The Zhui Xing Forum

Its March!!!!
So time for a new forum topic!!!!
This week's forum topic is proudly sponsored by our very own Miss Mango.
We were discussing my favourite 贺军翔 and her favourite 郑元畅 then suddenly we talk about this topic. Don't ask why we ended up talking about that. Then Mango suggest we put it as this month's topic.

So here goes.....

Can you accept good looking guys becoming gay?
Can you accept gays as friends?

So crack your head now and say what u wanna say!!!!
Well be looking forward to all your replies!!!!

Xian Hao

Princes

Hi,
So here is my reply to this month's forum topic.
These are my choices for mediacorp's prince.

Julian Hee
He is like damn shuai lar. Can?
Great body, great looks, great smile and great personality.
I am just puzzled as to why up till now, he is not really that popular.
What this former Winner of Manhunt Competition needs i guess is a good opportunity and a good role. I think he should also brush up a bit on his acting and try to reach out to the audience or maybe even the producers.
But this guy is so 100% into my prince list.

Adam Chen.
From the time when he was in Channel U, i have been noticing this guy. I think he definitely has what it takes to be a prince. His acting is also not bad, i guess all he needs is a really good acting role that will be able to stretch his potential. He should also try to be more high profile abit instead of lying low. Plus his sense of style huh, sometimes i dunno what to say, really bad at times esp when i saw his during star awards or other ceremony. Why waste ur good looks to such lousy styling (i noe sometimes is the stylist fault but he should have pointed it out if he doesn't like it). All in all, i believe that he will be a really great prince.

黄俊雄
Yes he definitely has the looks and is very popular.
Winner of top ten most popular male artiste for 2 consecutive years leh.
Of cos should be in the list lar, he has always been quite lucky as he got lots of opportunities. Maybe brush up on his acting a bit, he can be the next king of Mediacorp.

鹤天赐
Good looks. Very boyish and very 邻家男孩. Aunties will like him and so will young girls.
Who wouldn't like a prince like that?

王彦理
I think a lot will not agree with this choice ba, but i can see what he is capable of when he was in 明星偶像. He just need a great opportunity to shine. Like Julian and Adam, he needs a good script and that is what Singapore lacks. He is actually capable of acting lor, was stunned at first when he acted a sissy role coz he looks like those 猛男 type then act so sissy in the role. But i think he did pretty well lor. Haha.

The next 2 are newcomers and i think they have great potential to become princes of Mediacorp.

杨伟烈
Like what Tay Ping Hui said during Star Search, he is those kind that doesn't really leave an impression with you the first time but after sometimes you find that he is really good looking. In other words, he is those 耐看 type. And i agree. And what more, he acts really well, those who watched last year's Star Search should know.

戴阳天
This actor from Mainland China i think is very good looking.
Those who have watched 缘之烩 should be familiar with this guy.
I personally think he has great potential.

Well, that my choices of prince. Wish them all the best in their acting career!!!!!

Xian Hao

The Zhui Xing Forum

With constant reminder from Jupiter, I'm finally back blogging about who I think deserves to be in the list.

Which male local celebrities do you think should be named as one of the 王子?

Mango's Princes list:


1st on the chart: Thomas Ong 王沺裁

一点也不觉得意外吧！他是我心目中永远的王子。

I've always like fann wong and him acting together. I started liking him from the show 《解连环》。He has got this charisma.. so charming. Though he's 39 this year, but 岁月的痕迹却没在他脸上显现出。In this week's i-weekly, I'm happy to see that he and my other idol 鹤天赐 are featured on the cover as the spokesperson for Crocrodile. He's termed as "Kidult".. I think it's cool on him. :)

2nd:

Currently thinks he's very 帅，got a good charisma too. Started to notice him since he acted in 《保家卫国》. He's also in this week's i-weekly. Be sure to grab a copy of it. He really suits the crocodile brand too.

3rd: 戚玉武

I think he's got charisma too. I like him when he's sporty in 《仁我遨游》. Recently, he has acted in more movies. Anyone wanna watch his new movie? Adapted from Catherine Lim's novel "A leap of love".

4th: Alvin Ng 黄俊雄

He has "a-guy-next-door" look.. Like his sunshine image. U?

5th: Tay Ping Hui 郑斌辉

Like his acting.. especially in 《黄金路》。我觉得他有成熟男人的味道。

Ok.. that's my 心目中的帅哥。

HOpe to see what's yours soon. Blog about it!

Mango~

The Zhui Xing Forum

Its February!!!
A new month and that means a new Zhui Xing Forum Topic.
For the past few months, we have been discussing topics that are quite serious so i guess it is now time for a lighter topic.

Recently, Singapore has its very own 七公主, these are mainly young talented and very popular actress that Mediacorp has. And i am sure all of your are already very familiar with all of them and can even name all 7 names.
So ever wonder what will happen if Singapore has its own 王子?

So this month, we are going to discuss just that.
Which male local celebrities do you think should be named as one of the 王子?
Please state your reason.
The number of people u can nominate and discuss about is unlimited, we are not restricting ourselves to only 7 or must come out with at least 7.
In other words, all of you are free to put in the names of male celebrities worthy of the 王子 title, and we will proceed and discuss from there.

Keep those post and discussion coming in!!!!
Will be waiting for all your response!!!

Xian Hao

The Zhui Xing Forum- Mango's POV

Ok.. I feel guilty for not replying to the forum. Haha cos I got nothing much to comment on.

Is Singaporean Courteous?

I agree to xinyi's definition of the word "courteous". I think she did a good job explaining it. Courteous is more of attitude and it's different from "considerate" as the latter is more of action. I think we have improved on being courteous, but it doesn't seem to be enough. I think being courtesy is really important as it reflects on your self-image and how cultured you are.

Today I have encountered something unpleasant when I was queueing for breakfast. The queue was quite long then I was standing in the middle of the queue. There was this lady who wanted to pass through. Her husband was like hesitating whether to cut through the queue then she said this impatiently: "aiya.. Just cut through la. Dunno why you so slow". I was thinking: "walao.. you really wat loh.." This lady is so not courteous. She didn't say "excuse me" or something polite. This kind of behaviour definitely irritates people like me.

Talking about train rides.. When I take morning train to school, my friend and I often have the difficulty going out. It was so packed. And when you had not even go out, people were eager to come in. If not they'll stand near the door and won't come out first. Then we had to squeeze through a really small space to get out. And please spare a thought for students carrying big bags like me. Worse is sometimes people will "zet" you.

I agree with xinyi that courtesy is really important in the service industry. If you're not courteous, people will be irritated and will leave a very bad impression in the place. For example, I really don't like the rude attitude of the waiters at kbox. I think their attitude are like "ah beng" and makes me don't want to go back to the place again.

I think smiles are really the crucial part of being courteous. Singaporeans often do not smile because of pressure of work, busy lifestyle etc. I think we should try and use more such words such as "excuse me", "sorry", "thanks", "don't mention it" etc..

At the moment, I think it's not enough. Singaporeans.. please buck up. Let's move towards building a courteous country which can attract more investors and foreign talents. :)

Mango~

zhui xing forum- are singaporeans courteous?

Is Singaporean Courteous?

Are Singaporeans courteous? In my opinion, I feel that Singaporeans are generally courteous. However, we could not really gauge the level of courteous we are at unless we compare Singapore with other countries. Yet, which countries are we going to compare Singaporeans with?

Another question that I feel that we should look at is the difference between “courteous” and “considerate”. Are these two the same? Or are they different? Will being courteous means that one is being considerate?

I agreed with Xianhao that Singaporeans had come a long way since the 80s in terms of the level of courteous we are now at. No more spitting and fewer litterbugs. However, though a lot of effort had been put in to make sure that people would move and let passengers alight first. For example, the drawing of yellow lines. However, I feared that more work are still needed.

Currently, people are still rushing in without waiting. this is especially so during peak hours. The reasons might be the need to get onto that train and the want to get a seat. People are rushing to work and being unable to get into the train would mean having to wait an extra 5 min or so. For people who need to take long journeys, they want to get a seat. These result in the rush to get into the train instead of waiting for passengers to alight first. However, I think that with increase number of trains and the decrease in waiting times, these situations might improve.

However, is this courteous? Waiting for people to alight first before rushing in? I think that it will be more on “considerate” than “courteous”. When we said “thanks” to someone who had helped you, then that is “courteous”. It might not be considerate to people. For example, if someone help you to get up after you fall, you say “thanks”. It is not because you are considerate but because it is basic courteous. Another example is that you smile at someone you know. It is not because you are considerate but because you are being courteous. People seldom glare at others when people smile at you. Hence, I feel that using MRT trains as a gauge to Singaporeans’ level of courteous is not appropriate.

Another issue that Xianhao talked about is kiasuism. Is Kiasuism a show of our lack of courteous? To me, I think that kiasuism is more of considerate instead of courteous. Though considerate and courteous are difficult to distinguish one from another, I feel that kiasuism is more on considerate. For example, you can always queue up politely for used textbooks as early as you like, if you smiled at others and did not push anyone around, are you being kiasu? Are you being courteous? I think that you are being kiasu but not rude.

In my opinion, I feel that you can be considerate and courteous at the same time but there are always times where you are considerate but most definitely not courteous. An example would be when you see an old lady in the bus and there is this young person there and not giving up his or her seat. You might be angry and demand he or she to let the old lady sit. You are most definitely not courteous but you are considerate. However, I must say that such actions are rare in Singapore.

However, the line between courteous and considerate are often blurred. In school, we learn that when you see a teacher, you greet her or him. that’s courtesy. But we also learn that you give up your seats to someone who needs it more than you. You see someone drop his or her things, you help to pick it up. That’s considerate.

In my opinion, I think that using the service sector as a gauge to how courtesy Singaporeans are might be suitable. Though people in the service sector are often trained and polite, I must say I still do see rude behaviour when receiving service at times. There are people who are really polite. Yet, they are people who are very rude. If people who are trained and are providing service are so rude, what can we say about others?

From my personal experience, I waited for a plate of food for half hour at 2 different places. The service at one place was very good and I am really happy with the service since the staff was very courteous. Not only did the waiter apologise for the long wait due to peak hours, the manager also came to our table to apologise. And it was at a fast food restaurant. However, at another place, I waited for nearly 40min for two plates of food I ordered. What’s worse was that the man just put the plates on the tables and demanded my money. What kind of service is that? even if it was a coffeeshop, but it was those more of a food court type of coffeeshop. The service was so bad. Even at k-box, different places had their own good and bad services. This situation, I really hope will improve over time. Service sector is a very important part of our economy and I hope it will improve.

I think that another gauge we can use will be how we treat our neighbours. As compared to the past, the way we greet our neighbours whenever we see them had changed dramatically. in the past neighbours were very close. But now people hardly recognize their neighbours. there are still some people who would greet their neighbours "good morning" or "good evening" whenever they see them. So how courteous Singaporeans are? I feel that, in this respect, Singaporeans are courteous to only a limited extent.

Another gauge we can use will be how we answer the phone. Few people will say "good morning" or "good afternoon" depending the time unless you are trained. And few people will wish another "have a good day" or simply a "happy chinese new year" when chinese new year are close when calling someone you are not close to. Even then there are people who make and answer their calls rudely.

Hence, are Singaporeans courteous? I feel that courteous and considerate though often blurred, are two different things. Singaporeans are courteous but only to an extent.

ok... i retype this at least 3 times after restarting my com at least 6 times. a few of my points were lost as a result of my com hanging for so many times!!! haiz...
took mi more than an hour to type this due to the waste of times to retype....
haiz... aniway... i did reply forum le!!! :p

***iynix***

The Zhui Xing Forum

Is Singaporean Courteous?

新加坡人是否有礼貌和公德心？

Remember in the 80s, we used to have all these courtesy campaigns reminding people to be courteous and not to be rude to others? Or the cute Singha icon of the courtesy campaign? Well, all these have disappeared for quite sometime already and there is indeed improvements in the courtesy level of Singaporeans over the years. Thats what i personally think. Improvements aside, do we really have what it takes to be courteous? Have we really reached the standard of a developed country? Do we behave like citizens of a developed nation? I guess all of u will more or less have doubts before answering yes to all those questions right? Indeed, i think though we have improved over the past years in terms of our courtesy, we still have lots to do, and i mean a lot, before we can truly count ourselves as being courteous.

Let us talk about all the improvements we have made first ba. Spitting in public, littering our public places or even urinating in lifts are becoming a rare sight in Singapore. When taking the MRT, people will also tend to give way to alighting passengers before boarding the train. On escalators, we will also move to one side of the escalator to let those we are rushing of time walk pass the other side. But i personally think doing all that doesn't mean that we are courteous. True, i am happy to see that there are improvements made to these areas but there are still many areas that we need to look into.

Of instance, there are some things that Singaporeans do that simply just annoy me. Like switching to loudspeaker mode inside of using the earphone when using the handphone to listen to music. Leaning on the pole on the bus or MRT when there can be like about 5 people holding the pole. Some Singaporeans are worse, they lean on the pole even if they see someone grabbing on to the pole. Singaporeans, in other words, generally lack considerations for others.

Personally, i also think Singaporeans are a selfish bunch (well, maybe not all Singaporeans but a lot of them). This might arise from their kiasuism ba. Many Singaporeans have this mentality, "If we are to kind to people, we will be easily bullied and eventually lose out to others".

On the roads, especially during peak hours and heavy traffics, you will find that sometimes there is no courtesy at all. People like to just cut lanes as and when they wish, a lot of drivers also don't let other cars cut in between them. All these causes a lot of unhappiness and might lead to accidents if drivers are not careful.

Some might also argue that Singaporeans only act on when the government implement policies. Before, we ask people to keep to the left on escalators, do we automatically keep to one side of it when people want to walk through it? Before authorities started drawing yellow lines on the MRT stations platform, do anyone queue by the side of the MRT to let passengers alight first? I just give you one more example, currently on the LRT stations platform, no yellow line is drawn. The result? People squeezing in to the train cabin once the door opens. Passengers also finds it very hard to alight the train. Lots of pushing and shoving involved. You guys should try taking LRTs during peak hours and you will know what i mean.

In other words, we are not courteous enough, we need people to remind us to be courteous. Courtesy is definitely not in our blood.

Why do Singaporeans lack courtesy?
The only reasons i can think of is stressful lifestyle and improvements in technology.
We are so stressed up by so many things like the inflation rates, pressure from work and family that we are so easily angered and irritated that we forget what courtesy is all about.
With improvements in technology, we begin to rely more on these machineries, computers and internet that we begin lose our human touch. We are weaker when comes to communicating people face to face, and our interact less and less with each others that we forget how to properly do so.

With the technology moving forward and the stress level doesn't look like it will drop as time passes, i think it is high time that we bring back to cute little lion and start our courtesy campaign again before we become a rude nation.

Xian Hao

P.S:~ Let the discussion continue k? I wish to see what u guys think.

Are we Courteous?

*The Zhui Xing Forum*

Before i post the new topic of the month, please let my announce something

The Zhui Xing Forum has won some awards in the recent Zhui Xing Awards.
They are:
4th Most Popular Category
5th To Be Updated Category

We really hope that this year with the help of all Zhui Xing Members and readers of the blog, we can improve and really do a better job. Hopefully winning more awards next year.

Without further ado, lets reveal this month's topic.

Topic of the month:

Are Singaporeans Courteous?
新加坡人是否有礼貌和公德心?

Send in your views and let the discussion begin!!!!

Xian Hao

Friendship, Accommodate or Improve together?

Using real-life experiences and own judgment, do you think true friends should accommodate character flaws, or should openly raise the problem out so that the other party can change for the better?

Personally i think in a true friendship, we should be honest with each other no matter what.
We should be open about what we are happy and unhappy about each other, thereby reducing the tension that would rise from suspicions and guesses.
Therefore i quite support Xinying's stand that we should accommodate each other's flaws yet openly raise out the problem so that we can change for the better.

I agree with Wenya that we all have flaws. Everyone is not perfect and it is very important esp for friends to be around to guide you along. But a true friend cannot accommodate all these faults blindly, they must also act as instructors, guiding these friends into the right path so that they will change for the better. So that they will survive better and maintain better relations with other friends.
Everyone has flaws and when these flaws clashed, they will result in conflicts and unhappiness. Therefore, i ask you, is it better to try and improve on all these flaws, or be stuck into conflicts every time when the same old topic arises. You realize that friends and couples always quarrel over the same old thing.
Plus if you don't seek to sort out the flaws in you, the same old argument will occur everytime u meet new people, new friends.
So, do you want your flaws to haunt you for the rest of ur life? Or do you want to solve that problem?

Tolerance as Wenya said, is a really important value.
Question is, how much tolerance do we have?
There is always a limit to tolerance.
If we all can be so forgiving, everyone of us will be God. Which is like so impossible.

Which brings me to the next point, since all of us have flaws, every true friend should use every bit of tolerance they have to accommodate these friends flaws but use their every bit of intolerance to try and change their friend for the better.
Hope you guys know what i mean.

A True Friend will be content enough as long as u are making the effort to improve on ur flaws, no matter how ineffective or how slow those changes comes.
A True Friend will be touched by your actions, coz you are changing for him/her.
And a True Friend should do whatever it takes to maintain and keep the friendship no matter how difficult or how impossible it may seem.

A True Friend is hard to get.
So really treasure your friendship.
Accommodate each other's flaws yet improve together and grow together.

P.S:~ The topic says real life experiences, well so let me give you one. You guys know that i happen to know 2 of my friends who are involve in the Cambodia incident. My friend who survived was so devastated that 5 of his friends were gone in one day. I bet he will now rather quarrel with them to see them like that lor.
As for me, i was also affected by that friend who die though not really close to him.
Imagine, what if one of them was my really close friends.
You never know what will happen to you tomorrow, so don't regret the choices you make. Or dun let urself end up in such a situation whereby, 10 years down the road, you wish you had made up with ur friend but didnt. I tell you, the feeling will be with you till the day u die.
So really, treasure friendship!!!

Xian Hao

Reina's Friendship SoliloquY

Using real-life experiences and own judgement, do you think true friends should accommodate character flaws, or should openly raise the problem out so that the other party can change for the better?

Flaws in a person is inevitable, coz we are not sages ma. Hmm..who dun have flaws. When a flaw in a person meets another flaw in a person, poo.. and it became unhappiness.
Tolerance is a precious value in the face of a person's flaw. But sometimes, people are not always in their best mood to accomodate flaw leh. (that itself is a flaw too..) Thus when we realise our flaw is affecting the other person in unexpected ways, we shud control our flaw for the time being.

As a fren, I think we should accomodate flaws of others.
As a fren, we shud take care of our own flaws so that it will not affect people.

This is ideally, what a fren shud be like.

As a fren, one shud give advices, when they realise that the fren is doing things in the wrong way. But when the person cannot tolerate or cannot take in what you are expressing, you shud not continue to ask him, coz its going to lead to quarrels in the long run.

Friends should bring happiness to each other, and bring out the best in each other.

Talking about real life experiences..

Like for me, I wasnt able to, and I didnt want to go to this coming Kbox. I have my own personal reasons for this. It isnt only becoz of money. (Yes..) As much as I am being labelled as a Steel Cat. So I am asked repeatedly if I really dun wana go. And the ans is e same. When this happens, thus this topic itself is closed.

And when I cant help it but accompany my mom to e dinner. And asked repeatedly if can cancel and to no avail. Then this topic itself is closed too. And a fren shud accomodate responsibilities and constraints of a fren.

But all these is ideally. So maybe frens have a limit to what they can tolerate too. Like I have a limit to what I can tolerate. And we have diff amount of tolerance for diff kinds of things. And I didnt think of it this way last Sat..

Oh bother..
FRENS..shud rmb the story of the beach story. What ever written above all crap..all boils down to one super simple theory of frenship. I am sure you have heard of this story..

Once upon a time, a person got hurt by a fren. He wrote the thing on the beach. The narrator ask: "Ho ho..why u write on the beach?" The person reply: "Aiya..write on beach, then when the water whooosh over, I will forget abt the thing ma.." Narrator: "Orhz....Chim leh u.."

I duno la.. It all depends on timing oso.. when we r ready to forget and forgive wadeva flaw pricks that have accidentally hurt each other.

*Reina*

Dec Forum Topic

~Mango's Forum Topic~

Hi this is Mango posting the forum topic of December (after the kind reminder of Jupiter..)

Thanks to Xinyi, as she offered suggestion to the topic cos I lost some direction.

Drumrolls.. the topic is:

Using real-life experiences and own judgement, do you think true friends should accommodate character flaws, or should openly raise the problem out so that the other party can change for the better?

你认为真正的知己是默默地包容或纵容你的缺点，还是公然提出你的缺点以便你改进？（请用生活中的经历来论证你的说法）

U all can use English or Chinese or both for ur argument. I shall start the drum rolling! Hope we can enjoy the process! No inference or personal attacks. :)

Date: 10/12/2007 Time: 4.08pm

Ok. First I will define what is the meaning of true friends. My own interpretation is they are friends who are honest and sincere to you, will stick to you through thick and thin, any problem you encounter you will approach them. They are our source of strength and pillar of support, especially when some things you can't talk to your parents.

To me, I think true friends should do both of the things listed: accomodate my flaws but offer me advice on how I can improve. This is so ironical right? Humans are full of contradiction.

Why we want friends to accomodate our flaws? It's because of pride. We don't want to change because we are afraid to lose our dignity. Also because of stubbornness. We may think so highly of ourselves and can't take in any criticism. In addition, there's an expectation. We expect true friends to tolerate us. 我们对知己已经有所期盼。那个人一定要对我们好，不然怎么能算是我的知己呢？Many people have this mindset. That makes it intolerable when we hear criticism from them. They are so close to us. Why must they say such things to hurt us? That's the normal reaction for most people.

忠言逆耳.. it makes it so difficult for true friends to offer advice. But I guess there are different ways to offer advices. We can try to advise by phrasing it in a good manner, good tone and with a genuine purpose. E.g. " I think you are near perfect, but if you can ..... (improvements) you will be getting along even better with others". Such ways definitely can tone down tensions.

We don't like friends to nag at us, even when their intention is good. So nagging is out. If possible, reduce sarcastic remarks too. Even when you are having negative emotions. Try to tell the other party their character flaws nicely. If everything is to no avail, then talk it out openly. I think it is irrational trying to bear all the frustration within ourselves. It won't solve the problem. But sometimes we care so much about our pride that we would rather keep the cold war than thrash it out. If the friend is hurt when we openly raise out the problem to them, we should cool down and talk it out. The friend who is advised should change for the better despite feeling angry. There's surely some problem if your true friend is angry with you right?

After saying all these, I support the argument that true friends should openly raise the problem out instead of keep accommodating. If we keep accommodating, the friend may take it for granted and will not change their bad habits. Of course, we should have a good judgement and way of advising to prevent conflicts from happening.

Ok.. anticipating more discussion! Feel free to oppose what I say. Freedom of speech in this forum. :)

Mango~

*Reina Forum*

Hi all! This month seems to be my turn to contribute to the Zhui xinG Forum!
I've decided to use a new format for my forum page of the month. Please do type your opinions in this particular blog entry. That means, dont write a separate entry, and just continue it in the following format!

Date: xxxxx Time: xxxxx

*YOUR opinions*

*Ur name*

Okie..Here's the topic of the month!

"IS Love more important than Self-worth?"

*Here, self worth refers to anything related to one's value, like financial value, self-esteem etc.
Love refers to romance relationship. Not inclusive of other kinds of love.

Date: 5.10.2007 Time: 15:14

This seems to be a direct question ya..but it is not that simple. For young people, maybe self-worth has much higher value than love and thus more important. For a start, lets not think so complicated, and just express our view 1st. What we really think.

Is love more important than self-worth? In my opinion, love is definitely not more important than self-worth.

Because a person has been surviving as a single for the first 20 years of her life. There is no necessity to have someone else. One can enjoy a love relationship, but it is not a must, or something that you really couldnt live without.

Furthermore, non-existence of a perfect soul mate makes it even more important to treasure self-worth than love. It is not always so easy to meet the right one. People may appear to be the right one, but most of the time you feel that its not. Because it's really not. haha.. Why sacrifice yourself or make oneself more miserable in the process of accomodating to others?

In my opinion, it is great if one can meet someone of the same level and direction. But most often, it is not so. Thus in order to protect ourself and our emotions, self-worth is more important than love. Worse still, after committing emotions and all, you may still fall down. Self-worth is definitely more important, as it guarantees a better quality of life, in terms of emotions etc.

*Reina*

Date: 7.10.2007 Time: 3.46pm

Ok. This discussion topic is phrased such a way that I think I have difficulty interpreting it. It sounds like a GP type of question. I shall express my opinions in my best ability.

"Is Love more important than self-worth?" this question is really judgemental. Different people will have different views. Love is something that is irrational. Most people in love will be ruled by passion over reason. It is not easy to stay rational when you are in love. Everything seems so romantic, good and you may want to stick to that person for the rest of your life. I believe that's true love.

If true love exists, or the person thinks happiness has reached him or her, self-worth may not seem as important. In the conservative Chinese society, many women seemed to give up their self-worth and pride just hoping to get true love. Men had many wives then. If they grew sick of a particular female, they could marry in other women to satisfy their lust. So in this context, I think those traditional women were really silly to lower themselves just for love. As I am a representative of the modern women's voice, I think women should not give up self-worth.

As you can see by now, I think self-worth is definitely more important than love. Though many writers have praised the wonders of love, I think all humans should have self-worth. My definition of self-worth here is dignity, pride and own judgement of right and wrong. One should not be manipulated by love or rather become "slave" to the other person. The term slavery in my opinion is like when someone controls the other person's mindset, behaviour etc.

I think love has the value only when the couple can see each other's good points. This is contributing to the individual's building of self-worth. Love is not like hurting each other, but motivating and encouraging that is great.

You can seek love in many ways. Though many people say there's a rare chance of encountering true love, I think there is no need to sacrifice self-worth just for it. If not, it's just disappointing parents who raised us up. Cos we don't know why we exist. And our lives just revolve around others. That's really saddening.

In my conclusion, self-worth is definitely more important than love. I hope my view sounds reasonable. I think my horoscope plays a big role. Cos Leo won't give up self-worth just for love.

Mango~

Date: 10/10/2007 Time: 2.55pm

oK, Self-worth now seems very much valuable than love. But is it really so in reality?

In reality, there are many cases where by people get cheated in love or just "normally" get hurt by love relationships. Do you think they are stupid enough not to know self-worth? What if it is your natural emotions thats preventing you from making a rational judgement. What if you just couldnt control yourself and fall in love, like you said, it was completely irrational. Even if there are no what ifs, what happens when you have this overpowerful emotion to be in love? Then does self-worth becomes more valuable or love? What if love becomes a kind of indicator or factor for self-worth? Then do you feel now that love is more important than self-worth, since love itself becomes a kind of self-worth..

Let the debate go on! Woo hoo.. :)

*Reina*

Date: 25/10/07 Time: 1947hrs

It is finally my turn to post something regarding this topic. Seriously, i have never given such any thought to these kinda chim question so lots of thinking to do and thoughts to process. Self worth or love, after thinking for so long, i think finally took a stand. I think self worth is more important, i agree with the points that mango and reina has previously stated. And just to add more points to support my idea. Will a person who doesn't love himself/herself be able to have much love to give others? Its definitely no. And i truly believe that in order to be able to love others, you must first be able to love urself. Just like in order to be a winner, u must be a good loser and in order to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. Therefore, i stick to the motion that self worth is more important than love.

Pondering on Reina's question.

What if someone has the overpowerful emotion to be love? Then does self-worth becomes more valuable or love? What if love becomes a kind of indicator or factor for self-worth?

For this type of people, the situation is different, they need to be in love to satisfy their own emotional unsteadiness. Since this people NEED to fall in love so badly, they are basically doing so because of their own needs. Love becomes a need for them. It is a neccessity. So in the end, they are still satisfying themselves when they are in love. For the group of people, i believe, their self worth is rated according to the love the have. In the end, the bottom line is still that self worth is more important.

Well, i hoped i have done a good job debating on this topic. Haha. Will be waiting for any rebuttals or anymore questions.

~Jupiter

Date: 25/10/07 Time: 11.32pm

But maybe we are "self-worth" supporters. THere's always the saying "love is blind".. is there something to do with self-worth? if it's blind, will we go all out 2 pursue true love even if it makes our dignity low? There seems to be many real-life examples. Like one party pleading the other party to accept him/her again etc. Very drama i noe. But irrational ppl in luv, self-worth is really tt impt? or he/she doesn't mind to be little woman or little man? Supporting the dominating partner quietly?

Mango~

Reina's Opinions!

Finally I read the environmental entry rebuttal. Here's my reply!
Actually what I wanted to point out about the fashion thing is, it wastes resources, when you create more stuff. There are undoubtedly many better products that are made using an environmentally friendly method. Thats fine. But there are some products in this market that are specifically produced, to promote environmentally friendly, but in a way, it seems too weak as a source of promotion for environment friendliness, because they served more as a fashion statement. They may be made in methods that are friendly to the environment, but it does not lead people to think more about the earth, or lead them into deeper meanings about protecting the earth. It may just be popular because it was fashionable and carried by hollywood stars. I always have the feeling that it doesnt provide more information about HOW to protect the earth, and is still stopping at the please protect earth promotion. Thats why i think e envir thingy needs to do much more.

Of coz we cant go back to the past. Because its impossible. But it doesnt mean we must keep pushing to the future! What I mean is that instead of going to prehistoric times, when man first appeared on earth, and we use rocks to make fire...No...I mean some new habits need to be cultivated, in order to prolong the life span of earth. This is really kind of going into the FUTURE, because in the future, when natural resources become even more used up, it becomes inevitable, and necessary to change the way that we work and do things, to enable a sustainable form of living. Unless science and technology brings about great discoveries, that can produce energy in really safe n environmental way.. which is currently still economically too expensive yet. So..it becomes a need for some environmentally extravagant ways to be changed. What I mean is not that you cant watch TV or use the internet anymore. But we should try to do little little things in our everyday life. like for e.g use public transport, use cleaner fuel, plant more trees.... I am not a specialist, so I cant give really good e.gs. But basically tts wad I feel la.. coz if u dun improve or change at all, the same habit meant same amount of fuel to be used up, and its no use even if you wear tt fashionable save the earth t-shirt. :)

*Reina*

new topic...

hey so sorrie...
but realli busy...
nid to go out later to yishun n then tmr early in the morning to my ah gong's hse...
so sorrie...
short entry...

juz the title of the new topic...

well the topic is...
*drumrolls*...

charity...
what are your views on all the charity shows that are aired on the television?

how's this question?

***iynix***

The Rebuttal

追星话题社
The Rebuttal
Almost forgot to post this luckily got write down. Its the end of the month already but Xinyi still havent post her point of view.
Nvm i will just post my comments on Wenya and Xinying's entry.
This is forum style column so warning huh, the things i write here is nothing personal. No wrong or right, its just personal view and its not meant to purposely offend anyone.



Okay, first i will like to rebutt some of wenya's point.
She said 环保运动 has become a form of fashion and a matter or buy and sell. However, you have to admit that some of these products do have their environmentally friendly factor in them. Humans are selfish in nature and if you can't change that then we have to find other things, other methods to make people more environmental friendly and i think the current 环保运动 has certainly done that. It not only makes living environmentally friendly "cool" and popular, but also instill a sense of "environmentally friendliness" in people making it their form of lifestyle. Since it is so popular it creates much awareness and more people will join in the act in making the world a better place to stay in. So i don't see why 环保运动 being a form of fashion and a matter of buy and sell should be a bad thing.
Moreover, some of Wenya's point seems a little bit unrealistic, i think wenya you have this concept that in order of 环保运动 to be successful, we must return the globe to how it originally is right? But i tell that it really impossible lor, its really like trying to fix back a broken vase lor. No matter how u fix, there will always be cracks. If the aim of 环保运动 is to change everything back to original, we might as well go back to the primitive ages, no development, no technology and no improvement.
Therefore, i feel that mankind needs to progress and spare a thought for the environment at the same time. Its true that we did a lot of harmful things to the planet in the past but i believe that that is in the past. We are way better in terms of environmental friendliness. And that is hugely thanks to the 环保运动 we have.



As for Xinying article,
She focuses more on Singapore context.
This i realy have to agree with her, in Singapore's context, the situation is still as bad. However, we have to view the situation as a global perspective since this is a global issue. It is really effective on a global basis. To add on, although Singaporeans has really lots to learn from other country in terms of their daily "environmental friendly" habits, we didn't do much of the pollution in the first place, so u can also say that Singapore has done their own part in this area.
Xinying also wonder whether a one time concert like the "Live Earth" can change the mindset of the people. Well to that, i can say that "Live Earth" is just one small example. The 环保运动 includes the many ongoing campaigns and also the new ones that will be coming up due to new technology. All these will be relatively effective in changing people's mindset and improve the Earth's problem.

Well, thats my rebuttal for now, the others can also feel free to do rebuttals.
Can also post comments or tag on tagboard.

To Xinyi:
The month of September is here. Pls post the new topic on the blog(this month the topic will be decided by Xinyi) can and after that label it as "The Zhui Xing Forum". Thanks.

Xian Hao

现今环保运动是否真的有效？

现今环保运动是否真的有效？
mango's point of view

Sorry I didn't do much research. Just write based on my knowledge and observation. If there's things that you all don't agree, feel free to write back. The ground is open. =)

Humans are selfish creatures. We are deemed to be the "most brillant" creatures yet we are doing selfish acts everyday. One good example is destroying the Earth. We exploit Earth's resources for civilisation and progress. We are depleting the resources and hurting the Mother Earth at such a fast pace. Only now then we seem to regret. Now people then think of protecting the Earth.

Yes I agree that there is much more effort put into saving the Earth. Like in Singapore, this year we just launched the "using recycling bags" campaign. I was told that on tuesdays, supermarkets involved will not give customers plastic bags. We are supposed to bring our own "green" or recycling bags. As usual, the government is using monetary measure. If we want to buy the bag, we have to pay extra. But it's such a small amount of money. I am unsure if it is really effective. Since Singaporeans can afford expensive material goods, I do not see the importance of the few cents to them. The news reported good news though. Many people did not ask for the bags. But I do not know how long this trend can last.

Why do I say so? Because the news reported that Singaporeans created lots of rubbish after the end of the National Day Parade at Marina Bay. Though this year's venue was much smaller, but the amount of garbage leftover by ugly Singaporeans was many tons that of last year's. I think this is atrocious. There is a garbage bag provided in the goodie bag. It's so convenient to dispose garbage properly. We have bins just at a walking distance. I think it's just the mentality that the cleaners will clean up and it is their duty to do so. How selfish right? So I wonder the effectiveness of the campaigns. Even the "do not litter" campaign launched for so many years do not work, I really doubt how long we can stick to the use own recycling bag movement.

Such campaigns and movements can only be effective if there's an awareness in the public. This I agree with Xianhao. The public has to be educated. But I can only see the irony. Developed countries like us created so much waste, whether it is industrial or commercial waste. On the other hand, the people in the poorer countries seem to be able to reuse, reduce and recycle. From handicrafts, clothings we can see their effort. Some may argue that they are poor. They have no choice but to reuse materials. But why can't the more civilised people learn from them? Stop shifting responsibility.

We created lots of electronics waste, e.g. computers, tvs etc. All these are not biodegradable. Do you know that usually these waste are sent to China and other developing countries? People there have to try to smash and dispose the waste. Just for a small sum of money.

I think concerts such as "live Earth" is a good initiative. But I wonder the effectiveness. Just one time concert can change the mindset of people? Or people just listen to the music and forget what is happening?

It's really depends on the heart of the people. If they really want to help Earth, they will do so. If not, we are just deceiving ourselves by exploiting more resources by holding more of such concerts.

Hope humans will wake up soon. If we still want life on Earth. Earth is the only planet which life can flourish. Why not cherish this wonderful place?

mango

现今环保运动是否真的有效？

问题是：环保运动是否真的有效。首先，什么是有效？有效的定义将决定这些环保运动的实用性。环保运动这四个字本身就有很深的含义。环保从词典的意思，指的是环境保护。我想环境就是我们住在的地球，包括了水，空气，地面，自然生态环境。我认为环保运动若真的要说有效，那么这个有效的定义在于我们所居住的地球变得像以前那么干净，那么正常。这是苛刻的。但是一点也不过分，因为早在几十年前就开始有环保的讯息开始流传。现在我们再看看我们所居住的地球，遭受旱灾、水灾和反自然的天气变化，海水越来越多。这显示了一个严重的问题。环保运动没有达到它的目标，没有真正有效。

现今环保运动并没有达到理想的效果。以下是本人的小小意见。

首先，现今的环保运动还是属于一种买卖势，缺乏实际行动，或是成为一种流行。你问流行有什么不好？所谓的流行还是限制于一种买卖的关系。我从杂志看到有很多奇奇怪怪的产品出产了，指为了配合环保的这个主题。然后我看到了电视播着环保的演唱会。环保是什么？环保是节省资源，节省能源，再循环，再使用 (recycle, reuse, reduce)。可是那些所谓的环保运动大量出产material goods。物质等于更多垃圾。那就不能达到环保的目的了。因为运动的目的是要让人们在生活上，思想上，多为地球着想。这些标上环保主体的流行，就像是其他的流行，如retro, punk etc, 只能在表面上环保。

环保运动的并不太有效，因为人们的思想还是很顽固，还是没有改变自己的生活习惯。周末到来，很多女士和男士都喜欢去享受。只要一有机会，就会去享受。可是他们的享受选择其实不太环保。例如逛街买衣服。这可以是很小的一件事。可是他不是。因为工厂为了迎合市场的要求，大量的出产商品，不是必需品，只是满足人们欲望的东西。有一种牛排的牛需要特别的麦草还有空间饲养。为了满足人们想要吃到的食物，地球资源被无辜的浪费掉了。树林被砍伐，土崩变得常见。这就是人类现在的生活所带来的伤害。但是环保运动似乎不够有影响力，没办法使人们改变生活习惯。人们只停留在初步的循环一些可再循环的东西，如纸。人们还是照样浪费。环保变成了原本生活习惯上额外却不太重要的一部分。人们高喊着环保的口号，却没有做出牺牲，依旧照着那不环保的生活方式。所以环保运动无效。

另外，环保运动涉及的人应该是全球的人类。但是事实上，环保运动所涉及的人不够多。先说一下环保运动涉及的人。这些人包括学生，慈善团体，环境组织，政府人员，及一些接触过环保意识的人。为什么我会这么说？因为不久前我国不是有一个自己带袋子去超级市场的活动吗？但是有很多不是不知道，不然就说这样不好，不实际。这虽然只是一两个人的想法，不能代表全部人。但是，这样的思想的出现就表示了在不同的国家，不同的社会中，还是有这一群人，没有察觉环保是每个人的责任。环保运动不够深入到社会里面，所以没有达到理想的效果。

最后，环保运动是无效的，因为它缺乏了一种巨大的力量来推动它。从古至今，要想达到某个大规模的改变，需要政府的推动和力量。不否认的，现今的政府都做到了这一点。但是，还没有很足够。因为环保还是被当成是比较小的课题。而且一边做环保，却因为经济理由，不得不牺牲环境。一进一出，到底不能达到更好的效果。

总而言之，现今的环保运动只是在初步的阶段。我们看到了一些有意义的行动，保护地球的行动。例如慈济做环保，以及全球各地环保的活动正进行着。但是还是需要更多的努力，更多的宣传，更多的深入每个人的生活。那时候的环保运动才会更加有力，更加有效。我还是非常尊敬每个作环保运动的人。我不是在批评环保运动。我是在批评那些无知的人还不察觉到它的重要性。人们顽固的思想，使环保困难。但是现在的天气转变，天灾，成为了一种警惕，让更多人开始担心地球。开始环保。

*Reina*

XianHao's Point of View

现今环保运动是否真的有效？
As we move into the digital and informative age, we begin exploiting much of Earth’s resources so much so that it has backfired. The Earth’s resources are depleting and we have done so much harm to it that its climate condition and the occasional natural disaster threatens to wipe out the entire human race. And then we wonder, have we been doing anything to stop this from happening? Are these methods effective? My answer is as compared to the past, the campaigns and many methods that we tried as of today as been fairly effective in trying to improve the Earth’s condition.

Global Warming and other issues relating to the Earth’s health has been the hot topic recently. This goes to show that the methods we are using does creates awareness and it reaches out to a lot of people out there who might not be so sure of the actual situation. With the help of the media, efforts to improve the Earth’s condition seem to have been rewarded with much results. Celebrities have a huge influence over the masses, so when authorities uses them to advertise and to encourage people to participate and do their part to Save the Earth, its natural that it will create lots of attention and many people will follow suit since their “idols” or favourite celebrities are also doing so. Also, many documentaries were also made to increase the people’s awareness to the situation. The most successful one will be that of the documentary initiated by America’s political figure Al Gore. His documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth”, which talks about global warming as not only manage to capture much attention but has also manage to successfully educate viewers about the topic. This documentary even went on to winning the prestigious Oscar’s Award. With saving the earth being the “In” thing nowadays, it seems quite wrong to say that the present methods and campaigns are ineffective.

As compared to the past, we have been effective in our efforts to save the earth since with the improvement in research and development, we are provided with more alternatives. In the past, for example, people were asked to either “Reduce” their usage on fuel or “Stop” using them altogether. But many of us never did realize that asking people to reduce or stop using fuel in the world where technology has been constantly improving, is not possible. People naturally don’t want to lose out, so these methods have proved to be ineffective. However, in present context, people are presented with more alternative energy sources. These energy sources such as hydrogen and solar energy proved to be more environmental friendly. Being able to carry out their daily chores and at the same time do their little part in saving the Earth, lots of us are generally more open to these ideas and are willing to try it. With more alternatives present, all of us have the privilege of choosing the one we feel is more practical and more suited for us. This is will help bring in more people to do their part in saving the Earth, making the efforts made more effective and rewarding.

With “Saving the Earth” topic being a popular and hot topic, doing our part for the Earth will be more convenient. For instances, when recycling bins are everywhere on the streets to help people recycle their unwanted paper, plastic bottles etc. Do you think streets will be filled with these recycling been if its not that popular? Naturally no.

Also, efforts to Save the Earth are more effective when governments encourage it. Which has been the trend nowadays as governments of various countries have encourage its people to contribute and do their part in Saving the Earth.

On the other hand, there might be some people who feel that the amount of money spent on creating awareness being too much. And some of these money are in fact being used to generate more waste which brings harm to our atmosphere, for instance, the Live Earth concert. However, I feel that the amount of money used to create awareness is justified as it is more important that everyone of us takes part in the conservation of our planet then leave the task to just the authorities. In order for people to do so, awareness is needed, and in return, when more people join in the effort on conservation of the planet, our efforts will prove to be more effective. In response to the recent Live Earth concert, where people are concerned that the amount of carbon dioxide produced due to the plane flights the celebrities take to perform in this concert are doing more harm to the Earth, we see celebrities fly across the globe everyday even if there is no Live Earth concert so why not at the same time do a little something for the planet?

All in all, I feel that the present methods on Saving the Earth have been quite effective. However, for these methods to be more effective, these methods we used have to continue and have to be improvised with time. In local context, I still find the Singapore government not really emphasizing these as compared to other countries. The government should set the example and role model first so that its people will follow suit.

Xian Hao

P.S:~ Zhui Xing members submit your articles soon!!!

The all New Zhui Xing Column

Hi to all,
Before i start off with today's special annoucement, i would like to say i had so much fun on Tuesday wif Xinying and Wenya, too bad Xinyi cant make it on that day. It was on Tuesday also that we had this crazy idea.

With the success of all our column from Zhui Xing Entertainment News, 双飞比较红 to photo tress column, we decided to open another new column. This time the 4 Zhui Xing members will do their best to contribute and make sure that their first column together will be a huge success.

The Zhui Xing Production Team proudly presents to you the all new,

追星话题社 aka The Zhui Xing Forum

The idea was initated by mi (XianHao) and so Xinying and Wenya were jokingly saying that i am the founder of this new column.
I got the inspiration from Channel U's variety show, 有话就说.

Basically this is how its going to work,
Every month, we will have a topic for discussion, the 4 Zhui Xing members will write an article each based on their own reflections, research and opinions.
After which, the discussion will be open to the ground, and all you readers out there will be able to take part in the discussion forum style.
The 4 Zhui Xing members will also post their thoughts on each other's article.
U can take part in the discussion by either tagging on our tag board or send an email to any of the Zhui Xing members and we will gladly help u post them on the blog.

Here are the emails:~
Xian Hao - xianhao87@hotmail.com
Xinying - snoopysoh@hotmail.com
Xinyi - flor_kinki6@hotmail.com
Wenya - wenya_14@hotmail.com
To all Zhui Xing members: If there is any changes in your email pls inform us and the readers k??

Okay now, lets lay out some ground rules before we start the whole thing,
- No personal attack on anyone
- No offensive languages
- No violation of any law (in terms of freedom of speech etc)
- No copyright (if you took information from somewhere, be sure to state the source, we don't want to be sued. Haha.)

And to all Zhui Xing members, when you post anything about this column pls label them (there is a box in blogger for you to label your post) as "The Zhui Xing Forum" so we can easily refer to them whenever we want.

Okay, the topic for August 2007 is "现今的环保运动是否真的有效?" .
You can either choose to write this in English or Mandrain.

Will be looking forward to your entries soon!!!

Xian Hao