Caregivers

This is rather tragic. The burden of taking care of a handicapped person is rather great, sometimes too great. When people cannot sustain the pressure, then they will try to find easy alternatives out of the problem, like suicide. The fact that civilization is advancing at such a fast pace also means that handicapped people will often be left out, regardless of what event it is. Therefore, to many, they are seen as a burden, but family ties are important, that's why family members are willing to take care of the handicapped patient.

Writing

There it was, glistening in all its wonder, I had finally found El Dorado! The fountains flowed with precious golden liquid, and it was so bright I could barely see in front of me. The architecture was amazing. A shining city hidden, here, within the forest. Cryptic glyphs inscribed on the bright yellow walls, as mysterious as the mythic city itself. It would take years to decipher it all! So many explorers had tried and failed before me, to the point that it has been deemed impossible. Now, however, I have finally discovered its location. The months deciphering the clues were all worth it. With all this, I could be rich! I located the legendary city of gold!

Singaporean Young People

I think that I have the same views as the typical Singaporean. With exception to desiring earning lots of money. I feel that is is important to have friends of other races, because it is important to have a wide social circle and network. Friends are really useful as they will be there when you need help. If you add their social network to yours, you will have many associates, that their skills may aid you.

Besides, the survey is not exactly reliable, and many political events are going to happen this year or the next. This could suggest using this as effective propaganda for the ruling party or People's Action Party(PAP). As history as shown, no ruling government has been in power for a consecutive 60 years, and PAP is already 50. This could prove to be important propaganda as every vote counts.

Comic

Battle hymn of the tiger mother

I believe that this is an extremist method of training their children. As she quoted in her book, she rejected hand-made birthday cards from her daughters because they were not elaborate, and threatened to burn her children's stuff toys because they hadn't perfected their piano pieces. Relative to typical Chinese mothers, I believe that this is taking it a little too far. One shouldn't neglect their child for the sake of achievements. As mentioned in her book. She even rejected her late mother-in-law's plea to spend a day with her grandchildren. This is cruelty to both her mother-in-law and her kids.

The Straits Times also had an article titled:We're not all tiger moms(January 23, 2011 Sunday), thus showing more proof that this is not the only, nor most effective method of raising children. This is not just a strict parenting style, this is an overly strict and ineffective parenting style. As the child is raised this way they will grow to resent their moms and also repeat their strategies. Lives are meant to be lived, not to be forced. Ultimately, one has to consider, are your children's grades and achievements more important than their happiness.

LA lesson 21/1/11

This is a rather interesting article, but true. For example, until I was in primary 3-4, I was rather alone and bullied but when I met my friends (P3-4,) the friendship was enjoyable. I'm still in touch with them now.

The fact that the boy was autistic makes his experience different from mine. Thus this is very heartening to hear and shows that friendship is still strong amidst the competitive society we live in today.

LA lesson 19/1/11

No. With knowledge of it, one will desire it and thus ultimately have hope. In the context of the story, The children (except margot) never knew sunshine and thus lost hope, and became cold and heartless, while although Margot never stopped hoping and in the end, she would return to earth in a year.

However, there is also a question of sanity. For example, Margot had a nervous breakdown. Ultimately, it is a test of how long can you keep hoping when the odds are against you.

As the phrase goes, Tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all(love referring to loving something you know). Thus I votein favor of Knowing. Ignorance is never bliss...

How long can you hold out when everyone has lost hope?

RE:LA lesson 18/01/11

Prompt 1: Yes, in my primary school, a rather interesting incident happened:

There was this group of friends which always used the parade square to play catching or hide&seek. When I was Primary 3, the "leader" of this group, Tiag Yi, was kicked out by Zhong Ying(a member) who wanted control over the group, it was then, that I joined them, after gaining Zhong Ying's approval.

However, in primary 4, Tiag Yi, who had been casted out somehow took control again by convincing the members to rejoin him. The problem was, although I was still part of the group, I had not gained his approval and trust. Half afraid that I may be allied with Zhong Ying and half afraid that I may, like Zhong Ying, "overthrow" him, he rarely allowed me to participate.

Finally, after months of gaining his trust, we finally became friends and all of us have been in touch ever since.

Personal Target

1. What went well for LA last year?

Our lessons went rather smoothly and thus, We were able to thoroughly cover more topics.

2. What went wrong?

The revision was not sufficient, and my writing and comprehension grades were unsatisfactory.

3. What is my LA target this year?

An A2 grade during EOY.

4. How am I going to achieve this target?

By reading widely, I can improve my comprehension skills while also expanding my vocabulary, thus improving my writing skills as well.