Journal 3- A Promise That Wasn't Fulfilled

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=24755

Reflection

Last year, the ministry of education had announced that the Textbook Loaning Scheme (SPBT) would be eligible to all high school and elementary students in the year 2008. This announcement was a joy to parents everywhere as they didn't have to handle the burden of buying textbooks for their children. But, in a sudden, the education ministry pulled back this motion saying that it has been cancelled because of several factors. First, the government has to come out with a lot of money, more than a 100 million and the government has heard pleas from book publishers and distributers. The Textbook Loaning Scheme will stay like the old system. In my opinion, this stunt the government has pulled is sort of an outrage. What turned out to be a delightful promise is broken just like that. It is sort of ridiculous to hear that our governemnt can not come out with RM100 million for the purpose of education but can come out with millions of ringgit for investments to build multi-million ringgit buildings and companies.Think about it. It is simply ludicrous. Education is crucial in terms of molding our children to be future leaders and educators. If the government itself doesn't want to help the students in this matter, how willl the students survive? They will struggle. Seems like they haven't thought this through. Textbooks aren't that cheap anymore and most families do not have big incomes to support their cildren throug school. The government should help the children in being successful in their studies. Hopefully, the government would try to change their minds about this matter and do something to improve the students' lives.

In-class assignment (Reflection on Critical Reading Skills)

Reading class has taught me a lot. I find them very interesting actually. Things like main idea, pattern of organization, fact or opinion, bias, tone, and purpose make me more aware of what I'm reading. Before, I've never notice these things. I just read to understand, not read critically. Right now, I will definitely read differently. It's so good that I learn all this stuff. People think reading isn't important, heck it is. To me, the most difficult skill that I've learnt is main idea. I can never really grasp on how to write or find the main idea and the topic sentence. What I think is right is actually wrong. It is very frustrating sometimes and I always lose marks in that area. I just hope in the final exam, there won't be many questions on that particular topic. Oh please oh please oh please. The easiest skill I would say is fact or opinion. This seems to be common sense when you think about it. And it's not that hard to give the reason why it is a fact or opinion. To me, to conquer these skills is very important because you will definitely need them for your future studies. Not just for reading class but for every class. Or even when you read the newspaper. Or talking to someone. I think. I guess the skill that I always apply is tone. People say I get emotional when I write. I guess it's true in a way. I don't know how to make myself feel neutral. I am a girl anyway. Girls tend to be that way. But whatever people say, I'm not going to change the way I write simply because people comment on it. I like the way I write. There's lots to improve. I'm trying and struggling here to make myself more efficient in my writing. I think I' ll try to add more of the skills I've learnt in my writing. Like bias. Ooh that's interesting... :)

In-class assignment (Reflection on Blogging)

In my opinion, blogging is a fun thing to do, if you have lots of ideas in your head. I used to have a blog years ago, as I followed the trend of blogging, but I found myself not very stimulated. I think a lot of stuff in my head, but when it comes to putting it on paper or a blog for that matter, I go blank. I only entered 1 entry and that's just about it. I've never really seen the art of blogging before. Sometimes I would check out my friends' blogs and be amazed by them. They write everyday stuff with such good choice of words that I became very intimidated and somehow, low. My friend wrote about Gubra and her lack of capability of a certain subject in her course. It made me want to write what's going on in my life too but I just haven't found the time. Now, when I use my blog for reading class, I actually feel excited and smart.That doesn't make sense does it? I love to babble about not-so-important things and here is the place to do it, even for reading class. Mr Izaham doesn't mind a bit, do you Mr Izaham? :) And yeah, it is fun to write your assignments on a blog. It is actually kind of cool. It's fun to see your assignment in a blog on the internet. I think it's very interesting and I can also read my friends' blogs too. Plus, we can even comment each other. We think differently so it is nice and good that we can give each other constructive criticism so we can improve ourselves more. But sometimes, I do prefer to go old-school and write my journal or assignment on a good ol' piece of paper. Maybe I just like the simplicity of it or I just miss Pn Marina, LOL. But it is the modern era and university students do use the net a whole lot so why don't we spare ourselves the hardwork and just type away on the computer? I think it is a great idea if all our classes require us to write our assignments on blogs. It's easier and makes us more determined to write. But somehow, there is a disadvantage. Students would tend to PROCRASTINATE. Believe me, because it would appear on the net where your lecturers would have to on the computer and check your blogs one by one. It's kind of a drag too to the lecturers. Either way, there are advantages and disadvantages on this matter. But whatever it is, I'm glad Mr Izaham asked us to write on blogs. Or I will forever be IT-blind hehe. Thank you sir!

Journal 2 : Catwalk Capers

Journal 2 : Catwalk Capers

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/3/29/lifearts/17004208&sec=lifearts

Models are said to be difficult, unpredictable and prone to scandal. This is obvious among some models in the international world such as Naomi Campbell. But is it the same scene here in Malaysia? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. There are some myths said about models here that are simply untrue. The first myth is models are dumb as they get by on their looks and they aren’t educated and can’t speak English. In my opinion, models are like actors. They ‘act’ in front of the camera. You can’t just sit there and give the cameraman a meaningless pose. To me, having the ability to change facial expressions and poses make them really smart. Not everyone can do that. Also, models not only do catwalks and photo shoots, they become ambassadors of products. This requires them to have good speech patterns. Although this proves they are not dumb, Bernie Chan says modeling is all about looks. It’s a sad and shallow but true statement.

The second myth about models is that they are bitchy, insecure individuals. The world of modeling is like back in high school, where there’s bound to be gossip being spread, jealousy among each other and backstabbing. But not all models tend to bitchy and insecure. It is just part of modeling and it also happens in all industries. Generally, female models do feel the competition between each other but not male models. They are generally more relaxed and happy to help each other.

The third myth is modeling is the shortcut in getting big money. It is common among international models to get at least US$10,000 per show but not here in Malaysia. You have to be at least someone eligible enough to make that kind of money. Malaysian models are lucky if they even get RM2000 for runway shows depending on themselves. Carmen Soo says that it is sad because the rate has remained the same for the last 12 years she has been modeling. In order for models in Malaysia to get big money is either they are lucky enough or they do other jobs such as hosting, acting or singing.

The fourth myth is being in your 20s is old for a model. The modeling industry is really based on appearance only. If you have flawless skin and a body to die for, then you will stay, but if you have some really visible flaws, it’s time to try other things. The truth is, it is not about age but your appearance. So if you are 26 and you still look young and radiant, modeling agencies would want you. Like Anita Mohd says, people in the West like Linda Evangelista still continue to model even though they are in their 40s.

The fifth myth is eating disorders are a fact of life among models. Most models have to have a size zero body in order to fit into the fashion designers’ clothes. Even if you are a size 2, you will spoil the whole concept of the material. This fact does exist but there are other factors that affect the way your body looks. Some models are born with good genes that enable them to burn fat fast. Some have high metabolism. Some also exercise 2 to 3 times a week and eat a healthy diet. What causes some models to develop an eating disorder is because of the pressure from the modeling industry. They are required to have what their modeling agencies want. Though they have tried exercising rigorously and are on a strict diet, some people can’t lose weight that easily so they chose not to eat or throw up after each meal.

The sixth myth is that models are party animals and jumping into each other’s bed is the norm. In the fashion world, it is accustomed to have a glamorous and out-there lifestyle. This perception probably comes from the high life of models from the international scene, namely Heidi Klum, Giselle, Adriana Lima, Iman, etc. Some of them are dating rock stars, billionaires, have their own tv show and party all day and night. Models are exposed to this kind of lifestyle but it is purely up to them. Being a model doesn’t mean your standard of morality is low. Some models live simple lives and do simple things. Not all are party-goers and drinkers.

The last myth is male models are gay. This is totally out of the question because it seems that all male models look gay! In order for males to become models, they have to have great, charming, the pretty-boy look and six pack abs to go with it. But because of their almost perfect, clean shaven look, people always assume they are gay. Not to say that there aren’t any gays, it is just not all male models are gay. People get the wrong assumption and they use the wrong word. It is not gay, but probably metrosexual. It is a new term to describe straight but appearance-conscious men nowadays. They are attracted to the opposite sex but they take care of how they look like women do.

Models are seen in many ways like all the myths above. Some of them are true, and some of them aren’t. Remember that models are human beings too and they are making a living to survive in the working world. It is up to us to see them in a good way or not. My advice is give them a break, guys.

BIAS

Bias in articles

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17838488/site/newsweek/

What is the article about?

American kids are exposed to too many food advertisements that promote junk food and this is effecting the national obesity problem even more.

1. Tele-Tubbies (Biased against because it is compared to kids that are overweight)
2. "There is just no question that children's diets are affected quite directly by marketing, especially TV marketing." (Biased against because Michael McGinnis, the person who stated this statement, is a health expert)
3. "The food industry takes the issue of child obesity seriously; we have a role in addressing it and we know that responsible advertising is part of that commitment," says Brian Kennedy, a spokesperson for the Grocery Manufacturers/Food Products Association, which represents the world's leading food, beverage and consumer-products companies (Biased for because he is a spokeperson for food products)

somebody's 19 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UMARRR!! :)) and to HAJAR too!

Figurative language

Figurative language in articles

Possessed by Love
http://www.rd.com/content/woman-help-captive-by-schizophrenic-boyfriend/0/
The Ghostly Shadow

1. In the dim glow from a bathroom night-light, she made out a ghostly shadow on the wall and froze, terrified. (Metaphor because the ghostly shadow is being compared to a person in the dark. The author is trying to add a mysterious effect in the story)
2. Munger grew up in Evansville, Indiana, the youngest of three and "the star" of the family. (Metaphor because it is compared to being a bright and outstanding person in her family. A star seems appropriate to describe someone who achieves so much)

Falling Silent

1. Months turned into years, and Kathryn Keats began to emerge from her cocoon. (Metaphor because it describes Kathryn Keats coming out from her hiding like a butterfly coming out from a cocoon)

Finally Free to Sing

1. "And I cried out of relief, because I was finally free. My hell was finally over." (Metaphor because hell compares to the hardships she has been through in her life)

Fact or opinion?

Suraya Al-Attas's article
Fact

1. The very green stars of Akademi Fantasia like Mawi, Adam AF2 and Farah AF2 standing side by side with the likes of Zainal Abidin, Awie, Ella (though she was said to have pulled out, diplomatically citing her hectic schedule as a reason) and Hattan to compete for the title. (Mawi, Adam AF2, and Farah AF2 only came in the industry a couple of years back while Zainal Abidin, Awie And Ella have been in the industry for decades and they have achieved so much.)
   
2. Although an official announcement has yet to be made, it is learned that the new system would see a panel of professional judges responsible for 70 per cent of the score, while 30 per cent would be from SMS voting. (You can verify it with the IKON Media Group.)
   
3. "The industry has been waiting a long time to find a way to market our artistes outside Malaysia. The hard part is always to get something going. When there are people actually trying to do something, more often than not they get bricks thrown at them before they even begin," said an industry insider. (It is a fact because the saying is said by an industry expert.)
   
4. Unlike other talent shows, this one would see established names in the industry vying for the title and subsequently compete at Aasen level. (You can verify it with the IKON Media Group.)
   
5. Just check out the list of reality talent shows we’ve had since 2001: Girl, Are You Ready, Audition, Popstars, Who Will Win?, Akademi Fantasia, Mentor, Malaysian Idol, Project SuperStar, One In a Million, Rock Unite, and yes, even good old Bintang RTM. Heck, they could even throw in (radio station) THR’s Juara Popular winners. (You can verify it with the television companies on the shows they aired.)
   

Opinion

1. In theory, IKON Malaysia sounded like a good idea. (Only in theory and it is not directly said it's a good idea.)
2. And if that was not laughable enough, we were told that judging was to be 100 per cent SMS voting. (Not all people find it amusing.)
3. While Zainal might have been a tad harsh in his criticism of the young stars (Mawi, who was at the media event, was said to have felt particularly slighted by his senior’s remark that insinuated he would win hands down because of his popularity), his anger was not without reason. (Some people may not think it's harsh and his anger is with a reason.)
4. "The intention (of IKON Malaysia) is noble. But the organisers’ original idea of leaving the fate of the contestants solely in the hands of the public is wrong! I can’t imagine how they could think that it was a good idea. (Maybe by leaving the fate of the contestants to the public a hundred percent is the right thing to do.)
5. "The real artistes of the day see reality shows like Akademi Fantasia as monster makers. Some of the reality artistes can’t sing, can’t dance, can’t anything... yet they’re out there representing the industry..yet they’re out there representing the industry. But it’s not their fault they are there. (Some new artistes are actually good and can do amazing stuff.)
6. "In the West, artistes know their place in the industry. They recognise their idols. If, say, Bono (of U2), a huge name in the music world, competed for a Grammy with (Sir) Paul McCartney and won, he would probably be humbled because the former Beatle is a legend in the industry. (Not all American artists respect the music veterans in their country.)

im living in a cloud of utter numbness. (is there such a word?)

i absolutely cant wait for this sem to be over so i can maybe work and earn some money to buy ER dvds or cds season 1 till who knows when it's gonna stop and sit in front of the tele with Blue by my side and a tub of jamoca almond fudge on my lap and just enjoy the marathon. even better,watching it with the one i care about.wouldn't that be nice? that's what i call heaven.and by the end of the month,i'll gain so much weight,u won't recognise me anymore.silly ain't it? not to me it isn't.ok im merapu-ing now.better start writing on the thing that i have to do which is ntah x igt.bye.

Inferences and conclusions

OVERVIEW

Inference: The declining of 8 percent in male motor vehicle crash death is due to the safety function that comes with the modern vehicle nowadays.
Conclusion: As long as the safety system in vehicle are improving, death accidents rate will alternately be declining.

PEDESTRIAN DEATH

Inference: Both male and female pedestrian death are declining from 1975 to 2005, but male pedestrian death are more than female pedestrian death.
Conclusion: Male drivers are not as alert/cautious on the road as females are.

TOTAL MOTOR VEHICLE DEATH

Inference: The total male motor vehicle death are declining from 1975 to 2005 while the total female motor vehicle death increase from 11,844 to 13,089.
Conclusion: Females aren't very efficient in their driving and they also not very alert on the road while driving.

ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT

Inference: The total male drivers with BAC's more than 0.08 percent that are killed, are bigger than female drivers, probably because males consume more alcohol than females do.
Conclusion: It is a fact that males drink alcohol while driving more than women do.

Journal 1 - Inexperienced hosts spoil it all

Summary

There is a strange phenomenon on TV these days. It's the "let's-kill-what's-left-of-the-entertainment-industry-and-while-we're-at-it-let's-thrash-the-artistes-too" trend. It may sound a little harsh but consider this. An actress is invited to a "live" talk show to talk about something totally unrelated tp her craft, only to have it all blow up in her face for her blasphemous comment.

Then there is the cute song "Papa Jahat" by Fabulous Cats that has been accused of promoting porn! It's cheeky for sure, even a little naughty but porn? It's way out of the question. The single was supposedly inspired by Malaysian porn videos, but there's nothing remotely risque in the lyrics.

"It's just a song about a young, newly-married couple taking shots at each other because the husband had a colourful past. All I wanted to do was adapt hiphop music to our culture. Seeing that divorce is rampant these days, this is my take as a young person on the issue. I was asked if sex sells, and if that's why I wrote a song like "Papa Jahat".

The above incidents are just two of the recent occurences. Over the last year, producers of various talk shows, in their eagerness to score ratings, unleashed upon the unsuspecting audience a bunch of inexperienced hosts who don't seem to know there is such thing as code of ethics.

In the first instance, the host, who was deeply ill-equipped to handle a difficult and sensitive topic, and the moderator, who was more interested in playing the instigator, were just as guilty as the guest artiste in question. Of course, there's no excuse for the artiste's outburst but my guess is her careless retaliation came from being exhausted by the barrage of insensitive questions that came her way. On the other hand, in the second situation, non-issues have yet again been turned into issues.

There are still musicians out there who believe the industry can be saved and who try hard to produce different kinds of music in order to bring the industry back to its glory days. But if they continue to be pummelled to the ground by irresponsible people, then it won't be long before the industry is truly dead.

"Most of the hosts have no editorial experience. They seem to think they have the right to dig up on artistes. A talk show should be trained as a reporter and taught the basics of journalism before he/she is capable of handling a talk show," says a broadcast industry veteran who's appalled by today's talk shows and entertainment programmes.

A TV producer echoes this sentiment. "Some of these hosts have no respect for their guests. They even look gleeful when asking personal questions. Even Western talk show hosts show respect for their guests no matter how sensitive the topic is."

TV personalities seem to be getting "younger" by the day; untrained, unguided, and to a certain extent, unprofessional and they are seldom prepared for the unexpected. That's why when the guest on the talk show made the blasphemous remark on TV, the first reaction viewers saw from the host/moderator was that of glee, not shock.

Reflection

Our entertainment industry is declining day by day. Strangely, the hosts on tv shows are actually helping to make this happen by thrashing the artistes we have. For example in one case, a tv host of a show discussed something unrelated to one's artist craft and provoked her until she humiliated herself on tv for saying a blasphemous comment meaning a disrespectful speech about God or sacred things.

Now, probably we all think this artist is somewhat unprofessional about her job or went way out of line, and it's true, but we can't put all the blame on her alone. Talk shows like this aren't supposed to be aired. Sure, we enjoy some gossip or controversial issues once in a while, but to make it into a talk show? There's already "Melodi" for that.

TV producers of various talk shows nowadays are too eager to score ratings, so they present to the audience hosts that don't seem to have much knowledge on the industry, even the code of ethics. The host had a lack of experience on handling sensitive issues and the moderator, seem more interested to play the part of provoking. They were both just as guilty as the guest.

Another case is on non-issues being turned into issues. Hiphop songs are known to be a bit out-there,so we have to be open to 'new surprises' in what the hiphoppers will pen into their lyrics. But that doesn't mean they don't know the limits. "Papa Jahat" by the Fabulous Cats is said to be promoting porn. First of all, stop accusing and check the lyrics. Check with the lyricist himself and ask. There's no harm in doing that, is there?

Cat Farish said he just wanted to write about the society today. He is just voicing out his opinion about divorce as a young person watching from the sidelines. This situation has yet again been blown out of proportion. Our music industry is already struggling hard and these people are making it fall apart.

Both of the situations mentioned are not supposed to happen in a civilised country like Malaysia. It all seem so unnecessary. TV personalities need to work on their performance and should be perfectly capable of doing their jobs. The society must also keep their minds open in thinking new things and not narrow it on to only one direction. Try to think out of the box once in a while.