Do You Know...Your Tweets?

While mean celebrity tweets have made Twitter infamous, you can find some tweets that are educational in nature and put forth pretty amazing facts. Here are some of the 'educational' tweets found all on the internet.

@neiltyson Just an FYI: Stars in the Universe far outnumber all sounds, words ever uttered by all humans who ever lived.

@AsapSCIENCE We actually live about 80 milliseconds in the past because that's how long it takes our brains to process information.

@WhatTheFFacts A crocodile can’t move its tongue and cannot chew. Its digestive juices are so strong that it can digest a steel nail.

@Elise_Andrew A blue whale heart weighs 600kg. A human could crawl through their arteries. 

@ScienceChannel Humanity today generates more data in 2 days than it produced in all of history up to the year 2003.

@carlzimmer You will produce bacteria equal in weight to five elephants over your lifetime. Pleasant dreams.

For more facts, check out mashable.com

Do You Know...Your Science Facts?

Do you know what is the largest living structure on Earth? See clue below.

Editor's note: At over 2,600 km long, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest living structure on Earth. It is also the world's largest coral reef system (see below) composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands over an area of approximately 344,400 sq km.

Do you know how strong a typical hurricane can be? 

Editor's note: A typical hurricane can produce the energy equivalent of 8,000 megaton bombs or 8,000,000 kilotons bombs. The nuclear bomb that hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki was only 20 kilotons. The hurricane is 400,00 times more. 

Do you know how much salt there is in the five the oceans? 

Editor's note: The oceans contain enough salt to cover all the seven continents to a depth of nearly 152 meters. That's the average height of a telecommunication tower such as the one shown below. 

Do you know that, besides the chimpanzee (below), which animal does the human share a common ancestor with? 

Editor's note: Scientists have discovered that dolphins and humans shared a common ancestor 60-65 million years ago. 

See the similarities (below) between the brain structures of a dolphin and human. 

Do you know human consume a pretty hefty amount of bugs? 

Editor's note: Yes, he does. The average person accidentally eats 430 bugs each year of their life. Aren't they delicious? 

Do you know how butterflies 'taste' their food? 

Editor's note: Butterflies taste with their hind feet, and their taste sensation works on touch. This allows them to determine whether a leaf is edible or not. 

For more facts, check out Listverse.

ITE Build Your FUNDation Competition 2013

On 21 October 2013, ITE College East held a competition called ITE Build Your FUNDation Competition 2013. It was a competition played on the Praxis financial board game and while it looked very similar, the situations involved were more comparable to financial situation in real life. 

This was not the first time ITE CE had organised of such events. Last year was the first. However, this year, ITE CE had extended the competition to secondary schools under three categories i.e. secondary school students, secondary school teachers and ITE students. The co-organiser and sponsors for the competition were Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Hub and NETS respectively. There were attractive prizes up for grabs, which is the iPad minis and vouchers for the top three winners in each category, and challenge trophies.

During the one-hour competition, students were excited and had fun playing. It required a lot of mental knowledge and the students learned about financial situations and terms such as insurance, stock markets, recessions, etc, and how to manage financial crisis. The competition also saw the soft launch of a mobile app called ‘Plan Your Life’.

The deputy principal of ITE College East, Mr Lim Chwee Seng, graced the event with his inspirational speech and later gave the token of appreciation to the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Jeffery Goh, CEO/NETS. While the score were being tabulated, the audiences were entertained with performances that include a Korean dance, and two guitarists-singers acts.

Mr Goh gave out the prizes to the following winners:

Secondary School Students:

(1)  Samantha Chim, Clementi Town Secondary School

(2)  Chua Teck Lee, Deyi Secondary School

(3)  Devini D/O Raj Kumar, Deyi Secondary School

ITE College Students:

(1)  Jonathan Soh, ITE College East

(2)  Sim Rong Xing, ITE College East

(3)  Michael Tan, ITE College East

Secondary School Students:

(1)  Irene Ang, Geylang Methodist Secondary School

(2)  Simon Sng, Westwood Secondary School

(3)  Khoo Shu Hui, Bukit View Secondary School

Challenge Trophy (Secondary Schools) - Deyi Secondary School

Challenge Trophy (ITE) - ITE College East

According to Mr Goh, he was really proud and happy in seeing the success of the event, and hoped that such competitions could be organised every year as one of the means for students to learn about financial management. 

The creator of the Praxis financial board game, Dr Koh Noi Keng, was happy to see the students had benefited from the games and learned financial management in a fun way. 

Ms Carolina Young, CM of Lifeskills Department, agreed that the students were not only enthusiastic not only in learning about finance but they really had great bonding with one another.

~ Mageswari, ITE CE Journal Club reporter ~

Racial Harmony Day Celebration 2013

What a spectacle it was! From the rhythmic energy of the multi-racial drumbeats to the colourful array of fusion ethnic costumes, it was indeed an event to remember. 

Racial Harmony Day Celebration 2013 @ ITE College East is about embracing our differences and uniqueness of our racial and cultural heritage in unity. Helmed by Lifeskills Department, the celebration started in class with a discussion on what it was the true meaning of having racial harmony in Singapore. 

This was followed by a celebratory event a week later on 17 July that featured a dynamic drumming showcase by Rhythm Masala, two skits which moved the audience with their insightful glimpses into the lives of ordinary Singaporeans of different races, and a Fusion-Fashion Parade, where the models themselves had to create original pieces by fusing a traditional costume and modern daily wear. 

The winners, Alex Chong Zhao Min and Gillien Loh Ka Yarn, were crowned Mr Unity and Miss Harmony respectively. The top three winning couples would also be participating in the Singapore Fashion Showcase at the National Day Celebration 2013 in August.

The MATH-ssiah Presents…The A-Math-Zing Race

ITE College East Graduation Day 2013

It was the day that all ITE graduates were waiting for. A day that marked a new chapter for all that had walked through this leg of their education journey. It was a day filled with a gamut of emotions - bittersweet, happiness, melancholic, ecstatic. Hugs and tears were a common sight.

It is none other than ITE College East Graduation Day 2013. This momentous day on 16 May saw over 1,000 smartly dressed graduates, together with their proud family members and guests, gathering at the Indoor Sports Hall (ISH) to celebrate the triumphant occasion. 

The arrival of the Guest-of-Honour Ms Jessica Tan, Advisor to East Coast GRC and Grassroots Organisation and also a Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC, was greeted with thunderous applause. In her speech later on, Ms Tan shared several heart-warming and motivational stories on change and perseverance.

Performances by the guitar club, the pop band and the sand animation club entertained the audiences, followed by a 15-minute heart-warming video, which featured the trials and tribulations of several students who gave a glimpse of their lives in school and shared their gratitude to the lecturers and loved ones. 

Mr Eden Liew, the principal of ITE College East, also addressed the audience and cited a quote from the movie, Invictus, which featured a poem by William Ernest Henley. 

Out of the night that covers me, 

Black as the Pit from Pole to pole

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul. 

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud. 

Under the burgeoning of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed. 

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade, 

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. 

It matters not how strait the gate, 

How charged with punishments the scroll. 

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul. 

The award ceremony started with the presentation of awards in 5 categories:

(1)  Environmental care award

(2)  Community volunteerism

(3)  Innovation and enterprise

(4)  Arts excellence

(5)  Sports excellence

This is followed by the Outstanding Graduate Award received by 27 graduate who made up the top 1% of the student cohort and had performed exceptionally well in their studies, co-curricular activities (CCA) as well as community services. Student Tan Kah Yuan received the ITE College East ExcellenCE Award for which he was given the opportunity to deliver the valedictorian speech. 

Once the main ceremony was over, the four schools continued with their individual certificate presentation, in which each school was assigned to different locations in the campus:

(1)  MLT for School of Engineering graduates

(2)  Function Hall for School of Electronic Informatics Technology graduates

(3)  Auditorium for School of Applied Health Sciences graduates 

(4)  Indoor Sports Hall for School of Business graduates 

After the certificate presentation ended, the students and guests were invited to tea receptions in various locations. 

Congratulations to all graduates of 2013!

~ Ruth Aloha, Roseanne Seah, Atiqah and Haziq, ITE CE Journal Club reporters ~

ITE College East Supports ‘100% Family’

As it is every year, the National Family Celebrations (NFC) once again joined hands with ITE College East it its effort to bring the message of good familial ties to our students. With a theme of 100% Family, a lunch-time event was held on 8 May 2013 and featured programs focusing on family engagement, interactive games and live entertainment as well a photo competition involving a jumbo t-shirt.

The emcee of the day was Jonathan Lim, who hosted the NFC 2012 carnival event, expressed his gladness in having the opportunity to be involved again this year. 

“I was actually looking forward to host once again,” Jonthan stated. “These types of events are really meaningful and felt very close to me”. 

There were two performances awaiting the audiences. One was by a local Mandopop singer, Derrick Hoh. The star from Project Superstar serenaded the crowd with two mandarin songs and one English song, Forever, from his new English album. 

Brenda, a student and an ardent fan of Derrick Hoh, remarked, “Once I discovered on Derrick’s Facebook that he was coming here, I rushed down from class.” 

The dynamic duo Jack and Rai were also here to perform songs such as Some Nights, Ho Hay, Pumped Up Kicks and Alright, which received enthusiastic responses from the audience. 

While sharing about family life, both Jack admitted that their family initially did not agree with them being musicians. “After some time, they saw the conviction in us and that we had proven that our talents to my parents, so the whole family supported us.” 

“Despite our busy schedules as performers, we still make time for our families,” Rai added.

“The NFC 100% Family really emphasized the importance in spending time with our families and to strengthen our bonds.” 

~ Siti Naffissah & Ruth Aloha, ITE CE Journal Club reporters ~

Diamond Scissors 2013

30 April 2013 was indeed a momentous day for ITE College East when it co-organised and hosted Diamond Scissors 2013 by Paul Mitchell together with Lau Network. The two-and-half hour event provided a platform for two things i.e. an international hair fashion competitions for professional hair stylists and an award ceremony for outstanding NITEC students ITE CE’s Hair Service (Hair Fashion and Design).

This year’s competition had successfully attracted the participation of ten teams under two categories i.e. Fantasy Lady where contestants would use their creativity to portray their ultimate ideal lady, and Avant-Garde where contestants were expected to come up with unconventional and more experimental hairstyles. After much deliberation by the judges, Team 10 was crowned the champion, with Team 1 and Team 9 coming in second and third respectively.

Team 10 - Champion 

Team 1 - 1st runner-up 

Team 9 - 2nd runner-up 

In an interview with Ms Jean Koh, Course Manager of Hair Services, she emphasised the benefits of showcasing ITE CE’s Hair Service alumni in a competition such as this in order to show the current students of the course’s relevancy in the real world.

“It is an event that we host with the sole purpose of inviting the graduates, who are already working in the related industry, to showcase their professional skills,” Ms Koh said. “The graduates will become role models and will impart the motivation needed onto our current students. We will definitely plan more of such events in the future. Also, thank you to all those involved, be it fellow staff, local industry partners and international associates. The Hair Fashion industry will indeed be a niche globally for the years to come.”

~ Benz Tan and Haziq, ITE CE Journal Club reporters ~

The Five Haikus

HAIKU I

I see the twin screens
That projects the event talk
At the class theater

I see the school prize
That comes from business buildings
Which the workers used

I have the theory
Which I question and answer
To the presenters

A lonely pilot
Is a last resort to stop
The striking baddies

See the scenery
That is beautiful and stunning
Makes me so relaxed

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

HAIKU II

I am first to run
I am first to reach the end
I am first to win

Walking up the stairs
Get something in my small hands
A thing is shiny

HAIKU III

I am a short girl
Who love to do a twirl
Holding a piece of pearl

I love Mac Donald’s
Especially the burger
And love the nuggets

Taufeek love Hui Yun
Their wedding is tomorrow
At the East Coast beach

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

HAIKU IV

Music in my head
Keeps me pumping to the beat
Let my body grooves

Maybe you were right
But baby I was lonely
I don’t want to fight

Being the eldest
I must set good examples
Big sister should do

I hate vegetables
I was forced to eat them all
They keep me healthy

We are born as twins
We have strong telepathy
We do have rivals

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

HAIKU V

I am a fat guy
Always eating like a pig
That is how I am

People go to sleep
Dream of who they want to be
That is just human

Flowers are the best
With the fragrance they gives off
It will bloom my day

Playing on the swing
Back and forth the wing it goes
Makes me want to pee

Poking at facebook
Makes my friends irritated
Really makes my day

With the hope you give
I will try to give my best
Never look down on me

Walking down the street
With tears rolling down my cheeks
Searching for glory

Viewpoint - Planetarian: Reverie of a Little Planet

I am pretty sure if you are even a little into visual novels, galges, eroges and the like, you would have at least heard of Key if not played their games. Key is pretty well known for their Utsuges which literally mean "depressing/melancholy game." 

Now hold on. Yes, indeed their VNs usually end up with heart wrenching side effects and virgin tears but that's only because it's always a masterpiece! This is half true. So please read this to the end before deciding whether or not should you give it a try...Do it for the poor little robot if not for yourself....

Well then. Let's get started on this review/recommendation. The title is 'Planetarian ~ Reverie of a little Planet'. A story of undying loyalty, of sorrowful yearning...of salvation and hope. It is the 4th visual novel released by key and the best in quality in ratio to the quantity as far as I am concerned. The length is only 3~4 hours at average reading speed! 

To describe the story in a word, I would choose "Love". No it does not include two individuals who fall in love with each other. But I just feel that it is the most appropriate word to use here. Sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter yes? 

The setting is in a post apocalypse World where it never stops raining acid rain. You are a Junker who made his way into what was a metapolis to look for exotic loot. And the whole story takes place in a shopping centre where you meet the most precious entity that is too good for this sinful world.*Off topic. Guess who destroyed Earth? Yes, correct! Humans destroyed Earth and themselves again!

Tada!~ I present to you the very being that will change your entire life living as a garbage man. Her name is Yumemi Hoshino(Reverie Planetarian in translation) and she is not quite the normal person. She talks way too much and is the very embodiment of the sirens themselves. As an old Junker once said to you, "Do not talk to the girl in the city. She is not a being of this World." 

So did you follow his advice? Of course you don't! I tend to not like cute moe chatterbox archetype three quarters of the time but Reverie(I am using Reverie because I really like it.) is so much more than just a blob of moeness. Oh wait, before I forget she is a robot, so do disperse your lustful miasma right now. Yes, a robot but that's not the reason why she isn't 'a being of this world.' I am not going to mention the obvious since if you have half a heart, you will get what it means after you read the VN. 

Reverie is a robot who was working as an attendant for a planetarium way before the apocalypse. And has been doing so even after everything was destroyed. From her steadfast work ethic to her child-like naivety, it is hard to do anything but feel for Reverie. Even her personality quirks, whether it be her head-cocking when she doesn’t comprehend to her incessant questions, it's hard not to like her. She feels so natural even in a dying world. Just like the very last embodiment of tranquil purity. 

The story is basically just the interactions between you and Reverie, of a Junker finding the starry skies in a World where the stars are but a thing of the past. Two characters and two locations. Makes for a good short tale yes? (Yes it's heart-warming but as I stated at the beginning in Red...)

10 - Masterpiece, 9 - Excellent, 8 - Great, 7 - Very Good, 6 - Good, 5 - Fine. 

And so considering all factors, I will rate this a score of ⑨ for Excellent. Forgive the circle. Being a resident of Gensokyo, I just had to do that.

At last at the very end ,I must urge you- dare you even if I have to for you to give Planetarian a try. It's just 3 hours. Nothing much for a healthy human. As I said, do it for little poor Reverie if not for yourself. The Junker has no name so YOU(player) are the one she's speaking to.(Though you will never be as good in gunfights.) 

So please. Bring salvation to the poor soul who has been waiting for your return for 29 years and 81 days...the Phantasmal Border of Phantasms 

Alas their bright future was not to be.