I feel bad for them cause Our American men was bully at Islamists people.
http://video.on.nytimes.com/index.jsp?auto_band=x&rf=sv&fr_story=114adf2d4277ffb8f718efdb11f6f575b3452d4b
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Dialects spark new bonding
SINGAPORE : For years, English and officially—termed "Mother Tongues" ruled the classrooms, while dialects — such as Hokkien or Hakka — languished at home, in private conversations, perhaps used occasionally when communicating with one’s elderly grandparents and neighbours.
Such was the result of Singapore’s decades—old policy of bilingualism — launched in 1966 — where dialects were banned from use on radio and television programmes, and the "Speak Mandarin" campaign was born to create a new generation of Singaporean—Chinese who speak a common second language: Mandarin.
But with dialects in danger of becoming a lost art and a younger generation unable to communicate with their grandparents, it looks like the time has come to break the long—time taboo against dialects and start introducing it in schools.
In fact, dialects are no longer being kept away from schools when once upon a time, it was felt that they impeded the learning of Mandarin — and are showing up in the form of enrichment modules and electives.
It was Member of Parliament (MP) Baey Yam Keng who floated the idea of teaching dialects as a third language during the Budget debates in March.
Schools, he said then, could play a bigger role in educating the youth about cultures he feared would someday "become an artefact in a museum".
On Sunday, he told TODAY: "I just think it’s a waste if we don’t make some effort to preserve dialects. They are a big part of Chinese culture, so to understand our own culture and roots and to promote it to other racial groups, you have to bring in dialects."
According to the Chinese Learning Lab chief executive Chua Chee Lay, who is writing a book on the impact of Singapore’s language policy, dialects were "a big problem" for the Government in the ’50s and ’60s.
"There was no common language, so communication was a problem. And there were also gangs — people were divided because of language ideology," said Dr Chua.
To "clean up the mess", the "Speak Mandarin" campaign was introduced in 1979. "You can say it has been successful, because dialects are a dying language in Singapore," he said. "But with the creation of a common language, dialects are no longer a threat."
Agreeing, Mr Baey said: "A lot of youths nowadays might not even know what dialect groups they are from. I don’t see a danger of baggage from the past reappearing."
Some schools have started introducing aspects of traditional Chinese culture, including dialects, as electives and enrichment modules for their students.
Such modules could be one—off, special activities for students, or yearly modules conducted over a week.
At SAP school Dunman High, third—year students take a module called "Pop Song Culture", where students are introduced to dialect pop songs in the 70s and 80s to learn about pop culture in different dialect groups. They also take an elective to the different flavours and food cultures from various dialect groups.
Even so, vice—principal Low Joo Hong was cautious about departing from the long—time emphasis on bilingualism. "I think it is a sensitive issue, because on one hand you want students to keep their roots, but you don’t want to overplay dialects because in our history, it has become an issue when people become over—assertive about their own identity," he said.
And even as some argue that there is value in introducing dialects in schools as an enrichment activity, others question the value of doing so and whether it will interfere with learning Mandarin.
"Culturally, I see its importance, but in the overall scheme of things, is it useful," asked MP Chan Soo Sen. "I would leave it the student — if a student wants to take, then he should not be denied the opportunity," he added.
Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan secretary Baey Teng Mong, lamenting the low level of interest in dialects, said: "People see no economic value in it."
The Education Ministry’s official line reiterates: "Mandarin is the unifying spoken language for Singaporean Chinese".
But Nanyang Girls’ High School’s (NYGH) dean of pupil development Teo Yong Hong had this take. "I personally see no conflict in teaching dialects and Chinese; it could even enliven their interest in Mandarin," she said, adding that students might find dialects useful when doing community service, as many elderly people have problems understanding Mandarin.
In that aspect, dialects would bond rather than divide, said Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s Tan Kian Choo, chairman of the association’s education committee.
"It helps the younger generation and the educated communicate with the older generation and the less educated. Among peers, it is a natural bond," he said. — TODAY/ra
Such was the result of Singapore’s decades—old policy of bilingualism — launched in 1966 — where dialects were banned from use on radio and television programmes, and the "Speak Mandarin" campaign was born to create a new generation of Singaporean—Chinese who speak a common second language: Mandarin.
But with dialects in danger of becoming a lost art and a younger generation unable to communicate with their grandparents, it looks like the time has come to break the long—time taboo against dialects and start introducing it in schools.
In fact, dialects are no longer being kept away from schools when once upon a time, it was felt that they impeded the learning of Mandarin — and are showing up in the form of enrichment modules and electives.
It was Member of Parliament (MP) Baey Yam Keng who floated the idea of teaching dialects as a third language during the Budget debates in March.
Schools, he said then, could play a bigger role in educating the youth about cultures he feared would someday "become an artefact in a museum".
On Sunday, he told TODAY: "I just think it’s a waste if we don’t make some effort to preserve dialects. They are a big part of Chinese culture, so to understand our own culture and roots and to promote it to other racial groups, you have to bring in dialects."
According to the Chinese Learning Lab chief executive Chua Chee Lay, who is writing a book on the impact of Singapore’s language policy, dialects were "a big problem" for the Government in the ’50s and ’60s.
"There was no common language, so communication was a problem. And there were also gangs — people were divided because of language ideology," said Dr Chua.
To "clean up the mess", the "Speak Mandarin" campaign was introduced in 1979. "You can say it has been successful, because dialects are a dying language in Singapore," he said. "But with the creation of a common language, dialects are no longer a threat."
Agreeing, Mr Baey said: "A lot of youths nowadays might not even know what dialect groups they are from. I don’t see a danger of baggage from the past reappearing."
Some schools have started introducing aspects of traditional Chinese culture, including dialects, as electives and enrichment modules for their students.
Such modules could be one—off, special activities for students, or yearly modules conducted over a week.
At SAP school Dunman High, third—year students take a module called "Pop Song Culture", where students are introduced to dialect pop songs in the 70s and 80s to learn about pop culture in different dialect groups. They also take an elective to the different flavours and food cultures from various dialect groups.
Even so, vice—principal Low Joo Hong was cautious about departing from the long—time emphasis on bilingualism. "I think it is a sensitive issue, because on one hand you want students to keep their roots, but you don’t want to overplay dialects because in our history, it has become an issue when people become over—assertive about their own identity," he said.
And even as some argue that there is value in introducing dialects in schools as an enrichment activity, others question the value of doing so and whether it will interfere with learning Mandarin.
"Culturally, I see its importance, but in the overall scheme of things, is it useful," asked MP Chan Soo Sen. "I would leave it the student — if a student wants to take, then he should not be denied the opportunity," he added.
Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan secretary Baey Teng Mong, lamenting the low level of interest in dialects, said: "People see no economic value in it."
The Education Ministry’s official line reiterates: "Mandarin is the unifying spoken language for Singaporean Chinese".
But Nanyang Girls’ High School’s (NYGH) dean of pupil development Teo Yong Hong had this take. "I personally see no conflict in teaching dialects and Chinese; it could even enliven their interest in Mandarin," she said, adding that students might find dialects useful when doing community service, as many elderly people have problems understanding Mandarin.
In that aspect, dialects would bond rather than divide, said Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s Tan Kian Choo, chairman of the association’s education committee.
"It helps the younger generation and the educated communicate with the older generation and the less educated. Among peers, it is a natural bond," he said. — TODAY/ra
CLOVERFIELD
I have not watch movie for two months due to extrememly busy for my two jobs, so I would like to do relax and watch movie during my spring break at school. I do really like this movie... this movie is uniques and not same as other movie for angle!!! I thought, it was terrorist movie behind it was not! I suggest you to watch this movie.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Rob and Big ( season 3)
I am going to miss this tv show... This tv show made me laugh really hard. The reason why is that tv show will be over next week due to Big moved out of Rob's place in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Big is married to a woman and have a newborn baby recently.
NEFAD won 3rd place in 2008 Men's Invitational USADB.
I carried NEFAD to win 3rd place, however, we almost beat #1 seed FSAD (Orlando) in
semifinals. We will owe them someday as our rival for Florida/any
tourney. In game one, we beat Las Vegas, 71-37. In game two we beat #13
Sunshine State (another FL team), 80-65. In semifinals, against #1 FSAD
and we play very good in 1st half. FSAD lead by 2pts in halftime
(43-41)
but we got several foul troubles, turnovers, and one player, Eric
Lefors, got serious injury in late 2nd half. Also, without Allen
Sanderson, Alex Senesac, and Darren Dorr that we need their defense...
if they play, we could UPSET FSAD FOR SURE. We lost the game, 78-93. A
lot of fans enjoyed to watch our game. In last game for 3rd place.. we
played against #6 Minnepaul (Minneapolis, MN)... even play without
Allen
Sanderson, Alex Senesac, Darren Dorr, and Eric Lefors. We played real
hard without them and Minn lead the game most of the game, even they
lead huge game by 16pts like 6mins left. We didn't give up, work hard
to
comeback and overcome. We lead 4pts up with 45 seconds left then
turnovers and tied the game... Erik last shot and tied the game. Minn
tried to shoot but missed two straight and tied for overtime.
BUUUUUTT... one person told scorekeeper to make sure check the score if
right or not. Scorekeeper check on his own and he said MINN 73, NEFAD
74. Minn coach got angry and called chairperson. He re-check and again
double check. Everything is correct, NEFAD win!! We were sooo happy and
jump. Minn was upset and accept. It was great experience for me to run
coach all the games in invitational, take over Jesse's position. Real
unbevielable and we deserved it! I want to say thank to all NEFAD
players for their best effort and they deserved it. They listen,
cooperate, and connect with me as well. I'm real proud of myself and
proud of them too. We can do better and better next year, 2 yrs later.
Its just begun for now. It was awesome, great memory.
-Manuel
Monday, April 07, 2008
I missed to talk to my son for his birthday
I missed to talk to Kazu for his birthday due to my business at orlando:(
This is movie from my digital camera last summer in Singapore.
This was my favourite photo from nearly 1 years to 2 1/2 years olds.
also, this photos made almost tear! wow, the time is flying!
This is movie from my digital camera last summer in Singapore.
This was my favourite photo from nearly 1 years to 2 1/2 years olds.
also, this photos made almost tear! wow, the time is flying!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Busy Weekend on April 2nd to 6th 2008
April 2nd: I went to University of North Florida for leture about Deaf International culture from 10am to 1130am.My mind said," wow, I felt like I am return this school again cause I am alumni at this school." then go to Professional Deaf named David Snow, I was installed at David's office, so I earned $50 dollars. smile then zoom to surfing at jax pier from 1pm to 230pm. then go to FSDB work from 330pm to 10pm
April 3rd: Matt and I were arrangement to do photo by turn. I also got a video at St.Augustine pier from 10am to 1230pm. then go to haircut and dye the hair from 1pm to 3pm. then go to work from 315pm to 11pm.
April 4th: Alejandro and I met at Alejandro s apt and go to follow him to orlando due to his gps on his car at 10am to 12pm... I went to see if my boss was there at deaf nation. he was not there, so we ate at spanish food... it was soo good! then my other boss told me I need to go there at 1pm. we worked from 1pm to 3pm... At hotel, I slept for nap like one hour and half from 4 30pm to 630pm.
Alejo and I was hurry to go to meet our co workers for meeting at nice resturant.
My wife is dreaming this house cause her favourite colour is purple!
April 5th: www.deafnation.com from 8 am to 7pm then we went to eat at other resturant, my friends dropped me off at hotel and I was really tired and i realized the outside was pour rain! I dont wanted to go out for bar. I went to sleep at midnight.
April 6th: YAWWWWBNNNNN! I left at hotel from 11am!!! go to back to St.augustine at 1pm. I went to beach for surfing from 1 45pm to 4pm... the waves were really good!
at 5pm, I went to work!!!!
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