Journalistic Phantoms

Sunday, 5 June 2011

of languages.

A study conducted by The Star co. shows that 20% of secondary school teachers scored higher than 67 or higher on the evaluation of their proficiency in the English language, followed by a more disappointing 10% by teachers from primary schools.

According to John Lee, a prominent blogger for educationmalaysia.blogspot.com talked about how unready the Malaysian government was 8 years ago when PAGE (Parent Action Group for Education) or better known for its Malay acronym PPSMI (Pelajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Math dalam Bahasa Inggeris) was implemented. He also stated that no professional help from English speaking countries such as England, Australia etc were sought, and that the PPSMI scheme was being forced into implementation.

Sadly however, there was a recent proposal suggesting that the teaching of the subjects Mathematics and Science should be reconverted back to its maiden language - Bahasa Malaysia. Sure there are pros and cons to it, but studies have proven and statistics have shown that the implementation of PPMSI produced better quality, higher achieving students. Then again, its statistics.

Here's a scenario.

I paid a visit to Muzium Sultan Alam Shah, situated in the heart of Shah Alam. It was opened to the public in 1989 by the late Sultan of Selangor Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. I've been there countless of times, and I am still impressed by how well preserved the 'items' were.

On the other hand, whilst admiring the items displayed in pristine condition, I took notice of the descriptions by the items which were explained in both the Malay and the English language. Boy what a huge offset it was to me. Here’s why:

· Bahasa Malaysia: Jika ingin maju di dalam sukan, hantarkan jurulatih berkuasa di luar negeri, insya-Allah sukan akan Maju.

And when translated into English:

· If want to improve sports, sent the coach to have training in overseas, God willing sports will improve.

This begs the question. Why on Mother Earth are the commands of BOTH these languages so embarrassingly poor? Mistakes like these would be noticeable even to children with habitual exposure to the English language. Given the fact that the museum was built in 1989, it bears no excuse to keep an eye closed on mediocre English. If it were to be a government’s building then sure, knock yourselves out. But it's a museum for goodness’ sake, a tourist attraction! Enough has been said. We now know how ignorant and how sad our government is. Personally, it is infuriating how manipulative the Malaysian government is when it comes to education. Maybe the idea of suppressing intellectual students is their way of ruling the country. I’m not saying it is, but maybe. There’s a saying the more you think you know, the lesser it is that you actually know of. How are you to use it is entirely up to you. I rest my case.

Matthew H. Tong

Monday, 2 May 2011

Is this true?

Osaba Bin Laden Dies, while American's Celebrate?

So lets get this straight, After all these years that Osama wasn't found, all of a sudden a small amount of soldiers come and kill him, yet they say that he died not Murdered. First of all, we all know that Osama is a fake allies, an American Fake allies and if you don't know, its time you did. Second Osama's death doesn't mean that peace, order and justice is going to happen to the world after this, was he really a big Fear to the world, although he was a fake. And after his "Death" as they say, they wanted to respect the muslim (that's if he was muslim) of sending him back to his country and bury him, but no they simply threw him and his son (one of the other 3 found dead) to the sea (Yes Water Sea) to compose closure to American's. So tell me now, who is really the terrorist here, who's really concurring every country in the world trying to rule it and concurring forcingly over the whole world, killing, Murdering etc... I would talk all day if I had to, but i really don't want to get into any troubles now... but think about it with your self on your own, research, think logically, see different angles from the story and the truth will be revealed. I am just anxious to what's going to happen next.

-Dana Bay-

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Heaven : superfluous carrot on a stick or a second chance

I guess I should preface this passage with the statement that the intentions of this passage is not to be derogatory, but more of a rambling, it could be said it is just a culmination of some moments of passing thoughts, on the picture of life at large.

It makes me wonder at times why we have a justice system where people are punished, when I myself so far have no reason to fear punishment. Although the reason is apparent enough as the term ‘justice system’ is self-explanatory, it is a known fact though that the good person has no reason to fear the law, as they have no reason to face punishment as they are a good person.

But punishment and justice are two different things; if a crime is committed against another then by all means the law is then used to seek justice which leads to punishment.

But if a man were to be stripped of all things material, and to be placed in the centre of the galaxy, somewhere far, far away from all things seducing, then with only his bare essentials, what would heaven be to such a person, a temptation to pray and do good deeds or a second chance to escape a failed life?

Although it is rare to find a soul with only such essentials living sanely and comfortably except for Buddhist monks, it is definitely the outcome which is desired of law, divine or man-made.

Then a passing thought comes through one’s mind, why is reward and punishment or justice necessary in the first place? If only humanity were civilised, but as we all know we are not.

Which begs the question, if heaven is for an eternity and hell is for some permanent, then how pathetic are were as human beings to be unforgivable for our sins? It just goes to show how we are never able to mature to such a civilised state where punishment and reward are no longer required.

Rab

Monday, 25 April 2011

Avast ye sorrows! For I see bright opportunities afoot!

Aye.
Okay, now I've gotten my pirate fancies out of the way, lets get to the point of what the title alludes to. Simply put

The Socialites has been made into an official club.

1. What are the Socialites and why should you care?

The Socialites is the first and only Communications club within Taylor's open to all School of Communications students. They aim to provide a platform for all degree and foundation students to put all gained knowledge to practical use by organising and hosting social events with the support and sponsor of media experts within the industry.

2. How can I get involved?

Currently this club is recruiting members who will act as the life blood of this newly born baby. You can contribute by signing up for this club in front of the Student Life Centre starting next week, or you can simply like their facebook page. Once you've joined you have earned yourself an invitation to the launch party.

Any further information is available on their facebook page and do join in the fun, you wouldn't want to be the one left out.

Shafina

Saturday, 16 April 2011

Let's talk about obsessions.

Okay, so everyone has that crazy dark sinful obsession that they occasionally (or constantly) indulge themselves in. Maybe you are one of those people that have this crazy obsession towards flavored cigarettes and will only smoke the flavored ones, or like some who has secret obsession towards the smell of petrol and goes to petrol stations just to smell them (I know a friend like that!). Who knows? Not trying to be judgmental here, everyone has their own obsessions and even though they may be weird, I find them truly interesting and special each on their own.

What is my dark sinful obsession, you may ask?

Chocolates.

Yup, you heard me right. I bet you will be like “Huh,” with your mouths slightly dropped open. Lame obsession, you may think; but right here right now, I want to show you that this typical obsession has so much plus sides to it.

When you think of chocolates, what comes into mind? Deep, dark-colored delightful sweetness with nuts or little round balls of sinfully addictive cocoa goodness? The first thing that comes to my mind at the mention of chocolates is the endless lists of things made out of chocolates that I could eat. Oh yum, just thinking about them now alone is already making my mouth water.

I am a complete chocolate freak addict.

I love the chocolates on their own. I love chocolates with raisins, marshmallows, strawberries, and mints. I love chocolates all over my waffle, in my drinks, in my cakes and muffins. I even love those tiny little chocolate chips we put on cookies! And sometimes, just smelling them alone is enough for me. I am most likely to be non-existent without chocolates.

Chocolates are practically well-known for its delicious extraordinary yummy factor, but what most people do not know about this sinful addiction is that every bite contains more than 300 compounds and chemicals in it. This feel-good treat is packed with antioxidants that could protect our body from free radicals that speeds up aging process. In other words, chocolates are like the fountain of youth!

For fans of dark chocolates, you will be delighted to know that those chocolates contain flavonoids that could help decrease blood pressure and improve blood circulation in our body. Bad tempered people, swallow a dark chocolate please.

Dark chocolates also stimulate endorphin production to heighten your feeling of pleasure and it has serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant. No wonder relationship counselors encouraged chocolates in bed *winks*.

Some might already know this but, the smell of chocolate could increase theta brain waves to help us relax. No longer a mystery why I have this obsession of breathing in the smell of chocolates.

Surprise, surprise! You boys out there should start chomping down on chocolates! Apparently, report shows that those men who eat chocolates actually live longer than those who don’t! Want a longer life? Start by those tasty chocolate bars instead.

Did you also know that?

· Casanova turned to chocolate to enhance his virility.

· Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.

· Napoleon carried chocolate with him during battles as an energy drink.

So, what is your preference for chocolates? The darker the chocolate, the better? Chocolates with caramel fillings, chocolates with rice crackers, chocolate with nuts, chocolates with nougats or do you just simply love eating pure chocolates alone? As choices are aplenty, it all simply depends on your taste buds. However, all chocoholics know, it is not about the quantity but the quality.