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Wednesday, November 28, 2007 @ Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Updates...
After 3 days and 3 nights, IT IS FINALLY DONE!
I have updated my blog!!! It's brand new... .Ok....maybe not... but i did try to revamp it... Go check out the new features... Anyway, on a totally random note, Ive got a NEW BIKE! WOOHOO! (26 inches...mountain bike...fitted with a new bell...and red rear lights...best of all...under $100!) Lol...I'm not like kiasu or what, but my parents insist on getting the best deal...so Tada! Got a new bike alas... :P Will provide more info and updates very soon... To all who did comment and visit my blog- Thank You So Much! You have been my inspiration! :D Labels: updates |
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007 @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sleepy
Fatigued, tired, Insomnia... my life has certainly been one hell of a roller coaster... The end of PW, the start of Econs project, the beginning of Internship, the end of my "true" holidays, and the forestalling of my homework...great....so much for being eventful...
Hmm...let me see...maybe it was MY fault all these while...who was the one who said he was bored? Who was the one who wanted to be out everyday? Who was the one who wanted to spend the holidays meaningfully? Sigh....who else....but me....plain, silly me.... Now, i suffer from sleep-fatigue, and am typing and staying awake so as to keep to my promise to update my blog...Lol...sometimes....I wonder if anyone even sees this.... Anyway, this is the reflections for my internship that I have done not long before i begin this blog entry...pardon the formalities (WARNING! The following portion contains boring stuff that can put you to sleep...Ignore the white words if you do not want to doze off from boredom...) ...... Well, don't say i didnt warn you... here it goes... "Week 1 (12/11/2007 to 16/11/2007) My first day of internship was certainly memorable, as nervousness and excitement filled me simultaneously. Along with 5 other fellow interns from Temasek Junior College, we undertook the life science course at the Singapore Science Centre (SSC). Located at the DNA Watson and Crick lab, the sight had initially brought those tense moments that we had during SPA (Science-based Practical Assessment). Yet, it was a pleasant feeling upon stepping in. As our mentor wasn’t in, we had the freedom to allow the familiarity of the lab and its surroundings to sink in. Later in the morning, a class of Victoria Junior College students had a lesson on bacteria transformation (genetic recombination) there. We learnt how to use micropipettes to extract DNA samples and other liquids in microlitres. Also, we learnt more about the 2 proteins- the AmpR (resistance causing proteins) and green fluorescence protein (GFP). The objective was to find out whether both proteins would lead to glowing bacteria. After lunch, we also experienced the delicate process of making the agarose gel, which brought back memories of gel electrophoresis conducted during secondary school. These experiments certainly highlighted the importance of DNA and how it can impact on humans in terms of variation of DNA. Day 2 was no less boring, as we were allowed to handle the light microscope and view the cells of hydrilla, cheek cells, rotifer and learnt more about cytoplasmic streaming. Then, we got the chance to view the “Human Genome”, a section within the SSC. The facilities were certainly flooded with knowledge on genes, chromosomes, mutations, gene therapy and many more and several of them had caught my eye. We even got to watch 2 displays- “Thunder Bolt” and “Tesla Coil”. The former was held at the “World of Energy” at 11:30a.m. , while the latter was held at the Atrium an hour later. We also viewed the exhibits at “Marine Discovery” and “Primary Science Learning Exhibition”. We even had a private showcase of chemistry, or more specifically, chemical reactions. It was certainly amazing to note that sodium peroxide with water, gummy bear sweets with KCIO3 and hydrogen balloon with heat will cause fire to appear. That day was certainly more information absorbing then the day before, but if the galleries had been more interactive and eye-catching, it will certainly heighten my level of interest. We kick started the next day with a video on bioluminescence and biofluorescence and familiarized ourselves with the bacteria transformation experiment. Today was also the first time we got to take charge in assisting primary 4 students (from PeiYuan Primary) in their DNA detectives (using the microscope). The rest of the day was interspersed with cutting foam into strips, to make into the double helix structure of DNA. By that day, I was quite familiar with the lab procedures, and the opportunity to engage with the primary school students was really both fun and interactive. The day began with gel electrophoresis with another batch of primary 4 kids, this time from Fuqi Primary School. Through teaching these youngsters, we also got more familiar with the procedure undertaken to create the agarose gel and separating the colour within the dye (think chromatography). After lab work, we proceeded to the “Human Body” to see the various exhibits on display. From the ultrasonic exhibit (testing the hearing range of humans), memory skills and even the systolic, diastolic and pulse rate. After lunch, much of our time was spent on “Discovery Zone”, “Nanotechnology” and “Waterworks”. Before ending off, we did some research on Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and primer design. After visiting the 3 sections of the SSC, I realized that the subject of Science was seriously so vast, and that these 3 sections only covered a small portion of the subject. The few days within the SSC had awakened my long-forgotten passion in learning Science- in an interesting and enjoyable manner. The final day of the first week started with PCR- also known as Polymerase Chain Reaction. The purpose was to find out if we had a gene, which can be discovered using PTC. First, we gurgled saline to obtain DNA within cheek cells, then using Chelex to extract DNA. After that, the DNA extract undergoes both centrifugation and incubation. The use of PCR had 3 main steps: 1) DNA amplification, 2) Digesting DNA using hae3 enzyme 3) Gel electrophoresis. All the complications were for one simple purpose: to find out whether we are “tasters”, also known as the ability to taste bitter taste. Before ending the week on a high, we visited the Ecogarden, where I went to the treehouse and saw snail eggs and a whole range of species. The first week had been eventful and generally well paced. I had learnt much and would certainly want to learn more within the next 2 weeks. The “orientation” week had been an eye-opener for me. " ..... Haha...whether or not you guys read the entire blog or not, it certainly had been a long and tiring week for me...Drained of my energy, soul and strength...how i missed those days where i can just take my bike and cycle along the beach of East Coast...Anyway, i'm getting a new bike soon! And maybe a guitar! WHEE!!!! So much for being happy...I'm feeling so S-L-E-E-P-Y now.....zzzz..... *One more thing: I'm gonna revamp my blog...so hopefully it won't look too dull and boring...and if anyone knows how to do blogskin...please tell me...PLEASE.... >.< (haha...that's 2 things...lol) Labels: Sleepy |
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Saturday, November 3, 2007 @ Saturday, November 03, 2007
Ka-tet...
"Long days and pleasant nights"
"May you have twice as many...." That's right, that's my greeting to you... Actually, I'm dedicating today's entry to about close to an entire month of reading Steven King's Dark Tower Series... It has certainly been a long yet meaningful series and i have not regretted a single bit of reading his books....A master piece! As mentioned briefly in my previous entry, it is about a gunslinger, Roland, who travels far and wide in search of the Dark Tower. He is accompanied by 4 companions of completely different backgrounds...and they form a ka-tet. On their quest, they encountered various obstacles and their quest is certainly a long and arduous one. Actually, what draws me to this book is mainly 2 reasons. 1) The life-story of the various characters, as well as the obstacles, are uncannily similar to the struggles a person faces- with kin, friendship and relationship. 2) The Dark Tower Series has an authenticity to it, and its clever storyline, which weaves from past to present with ease and conviction, makes reading both an enjoyable and mind-boggling one. The author even introduces himself as an important sub-character in the story! Unbelievable! Basically, it all began with the gunslinger chasing the man in black, who told him that the 6 Beams that hold the universe will eventually fall. Before leaving him behind in an eventual cat-and-mouse game, he read the gunslinger's future. The Lady of the Shadows, the Prisoner, and Death he will meet, but the last will not befall on him, rather to the people around him. Slowly but certainly, his companions Eddie, Susannah, Jake and Oy joins him on his quest and faces challenges from Blaine the Mono (riddles, riddles and more riddles!), Wolves of the Calla (snitches, "Riza!!!", plates, Bill the robot, Benny Slightman, roont), Mia (daughter of none), Dandelo(Vampire who sucks happiness), Monfred (Son of both Roland and the Crimson King), Patrick (the greatest artist ever!) and of course the Crimson king himself. Of course, there is todash, ka, nineteen and ninety-nine and many other stuff that pertains to only the Dark Tower Series The last book was certainly the best of all...but it was certainly a story that ended on a sad note... One by one, the various characters accompanying Roland all ended up dead, and in the end he is the only one to face the near-impossible task of defeating the evil ruler- The Crimson King. Yet, right towards the very end, the gunslinger survived, and so were his band of companions. The story certainly left me thinking of how reality can sometimes be so chillingly full of mysteries and coincidence...and will definitely continue to be a story worth remembering... I dedicate this entry to the wonderful characters whom i will sorely remember: To Roland(Will Dearborn) from the land of Gilead... ...for your blue eyes, and inspiration, leadership and wisdom... Eddie Dean from New York... ...for your jokes, amiable character and unwavering loyalty... Susannah Holmes New York... ...for the colourful personality and admirable perseverance.. Jake, New York... ...for your bravery and touch... Oy, Mid-world... ...for being there when all hope is lost... Another quote which i will remember...the gunslinger's 3 rules... I shoot with my eye, I aim with my mind, I kill with my heart... ...He who does not do so shoots without seeing the face of his father. Btw: Check out My Johari and Nohari...pls comment on them...It is under "Linkies"..thx Labels: ka-tet |
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