So Many Places, So Little Time
Tired of studying for tests and exams? Well, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved break by visiting some of the most famous places in Singapore? It’s a great way to take a break from your studies and relieve all your stress.1. Bugis Junction
2. Clarke Quay
If you are the type of person who enjoys life after sunset, then head on down to Clarke Quay to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. It is home some of the most famous restaurants in Singapore. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Japanese or Indian cuisines, you will find it all there. After dinner, why not take a boat ride on the Singapore River with your family and friends? Not only will you be able to enjoy the night view, but it’s also a great way to take a break from your studies.
3. East Coast Park
4. Downtown East
5. Orchard Road
Written By: Teo Qian Hui 2H
AMAZING COINCIDENCES
Twins. Indeed.
The twin brothers, Jim Lewis and Jim Springer, were separated at birth, adopted by different families. Unknown to each other, both families named the boys James. Both James grew up not knowing of the other, yet both sought law-enforcement training both had abilities in mechanical drawing and carpentry, and each had married women named Linda. Both had sons, one of who was named James Alan and the other named James Allan. The twin brothers also divorced their wives and married other women – both named Betty. And they both owned dogs which they named Toy.
Fated? Or just Coincidence.
Two brothers killed by the same taxi driver, one year apart. In 1975, while riding a moped in Bermuda, a man was accidentally struck and killed by a taxi. One year later, this man's brother was killed in the very same way. In fact, he was riding the very same moped. And to stretch the odds even further, he was struck by the very same taxi driven by the same driver - and even carrying the very same passenger!
James Dean's car curse
In September 1955, James Dean was killed in a horrific car accident whilst he was driving his Porsche sports car. After the crash the car was seen as very unlucky.
a) When the car was towed away from accident scene and taken to a garage, the engine slipped out and fell onto a mechanic, shattering both of his legs.
b) Eventually the engine was bought by a doctor, who put it into his racing car and was killed shortly afterwards, during a race. Another racing driver, in the same race, was killed in his car, which had James Dean's driveshaft fitted to it.
c) When James Dean's Porsche was later repaired, the garage it was in was destroyed by fire.
d) Later the car was displayed in Sacramento, but it fell off it's mount and broke a teenager's hip.
e) In Oregon, the trailer that the car was mounted on slipped from it's towbar and smashed through the front of a shop.
f) Finally, in 1959, the car mysteriously broke into 11 pieces while it was sitting on steel supports.
Oh the Irony.
Businessman Danie de Toit made a speech to an audience in South Africa - the topic of his speech was - watch out because death can strike you down at any time.
At the end of his speech, he put a peppermint in his mouth, and choked to death on it!
Falling Baby
In 1930s Detroit, a man named Joseph Figlock was to become an amazing figure in a young (and, apparently, incredibly careless) mother’s life. As Figlock was walking down the street, the mother’s baby fell from a high window onto Figlock. The baby’s fall was broken and Figlock and the baby were unharmed. A year later, the same baby fell from the selfsame window, again falling onto Mr. Figlock as he was passing beneath. Once again, both of them survived the event.
Done By: Wen Ting (2M) Annina (2I)
Study Spots in Singapore
Done by:Annina (2I) Mallika (2I)
There are so many kinds of guitars – the good old Classical, the melodic Acoustic, Bass, Electrical, and so many more. I am sure you would know these kinds of guitars. However, I don’t know how many of you would know that there is a kind of guitar called the Pikasso guitar!
Done By: Wen Ting (2M) Annina (2I)
Study Spots in Singapore
Bishan National Library
Nearest Mrt: Bishan
The Bishan National Library is voted as the library that has the best décor. With it’s private study corners, Bishan National Library is just the perfect place for someone to focus and study. Tired from reading all the wordy notes? Just go straight down to the first floor of the library and there will be a mini café waiting for you! Bishan National Library is just the right place for a relaxing study session.
Starbucks Coffee at Utown
Nearest Mrt: Kent Ridge
This starbucks café is practically know as the Learning Café. It is Singapore’s largest outlet in terms of seating capacity. The café is a popular hot spot for study dates and has a very cozy and relaxing feel to it. Imagine sipping on a cup of Starbucks Coffee in an air-conditioned room while revewing through your notes. Isn’t that the best combination ever? All tiredness and weariness will just fade away!
Subway at Kallang Leisure Park
Nearest Mrt: Kallang
The Subway at Kallang Leisure Park is known for its spacious and quiet environment. May it be a little project chat or revising for your upcoming exams. The Subway at Kallang Leisure Park is the best. It provides comfortable seating and a soothing environment that sets your studying mood.
Settlers café
Nearest Mrt: Clark Quay
The Settlers Café is one of the unique places in Singapore. It has a whole range of board game collections for you to choose from at no charge. Moreover, the inner décor and lightings really improves the whole atmosphere for studying. The café also has a western food store nearby that allow you to grab a quick bite before continuing with your studies. Remember to check it out!
Cedar Sanctuary
Shade,tables,chairs,pond,swing. What else more do you need? The Cedar Sanctuary is probably one of the most popular spot on the campus. It has just the perfect setting for a group study date. Instead of always staying in the classroom, bring your disccussions outdoor! Try using this spot for any group meetings and maybe the progress of the project will be greatly improved.
Cedar Sanctuary
Shade,tables,chairs,pond,swing. What else more do you need? The Cedar Sanctuary is probably one of the most popular spot on the campus. It has just the perfect setting for a group study date. Instead of always staying in the classroom, bring your disccussions outdoor! Try using this spot for any group meetings and maybe the progress of the project will be greatly improved.
Done by:Annina (2I) Mallika (2I)
It’s time to get a break…
These days, many of us lead busy lives, especially Cedarians who are constantly overwhelmed by the stress of attending CCA, projects and too much homework. As the saying goes, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ So what do teenagers do in their free time to help them relax?
Let’s find out! Here are the top 6 hobbies of teenagers. Looks familiar?
6) Reading entertainment magazines
Most teenagers subscribe to various magazines such as 8 Days, Teenage, and other entertainment magazines. Reading magazines is a good way for teenagers to catch up on the latest news, gossip and trends about celebrities and fashion. In fact, many teenagers prefer reading entertainment magazines to novels. Why, you may ask? With so much work to do, most teens have less time to spend for relaxation. Most magazines have articles that are short in length, yet they can still convey the general message to its readers, while novels tend to be longer and require much more ‘commitment’ from the reader to finish reading. In addition, magazines seem to have just the perfect kind of articles that would cater to the interests of teenagers, as compared to novels that may seem boring at times. Another speciality that interests teenagers in magazines is the popular celebrities that are featured. By looking at their favourite celebrities on the cover of the magazine, teenagers are automatically driven to read the magazine. Will you not be tempted if you see a magazine with your favourite celebrity on the cover page?
5) Playing games
Teenagers nowadays rely heavily on technology for communication, entertainment and even education. Smartphones have all sorts of applications for our entertainment. For example YouTube, can be used as a platform for entertainment; Whatsapp can be used for communication; and even online dictionaries can be used for education.
However, when you hear people say, “I just downloaded a new app to my phone,” what is the first thing that comes into your mind? A gaming application? That’s right, many teenagers love playing games on their smartphones. Popular applications include Temple Run, Angry Birds, Draw Something and many more. Teenagers really find gaming so interesting that one can find teenagers immersed in their gaming even when travelling in buses and trains! So you can see that it’s no wonder that teenagers enjoy playing games so much. With our hectic schedules, games that can be played on smartphones are pretty much a blessing to us; we can play them anytime, anywhere, and instead of wasting our free time away, we can have fun and enjoy ourselves! Don't you agree?
4) Watching videos and dramas
How many of you find yourselves hooked onto watching dramas or Youtube videos on your computers or smartphones? It’s a very common hobby for many teenagers! Teenagers often watch Korean dramas such as Dream High, Boys over flowers nowadays, as a result of the rising popularity of K-Pop music. If you have experience watching Korean dramas and getting hooked onto them, you will know how it feels like. For those who have not watched any dramas yet, here’s a warning for you - once you’ve started watching, there’s no point of return. Dramas are extremely addictive as their plot and storyline seem to interest teens to such an extent that they are hooked. The same goes for watching videos on YouTube. Be it a comedy or a romance, many teenagers love watching videos, especially those that feature celebrities. Do you identify with what has been said above? Well, don’t worry - you’re certainly not alone!
3) Watching television
Whenever you are studying with the television right in front of you, do you get the urge to shut your book and switch on the television? Well, it’s completely fine, watching television has been a favourite hobby for teens for many years. Even with our busy schedules, many of us try to set aside time for television. This shows how much we value watching our favourite shows. In many parts of the world, teenagers find themselves watching television more than studying. Teenagers love to watch music channels such as MTV, which also includes news segments to keep teenagers updated about their favourite artistes and new music releases. Television shows also have many comedy programmes which teenagers love. So, with such fun and interesting programmes on the television to keep one hooked, it is no wonder watching television has become a very popular hobby.
2) Listening to music
Do you know why famous software companies like Apple are making gadgets like the iPod and iPod Nano? Yes, these devices are specially meant to store music files. This is a popular hit among teenagers - simply because teenagers love listening to music. Most teenagers, especially in Singapore, love to listen to K-pop. Hardcore K-Pop fans find themselves urging to take out their earpiece and smartphones or music devices whenever they have the chance to. Listening to music not only applies to K-Pop fans, but to any teenage music fan as well. Music allows us to relax and take a break from our work - at least for a while. It’s also a way for us to escape from our hectic schedules. Be it rock, pop, heavy metal or a soothing melody, teenagers are spoilt for choice for their favourite genre. So, it is no wonder that teenagers love listening to music - it is an easy and relaxing way to relieve stress.
1) Surfing on Facebook/Twitter/other social-networking sites
It’s a common sight nowadays: teenagers constantly checking their phones while they wait for the buses and MRT trains. Well, they are probably checking for updates on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. Social networking sites allows us to meet new friends and get to know our current friends better through conversations and status updates. Another benefit is that teenagers are in a virtual world where they can forget their stress. Here’s an example, at the end of a tiring day, if you are given another worksheet to solve, you feel just feel like going to bed, right? However, if you are given half an hour to visit Facebook or Twitter instead, would you ever say “No way”? Probably not! Visiting such social networking sites allow us to laugh at our friends’ statuses, talk to friends about the latest happenings and also give updates on our own lives. Furthermore, social networking sites such as Twitter enables you to follow your favourite celebrities and even tweet to them! Now, who doesn’t want a chance to interact with their favourite artistes and celebrities? So, in the modern world, surfing on social networking sites has become the most popular and well-loved hobby for teenagers.
What about you? Are your interests similar to those mentioned above?
Let’s find out! Here are the top 6 hobbies of teenagers. Looks familiar?
6) Reading entertainment magazines
Most teenagers subscribe to various magazines such as 8 Days, Teenage, and other entertainment magazines. Reading magazines is a good way for teenagers to catch up on the latest news, gossip and trends about celebrities and fashion. In fact, many teenagers prefer reading entertainment magazines to novels. Why, you may ask? With so much work to do, most teens have less time to spend for relaxation. Most magazines have articles that are short in length, yet they can still convey the general message to its readers, while novels tend to be longer and require much more ‘commitment’ from the reader to finish reading. In addition, magazines seem to have just the perfect kind of articles that would cater to the interests of teenagers, as compared to novels that may seem boring at times. Another speciality that interests teenagers in magazines is the popular celebrities that are featured. By looking at their favourite celebrities on the cover of the magazine, teenagers are automatically driven to read the magazine. Will you not be tempted if you see a magazine with your favourite celebrity on the cover page?
5) Playing games
Teenagers nowadays rely heavily on technology for communication, entertainment and even education. Smartphones have all sorts of applications for our entertainment. For example YouTube, can be used as a platform for entertainment; Whatsapp can be used for communication; and even online dictionaries can be used for education.
However, when you hear people say, “I just downloaded a new app to my phone,” what is the first thing that comes into your mind? A gaming application? That’s right, many teenagers love playing games on their smartphones. Popular applications include Temple Run, Angry Birds, Draw Something and many more. Teenagers really find gaming so interesting that one can find teenagers immersed in their gaming even when travelling in buses and trains! So you can see that it’s no wonder that teenagers enjoy playing games so much. With our hectic schedules, games that can be played on smartphones are pretty much a blessing to us; we can play them anytime, anywhere, and instead of wasting our free time away, we can have fun and enjoy ourselves! Don't you agree?
4) Watching videos and dramas
How many of you find yourselves hooked onto watching dramas or Youtube videos on your computers or smartphones? It’s a very common hobby for many teenagers! Teenagers often watch Korean dramas such as Dream High, Boys over flowers nowadays, as a result of the rising popularity of K-Pop music. If you have experience watching Korean dramas and getting hooked onto them, you will know how it feels like. For those who have not watched any dramas yet, here’s a warning for you - once you’ve started watching, there’s no point of return. Dramas are extremely addictive as their plot and storyline seem to interest teens to such an extent that they are hooked. The same goes for watching videos on YouTube. Be it a comedy or a romance, many teenagers love watching videos, especially those that feature celebrities. Do you identify with what has been said above? Well, don’t worry - you’re certainly not alone!
3) Watching television
Whenever you are studying with the television right in front of you, do you get the urge to shut your book and switch on the television? Well, it’s completely fine, watching television has been a favourite hobby for teens for many years. Even with our busy schedules, many of us try to set aside time for television. This shows how much we value watching our favourite shows. In many parts of the world, teenagers find themselves watching television more than studying. Teenagers love to watch music channels such as MTV, which also includes news segments to keep teenagers updated about their favourite artistes and new music releases. Television shows also have many comedy programmes which teenagers love. So, with such fun and interesting programmes on the television to keep one hooked, it is no wonder watching television has become a very popular hobby.
2) Listening to music
Do you know why famous software companies like Apple are making gadgets like the iPod and iPod Nano? Yes, these devices are specially meant to store music files. This is a popular hit among teenagers - simply because teenagers love listening to music. Most teenagers, especially in Singapore, love to listen to K-pop. Hardcore K-Pop fans find themselves urging to take out their earpiece and smartphones or music devices whenever they have the chance to. Listening to music not only applies to K-Pop fans, but to any teenage music fan as well. Music allows us to relax and take a break from our work - at least for a while. It’s also a way for us to escape from our hectic schedules. Be it rock, pop, heavy metal or a soothing melody, teenagers are spoilt for choice for their favourite genre. So, it is no wonder that teenagers love listening to music - it is an easy and relaxing way to relieve stress.
1) Surfing on Facebook/Twitter/other social-networking sites
It’s a common sight nowadays: teenagers constantly checking their phones while they wait for the buses and MRT trains. Well, they are probably checking for updates on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. Social networking sites allows us to meet new friends and get to know our current friends better through conversations and status updates. Another benefit is that teenagers are in a virtual world where they can forget their stress. Here’s an example, at the end of a tiring day, if you are given another worksheet to solve, you feel just feel like going to bed, right? However, if you are given half an hour to visit Facebook or Twitter instead, would you ever say “No way”? Probably not! Visiting such social networking sites allow us to laugh at our friends’ statuses, talk to friends about the latest happenings and also give updates on our own lives. Furthermore, social networking sites such as Twitter enables you to follow your favourite celebrities and even tweet to them! Now, who doesn’t want a chance to interact with their favourite artistes and celebrities? So, in the modern world, surfing on social networking sites has become the most popular and well-loved hobby for teenagers.
What about you? Are your interests similar to those mentioned above?
Done by: Jamie Loh (2A) and Mallika V. (2I)
“Wow, I didn’t even know it existed!”
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->The Glass Armonica
This instrument was first founded 1757 by Benjamin Franklin, who was travelling to and fro London and Paris. On one of his visits, he chanced upon an amateur musician performing on this instrument. He loved the beautiful sound it produced, and improved it to bring it up to professional fame. This instrument is made out of wine glasses of different sizes. One has to moisten their finger and rub it around the rim of the glasses. This would create a vibration which would result in a pitch. So different glasses, whose rims would be of different sizes, would result in varying pitches. This is how music would be created out of this instrument. Pretty cool, right?
2. <!--[endif]-->Laser Harp
Now, I am sure you know that instruments can use strings, such as the violin; or wind, like the flute. Have you ever thought that a musical instrument could make use of LIGHT in its wake? It is the laser harp that does this! The laser harp is an instrument that it made out of a metallic frame, just like normal harp, but it shoots out beams of light from its base. A performer has to place their hands in the beams to create music. The “breaking” of the beam produces notes, and one can slide their hands along the beams to make music. I am sure you will be wondering how on earth putting your hands into light beams creates music... Here is the catch – “Breaking” of the beams creates a special MIDI date that can be connected to any musical synthesiser to create music. Nevertheless, don’t you find this instrument a totally unique one?
3. <!--[endif]-->Pikasso guitar
There are so many kinds of guitars – the good old Classical, the melodic Acoustic, Bass, Electrical, and so many more. I am sure you would know these kinds of guitars. However, I don’t know how many of you would know that there is a kind of guitar called the Pikasso guitar!
Yes, it does look really unique! It has 4 necks, 42 strings and 2 sound-holes. It is played just like a normal guitar. It was created in 1984 by musicians who were instructed to design and build a guitar with “as many strings as possible”. Don’t you agree that this guitar is really extra-ordinary and cool?
4. <!--[endif]-->Lego Harpsichord
The Lego Harpsichord is just like a normal harpsichord, but it is just that it is built entirely out of Lego blocks and pieces of varying sides. Even the insides are made out of Lego. The fascinating thing is that this Lego Harpsichord is totally playable. It took 2 years to design, build and re-build the Lego Harpsichord from scratch. Don’t you think it is a true work of art?
5. <!--[endif]-->Kalashnikov guitar
This guitar has an interesting history. When a man called Rich Archer was travelling to South America, he grew passionate towards music and got inspired by the theory of changing something destructive into a thing that makes new positive sounds and music from Mexico. From there, other designers got to work. Finally, an artist called Cesar Lopez transformed Kalashnikov Ak-47 rifles into guitars! From there came its name – The Kalashnikov guitar. This instrument is played just like normal guitar; it is just that its shape is different.
Now that you have read about 5 interesting instruments, do you find yourself saying,
“Wow, I didn’t even know it existed!”?
Done by: Mallika Venkatramani (2I)
