breaking of the MUSIC/}!

Friday, July 30, 2004

Russia and MAD

The gruelling revision for the prelims has started and hence the frequency of updating this blog will be affected. Nevertheless, the TAR analysis is still here anyway. By the way, Kailin was the one whom I indirectly mentioned in my blog, and she has acknowledged in her blog that she has read my previous article with regards to the 'Hitler talent controversy'. Anyway, I'm glad things got clarified and I hope everyone gets a clearer view of what should be discussed about.

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Episode 4: San Carlos de Barlioche, ARGENTINA to St Petersburg, RUSSIA

As predicted, the race got to Russia for the first time. Allow me to spend a few lines on St Petersburg by having a pop quiz:

Are the following names referring to the same thing?
(a) St Petersburg
(b) Petrograd
(c) Leningrad

Figure this out yourself and I'll give the explanation in my next article.

The route markers of this leg of the race has quite a significant historical value. The battleship Aurora, one of the routemarkers of this race, is one of the notable ships of the Russian Baltic fleet. They may not been as superior as the German and Japanese navies but they were the strong symbol of Russian pride. The Russian navy indeed have in one way, shaped the history of Russia and ultimately the world. The Austrians feared the Russian navy swamping the Mediterrean from the Black sea, threatening to challenge the Austrian position in the Balkans in the late 19th century till the first world war. The Russians at that time believed in "Pan-slavism" which refers to the common unity of the Slavs in both Russia and in the Balkans due to their common religion, the Eastern Orthodox. Though Russian ships couldn't swamp into the Mediterrean in the First World War, they still remained of high significance.

The crushing defeat of the Russian navy to the Japanese in 1904-05 may be humilating for a Western power, but it was this turning point that the Russian defeat caused. The Japanese would be motivated by this victory to be even more aggressive in China and Korea, and ultimately challenge the might of Western powers like Britain and the US during the Second World War. In one way, it signifies the rise of the East against Western imperialism in Asia, and if the Russian navy had won the war, it is not very likely that the Japanese would be very aggresive to alter the course of world history.

The Russian navy in the Baltic Sea near St Petersburg betrayed Nicholas II in the revolution of 1917 and were vital followers of the Bolsheviks at that time. This shows how significant the navy was in shaping Russia's history and upstarting the creation of the new Marxist ideology of 'world revolution'. However in 1921, these same Russian sailors who supported the Bolsheviks would rise again against Lenin , being disillusioned about the Bolshevik ideology of "All power to the Soviets" being put into practise given the civil war which created a very oppressive policy of War Communism. The result? All of them got mercilessly slaughtered, and hence the creation of the concept of Russian "Terror" being put in place from Lenin to Stalin. This rebellion would be known as the "Kronstadt Rebellion" till today.

This leg of the race also featured Catherine's palace as the pit stop, a significant feature of the oppressive and Pan-Russian Romanov dynasty, and I would say that her palace was indeed very majestic and opulent, much in contrast to the shabby houses in the peasant-dominated feudal Russia at her time. The workers and the middle classes also suffered alot in terms of poor living conditions unlike the nobility, and in one way would be a catalyst for the revolution of 1917.

Russia is indeed one of the most interesting places for TAR to take place. The vodka/dance detour and the caviar roadblock are indeed strong symbols of Russian culture and we get to see a new face of Russia following the collaspe of the USSR in 1991. Caviar actually was supposed to be a Russian luxury only meant for the rich, and it is unbelievable to the fact that the race producers could afford that much money to even have caviar as a task in the race! 1kg multiplied by 8 persons would defintely run into the thousands! In addition, caviar is supposed to be relished and delectable, yet it became a traumatizing and intimidating dish for those who performed the Roadblock. No wonder caviar in high-class restaurants is served only in a very small amount of about a tablespoon. 1kg of caviar is simply gigantic indeed. Nicole and Christine got bogged down by it and their leads cancelled, and it seem to me that males have stronger stomachs to be able to tolerate such a daunting dish. Look at Chip as well as the other male participants. They had relatively less trouble consuming the caviar. However, this doesn't guareentee that Chip/Kim will be able to enjoy their high lead achieved in this race in future. They'll have to work doubly hard and not be complacent.

Many of us would be very touched by the emotional bonds shown by Bob/Joyce. Their elimination would be something everyone would feel sad for, for the race actually have no place for such care and understanding given such a competitive and hectic environment. The fact that they were an Internet dating couple shows how strong their bonds have been, and I hence believe that they would make long-lasting retirement partners in their days to come. This would be a team to remember in TAR5.

Brandon/Nicole is another team to watch out for in terms of emotional strength. Look at how Brandon was able to hold the wall firm during the Hockey detour despite Nicole's reluctance, and how Brandon kept on consoling Nicole throughout the entire caviar roadblock. However, Brandon's backstabbing act at the Bus terminal and the airport may not do good for them in future, and they would've to hold it out even firmer in the next few legs to come. We shall what happens especially when we've the Yield and even more ugly conflicts going on in this race.

Next week, it's Egypt. How scary will the pyramids be? Hang on there!

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More comments:

I was telling a few friends that the revision for the prelims can really go MAD. Why?

When we can't grasp a concept right, we get MAD over it because it might jeopardise our targets and grades.

Practising too much maths makes you MAD especially if you get the answer wrong, cos' maths is supposed to be the easiest subject to score in.

When people in the library (especially the yr1s) start chattering away, you get MAD cos' you get distracted and your train of thought just get broken. You just feel like cutting their throats right away.

Faced with a difficult question especially during science practicals, you get MAD with yourself for not revising well enough as well as towards your teacher cos' they set difficult question to create the MAD-ness in all TJCians. (ie. Mutually Assured Destruction)

And our teachers, parents and the principal will get MAD as well when we perform below expectation or can't get a concept right. Bad handwriting or poor demonstration of one's abilties just makes things worse.

And for those people who're quarantined in the library till 1930 everyday? I think they're the only ones who're not MAD cos' they're used to getting MAD before given their past academic grades and also they're already immune to the MAD rantings of the teachers, parents and more importantly, the principal. If they get MAD now then I think it's their own disaster.

That's why the A levels is a MAD examination, and in Harry Potter, the wizarding equivalent is known as the NEWTs (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests). Nastily Exhausting, indeed.

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
21:11

Saturday, July 24, 2004

The 'Hitler talent' controversy

I am writing this essay today to make an important clarification regarding yesterday's GP Lecture with regards to Mrs Evangeline Ho's discussion about talent, and more especially, Adolf Hitler. It has been unfortunate that Mrs Ho herself did not fully understand the context of what I was trying to say, and instead rebutted me that Hitler should've gassed me in the gas chambers. It is now regrettable that Mrs Ho is now the number one enemy of almost all of the students of 33/03 including myself. Mdm Aileen Lim's attempt to add on to Mrs Ho's rebuttals was absolutely impertinent (she spoke about a teacher being sacked for setting anti-semitic maths questions), but at least she knew that no view is consider 'incorrect' in GP discussions. We shall let her off in this case. The members of the audience who cheered Mrs Ho when she rebutted me should think twice now before accepting/dismissing people's comments that blatantly. If they agreed with her rather blunt reply then I dare say that they're merely followers and they don't deserve top marks in GP/Humanities subjects since they do not have a genuine view of their own.

Firstly, a student from 25/03 (whom I know) misquoted me in her blog. I'd like to clarify that I was trying to say that Hitler had the talent to recover Germany's pride and hence should be praised. Firstly, the most important thing I've to say that I do not condone Hitler's actions of gassing 6 million Jews and inferiors. He is indeed an evil and merciless killer with regards to the Holocaust. However, I respect and envy him as a strong domestic leader and for possesing great charisma in rallying the Germans, NOT as a hideous murderer and warmonger. The basic rights of human survival was severely compromised here and this is where no one in the right mind would condone, including myself. All men are equal in rights and beliefs, and anyone who compromises it should be condemned only in that act of discrimination but not wholly as a person itself.

I justify and qualify Hitler's talents based on the fact that he successfully recovered the pride of Germany by destroying the Treaty of Versailles, hence removing the huge burden of reparations of 6600m pounds which severely paralysed Germany's once strong industrial economy. 6 million Germans were unemployed in the midst of the Great Depression if you don't consider the earlier hyperinflation crisis of 1923. The Rhur, the Rhineland and the Saar, once the industrial heartlands of Germany were either demilitarized or under foreign occupation. The German industrialists couldn't sleep soundly on their beds fearing the Communists taking away their assets overnight. The German middle class suffered the brunt of the economic and political crises during the Weimar period. Who solved all of these problems? Adolf Hitler and his Nazi lieutanents!

With these, I consider Hitler as a 'talented' person who brought radical changes to the course of history, both as a domestic leader and an evil aggressor. I'm not trying to contradict myself here, but I make these comments on a qualification that a political leader's fundamentals is to secure the mandate and fulfill the needs of his own country and hence must be able to tackle the domestic scene well before he can take on the international scene. He deserves praise as a talented public speaker and great writer in his book, Mein Kampf. When a country is in crisis, who can you look for solace other than your own god? A country in turmoil requires someone tough, strong yet charismatic to rally the country forward. A political leader needs charisma in order to secure the mandate of the people, being in a democratic or non-democratic country. In my opinion, charisma is one of the most basic talents of a politician, though the talent of planning the progress of a country on the social, economic and military front is considered more vital than this.

It is justified that Hitler had to have a scapegoat in order to rise to power. However, let me clarify again. It is justfied in my own view that he made the Communists a scapegoat, but not the Jews. Hitler would never rise to power on an Anti-Semitic campaign. Anyone studying the Third Reich must know this or he cannot profess himself as someone who knows the Third Reich well. I condemn the Final Solution since it was not very pertinent nor beneficial to the German people, and the talent in gassing the Jews did not lie in Hitler. Hitler only made it a dream. His lieutanants from the SS (Schultzstaffel, Hitler's elite Aryan bodyguards) as well as the notorious scientist, Josef Mengele possessed the real talent in procuring the 'Final Solution'. Hitler was an idealist, for his talent was mainly in his charisma and ideals, and more importantly, leadership. (as being a totalitarian dictator) The German recovery from 1933-1939 was carried out by his lieutanents, like Goering and Hess who planned Germany's economic recovery, as well as Goebbels who sustained the Hitler myth in the German people through the duration of the Reich.

Would the Weimar leaders be able to turn Germany around during the Weimar years? No. Too many political scuffles would bury them in their own grave. Did Hitler possessed talent to recover the German might? Yes. He was daring enough to openly violate the Treaty of Versailles for the benefit of Germany. If he does not do it then what? Hence, I believe that as long as a political leader is able to lead a country from a trough to a peak, then I consider him talented not just only to bring the country to the ground level but also to the pinnacle level. With this I qualify Hitler as a talented person who deserves respect and envy.

With this, I hope that I've justified my opinions about Hitler so that everyone would have a more clarified understanding of what I was trying to put out during the GP lecture. Like what Ms Norhseha has said, everyone has his own opinion and hence "to each his own". I welcome feedback in one way or another, but do not have a skewed and lopsided judgement against something till you know the complete picture and the nature of any issue. HEIL HITLER! (but Heil only for his domestic miracle, not for his sinful killings)

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
11:45

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Don't cry for me Argentina...

A/N: Well here's my weekly column on TAR... I really don't know what to put for the title so I just anyhow chose one, since we spent two legs in Argentina.

Leg 3 -- Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Barlioche, ARGENTINA

TAR visits a second mountain range -- the Andes, which is South America's main mountain range separating Argentina on the East while Chile and Peru are on the West. We should not forget the deep oceanic trench along the Chilean coast as well. If you ever ask me, I think Argentina is a very beautiful place based on what I see in this show, and Latin America isn't just Brazil and Mexico. However, Argentina is still not stable in terms of its economy and its social problems and I guess it'll still shy off many tourists anyway.

One more thing every Amazing Racer will always bear in mind is: Don't miss the flight. It is a great pity that Jim/Marsha had to go this way. They were one of the most determined and focussed we've ever seen in TAR. The problem seem to be, teams that are less deserving to win progress through and vice versa. Well that's the cruel part of reality shows and we just have to accept it. We saw Jim overcome his leg injury and Marsha being patient and encouraging to her father. Just like Dennis/Andrew in TAR3, we really saw the true bond between father and child and I guess this race would serve to realise their true relationships between each other.

The tasks were okay and not difficult. In my opinion, this leg's chocolate Roadblock was purely based on luck, and not based on wit nor strength. It was unfortunate that Marshall/Lance suffered the bad luck in this case. I was rather put off by their performance in this leg especially when Marshall appeared damn slacky despite several teams catching up with them in the chocolate roadblock. Lance did not make a good motivator neither, he merely chased and sulked his way towards his partner. For goodness sake! You're supposed to motivate and cheer your teammate on when he's performing a Roadblock! Well this is not the right thing to do and I hope they take a more positive attitude in this race in future. They were downright lucky to progress and go ahead in their gondola or Jim/Marsha could've simply knocked them out of this race.

I've no other comments about the other racers but it'd be worth looking at what's happening next week. In CBS's website, they mentioned that eating caviar is part of another task (similar to live octopuses in Korea, TAR4), and that teams may've to brave cold temparatures along the way. Based on the info and the trailers, it is very likely that the teams could be going to Russia! Mind you. Russia would prove extremely tough for TAR and of course would bring about more conflict between the various teams. Thankfully Chip/Kim and Kami/Karli didn't clash this time round.

Okay that's all for now... Now going to study Economic Growth and Development.... enjoy yourselves...

P/S: By the way I'm trying to find time to write non-TAR commentaries, but constant mugging just take away my time for everything. Also, the JCDC Grand Finals is this Saturday with RJC facing ACJC. The Singapore PM handover analysis will've to hold, and as I'm typing this I'm thinking of writing something about Zenon-class relationships, but I just don't have the inspiration to discuss it. The prelims are coming and I've the feeling my relations with cg mates will change significantly. Stay tuned....

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
20:10

Sunday, July 18, 2004

JCTs aftermath

More rantings coming out here, especially given the recent snap annoucement over PM Goh handing over to DPM Lee on August 12. Anyway, as promised yesterday, firstly a detailed commentary on my.... June Common Tests... I'll give my take on PM Goh and DPM Lee in a separate article real soon. When? My article will be up before August 12. haha!

The June Common Tests aftermath

At a glance:

General Paper: 44.5 C6
Maths: 62 C
Economics: 43 E
Chemistry: 47 D
History: 65 A

Horrendous indeed from a scholar-to-be POV. Well overall I realised that in terms of the local university admission system, that was no real improvement in terms of points compared to the MCTs. On an overall basis, it was status quo. The rest? Back to square one.

I was totally devastated about my GP score, and the fact that someone who wrote the same essay as me with similar issues covered got even higher than me. That Faye Tan. I am waiting for her explanation in the coming post-mortem. She gave me a 25 on the grounds that I forgot to compare the East to the West. I was stupefied by this single comment (yes, there were other comments). Did she not read my essay carefully or was it because I didn't make the comparison clear enough for her? (don't consider my handwriting first) Well to answer this question, it's YES. I'm partly at fault too, as I gave her a terrible experience, and perhaps I was overconfident indeed. My overconfidence was already revealed by Saurav (my SPP mate) who was from her civics class, that she was indeed a strict examiner. That same person who got the higher score also, in my own opinion, didn't do that well, though in his own view he was satisfied.

The comprehension was totally disastrous. I've just created a personal new record for lowest comprehension mark in my 11.5 years of education. (Go figure out what I got) I got four zeroes in this paper, which included the agape question. I knew that this agape question was damned unfair especially if you're not a Christian. However, I've the feeling that Cambridge won't set such a passage with a freaky paragraph in the A levels. Cambridge, thankfully is a secular examining authority and they set more decent passages given the fact that people not just from Singapore takes GP. Also, my summary though was OK wasn't really up to my expectations. Made too many careless liftings which could've earned me full marks. Also I misread or perhaps 'kiasu' for my application.

Anyway, Mr Hasim said to me, "There's still the prelims." I knew that. And I felt I've screwed up too many times. Now I wonder how I can do well for GP in the prelims, or I can kiss my A level dream of an A1 goodbye.

Maths though a slight improvement from the MCT disaster was also not meeting my own expectations. Personally, I felt that the Maths department is getting nicer in terms of their moderation. I missed two marks to a B!! Also, that same person who beat me in my GP narrowly beat me by a mark, and I'm sure he's feeling pissed that he missed the B grade by a mark. Thank goodness Mr Quek didn't chop off marks but it was me who chopped my own marks. Careless mistakes everywhere which could've gave me an A. Terrible, given that Calculus is my niche topic. I also didn't do well for Statistics either. Why? The reason is simple. The MCT strategy and the JCT strategy to prepare for my Maths was the same: Don't study at all. Now I cannot afford to say "don't study at all" if I want to get that A for the prelims. And it means a tough ride ahead.

I am the most pissed over my economics marks. Failed both essays and while the CSQs pulled everyone down, I dare say that it pulled me up. The CSQ was terrible indeed, but it sent everyone a chilling message that if you don't know your current affairs you don't deserve to get high marks in economics. The problem as usual lies in my strategy. The thing is how am I going to fulfill the requirements of the questions well, really. And for the first time round, Mrs Ivy Lim did not show concern for me by asking how I fared on an overall basis. I totally deserve the "complacent" criticism she made of someone, though I feel I'm not an "efficient" person anyway. Actually, the only person who ever showed genunine concern towards my academic performance is Mr Bala. No one else. Not even my two CTs. I must now find a way to desperately pull up my economics marks or else....

I was surprised that Mrs Lokman decided to keep the moderation for chemistry at status quo. (ie low marks like the MCT like 33=O, 38=E and so on) The practical pulled me down when it was supposed to pull me up. How to solve this? Looks like I've to practise better time management and better precision and perfection for my practicals. Also, I've to find ways to learn how to reason well in this subject. Reasoning in a science subject is totally different from reasoning in GP or in arts subjects. You use only the facts to reason in the sciences while you use both facts and opinions to reason in the arts. And for me, I don't seem to have the facts at my fingertips. Anyway, we're given a self-reflection form to fill in, and I hope I can improve drastically for this subject unlike economics. I now feel more confident of getting better results for chemistry rather than economics. It's also a tough battle ahead. Maybe I should start crashing chemistry remedials when actually I'm not required to attend.

The only subject I'm happy with is History. I was glad that I beat the A-barrier after one and a half years. Well the usual problems of arguing well in a cohesive and convincing manner as well as analysing the sources carefully with proper contextual knowledge will continue to be the issue to content with. Actually, I didn't want to get an A or be the top history student now. I would rather do it in the prelims. Now being the top student means that it's even harder for me to maintain this level now rather than to unseat someone else or to break a grade barrier. Mr Bala has threatened to give me a C for the prelims, for he was rather shocked (and perhaps, disgusted?) that I got an A. Well, I need to do something about this. Especially when so many Greeces are catching up with me.

The TJ tutors always believe in their theory that every TJCian's grades go up twofold from their current standings to the A levels. I hope that their theory holds because if I don't get at least 3 distinctions in my prelims then it is very unlikely that PSC will consider me as a potential scholar. So much about being a MOE scholar, this dream might remain forever a dream if I don't do something about it. JCDCs just ended for my junior team and I can retire happily. When I can retire happily, I can study happily, and I hope this translate into happy grades. How fascinating!

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
16:30

Saturday, July 17, 2004

JCDC aftermath and the Argentina race

Sorry for the long hiatus.... well looks like I've alot of things to talk about so it's going to be real long here....

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(1) JCDCs aftermath

Well our junior team got knocked out of the quarter finals. By who? HCJC, one of the debate heavyweights. For the motion, which was "THBT globalisation has exploited the 3rd world", and given the fact that this was an impromptu round, this debate indeed would be a tough one for both sides. Also, given the fact that first-year students would naturally know "nuts" about macroeconomics would hence mean that today's debate was actually not as wonderful as the adjudicators and the spectators would expect. Despite a unanimous 0-3 loss to HCJC, actually from the senior point of view (that's me, the exco and the coaches), our juniors have really put up one of the best impromptu fights we've ever seen. To be frank, they did put up quite a credible case though their yardstick wasn't a good one. For such a short 1-hour preparation, I dare say that my juniors did well despite this sad outcome. The opposing team, HCJC, also didn't do very well but the adjudicators gave them the win because of style, as well as the fact that they seem more coherent and were more firm in what they say (though it was lacking in interpretation and mature analysis just like our juniors).

I'm really proud of my juniors to have gone this far. As the hosts, we've actually achieved our targets of being a quarter-finalist. We saved the college's reputation, especially when our juniors performed terribly in previous debating competition. The coaches, Megan and Joshua deserve compliments. The fact that they were willing to sacrifice so much of their time (the college was stingy with them, they didn't give them a single cent) to help our juniors as well as assist the exco. Without them, the juniors would not have achieved their targets today. Nevertheless, the teachers also deserve compliments for constantly giving the juniors their moral encouragement.

The school team? Well I don't have much to say but I saw the true bonding between the five of you. Though at times you all were demoralised and uninspired but you people really have the zest and tenacity to achieve what you desired. I was glad that you all never give up. I also saw that you all were able bond very well, especially Elizabeth and Lydia (haha). I respect Cliff for being focussed, dedicated and inquiring in his tasks, and both Rasminder and Houston do have the substance to apply what they learnt from the JCDCs to future endeavours, given the fact that both of them are indeed potential scholars. Also, I think all of us would not forget Megan's scandalous drawing of "you-know-what". Too bad it was destroyed, but I think it did inject some humour in the midst of the immense pressure that the juniors had to get through.

Looks like my exco-mates and myself can retire happily and be totally focussed on our impending A levels. Whether or not the juniors can have the will to blaze Temasek's fame, we shall see. Our juniors will face even greater challenges as they get to handle 15-yr old juniors as well as a possibility that we seniors (including the coaches) may not be around to rally them forward. I see in my juniors a more fulfilling yet tough road ahead for them. For College For Nation!

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(2) Amazing Race Analysis (Punta Ballena, URUGUAY to Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA ) (via Montevideo, URUGUAY)

The second of every Amazing Race is always the most easiest out of the 13 legs of the entire race. Given the fact that most of teams, despite various setbacks in between were still able to get through their tasks without much of a serious problem like having fear, etc; I think this second leg wasn't that bad compared to the previous legs.

It seems disturbing to me that we've a Chip/Kim and Kami/Karli rivalry out here. Their rivalry has actually added a new dimension in TAR for the first time, because their conflict would seem prolonged and tense as long as one of them do not get eliminated. I've never seen any rivalry as serious and tense like the two teams, and let me tell you. Both teams will pay a high price for fighting each other. Their bottom rankings in both legs are already an obvious consequence that both paid. In fact, both teams were very lucky that Alison/Donny got eliminated from this leg. Alison/Donny paid the price for having an internal conflict and the bottomline is: If you're dating, don't join TAR. It'll only worsen your relationship. Look at Flo/Zach. Their win was rather sour indeed. Donny is at fault for being miserly and not pragmatic; while Alison is at fault for being insensitive and whiny towards her partner, especially when they performed the botched-up dog detour. It was a pity that they got eliminated and they could've gone a very long way in this race.

As for the other teams, it was great to see them to continue their zest throughout the race. As usual, Jim/Marsha and Charla/Mirna continue to show their tenacious attitude in this race, no matter what setbacks they face. Also, Brandon/Nicole learnt from the previous mistakes they made in the previous leg and I would say they did very well coming in first for this leg! This is certainly one team we should watch, and we shall see whether God is indeed with them.

The tasks were okay as they highlighted Argentina's unique culture. Tango originated from there, and the country appeared to have recovered quite substantially following the economic collapse in 1999-2000. Hence Jim/Marsha apparently made a mistake changing their money, cos' one thing they didn't know is that Argentinians don't have much faith in their local currency (given its low rate. It used to be pegged to the USD.) The Tango Detour was indeed similar to the Venetian Mask Party Roadblock in TAR3. If you ask me, this Tango Detour is harder because of the dark atmosphere which makes it quite difficult to make out the person's facial look. Also, the Roadblock was fine. Anyway, the teams have to be prepared for a tough third leg ahead. Looks like they'll still be in Latin America...(given the mountain backdrop in the trailer, which I suspect is the Andes)

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That's all for now. Please, please leave a comment/feedback so that I know you're reading my articles. By the way, the JCT moderations are out but I'll leave my analysis to another day. Be prepared for my frustrated rantings..

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
19:59

Monday, July 12, 2004

Of JCDCs, MOE Teaching Scholarships, and rantings

While the Temasek Debate Team was in the heat of fighting their way through into the quarter finals (we're the host), Zenon was stuck on the 24th floor of the MOE function room listening to the directors about all the merits of the MOE teaching scholarship.

The Temasek Debate Team though lost to NJ 1-2, they managed to defeat MI 3-0, hence a saving grace for the hosts. With this, TJC will progress into the quarter finals and hence not a dent on our school's reputation. Well I was pleased anyway though I didn't have the chance to watch the actual fights. I would say that it's a job well done, and the juniors were very tenacious and perservering in their quest in their case-setting as well as debating. I hope the juniors will not give up the fight for this coming quarter finals this saturday. It would be a nice birthday present for Qiong Hui (17th) as well as myself (19th) if our juniors do well again. To quote my fellow debate peers, they declared themselves before the competition that they were the 'Portugal' of the competition. Interesting indeed, but I really hope we can do it again.

Poor Zenon. I was stuck in the MOE function room. Actually I found this tea session more for the parents for parents usually do not really understand the perks and the requirements behind such scholarship. This tea session in fact sway my mother so easily that she gave me the instant mandate to pursue my childhood dream of being a teacher! Woohoo! I'm happy indeed, now that my mum gets a clearer picture. But actually, the only thing she was rather interested was my pay. In her own view, teaching doesn't give you a good pay, but now this issue just seem to fade away from her mind at this moment.

By the way, I also met Lynnette and Mr Sherwin Cheng at the tea function. Lynnette is still rather undecided about what she really wants to do, just like me. Mr Sherwin Cheng also shared his experiences to both Lynnette and myself. Well.....maybe I should quiz Mr Quek one day for his POV. He himself is also a MOE scholar, but he never reveal this to our class. The fact that the current relationship and interaction between Mr Quek and our class (given our absymal maths grades) would mean that revealing his true identity would only serve to polarize and aggravate the current relations for this moment.

If you ask me about my academic life. I have two words: 倒闭。 At the rate of bad news that I've been receiving with regards to my JCT grades, I think I'm hardly anywhere from getting distinctions and more importantly a scholarship! I screwed up very badly. (Details of my JCT performance will be up once all moderations are done) Why does Zenon insists that he is a science student? This is because I was never meant to be neither an arts student nor a cross-faculty student. My most ideal subject combination would be Maths/Chem/Bio/History! I really hate Economics now, just as I hated Physics back in my sec sch times. I hate all the ridiculous economic theories at this moment. The reason why many TJCians and ex-CCHS students think that Zenon is strong in humanities was by virtue of my history (and geography, back in sec sch)! I really felt that my chemistry was much better during my 1st 3 months, then left to rot when I gave up Biology. Well TJC is too late in allowing liberalized combinations, and while they say Double Science/Hist or Geo or Lit is not popular, they're wrong. Why? The answer is simple. Many TJCians regret what they do. I have friends who would never want to take economics in the first place. They yearned to embrace their arts niches like geography, history and literature. I was put off by economics from the very beginning. Never mind. There's no turning back. Anyway, now the important thing now is to stay focussed, do well, or face the consequences of getting nothing out of my JC life as well as kissing goodbye to my scholarship dreams.

All of these rantings were indeed in my head as I was attending the MOE tea session. Let me tell you this. I really don't know what to do in university. Materials Science or Political Science? I don't wish which one? What am I going to say when scholarship boards quiz me on this question? I think I'll just freak out and screw the interview despite having a plethora of well-vocalised views and ideas. I really need to do serious thinking now.

Well back to JCDC, I'm very sure that my juniors would be doing serious thinking about what is going to come up for the entirely-impromptu quarter finals, and how they're going to win their way through (I hope they possess this motivation to go beyond this stage). Well we teenagers indeed have so much things to reflect on, that we all are just like the grim-faced Bart Simpson that you readers see right on the picture above. We are indeed on the verge of collapse, but we teenagers cannot afford to collapse. The time has come for the ultimate clash of adulthood and adolescence.

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
12:57

Thursday, July 08, 2004

The Amazing Race V -- Struggle in Uruguay

Here is my first commentary on the Amazing Race V as I've promised. As usual, every new race will always provide something more gruelling and interesting compared to its previous installments. (Note: TAR = The Amazing Race)

General Introduction

With only 11 teams, it would indeed be more interesting to understand the teams better compared to 12, especially the top three and having an extra non-elimination leg.

The modifications made to the Fast Forward, in which according to CBS' website, is only available in two pre-determined legs, will encourage teams to make sure that they do not lag behind anywhere, anytime at all times. In previous installments of the race, Fast Forwards had been used mainly to catch up with time when they're behind, but many other teams abused it to gain a time advantage which is rather silly. So, I guess this race will force everyone not to allow themselves to lag too much, for if they do so, there's no Fast Forward to help them erase the lag.

In addition, the introduction of a new feature, the Yield would appear to be a significant roadblock to all racers. I think the race is trying to adapt a common feature in all other reality shows not featured in previous races as "Backstabbing". If you're "yielded", you actually do not know who did it. Though it wasn't used in this leg, it does has its potent features. Also, I guess the hourglass used would be large to the extent that it takes several minutes for all the sand to run out. Alison/Donny who reached it first made a smart move not to use it to sabotage others, given the huge time gap between the other teams in which its use wouldn't make any difference. The Yield obviously would be best used when there is an extremely narrow time margin (ie less than 30mins) during a certain period of the race.

Leg 1: Santa Monica, CA, USA to Punta Ballena, URUGUAY (via Montevideo, Punta del Este, Gorriti Island, Maldonado)

Like what I've predicted, the race would commence in Latin America after being bypassed in TAR3/4.

The biggest twist to the race was the choice of flight, in which the majority of the teams get the lead rather than the minority compared to previous races. In addition, the fact that the discrepancy in layoffs between the two flights would indeed punish teams for being hasty and for not reading their clues carefully, hence the common saying "Haste means Waste". I'm hence not surprised that teams actually squabble over flight places, and this would defintely continue on throughout the race.

Leg 1 would be known for having a record number of route markers, as teams are physically exhausted merely by travelling all over Uruguay. The route markers were not difficult, but actually the tasks were made frustrating by the teams themselves. Kami/Karli actually nearly create their own grave. The sight of the route marker eluded them twice, once at the dock and twice at the Detour. In my opinion, they can be one of the dumbest teams in TAR if they're not aware to whatever challenges/surroundings which befold them. That cost them 8 team positions, and I hope they don't become another Heather/Eve (TAR3) who misread the clue and got themselves eliminated for nothing. This goes the same for Chip/Kim, though I felt they were much a better-spirited team compared to others.

TAR is indeed a race to help highlight what is the true spirit of being tenacious, passionate and focussed. Charla/Mirna can indeed be the Oswald/Danny (TAR2) of the race. I admire Charla for being such a tenacious and determined person despite being the first physically disabled person to participate in TAR. I've never met anyone as determined as she is, and I feel that given her never-say-die attitude in this race, she can indeed bring Mirna along a very long way ahead. If not for Charla's moral support, I think Mirna would've just easily give up carrying the beef to the butcher shop. That is indeed the powerful effect of having strong moral perserverance. Nevertheless other teams like Bob/Joyce and the Bowling Mums deserve similar compliments for their focussed attitude.

The Detour is at usual challenging and I've no comments about the Detour, but as the viewer we do have to get prepared for more unpredictable tasks ahead.

One more thing: never be a Mr Nice Guy. Dennis/Erika paid a heavy price for it and this rule always applies to all reality shows. This also explains why alliances in TAR will never work. The top teams in previous races have rarely got themselves involved in alliances for they get more focussedin whatever tasks they perform.

That's all for now. The Racers are off to Argentina, and the hints provided by CBS/Channel 5 will be sufficient enough to guess that tensions will continue on as usual. Adios, and do get to your Pit Stop with all your clues read carefully.

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
21:47

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Of outings and elections

A/N:Due to feedback from my readers I've reduced the font size by 1pt in improve reading pleasure, given the fact that many of you complained that the font size being too big actually inhibit you from reading my post. So, here's it. I hope that the reduction in font makes my blog more readable and enjoyable so do leave more comments and tags!

Anyway the above picture symbolises how myself and you, my fellow readers as youth face such mammoth challenges in our life. The A levels is enough to testify though, as well as the undergoing trauma of receiving back our common test scripts.

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(1) 33/03 outing

Our class went on an outing on the Youth Day holiday. Though only two-thirds of the class were able to make it, I guessed everyone present were able to enjoy themselves to the fullest. It is indeed the last outing of fun before we all getset for the deep tunnel facing ahead..

Firstly Jeremy decided to attempt wearing contact lenses and I would say that though I'm more used to the Jeremy in funky glasses, he did look as funky as he was meant always meant to be. Good choice indeed, and I guess he would put it on for good. I hope Jeremy recommends his driving instructor when I have the time to learn driving...his experiences as reflected in his blog seem interesting indeed.

Spiderman 2 was indeed a great choice of movie to watch on that day. Though I didn't read the comics or cartoons when I was young, I still felt that show was really brillant in terms of storyline as well as the conflict! The movie really depicted what a true superhero's life was meant to be. Also, the effects were really thrilling, and when the movie was meant to be emotional, it was meant to be. The part where Peter Parker threw away his Spiderman suit as well as he feeling distressed when his crush went for another guy was really touching. I truly enjoyed this movie, though I know that the Spiderman story will never be complete.

After this we left Orchard for Marina South to have a 2-in-1 steamboat! You know, it was good to have a grill and steamboat combined and I guess for $10 it was quite a good deal. Well there is one thing the whole class learnt that day: Always put sufficient butter on the grill surface at all times! The aluminium foil actually burnt up quite fast if you don't put sufficient butter or left your food on the grill for too long. Anyway we should give compliments to Rachel for being such a wonderful cook. Her soup was great and healthy. It may be bland but bland means healthy with no other extra flavourings. I just felt that Jeremy just made the soup more salty with his idea of putting soy sauce inside. I prefer soups the bland way but to each his own.

The game of “众即密码" was interesting just as the food which was given to the person who got the number correctly. Well I was the only lucky one to escape not getting any number right much to the disgust to my class. You know, a few girls in my class were unfortunate enough to get the mystery number correct and they just enjoyed themselves anyway. Nevertheless I felt that this outing was one of the better outings which help gel our class even closer as the impending examinations come closer and closer to us.

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(2)Who's the next president of Indonesia?

Su Hui gave me inspiration for me to write this.

Indonesia has gone through a very tumultous period indeed ever since the slide of the rupiah in 1997. With numerous political tussles over this period as well as terrorist infiltration, it is no doubt that Indonesians, though respecting democracy after the long authoritarian Suharto administration would want someone tough enough to maintain the stability in the country. To sum up, security seems to be a higher agenda for the Indonesian voter compared to the economy. I guess the voters got their priorities right, as one knows that stability is vital to bring back foreign investment confidence and the smooth economic recovery that would be beneficial to all, regardless of whether they're the rural or urban voter.

I guess the rural voters would play a very significant swing for this election as they suffer the most when the Indonesian economy crumbles. The presidential nominees all made their point strongly and the voters seem to know what Indonesia needs.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is indeed a good replacement for Indonesia given his past security portfolio. He may be the favourite but we've not really seen him in action with regards to security, for he has been rather a low profile under Megawati's administration. If he does become president, he has to be tough, he has to be firm. Radical groups especially though which might be related to the JI could set him back easily thus he has really alot to do if he gets elected. The fact that Megawati was unable to tackle Indonesia's problems in a firm and decisive way is the reason why she would lose out. However, you've to take into consideration that corruption, as well as the ruling party not having an absolute majority in the MPR actually prevents the president from really doing what is needed well. Hence, I feel that the MPR must cooperate firmly with national interests above party lines with whoever the president is. Looking at the history of the US where Congress and the President may clash is already a visible example that Indonesia should learn from. Indonesia indeeds needs a strong man to fight terrorism, corruption and recession in a tough manner. I believe Susilo can do it. We shall see what happens this September when Round 2 occurs. Megawati must fight back, for she has been too soft for the past few years.

As for the other nominees, they did do their best but I hope that still can contribute to the country without quibbling with each other or undermining other parties. Party politics in Indonesia seem very fragile here and Indonesia is indeed travelling forward on a thin strip of ice. All of ASEAN would certainly want their biggest neighbour and partner to progress forward in the ever unstable political and economic climate.

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
12:55

Saturday, July 03, 2004

Food frenzy and tourism...lame?

I just accompanied my mum this evening to Orchard Road. Did you know how crowded and packed Orchard Road was? My mum was refering to the crowd at and around the open-air stalls opposite Centrepoint which were specially set up for the Singapore Food Festival. You know, the crowd for a small unit space in Orchard Road was even more compared to the Great Singapore Sale or during the Christmas season. We just passed by that area to take a peek. It's a 10m long queue for a plate of char kway teow, and everything is at least $3! Hey! There're cheaper places in Singapore than this! We didn't bother to find a place, let alone to eat; and I quote my mum as saying, "From the look of it the food doesn't look nice. Singaporeans behave as though they never see a hawker before. Also the food is too common! Dunno why so many people queue up for that char kway teow. So unhealthy, and the stallholder is likely to chin chye cook one. Not the best. This is to show how boring Singaporeans are. They really have nothing better to do."

Do you agree with my mum? She has even more opinions on alot of things than myself, much more than you see in this blog. The person who would defintely agree with her would most likely be Mrs Chua, TJC's Food Chemistry lecturer.

I just feel that the Singapore Food Festival is getting more and more redundant. Development seem to be the cause of this! This takes me back to the recent GP Common Test where one of the writers attributed the declining quality of food in 19th century Britain to women abandoning their kitchens for the machines during the Industrial Revolution. I think we just run out of ideas or resources to attract tourists to visit our country. Despite the slogan "Uniquely Singapore", I think Singapore isn't cut out for tourism. The high exchange rate, and the high fees for Sentosa and the other attractions is enough to deter 75% of the global community to visit our country. Fancy thinking of how to attract our hinterland to visit our country when to them, things are just too expensive to them. There is really nothing we can provide to our visitors. STB has done their best, they can't push it any further.

Three of my aunts from Malaysia want to visit Singapore at the end of the year for they have not visited the country for 15 years. One of my aunts, a school bus driver tried spending a day in Singapore visiting Kusu Island with her friend with a total of RM400 which only equals to S$160. She complained that the money runs out very fast. Even a $3 chicken rice or 3 towels for $10 is 'expensive'. It is no wonder why Malaysians can't reciprocate the visits we Singaporeans made to their country. My same aunt wants to come this December. I really don't know how to plan their tour for as usual, she doesn't earn much and she has a limited budget, just like my other two aunts.....

No wonder SENTOSA = So expensive, nothing to see anyway.

zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
21:06

Friday, July 02, 2004

Draco Dormiens Revitalised

Zenon's note:

I'm very sorry for not updating this blog for a very long time. Nevertheless, I'd like to thank my readers for showing some interest and awareness of what I've written in my blog. Many of you were nice enough to ask me how my trip to Malaysia was, and of course they all asked the same magic question, "Did you study there?" Unfortunately the answer is obviously a NO, as my attention span tends to zero in a foreign country. So with only 1.5 weeks left to study, it was a mammoth challenge to revise for my Common Tests and thankfully I managed to complete the syllabus except for Chemistry and Economics. However, it was the more significant issue of being able to 抓题 that was able to pull me through for this common test.

In order to revitalize this blog for you, I'll be doing something interesting for you all on a weekly basis. The Amazing Race is my most favourite reality shows and from next week onwards, expect a Zenon commentary on every episode of the race. My analysis not only covers the personalities of the racers but also the nature of the country they visit itself. The nature and the environment of the country oftens affects the nature of each leg of the race. This programme really makes the study of geography so fun! The only thing that puts me off from studying A level geography was cramming huge loads of content and diagrams. Actually, I loved that subject indeed.

As what I did for the MCT, it's the same again. This is the Zenon Commentary of the Mid-Year Common Test. Enjoy.
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History (Paper 1 on Fri 2 Jul; Paper 3 on Sat 27 Jun)

An excerpt from a conversation with Mr Thompson after the Chemistry paper: (T: Mr Thompson, Z:Zenon)

Z: Hello Mr Thompson!
T: Hello Zee-non. What did you have today?
Z: Chemistry.
T: How was it?
Z: Challenging and tricky. They always set it this way. By the way, Mr Bala's paper is also challenging. You know, he set a source-based question on a topic we didn't learn at all. We just prepared for it just from a set of readings.
T: Oh really Zenon? I hope my paper is just as challenging as Mr Bala's one. I'm expecting something from you Zenon. You're my star student.
Z: Oh really?
T: Well. I'm seeing you this Friday Zenon. Bye!
Z: Bye!

That conversation was enough to give me pressure for his paper. Fancy him calling me his star student. I'm overwhelmed.

Anyway for History Paper 3 the source-based question was about Human Rights with regards to the UN. Everyone including myself unforuntaly spotted the wrong topic. We all thought that apartheid would be set but Mr Bala proved us wrong by setting a general HR question. The hypothesis was also worth a challenge, and Mr Bala's sources were as lacking in depth as usual. I just felt that I didn't have enough background knowledge to tackle the sources other than apartheid itself. The hypothesis was "International efforts to uphold human rights were worthless". Well the sources compelled me and a few others to change the hypothesis. For me I felt that the hypothesis should be "International efforts to uphold human rights are at their own mercy." Superpower attitudes towards this issue is already sufficient enough, especially when they showed an apathetic attitude towards Apartheid. I shall say no more on this issue.

As for the essays I realise that I really can't tahan a full 3 hour paper. I was basically suffering from hand fatigue and I think poor Mr Bala will have to read Arabic for the last essay (ie. the global economy one). Anyway I didn't bother to spot questions for topics which will always be tested. Nevertheless the questions were quite a challenge. However much to my horror most of my knowledge of the Global Economy just faded on the day of the exam and after writing half of my Japan essay I just realised that I got nothing to write. So how? Here comes Social Studies to the rescue! I ended up talking about how other countries creating an investment base for Japan to allow her to progress! Hope it makes sense to Mr Bala, but I think it would mean something else to him.

Now for Paper 1. Today's paper is one of the hardest papers Mr Thompson has ever set. It was really challenging indeed, though I was quite lucky to have the "fire brigade" source here. Worth a commentary on the answer script. The hypothesis just made things difficult for us. "The pressures which built up within the rival alliances could not be contained by the time of the final crisis, of July 1914." That was terrible and long! Sheer Terror! The hypothesis really require very deep thinking. Anyway, my suggested hypothesis was "The suspicion and mistrust between the rival...." Just felt the word pressures wasn't inapproriate. Anyway for the essays, it was really interesting having to make comparisons between pre-Bolshevik and Bolshevik answers with regards to 'absolutism'; and also between Stalin and Hitler with regards to 'greater achievement'. The dictator question was really hard. Having to compare between two dictators from two countries with completely diffenrent political structures was challenging indeed. I can only pray that I get a distinction.

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Chemistry (QA on Fri 26 Jun, Theory on Mon 29 Jun

The QA was terrible. The problem is you know the perfect answer but you just don't have the time to finish it. Many people had the same problem like me. You know, I decided to exceed the time limit (I always do that under the invigilator's nose) and Ms Rita Wong cancelled a part of my last page. Well I'm pissed anyway and how I wished I got a wand to turn her into a bouncing ferret. Okay no offence anyway, but I just feel that time wasn't on everyone's side anyway....I think it would be worst for the prelims...

Despite the removal of the MCQs, many of us found the Theory Paper slightly easier than the MCT. Be prepared to expect a higher moderation this time round. However everyone was debating over the aromatic stucture, compound A for the organic essay question. Two compounds has been proposed:
(I)benzene-double bond-ester
(II)double bond-benzene-ester

I chose (II) and don't know which one is the correct one. The problem is they have the same molecular formula C12H14O2. Anyone wants to say which is the correct one? Organic is the only topic in chemistry that I score....argh....

Anyway I just crapped for periodic, chemical bonding and kinetics and screwed up gas laws (the only topic I didn't study for)... I wonder how terrible it'll turn up.....but I feel it'll be still better than my MCT performance...what a tricky paper indeed.

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Maths Tues 29 Jun

Calculus. Vectors. Statistics. I just don't feel confident of getting an A. I must get it by hook or by crook but I just feel pessimistic. Maybe a B. I don't know. But of course my losses wasn't as much as my classmates who were cursing after the paper. I just found Central Limit Theorem and Vectors a burden that never ends..... about 20 marks gone, at a 95% confidence interval I can say that there is insufficient evidence at the 95% confidence level that I can get a distinction. Especially if Mr Quek decides to chop off marks again. Calculus is my niche and I can't screw it up!

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General Paper Tues 29 Jun

"The future belongs to the East." How far would you agree?

Found this question the most fun. I focused on investments in China, Korean scientists cloning embryos, Asia's relevance in sports as well as the world's interest in Asian politics. I hope it makes good sense to the examiner because I wrote four full pages of stuff. Economical, Political, Scientific, Sports. For the counterargument I considered environmental and social problems esp. poverty where North Korea was dependant on western aid. I hope I can get something out of this essay...

The comprehension was worth a bite as it was fun reading the passages abour human awareness about food. That's why we have Food Chemistry! haha, but quite fun indeed though I had to rush over my application question. I hope I make at least a one-grade improvement for my GP.....

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Economics Wed 30 Jun

The most horrendous of all. It's even worse than chemistry, especially the case study question. It's a terrible killer as the only thing I know about interest rates is abit about the Liquidity Preference Theory. That's all. I doubt anyone can do well for this section. I wonder whether I can even pass this section. Fancy them asking us to study the recovery of the Thai economy by considering its interest rate policy. As for the data response question it was about water and I think it was quite so-so. And I hit bull's eye for the essay questions!! I spotted them haha, but I ended up doing the theory of firm and the recession question. I just felt that I don't have much confidence for the recession question. Merely based it on the reverse of the four macroeconomic objectives. Well...we shall see what happens next... It could be status quo for me again....
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Pre-Amazing Race comments

Just a few words here. 11 teams and the twin-girl team call themshevles manipulative. How manipulative are they going to be? I doubt they'll enter an alliance then. In the Amazing Race you can't be that manipulative unlike Survivor except lying to your teams that you got the air ticket but you actually did not or the destination is in the reverse direction. Heather/Eve from TAR3 wasn't nice anyway. I think the first destination would be somewhere in Latin America or the Caribbean, as we've flying foxes, cars along the beach and even roulette! I guess TAR5 will be just as tough and unpredictable as TAR4.... so far I haven't seen a team similar to that of Reichen/Chip (TAR4) or Derek/Drew (TAR3)... where are the big muscle men?

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P/S:

This post must be very long hor. Don't worry! More commentaries coming!

Some random thoughts:
Su Hui just gave me inspiration to talk about Malaysian Crime Rates.
I feel like writing something about my twin brother.
Feel like saying how daobi I am when it's a week to JCDC....
Dunno what the next article will be about lah! hahah......

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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
21:45