Astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have detected gamma-rays from a nova for the first time, a finding that stunned observers and theorists alike. The discovery overturns the notion that novae explosions lack the power to emit such high-energy radiation. A nova is a sudden, short-lived brightening of an otherwise inconspicuous star. The outburst occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system erupts in an enormous thermonuclear explosion. This eruption is equivalent to about 1,000 times the energy emitted by the sun every year!
Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light, and Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT) detected the nova for 15 days. Scientists believe the emission arose as a million-mile-per-hour shock wave raced from the site of the explosion. A paper detailing the discovery will appear in the Aug. 13 edition of the journal Science. The story opened in Japan during the predawn hours of March 11, when amateur astronomers Koichi Nishiyama and Fujio Kabashima in Miyaki-cho, Saga Prefecture, imaged a dramatic change in the brightness of a star in the constellation Cygnus. They realized that the star, known as V407 Cyg, was 10 times brighter than in an image they had taken three days earlier. The team relayed the nova discovery to Hiroyuki Maehara at Kyoto University, who notified astronomers around the world for follow-up observations.
On March 13, Goddard's Davide Donato was on-duty as the LAT "flare advocate," a scientist who monitors the daily data downloads for sources of potential interest, when he noticed a significant detection in Cygnus. But linking this source to the nova would take several days, in part because key members of the Fermi team were in Paris for a meeting of the LAT scientific collaboration.
"This region is close to the galactic plane, which packs together many types of gamma-ray sources -- pulsars, supernova remnants, and others in our own galaxy, plus active galaxies beyond them," Donato said. "If the nova had occurred elsewhere in the sky, figuring out the connection would have been easier." The LAT team began a concerted effort to identify the mystery source over the following days. On March 17, the researchers decided to obtain a "target-of-opportunity" observation using NASA's Swift satellite -- only to find that Swift was already observing the same spot. Examining the Swift data, Cheung saw no additional X-ray sources that could account for what Fermi's LAT was seeing. V407 Cyg had to be it.
Half an hour later, Cheung learned from other members of the LAT team that the system had undergone a nova outburst, which was the reason the Swift observations had been triggered. "When we looked closer, we found that the LAT had detected the first gamma rays at about the same time as the nova's discovery," he said. V407 Cyg lies 9,000 light-years away(distance of light travelling for 9000 years). The system is a so-called symbiotic binary containing a compact white dwarf and a red giant star about 500 times the size of the sun. Each decade, the red giant sheds enough hydrogen gas to equal the mass of Earth.
The white dwarf intercepts and captures some of this gas, which accumulates on its surface. As the gas piles on for decades to centuries, it eventually becomes hot and dense enough to fuse into helium. This energy-producing process triggers a runaway reaction that explodes the accumulated gas. The white dwarf itself, however, remains intact.
The blast created a hot, dense expanding shell called a shock front, composed of high-speed particles, ionized gas and magnetic fields. According to an early spectrum obtained by Christian Buil at Castanet Tolosan Observatory, France, the nova's shock wave expanded at 7 million miles per hour -- or nearly 1 percent the speed of light.
The magnetic fields trapped particles within the shell and whipped them up to tremendous energies. Before they could escape, the particles had reached velocities near the speed of light. Scientists say that the gamma rays likely resulted when these accelerated particles smashed into the red giant's wind.
Supernovae remnants endure for 100,000 years and affect regions of space thousands of light-years across.
Kent Wood at NRL compares astronomical studies of supernova remnants to looking at static images in a photo album. "It takes thousands of years for supernova remnants to evolve, but with this nova we've watched the same kinds of changes over just a few days," he said. "We've gone from a photo album to a time-lapse movie."
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100812172054.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/08/100812172054-large.jpg
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Math Theory calculates Football Odds
A sophisticated new analysis of team tactics predicts a Spanish win in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final and also shows why England were beaten by Germany. Mathematicians and football supporters Dr Javier López Peña and Dr Hugo Touchette from Queen Mary, University of London have collected ball passing data from all of the FIFA World Cup games and analysed it to reveal the nations' different styles of play. Using the mathematical technique called Graph Theory, they have revealed the gaping holes in England's tactics against Germany game and made predictions about the Netherlands-Spain final that could rival the psychic octopus. For each national side, Drs López Peña and Touchette have drawn up a 'network' of passes between players throughout the tournament and analysed how these networks compare between teams. Dr Touchette explains: "Each player in the network is given a score called centrality which measures how vital they are to the network. The higher the centrality score, the bigger the impact if that player wasn't there. This method is most commonly used to make computer networks more robust, but it can also be used to plan football strategy." The Netherlands-Spain prediction The networks reveal Spanish players have made a strikingly high number of passes this tournament, almost 40 per cent more than Germany and twice as many as the Dutch. "The team relies on swift passes that are well distributed among all players, especially between those playing mid-field," said Dr López Peña. David Villa, the tournament's highest goal scorer, has received an average of 37 passes per game, more than any other forward from all the teams. Dr López Peña said: "Villa's performance has been impressive compared with Fernando Torres, who has not scored any goals this tournament. This was reflected in the successful Spanish tactics, with Torres only receiving an average of 13 passes per match, and 37 to Villa." C onversely, the Dutch gameplay is clearly offensive, involving a very low number of passes between players, most of which are aimed at the strikers. Dr López Peña said: "The low number of passes shows the Dutch prefer quick attacks and counterstrikes rather than intricate playing. Their goals are often scored from set pieces such as free kicks and they use their physical presence to beat their opponents." The England-Germany match The analysis shows the English squad to have a balanced line-up with no single player more important than the team as a whole. Dr López Peña said: "The good midfield work of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry doesn't appear to transfer very well to the forwards, with Wayne Rooney receiving on average three times more passes than Jermain Defoe. This makes the English attack very predictable and easily stoppable by blocking Rooney, who is usually forced to give the ball back to Gerrard." The German network appears even more balanced than the English one, with a higher number of passes, suggesting more circulation of the ball. "Particularly relevant are the passes between Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger and most of the German attacks are built up from the defenders. Mesut Oezil makes good work connecting both sides of the field on the attack, making the German offensive game very effective and hard to defend against. The key player in the German strategy remains Schweinsteiger, who was effectively blocked by the Spanish midfielders' characteristic fast circulation in their semi-final defeat," said Dr López Peña. I find this article very interesting as it has proven that mathematics can indeed calculate, to a great accuracy, the chances of a team winning a match, or even a championship. Hmmm.... I wonder if soccer bets would now be placed with reference to the Graphy Theory. Hopefully, by then, soccer teams would have improved their 'playing network'.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/07/100709102721-large.jpg
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100709102721.htm
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/07/100709102721-large.jpg
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100709102721.htm
Secret to Swatting Flies
Has this question ever occured to you? It sure has to me! Lets hear more about it from the professionals. Using high-resolution, high-speed digital imaging of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) faced with a looming swatter, Michael Dickinson and graduate student Gwyneth Card have determined the secret to a fly's evasive maneuvering. Long before the fly leaps, its tiny brain calculates the location of the impending threat, comes up with an escape plan, and places its legs in an optimal position to hop out of the way in the opposite direction. All of this action takes place within about 100 milliseconds after the fly first spots the swatter. "This illustrates how rapidly the fly's brain can process sensory information into an appropriate motor response," Dickinson says. For example, the videos showed that if the descending swatter--actually, a 14-centimeter-diameter black disk, dropping at a 50-degree angle toward a fly standing at the center of a small platform--comes from in front of the fly, the fly moves its middle legs forward and leans back, then raises and extends its legs to push off backward. When the threat comes from the back, however, the fly (which has a nearly 360-degree field of view and can see behind itself) moves its middle legs a tiny bit backwards. With a threat from the side, the fly keeps its middle legs stationary, but leans its whole body in the opposite direction before it jumps. "We also found that when the fly makes planning movements prior to take-off, it takes into account its body position at the time it first sees the threat," Dickinson says. "When it first notices an approaching threat, a fly's body might be in any sort of posture depending on what it was doing at the time, like grooming, feeding, walking, or courting. Our experiments showed that the fly somehow 'knows' whether it needs to make large or small postural changes to reach the correct preflight posture. This means that the fly must integrate visual information from its eyes, which tell it where the threat is approaching from, with mechanosensory information from its legs, which tells it how to move to reach the proper preflight pose." The results offer new insight into the fly nervous system, and suggest that within the fly brain there is a map in which the position of the looming threat "is transformed into an appropriate pattern of leg and body motion prior to take off," Dickinson says. "This is a rather sophisticated sensory-to-motor transformation and the search is on to find the place in the brain where this happens," he says. Dickinson's research also suggests an optimal method for actually swatting a fly. "It is best not to swat at the fly's starting position, but rather to aim a bit forward of that to anticipate where the fly is going to jump when it first sees your swatter," he says. So next time you see a fly, you know what to do!
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828135901.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/07/100712102812-large.jpg
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828135901.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/07/100712102812-large.jpg
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Grow Taller! Its for your Health!
Short people have a higher risk of heart disease?
Is this true? Well, according to an article "shortness heightens heart risk" in Reader's Digest, women under 153cm and men under 165cm are 1.5 more times likely to develop and die from heart disease. Studies have shown a relationship between stature and heart disease, although for no apparent reason that has been proved. One explanation is that shorter people have generally shorter arteries, which makes them easier to be clogged up.
However, these people should not worry too much as other factors including weight, lifestyle habits such as drinking and exercise also contribute to the possibility of having heart disease. Take note, tall people! Do not think that you will not possibly have heart disease, as you still have a small chance of getting it, albeit lesser than shorter people.
I suggest everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle and live happily(as explained in an earlier post, happy living equals to healthy living), as this is possibly one of the best preventions of heart problems. Take care!
l.auteur
Links:
http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/06/04/eurheartj.ehq155.full
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/179892/Shortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-risk
Is this true? Well, according to an article "shortness heightens heart risk" in Reader's Digest, women under 153cm and men under 165cm are 1.5 more times likely to develop and die from heart disease. Studies have shown a relationship between stature and heart disease, although for no apparent reason that has been proved. One explanation is that shorter people have generally shorter arteries, which makes them easier to be clogged up.
However, these people should not worry too much as other factors including weight, lifestyle habits such as drinking and exercise also contribute to the possibility of having heart disease. Take note, tall people! Do not think that you will not possibly have heart disease, as you still have a small chance of getting it, albeit lesser than shorter people.
I suggest everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle and live happily(as explained in an earlier post, happy living equals to healthy living), as this is possibly one of the best preventions of heart problems. Take care!
l.auteur
Links:
http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/06/04/eurheartj.ehq155.full
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/179892/Shortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-riskShortness-heightens-heart-risk
Neanderthal Make-up, Care for a sample?
Hi,
Read this article in Reader's Digest and just thought of sharing this piece of weird news with you.
A team of British scientists have discovered painted marine shells used as decorative pendants, together with mineral pigments and shells containing residues of brightlly coloured paints, which collectively suggest that they wore body paint ad were even capable of symbolic thinking. Says lead researcher Professor Joan Zilhao, "The practice of body ornamentation proves that the Neanderthals were as intelligent as their African comtemporaries", "It shows they attained identical levels of cognitive, behavioural and cultural development."
I know that the image of cavemen putting on make-up sounds as absurd to you as it is to me. But remember, they were our ancestors, and they had to be smarter than what we pictures them to be right?
Cheers,
l'auteur
Links for your convenience:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1242118/Neanderthal-make-discovered-Proof-human-subspecies-half-wits.html
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/neanderthal.html
http://newslite.tv/2010/01/12/neanderthal-man-wore-makeup-an.html
Read this article in Reader's Digest and just thought of sharing this piece of weird news with you.
A team of British scientists have discovered painted marine shells used as decorative pendants, together with mineral pigments and shells containing residues of brightlly coloured paints, which collectively suggest that they wore body paint ad were even capable of symbolic thinking. Says lead researcher Professor Joan Zilhao, "The practice of body ornamentation proves that the Neanderthals were as intelligent as their African comtemporaries", "It shows they attained identical levels of cognitive, behavioural and cultural development."
I know that the image of cavemen putting on make-up sounds as absurd to you as it is to me. But remember, they were our ancestors, and they had to be smarter than what we pictures them to be right?
Cheers,
l'auteur
Links for your convenience:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1242118/Neanderthal-make-discovered-Proof-human-subspecies-half-wits.html
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/neanderthal.html
http://newslite.tv/2010/01/12/neanderthal-man-wore-makeup-an.html
Monday, July 19, 2010
World Cup: Spain vs. Netherlands
The Dutch just couldn't stop
Spain from getting the top
Hi, sorry for taking so long to post stuff, but I am drowning in a pile of schoolwork here. Anyway, here's the commentary, I watched the match myself.
I'll bet that A LOT of you stayed up late in the night(or morning) to watch this one-in-4-years big match. I'm guessing that most of you would have supported Spain. I, for one, do not, as I think the Spanish are too proud. Thus, I was bitterly disappointed when, 1- Robben missed three would-be-goal-chances, 2- I saw how slow and clumsy the Dutch were compared against Spain, and 3- The Spanish scored their favourite one-goal win in the extra time. Billions of Dutch and Anti-Spanish fans were heartbroken as they watched, rather helplessly, the Jabulani ball enter the net. As the Netherlands looked on in despair and disbelief, Spain were rejoicing their first World Cup victory. It was so sure to be a penalty shootout, but, in the end, the Spanish triumped.
What were the defenders doing? The ball was passed rather weakly to Iniesta, who was surrounded by not 1, not 2, but 4 defenders! However, the defenders, just practically stopped there and allowed him to squeeze in and put a shot pass goalkeeper Stekelenburg into the net.
However, that was not just the only mistake the Dutch had made. The coach had substituted Bronckhorst(Captain and Defender) out in the final few moments, weakening the defense of the Dutch, leading them to their downfall. Judging from his heroic attempts to clear the ball away from danger earlier in the match, I would say that if he had stayed on, he could have organised the defense better and denied the Spanish a last-minute goal.
However, what has been done, has been done, let's wait for the next World Cup then!
Link to FIFA Website: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249721/match=300061509/index.html?cid=google_onebox
Link to video showing Iniesta's goal: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/goals/video/video=1272957/index.html
Spain from getting the top
Hi, sorry for taking so long to post stuff, but I am drowning in a pile of schoolwork here. Anyway, here's the commentary, I watched the match myself.
I'll bet that A LOT of you stayed up late in the night(or morning) to watch this one-in-4-years big match. I'm guessing that most of you would have supported Spain. I, for one, do not, as I think the Spanish are too proud. Thus, I was bitterly disappointed when, 1- Robben missed three would-be-goal-chances, 2- I saw how slow and clumsy the Dutch were compared against Spain, and 3- The Spanish scored their favourite one-goal win in the extra time. Billions of Dutch and Anti-Spanish fans were heartbroken as they watched, rather helplessly, the Jabulani ball enter the net. As the Netherlands looked on in despair and disbelief, Spain were rejoicing their first World Cup victory. It was so sure to be a penalty shootout, but, in the end, the Spanish triumped.
What were the defenders doing? The ball was passed rather weakly to Iniesta, who was surrounded by not 1, not 2, but 4 defenders! However, the defenders, just practically stopped there and allowed him to squeeze in and put a shot pass goalkeeper Stekelenburg into the net.
However, that was not just the only mistake the Dutch had made. The coach had substituted Bronckhorst(Captain and Defender) out in the final few moments, weakening the defense of the Dutch, leading them to their downfall. Judging from his heroic attempts to clear the ball away from danger earlier in the match, I would say that if he had stayed on, he could have organised the defense better and denied the Spanish a last-minute goal.
However, what has been done, has been done, let's wait for the next World Cup then!
Link to FIFA Website: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249721/match=300061509/index.html?cid=google_onebox
Link to video showing Iniesta's goal: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/goals/video/video=1272957/index.html
Monday, June 28, 2010
World Cup: England vs. Germany
England needed three,
but Germany wasn't free...
England fans out there, I'm sure that you are all bitterly disappointed at your team for losing 4-1 to Germany. Sure, you can complain that the referee was 'blind' and didn't see the goal that Lampard so rightly deserved. But, if you were him, could you have seen the goal? Most probably not. Seeing the goalkeeper pick up the ball as if nothing has happened after it bounced 2 times against the crossbar, I am sure most referees would have assumed, and maybe even led to believe, that the ball had never crossed the goal-line. Also, Fifa rules clearly stated that no form of replay was to interfere with the referee's decision, to keep the nature of this sport.
Is it the German goalkeeper's fault then? I think not. In the replay, you all would have only seen the heart-jumping moment when the ball went pass the goal-line. But did you ever notice where the goalkeeper was looking when the ball landed? Away from the goal! I am sure that if you were him, you would not have thought that the ball went in at all, and would have been relievd that it was not a goal.
England, don't blame the referee, blame yourself.
You couldn't play well enough, couldn't create enough chances, and had holes in your defence, which Germany took advantage of in their counterattacks. We have to give credit to the Germans though, they played an almost flawless match, threading smooth passes and seizing chances to shoot. Overall, I feel that England were no match at all against Germany.
Go, Germany! Make me proud!
Read the Story here:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_546569.html
Again, you can watch the action 'live' for free on www.atdhe.net/index.html
but Germany wasn't free...
England fans out there, I'm sure that you are all bitterly disappointed at your team for losing 4-1 to Germany. Sure, you can complain that the referee was 'blind' and didn't see the goal that Lampard so rightly deserved. But, if you were him, could you have seen the goal? Most probably not. Seeing the goalkeeper pick up the ball as if nothing has happened after it bounced 2 times against the crossbar, I am sure most referees would have assumed, and maybe even led to believe, that the ball had never crossed the goal-line. Also, Fifa rules clearly stated that no form of replay was to interfere with the referee's decision, to keep the nature of this sport.
Is it the German goalkeeper's fault then? I think not. In the replay, you all would have only seen the heart-jumping moment when the ball went pass the goal-line. But did you ever notice where the goalkeeper was looking when the ball landed? Away from the goal! I am sure that if you were him, you would not have thought that the ball went in at all, and would have been relievd that it was not a goal.
England, don't blame the referee, blame yourself.
You couldn't play well enough, couldn't create enough chances, and had holes in your defence, which Germany took advantage of in their counterattacks. We have to give credit to the Germans though, they played an almost flawless match, threading smooth passes and seizing chances to shoot. Overall, I feel that England were no match at all against Germany.
Go, Germany! Make me proud!
Read the Story here:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_546569.html
Again, you can watch the action 'live' for free on www.atdhe.net/index.html
World Cup Commentary
I am sure that most of you have watched at least one match of the highly watched South African World Cup. Today, the group matches played by 32 national teams, are over, and the Round of 16 had just kicked off a few days ago. For all of you soccer fans out there, I am certain most of you would have gotten Starhub's or MioTV's World Cup package. If you have not, catch up with all the action at http://atdhe.net/index.html. As for non-soccer fans, I urge you to take some time off to watch the highly anticipated World Cup that is held only once every four years. If you do not have time to catch it 'live', feel free to drop by this blog and read my new 'World Cup Series'. I will try my best to comment on as many matches as I can up to the Finals.
Enjoy the World Cup!
Read the Story here: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_546569.html
Enjoy the World Cup!
Read the Story here: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_546569.html
Thursday, May 27, 2010
school.life
Look at me now,
Look at my smile.
Is it not tired?
Is it not a half-frown?
Why is this so?
Oh! Would you like to know?
Oh my! The homework!
Oh my! The tests!
Oh my! The stress!
However, there are friends,
Albeit some who pretend.
With whom I share,
Jokes 'bout hares,
And dares!
But don't think that life is easy,
That we drink bottles of sherry.
In fact!
We have not any tact!
For dealing with life when it gets uneas-y.
A random poem by l'auteur(Benedict Lee) about school life.
Look at my smile.
Is it not tired?
Is it not a half-frown?
Why is this so?
Oh! Would you like to know?
Oh my! The homework!
Oh my! The tests!
Oh my! The stress!
However, there are friends,
Albeit some who pretend.
With whom I share,
Jokes 'bout hares,
And dares!
But don't think that life is easy,
That we drink bottles of sherry.
In fact!
We have not any tact!
For dealing with life when it gets uneas-y.
A random poem by l'auteur(Benedict Lee) about school life.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
LA T1 Figurative Language
A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
My Review
A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
Personification-- the use of words such that it seems that inanimate objects or abstract ideas take on human traits
Hyperbole-- the repetition of words to exaggerate the feelings in the poem
Reflections:
I like this poem because, through the use of figurative language, he is able to portray a vivid image of his work in my mind. This poem also has a somewhat relaxing feeling, an illusion, a false sense of serenity. In the poem, the protagonist is thinking absent-mindedly to himself about some of the simplest things in life, such as sand dropping on the beach. He feels lost, and I myself do too, at times. I can relate to this poem, perhaps that is why I chose it.
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
My Review
A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
Personification-- the use of words such that it seems that inanimate objects or abstract ideas take on human traits
Hyperbole-- the repetition of words to exaggerate the feelings in the poem
Reflections:
I like this poem because, through the use of figurative language, he is able to portray a vivid image of his work in my mind. This poem also has a somewhat relaxing feeling, an illusion, a false sense of serenity. In the poem, the protagonist is thinking absent-mindedly to himself about some of the simplest things in life, such as sand dropping on the beach. He feels lost, and I myself do too, at times. I can relate to this poem, perhaps that is why I chose it.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Teen sails around the World, but fails to break record?
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to share with you an interesting article that caught my eye.
Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian schoolgirl, is in the final stretch of her journey around the world, but is denied of a record.
When asked, the World Speed Sailing Racing Council (WSSRC) said that it did not recognise records for under-18s, thus Jessica's soon-to-be record is 'technically' not considered an actual record, much to the dismay of the Australians.
Personally, I feel that it is very rare to find a person that is as brave and independent as Jessica. She risked her life tho sail around the world, perhaps just to get a little recognition for her hard work, and what does she get? Nothing. Therefore, I think that the WSSRC should consider changing their rules to allow this brave young sailor to have a place in the history of sailing.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100505/tap-australia-yachting-record-5a1703c.html
Just wanted to share with you an interesting article that caught my eye.
Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian schoolgirl, is in the final stretch of her journey around the world, but is denied of a record.
When asked, the World Speed Sailing Racing Council (WSSRC) said that it did not recognise records for under-18s, thus Jessica's soon-to-be record is 'technically' not considered an actual record, much to the dismay of the Australians.
Personally, I feel that it is very rare to find a person that is as brave and independent as Jessica. She risked her life tho sail around the world, perhaps just to get a little recognition for her hard work, and what does she get? Nothing. Therefore, I think that the WSSRC should consider changing their rules to allow this brave young sailor to have a place in the history of sailing.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100505/tap-australia-yachting-record-5a1703c.html
Worst Oil Spill Since 1989: Desperate Measures
Hi everyone!
Here's an article from the Internet which concerns many environmentalists around the world. An explosion in an oil tanker has caused about 200,000 gallons of oil to flow into the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico every day! As a last desperate attempt, a dome has been planned to be submerged underwater to cap the oil discharge from the Deeowater Horizon oil rig. Residents from Texas to Florida are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the perilous operation as failure would mean the crude will continue to gush for three months until a relief well is drilled, putting the livelihoods of coastal communities at risk.
I think that whoever had caused this must pay for his actions, as this has disrupted the natural ecosystem of the ocean, and may result in the extinction of several marine species. Worse, fisherman who depend on them for life, may find themselves jobless, and the world? Runs out of trout.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100507/twl-us-blast-oil-energy-pollution-7e07afd.html
Here's an article from the Internet which concerns many environmentalists around the world. An explosion in an oil tanker has caused about 200,000 gallons of oil to flow into the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico every day! As a last desperate attempt, a dome has been planned to be submerged underwater to cap the oil discharge from the Deeowater Horizon oil rig. Residents from Texas to Florida are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the perilous operation as failure would mean the crude will continue to gush for three months until a relief well is drilled, putting the livelihoods of coastal communities at risk.
I think that whoever had caused this must pay for his actions, as this has disrupted the natural ecosystem of the ocean, and may result in the extinction of several marine species. Worse, fisherman who depend on them for life, may find themselves jobless, and the world? Runs out of trout.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100507/twl-us-blast-oil-energy-pollution-7e07afd.html
Lack of Sleep Linked to Death!?!
Hi everyone!
Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 6 hours a day have a higher chance of dying prematurely. It is thought that the relation between little sleep and illness is due to a series of hormonal and metabolical mechanisms. However, too much sleep is bad for you as well.
In my opinion, I think that society is pushing our bedtime way too late into the night. We should have 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day to make sure that our health is in tip-top condition. We wouldn't want diabetes, obesity, hypertension or high cholesterol now, would we?
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100505/tts-health-science-sleep-britain-italy-cac1e9b.html
Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 6 hours a day have a higher chance of dying prematurely. It is thought that the relation between little sleep and illness is due to a series of hormonal and metabolical mechanisms. However, too much sleep is bad for you as well.
In my opinion, I think that society is pushing our bedtime way too late into the night. We should have 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day to make sure that our health is in tip-top condition. We wouldn't want diabetes, obesity, hypertension or high cholesterol now, would we?
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100505/tts-health-science-sleep-britain-italy-cac1e9b.html
Indian Man Survives 70 Years Without Food or Water!
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to share with you all something I saw on the news. Perhaps you have read about him too. Anyway, this 83-year-old man named Jani, who lives in India, claims that he had survived and lived(like everyone else) without sustenance for 70 years!! He claims that he meditates to get energy to survive, and it has worked so well that he does not depend at all on food or water to stay alive, a superhuman feat, the likes of which has never been seen on this Earth. If what he says is true, we may be talking about someone who has broken the Guinness World Record by a long shot.
I think that there is a very slim chance that what he says is true, but not entirely impossible. If mankind can evolve from apes, can think for themselves, even make it to the Moon, why can't he survive without food and water? Maybe yoga really does provide some mysterious energy after all...
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100429/tap-india-science-defence-food-offbeat-5bb9277_1.html
Just wanted to share with you all something I saw on the news. Perhaps you have read about him too. Anyway, this 83-year-old man named Jani, who lives in India, claims that he had survived and lived(like everyone else) without sustenance for 70 years!! He claims that he meditates to get energy to survive, and it has worked so well that he does not depend at all on food or water to stay alive, a superhuman feat, the likes of which has never been seen on this Earth. If what he says is true, we may be talking about someone who has broken the Guinness World Record by a long shot.
I think that there is a very slim chance that what he says is true, but not entirely impossible. If mankind can evolve from apes, can think for themselves, even make it to the Moon, why can't he survive without food and water? Maybe yoga really does provide some mysterious energy after all...
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100429/tap-india-science-defence-food-offbeat-5bb9277_1.html
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Chinese Language Exam Weightage Decreasing!!
Some of you might have read the newspaper article. MOE has proposed a drop in the weightage of Chinese Language in examinations. It has sparked off a lively debate between teachers, the public, and of course, the students.
My take on this is it there are pros and cons to this proposal. Listed below are the main points of concern:
PROS:
- Students who are weak in Chinese but good in other subjects would not have their progress hindered by this intimidating (and in their view, boring) subject
- Students would not get their English and Chinese "sentence format" mixed up in their compositions
- Students can focus more on English, a widely used language around the world
CONS:
- People would be less bilingual
- Chinese heritage would be lost along with the Chinese language
- Students who actually interested in Chinese would not have a chance to learn it as deeply as before
All in all, I disagree with MOE's decision to lower the weightage of Chinese as we, Chinese ourselves are slow ly adapting to habits of the West, and if the weightage of Chinese is lowered, we might lose our "roots" in the Chinese heritage
My take on this is it there are pros and cons to this proposal. Listed below are the main points of concern:
PROS:
- Students who are weak in Chinese but good in other subjects would not have their progress hindered by this intimidating (and in their view, boring) subject
- Students would not get their English and Chinese "sentence format" mixed up in their compositions
- Students can focus more on English, a widely used language around the world
CONS:
- People would be less bilingual
- Chinese heritage would be lost along with the Chinese language
- Students who actually interested in Chinese would not have a chance to learn it as deeply as before
All in all, I disagree with MOE's decision to lower the weightage of Chinese as we, Chinese ourselves are slow ly adapting to habits of the West, and if the weightage of Chinese is lowered, we might lose our "roots" in the Chinese heritage
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Flowers for Algernon Play(Linguistic B)
Here is a play for a scene in Flowers for Algernon...
Scene in restaurant
Crash!(plates crash)
Everyone: Gasp!
Customers: Mazeltov!, Pick 'em up boy!
Manager(enraged): What is going on here!?
Boy: (frightened, shivers)
Manager: Well don't just stand there! Get a broom, you idiot, a broom!! It's in the kitchen!!
(Boy realizes he is not going to get whacked. He smiles sheepishly and walks to the kitchen.)
Manager: Well, you just can't get good help these days, I can't believe I got a mentally-
challenged boy for a dishwasher!
(Manager walks back into kitchen, the boy returns with a broom and a commotion starts.)
Customers: He's not so dumb after all! It's easier to break 'em then to wash 'em!Here, there's a nice piece behind you! No, no the other side you dope! (laughs)
(Boy smiles)
Charlie: Shut up! Stop mocking him! He can't help it! He was born this way, you know?
(Silence)
(Charlie feels his cheeks red hot, curses himself for acting so rashly. He walks out of the restaurant.)
END OF PLAY
Scene in restaurant
Crash!(plates crash)
Everyone: Gasp!
Customers: Mazeltov!, Pick 'em up boy!
Manager(enraged): What is going on here!?
Boy: (frightened, shivers)
Manager: Well don't just stand there! Get a broom, you idiot, a broom!! It's in the kitchen!!
(Boy realizes he is not going to get whacked. He smiles sheepishly and walks to the kitchen.)
Manager: Well, you just can't get good help these days, I can't believe I got a mentally-
challenged boy for a dishwasher!
(Manager walks back into kitchen, the boy returns with a broom and a commotion starts.)
Customers: He's not so dumb after all! It's easier to break 'em then to wash 'em!Here, there's a nice piece behind you! No, no the other side you dope! (laughs)
(Boy smiles)
Charlie: Shut up! Stop mocking him! He can't help it! He was born this way, you know?
(Silence)
(Charlie feels his cheeks red hot, curses himself for acting so rashly. He walks out of the restaurant.)
END OF PLAY
Be Happy, Live Heathily
Studies have shown that people with a sunny outlook on life are less likely to develop heart disease than those who are less happy or outright glum. 1,739 men and women over 10 years participated in the health-monitoring project in Nova Scotia. Trained personnel gave a detailed report of the participants' health and risk before the start of the project. The observers rated symptoms of depression, hostility and anxiety as well as "positive" counterparts -- joy, happiness, enthusiasm and contentment -- on a five-point scale.
They found out that people with the "increased positive affect" lessened the risk of heart disease by 22 percent for each point on the scale, and may have 'longer' periods of relaxation and quicker stress recovery.
They caution, though, that clinical trials are needed to explore the heart-happiness link before doctors can issue any recommendations on how to prevent cardiac disease by enhancing positive emotions. However, I feel that overall, a healthy mindset can overcome the worst illnesses. Therefore, I urge you, Be Happy, and wear a smile on your face!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here's a link to the news article online:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100219/tts-health-disease-heart-psychology-c1b2fc3.html
They found out that people with the "increased positive affect" lessened the risk of heart disease by 22 percent for each point on the scale, and may have 'longer' periods of relaxation and quicker stress recovery.
They caution, though, that clinical trials are needed to explore the heart-happiness link before doctors can issue any recommendations on how to prevent cardiac disease by enhancing positive emotions. However, I feel that overall, a healthy mindset can overcome the worst illnesses. Therefore, I urge you, Be Happy, and wear a smile on your face!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here's a link to the news article online:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100219/tts-health-disease-heart-psychology-c1b2fc3.html
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
$7b Boost to Transform Economy
I refer to the article dated 23 February 2010. The government has revealed a multi-billion-dollar plan to help companies and workers here work smarter, grow and become globally competitive. They will be trying to improve on these five areas:
1.BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY
$5.5b over five years, including:
-$1b for new National Productivity Fund
-$480m annually in new incentives to spur innovation
-$2.5b over five years for training and skills upgrading
2.SPURRING INNOVATION
-$1.5b to promote research and development
-$450m over five years to boost government-private sector collaborations
3.BUILDING COMPETITIVE COMPANIES
-$250m over five years to upgrade local companies' capabilities
-$100m to strengthen business associations
-Up to $250m for Government to co-invest in promising companies
4.HELPING WORKERS UPGRADE
-At least $100m for new Workfare scheme and higher Workfare payouts
5.FAMILIES AND HOME-OWNERS
-$230m to lower property tax
-$310m to top up CPF Medisave Accounts of those aged >50
-$230m to top up Post-Secondary Education Accounts
-$200m more each for Medifund and the Eldercare Fund
-Higher relief for taxpayers staying with parents and the disabled
The aim of all this is to raise the productivity rate by a few percentile, and to help to upgrade jobs. If Singapore achieves this, incomes could rise by as much as one-third, which is important because this is a great opportunity for Singapore companies to expand abroad, while their skill-sets are in high demand. And if they are successful, better and more jobs would be in turn created back in Singapore. Measures that have been implemented would benefit the lower- and middle- income households.There will also be tax reliefs for those who are supporting their parents and grandparents. Housewives who are also breadwinners can also claim relief.
I think that the government has set an ambitious goal, but it is achievable if we try hard enough.
P.S. What are your views on the $7b boost? Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here are some helpful links: http://app.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2010/default.aspx
http://app.reach.gov.sg/reach/NewsEvents/Events/Budget2010/tabid/281/default.aspx
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_444240.html
http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/7046459/18331562
1.BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY
$5.5b over five years, including:
-$1b for new National Productivity Fund
-$480m annually in new incentives to spur innovation
-$2.5b over five years for training and skills upgrading
2.SPURRING INNOVATION
-$1.5b to promote research and development
-$450m over five years to boost government-private sector collaborations
3.BUILDING COMPETITIVE COMPANIES
-$250m over five years to upgrade local companies' capabilities
-$100m to strengthen business associations
-Up to $250m for Government to co-invest in promising companies
4.HELPING WORKERS UPGRADE
-At least $100m for new Workfare scheme and higher Workfare payouts
5.FAMILIES AND HOME-OWNERS
-$230m to lower property tax
-$310m to top up CPF Medisave Accounts of those aged >50
-$230m to top up Post-Secondary Education Accounts
-$200m more each for Medifund and the Eldercare Fund
-Higher relief for taxpayers staying with parents and the disabled
The aim of all this is to raise the productivity rate by a few percentile, and to help to upgrade jobs. If Singapore achieves this, incomes could rise by as much as one-third, which is important because this is a great opportunity for Singapore companies to expand abroad, while their skill-sets are in high demand. And if they are successful, better and more jobs would be in turn created back in Singapore. Measures that have been implemented would benefit the lower- and middle- income households.There will also be tax reliefs for those who are supporting their parents and grandparents. Housewives who are also breadwinners can also claim relief.
I think that the government has set an ambitious goal, but it is achievable if we try hard enough.
P.S. What are your views on the $7b boost? Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here are some helpful links: http://app.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2010/default.aspx
http://app.reach.gov.sg/reach/NewsEvents/Events/Budget2010/tabid/281/default.aspx
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_444240.html
http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/7046459/18331562
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dozens of primate species on the brink
Close to half the planet's 634 known primate species are threatened with dying out, the result of habitual destruction. But in Southeast Asia, hunting for food and traditional medicines made from animal parts--fueled by an illegal trade in wildlife--is an even greater threat. Of the top 25 endangered primate species, five are on the island Madagascar, six on the African continent, three in South America and eleven in Southeast Asia. The least likely to survive would most likely be the golden-headed langur of Vietnam, found exclusively on the island of Cat Ba in the Gulf of Tonkin. Only 60-70 individuals remain. Two other species hover at the 100 mark: the lovable sportive lemur of Madagascar(In the movie "Madagascar"; I like to MOVE IT!), and the eastern black crested gibbon of northern Vietnam.
I feel that we should do our part to help the endangered species to stay on this planet for the many generations to come.
P.S. Feel free to comment
P.P.S. Here is the link for the online article:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100218/tts-environment-species-primates-c1b2fc3.html
I feel that we should do our part to help the endangered species to stay on this planet for the many generations to come.
P.S. Feel free to comment
P.P.S. Here is the link for the online article:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100218/tts-environment-species-primates-c1b2fc3.html
Friday, February 19, 2010
From Worst to near First
For centuries, the northern Indian state of Bihar has been plunging downhill. Once the seat of one of the world's greatest empires, the state was first devastated by colonial policies that enshrined feudal landlords, then shunned by a succession of Indian governments, and finally riven and destroyed when the seeds of caste and class conflict matured into a small-scale civil war in the 1970s. By the 1990s, brazen and deadly highway robberies put an end to travelling after nightfall, and as business activity plummeted, kidnapping for ransom was declared the state's only growth industry. The state, had failed, 'epic-ly'. Institutions collapsed, and law and order came to a grinding halt.
However, this state, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has posted some stunning statistics this January. Despite the 2008/09 economic crisis and three years of draughts and floods, Bihar posted 11 percent average annual economic growth, making it the second-fastest-growing state in India and the second-hottest major economy in the world after China. The administration has transformed the once impassable badlands into 6800 kilometres of roads, 1600 bridges and culverts and shortened average journey time by half. Crimes by roving bandits fell rapidly from 1297 to 640, and kidnappings for ransom dropped from 411 to 66 between 2004 and 2008, prompting the rise of foreign tourists from 95000 to 365000 annually.
Under Nitish Kumar, things have dramatically improved. This state is the perfect role model for other states that are struggling with the same issues.
P.S. Feel free to comment
However, this state, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has posted some stunning statistics this January. Despite the 2008/09 economic crisis and three years of draughts and floods, Bihar posted 11 percent average annual economic growth, making it the second-fastest-growing state in India and the second-hottest major economy in the world after China. The administration has transformed the once impassable badlands into 6800 kilometres of roads, 1600 bridges and culverts and shortened average journey time by half. Crimes by roving bandits fell rapidly from 1297 to 640, and kidnappings for ransom dropped from 411 to 66 between 2004 and 2008, prompting the rise of foreign tourists from 95000 to 365000 annually.
Under Nitish Kumar, things have dramatically improved. This state is the perfect role model for other states that are struggling with the same issues.
P.S. Feel free to comment
Is it fair for S'poreans and PRs to pay a S$100 casino levy at RWS?
Is it fair for Singaporeans and PRs to pay a $100 levy at RWS?
What do YOU think?
Personally, I feel that the government had done the right thing, because this will discourage gamblers from going there, as the $100 levy is equivalent to the transport cost to the Genting Highlands casino. Also, this will help filter out us curious Singaporeans from exploring and "jamming up" the casino. The casino will earn more money from foreigners and not from us, which is good as it will boost our economy. Some Singaporeans who just want to have the thrill of gambling, but are actually not hardcore gamblers, would be discouraged by the levy and not get into the casino, which reduces the possibility of them getting addicted.
All in all, I think that the levy was a good move by the government.
That's all for now! Thanks for reading!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S Here's a link for a video on this topic: http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/6996626/18189687
What do YOU think?
Personally, I feel that the government had done the right thing, because this will discourage gamblers from going there, as the $100 levy is equivalent to the transport cost to the Genting Highlands casino. Also, this will help filter out us curious Singaporeans from exploring and "jamming up" the casino. The casino will earn more money from foreigners and not from us, which is good as it will boost our economy. Some Singaporeans who just want to have the thrill of gambling, but are actually not hardcore gamblers, would be discouraged by the levy and not get into the casino, which reduces the possibility of them getting addicted.
All in all, I think that the levy was a good move by the government.
That's all for now! Thanks for reading!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S Here's a link for a video on this topic: http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/6996626/18189687
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Digging up Secrets of the Past
I refer to the article dated 18/1/10 in The Straits Times. The article reports mainly the archaeological finds at a torn-up carpork between City Hall and the old Supreme Court. Over the past month, full-time archaeologist Lim Chen Sian, together with the help of 10 os so volunteers, has meticulously investigated the earth for acient artefacts that might give us further insights as to how our ancestors lived traded and worked. Among their numerous finds are military helmets and gas masks from World War II, pieces of earthenware dating back to the 13th century, and Song Dynasty coins from more than 1000 years ago!
These finds were more evidence that Singapore was an active commercial centre, and not the backward fishing village most people think it was when Sir Stamford Raffles founded thr city in the 19th century. Only about 15 digs have been carried out since 1984. One of the digs has uncovered artefacts dating beck to the 13th century, such as Yuan Dynasty vases, Indian glass beads and ceramic figurines.
I think that the finds were a breakthrough for Singapore's archaeology as archaelogy remains a relatively underdeveloped discipline in Singapore because of the few archaeological sites in the island. I hope that this will change as I have quite an interest in history and archaeology and hope to join the ranks of thoses volunteers who have contributed much to the digs.
Thanks for reading and goodbye!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here's a link to the original article: www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_478764.html
These finds were more evidence that Singapore was an active commercial centre, and not the backward fishing village most people think it was when Sir Stamford Raffles founded thr city in the 19th century. Only about 15 digs have been carried out since 1984. One of the digs has uncovered artefacts dating beck to the 13th century, such as Yuan Dynasty vases, Indian glass beads and ceramic figurines.
I think that the finds were a breakthrough for Singapore's archaeology as archaelogy remains a relatively underdeveloped discipline in Singapore because of the few archaeological sites in the island. I hope that this will change as I have quite an interest in history and archaeology and hope to join the ranks of thoses volunteers who have contributed much to the digs.
Thanks for reading and goodbye!
P.S. Feel free to comment!
P.P.S. Here's a link to the original article: www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_478764.html
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