heaven on earth

47 more days to Hua Zhong Normal University in Wuhan, Hubei, China.

http://www.ccnu.edu.cn/english/

Modules I'll be taking this semester... with description from www.np.edu.sg:

Global Issues: Singapore Perspective
This module develops a student's ability to think critically on world issues. Students will discuss a wide range of social, political and cultural issues from the Singapore perspective. They will learn how to defend their arguments, recognize a fallacy and see beyond the obvious. The focus will be on presenting an opinion or viewpoint that can be defended rather than on arriving at a "right" answer.

Contemporary Chinese Language
This foundational module in Chinese language and linguistics introduces students to formal features of the Chinese language, including its lexical features, phonological system, morphology, syntactical structure as well as writing system. Students will also explore the characteristics of Chinese language as it is used in the Singapore context.

Presentation Skills in Chinese
This module introduces advanced methods and techniques to help students develop their speaking and presentation skills to achieve a higher level of proficiency as Chinese language teachers and media practitioners.

Fundamentals of Intepretation
This module builds upon Fundamentals of Translation and introduces students to fundamental skills and techniques in English/Chinese (EC) and Chinese/English (CE) interpretation. Students will be exposed to various types of interpretation, undergo short-term memory training and acquire techniques in note-taking and verbal paraphrasing. The course will be conducted in an interactive and practice-oriented manner, and is intended to provide students with some grounding in the basic skills of sight translation (ST) and consecutive interpretation (CI).

New Media Applications
New Media is revolutionising the way we live, work and play. It is transforming the online environment into an intricate social web of community and collaboration. This module takes a hands-on approach in helping students understand the culture of New Media through the process of creating content for New Media platforms, using a variety of "Web 2.0" technologies. The module provides an introductory course in digital photography and digital imaging software. Students are required to apply their newly acquired photographic skills in the creation of content for New Media platforms.

Video Production
This module provides students with a basic theoretical and practical introduction to video production techniques and equipment, visual aesthetics, and planning and organising a video production. Students will be introduced to the single-camera operational style of video production. Students will also learn to script and produce in the Chinese language.

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Yup, so apart from the academic modules, I'll be learning how to take pictures using a SLR - something I've always wanted to learn + professional filming and video production!
= FUN.

School's out (officially - it's the semester break).

I'm so getting my iPhone on Friday. =)

16GB White. Whooo!

It's -1 week to study & exam week and -3 weeks to the term break.

I've got 1 paper to sit for during the study & exam week and most of my major/ most gruelling assignments are done and over with. Here's what I'm left with:

1. Presentation on Writing for Chinese Media

2. Group essay of 6000-7000 words on the impact of globalisation as demonstrated through cable television (that makes about 1500 words per person).

Plus I've more or less secured a "stable" grade for the examination subject this semester (as compared to the fretting last semester), so the exam isn't much of a worry.

***

On a lighter note, has anyone heard of netti-pot or nasal irrigation? It's supposed to be a good way of getting rid of sinus/ headaches (to do with sinus)/ allergies. The main concept is to "flush" your nasal passage with saline (salt water). Many researchers have proven the effectiveness of "netti-potting" and it is recommend by many ENTs due to the absence of side effects, as compared to anti-histamines and vaso/bronchodilating nasal sprays.

The act of flushing water through your nostrils (u induce water into one nostril and it flows out from the other) sounds refreshing to me, might be tempted to try.

I found someone selling netti pots on ebay Singapore, about $15 each.

Here's how it looks like:

I'll let you know how it feels like if I decide to try it, but in the meantime has anyone tried this before or knows anyone who has?

You can read more about nasal irrigation on wikipedia and on this blog.

Okay, the semester's coming to a close and those crucial weeks of assignments and examination are here once again. Fortunately, I've got my schedule all planned out and the examination this semester shouldn't be too intimidating.

It's gonna be lots of running and physical (strength) training during the holidays as dearest and I prepare to take on our first 10km runs together. It's gonna be fun getting to train and run together.


NIKE+ HUMAN RACE 10K
Coming right up in less than 40 days in the Nike+ Human Race! It's a global race for charity happening in 25 countries on 31.08.2008. Dearest and I managed to get ourselves registered on the last day before they closed the registration due to overwhelming response!

Check out http://www.nikeplus.com.sg/ for more information!

STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON 2008

Next up is the largest and most well-known running event in Singapore, The Standard Chartered Marathon 2008. It's happening on on 07.12.2008, so we got many more months to train for good timing!

For those who are interested to run, early bird discount is still on (as of the date/time of this post) at http://www.singaporemarathon.com/.

images linked from http://www.nikeplus.com.sg/ and http://www.singaporemarathon.com/.

ps. to those who received the following email, kindly ignore. The reminder was sent because of a lack of update in the attendance and has since been rectified. Do check MeL on asian cinema for more information.

on another note, the email sounds rather encouraging.

***

Your attendance record shows that you have been missing classes lately. We are concerned about your absence from classes and urge you to improve your attendance record.

Module: CHS/ 1ASIANCDescription: ASIAN CINEMA

The rules of the Polytechnic require students to attend all scheduled classes. If the attendance record for a module falls below 80% - and this could include lateness to class - the consequence could be a debarment from the final assessment or examination for that module. Debarment from a repeat module and/or 3 or more modules would result in dismissal from the course.Please ignore this email if you have already applied to withdraw from the course.

On the other hand, you may have compelling reasons for your absence, for example, medical leave or duties at official functions. If you have not already done so, please submit documentary evidence for your absence at the School General Office.

You are also encouraged to speak to your Advisor and lecturers to clarify any doubts you may have regarding your studies and your personal constraints in attending classes.

As regular attendance is an essential part of a student's lifestyle, your presence will make a difference to the class!This email is a system generated email.

Please do not reply. If you are in doubt of your attendance records, please check with your lecturer or General Office.

Everytime when a semester reaches its end, there seems to be an influx of assignments. There are term papers/ exams/ heavy-weighted assignments/ final projects from almost every module.

It's also the time when everyone gets stressed up and buried in books, papers and notebook PCs. No one seems to have time for entertainment.

It's not that I don't think school work is important (on the contrary, I think it IS important to complete all our assignments on time), nor is it that I am trying to blow my own trumpet here. But honestly, the assignments that we are getting now, no matter how seemingly difficult it is, isn't that bad afterall. Most of them can be completed in a day or two (if you devote the days solely to complete the assignment). Instead of rushing to meed deadlines and worrying about the piece of essay, we should really take a break and still enjoy life in the midst of everyday work.

Afterall, school work isn't everything (I stress however, that it still has its place) and everyday is a gift. We are empowered with the choice of deciding how we should spend each day -- stressed out or all smiles?

Chill everyone!