CheW on ShorTies

Brutality of "HUMANS"

2008-11-04T13:24:00.007+08:00

I've just received this email from some of my students and friends - which highlighted this issue of dolphin killings in Faroe Islands. After going through it I was wondering whether is this email just another of those jokes or silly chain letter thingies.

Then I searched the net and I found out that....unfortunately, it is true. Oh so very brutally and startlingly true!! If you Google up images of Faroe Island, you just cannot believe such a calm, beautiful place can have things like this going on. How can people kill those dolphins?? They have done no harm except by if being curious is a crime - but still it doesn't warrant being murdered in cold blood! Gross! And here humans sometimes think animals are brainless and we are (supposedly) right at the TOP of the chain. When we think of it, sometimes animals act more humane compared to us humans - which where the word 'humane' originates. Haha....what a joke, huh?!

** Pictures are just borrowed to make my point. Please don't sue me!

Anyway, I've found that this Faroe Islands is not actually part of the Kingdom of Denmark, for they have their own parliament and flag. Though not part of the EU, they definitely are part of the European continent and its a shame that I have always thought them to be civilised people, a developed nation. If killing something so innocent is a tradition of entering adulthood, then isn't it better NOT entering adulthood?? And even if its really is controlled and only done by highly trained and certified men, does it really have to be done in such massive numbers? Can't it just be enough to take 4-5? I mean, whales are HUGE if you didn't notice and by killing so many of them, it will definitely harm the population and the gene pool of their species (whales and dolphins).

Since their 2nd largest industry is tourism, (Faroe Islands Tourist Guide) maybe what we can do as our show of not condoning their barbaric practices is NOT go for holidays there. I know its on the passive side, however if everyone takes note of this - they might get the hint. Or we can sign the petition to stop this horrible act - END WHALE & DOLPHIN SLAUGHTER IN FAROE ISLANDS! I've done my part - now it's your turn. Though I know that the Faroese have their own traditions and culture that they adhere to, I still think its not wise to kill in such huge numbers. Killing once a year to enjoy the meat (of pilotwhales) may be okay in their opinion....but in the numbers these people are doing is just so frightening and heart wrenching - not to mention it is illegal. And to think that young children are allowed to watch the 'show'. What will that teach them? That killing is okay - as long as the victims are not human?? Is that the kind of values that is to be instilled in the younger generation?

This issue really does make one think through things, be it other people's culture, tradition, our own, the future of the young ones....even our own future & of our planet. Can the ecosystem really survive this abuse? And if it can.....how long can it survive? Do we even WANT our planet to just survive? Wouldn't it be better if it thrived?!!! And I'll leave off on that note...

There is a video of the slaughtering of the whales and dolphins. This is in someone else's blog. If you can't stand the sight of blood or violence - please do not watch. (How Sad to See This - Through Sky's Eyes)

Utada Hikaru - Flavour of Life_Lyrics

2008-10-02T21:48:00.003+08:00

Lyrics & Music: Utada Hikaru

Arigatou to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayonara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

tomodachi demo koibito demo nai chuukan chiten de
shuukaku no hi wo yumemiteru aoi furu-tsu
ato ippo ga fumidasenai sei de
jirettai no nan notte? baby~

arigatou to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

amai dake no sasoi monku ajike no nai doku
sonna mono ni wa kyoumi wa sosorarenai
omoitoori ni ikanai toki datte
jinsei suteta mon janai tte

doushita no? to kyuu ni kikareru to “uun. nandemo nai”
sayounara no ato ni kieru egao watashi rashikunai
sinjitai to negaeba negau hodo nandaka setsunai
“aishiteru yo” yori mo “daisuki” no hou ga kimi rashii janai?
The flavor of life

wasurekakete ita hito no omoi wo totsuzen omoidasu koro
furitsumoru yuki no shirosa wo omou to sunao ni yorokobitai yo

daiyamondo yorimo yawarakakute atatakana mirai
teni shitai yo kagiri aru jikan wo kimi to sugoshitai
“arigatou” to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

ENGLISH:

When you say thank you to me,
for some reason it hurts,
Like a magic spell that doesn’t
get undone even after the good bye.
a hint of bitterness.
The flavor of life

Stuck midpoint between friends and lovers,
like an un-riped fruit dreaming about the day of harvest
because of being unable to just move one more step forward
what’s causing this frustration baby

When you say thank you to me,
for some reason it hurts,
Like a magic spell that doesn’t
get undone even after the good bye.
a hint of bitterness
The flavor of life

Sweet talk and tasteless conversations.
it sparks no interest in me
even when things do not go the way you want
it doesnt mean you’ve thrown your life away

When asked ‘ whats wrong?’
I answer ‘its nothing’
The smile that disappears after goodbye
It’s unlike me

The more i wish to believe in you,
For some reason it hurts even more
‘i like you a lot’ instead of ‘i love you’ sounds more like you
the flavor of life

the period when you suddenly remember the scent of someone you had almost forgotten
I want to be able to openly and honestly cherish the white purity of the falling snow more

A future tender and warmer than a diamond
i want to grasp it, in this limited time we have, i want to spend it with you

when you say thank you to me,
for some reason it hurts,
Like a magic spell that doesnt
get undone even after the good bye.
a hint of bitterness
The flavor of life

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I just love this song! Don't you? From the series Hana Yori Dango japanese version. Much nicer than the mandarin version done by F4.

Listen to the song : Flavour of Life

Can you die of grief?

2008-09-25T18:14:00.003+08:00

My poor Latte died too....just awhile ago. =( He must have been so lonely since Expresso passed on just yesterday. My heart is so heavy but I can't cry anymore. Feel very numb...

Last tribute to beloved Latte - we'll miss him horribly too. More so now we have none of them with us. (Sniff...) ='(

Rest in peace dearest Latte.
Passed on 25_09_2008; 6.00pm xoxoxo

Flash CS3 - LESSON 2

2008-09-24T23:58:00.004+08:00

Since I needed to do something to distract me from my aching heart.... I did my second lesson on Flash. =)

"Doughnut on a plate on a checkered table cloth"

Broken Heart ??

2008-09-24T19:47:00.011+08:00

You lighted up my life,
With your big, round, beautiful
soulful eyes,
With squeaks and squeals - annoying
at times but delightful in its own way,
Making me love you, squirming your way
into my heart.

Coffee madness, That's
what I named you & your mate,
Expresso and Latte,
My expression of love for coffee -
and for furry cuties such as yourself.
Now Latte is all alone - on his own,
And I cannot help feeling the same,
Do I ever regret? - I should have cuddled you
carried you & pampered you
When the sun was still nigh...

Broken Heart,
Is this how it feels?
When we regret something time cannot change,
When we wish things were done -
a little bit differently,
When it is too late....
to cry one's eyes out?

***Rest in peace dearest Expresso. You'll be sorely missed.
Passed on 24_09_2008; 7.30pm xoxoxo

Christmas!!! ....is round the corner =)

2008-09-23T17:43:00.002+08:00

I have lately joined my church's (The Life Chapel, Section 17) choir. So we'll be performing for this Christmas. Hahaha.....So far the songs are AMAZING!! I just cannot wait till our next practice session. =p

So if any of you guys reading my blog are interested to see me sing or just curious for the matter, do contact me ok? I'll be most happy to know you wanna attend our Christmas Cantata 2008!! Do contact me yea?

Oh, lately I'm also been keeping myself busy by learning Flash CS3 and also crocheting. Hahaha....I've always wanted to do crocheting but never had the time. Now, time is ALL I have. Hehe....Yaay to me!! Banzai!!

Flash CS3 - LESSON 1

2008-09-20T14:31:00.007+08:00

Hello, hello!!

I just had my FIRST official lesson on Flash CS3 today. Hehehe... ^_^ Not that hard as I expected it to be. However, it is my first lesson.....so figures. =p

Hopefully I can learn enough to get sumthin going. Since I am "graping" now. Hahaha. I've published my first animation below. Enjoy....haha. [I know its lame. Dun rub it in - its "virgin territory". Mebbe later...hehe =p]

HAPPY MERDEKA DAY!!

2008-08-31T00:01:00.003+08:00

Oh, I just realised that it's merdeka already!! =)

HAPPY 51st MERDEKA DAY EVERYONE!!

It also signifies the freedom for me...so this is really a very very good day for me! ^_^ YAAY!! Have fun everyone! Malaysia's another year older....HAHA. Too bad the saying "A year older, a year wiser" cannot be applied in this case.

S.A.D. huh? ;) Any comments? Do drop some - I welcome everyone's opinions. ^_^ Ta-ta for now. Need to have my beauty zzz...plus it's Sunday, church's in like a few hours time. GTG =p....Nitez!

Coffee Madness ^_^

2008-08-30T23:17:00.005+08:00

Today, hubby & myself went and got ourselves new pets. Hehe...something to keep me a little occupied while at home. =) Take a look at Latte & Expresso. Hehe!! ^_^

Presenting Latte!
Isn't he cute? =)

Latte - again =)

Ooops.... I'm falling backwards! =p

Presenting Expresso this time!
Isn't she a beauty?

An inquisitive little thing..... hehe (^_0)

We were horsin' around wif them...
Poor Latte & Expresso, having mad owners really muz be a challenge. =p

Newayz, I think I scared Latte a little for abit. He pooped a little 'jewel' out. Haha...gave me a scare. Ok....for my Bio students who'll be reading this - a question for you guys. Hehe. What kinda digestive system does my 2 little cuties have? Answers yea, guys?! Have a jolly time when you have free periods now for my classes. =p All the best!!

Reflection time ...

2008-07-17T10:27:00.006+08:00

Bloggie dearie,

Lately I have been going through this rough patch in my life. Nothing special, nothing new...just part of this new phase of life that I am in at the moment. Have been mulling it over and over again....have looked at it from top, bottom, side-to-side (every angle possible to me)....trying to solve it.

And I realised that I haven't been looking at it from God's point of view. Talking to certain people - my husband, my parents, older people I respect & good friends of mine - they all (directly or indirectly) sorta pointed me back to where I should be looking at in the first place.

" The LORD is my strength &
my shield;
my heart trusts in him, & I am
helped.
My heart leaps for joy
& I will give thanks to him in
song." (Ps28:7)

Then again I am reminded that I should have never lean on my own strength, my own knowledge and my own power to overcome what I should in the first place, put....totally in HIS hands. I am ashamed. But I know He will forgive me & will never forsake me. That is one thing that I find comfort in...so very much. No matter how far I've wandered away, He will still take me back, love me & forgive me - because that is who He is.

Today as I was doing my reading, I find this verse giving me comfort & assurance that no matter how things turn out in the end, He is the one who knows best & He is looking our for me. ^_^ Now I would like to share it with you too, bloggie dearest. =)

" When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Fun Time! ^_^

2008-06-29T12:47:00.001+08:00

나의 마음에 드는 한국 드라마 시리즈! 일단은 적어도. Haha. 너무 다른 어떤 마음에 드는 것이… 있다 그러나 이 재미있은 및 나의 관심사를 지킨ㄴ다는 것을 나는 찾아낸다.

For those who can't read Korean:

My favourite korean drama series! For now at least. Haha. There are some other favourites too...but I find this funny and it does keep my interest.

**Enjoy!!

Chromosomes

2008-04-27T17:46:00.001+08:00

For my students =)

Those of you who still have problems on understanding What is a CHROMOSOME, this post is for you. Do read and try to understand. Enjoy!

*************************************************************************************

-A chromosome is found in the nucleus of all cells (except RBC, since they do not have nucleus)

-Chromosomes are made up of a long, linear DNA molecule which in turn is made up of many sets of genes : it is the genetic material that all organisms inherit from their parents

-A DNA molecule is usually very long & consists of hundreds & thousands of genes

-G1 phase : cell does its normal everyday job. Each chromosome contains only a single molecule of DNA where it is not condensed & appear like thread-like structures called chromatin

-S phase : synthesis of DNA occurs. Replication of DNA in nucleus. Duplication will result in sister chromatids

-Within a sister chromatid, it contains a DNA double helix

-G2 phase : cell gets ready for mitosis

-When cell division begins, chromatins will condense, coil up, compact & thicken, thus making them easily seen under the light microscope. In the middle, it has a narrow region called the centromere

-DUring mitosis, this 2 sister chromatids will finally separate during anaphase & each will become an independent daughter chromosome

Science : CHAPTER 5 - Acids & Alkalis (II)

2007-12-13T07:09:00.000+08:00

Dear students of 7 Aqua & Aer,

** Do read through everything before you start to do anything. **

Please do a revision by reading up on the link Module 5 – Acids & alkalis again.

Once you have finished reading, I require every one of you to write a report by writing some short notes as a report on these few questions that I will list below. Please be advised that you are allowed to use the search engines on the internet to help you write your report. However, do read through the facts and only choose the relevant ones.

Guiding questions:

1) The characteristics of acids.

2) The characteristics of alkalis

3) Neutral substances

4) Everyday uses of acids and alkalis (make sure you state appropriate examples)

5) The common hazard symbols which are associated with acids and alkalis

You are to hand in the report at the end of the class.

For those of you who are able to finish up early, you might want to try out this activity of The Virtual Kitchen.Good luck and have fun – in Science! Please remember to hand in your report. I’ll see you tomorrow. ^_^

Chapter 5 : Acids & Alkalis - Indicators

2007-12-12T10:13:00.000+08:00

Dear students,

Today we will be learning about INDICATORS. What are indicators actually? If you search from the dictionary, indicators means "to point out" or "to specify something". Those are very general definitons of what the word indicator is. However, in Science, when you mention an indicator, it gives a whole different meaning to it.

***************************************************************************************

Indicators

There is a device called a pH meter which you can dip into a liquid and which will measure its pH. However, it is easier to use an indicator.

An indicator is a chemical that changes colour. Indicators are liquids, but they can be soaked into a type of paper similar to blotting-paper to form strips of indicator paper.

Just dip the indicator paper into the unknown liquid and it will change colour to show the pH.

The simplest indicator is Litmus (from the Litmus plant). It goes red in acids, blue in alkalis.


pH = less than 7	pH = more than 7

Universal indicator is a better indicator than litmus because it can show a greater range of colours. The chart below shows the approximate colour that universal indicator goes when put into liquids of different pH values.


pH = 3 or less	pH = 4 or 5	pH = 6	pH = 7 (neutral)	pH = 8 or 9	pH = 10 or more

Universal indicator is available as a liquid or soaked into absorbing paper. It is often used to work out the pH of soil samples to see which plants can be grown in a certain patch of ground.

There are other indicators, for example, methyl orange (which changes colour from colourless to orange at pH of about 3). They all have different pH values where they change colour, and each has its own uses.

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If you want to find out more on indicators, click on this website What are some natural acid/base indicators?

Remember, if you have fun learning about Science, you will learn about Science!

Science: CHAPTER 5 - Acids & Alkalis (I)

2007-12-04T08:50:00.000+08:00

Dear students of 7 Aer, Aqua & Terra,

Please google up "Acids and alkalis Year 7" and find out more on what exactly are they. Or you can go to Module 5 -Acids and alkalis.

Once you have done that, go to the link under "For My Students" for Alien Juice Bar. Try every component under that, only then proceed to The pH factor.

As you are playing those educational games, please be reminded that you are to read all the pop-ups that give you facts from time to time. From there you can gather on the whole on what acids and alkalis are like, what are their characteristics and identify certain examples.

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For revision, please try out Acids & Alkalis - Matching game and also read up on Acids & Alkalis - terms you need to know.

My wedding...

2007-12-03T14:09:00.000+08:00

For those of you who knew about it and were also there for my big day, it was on the 10th November 2007. It was a church wedding, with all the frills and flowers as usually is seen in most church weddings. Some friends commented that it was so much like a fairytale wedding. ^_^ I myself wasn't sure because of the stress....which got me so preoccupied and single-minded focus on just surviving the day that I did not notice much.

However, there was one thing that I would like to share. =) My husband (at that time fiance.. =p) ....he gave me such a nice, romantic surprise till I dunno what to do but cry on the spot! It was so touching and really...such a BIG SURPRISE!! Honestly, I didn't expect that from him since he's quite a shy guy, which likes to attract the least attention from people. HAHA.... So it really hit me big time. And I was teased afterwards.... "How come you cried even before he started singing?" Haha..... How couldn't I?

That's why I love him so much!! He is always trying to give me little touching surprises everytime when I totally do not expect it coming. ^_^

Married?!?

2007-10-29T15:11:00.000+08:00

It was a loooooooong time ago since I've updated my blog. Sorry bloggie dearie, I've been so bz bz bz with work and also the big "W"!! Hahaha...

Its my wedding!! My goodness....I can't believe I'm gonna be married in like what.....less than 2 weeks? =p Hehe. Most of the preparations are almost done - though most were done in a rush. Oh but who cares? Hehe.....I'll be married soon!

But the saddening thing is that I'll have to be resigned to be called 'aunty' from now on. Haha...Newayz, am vy vy looking forward to my big day! Ta-ta for now. Will update more as time pass...^_^

Reflection on the Weekend & Pain

2007-08-24T16:19:00.000+08:00

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 ^_^ )

2007-08-16T00:23:00.000+08:00

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 ^_^ )

2007-08-09T00:46:00.000+08:00

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" ?

2007-08-03T12:38:00.000+08:00

"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

2007-08-03T00:35:00.001+08:00

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

2007-08-02T01:19:00.000+08:00

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

As How Love Is...

2007-07-30T01:20:00.000+08:00

As how nectar is to bees,
As how water is to plants,

As how sunlight is to the blind,
As how air is to humankind,

The most important thing,
As it is....continue being so to me,

Oh, dear love of mine!

New Blog on the Block!!

2007-07-25T19:11:00.000+08:00

Errr.... Ummm...... Hahaha!! There you have it! My VERY FIRST post!! ^_^ Not to worry, there will be more interesting topics to come. Actually I started this blog to pick up my creative writing after stopping so many, many years ago.

I really, really love writing. When I was still in school (during Form 4&5), I used to write ALOT!! But when I got into 6th Form....things just started getting more and more hectic. And before I knew it, I had already stopped writing. From then on, I have always been too busy or just too caught up with other more interesting things to pick it up once more.

However, when I was offered a job as a copywriter...I realised that I still LOVED writing! So since I've already graduated from university and doing freelance writing, I thought, "Why not? There is nothing on Earth that I have to lose from blogging (Psst... not that I have money to lose either. Haha!!)". And to cut the long story short, here I am....blogging my merry little fingers away.