trying to compensate for the lack of looks, and attempting to fight for attention which is usually bestowed upon the naturally pretty ones.
Unfortunately what happens is that the skimpy dressers do not consult the mirror, friends or family members about their choice of clothes. The result is the revealing attire they wear does more harm than good by revealing obese or scrawny bodyparts especially in the case of black-stocking users; the concomitant exceptionally short skirts add injury to insult.
As one boutique owner puts it, “Revealing attire is not meant for Asian woman who genetically do not possess the built and endowments of her WESTERN sisters.”
END

EYEBALL QATAR AIRWAYS

2009-03-07T10:24:00.001+08:00

BY: ALI AKBAR KHAN

Wonder what a woman's (one)eyeball has to do with the end part of a TV ad for QATAR AIRWAYS ?

CHIVAS REGAL (TV AD)

2009-03-07T10:17:00.000+08:00

NOT BY : GREGG VINOD

Live with Chivalry

CHIVAS

Please do not drink if you are a minor

NOT SO FOXY

2009-03-07T09:56:00.000+08:00

BY: PAMELA NG

The ICON of FOX NEWS( America's Newsroom) seems to be the over telecast, over exposed scrawny right leg of MEGYN KELLY.

EGYPT - tourism Ad on BBC

2009-03-07T09:42:00.000+08:00

bY: GREGG VINOD

" Today Egypt offers you their most prized treasure - the SUN."

NOTE
THIS IS A FUTURISTIC AD.IT IS ASSUMED THE SUN WILL ONLY SHINE IN EGYPT.

OR

EGYPT HAS NOTHING TO OFFER YOU BUT THE SUN,AT HIGH NOON IN THE DESERT.

I'm having the time of my life.

2009-03-06T19:06:00.005+08:00

By : Eudora Chew

eudorachew@yahoo.com.sg

Why wouldn’t I ?!

32, single mother of 2 children, middle class Singaporean, middle management employee, part-time undergraduate in Bachelor of Communications Management – Edith Cowan.

Do I fit most profiles? NO, probably not. I’ve lived my life the other way around. Marriage and kids first, work and experience after, now getting through a divorce and studying for a degree.

But that doesn’t stop me from getting what I want and need to have. A degree is a basic entry point for most respectable careers. Well, depending on your ambitions and desires, of course.

So far, it has worked quite well for me.

With the experience and maturity gained over the years of heartaches, office politics and workplace naivety; I’ve grown resilient.

So, I try not to take things for granted. Opportunity only knocks once, and when it does, things happen smoothly. I know it must be the hand of God working things out for me. It must be, or how could I; given my personal commitments and struggles, to be able to do what I am doing now?

Work gets more demanding in downtimes, rushing off to school, 3 modules a semester; assignments are designated week after week.

BUT, there cannot be any slacking now or else assignments would pile up. Discipline is needed, so I usually head home after class to work on my assignments and research. Majority of my classmates are working adults which means everyone has less time , compared to full-time students, to work on their assignments and to catch up with the lectures and tutorials. So our assignments and tutorial work is discussed and split up, and we work around our own research or meet at the library on weekends. We compile our research via emails and rework the report sequentially.

As one once said, “How do you move a mountain?” A portion at a time.
“How do you eat an elephant?” A portion at a time.

Sometimes I wonder, “What did I get myself into? Getting myself into this stress of work-cum-study. Missing my children desperately, that I hardly see them on weekdays. Thus, weekends are precious and that’s my only available opportunity to reinforce my motherhood.

Tempers inch a little more, patience dips a little less; getting cranky because of sleep-deprivation and deadlines at work and school. I’m assured that this is perfectly normal. My dad says “You don’t know how to control your emotions.” So I’m learning and starting all over again to cope with the bulk of it.

There can never be a perfect balance with work, family and studies. But depending on my priorities at the point of time, I carefully make my time-allocated choices.

Although I hardly have time to relax and sleep, I give thanks for the support I get. My bosses boosted my morale when I contemplated my decision to further my studies. They encouraged and supported my decision while pre-empting me to stay focused and maintain mental and physical competence. They are aware of the compromises.
The generosities from my parents have been impeccable. Not only have they been the pillar of support for me, they’ve seen to all the needs of my 2 kids. In short, they are more of a parent than I am right now.

If not for the allies of support and trust in God, I doubt I would be able to pull it off.
Just like a car starting off on first gear and gradually powering after every gear, studies will transit smoothly once I accustom myself to the demands and gain momentum.
I know that as long as I’ve eaten a portion of an elephant a day at a time, I will eventually have consumed an entire elephant!

Hang on! The year will soon be over before you know it. Do have a break and chill out every once in a while. In fact, have a little break and inspiration and watch this right now http://www.thedontquitpoem.com.

Yours truly

FEELING DOWN?

2009-03-06T02:07:00.003+08:00

By: Hermes

(dedicated to my friends and ex-classmates who are getting their GCE "A' results today)
You may have heard this before but obviously you need to hear it again especially if you are reading this.People feel down because they don’t realise their power, yes you are powerful.HA! You don’t believe me. You want proof?

OK

Hey numbskull, ever locked yourself out of your house? Did you get manage to get in again? Ask yourself – how did you do that?Ever lost you IC(Identity card)? I am sure you replaced it or got it back- yes?How did you do these things?ASK YOURSELFYes, you asked for help, you called a few people and most important of all you helped yourself by thinking about how to get back into your house or how to find or replace your IC.So there you are,the first step to stop feeling down is to :

1. Ask for help

2. Call a few people for ideas

3. Take a piece of paper and write down your problem as a QUESTION.egHow can I get some extra income?Write down anything and everything that comes to your MIND, even silly things.YOU WILL GET THE ANSWER!!!It may take a day or a couple of days, but YOU WILL FIND A SOLUTION.

Do you know why you will find the answer or solve your problem by doing the above?

ANSWER TO 1 & 2.

Society is forever slightly deaf and blind. So if you make enough noise and make yourself be seen – YES it will do something to solve your problems.

ANSWER TO 3

Your thinking ability (even if you failed 3 modules in the Cert Level) is SEVERAL THOUSAND YEARS OLD ,passed onto you through almost invisible strands of genetics. So relax and let the genetics do the job for you.

SECRET

I shouldn’t be telling you this, so I will say very little about it. You have heard of the word “mind” ? Yes the MIND is something real. Once you put your MIND to it – it does wonders.

HOW? WHY?

I can’t tell you much but it is the FIRST (free) MOBILE PHONE given to you. When you use it to make a call it is answered by the UNIVERSE, and that’s where you will get your answers/solutions from.

END

PHOTOGRAPHS

2009-03-06T00:04:00.001+08:00

Are you a pixel genius?

Do you have a unique shot of yourself,your pet , a loved one, a travelshot or any other shot you want to share?

Send your work to digicentrex@gmail.com
with a short caption or writeup.
Include your photo if you want it published.

Mobile networks abandon Sungei Buloh Wetlands!

2009-03-06T00:00:00.005+08:00

By: Clarence Ngian

No mobile network coverage at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

THERE is no or very little mobile network coverage at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.Frequent visitors like me always find our network switched to a Malaysian one.Can all three local mobile operators do something to enhance network receptivity at Sungei Buloh, which is an Asean Heritage Site?Clarence NgianLetter which was published on 3/3/09 in the Straits Times Online Forum:http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_344980.html

AND THE REPLY (please see)
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_345950.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_346872.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_346873.html

CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHER

2009-03-04T19:45:00.002+08:00

OFFERING GROUP/INDIVIDUAL TUITION

Ms. LI SHAN SHAN graduated from LU DONG University in 2007 with a Diploma in Primary Education .

Awarded the Excellent-student Scholarship of the University for five years in succession.

Contact No: 82837679
E_mail address: mengxiangwutai@hotmail.com

BLOG AUTHOR:ZAHIR LATIFF

2009-03-04T19:24:00.002+08:00

Basically it's a mish-mash blog of thoughts, reviews of movies, albums and plays, and things that I found amusing on the internet and around Singapore. And I do post my own musical compositions when I do have anything new.

MY BLOG: http://zahir.tumblr.com/

And http://twitter.com/heyzahir is just for my thoughts that are too short for the blog

Zahir Latif // http://www.retaggr.com/card/zahir

GCE "O' Level (English & Lit) TUTOR

2009-03-04T00:59:00.003+08:00

OFFERING GROUP/INDIVIDUAL TUITION

Mr. Sebastian Poh graduated with a grade A for General Paper in 2006 (CJC).He is presently pursuing his Bachelors Degree in Communications.

E_mail address: pec.sebastian@gmail.com

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

2009-03-02T13:15:00.000+08:00

BY:GREGG VINOD

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(USA) ,for short - ATF.

VICES GO TOGETHER !

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

2009-03-02T13:02:00.002+08:00

BY: ALI AKBAR KHAN

APOCALYPTIC TERMS FROM THE NEWS
(from Bleak, Brooding and Negative News purveyors)

Disease
Genocide
Consumer confidence sinks
Tax hikes
Recession
Houses razed
Axis of evil
Nuclear threat
Failed to seize the initiative
Private sector in freefall
Bad bank bailout
Zombie banks
Global crisis
Hearts consumed with hopelessness
END