What is beauty?

What is beauty? This is a question asked by many people. So, what does beauty actually mean? It is defined as the quality in an object that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind. There are two types of beauty, inner and outer beauty. Nowadays, people are more vain in terms of looking good and naturally place more emphasis on outer beauty. On the other hand, some of you might be wondering what is inner beauty. Hence, I will be discussing more about what inner and outer beauty are and which, in my opinion, is more important.

Some people have inner beauty probably when they are kind or have a heart of gold. Having inner beauty basically means that you have morals and values in you. This, is a beauty not seen by everyone. This is a perfect example of what Confucius said in the past, "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it". These people will normally have more friends, good friends, as they will trust this type of people and cherish their friendship helping each other when one of them is in need. There are some of these people who also have the outer beauty. Of course, this type of combination would be the best.

Next, I will be discussing about outer beauty. People who have outer beauty place more emphasis on their appearance, making sure that they look good no matter where they go. These people will normally be more popular and have more friends. However, they will not have any close friends whom they can trust and confide in. Their friends will just be those hypocritical people, deliberately sucking up to them so that they will have the most popular student in school as their friend. Naturally, their popularity will also shoot up. Furthermore, these people who have outer beauty will be so preoccupied with their looks and their popularity that they always hang out and purchase the latest fashion item. These people will most of the time not score well in their academics. Also, these people will normally be self-centred, thinking that they are the best and the coolest people. And the most important of all is that we must never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes even, in a competition, as they have a lot of followers, they might use them to do despicable moves to make sure they win and probably reward the person with something from them to shut his mouth. However, on the other hand, there might also be people who have the inner beauty as well. For this type of people, it would of course, like I said previously, be the best.

Now, in my opinion, I feel that inner beauty is definitely more important than outer beauty. Having morals and values are important to a person, no matter whether you look good or not. Because, having morals and values will lead you to the correct path of life and not commit any mistakes that might ruin your future. Those people with outer beauty but without inner beauty, however, will realise when they grow older that outer beauty will never last. In the end, when they grow old and become just like a normal civilian, they will realise that outer beauty does not last long and is not as important. They will also realise the mistakes which they have committed in the past and live the rest of their lives being regretful. They will also be lonely without a companion as in the past, they think that they are the best and nobody's good enough for them. Hence, I feel that inner beauty is important. Some of you might not realise or agree with me now that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. However, as you grow older, I hope you will understand the importance of inner beauty, having good morals and values and agree with me. Also, I hope that you will realise it before you commit mistakes that might ruin your life forever.

What is happiness?

What is happiness? Happiness is a state of being happy and contented. Some people live their lives being happy, while some do not. There might be a few factors which might make you happy. People experience happiness either when they have money or when they have the love they desire from others or even when they are happy with their appearance. However, have they ever thought of what true happiness is? Have they ever thought whether they are really happy? Have they ever thought of what truly makes them happy? I will be discussing more about what is true happiness.

Recently, materialistic people are more prevalent. They get the happiness they desire when they achieve what they want. These people normally want to lead a luxurious life and their need for these items will last forever. This type of happiness is only temporary and will not last long. For example, some people are so materialistic that they want and desire all the new items as they are very popular at that time or these people want to boast to others and let others think that you are very wealthy to gain more friends. When they get their desired items, they are happy. However, when a new model of the item they just bought comes out, you will no longer be popular among your friends as your item will not be popular anymore. Furthermore, if these people's parents decline their requests to have the new models of the items, they will no longer be happy and will forever lead a bitter life. Therefore, materialistic people are happy only sometimes and it is just temporary.

On the other hand, many people are particular about their appearance. They become happy only when they feel that they look good. Although it is a good thing that people keep their appearances good, it is bad to be too particular about it. People who are too particular about their appearance might spent hours in front of the mirror trying to put on some make-up, etc. However, this is actually a complete waste of time. Have they ever thought of how many things they could have accomplished in this time? But, I have to admit that maintaining a presentable appearance is important. Nowadays, looks and what you wear is important in a job interview. For example, if you see a man coming to a job interview with a torn and tattered shirt and another man coming to the interview wearing a business suit which is well-maintained, who will you rather choose for the job? Another example is the recent "Britain's got talent". When Susan Boyle came on stage for her first time wearing her village clothes and said that she wanted to be a professional singer, the spectators were in shock and were all laughing at her. Even the judges were sort of laughing at her. This is why wearing a presentable attire is important, but if you spend too much time on it and overdo it, it will not be as good anymore. Therefore, being happy when you fell that you look is actually a good thing and a bad thing. A good thing in the sense that you will be presentable in front of your peers, etc. A bad thing in the sense that you might spend too much time on it or even overdo it.

Lastly, some people are also happy when they have their family beside them. This type of people are those who know how to cherish those around them. As long as they have their loved ones by their side, they will feel happy and not complain about anything else. They do not crave for anything else except for the love from their loved ones. This, is what I call true happiness. This type of happiness will be with you forever and you will die with no regrets, having lived your life to the fullest with your family. Even when your loved ones die, you will of course feel sad, but happy that you spent so much time with them that you won't have any regrets.

I feel that true happiness lasts forever. However, it is something you must definitely pursue. An example will be the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness". It is about this man, Chris Gardner, fighting his way to get a job and to raise his son. After fighting for it, he finally was able to make it rich and not be a homeless man anymore. The example of him not letting setbacks affect him is a perfect example as well. A man pursuing happiness should not let small setbacks affect him. Once he has set his goal for his happiness, he has to accomplish it. Well, I feel that true happiness comes when you have your family by your side, no matter if you are poor or rich. Some of you might not agree with me that this is true happiness but to me, it is. I feel happy when I have my family by my side and have their utmost support. Therefore, this is, to me, true happiness.

My First Semester as a Secondary One student

As you'll know, the first semester of school is coming to an end. The June Holidays are arriving! I can't wait for the June Holidays. However, as I look back on this first semester, I felt that it was filled with agony, happiness. There were many problems which I faced in my life of being a Secondary One student as well. When school reopened in term 1, I was seriously excited as I just became a Secondary One student and was in Hwa Chong Institution. On the first day, we were introduced to the various things we needed to note in Hwa Chong. We were also introduced to our various teachers teaching us the various subjects. I knew that it would definitely be a big jump from Primary 6 as the number of subjects has increased, our critical thinking skills must be improved, there are more complicating things to learn and our thinking must definitely be more matured as well.

Being a teenager, I must definitely have a more matured state of mind and not continue to have the thinking I used to have when I was in Primary 6. There are many more things we have to do as well, such as ACE projects, a project for the Project's Day Competition and CIP. At first, I found it very difficult to cope as my time management was not very good. However, now, I have adapted to the life in Hwa Chong better. Furthermore, when I was doing a project with some of my friends and classmates, we had some disputes and some quarrels. But after a while, we were able to resolve the matter and complete the project. In term 1 and a bit of term 2, I was actually also the Chairman of my class and had to lead the class. In term 1, my class did not too cad for their academics, clinching 2nd in the cohort. We were elated when this result was announced by our consortium director, Mr Sim during the consortium assembly. It was certainly an achievement very good for our class.

After a few days of school in the first term, we had to spend two afternoons visiting various CCA groups and decide which CCA we are interested in so that we can join that CCA. As all of you should know by now, it is compulsory for all Secondary school students to have a CCA. After the try-outs, we had to go for the trials for the various CCAs under our own initiative and decide which CCA we really want to join. I went for the squash trials, waterpolo trials and track and field trials. In the end, I found out that all three CCAs wanted to take me. However, when we were supposed to put down our choices, I put Track And Field as my first, Waterpolo as my second, and Squash as my third. When the results were posted on the notice board on the back of my class, I found out that I was taken into Track And Field and I became a thrower, throwing javelin. I was happy that I was taken by them, but the training was quite tough for me. However, after a while, I got used to it and even found out that other sports CCAs' training are much more tougher than what I am doing now. I was happy at my CCA and actually, there was a time when I was thinking of whether I should change to waterpolo or not. However, after much thinking and hesitation, I decided to remain in Track And Field.

In term 1, as I could not cope with the homework and tests, I was very stressed out and felt a little depressed. However, although I was stressed, I still managed to revise my subjects, getting A1s for all the subjects except for English. For English, I got a C5 and I tried to identify my mistakes, trying not to make the same mistakes again in the future. And really, I improved in this term, getting an A1 for the Animal Farm Literature test and a B3 for the Narrative Composition. However, my I got a B3 for my Geography test and a C5 for my History test. I wasn't too happy about it and will try to work even harder for next term's tests. In term 1, my MSG(Mean Subject Grade) was 1.67. My oral participation points were also not bad, getting 4 for two subjects and 3 for the rest. Tomorrow, I will be getting back my result slip for term 2, with my oral participation points, my ACE points and my MSG for term 2. Wonder what I will get... I am seriously very anxious and eager to know what I got so that I can see which areas I need to buck up.

Also, the June Holidays are arriving, with tomorrow being the last day of school. I am seriously excited. Although I hope to play during the holidays, I know that I must also not neglect my studies and revise as much as I can for the upcoming tests. I will do ACE projects and do some CIP as well. During the June Holidays, I will be having training as well, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Therefore, I will not be so free during the holidays. I will definitely try to use the time well so that I can do well for the upcoming tests and the End Of Year Examinations, which I will be hoping to do so.

H1N1 Flu!!

I believe that most of you should know by now what the H1N1 flu is all about. It's effects on people are devastating, claiming many innocent lives. It is known to be able to spread from person to person at an extremely fast speed. Many measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Singaporeans in Singapore. An example is my school, taking measures to ensure the safety of the students.

Now, my school is currently taking the temperatures of students, making sure that they have no fever and are fit to attend school. My school has also reminded the students that if we have any flu symptoms or are sick, we are not to attend school. They have informed us many times, what the trigger temperature is. There was a time when my school also had to take the temperature of every parent who is entering the school compound such that the school is safe. They closed all the gates to enter the school except for one so that parents can only enter there and take their temperatures there. However, in the morning, there are too many cars entering the school compound as compared to after school as many students may have to stay back after school for their CCA or other personal matters. So, to facilitate the cars entering the school compound and to prevent the area outside my school from having a massive traffic jam, they decided not to take the temperatures of parents in the morning, but students can only alight at one particular block in the school. At that particular block, there will be a teacher there, asking the students if they feel unwell. This procedure is called visual screening. It had also been announced that if there was as much as one case of H1N1 flu in my school, there would be a suspension of school. I feel that my school has taken several measures to ensure the students' safety.

While my school is taking measures to fight against this flu now, other countries are also taking measures to combat against this flu. Hong Kong had confirmed its first case about a week ago. After the man was being suspected of the flu disease, he was immediately isolated. Metropark Hotel, where the man was at when he had the flu was closed and the hotel workers and guests were placed under quarantine. This is a measure to be taken to protect the flu from spreading to the rest of Hong Kong if one of the guests in the hotel has also contracted the H1N1 flu. Although the hotel workers and guests are unable to go home, I agree with this action being taken as it is for the safety of the other.

Police officers wearing masks to seal off
Metropark Hotel in Hong Kong, where first
confirmed swine flu victim was staying.

Courtesy of http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-01-voa39.cfm


The H1N1 flu might be very frightening to some of us, but if we maintain being hygienic, the odds of us contracting the disease will be much lower. Therefore, a piece of advice is that we should be hygienic, no matter when it is and lead a healthy lifestyle.


For the definition of what the H1N1 disease is all about, click here.
For more information on how Hong Kong deals with their first case of the H1N1 flu, click here.

Animal Farm

Courtesy of www.ingilizcenet.com
Found in the search engine, Google.

Animal Farm is a novel. However, it has a significance. It is not just an ordinary novel. It is actually a political satire and also an allegory to the Russian Revolution.

Now, for those of you who have not read Animal Farm, this is a brief summary on it. There is this farm ruled by a man, Mr Jones. On one night, a respectful old boar, Old Major, who is also the leader of the animals, gathered the animals and told them about a dream which he had. It is about a Rebellion against the humans. Old Major feels that it is unfair that the animals were under control of the humans and tells the animals of a song, which is all about a Utopian society. He also teaches the animals principles of Animalism, which is also communism. Soon, the animals chase out Mr Jones and the pigs rise to power. The prominent leaders among the pigs are Snowball and Napoleon. As there was a power struggle and Napoleon had a thirst for power, he reared newborn dogs and made use of them to chase away Snowball. As Napoleon has total control of the animals, he gradually amends the principles of Animalism without the animals notice except for the pigs and in the end, he becomes just like the humans.

In this book, the main characters represent some prominent people in history, during the Russian Revolution. Old Major represents two people in history, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Karl Marx was the inventor of the principles of communism while Lenin taught the principles of communism to the peasants of Russia. The animals of Animal Farm represent the peasants of Russia, doing all the blue collar work. The more prominent peasant in Animal Farm is Boxer, blindly following the leader, Napoleon. However, he was sent to be slaughtered in the end. He was a very hardworking peasant and was loyal to the farm. Snowball and Napoleon represent Trotsky and Stalin, who fight with each other for power over Russia. Napoleon has the dogs as a backup to chase away Snowball, just like Stalin having the KGB as a backup. Napoleon also has a propaganda tool to make use of to convince the animals on the farm to agree with his plans. The propaganda tool which he uses is none other than the pig, Squealer. In history, Squealer represents Pravda in Russia, getting support for Stalin.

However, after Stalin gains complete control of Animal Farm, he starts to deviate from the original teachings of communism, making decisions which are not in line with the principles of communism taught by Vladimir Lenin and became more equal than the people of Russia. This is similar to how Napoleon makes decisions which are not in line with the original principles of Animalism and became more equal than the other animals. In order to convince the animals that he did not deviate from the teachings, he requested Squealer to change the 7 commandments overnight when the animals were asleep. There was this time when Squealer fell down from a ladder while changing the commandment and caused quite a ruckus which awoke the animals. All the animals did not understand what was happening except for Benjamin, the wise old donkey. Although he understood what was happening, he chose not to do anything. In history, he represents the cynics in society. He has a high level of literacy level but chose not to do anything although he knew what the pigs were doing. This caused the pigs to go into complete control and deviate from the teachings of Animalism, becoming more equal than the other animals without the animals knowing about it. If he was not so apathetic, the animals would have understood and chased away the pigs based on equality as the animals also chased Mr Jones away based on equality. However, the other animals were not to be blamed for the pigs rising to power and becoming more equal than the others without them rebelling due to their ignorance. It was quite obvious right from the start of the Rebellion that the pigs had a higher literacy level than the other animals.

I personally feel that the pigs should not become so "drunk with power". However, it cannot be helped unless you have a really good self-control over yourself. Power corrupts as people become "drunk with power". People usually have a thirst for power and become corrupted and a perfect example would be the incident in Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution.

Well, this is all I am saying about Animal Farm. Perhaps, if you want to know what the other characters represent specifically, you could click here for more information!

Honesty

Honesty is the best policy. We have all learned that since young. But why are there still thefts? Why? Is it because of some financial problems at home? Is it because of one of the seven deadly sins, greed? There are many possibilities that might have led to the thefts we have today. From the thefts I have witnessed and experienced, it is most of the time because of greed and because of one's mistake of not taking good care of your belongings.

Why would I say that it is because of one's mistake of not taking good care of your belongings? It is because people normally just leave their belongings and valuables on their desks or anywhere where the things can be easily stolen. This leads to tempting people to steal your things. It might be just for that split second that the thief steal your belongings. It could be when you are looking away and the thief just takes your belongings and walk away.

However, if you keep your valuables by your side all the time such that the thief cannot steal, you are actually helping the thief not to repeat his mistake. He did all these thefts because of his habit. If you keep your things properly, the thief will not have any opportunities to steal and he will slowly stop stealing and lose this bad habit.

Although I said that if one leaves his belongings somewhere where people can steal easily, he is at fault, the biggest one who is at fault is still the thief. If he saw the belongings on the table, why can't he just resist the temptation of stealing so that his morals will not be badly affected and he will not have any bad records? If the person finds it difficult to resist the temptation, he should just look away or just simply run away so that he will get away from the valuable.

Honesty is a moral that should be taught to young descendants. Honesty is a moral that should be kept by people. Finally, honesty is the best policy! Being honest does no harm, but helps you instead so that you will not have a bad record. Theft is an offence punishable with imprisonment of up to three years or with fine or both. It will just ruin your future. You don't want your future to be ruined, don't you?

Let me reiterate what I am trying to say, HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. Be an honest person. Hence, my last piece of advice is stop stealing if you have done so or don't steal at all!

For some interesting facts on thefts, click here.
To see what is the true meaning of honesty and find out more about this virtuous behaviour, click here.

Punctuality

Punctuality. This has been one of the problems in my school. There have been people going to school late, that is after the flag raising ceremony. For that, they were given demerit points, which will affect their conduct grades. The conduct grades will then follow them for the rest of their lives. If their conduct grades were so bad, they might be even restricted from achieving certain scholarships.

There are also other cases in my school and also in Singapore where people are not punctual whether in returning their books to the library or not being able to meet their friends or teachers punctually. Did they ever think of the consequences of not being punctual? Therefore, certain measures have been taken to ensure that these people are punctual, such as implementing fines of 10 cents or above. The condition has been improving but not very good yet. With many people getting better pays from their jobs, they do not mind forking out the 20 cents or 1 dollar. This is a wrong mindset and we should not learn from them. Did they ever think that it may bring inconvenience to the other people? If you borrowed a reference book and did not return it, other people who need the book for research will not be able to find the book and they might not be able to submit their projects or assignments by the deadline.

Besides, when people are meeting their friends, they should always be punctual. As everybody knows, time is precious. Not all people have the time to waste to wait for us, especially when the person you are meeting is a busy businessman. If you are not punctual in meeting your client for a important business deal which might cause the company a lot of money, you might be fired from your job and the company will incur heavy losses. Surely you do not want that, don't you?

Thus, please be punctual. Do not waste other people's time. If you feel that you will not be able to make it, please turn down the appointment and change it to another time when you are sure that you can make it on time.


For more information regarding the National Library Board's actions to those who have overdue books, click here.