Great Connotations - Part 1

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
Martin Luther King, Jr

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Ursula K. Le Guin

"Cultivate good Behaviour, then cultivate Knowledge." Umar ibn al-Khattab

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
Lewis B. Smedes

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.”
Robert Muller

"Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom"
Plato

"Each morning sees some task begun. Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done, has earned a night's repose"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Beware. Nothing is more revealing about a person's character than their pastimes and amusements". anonymous

When the student is ready, the Master appears.
Buddhist Proverb

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.
Chinese Proverb

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Argumentative Essay - Television (Final Version - Thanks Miss Dil))

Does television bring more harm than good?

Today, almost every single family on our planet has a so called “member” which is a television. It is not just an ordinary member, but a very important one, because the time spent next to it exceeds the amount of time spent together with any other family member. Indeed, according to the American Time Use Survey (2003), it is discovered that watching television is the highest average hours spent by both men and women compared to socializing and communicating activity. Psychologist and parents are perturbed as children can watch television with ease (Sharif 1999). Undisputedly, I strongly assert that television bring more harm than good as television will cause viewers to become physically and mentally deterrent as well as poor behaviour.

Firstly, television viewers defected physically as health problem is one of the cruxes of this issue. “It is a sedentary activity and when indulged in with snacks, can cause obesity and related diseases” (Rutherford 2002, p.14). Additionally, children too are influenced to not being active if they watch television for prolonged periods (Sharif 1999). Based on a research from UK Time Use Survey (2000), the dearth time spent on doing sports and exercises are quite limited compared with the hours spent on watching television. Briefly, television viewing will lead to health problems.

Secondly, television viewing will also cause audiences especially children to be mentally affected as to their thinking skills. Indeed, the essential skills in developing analytical and organizational activity are majorly affected as children unable to generate the imaginative skills to create fictitious characters, situations, and make-believe worlds (Leigh 2001). Moreover, temporary attention is likely to be implemented into the children’s minds (Sharif 1999). This is because of today’s short segments and loud yet colourful presentation of children’s programs and music video clips. Therefore, children’s thinking ability is reduced as an implication of television viewing.

Lastly, poor behaviour of children is also another consequence of television viewing. Children’s behaviour is often portrayed by the programs they watch. Children nowadays continually become less susceptible to violence as graphic scenes of vehement demonstrated not only on television shows but also on the prime time televised news. As a consequence, children may bear in mind that being violent is normal and it is the only way to solve problems naturally. Furthermore, some poor attitude is illustrated by emulating characters they saw on television (Sharif 1999). In short, bad attitude is likely to happen due to television viewing.

In conclusion, television viewing causes spectators to be deterred physically, children will scarce in thinking skills as well as bad behaviour. Indubitably, television programs are created to demand incessant focus, thus making us unable to concentrate on things like homework (Leigh 2001). Ultimately, television viewing consume into duration set aside for homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Finally, related authorities such as parents, and the media should be perceived and take action from the grass roots level to prevent children from being deteriorated by the bad side of television. Therefore, I stress on my stand once again that television brings more cons than pros.

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Argumentative Essay - Television 2# (in collaboration with Soo and Chai Boon)

Does television bring more harm than good?

Today, almost every single family on our planet has a so called “member” which is a television. It is not just an ordinary member, but a very important one, because the time spent next to it exceeds the amount of time spent together with any other family member. Indeed, according to the American Time Use Survey (2003), it is discovered that watching television is the highest average hours spent by both men and women compared to socializing and communicating activity. Psychologist and parents are perturbed as children can watch television with ease (Sharif 1999). Unquestionably, I strongly assert that television bring more harm than good as television will cause viewers to become physically and mentally deterrent as well as poor behaviour.

Firstly, television viewers defected physically as health problem is one of the cruxes of this issue. “It is a sedentary activity and when indulged in with snacks, can cause obesity and related diseases” (Rutherford 2002, p.14). Additionally, children too are influenced to not being active if they watch television for prolonged periods (Sharif 1999). Based on a research from UK Time Use Survey (2000), the dearth time spent on doing sports and exercises are quite limited compared with the hours spent on watching television. Briefly, television viewing may lead to health problems.

Secondly, television viewing may also cause audiences especially children to be mentally affected as to their thinking skills. Indeed, it is well-supported by Leigh (2001), as she said that the essential skills in developing problem-solving and organizational activity are majorly affected as children do not generate the imaginative skills to create fictitious characters, situations, and make-believe worlds. Moreover, short-term attention is likely to be implemented into the children’s minds (Sharif 1999). This is because of today’s short segments and loud yet colourful presentation of children’s programs and music video clips. Therefore, children’s thinking ability is reduced as an implication of television viewing.

Lastly, poor behaviour of children is also another consequence of television viewing. Children’s behaviour is often portrayed by the programs they watch. Children nowadays continually become less susceptible to violence as graphic scenes of rampage demonstrated not only on television shows but also on the prime time televised news. As a consequence, children may bear in mind that being violent is normal and it is the only way to solve problems naturally. Furthermore, some poor attitude is illustrated by emulating characters they saw on television (Sharif 1999). In short, bad attitude is likely to happen due to television viewing.

In conclusion, television viewing causes spectators to be deterred physically; children will scarce in thinking skills as well as bad behaviour. Indubitably, television programs are created to demand incessant focus, thus making us unable to concentrate on things like homework (Leigh 2001). Ultimately, television viewing consume into duration set aside for homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Finally, related authorities such as parents, and the media should take action from the grass roots level to prevent children from being deteriorated by the bad side of television. Therefore, I stress on my stand once again that television bring more cons than pros.

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Argumentative Essay - Television 1#

Does television bring more harm than good?

Today, almost every single family on our planet has a so called “member” which is a television. It is not just an ordinary member, but a very important one, because the time spent next to it exceeds the amount of time spent together with any other family member. Indeed, as according to the American Time Use Survey (2003), it is discovered that watching television is the highest average hours spent by both men and women compared to socializing and communicating activity. Psychologist and parents are perturbed as children can watch television with ease (Sharif 1999). Unquestionably, I strongly assert that television bring more harm than good as television will cause viewers to become physically and mentally deterrent as well as poor behaviour.

Firstly, television viewers defected physically as health problem is one of the cruxes of this issue. “It is a sedentary activity and when indulged in with snacks, can cause obesity and related diseases” (Rutherford 2002, p.14). Additionally, Children too are influenced to not being active if they watch television for prolonged periods (Sharif 1999). Based on a research from UK Time Use Survey (2000), the dearth time spent on doing sports and exercises are quite limited compared with the hours spent on watching television. Briefly, television viewing may lead to health problems.

Secondly, television viewing may also cause audiences especially children to be mentally affected as to their thinking skills. Indeed, it is well-supported by Leigh (2001), as she said that the essential skills in developing problem-solving and organizational activity are majorly affected as children do not generate the imaginative skills to create fictitious characters, situations, and make-believe worlds. Moreover, short-term attention is likely to be implemented into the children’s minds (Sharif 1999). This is because of today’s short segments and loud yet colourful presentation of children’s programs and music video clips. Therefore, children’s thinking ability is reduced as an implication of television viewing.

Lastly, poor behaviour of children is also another consequence of television viewing. Children’s behaviour is often portrayed by the programs they watch. Children nowadays continually become less susceptible to violence as graphic scenes of rampage demonstrated not only on television shows but also on the prime time televised news. As a consequence, children may bear in mind that being violent is normal and it is the only way to solving problems naturally. Furthermore, some poor attitude is illustrated by emulating characters they saw on television (Sharif 1999). In short, bad attitude is likely to happen due to television viewing.

In conclusion, television viewing causes spectators to be disease-prone, children will dearth in thinking skills as well as bad behaviour. Indubitably, television programs are created to demand incessant focus, thus, making us unable to concentrate on things like homework (Leigh 2001). Nevertheless, television becomes a valuable asset when watched in moderation (Rutherford 2002). Finally, related authorities such as parents, and the media should take action from the grass roots level to prevent children from being deteriorated by the bad side of television. Therefore, I stress on my stand once again that television bring more cons than pros.

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Argumentative Essay - Junk Food (Final Version)

Argumentative Essay - Should the sale of junk food in school canteens be banned?

In the era of globalization, advance technologies in food industries have also claw their way up in the food market by making fast foods or commonly known as junk foods. Most dietitians agree that all food; if eaten in moderation can form part of a healthy diet. According to Smith (2005), junk food is used to describe any food that is perceivably unhealthy and of low nutritional value. Statistically shown, more than 50 percent of children are taking more than recommended intake of fats and sugar contents in foods. Therefore, I concur that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it not only leads to health and litter problems, but also triggers behavioural problems.

First and foremost, intake of junk food may lead to excessive weight gain and other health-related problems. Junk food like take away food, mostly raise the kilo joule intake and causes weight gain. Moreover, this issue worsens as physical activity is not in the mindset of young generation these days. “Central University researcher Professor Steven Reynolds says that by offering foods high in fat and sugar, school canteens are actually contributing to the problem of youth weight gain.” (Weekend News 2005, p.6) A research made by Health Foundation in 2005, highlights that low nutritional value of snack foods are most popular compared to high and moderate nutritional value. Because of junk food, children are not well-nourished.

Secondly, litter problems are also a common incident occurring when there are sales of junk food in that particular area, especially in the school compound. Due to the packaging, junk foods are likely to cause litter problems. Litter not only causes a bad image of our communities but also increases cleaning costs and safety and health hazard. (Family Journal 2005) On the other hand, according to Green (2005), the school groundsman has more time to concentrate on maintenance projects that benefit the school and rather less time-consume cleaning the grounds. Therefore, junk food can contribute to litter problems.

Next, junk foods are actually cause behavioural problems. As most junk foods contain chemical additives, hyperactivity and poor concentration are such examples of behavioural problems in children. This is well supported by Caputo (2005) as and added, “Research shows that reducing unhealthy foods in children’s diets can improve their behaviour”. Another statement from Green (2005) says that teachers noticed a marked improvement in student’s behaviour in class and they became calmer after lunch. Thus, this proves that junk foods are the cause bad attitude among children.

All in all, junk foods are likely to cause children to gain weight and be disease-prone if they consume too much of them. Moreover, not only that they will be having a bad attitude-change but also will contributes to litter problems to the public. So, I sincerely hope that every school in the country will not belittle this issue and take immediate action to combat the existing problem before it is becoming a habit among our future leaders. Therefore, I restate my stance that I am supporting ban of the sale of junk foods in school canteens.

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Girlfriend's vs Mother's love (continue)

She may have sexy body curves,

but it could never match a mother's curve when carrying me;

She may have pretty eyes,

but it could never match a mother's eyes that watched me from any danger;

She can be a good listener towards my expression,

but couldn't match a mother who listens to my nagging and discontent;

She may smell good everyday i met her,

but it could never match a mother's smell who's working hard everyday to make her child live a better life;

She may have an adorable smile that'll make you melt,

but it can never match a thousand meaningful smile by a mother just to see her child grow up;

She may have smooth hands that shiver you when touched,

but it could never match a mother's hands that held you through thick and thin;

She may have nice pair of legs ,

but those can never match a mother's pair legs that walked 9 months carrying us;

She may have a lot of experiences throughout her life that make you feel for her when she shared them,

but in spite all that, a mother's experience should touch even deeper inside your heart;

She may broke down to tears just because she's happy to be with me,

but it could never matched the tears that falls just to see her child is achieving success in front of her eyes;

She may got the highest achievements academically,

but can never match a mother's masters in 'how to raise u child' subject;

Take note that u can still find another one when u broke up with her,

but u can never find anyone else that have given birth to you;

The things that aren't appreciated now are soon to be realized when it's gone, so, appreciate ur mother's sacrifices by loving her and try our best to make her happy while she's still alive...because neither life nor death can be predicted...know that a mother knows best...even though we couldn't accept it...thanks is the word wanted by her...know that she is happy to see her child achieve what they want...but she'll be more than happy if u could share the success with them...and never to forget their effort to make u what u are rite now...

sorry if there's mistakes somewhere in this non-rhythmic poem...i'm not a good poet though...

maybe that this also written from a guy's perspective...i know there can be more...but i couldn't think of them though...sorry again...and Happy Mother's Day...

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Argumentative Essay - Junk Food 2#

In the era of globalization, advance technologies in food industries have also claw their way up in the food market by making fast foods or commonly known as junk foods. Most dietitians agree that all food; if eaten in moderation can form part of a healthy diet. According to Smith (2005), junk food is used to describe any food that is perceivably unhealthy and of low nutritional value. Statistically shown, more than 50 percent of children are taking more than recommended intake of fats and sugar contents in foods. Therefore, I concur that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it not only leads to health and litter problems, but also triggers behavioural problems.

First and foremost, intake of junk food may lead to excessive weight gain and other health-related problems. Junk food like take away food, mostly raise the kilo joule intake and causes weight gain. Moreover, this issue worsens as physical activity is not in the mindset of young generation these days. Central University researcher Professor Steven Reynolds says that by offering foods high in fat and sugar, school canteens are actually contributing to the problem of youth weight gain. (Weekend News 2005) A research made by Health Foundation in 2005, highlights that low nutritional value of snack foods are most popular compared to high and moderate nutritional value. Because of junk food, children are not well-nourished.

Secondly, litter problems are also a common incident occurring when there are sales of junk food in that particular area, especially in the school compound. Due to the packaging, junk foods are likely to cause litter problems. Litter not only causes a bad image of our communities but also increases cleaning costs and safety and health hazard. (Family Journal 2005) Eventually, schools that have reduced the sale of junk foods in their canteens have actually reduced their litter problems. Indeed, according to Green (2005), the school groundsman has more time to concentrate on maintenance projects that benefit the school and rather less time-consume cleaning the grounds. Therefore, junk food can contribute to litter problems.

Next, junk foods are actually cause behavioural problems. As most junk foods contain chemical additives, hyperactivity and poor concentration are such examples of behavioural problems in children. This is well supported by Caputo (2005) as and added, “Research shows that reducing unhealthy foods in children’s diets can improve their behaviour”. Another statement from Green (2005) says that teachers noticed a marked improvement in student’s behaviour in class and they became calmer after lunch. Thus, this proves that junk foods are the cause bad attitude among children.

All in all, junk foods are likely to cause children to gain weight and be disease-prone if they consume too much of them. Moreover, not only that they will be having a bad attitude-change but also will contributes to litter problems to the public. Schools should also contemplate a way to educate these children to know more about the consequences of over consuming junk foods. So, I sincerely hope that every school in the country will not belittle this issue and take immediate action to combat the existing problem before it is becoming a habit among our future leaders.

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