Science has done more harm than good. Do you agree?

I disagree with this. Science has help us more than it has caused problems in our lives. It has made things safe and also allowed us to know more about things that where totally unknown beforehand and explore further on those that are already known. It has also made some things that were deemed impossible in the past come true; such as creating robots and knowing what atoms and molecules look like. It has also helped save lives in terms of medical science, where cure to diseases and illnesses are constantly being researched on.

Would the world have been a safer and cleaner place without science?

There can be two sides to this.
The world would be safer without them so bombs would never have been made and cause suffering in many countries at war. It would also have been cleaner as toxic wastes from factories and oil spills will not occur to make our environment impure.
The world might also not be safer as some scientific technology have helped and protected us like chemical to make our products safe for consumption. It might not be cleaner as well because scientific technology have been used in cleaning the environment such as chemicals to purify it.

Advancement in medical knowledge. Boon or bane?

Advancement in medical knowledge to me is definitely a boon. Having more medical knowledge means knowing the signs of a disease or illness and knowing how to deal with it. Being able to identify a disease easily will help stop a pandemic from spreading further and causing mass suffering. Knowing how to effectively deal with an illness will reduce the possibility of mistakes or delays in treatment and allow the patient to live or prevent more suffering for them. Lastly, it also allows researchers to find a cure to illnesses which are presently incurable.

Qualities that you would look for in a friend.

There are many important qualities to look for in a friend. Firstly, he or she must be honest and not make comments just to please you, this also means not lying and getting you into trouble. Secondly, a friend should be able to understand you and what you are feeling, cheer you up when you are down and help to solve your problems. Thirdly, the friend should not be a troublemaker and cause problems for everyone around; including you. Lastly and most importantly, a friend must not be a bad influence to you and others or he or she might eventually lead you to your downfall.

Women in society. What are their roles these days?

Many years ago, women were seen as the weaker ones compared to men, their job was to take care of the children and do the housework. But now, it is very different, many are holding jobs and some of them are high status ones. Maids are now hired to do the housework and take care of the kids instead of them. Now they are considered by many to be equal to men.

It is foolish to look for excitement in dangerous activities. Do you agree?

No. I do not agree. Some People are brave to the point that they see many activities as being boring and only dangerous acts will do for them. For instance, most of the stunts done by stunt performers and daredevils all involve danger just to satisfy their need for thrill.

It is better to be safe and not take risks. How far is this true?

This is not true to a large extent. People who feel that safe is better will never realise what taking risks will bring them. In life, many things involve taking risks. For example, a business will have to take risks from time to time; be it introducing new products or going on a joint business venture with another company which may ultimately end in success or failure. In the end, taking risks might sometimes produce what is deemed impossible.

Chinese New Year

This year, I went to Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year with my relatives like every year before. This time, the difference is that at least half of my relatives did not show up, most of them were too busy to come. As a result, this year's celebration was not as lively as the previous years and the red packet money I received was lower as well. Some of the relatives who were there did not give me a redpacket as they consider me too old to receive it. The first day we had a reunion dinner and watch some celebrations on display in Malaysia including fireworks display, dragon and lion dance. On the third day, we returned back to Singapore. I really hope Chinese New Year will be more lively for the following years.

Targets and Resolutions for 2008

It is a new year and once again there will be more things to be done, more targets and resolutions to be set. I managed to complete most of my resolutions for last year.
This year, my main target will of course be getting a good result in the O' level Examination preferably to be lower than 15 if possible, to get me a place in a polytechnic with a course I want.
My other targets are to have good results in all my tests before the O' level Examination to give myself confidence and especially to improve on my weaker subjects while getting better grades for the subjects I am good in.
My main resolution is to manage my time properly, dividing time for school homework, revision and rest. This makes sure I do not overwork or relax too much.
My other resolutions for the year include; to be a better person by controlling my temperament, try to speak more and to help people out more, to work more after finishing my O' level examination, not to make careless mistakes in what I do whether it is an examination or work. I am also trying to remember things better than before.
Finally, I hope I am able to complete most if not all of my targets and resolutions for the year.

How I spent my holidays

This end of year holiday is different from all the others before. The following year I will be taking my O' level Examination which is the final examination of my secondary school life. As it is important, I have revised my work whenever I have free time, mostly on my weaker subjects such as Mathematics, Combined Humanities and Principles of Accounts. I divided the holiday homework into four parts, searching for and printing the articles in 3 days and answering the questions in about 2 days. Also during the holidays, I worked at Bata as a shop assistant for a few days, gaining experience in serving customers. Weekly, I also go out with my Secondary Four friends who had already completed their O' level Examination and are enjoying. I hope in the coming year it will be my turn to enjoy.