Recently, North Korea has upped its testing of nuclear weapons, like long-range and short-range missiles. The world had responded with harsh criticism and warned North Korea severely. "Seemingly unfazed" by this international discontentment, North Korea has launched yet a third nuclear weapon, the modified version of a Taepodong-2, which the was tested in 2006 and in April and which is theoretically capable of reaching Alaska. The US, of course, is extremely concerned and wants to put and end to it. They worry about North Korea becoming an nuclear state, which, theoretically, puts them in a position to annihilate the whole world at the push of a button. In their statement to international news, they stressed that allowing North Korea to go on unchecked could ultimately spark an arms race in Asia. However, North Korea still persists stubbornly, "ignorant" of the United State's blatant warning.
Angered by this, United States are proposing a new resolution which could impose new sanctions to punish the North for Monday's nuclear test -- its second since 2006. This had only escalated the already tight atmosphere. North Korea has responded by decreeing "self-defence measures" . They have fueled tensions by launching yet another 6 short-range missiles and threatening to attack neighboring South Korea.
So, since the US simply cannot accept North Korea having nuclear arms and North Korea continues to test its weapons, the two sides are unable to come to an agreement or even meet and talk it over. If the situation worsens, the consequences will be disastrous for the entire world. I feel that the US should not be so strict on prohibiting nuclear weapons in North Korea. Instead, it should relent and discuss with North Korea on a solution agreeable to both parties. This way, a potential war could be averted. On the other hand, North Korea is also quite unreasonable as it does not heed US's warnings at all. They should explain to the US why they feel the need to carry out this testing of nuclear weapons and maybe sign an agreement not to attack any countries. This way, US can rest peacefully and not worry about a nuclear war and might consider allowing them to continue the testing of nuclear arms.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Reflection on my First Semester as a Secondary Student
Another term has come and go in the blink of an eye... 6 months of sweat, hard work and mugging has past...
Secondary school is far different from primary school. Forget about relaxing after stressful year of studying for the Primary School Leaving Examinations(PSLE). Here, teachers expect much more out of you. They don't spoon-feed you anymore, like in primary school. You're expected to complete projects and assignments by yourself at home, often without any prior teaching or explaining of the text. New subjects like History and Literature enters, along with huge piles of homework and tight deadlines. Its a whole new curriculum, like nothing you ever experienced before.
Don't get me wrong, Secondary school can be fun and exciting too. The freedom to do what you want, like decide what kind of project you embark on is great. Learning new skills, like researching for information or working as a team, will be useful later in life. Many opportunities for you to excel and demonstrate your leadership capabilities or talents are readily available.
For me, the first six months helped to integrate me into the advanced curriculum. The first few weeks were tough, as it was quite difficult for me to get used to the amount of homework and assignments. I recall lamenting about the homework I got in primary school and promptly sighed, pining for the good old days where homework could be easily completed in 10 minutes. I also had to get used to not having my parents ferry me to and fro school and taking the public buses. However, as time past, I adapted to the environment and discovered its many plus points, like a long recess, freedom to choose what you want to work on and limitless chances to excel.
Now, as I look back at the last few months, I realize that I have matured and am, in a sense, independent. Of course I still need my allowance but I can do assignments and projects by myself, without asking my parents to help. I have also established many new friendships and have a tight circle of them. Homework is now manageable, albeit barely, and I managed to achieve generally high scores in my tests.
As for the next semester, I already mapped the route I'm going to take. I will do my best to max out my ACE and OP points by the end of the June holidays and work on my project for Project's Day. This way, I can avoid the " rush-hour" where everyone hastily does ACE presentations and fight over who gets to present. Furthermore, I will be adequately prepared to present my project and not need to rush through it. I believe that this way, I am able to make the most of the June holidays.
Secondary school is far different from primary school. Forget about relaxing after stressful year of studying for the Primary School Leaving Examinations(PSLE). Here, teachers expect much more out of you. They don't spoon-feed you anymore, like in primary school. You're expected to complete projects and assignments by yourself at home, often without any prior teaching or explaining of the text. New subjects like History and Literature enters, along with huge piles of homework and tight deadlines. Its a whole new curriculum, like nothing you ever experienced before.
Don't get me wrong, Secondary school can be fun and exciting too. The freedom to do what you want, like decide what kind of project you embark on is great. Learning new skills, like researching for information or working as a team, will be useful later in life. Many opportunities for you to excel and demonstrate your leadership capabilities or talents are readily available.
For me, the first six months helped to integrate me into the advanced curriculum. The first few weeks were tough, as it was quite difficult for me to get used to the amount of homework and assignments. I recall lamenting about the homework I got in primary school and promptly sighed, pining for the good old days where homework could be easily completed in 10 minutes. I also had to get used to not having my parents ferry me to and fro school and taking the public buses. However, as time past, I adapted to the environment and discovered its many plus points, like a long recess, freedom to choose what you want to work on and limitless chances to excel.
Now, as I look back at the last few months, I realize that I have matured and am, in a sense, independent. Of course I still need my allowance but I can do assignments and projects by myself, without asking my parents to help. I have also established many new friendships and have a tight circle of them. Homework is now manageable, albeit barely, and I managed to achieve generally high scores in my tests.
As for the next semester, I already mapped the route I'm going to take. I will do my best to max out my ACE and OP points by the end of the June holidays and work on my project for Project's Day. This way, I can avoid the " rush-hour" where everyone hastily does ACE presentations and fight over who gets to present. Furthermore, I will be adequately prepared to present my project and not need to rush through it. I believe that this way, I am able to make the most of the June holidays.
Friday, May 8, 2009
BREAKING NEW: MAS SELAMAT HAS BEEN CAUGHT!
Singaporeans cheer in celebration of the good news
Yes you heard me right. The Islamic militant who plotted to crash an airplane into Singapore's fabled Changi Airport has been located.
Flashback: After Mas Selamat bin Kastari was arrested by the Singapore Police Force, he was sentenced and detained in Whitley Detention House. Not for long though. He managed to escape by tricking his guards into allowing him to enter the toilet alone and promptly climbed out of a window to freedom. Singaporean authorities have been under heavy fire for reporting his escape late, thus granting him more time to make his getaway. Ever since, they have been searching fruitless for him...
Back to the present. Mas Selamat was nabbed at Johor Bahru. It is unknown why he was at Malaysia, though public speculation is that he had fled to there to regroup with fellow Islamic terrorists.
This piece of news was warmly received by Singaporeans. Some of whom, like Retiree Mr. Raymond Quek, felt "it is good that he has been caught." For me, I had almost totally forgotten about Mas Selamat, what with H1N1 Swine Flu and examinations just round the corner. Permanent Resident Lindy Lim pretty much sums it up, "With the recent H1N1 pandemic, this is certainly a sight for sore eyes."
Sources: http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g312/fingersdontfing/fingersdontfing3/MasSelamat1.jpg, http://asia.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090508/tap-783-singaporeans-cheered-news-mas-se-231650b.html
Monday, May 4, 2009
Swine Flu: Orange Level Alert!
Well, I trust everyone has heard of the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus, named Swine Flu for the virus stems from pigs in Mexico. It has since evolved and mutated, becoming stronger and easily communicable among human beings, spreading globally. Countries like the US(226 confirmed, 1 dead) and Canada(85); even nearby neighbouring countries of Singapore like New Zealand(4) and Hong Kong(1) have confirmed cases of the Swine Flu.
As such, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has raised the alert to "Orange", since the disease can be transmitted via humans, however, a pandemic may not be imminent just yet. The World Health Organization (WHO), have termed the status as "Phase 5", which is characterized by human transmission of the virus in 2 or more WHO countries. While most countries will not yet be affected at this stage, this is a strong signal to other WHO countries to implement mitigation measures to prepare and protect themselves.
Fear of a repeat of SARS is evident as the Singapore government rushes to combat the deadly disease. Rules and regulations have been drawn up, quarantine of recent travelers to affected countries; even temperature checks at both primary and secondary schools! The government is clearly not leaving anything to chance, even though Singapore has yet to see a confirmed case of Swine Flu.
For me, I believe that as a citizen of Singapore, I must be at least civic-minded enough to do my part in preventing the spreading of this disease. Basic things like covering my mouth when I cough, not sharing food or drinks with others can contribute to the overall fight against it. Thus, I hope everyone can all pitch in and not be selfish. Stay home if you're sick or have a temperature above 37.6oC. Remember, if you ignore these precautions, you will endanger the lives of many others around you.
Update: The MOH has determined H1N1 to be less serious and lowered the alert to "Yellow". However, we must not take this for granted and be complacent.
Watch this video! Singapore's Health Ministers cautions Singaporeans on complacency.
As such, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has raised the alert to "Orange", since the disease can be transmitted via humans, however, a pandemic may not be imminent just yet. The World Health Organization (WHO), have termed the status as "Phase 5", which is characterized by human transmission of the virus in 2 or more WHO countries. While most countries will not yet be affected at this stage, this is a strong signal to other WHO countries to implement mitigation measures to prepare and protect themselves.
Fear of a repeat of SARS is evident as the Singapore government rushes to combat the deadly disease. Rules and regulations have been drawn up, quarantine of recent travelers to affected countries; even temperature checks at both primary and secondary schools! The government is clearly not leaving anything to chance, even though Singapore has yet to see a confirmed case of Swine Flu.
For me, I believe that as a citizen of Singapore, I must be at least civic-minded enough to do my part in preventing the spreading of this disease. Basic things like covering my mouth when I cough, not sharing food or drinks with others can contribute to the overall fight against it. Thus, I hope everyone can all pitch in and not be selfish. Stay home if you're sick or have a temperature above 37.6oC. Remember, if you ignore these precautions, you will endanger the lives of many others around you.
Update: The MOH has determined H1N1 to be less serious and lowered the alert to "Yellow". However, we must not take this for granted and be complacent.
Watch this video! Singapore's Health Ministers cautions Singaporeans on complacency.
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