blog 9 What I have learned from the research project and final presentation

  How time flies, it almost comes to the end of the bringing course. In this semester, we have paid a lot of effort on our research project and final presentation, which is the key point of the second semester. We just gave the final presentation in this morning, and the final edition of research project will also be handed in soon. All of us have learned a lot through these two tasks, and here I want to talk about my reflections and what I have gained from.

  First of all, they teach us how to achieve an efficient group. As the research job was very heavy and complicated, and the time was also limited for us, we decided to distribute the assignments. We divided our job into several parts and each of us was in charge of his or her own part. Since everyone in our group was responsible and conscientious, we did very well in respective job, and it led to our group’s head start and proactive position. Therefore, our research progressed at a faster pace. We seized the initiative and had more time to make amendments and betterment. It is the distribution of job and responsible mind of group member that achieve our group’s success.

Secondly, they teach me how to be a qualified and popular member of a group. Hanwen was our group leader, and in the process of working on our research report, he did much additional jobs such as formulating the plan and schedule and distributing our assignments. He also helped to collect all of what we wrote respectively, getting them together and making some amendments for unity. I am very appreciated for his responsibility and I think our group could not win without his lead. He did not complain of his additional job and was ready to do more than others. To be a qualified and popular member of a group, one must be responsible and ready to do more jobs.

Thirdly, I find that everyone has great potential. I was surprised by the progress made by all of us when we giving the presentation this morning. Compared to the last presentation in the first semester, each one of us indeed made great and observable improvements. We become more experienced and do well in many presenting skills like eye-contact and posture and gesture. As for me, I got the highest mark in the class and I even did not feel anxious when giving the presentation. However, I could clearly remember that how nervous I was in the first time, and my legs could not stop trembling. I was much more confident and calm this time and I was proud of my great progress.

 The bridging course has taught me a lot. It is not just about the improvement on English skills, but also about growth and life. I want to express my deep thanks to all the tutors teaching me, and I am also looking forward to my growth and development in the university life.

Blog 8 Open your heart to the new friends here

Open your heart to the new friends here

  I was taught by my parents that the first thing to do when arriving in a new place is to make friends there. And I did find it useful as it made you feel at home. Having staying in Singapore for nearly 6 months, we have made a lot of new friends from almost every province in China. However, besides some of befrienders, we have rarely made other peer Singaporean friends. It is mainly because during the bridging course, we have little access to contact some of them. Another reason is that we tend to draw an invisible line between two groups of students.

An obvious example is the word “senior”. The first time I heard the word “senior” in Singapore, I associated it with all the senior students in NUS. However, I was told that the word only means those who are from China. I felt a little confused, as in my anticipation in China, those who are in higher grades are all called predecessors, or seniors. I was also disappointed that the word seems to make our predecessors into a much smaller group. I still wonder how we call other Singaporean “seniors”. Schoolmates? Granted, many projects that we are involved as PRC SM students may vary from that of local students. The advice received from PRC seniors can be more direct.

In fact, Singaporean students can also give us a hand. I still remember the first few days when I just settled down here. It was really tough as I cannot contact to the Internet. Meanwhile, my PRC seniors were still on their holiday in China. It was girl, who was in her 4^th year in NUS, helped me out. When she knew my situation, she just gave me her account and password of wireless@sg. Her kindness was out of my expectation.

Though two groups of students do have their own features, we tend to pay too much attention to the differences. What’s more, we unconsciously assume that the either part would care about staying with each other in campus activities. In fact, according to our survey in CCA, both two groups of students are open-minded and willing to cooperate with each other. It did not agree with our hypothesis, but ironed out our worry.

Less than three months later, we will be matriculated into NUS officially. It will be the first time we are completely exposed to the higher education as well as the locals. Challenges will come follow anyway, like the language fluency, cultural shock as well as different teaching style. But I do believe that it is necessary for us to build a broader mind to the larger group of students, open our heart to new friends and embrace the university life.

Blog 7 The second rich generation

The rich second generation—the confused generation

Most people, who are struggling for bread and butter, may have a dream that one day their live could end up with sufficient money. But could they imagine how life would be if the great fortune is at hand when they were born? Climbing the social ladder can be tough, but born on the top of the ladder can also not be facile, either. A large group of rich second generation in China are finding their roads confusing. They have no way of releasing inanity, no pressure of feeding the stomach, no goal, no dream, but great amount of money.

Most of the rich second generation are living luxury and messy life. “My father is so-and-so” arouse the first wave of concern on this group through the Internet. However, the problem existed long before. Guo, the only son of a construction magnate, have no pressure of little education (Brook Larmer, 2002). He didn’t show fazed that he had not finished ninth grade. Then he attended school in Australia, where most of his classmates were also the wealthy Chinese kids. He spent more time with his BMW, and indulging in Armani and Ferragamo than anything else. They show no stress on the irregular life, as they enjoyed the rules of “guanxi” and money succeeded from the previous generation.

With a large amount of money floating around, they find that schooling, or even endeavor in career is not necessary. Most Chinese students are studying feverishly for all sorts of exams, as their parents remind them that good education is the only way to success. However, these clichés seem pale for the rich second generation. Even though they do not care so much about school, they can still receive preferential treatment because of the connections and money. All the doors of privilege are open to them.

 When the peers are struggling in different provinces, different cities for basic expense, they have already enjoyed the wealth that others may not earn even the whole life. They are exceeding the peers by an express called family background. Nevertheless, they do not seem happier. Lots of the rich second generation salve their loneliness in a lode of luxury goods and endless parties. They feel lost and confused. They are facing a thorny problem: what is the meaning of life when the basic goal of wealth is realized.

They are different, not only because of the wealth they boast of, but also the lack of pressure of survive that the majority shoulder. Are they really more fortunate than common people? It depends on the attitude they hold. Actually, happiness is not the wonderful result alone, but also the process of working hard, which requires your knowledge, your strength, your energy, and your enthusiasm.

As far as I am concerned, they better forget the splendid background, if they really want to gain the meaning of life back. They not only succeed the wealth but also more responsibility. The fortune can be inherited, but the life route should be stepped on their own. To this extent, all civilians are equal. Otherwise, their identity recognized by the society is based on the wealth they spent, not based on themselves. Actually, if they realize this and a lot of problems can be avoided.

Reference

Brook Larmer,(2002). The kids are not all right. Newsweek.

blog 8 What China should learn from Singapore in terms of education?

                      What China should learn from Singapore in terms of education?

The education in China has always stirred up a heated debate. Some people believe that China has a successful education, which bring students a solid foundation and especially a good grasp of science. However, others criticize that the education in China attaches too much importance to the students’ academic performance, and kill the creativity and leadership of the students.

Since I came to Singapore, I have paid extra attention to Singaporean education. Thanks to GIVE program, through which I was allowed to get into local secondary school, I gain a deeper insight of Singaporean education. Also, because all the boys accommodate in River Valley High School Hostel, we have the opportunity to observe what Singaporean students do in the school. From what I observed, I think there are three aspects which China should learn from Singapore.

 First of all, Singapore thinks highly of physical education. What I can always see from the window when I go back to the hostel after class is the scene that the students are running in groups on the playground. Moreover, I have noticed that the girls in Singapore are much more active and sporty than those in China. In China, fewer students have time or have intention to do sports because of heavy burden from the study and lack of consciousness of physical exercises. The popularity of the sports in Singapore must be resulted from the emphasis on the physical education. A strong body is the guarantee and premise of everything, so physical should be raised to a more important position in China as Singapore.

  Secondly, the divide of science and arts should be eliminated in China. As I know, there is no divide of the courses in Singapore. Since the education before the university are provided with the purpose of developing an all-round individual. That is to say, the education should be comprehensive, including different kinds of knowledge and covering wide ranges of fields. Therefore, it is not sensible to divide the student into science and arts students in the terms of their senior middle school education. It will not be late to allow them to have this choice in the tertiary education.

  Thirdly, Chinese school should offer wider ranges of extra curriculum activities. There are many kinds of CCA in Singapore. I was surprised to see some very interesting communities such as Police Association and Entrepreneur Clubs in a secondary school. It is not common to see these communities in Chinese high school and the students in China cannot take too much initiative and enthusiasm to attend CCA. These extra curriculum activities can develop students’ abilities such as leadership, team spirit and communicative skills, which they cannot get from their textbook but will benefit them for the whole life. It is very sorry that this point cannot be seen by Chinese education authorities.

  
   As an economic powerhouse, Singapore knows well that education will decide one country’s economy and strength. Singaporean education is well recognized in the world and it has produced many heavyweights in different fields. China should reflect on its weakness and defect in the education system and Singapore is a good example which can be followed.

Journey to the wetlands(Blog 9)

(Could you notice any "cute" animals hiding in the pictures above?)

 This Wednesday, I visited to Sungei Buloh wetland reserve located near the Northern boundary of Singapore, where you can see Malaysia in the other side of the narrow strait. This was my first time to personally explore wetlands, which is said to be home to a large variety of wildlife.

That was a quite tranquil place. There were hardly any vehicles on roads abutted. So I could enjoy the serenity there in a languid afternoon while the sun was blazing, highlighting the vibrant green in this wetland reserve and glinting creeks around us. I, along with several companions, rambled in this haven away from the bustle of the city.

It is more like a zoo waiting for to discover weird animals by visitors themselves. While we were stroll down the uneven trails winding through ponds, marshes and muddy ground, suddenly a small grey-skinned lizard crossed in front of us, leaving us gasping with surprise. Then, with a curious glimpse of the bushes alongside, a colossal one was found, with sagged, dark green skin and horrifyingly shape claws. It was sleeping. Afterwards, drop gazes into the mashes and, more excitingly, a still crocodile, perfectly camouflaged with yellow green skin in the shallow water, engrossed us all. Besides the shallow water, you could see lots of mysterious holes in muddy ground and something gleaming in the sunshine was moving. What’s that? Oh, they were small crabs. On the trunks of trees stretching from the muddy ground, slightly bigger crabs were scrambling up. Anyway, you could find amazing species just with opening eyes.

On the way back to the exit, we also walked pass crawling snakes as an additional surprise. When were leaving this wonderful place, a bird, like sorts of toucan, glided past, folded its wings and stopped on a tree, adopting a relaxed pose for us to take photos, and flew away immediately.

As we are all in this tropical area, it is conducive for us to diverse species and to discover nature. Enjoying incredible nature in awe is much better than confining yourselves in cell-like dormitories miserably. Come out to be a part of nature!

My reflection on learning service

Till now, I have been engaged in learning service for more than one month. During this time, I and other members in my group drew up a general schedule and implemented it. What we have been helping is a student center called Baptist student center. In the student center, we take charge of teaching and attending to primary school students some of whom are from poor family and lack concern from their busy parents. From the survey, I learned many useful skills and gain the happiness from contributing to a community.

From the two orientated lessons, I acquired many useful skills respecting community service. By listening to the host’s humorous speech and our trainer’s teaching, I learned how to plan a viable schedule, to cooperate with other group member, and to distribute appropriate job to each teammate.

I also benefited from implementing our service. Just as the host said in the second lesson, as scholar we not only need a high IQ to improve our academic grades, but more importantly, we need a high EQ to perform well in our society, and learn service can help you improve your EQ. That’s quite true, by negotiating with the teachers in student center and communicating with children there, I make progress in socializing which in a part of EQ. In addition, during the service, I gain the happiness of helping others every time I memorize the smile of the children in student center.

All in all, I think learning service is very worthy to experience, and I want continue my service after this activity.  

The differences between Chinese jiaozi and Singapore’s

Last week my host family invited me to have lunch with me. When they told me that we were going to eat jiao, I immediately accept the invitation. Jiaozi is a typical food in China. If I had not been to Singapore, I would have already eaten hundreds of jiaozi this year. I fancy this dish a lot and have been longing to eat it recently, and that is the main reason why I agree to attend the lunch. When my host family and I were eating jiaozi a week later, I found that the flavor of Singapore jiaozi is quite similar to Chinese; however there still exist some differences between them.

First, in Singapore the dumpling wrappers have different colors. There is a very interesting dish that consists of eight dumplings of different colors in one food steamer. What’s more, each of these dumplings has different flavors. For instance, the white one stands for traditional flavor; the yellow one has mushroom flavor, and the pink one has a spicy taste. In contrary, most of Chinese dumplings are white, and the color does not indicate the taste.

Secondly, dumplings in Singapore are lonely. There are only several dumplings in one dish, and each dumpling keeps a distance from each other. The distance makes them seem isolated. And I was reluctant to eat them due to the small amount of them. Whereas, dumplings in Chinese dish are different. There are an amount of dumplings in one plate and they lie together shoulder to shoulder. Every time I can eat at least twenty dumplings.

   
     The other salient difference is the price. Can you guess how much is a dumpling I ate? It is one Singapore dollar! However, in China I can use one Singapore dollar to buy more than twenty dumplings in HIT.

These are some differences I found about Chinese dumplings and Singapore’s. However, I think the Singapore dumplings share the similar taste with Chinese and even have a better taste than Chinese.  

Research, Learning in a New Style(Blog 8)

Our team has been carrying out our research programme for almost one month. In fact, this is my first time to do something meaningful to investigate into practical issues.

We’ve finished our data collection and are to write findings recently. Due to the limitation of our survey targets (local students and seniors), it is a little more difficult for us to distribute our questionnaires than those who do research within SM3 groups: our questionnaires cannot go around themselves in e-form on Internet; Distinguishing our target potential respondents in campus is a headache sometimes. Anyway, it took some time for us to finish the data collection. To our surprise, the data indicate something different from the hearsays got from our seniors. Although it is just the outset of the analysis, I am really enjoying the progress of discovering the unknown.

In China, we seldom had the chance to do research. Even though there were some research programmes of sorts, I would not take it seriously since it was not what teachers really hope me to focus on. So I did not have the sense to probe personally. I learnt by listening, reading and reflecting in theoretical level to doubt. Or I doubted but unable or unwilling to test my hypothesis. As a result, I was always solving the problem having been solved by others before. Maybe it helped me develop the capacities to deal with traditional problems faster. However, study gradually becomes a tedious job and need my great perseverance to overcome the reluctance to study. What’s more, when it came to a new problem, the skills I’d learnt before did not work at all. I believe this is part of reasons why Chinese are good at coping with exams and always get amazing grades in international competitions, but seldom could I hear scientific breakthroughs made by Chinese.

This research project is a new expedition of us to try another learning style. Thus the project is worthy of our effort and devotion. No pains no gains. Let’s go on our project.    

blog 7 What factor mainly decides one’s personalities?

Blog 7

                    What factor mainly decides one’s personalities?

Different people have different personalities, and it is various personalities that make up the beauty of the world. However, we cannot help asking a question that why do different people have different personalities and what factor mainly decides their personalities?

Some people believe that people inherits their personalities from their parents, that is to say, people usually have the similar personalities as their parents because of genes. For example, one’s parents are both unsociable and uncommunicative, and as a result, it is more likely that the one is also this kind of person.

  However, if we take a closer look at this issue, we may find that it is actually environment that decides the one’s personalities. Although it seems that the one has the hereditary relation with his or her parents, we cannot overlook another more decisive fact that the one lives with his or her parents at home, and it is inevitable for the one to get influenced by his or her parents personalities. In view of this reason, it is more reasonable to say that the environment decides one’s personalities.

  Environment refers to not only family environment but also school environment, society environment and so on. Among these environments, I think family is the most critical and influence one’s personalities most. Parents can be a good example for children, but they can also leave negative effects when one is developing his or her personalities. If a father love smoking, it is very likely that the son will smoke when he grow up. Supported by a family in which the parents are positive, the children are always jovial and optimistic too.

   In a nutshell, although it seems that personalities are decided by genetic factor, environment is actually the radical factor to decide one’s personalities. Therefore, it is very important for parents, educational institution as well as society to develop a good environment in order to mold an individual into an outstanding one

Sleep Soundly at Night ( blog 7)

   

    These days I am haunted by a problem that I can hardly fall asleep soon after lying on the bed. For almost one hour, I roll on the bed from one side to another until I finally get sleepy. I think I get insomnia somehow; therefore, I search online to acquire some methods to handle this problem. Whether you suffer from insomnia or not, some useful information may help you in a profound way; therefore, I’d like to share with you the causes, symptoms and simple treatment of insomnia.

Causes  

There are two main factors of insomnia for us. The first is uncomfortable temperature. That is, the room you live in may be so hot that you do not feel well physically. A second one is because you bear so many stresses in life. Heavy pressures such as the approaching deadline of an essay or test may push you so hard that you cannot relax on the bed.

                                   Symptoms

With a poor sleep at night, people usually cannot perform well at day. I conclude some symptoms of insomnia that probably happen to us. First, a poor sleep leads to weigh gaining. Second, it can affect your study. For example, if you don’t sleep well last night, you will possibly stay sleepy in class and cannot keep pace with the lecture. Thirdly, after a day of low efficiency, you may feel more stressful, which can lead to a vicious circle that you cannot sleep well again.                  

                            Simple Treatment

 Let’s come to the most important part---------treatment. I really wish that some may work to get you out of insomnia. First, taking a warm shower before going to bed can relax your body effectively. Secondly, playing some soft, smooth music will lull you to sleep. Thirdly, drinking a glass of warm milk does help. A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will smooth your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works directly on jagged nerves to make them and you relax. Last but the most important is keeping regular bedtime. It can adjust you to a stable biological clock.

Fortunately, insomnia generally last less than seven days. With a good method, it would be even shorter. I think I will have a nice sleep today. Same to you uh!

Blog 6 Reflection on the service-learning

After two training classes on service-learning, our group, NUS girls group two, has put the skills into practice. We learned how to discuss for decisions, and mostly importantly, take actions.

So far, we did quite a good job in our first step— to raise the basic budget for the children we will serve. Till now, we have raised S$510, much exceeding the original aim S$250. During the training class on Sunday morning, we discussed in group and decided to raise money by donation on our campus. Then, we were divided into three smaller groups and were assigned with the same amount of the task of the donation.

 The sub-group with 5 members was the first to begin the job. On Sunday evening, they collected all the materials and began to paint the poster, the donation box and make some handicrafts for the donators. The second group, however, contacted with a merchant, and stocked some milk tea for charity sale. Meanwhile, the third group also made some handicrafts for the donators. After the preparation, we raised money in three different places on the campus. It was out of our expectation that so much money was donated in only three days.

 We find that making plan was rather essential for the task. Besides, team-work made a great difference in the whole process. We brainstormed for the method of collecting money. It was team-work that inspired our ideas to make the foregoing decision. Finally, taking actions was the key of the task. Before we began the project, we found it hard to get the budget. However, the road we went became broader and brighter, when we immersed ourselves into the task, put our heart into it and tried to figure out the solutions. We gained more passion along with the operation, and took actions as soon as possible. In addition, we received happiness and the sense of accomplishment. It was great to that what we were doing was supported by a large group of people.

  However, there is one aspect that we should improve, that is, the connection with the group members. It was true that during the cooperation in the donation, we came to know more with each other.  However, seldom did we exchange our latest process because it was hard to inform all the 13 fellows in different rooms. Therefore, it is necessary for us to set up a QQ group, so as to get in touch with our partners conveniently.

  All in all, we cooperated efficiently during these weeks, and have acquired some crucial skills in team-work. The the money donated will be well-planned before used. We are looking forward to serving the children in VWO now. (VWO stands for volunteer associations)

The Law of Human Nature(Blog7)

The Law of Human Nature

Do you believe that The Law of Human Nature exists? You have known the law of Human Nature without learning since you were born?

Recently, I read a book talking. One chapter of it is about The Law of Human Nature, which shook me, and the book convinced me of the existence of it.

To begin with, where does the standard of the right or wrong come? Do you notice that human being is the only creature that is able to quarrel? Unlike fighting, the aim of quarrelling is to make the other side accept he or she is wrong. But what is the right and wrong? At least, only based on knowing what the standard of the right or wrong is can quarrels happen. Like football match, how can a football match begin without any rules? Now, this most important problem is that where does the standard of the right or wrong come?

People may say that we learn this kinds of standard from others and education. That is why people of different culture and ages will have different moralities. But in the book, the writer points out that “Think what a totally different morality would mean?”” We learn to keep to the left of the road, but it might just as well the rule to keep to the right.” “And others of them like mathematics, are real truths.” Will people in any country appreciate selfish people, dishonest men and soldiers running away from battle? Also, we all assume that the idea of decent behaviors is known by everyone. These truths do not alter in ages, degree of education, areas and culture. “This is law called the Law of Human Nature because people thought that every one knew it by nature and did not need to be taught it.”

And you can feel the Law of Human Nature exists when you are comparing two different moralities. “The moment you say that set of moral ideas can be better than another, you are, in fact, measuring them both by a standard” But this standard is not really a sort of common morality. The writer called it “ Real Morality”, which is independent of what people think. 

All I have mentioned is my understanding of the book. It is not completed and exact what the write mean. The name of the book is Mere Christianity written by C. S. Lewis. Although this book is about religion, it does give me enlightenment to rethink about some concept, such as justice and morality.

       

blog5 On geomancy

   Geomancy, or feng shui in Chinese, is a mysterious theory but used nationwide. As it has much to do with the traditional religion Daoism, and the literature that recorded it in abstruse ancient Chinese, feng shui’ s rationality is concealed by miraculous veil “chi”. It has always been discussed whether feng shui is scientific or superstitious. In my opinion, some of the regulations in feng shui are logical and scientific. It is related to such areas as geography, health care, biology, psychology, and aesthetics.

   We can analysis some taboos reasonably. For example, it will spell negative “chi” and block off the positive “chi”, if one construct a washroom or a pillar near the front door of the house. In fact, most of us will feel uncomfortable if we see a washroom or a pillar when entering the house, needless to say it is inconvenient to move. This can be classified as psychology factors. Besides, a washroom is the place which contains the most potential bacteria and fungus. Without an appropriate ventilating facility, the germs can be spread through the house, which increases the possibility of getting sick. This is the factor of health care and hygiene.

Another taboo is about the sleeping position. Sleep is an essential part of ones’ life, and therefore, feng shui sheds much light on it. In feng shui, it is suggested that people should sleep paralleling the north-south direction. Otherwise, the negative “chi” will be stuck around above the bed and people will find it hard to get a sound sleep. Some experts explained that it is because of the north-south direction magnetic field of the earth. The element Ferrum in our blood can be influenced by the magnetic field of the earth. If people sleep by the east-west direction, the bioelectrical current will be hindered. On the contrary, adjusting to the earth magnetic field, the blood cell will aggregate and arrange more regularly, as well as transport efficiently. Nowadays, scientists try to use the magnetic field to reduce the consistence of blood, so as to treat the coronary disease. This is the factor in geography and biology.

   There are more cases in feng shui with its own rationality. However, as a type of traditional culture, a lot of superstition is added inside, just like Chinese medicine. It is the fact that some phenomena in feng shui cannot be explained. At the same time, many people make advantage of its mystery for fortune. Therefore, it is necessary for us to think twice before we believe.

April Fool's Day（Blog 6）

           If someone breaks some tremendous or incredible news on April Fool’s Day, will you believe it?

           Yesterday day, which is April fool’s day meanwhile, a piece of news goes that “ A hiker who was about to be mauled to death by a mountain lion was saved by a bear. Experts are yet to confirm the report from a shaken Bob Biggs.” Is it true or just a joking on that particular day?

           Actually, it is turned out to be true. However, at the first sight I read this news, I didn’t believe it since it was on Fool’s Day. But if it was a normal day, I could hardly have such doubts about whether one piece of news is true or not. At least, it shows that things get interesting in this special foolish festival.

           Personally, we should not take this festival seriously. The aim of the establishment of this day is to add joy to this world. Nonetheless, excessive joy sometimes brings about angry. For example, too mangy tricks, which means humiliating experience, to your friend will certainly irritate this person due to the limit of patience. In addition, making fun of some big issues will lead to unconceivable troubles. Yesterday, a girl in China committed suicide and it was broadcast lively in her micro blog to attractive netizens. Finally, the girl confessed it was a joke in the name of Fool’s Day. Subsequently, those netizens cheated deemed her behavior ignorant and naïve.

          Human’s life span is too long for a creature, so some virtually meaningless activities come about, such as politics, of course, Fool’s Day included. We just need to see Fool’s Day as something entertaining. If people are unduly emphasize this so-called festival, they will be see as a fool by others as the preceding example of that Chinese girl.

Reflections of my Journey in Singapore Zoo

     My learning service finally arrived today. To my surprise, it was held in the Singapore Zoo; therefore, I went on a journey in the zoo after finishing the service. When travelling around the zoo, I saw many creatures for the first time, and those left me some thoughts.

   Firstly, I found that the animals in Singapore Zoo gain more freedom compared to those in Chinese Zoos. In China, each animal is confined in a closed cage or glass cube. The range of their movement is limited. In addition, their living conditions are awful. Moneys do not have enough trees to climb and nasty smells come from every cage. They seem like exhibits to be watched. In contrary, animals in Singapore Zoo have enough freedom and superior living conditions. Moneys shuttle liberally between trees and kangaroos jumping freely on the grass. Every animal leave in the forest or habitats they are accustomed to instead of the closed cages. Hence, I really feel sorrowful for the animals in Chinese Zoos.

  Secondly, I really enjoyed the journey very well. I got to know many new creatures that arouse my interest. For example, I encountered little bats behind the roof. I really changed my formally bad impression of bats when their lovely heads and bodies covered by wings. Since I was born to be interested in creatures, little bat especially attracted me. Moreover, because animals were more closed to the nature, I can have a good view of them. For instance, it brings more fun to me to see the tigers in the forest and otters in the river. I enjoy the beauty of the combination of animals and nature. In short, feeling closed to the nature is fascinating to me.

  I really treasure this journey in the Singapore zoo. Oh! Oh!    

     

  

Blog 6 I love the erhu

 BLOG   6

I love the erhu!

When I was 10 years old, I started to learn the erhu, a traditional instrument originated in China. It is famous for its smooth sound and it has a perfect effect of expressing the performer inner mood. Because of the stress of study in senior middle school, I didn’t have enough time to learn and practice the erhu. As a result, I had an unbelievable decline of my proficiency of performance, and my fingers got a little bit stiff when I played it. After I finished the College Entrance Examination, I decided to pick up my erhu and continued to learn it. I was surprised by the great retrogress I have made but I got better after two weeks of hard practice.

 Originally, I intended to take my erhu to Singapore when I prepare the luggage for my overseas study life. However, because I worried that I would not have enough time to play it and I didn’t want to take too much luggage, I didn’t take it here. After coming here, I have noticed that there are so many people interested in Chinese Orchestra and good at playing Chinese instrument such as erhu, pipa, which is a great surprise for me. Hence, I decided to learn the erhu here. What’s more, I have also found some courses about erhu held by local community center, which offer me a good chance to learn erhu in Singapore. The good environment of practicing the erhu spurs me to make a decision to play the erhu in Singapore.

 I have told my parents this decision and my parents will send me my erhu through EMS although the shipping fee is very high. I am very delightful when my parents also give me great support and encourage me to practice it a lot since it can enrich my school life, develop me into a person with multiple skills and even give me a relaxation when I feel tired.

 I love the erhu!

some of my predictions about NBA

    I have been crazy about NBA games since my junior high school. Till now many superstars and classical games have come into my eyes. I admire T-Mac’s talent, Kobe’s self-confidence, James’s ability, Wade’s speed, Iverson’s adamancy and so on. I have also witnessed the moment of T-Mac, 81 points in one game and the dynasty of Lakers etc. Though I can seldom see NBA game live now, I still have some personal opinions to share.

  Firstly, I think MVP award‘s competition is between James and Durant. The first reason is that their statistics is very excellent. Considering their team always have a big victory in the games which will reduce their performing time, their performance must be more efficient than other competitors. Next, their teams’ standings are very high, which account a lot in assessing the MVP. Third, James is better than Durant in breakthrough, while Durant win James in shooting. So it is hard to say who will be the awardee of MVP. In short, though other players like Kobe and Paul are also very excellent, James and Durant do better in efficiency and team’s standings.

  Second, I predict the final champion is among Bulls, Heat and Lakers, and Lakers is more likely than the other two. In the west, Thunder is too young and lacks the offence inside, while Mavericks is too old and miss many important players this season. Clippers is outstanding; however, it needs a good shooter outside and stability. Lakers is experienced and have excellent players both inside and outside, so it has the most opportunity to stand out of teams in west. In east, Bulls and Heat are the best two teams, and though Heat has more superstars, Bulls may have the advantage of home match. So I think there will be a fierce match between Heat and Bull in playoffs. In addition, given that Lakers has better inside players and key player, Kobe, who performs well in junctures, I hold the opinion the Lakers is more likely to win the champion.

Those are some of my predictions and analysis. Since NBA is where amazing happens, the result of these event may be quite different. What’s more, if you have great opposite opinion against me, don’t take it seriously.

As the amount of word is limited, those are only some of my opinions. I may share more with you next time. If you are interested in the topic, you can talk it with me in leisure time. I am looking forward to your harmonious comments. 

Blog 4 Durian: a taste of happiness

Durian: a taste of happiness

  I used to love eating durian when I was at home. Whenever I take a sip of it, I feel rather content as if I were a fairy walking on the clouds. It was because of the durian ice-cream that I realized that I can also feel the same when in Singapore, which moved me a lot.

   Last Saturday, Stella, a befriender of our group, invited us out for a dinner. After the dinner, she led us to an ice-cream shop. Before I ordered the ice-cream, the waitress offered several tastes for me to try. When I was puzzled which to choose, I noticed that there was a card written “ durian” . I was exited but wondered whether I misread. The waitress explained that there was durian ice-cream in the shop, but it was not displayed on the showcase in case the strong smell would influence the others. “I want a scoop of it!” I said cheerfully. She was surprised by my resolution. I was amazed to find that the taste of the ice-cream can be so authentic. They made it with real pulp of durian rather than chemical flavor. It reminded me of every happy moment connected to the durian in China. The environment around me seemed pretty familiar, making me feel peaceful and joyful. Maybe it was just biologically a conditioned response. Just as Shi Tiesheng, a writer, said hometown is not a specific place but an attitude and mood of brightness, which is not restricted by time or space; once the attitude is aroused, you are at home.

    After staying in Singapore for more than two months, I found that Singapore was too tranquil for me to seek any novelty. However, the durian ice-cream demonstrated that happiness can be gained in a very easy way.

Jogging Blog4

 Last Saturday, I participated in a 5km jogging competition. I finally ranked 26^th. I was really satisfied.

   Actually, I love jogging and go jogging almost everyday, so such distance running is not an arduous journey for me. However, many people ask me why I love jogging and they argue that running is really boring and miserable. On the contrary, I think they don’t understand jogging well.

   In fact, jogging is a very healthy sport and it is easy for you to do it. You can run as long as you have a pair of suitable shoes. Different from some sports, which will bring you pain and tiredness, jogging seldom make my body feel sour after jogging since it is a kind of mild exercise. So I can go jogging everyday without adjustment.

   In addition, the feeling during jogging is pretty good. I needn’t worry about anything while I am jogging. I can relax my mind and do exercise at the same time. I really enjoy the peace of my mind in my daily jogging time.

   However, my friends still tell me that they suffer a lot from long distant running. To some degree, it is true. But, according my experience, that is just the symptom of lack of exercise. If you run regularly, the difficulty will be overcome by degrees. What’s more, after breaking your limitation during jogging, you can notice your gradual progress. The accumulation of such progress will lead to a health body, which is the most significant in our lives.

   Imagine the scene of jogging in a tranquil park in Singapore in the morning. It must be very enjoyable, isn’t it?