Saturday, October 31, 2009
pop!
MOVED HOUSE!
Explained disappearance all here:
http://cornariffic.tumblr.com3 full pages to catch up on, lots of reblogs (posts that are not originally mine) and the magic of tumblr!
Links will be posted soon... and a profile picture I guess.
I hate asking this, and I've never done it. Do post the updated tumblog link. Grazie. :D
If you have a short attention span:
http://cornariffic.tumblr.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
aqui!
I see Shah's jumped on the post-tips-for-your-ailing-juniors-who-are-taking-O's-in-a-matter-of-4-weeks bandwagon.
Honestly, nobody should take any advice on decision-making when it comes to Math and/or Science.
So...
http://seanliveshere.blogspot.com/You know, just in case you didn't know.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
My wonderful blog readers, whom I have no intention to stalk by switching to Wordpress, installing a live traffic update thingy, blog counter et cetera, will now be privy to my list of conquests (of books la!)
Meanwhile, Generation Y has been very uh, intellectually inspiring. :) Whether or not you know all about Cuba, famously the backdoor of the US of A, get your ass to
http://www.desdecuba.com/generationy/.
There we go. Cuba, as seen in the eyes of the working class. The political concepts are still in limbo, but the emotional reactions give a face to the social and political situations.
What do you think of a guy who sports a Che Guevara tee/sling bag? How about a couple of JSS students going to Vietnam, and at least one came back with a yellow star on a red cap? Bluetooth technology at the forefront of a brand new revolution? Did you ever have to use dish soap to wash your hair?
Decades of political drought leading to an intense thirst for change. Enough is enough, repression has a limit and c'mon, they're sick of the same old shit that happens everyday.
Yup, that's Generacion Y summed up in a few sentences.
It's time for a good doughnut.
Yes this is how I've been spending my holidays. Intellectual pursuits, putting off chores, lots of catching up, celebrating, assisting, minimal job-hunting, reading, attempting to exercise, eating, thinking of urgent needs and wants, going to church, feeling guilty, watching lots of Desperate Housewives, going for family/school obligations, being introspective, grasping with concepts (be they grandiose or uncommon common sense), a couple of surprises here and there (including one this morning), birthdays and a list of things to do.
Wonder how people can turn up in school for school-related events every other day. Doesn't it tire you out? Maybe nobody likes to stare at an empty calendar. Your physical lives are so darn busy. Come to think of it, I've been occupying myself emotionally and mentally a lot, even though my calendar has a mark on it almost every day.
I still cannot figure out what makes a holiday.
I suppose its the Singaporean way of life. You just can't do nothing. Everyday stress over head-exploding immobility and boredom. Is it so? I'm sure there is much to do just sitting around. You just need to find it. Well, after robbing 10 years worth of holidays from me, this is my breather. Much needed therapy, just to slow down and find myself.
I need to start writing more seriously again. Catch up on vocab, put writing styles through trial and error, and go with the flow.
Ugh. I sound... blah. Half-washed blog entry.
Or perhaps that's just how life works. Like it or not, when I write a post like that, it's still undoubtedly a document of development in a greater sphere. Popping one bubble after another on the inside. Oh well, every dog has it's day.
Arf!
Friday, September 18, 2009
another one
Another helpful post, hopefully.
With the up and coming O's, it's time to put on your armour, as my mama used to say. Or sharpen your weapons.
Since I'm practically no help at all when it comes to many subjects (I've got my O level cert to prove it), barring Literature, Social Studies, History and English, here's a tip.
*pop*
Even though you ought to have started earlier, it really couldn't hurt to read. Remember, reading helps. Not only does it tell you to propel the force of your hand forward when the sign says "PUSH", it also saves you from much embarrassment.
To be more exact, pick up a newspaper. Never mind the Straits Times if you don't want to swim through it. TODAY will do. (I've done it since I was 10, so you have no excuse) Selectively read the articles, and have the columns (articles that are more opinionated, rather than reported news) and have a serving of PLUS. It's hardly ever boring. Everything from the political observations, quips, random thoughts about pimples overblown into a column article, movie reviews, music/concert/food/fashion reviews and commentaries.
Whether you're going to be doing a narrative or an exposition for your essay, it helps to uhm, borrow without asking, some writing styles. People don't study journalism for nothing, and obviously there's something about them that makes their work very readable, especially over a cup of morning coffee.
Of course the heavier content will go to exposition. It's not that difficult to be convincing. Also, do try to be more flexible. There is no solid mould as far as I can see, just a guideline. Personally, I'd be able to tell if writing is constricted. That's where I'm not proud of my essays.
As for how it will help with narratives, it's got a lot to do with how you make a piece entertaining. Spinning a story with a message.
Plus, the usuals. Vocab, grammar, and a dip in spelling, grammar and word use mistakes.
Yesterday, I asked Professor O'Connor (sounds much more important than Peter) about red tape in the business of Applied Theatre. So yes, lots of "???" went off. If you have to know, you experience red tape when you wanna do something, but you can't due to the political or social situation (usually political).
Here's a related word:
Bureaucracy–noun, plural -cies.
1. government by many bureaus, administrators, and petty officials.
2. the body of officials and administrators, esp. of a government or government department.
3. excessive multiplication of, and concentration of power in, administrative bureaus or administrators.
4. administration characterized by excessive red tape and routine.There we go. This is why even if lots of money pours into aid for Africa, people are still not better off. Say, foodstuffs goes into the warehouses in Africa, and it isn't distributed to the people and aid pretty much rots away or ends up in the homes of those in power. Lots of reasons actually, this is just one of em'.Alright sooooo... point is, reading helps. Beyond the O's, it's better to be equipped with a general understanding of global situations, and nothing better to hear it from the horse's mouth, also known as the news. It's a global market after all. To go into work, and have thought out how you were going to promote, carry out and evaluate, and then to be met with a roadblock that could have been avoided if you were aware of the situation... well it's a waste.
Many thanks to my gracious audience. Even if you don't tag, I know you're there. ;) Totally appreciate the tags. Steph, Jasper, whoever takes their O levels sooner or later, this one's for you too.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I can't believe this. My brain's kicking into uh... an English O level nazi mode. (well to give credit, Asy started the use of "grammar nazi". Love it.)
I can't look at a word that I don't know the meaning of without the urge to know what it means. Curiosity might've killed the cat but once I get curious, hardly anything stands in my way. On the other hand, if I can get myself to brush it off, then all is at peace.
Arcane means to know a lot about something that most people don't know about, especially if it is very mysterious, obscure or a secret.
Cosseted means pampered.
To vindicate means to justify.
For English compre, there's a section that can be a total pain, an extra present right before the summary section. It's a vocab section where you have to explain the meaning of the word given in the context as clear as possible.
So, if they give you a word that nobody's heard of, and you can't read, reflect or connect the dots for nuts, then you're screwed.
Of course when you get an easy word that you know the meaning of, but you've got no idea how to explain it, then you're also screwed.
Proverbial (no dictionary this time and in 7 words or less), would mean a figurative description of a non-existing thing.
Of course, this is to say that I'm referring to it in this sentence: "The she-wolf that has come out of the proverbial closet".
Apparently, the dictionary says,
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
2. expressed in a proverb or proverbs: proverbial wisdom.
3. of the nature of or resembling a proverb: proverbial sayings.
4. having been made the subject of a proverb: the proverbial barn door which is closed too late.
5. having become an object of common mention or reference: your proverbial inability to get anywhere on time.
Taking into account our pop culture references, like how "She-wolf" has become a gay anthem simply because of the sentence "There's a she-wolf in the closet". "In the closet" is associated with say, a gay person that is not publicly gay, and if he is, then he has "come out".
So looking back at my answer, I'm not exactly wrong.
The closet isn't physical. It's a state of mind, or a social state. I wouldn't know, cuz I'm not gay.
(This is making me think of Avenue Q: If you were gay... that'd be okay... If you were queer... I'd still be here! Constance *hearts* Avenue Q!)
Of course sometimes you have go back to root words, which you probably have to explain, like what a proverb is. (an untrue story with a message)
Right. So only the first 4 meanings given by the dictionary would be right if the context is "Alison made a soured expression at the proverbial sour grapes".
Sidetrack: A prerequesite is a needed requirement before starting a task. As again, find the root words, break it up, pray hard you've come across this word and note the prefixes and suffixes.
Someone hire me to teach already! I NEED THE MONEY!
Okay so there we go. Pardon me for putting you throught his. I've got a brain to dissect, some possible future jobs to consider, and 2009 O level grades to salvage.
(Does a degree in English get one anywhere?)
Hmm, language is very rooted in our cultural influences, past and present.
I can only imagine how many of Claire's students will think this is sick and wrong when I say I really don't mind studying the phonetic alphabet. Don't you just hate my curiosity?
Still, I won't deny that this curiosity has gotten me this far, especially with all that crazy nitpicking at pronunciation my teachers used to engage in. Like how calendar is pronounced as "cat-lender". Or rendezvous being "ron-deh-vu". Stuff like that just doesn't leave me.
Maybe that's how people like Mr Hans can be a walking Psych dictionary.
Oh oh, last note.
http://encarta.degreesandtraining.com/articles.jsp?article=featured_the_7_secrets_of_highly_successful_students>1=27004
Apparently, this is the 7 secrets of highly successful students, applicable to students in U.S colleges, and most probably Singaporean universities.
Let me draw your attention to this exhibit:
"2. Visit professors outside of class
Professors are people, too. They worry about being liked, whether they're gaining a few pounds and whether or not they're good at their jobs. So go visit them. Ask them for clarification of some point they made in class. Try out your paper or lab ideas on them to see if you're headed in the right direction. Ask them the best way to study for the exams.
It's probably not a great idea to focus on grades only, as in "What do I need to do to earn an A in your class?" Get your professors to help you be a better student. And maybe ask, "Have you lost a little weight?"
In other words, suck up. *smiley-face*
Damn what are we learning in school? Abuse of human psychology? Knowing where your limits are? You can't get far in life on pure merit alone?
Totally screams grey area.
I'd rather not find out. At least, not now.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Oh good Lord.
So I was scrolling down a webpage, and mother dear waswarning me about the implications of drinking scalding hot soup, and how it involves getting nose cancer (you burn the internal tissue, since the throat and the nost are connected).
This recollection is a wiped-up, cleaned out version of what actually happened. Inspected for excessive Singlish and how it'll strip every bit of my online dignity.
She piped,
"Hey are those tits?"
"No."
"But I thought I saw them."
"No..." *scrolls up the webpage*
"Oh. Then what's that arrow for? I thought it was covering tits."
"THAT'S A VIDEO! THE ARROW IS FOR PLAYING THE VIDEO LA!"
Yes my family is weird. I can't wait for the Martians to take me away.
Labels: o
avenue Q!
Other than becoming desperate for the housewives (darn these women look really good for their age... or they have excellent makeup artists, lighting and/or surgeons), I am becoming slightly obsessed with Avenue Q of late.
With lyrics like that, how can you not love em' naughty puppets and wish you were older last year?
GARY AND NICKY:
Schadenfreude!
GARY COLEMAN:
People taking pleasure in your pain!
NICKY:
Oh, Schadenfreude, huh?
What's that, some kinda Nazi word?
GARY COLEMAN:
Yup! It's German for "happiness at the misfortune of others!"
NICKY:
"Happiness at the misfortune of others." That is German!
Watching a vegetarian being told she just ate chicken
GARY COLEMAN:
Or watching a frat boy realize just what he put his dick in!
NICKY:
Being on the elevator when somebody shouts "Hold the door!"
GARY AND NICKY:
"No!!!"
Schadenfreude!
GARY COLEMAN:
"Fuck you lady, that's what stairs are for!"
NICKY:
Ooh, how about...
Straight-A students getting Bs?
GARY COLEMAN:
Exes getting STDs!
NICKY:
Waking doormen from their naps!
GARY COLEMAN:
Watching tourists reading maps!
NICKY:
Football players getting tackled!
GARY COLEMAN:
CEOs getting shackled!
NICKY:
Watching actors never reach
GARY AND NICKY:
The ending of their oscar speech!
Schadenfreude!
Schadenfreude!
Schadenfreude!
Schadenfreude!
GARY COLEMAN:
The world needs people like you and me who've been knocked around by fate.
'Cause when people see us, they don't want to be us,
and that makes them feel great.
NICKY:
Sure!
We provide a vital service to society!
Have never looked at it this way, have ya?
