Reflection on the Weekend & Pain

Last weekend I was in church for our annual OA(Orang Asli) Youth Camp. On the whole, it was really good! Even with the rush of last minute preparations and running around, the organizing committee managed to make the entire camp a successful and enjoyable event!

On Sundaynight which was the Fun-Nite, the OA kids really did have fun. =) I personally felt that it was a good time for them to come out of their cliques and just have plain, unadultrated, mind-blowing F-U-N! ^_^ We had singing from some of the groups, rap and some were even brave enough to put up a sketch for the audience! And I tell you...it is not easy for these shy, quiet kids to even talk loud enough for you to hear their names. =) Praise God for His leading and blessings.

On Fun-Nite we had BBQ for dinner. That was the beginning, the alpha, the genesis of my misery. When I woke up the next day (Monday), I vomited. And I found that it was the dinner from the night before. Throughout the rest of the day, I had bad tummy cramps and I cannot remember how many times I ran to the toilet. By the time I reached home, I only had enough strength to bathe and collapse onto my nice, comfy, soft and super inviting bed. Now when I look back, I didn't even enjoy the outing to the Eye on Malaysia we had on Monday afternoon.



I totally slept Monday away, and into Tuesday. And even though I felt much more alive on Tuesday, a little effort like walking from my room out into the living hall was just too much for me. I kept on making short but sweet..... yeah rite, who am I kidding? =p Well, short and not sweet at all trips to my poor, abused WC. (Dear WC, I promise, cross my heart and hope to die that I will, at all cost wash and scrub you till you're all clean and sparkly this Saturday!) If I ever write a short story on the autobiography of a WC, I think I sorta know which angle it should be approached from.

But as my title states "reflection"....the final word is, I have forgotten how it is to experience the pain and suffering of being sick and confined to bed. And now I would want to praise our ever loving, merciful and forgiving Father in heaven, for giving me the strength to recover, for my loving family members who worried and cared for me, for my darling fiance who also worried as much if not more than my family and for dear friends who still remembered me when I felt as though I was dead and 6feet down under, sleeping in the damp, soft and moist earth. Thank you, Father for everything and especially the life that I have everyday which I tend to take for granted. Amen! ^_^

Meiosis (For my dear students ^_^ )

Why do we look like our parents?

Each parent donates genes to their offspring via sexual reproduction. The genes combine to give different but similar looking offspring.

Homologous chromosomes

a) Humans have 46 chromosomes consisting of 23 homologous pairs. Each parent donates one chromosome to each of the 23 homologous pairs. That means, half of an individual’s chromosomes comes from the female parent while the other half comes from the male parent.

b) Homologous chromosomes are the same length and carry the same genes in the same location. Those genes could be different versions. E.g., imagine the homologous chromosomes carry the eye color gene but one produces blue eyes while the other produces brown.

c) The exception is the sex chromosomes. For these, females have a homologous pair (XX) while males do not (Xy).

d) The other chromosomes are called autosomes (non-sex chromosomes).

Two types of cells in general

a) Somatic – diploid (2n) body cells. Contain a complete set of chromosomes.

b) Reproductive cells – haploid (n) sex cells. These cells are called gametes and contain only half the number of chromosomes. If one somatic cell (2n) is fertilized by another (2n), the resulting zygote would contain twice the number of chromosomes (4n). I.e., the chromosome number would double each generation (4n, 8n, 16n etc.). For this reason, the chromosome number must be reduced during the production of gametes. This way, one haploid (n) gamete is fertilized by another (n) and the resulting zygote is diploid (2n).

c) The zygote carries a complete set of chromosomes. Half from the the female parent and half from the male.

d) Every cell in the resulting organism is diploid and arises by mitotic division of the original zygote.


The main stages of meiosis are the same as those in mitosis

a) Meiosis happens in two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. The two cell divisions result in 4 haploid daughter cells.

b) During Meiosis I (the reduction division) homologous chromosomes are separated.

c) In Meiosis II, sister chromatids are separated.

d) After the chromosomes are replicated, sister chromatids remain attached at the centromere. Also, homologous pairs (each consisting of two sister chromatids) remain close together. The four sister chromatids are called a tetrad and the process is called synapsis.

e) During synapsis, the arms of chromosomes in a homologous pair become intertwined. Pieces of the homologous chromosomes break off and switch places. This phenomenon is called crossing over. This increases genetic diversity which results from sexual reproduction.

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MEIOSIS I

Interphase - duplication of DNA

Prophase I - similar to mitosis except for synapsis
1. Synapsis - pairing of homologous chromosomes
2. Chromatin shortens & thickens to become chromosomes
3. Nuclear envelope disappears
4. Nucleolus disappears

Metaphase I
1. Homologous chromosomes line up in pairs across the equator
2. Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes

Anaphase I - separation of homologous chromosomes

Telophase I
1. Chromosomes arrive at spindle poles
2. Nuclear envelope reforms in some cells
3. Each cell has one each homologous chromosome, cytokinesis occurs to split cells

No Interphase

Prophase II
1. Chromosomes shorten and thicken
2. Nuclear envelope disappears
3. No duplication occurs

Metaphase II
1. Chromosomes line up along the equator
2. Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres

Anaphase II
1. Centromeres divide
2. Sister chromatids separate, become chromosomes

Telophase II
1. Nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes
2. Nucleolus appears in each nucleus
3. Chromosomes lengthen and become indistinct

---> Cytokinesis occurs forming 4 cells

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For further illustration/information, please check out these links:

1) http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~mal503/common/thesis/jpegimages/meiosis.jpg

2) http://www.sfu.ca/~fankbone/biol/meiosis.jpg

3) http://tutor.lscf.ucsb.edu/mcdb/tutorial/meiosis/

Also do check out the link under "For My Students" for Animations on Meiosis, Click and Clone, Meiosis = double cell division and Meiosis tutorial.

Mitosis (For my dear students ^_^ )

For my Biology students, hope the notes below will help you guys somewhat. ^_^ Happy reading! If you still find yourself quite unsure, try cliking on the Mitosis (Flash) link under "For My Students". For further understanding, do try out the quiz, crossword puzzle and interactive tutorials under mitosis. Gambatte and all the best!!


What is (and is not) mitosis?

Mitosis is nuclear division plus cytokinesis, and produces two identical daughter cells during prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Interphase is often included in discussions of mitosis, but interphase is technically not part of mitosis, but rather encompasses stages G1, S, and G2 of the cell cycle.

* daughter cells - When a cell divides, it copies its DNA and produces two new daughter cells that have identical DNA


Interphase

The cell is engaged in metabolic activity and performing its prepare for mitosis (the next four phases that lead up to and include nuclear division). Chromosomes are not clearly discerned in the nucleus, although a dark spot called the nucleolus may be visible. The cell may contain a pair of centrioles (or microtubule organizing centers in plants) both of which are organizational sites for microtubules.

• G1 - Gap 1 phase, cell enters mitosis, 2N
• S - DNA synthesis occurs, 4N
• G2 - Gap 2 phase, time before metaphase, 4N

M Phase

Prophase
Chromatin in the nucleus begins to condense and becomes visible in the light microscope as chromosomes. The nucleolus disappears. Centrioles begin moving to opposite ends of the cell and fibers extend from the centromeres. Some fibers cross the cell to form the mitotic spindle.


















Prometaphase
The nuclear membrane dissolves, marking the beginning of prometaphase. Proteins attach to the centromeres creating the kinetochores. Microtubules attach at the kinetochores and the chromosomes begin moving.





















Metaphase
Spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the cell nucleus. This line is referred to as the metaphase plate. This organization helps to ensure that in the next phase, when the chromosomes are separated, each new nucleus will receive one copy of each chromosome.





















Anaphase
The paired chromosomes separate at the kinetochores and move to opposite sides of the cell. Motion results from a combination of kinetochore movement along the spindle microtubules and through the physical interaction of polar microtubules.





















Telophase
Chromatids arrive at opposite poles of cell, and new membranes form around the daughter nuclei. The chromosomes disperse and are no longer visible under the light microscope. The spindle fibers disperse, and cytokinesis or the partitioning of the cell may also begin during this stage.















Cytokinesis

In animal cells, cytokinesis results when a fiber ring composed of a protein called actin around the center of the cell contracts pinching the cell into two daughter cells, each with one nucleus. In plant cells, the rigid wall requires that a cell plate be synthesized between the two daughter cells.

** All pictures are taken from HOPES, Huntington's Outreach Project for Education, at Stanford & Mitosis

Uniforms - "Aye" or "Nay" ?

"Some people believe that requiring students in school settings to conform to a dress code improves student behavior, reduces differences among socioeconomic levels, and enhances students' self-confidence. Others say that policies stipulating dress codes or requiring school uniforms infringe upon students' First Amendment rights, stifle individuality, and impose unnecessary means of control."

This was a quote taken from a website on Educational Management which was discussing about uniforms implemented in schools that I was reading from. I do really wonder why are these people even bringing up the issue about school uniforms. I mean, if the government implemented the policy that all students attending public schools must wear uniforms, then what is the big deal?

When I read this part..."infringe upon students' First Amendment rights, stifle individuality, and impose unnecessary means of control", I instantly thought of one thing. How on Earth can your uniform stifle your individuality?!! If you have style, you HAVE style. If you stand out, you WILL stand out - be it in jeans and t-shirt or the ever controversial school uniform. Granted, if you are dressed in branded clothes and have cool accessories (or even weird ones) - you will definitely attract attention. When the quote of "stifling individuality" comes up, I think its just that those who are fashion freaks a.k.a Mr/Ms Vain Pot's way of saying that "I want to stand out and attract as much attention as I can get. So just get off my case!" Thus, I would like to say it again - if you're cool, you're COOL. Accept the fact if you're not, and stop whining, giving lame excuses and blaming anything or anyone else. Grow up, mature and show TRUE INDIVIDUALITY!

And the part of "imposing unnecessary means of control", I really think its no issue at all! How is it that wearing school uniform reflects the school's control over an individual? Try remembering the times when you were (or are still) in school which required you to wear uniform. Did it even managed to control you in anyway? Okay, I'll admit...with the school uniform on, it will be a nuisance if you were to be outside of school when it is still in session. Therefore, the control that it puts will be on those who plans to play truant. However, are you even supposed to be doing that when you are in school for a reason? If asked the question, "Why are you in school?" The answer would be, "To learn and study" of course! Then when playing truant is not supposed to happen when school is in session, can you honestly say that the control is unnecessary? Isn't it just one tiny, simple way of dealing with one of the many discipline problems that the schools/Education Ministry are worried about?

Okay, I know that this comment..."reduces differences among socioeconomic levels, and enhances students' self-confidence" does not ring 100% true. But it does make sense to a certain degree. The uniform policy was implemented, in hopes that the disparity among students can be lessened if not totally diminished. But it definitely exist, the disparity in SES (socioeconomic status) between students in schools. Even with the implementation of uniforms, there is undeniably still an obvious difference between students from the middle-income earning group compared to those from the high-income earners. Still, I do think its good that whatever little disparity that can be lessened, it'll go a long way in encouraging wholesome friendships and reducing cliquing. The part about self-confidence...I really do not know how can school uniforms encourage the building of it. I myself had my uniformed days in school, and I can't really say that it did encourage self-confidence. Perhaps if looked from another viewpoint - uniforms keep the other students from being overly fashionable and dripping with brand names from head-to-toe. Thus, keeping the other less fortunate students from looking mousy and sooooo unfashionable.....then, maybe there is a point there.

This opinionated post is available for further discussion. Please feel free to comment as you feel appropriate about this issue. ;) Looking forward to any comments. Thx a bunch!!

My Work as I call it

Many of my friends have asked me, time and again..."Hey Shir Li, what do you exactly do?" And there are times I do really think whether or not these people care enough to remember or even bother to really listen when I tell them what do I do for my bread and butter.

BUT...Yes, I know that we are all humans after all - and forgetful ones at that! ^_^ And as the saying goes....'To err is human'. So my dear, dear friends and fellow bloggers (Oh, and visitors too ;> ) this post I would lovingly, with honour and reverence dedicate it to explaining about what I really do. Hahaha.... Oh, btw this idea was given by a mate of mine. (Thx man!)

I have recently officially graduated from the title of 'Student' to 'Working Young Adult'. Hooray for the smooth transition from one level to the next!! =) So basically, I'm now having the degree of BSc. (Ed.) which in normal English and less glamorous terms just means - I'm your everyday, normal (at times irritating & naggy) teacher. However, I would prefer to tag myself as an educator. I was having my practical teaching (basically a trainee teacher) from the last week of April till the 2nd week of July - and I can definitely tell you, it was the most exciting thing that I did in the whole duration of my 4 year degree course!!

Though I was officially still a student, I was already working (freelance contractor) as a cpoywriter for this online e-magazine. You can check it out if you like - http://www.uglam.com. This is a website which focuses on the latest fashion, lifestyle and it is also an online shopping mall. Sort of cool if you like online shopping. Anyway, just check it out and throw me some comments if you do have any. I also did some freelance scriptwriting for a land developer (Gamuda Land - Bandar Botanic) through the agency that liaise with them.

So since I took up this job, I have had some seriously great opprtunities to meet up face-to-face with our local artistes and famous people. If you are registered as friends in my Friendster account, you would know what I mean - people like Amber Chia, Daniel Tan, Victor Lee and a few more. Its really cool to get to see these people in the flesh. But after awhile, the novelty of it kind of wears off. After all, they are all normal people...just with the opportunity and talent to make it to the silver screen.

Now, in addition to the copywriting that I'm doing for the company I'm in....I'm also doing freelance writing on the web and also blogging. Hahaha....as stated in my 1st post, I just adore writing. So that was why I finally started my own 'lil bloomin' bloggin' site. ^_^ v

So I hope the looooooooong post this time will manage to clear up some things about me and what am I doing currently to survive and stay at least decently clothed. Haha!! Just kidding. ;)

Soft Sigh

The cool air of morn
Tiny chirping of birds
Saw her awake
Bright eyed
Full with abundant promises

Noon came
Swiftly on Zephyr's wings
Saw her busy
As busy as a bee
Full with the vigour of youth

Dusk rolled
Hot behind noon's heels
Saw her waiting
Dinner hot on the stove
Fully marinated with love

Shadows fall
Creeping along moonlit wisps
Saw her needy
'Help...' just a little cry
Full of trust, faith, confidence...

Disenchantment crashed
Waves after waves
Within...wild, turbulent
Calm, serene...without
As the rosy pink of dawn

Ah, frustrated yesterday
Let-down today
Defeated tomorrow
Disappointed future
Saw her soft yet deep sigh....
Poor sweet soul