PBL Part 3 and Beyond

With this Internet Journalism module drawing to a close, how I feel about this entire process could perhaps be best summed up in a song. As Jason Reeves sang in "The End", "Every ending's a new beginning...sometimes nowhere leads to somewhere." I can safely state that none of my classmates and myself actually had a clue where we were headed when we embarked on this learning process.

Now, with a working news portal AND a news blog up and running, I daresay we've all made it somewhere. Even years on, I foresee us all chuckling whenever we chance past a FILA boutique. That joke will never get old. Another thing immune to the effects of time and gravity will be news. Regardless of whether we are are in the journalism field or not, news is an ever evolving "living thing" that will still manage to surprise us daily.

I am certain that PBL has benefitted every single one of us. Being thrust into independence may have left us feeling like deers caught in headlights, but right now, we're ready (more or less) to take on the real world.

The Appeal of the Old

67 year-old retiree, Madam Yeo, has this appeal for the public: Keep wet markets alive.

From as far back as she can remember, Madam Yeo has been a faithful patron of wet markets. Ever since she started cooking for her family at the tender age of 15, she has never bought fresh produce from anywhere else except wet markets.

“I cannot imagine buying these food items from supermarkets – they cost more and are not as fresh. This will affect the quality of the dishes I cook,” she said firmly in a mixture of Chinese and dialect.

Wet markets are exactly as they sound - open-air markets with floors that are perpetually wet for a variety of reasons like the cleaning of fish, melting of ice and washing of vegetables. These stalls are usually open from the wee hours of the day to noon.

Generally, prices are much lower in wet markets than at supermarkets. This is made possible by the lower rental fees. While customers can barter, it may not be well received by some stallholders as goods are already priced close to cost price.

For many, the perks of shopping in wet markets go beyond cheaper prices. 4 out of 5 people interviewed said that trips to the wet market are fun as they learn invaluable lessons such as choosing the freshest produce.

However, wet markets are fast becoming a dying breed, and this is a cause of concern for individuals like Mdm Yeo. In a bid to improve hygiene standards and the aesthetic appearance of neighbourhoods, wet markets are being wiped out one by one, only to be replaced by sprawling, pristine supermarkets.

“Wet markets are disappearing too quickly. It’s such a waste, really. I feel that they are truly a part of Singapore’s heritage. Plus, it is true that wet markets offer fresher produce than supermarkets,” Sean Lim, 46, said.

However, not all residents feel the same way about these wet markets. Annie Lim, for instance, is in favour of gradually phasing out wet markets.

“I really feel that wet markets are not necessary in this time and age. They smell bad and are such eyesores. Besides, only the elderly patronize wet markets,” exclaimed the 35 year-old.

However, patrons of wet markets are not only limited to the elderly, says stallowners. Mr Tan, who owns a vegetable stall at the Marine Parade market, claims that the bulk of his customers are middle aged women.

Interestingly, though, Mr Tan believes that wet markets will soon become a thing of the past regardless of whether they are eliminated by supermarkets. This is due to a variety of other contributing factors.

“Most of these stores are run by families, but most stallholders’ kids are not intending to inherit these businesses. I don’t blame them, though. This job is very labour-intensive, and all these young people’s paper qualifications will go to waste,” explains the father of two.

Chingay Parade bigger and better in 2010

This year the ‘Parade of Dreams’ is certainly dreaming big. Presently into its 38th year, Chingay Parade Singapore is aiming to make 2010’s parade a grand occasion that will leave an indelible impression behind.

The parade will be held on the 19^th and 20^th of Feb 2010, which are the 6th and 7th Day of the Chinese New Year respectively.

The most noteworthy arrangement of this year’s parade is that it will be held right in the heart of the city. The main organiser, the People’s Association, has located the parade to a 1 km stretch from the F1 Pit Building to the Singapore Flyer. This purpose of this move is to enlarge the audience capacity.

To accommodate the high demand for tickets, the People’s Association has increased the ticketed audience capacity from 8,300 to 18,000 per night. Even so, tickets are already sold out, much to the dismay of many.Thankfully, there will be free standing spaces allocated to non-ticketed members of the audience, which will include 47 year-old Mr Tay.

“I was so disappointed to find out that all the tickets were already sold out. I really wanted to get good seats so that my family and I could enjoy a better view of the parade. But we will still be going to soak in the sights,” said the marketing executive and father of two.

This year’s parade will involve a total of 5,000 local and overseas performers. Besides the usual display of giant floats, Chingay Parade Singapore 2010 promises to deliver a wider range of performances to cater to a larger demographic.

Cosplay fans are in for a treat, as Cosplay performances will be featured for the first time in the parade. On the other hand, musically inclined audiences can expect to be serenaded by the likes of Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah and 2009 Idol finalist Tabitha Nauser (Pictured above).

Resorts World at Sentosa, one of the Integrated Resorts of Singapore, has been roped in as one of the anchoring performing groups for the very first time. This timely collaboration will serve as a platform to grant audiences a sneak preview of what the resort has to offer through their float display.

Audiences can eagerly anticipate this year’s spectacular Opening Ceremony. This segment, usually presided by the President of Singapore, will involve two “Firecracker Dragons” specially brought in from China. On top of that, the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Observation Wheel, will present a giant float.

It is common knowledge that the Chingay Finale has a reputation of ending with a big bang. The grand finale is slated to have six colourful floats, 2000 performers, acrobatic acts and even fireworks.

The publicity for this year’s parade shows a great exhibition of effort to raise public awareness and interest.

For the very first time, the People's Association, together with Orchard Road Business Association, brought a snippet of Chingay Parade to delighted city shoppers on the 23-24 and 30-31 of Jan 2010. (Pictured below)

For one hour per night, the evening streets of Orchard Road were transformed into a lively and colourful scene as more than 30 performers rocked the town with rhythmic drum beats, ethical dances and stilt walking. There was even a Star Wars themed performance.

This mini preview parade aimed to treat locals and tourists alike to a generous serving of Singapore’s diverse cultural roots. Present at the exclusive preview was Jeffrey Palma, a tourist who immensely enjoyed the colourful displays.

“It was a beautiful, unforgettable sight. The dancers, performers and music just made the streets come alive. Its too bad I won’t be around for the actual parade,” Jeffrey gushed.

The Road Less Travelled

Been there, bought the T-shirt and came back? Travelling can become mundane, especially if your itinerary is limited to the usual tried and tested destinations. The next time round, take a walk on the wild side for a truly memorable experience.

***

For many, it is better to be safe than to risk being sorry. Nine out of 10 Singaporeans interviewed revealed that their vacations were often limited to widely publicised destinations promoted through the mass media.

Reasons for choosing these destinations revolved around “playing it safe” and “maximizing the available budget”.

However, more than half of those interviewed expressed a strong desire to venture beyond these usual destinations.

“For the past 5 years my family has been travelling to the same old places like Thailand, China and Australia. After a while, the sights and sounds become forgettable. I think the kids are really looking forward to something different,” says Mr Joshua Lim, 35, father of two.

With tour agencies now offering competitively priced packages to a wide range of destinations, exotic vacations to lesser visited countries can now be actualised.

So during the upcoming school holidays, throw your travel guide out and get your road map out. Ditch the concrete jungle for some real fresh air in the great outdoors, family in tow.

Who needs city lights and neon signs when you have a blanket of stars to illuminate the night sky? Take geography lessons out of the classroom and into the real world.

With attractions ranging from volcanoes to northern lights, you can be sure that fond memories of your next trip will certainly not be limited to a fridge magnet.

USA - Alaska

Alaska is the largest state of the United States of America by. Yet, it remains the least densely populated state.

If crowds are not your thing, a trip to Alaska could very well be the perfect getaway for you and your family. Be prepared to gawk at magnificent scenery everywhere you turn, as Alaska plays host to more than half of the entire worlds’ glaciers.

Although sightseeing will be aplenty, do set aside time to view Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, the natural light phenomenon. Tours outside of town are organized for viewing, away from city lights.

South Africa - Cape Town

Cape Town is Africa’s most popular destination for tourism, and it is no wonder why. It’s natural setting in the Cape Floral Kingdom guarantees an incredible landscape of safari wildlife. This town is famous for its harbour, the Port of Cape Town, which is definitely worth a visit.

Be sure to put on your hiking boots and trek up Table Mountain, which is the main attraction of this bustling town. Surfing and Whale-watching are also extremely popular activities in Cape Town.

Switzerland - Zermatt

Zermatt is regarded by many as Switzerland’s top ski resort, and by others as the world’s very best. This rustic mountain village is extremely picturesque and offers skiing 365 days a year.

Take a ride on the world’s second biggest lift-served vertical drop, and a virtual guarantee of snow throughout the season. Better still, the glacier route provides lift links across the border to Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy.

The village is peaceful due to the absence of cars -- only small electric vehicles quietly hum around the streets alongside horse drawn carriages. Now, that is a charm that is hard to top.

Philippines - Palawan

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines comprising of the long and narrow Palawan Island plus several other surrounding islands. The coastline is dotted with roughly 1,780 islands, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. Palawan is one of the Last Unexplored Islands in the Pacific.

Do make time to drop by the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park. Reputed as the country’s best dive spot, the park’s abundant marine life has earned it the title of a World Heritage Site. The reef is gradual in slope with a good variety of invertebrates, reef fishes and even Tubbataha sharks.

Global warming is no joke for Singaporeans

Global warming is here to stay for good...but what does that hold in store for Singaporeans? Here are the startling facts that will make you think twice before dismissing global warming as another country’s problem.

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Forget nuclear weapons - global warming in itself has been called a weapon of mass destruction. The worst part is, as long as the human species remains in existence, so will this pre-eminent issue. While greenhouse gases are needed to produce the greenhouse effect that keeps the Earth warm enough to support life, the human use of fossil fuels has led to an excess of greenhouse gases.

By driving cars and using electricity from coal-fired power plants, you are playing a part in releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), among other heat-trapping gases, into the atmosphere. Deforestation is another significant factor in global warming. Fewer trees mean less CO2 is converted into life-giving Oxygen.

Since the start of the industrial age way back in the 18^th century, the atmospheric concentration of CO2 has risen by 31 percent. Methane, another greenhouse gas, has also increased by 151 percent. This is mostly due to agricultural activities such as the raising of cattle and growing of rice.

Flash floods, hurricanes and typhoons that claim thousands of lives are not uncommon these days. Are they a coincidence or a consequence? Scientists think that it’s the latter. In fact, these researchers are also confident that many other current problems like the loss of wetlands and increases in allergy-inducing pollen can be directly attributed to global warming.

Global warming is getting worse, but is the message finally getting through to Singaporeans? Miss Aileen Tay, 34, doubts so. “Singaporeans are no strangers to the concept of global warming. However, I feel that they are in a state of mind where they think global warming cannot harm them. Perhaps this is because they do not see how it can and will directly affect them.”

The truth is, no man can escape the consequences of Global warming, much less an entire country. Ignorance is certainly not bliss when you are at the mercy of Mother Nature’s wrath.

Global warming causes crop failures, more so in the tropics, where temperatures are already bordering on the edge of what is tolerable for many variations of food crops. These failures could lead to a shortage of crops if global warming continues.

Considering that rice is a main component of the Asian diet, problems will be inevitable when demand overtakes supply.

For the average Singaporean, these problems would translate into price hikes of this essential staple food that no supermarket will be able to fully absorb. So enjoy your bowl of fried rice while you can, before it becomes a luxury dish.

The climate is changing faster than anytime in the past 10,000 years. Such rapid change will create an unpredictable domino effect. With this kind of instability, no one has a clue what our climate will be like in a couple of decades down the road. In fact, you could very well be standing in a future desert. One thing is certain, though - you will definitely feel the difference.

To illustrate the severity of global warming, the lowest recorded temperature in Singapore is 19.4 degrees, way back in 1934. Think our current humid weather is unbearable? Well, expect temperatures to soar even more over the next few years. This of course means a greater need to use the air-conditioner for extended periods, which translates into a hefty electrical bill.

Every year, 16 million new cars hit the road across the globe. That is really scary when you consider that automobiles are one of the major sources of global carbon emissions. The only way this number can be reduced is by making cars even harder to own.

Should the Global warming situation reach dire straits of no return, expect drastic ‘last resort’ measurements to be implemented, such as a cutback in the number of COEs (Certificate of Entitlement) for vehicles. If you do your math…that means dishing out more for your swanky new ride. Remember, you given fair warning.

Global warming can be likened to a poison that is spreading to the Earth’s core. What is alarming is that this is only the beginning of the end. Our later generations will be the ones who inherit this Earth that we have abused and diseased.

Experts predict that by 2050, the only place where people will be able to see a polar bear is in the zoo, because the effects of global warming would have depleted its natural habitat. Various wildlife species are set to vanish from the surface of the Earth, never to be seen again. Such is the grim future of this previously untainted planet. Do your part to reverse this worrying trend today…before the joke’s on you.

Stop and Stare

Nodding off on the bus is one thing...

but this is a clear exception.

The X-mini II Capsule Speaker: Less is More

When it comes to superior sound quality, a decent set of headphones will usually make the cut. However, headphones are best appreciated alone and not in a social setting.

Technology has come to the rescue with portable speakers, the solution for the sharing of tunes at a picnic, gathering or even during presentations. These useful devices plug into MP3 players, cell phones and laptops, with sound that can effortlessly fill a small to medium sized room.

In today’s day and age, a new breed of tiny portable speakers has been unleashed. Obvious convenience and aesthetics aside, these small wonders manage to hold their own against their larger counterparts, which are quite a chore to lug around.

Best of all, a good set of tiny portable speakers usually cost well below $100, which means that life can be injected to a party…without breaking the bank.

After reviewing numerous speakers, this is the one worth considering investing in – The X-mini II Capsule Speaker.

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards and the Infocomm Singapore Awards, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker promises an audio revolution. True enough, these speakers live up to their tagline – “Sound Beyond Size”.

Recently released, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker retains all the best features from the groundbreaking first generation unit and further combines new innovations for an improved audio experience.

Still present is the X-mini patented extendable vacuum that mimics and produces the resonance of an actual sub-woofer. By simply unlocking a tiny switch at the side of these speakers, the bass vacuum can be expanded upwards.

Because of this clever bass vacuum technology, all X-mini speakers are capable of producing an impressive volume and bass over ten times their physical size.

The X-Mini II Capsule Speaker now boasts a larger 40 mm driver that allows the delivery of an even richer and fuller sound for users. Battery life stands at approximately 11 hours, following which a recharge can be easily accomplished within two and a half hours via a 2.0 USB cable.

To eliminate cumbersome audio cables dangling from the X-mini II Capsule Speaker, a built-in retractable 3.5 mm audio cable has been designed. When not in use, the cable can be tucked neatly into the base for a cleaner and sleeker look.

This enhances convenience and portability, as it reduces the need to lug around loose cables.

One note-worthy new feature of the X-Mini II Capsule Speaker is a "Buddy Jack" system (pictured above). The retractable audio jack usually used for connecting to the audio output now allows users to connect one X-Mini II to another, forming an endless daisy chain with formidable volume capabilities.

Even with all these in-built features, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker is small, measuring a mere 60 mm x 60 mm x 44 mm with a closed resonator and weighs in at just 83 grams.

One downside to the X-mini II Capsule speakers is that it is only capable of producing a mono sound, as the sound will only be resonated through one speaker. However, it more than compensates for this flaw with a crisp, crystal clear sound quality.

All in all, the X-mini II manages to strike the perfect balance of palm-sized portability and uncompromising sound quality, making it perfect for people on the go. Indeed... size does not always matter.

The X-Mini II retails for $49.90 at all good electronic stores.

***

Note: Check out this video review for more information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpeYdWSdw2U

Even more noteworthy: I finally caved and got one for myself!

The cold hard truth about cheap ice cream

Did you know that getting the most out of your ice cream might be as simple as paying more for it?

Ever wondered why a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs so much more a scoop of Magnolia ice cream? Some might argue that this is a case of brand superiority, but studies show otherwise.

Contrary to popular belief, quantity is in proportion to quality when it comes to this tasty treat. Research has shown that 20-50% of ice cream is literally made up of nothing, or rather, air.

During the early stages of freezing, air is whipped into the ice cream mix, more so in the case of cheaper ice cream. As a result, costs are slashed and volumes multiplied. This enables manufacturers to market these ice creams at attractive prices. Doubling the air content results in soft ice cream, which is commonly served in fast food chains at highly affordable prices.

A quick survey of 20 people revealed that not a single person was aware that cheaper ice cream contained more air than premium ice cream. Melissa Tan, 21, was clearly puzzled, asking: “Isn’t ice cream, regardless of quality, supposed to be made out of cream and not air?”

By weight, ice cream is mainly comprised of water (from milk and cream), sweeteners and flavouring. Milk fat is responsible for giving ice cream its distinctive richness and characteristic texture.

However, manufacturers of cheaper ice cream have discovered a way to deceive the palate. Additives such as guar gum or locust gum enable watery and bumpy “concoctions” to freeze with the consistency of real ice cream, thus fooling consumers.

While premium ice cream brands contain up to 20% milk fats, their cheaper counterparts contain a minimum of ten percent milk fat. Thus, more sweeteners and flavourings are used to compensate for the difference in taste.

Nonetheless, you can take comfort in the fact that the honest goodness of traditional homemade ice cream is not lost in this era. Chronos Chan, co-owner of Tom’s Palette (pictured above) that specialises in homemade ice cream, strongly feels that consumers have the right to know what they are putting into their mouths.

In fact, so insistent is Chronos on delivering fresh and natural ice cream that he is even willing to suffer a few losses along the way. “We do not add stabilizers into our ice cream as it gives a gum-like texture. But without this preservative, the lifespan of our ice cream is greatly reduced,” he explained.

One method of identifying the quality of any ice cream is simply to melt it. Premium ice cream melts into a rich, smooth liquid with little or no foam. On the other hand, cheap ice cream often melts into a sickly liquid topped off with a layer of foam.

The layer of foam is caused by air that escapes as the ice cream melts.

Another telltale sign of cheap ice cream is their density. A quick experiment showed that a cup of premium, homemade ice cream weighed 102g while the exact same amount of commercial ice cream weighed a mere 23g.

So the next time a friend insists that snacking on this sinful dessert is “nothing”, there might actually be some truth in that statement.

Stop and Stare

In the spirit of citizen journalism, I snapped a picture

of this sign spotted on the train.

It made me chuckle, and I hope it will inspire you to do the same.

PBL - Probably Beneficial Learning

So, its been a while since my last reflection on PBL. While it will take much more time for PBL to be integrated into my daily problems, aka: running late for school, deciding what to wear, I now turn to PBL when handling projects. However, I do not exactly whip out a piece of paper and draw a FILA chart on it. The process is on a mental, subconscious level.

In my mind, I lay out the Facts, Ideas, Learning Issues and Action Plan. That serves as a starting point for me, which is helpful because I often suffer from information overload and end up running around in circles. I now am able to navigate from Point A to Point B, from the conceptualisation of ideas to the actual delivery of product. So I now get work done in a linear manner. Which is pretty ironic considering that PBL is actually student-CENTRED learning. Pun intended.

Alternative places to hang out

Been there, bought the T-shirt and came back? Hanging out with your friends can become mundane, especially if outings are limited to the usual tried and tested destinations.

Forget congested, suffocating shopping malls or overpriced eateries. The next time round, ditch the concrete jungle and hit the great outdoors for a truly memorable experience.
These three unusual locations, some opened not long ago, are perfect for chilling out.

So stop by... and discover that the best things in life are indeed free.

Henderson Waves

Henderson Waves is a 274 metre long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park and Teloh Blangah Hill Park. Standing at 36 metres above Henderson Road, this sculptural structure remains the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore to date.

This picturesque bridge earned its name from its wave like form, consisting of seven curved steel “ribs” under the bridge deck that rise alternately. Apart the visual element, these curved ribs also double up as alcoves that function as shelters with seats.

Look out for carvings on the Balau wood deckings that mark out the height you are at along various points of the bridge. Do drop by between 7 pm to 2 am daily, as that is when the wave-forms of the bridge are lit up with orange LED lamps, creating beautiful shadows from the rib structures.

Enjoy a chatting session with your friends or even just a leisure stroll at Henderson Waves. But remember to bring along your camera, for it will be a night you will never want to forget.

Marina Barrage

The Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel, between Marina East and Marina South.

Located near Marina Bay, the Marina Barrage is home to the first reservoir in the city, Marina Reservoir. As the water in the Marina Basin is unaffected by tidal activity, the water level is kept constant, making it ideal for recreational activities such as canoeing or dragonboating.

Landscaped to incorporate the surrounding environment, the “Green Roof” doubles up as an open recreational space, where kite-flying is a popular activity. It is the perfect spot to have a picnic while overlooking the panoramic skyline.

Do drop by the Sustainable Singapore Gallery for an impressive showcase of Singapore’s efforts towards environmentally sustainable developments.

Learn more about Marina Barrage at http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/default.aspx

Kent Ridge Park

Spanning across a staggering 47 hectares, Kent Ridge Park is a spacious and unspoiled nature habitat. Lying between the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Science Park, this public park is an official World War II site.

The park boasts several trails, including one for mountain biking enthusiasts. For those who prefer traveling by foot, a 280 metres long canopy walk conveniently links Kent Ridge Park to the war museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Along the canopy walk, there are information boards providing educational insights on the various flora and fauna found in Kent Ridge Park. Catch a breather at the half-way point, while taking in the scenic views of Normanton Park and the National Parks Board’s plant nursery.

Check out the three life-sized statues and a plaque outside the war museum, honoring the Malay Regiment and commemorating the lives of those who died. This history lesson will be anything but boring for you and your friends.

Student by Day, Entrepreneur by Night

Answering countless emails, handling cash transactions and scripting sales invoices on a daily basis is not what most students would willingly do during their free time. But for a handful of passionate individuals, that is a small price to pay for owning a personal blogshop.

Blogshops are making their mark in the local retail industry with a quick search on Google Trends revealing a sharp spike in their numbers over the past two years.

Many assume that fashion and income are the only reasons behind the steady rise of people jumping onto the entrepreneurship bandwagon and starting blogs.

But that is not the case.

Twenty year old Ashley Tan, co-owner of three blog shops, explains that the thirst to run their own business and be their own boss is also a huge contributing factor. “ Most of my friends with existing blogshops started it because they wanted to get the hang of running a business. Personally, I feel that being one's own boss means more flexibility and independance and of course, it's a great avenue to do something I really love and earn money at the same time!”

Besides acting as a source of income, blogshop also benefit their owners in more ways than one. For starters, the resume of a blogshop owner practically reads like a marketing textbook.

Fellicia Seow 19, owner of blogshop 'lockedup-stars.livejournal.com' (LUS), enthusiastically agrees. “I believe it (LUS) helps develop my customer relation as well as communiaction skills because at flea markets or pushcarts we have to 'sales talk' to customers.”

Customer relation skills is not all these blogshop owners hone. With so many other players in the market, each owner has to up their game in order to remain at the forefront of the competition.

Michelle Sim, owner of 'myrosebullet.livejournal.com' utilises as much promotional tools possible to put themselves on the map.

Customers can follow Michelle on twitter to get the latest updates on blog offerings and promotions. Over and above, they also have a facebook page to boost interectivity with customers. Their killer marketing strategy also boasts a fashion blog that aims to inspire readers and, of course, direct them to their blogshop.

Those who think that owning a blogshop is easy business are mistaken. Not only does it involve careful planning, hardwork and dedication, owners mustbe ready to sacrifice much time and effort.

Of course, Michelle knows all about the time and effort needed to keep a blogshop running.

“ During the holidays, We (Michelle and her sister) would fly overseas to source for goods” she reveals. “ It's not easy when we are busy with projects and exams. Some customers expect our blogshop to be updated almost everyday so we have to learn to strike a balance so neither area suffers.”

It seems other owners dedicate much quality time and effort on their blogshops too. A survey in the Straits Times found that 30% of blogshop owners spend over 20 hours per week on their sites.

Alot of hard work? Of course. But then again, since when has starting a business been the easiest process?

What matters is that these young entrepreneurs are willing to go the distance and in time, they will be tasting the fruits of their labour.