Jane’s headache,

I’ve been dating John for 6 months now, and I’m really in love with him. We had so much fun on our first few dates: we planned them ahead of time and had a place to go to. But, after we were going together for a while, we started having lots of unplanned time alone. John suggested having sex. I wanted to please him, but I disagree with him on having sex. John has been pressurising me again. I am so afraid that I’ll give in to him, even though I really don’t want to. My self-control is slipping. What should I do?


Answer :
Tell him straight that you do not want to have sex. If he keeps pressurizing, then break up. Sex should only be done after marriage, not while you're young. If you really feel pressurised, break up earlier to avoid lost of self-control.

Post Lesson::: Reflections
Read the following article by The Straits Times (26/05/2008) 'Smile. You're in a relationship'. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------In dating, common interests trump physical intimacy, say teens surveyed. It's a fact of teen life: Your hormones are raging and curiosity over a three-letter word is at an all-time high.But when it comes to dating, teens here are not about to jump into bed with anyone – having that special connection with someone is more important.That's what 353 teens told us about the dating scene in a survey conducted by IN's cub reporters this month.The respondents from 15 secondary schools were asked about their attitudes towards dating.Over 90 per cent of them were Secondary 2, or Secondary 3 students. The rest were in Secondary 1, 4 or 5.What we found: When it came to that initial attraction, it wasn't studly bodies or model looks that did it, but a great smile.Almost half, or 45 per cent, said it was the first thing they noticed about the opposite sex.The survey also threw up other interesting nuggets about teen dating.For example, an overwhelming majority said secondary school was the ideal time to start searching for that special someone. For some, like Orchid Park Secondary 3 student Elizabeth Lee, it's a matter of self-empowerment. "At this age, I know what's best for me," said the 15-year-old.Others thought the mark of puberty between the ages of 13 and 17 signalled emotional maturity – a sign of readiness for a relationship.Fourteen-year-old Koh Yang Wei was more direct.Said the Secondary 3 Holy Innocent's High School student: "It's the time when we start to get horny."But even as their sex drives kick into gear, for most teens, getting physical was not the topmost thing on their minds. More than two-thirds of respondents thought the perfect date was when they "couldn't stop talking and laughing".
By contrast, fewer than one in 10 students picked physical intimacy as his or her main criterion. In fact, judging from the responses, sex did not rank very highly at all. What respondents craved was companionship and conversation. And yes – that was true for the boys, too.
The survey found that both boys and girls were in sync when it came to their romantic lives.Nearly 9 in 10 students preferred dating only one person compared to seeing a few people at a time.
They were also a sentimental bunch. Most said they would write love notes, talk on the phone and SMS every day to show their affection.Both boys and girls also agreed that the ability to talk about anything, having the same interests, and not feeling bored when together – were all major signs that a couple were meant for each other.

(http://www.comics.com/)
Even American teens seem to share the same values when it comes to boy-girl relationships.A study done by psychology researchers from the State University of New York showed that teenage boys, like girls, were motivated by the same love and desire for meaningful relationships. They examined data collected from 105 boys, average age 16, who were asked their reasons for pursuing a relationship.The top answer, marked by 80 per cent of the boys?"I really liked the person."Physical attraction came in second.Dr Carol Belhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society, was not surprised. "At this age, finding your identity is most important. Teens want to look for others with common interests. "They want to be acknowledged; they want to share their lives – that's not a 'boy' or 'girl' thing," she added. But Dr Belhetchet raised an eyebrow when told almost all the teens surveyed here said sex was not a major factor when dating. "This is the age of experimentation. This sense of exploration is also why teen relationships don't last very long – typically not longer than a month."Such an observation would not sit well with Ho Wei Yang, a Secondary 1 student at Bukit View School. The 13-year-old, who says he has yet to find his soulmate, is not looking to date more than one person – ever. "Just one is enough," he told IN. "Because if you already have a girlfriend, you're already at the stage where you're sure she's the right one." A true romantic. And he's not alone.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answer the following questions based on the article above

(A) It was mentioned that "the mark of puberty between the ages of 13 and 17 signalled emotional maturity – a sign of readiness for a relationship". Do you agree that between 13 and 17 is a good time to go steady? And why?

A: I think it is the right time, as there is no right or wrong in a relationship. but there are some risks in getting into a relationship. For example, heartbreaks and emotional breakdowns. It is only the correct time when you are mature enough to handle problems in the relationship, and when you break up, you are able to handle it. When you experience a problem in the relationship, your partner's doings should not affect your moods, and you should get going. Not saying all this is negative, but relationships might still be happy, if there is mutual understanding and trust.

(B) Interestingly, the article also mentions that sex was not a major factor when dating but rather companionship and conversation. Based on your own experience or interaction with your peers, how accurate or true is that opinion of our youths in Singapore?

A; Sex is only an issue when you get married, not now. If you have sex now, you may live to regret in the future, moreover when the person you have not with isn't your stead, or wouldn't be with you in the future. Sex is an activity done when you're married, not before. Some people will not be able to handle the emotional trauma after that, as they may get STDs, or unwanted pregnancies.

Q.identify and explain at least one characteristics which you
A)MUST and GOTTA have
B)can't do without

A.
A)Love me for who i am,understanding,humourous.
B)Have a good career

Q :
Identify and explain at least one characteristics which you
A) MUST and GOTTA have
B) can do without

when it comes to choosing your steady.'

A :
A) to be understanding.
B) good grades and wealth

In life, you will meet many people; some will encourage and help you and others that will discourage or even distract you. These people will eventually play a part in molding your character, values and life principles. Can you identify the voices around you? “Voices” refers to those that are able to influence or make an impact on your actions/thoughts. E.g. Parents, friends, or even people who you do not know. Sometimes these “voices” can influence you without you being aware of it.

Question: As a student, what are the “voices” that surround you? What can you do to prevent those “voices” that can influence you negatively? Go to the website below, complete the quiz, and find out if you are the one influencing others.

After looking at the site, post the results of your quiz on your blog. http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/above-it.aspx#

The voices that surround us so far are our classmates. Some are bad influences, some are good. To prevent those "voices" that can influence us negatively, we should not talk to strangers. There might be good people but we don't know who are good, so we should not take the risk.

Results :
To be updated.

Read the article

In this article,“The girl said she thought that after having sex with the boy, the relationship would last. Do girls her age normally think like this?” My question to you is: Do girls her age normally think like this? Also, do you think its appropriate to go into a relationship at your age?


Girls at this age do not usually think like this, but there are some exceptions at times for some people. The sex is not only underage, she could get STDs or even get pregnant, and the rest of her future would be ruined.

It is rather inappropriate to go into a relationship at this age, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME EXCEPTIONS. Everyone has different perspectives in what a "relationship" is, so it really depends on how mature you are. But I think it is inappropriate. It is a waste of time and effort and feelings. You should just focus on your studies instead of crying in the end when you break up.

WE DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS! WE ARE DOING THIS ON OUR OWN ACCORD B-) [we are SUCH "hardworking" people. HEH]

“Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” Do you think it's true? False? What do you think?

It is completely false. Words hurt you as well, especially when people speak vulgarities. It can cause emotional pain and then lead to physical pain. People will start cursing and swearing at you at first, but later taunt at you. In the end you will end up with bruises and wounds when they gang up to bash you up.

"Read this article :

No child's play
Lack of parental support and academic guidance did not stop Jason Chionh from realising his dreams. SHERWIN LOH reports

As a games software engineer at Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, Jason Chionh gets to mix work with pleasure. -- PHOTO: LUCASFILM

IT WAS his teacher who inspired Jason Chionh to pursue a career in video games, but not in the way you would expect.
While doing his final-year Computer Science project at Victoria Junior College, Jason was discouraged from proposing a games-related one. According to his teacher, his design could 'never compete' with the commercial games that are in the market.

'I didn't do a games project but it got me thinking that maybe I can do something in the future,' recalls the 33-year-old, who grew up playing Wing Commander, Monkey Island and Ultima role-playing PC games.

After receiving a computer science degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS), he followed it up with a Master of Science, all the while dreaming of entering the fledgling game industry.

'There were no game-related studies but I knew what I wanted to do and was prepared to move overseas if I had to.'

There was also the fantasy of creating his own game with a few friends, if no one would hire him.

All this while, he kept his aspirations from his family and friends, knowing that job opportunities were scant, with gaming still considered mere child's play.

In 2002, he applied through the Economic Development Board job attachment program to work with noted Japanese games company Koei but was not selected.

He found a job as a full-time teaching assistant at NUS and tried again the following year. This time, he was accepted by Sega, another noted Japanese games developer and publisher, and went on an 18-month stint.

What he found really useful was the on-the-job training and experience he gained from working on console games.

One title he worked on was Altered Beast for the Sony PlayStation 2 console.

He worked on all the programming aspects for implementing the fight scenario, the artificial intelligence behaviour of the boss character, the visual effects and the sound and animation of the characters, to name a few.

Upon returning home, he took on a job with G-Gadget, a local start-up working on games for the Nintendo DS-Lite platform.

His parents, however, did not like his job because they felt that game piracy limited any possible success in the industry.

Things took a positive turn when industry giant Lucasfilm of Star Wars fame announced that it was setting up an animation and games arm here.

Jason successfully applied to Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and soon found himself surrounded by his childhood movie and game heroes, from the Jedi masters, Indiana Jones to Guybrush Threepwood.

'I heard they were hiring and you don't question yourself if you want to join Lucasfilm,' he said.

As a games software engineer, he is currently working on several unannounced game projects. He already has one title under his belt - last year's Jedi Alliance game for the DS Lite.

His involvement in this game was more extensive, as he worked on programming both the engine for the game and the game systems, including the sound, visual effects and combat systems.

His parents have also come around and accepted his chosen profession.

For Jason, his long-time dream lives on. Although he is part of a large team working on several games, he still wants to create his own video game one day.

To turn that dream into reality, he realises it is going to take more hard work at Lucasfilm.

'What I find most valuable is to be able to work with a very talented pool of people here. We are able to openly discuss ideas and bounce these ideas off one another,' he said.

'Because of this, I have learnt a lot and I feel there is so much more that I can learn.'



After you read, I would like you to answer a few questions.
a) What are your views in pursuing a career with the gaming industry, especially in Singapore?
b) What qualities does Jason Chionh have that allow him to do what he wish to do?"



a) I think persuing a career with the gaming industry is worth, as many people these days love to play games, and even get addicted to them. On the other hand, if they want to persue that kind of career in Singapore, i think it would not be so good as Singapore is a small country, and there may not be so many people as expected playing their games. It should be worldwide.

b)He has attained a Computer Science Degree with NUS, and it shows that he would be able to create a computer game. When he became a full-time teaching assistant at NUS, he was accepted by Sega, another noted Japanese games developer and publisher, and went on an 18-month stint. He could use all these experiences to allow him to persue a career with the gaming industry. (:

Jane’s headache,

I’ve been dating John for 6 months now, and I’m really in love with him. We had so much fun on our first few dates: we planned them ahead of time and had a place to go to. But, after we were going together for a while, we started having lots of unplanned time alone. John suggested having sex. I wanted to please him, but I disagree with him on having sex. John has been pressurising me again. I am so afraid that I’ll give in to him, even though I really don’t want to. My self-control is slipping. What should I do?


Answer :
Tell him straight that you do not want to have sex. If he keeps pressurizing, then break up. Sex should only be done after marriage, not while you're young. If you really feel pressurised, break up earlier to avoid lost of self-control.

Post Lesson::: Reflections
Read the following article by The Straits Times (26/05/2008) 'Smile. You're in a relationship'. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------In dating, common interests trump physical intimacy, say teens surveyed. It's a fact of teen life: Your hormones are raging and curiosity over a three-letter word is at an all-time high.But when it comes to dating, teens here are not about to jump into bed with anyone – having that special connection with someone is more important.That's what 353 teens told us about the dating scene in a survey conducted by IN's cub reporters this month.The respondents from 15 secondary schools were asked about their attitudes towards dating.Over 90 per cent of them were Secondary 2, or Secondary 3 students. The rest were in Secondary 1, 4 or 5.What we found: When it came to that initial attraction, it wasn't studly bodies or model looks that did it, but a great smile.Almost half, or 45 per cent, said it was the first thing they noticed about the opposite sex.The survey also threw up other interesting nuggets about teen dating.For example, an overwhelming majority said secondary school was the ideal time to start searching for that special someone. For some, like Orchid Park Secondary 3 student Elizabeth Lee, it's a matter of self-empowerment. "At this age, I know what's best for me," said the 15-year-old.Others thought the mark of puberty between the ages of 13 and 17 signalled emotional maturity – a sign of readiness for a relationship.Fourteen-year-old Koh Yang Wei was more direct.Said the Secondary 3 Holy Innocent's High School student: "It's the time when we start to get horny."But even as their sex drives kick into gear, for most teens, getting physical was not the topmost thing on their minds. More than two-thirds of respondents thought the perfect date was when they "couldn't stop talking and laughing".
By contrast, fewer than one in 10 students picked physical intimacy as his or her main criterion. In fact, judging from the responses, sex did not rank very highly at all. What respondents craved was companionship and conversation. And yes – that was true for the boys, too.
The survey found that both boys and girls were in sync when it came to their romantic lives.Nearly 9 in 10 students preferred dating only one person compared to seeing a few people at a time.
They were also a sentimental bunch. Most said they would write love notes, talk on the phone and SMS every day to show their affection.Both boys and girls also agreed that the ability to talk about anything, having the same interests, and not feeling bored when together – were all major signs that a couple were meant for each other.

(http://www.comics.com/)
Even American teens seem to share the same values when it comes to boy-girl relationships.A study done by psychology researchers from the State University of New York showed that teenage boys, like girls, were motivated by the same love and desire for meaningful relationships. They examined data collected from 105 boys, average age 16, who were asked their reasons for pursuing a relationship.The top answer, marked by 80 per cent of the boys?"I really liked the person."Physical attraction came in second.Dr Carol Belhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society, was not surprised. "At this age, finding your identity is most important. Teens want to look for others with common interests. "They want to be acknowledged; they want to share their lives – that's not a 'boy' or 'girl' thing," she added. But Dr Belhetchet raised an eyebrow when told almost all the teens surveyed here said sex was not a major factor when dating. "This is the age of experimentation. This sense of exploration is also why teen relationships don't last very long – typically not longer than a month."Such an observation would not sit well with Ho Wei Yang, a Secondary 1 student at Bukit View School. The 13-year-old, who says he has yet to find his soulmate, is not looking to date more than one person – ever. "Just one is enough," he told IN. "Because if you already have a girlfriend, you're already at the stage where you're sure she's the right one." A true romantic. And he's not alone.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answer the following questions based on the article above

(A) It was mentioned that "the mark of puberty between the ages of 13 and 17 signalled emotional maturity – a sign of readiness for a relationship". Do you agree that between 13 and 17 is a good time to go steady? And why?

A: I think it is the right time, as there is no right or wrong in a relationship. but there are some risks in getting into a relationship. For example, heartbreaks and emotional breakdowns. It is only the correct time when you are mature enough to handle problems in the relationship, and when you break up, you are able to handle it. When you experience a problem in the relationship, your partner's doings should not affect your moods, and you should get going. Not saying all this is negative, but relationships might still be happy, if there is mutual understanding and trust.

(B) Interestingly, the article also mentions that sex was not a major factor when dating but rather companionship and conversation. Based on your own experience or interaction with your peers, how accurate or true is that opinion of our youths in Singapore?

A; Sex is only an issue when you get married, not now. If you have sex now, you may live to regret in the future, moreover when the person you have not with isn't your stead, or wouldn't be with you in the future. Sex is an activity done when you're married, not before. Some people will not be able to handle the emotional trauma after that, as they may get STDs, or unwanted pregnancies.

Q.identify and explain at least one characteristics which you
A)MUST and GOTTA have
B)can't do without

A.
A)Love me for who i am,understanding,humourous.
B)Have a good career

Q :
Identify and explain at least one characteristics which you
A) MUST and GOTTA have
B) can do without

when it comes to choosing your steady.'

A :
A) to be understanding.
B) good grades and wealth

In life, you will meet many people; some will encourage and help you and others that will discourage or even distract you. These people will eventually play a part in molding your character, values and life principles. Can you identify the voices around you? “Voices” refers to those that are able to influence or make an impact on your actions/thoughts. E.g. Parents, friends, or even people who you do not know. Sometimes these “voices” can influence you without you being aware of it.

Question: As a student, what are the “voices” that surround you? What can you do to prevent those “voices” that can influence you negatively? Go to the website below, complete the quiz, and find out if you are the one influencing others.

After looking at the site, post the results of your quiz on your blog. http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/above-it.aspx#

The voices that surround us so far are our classmates. Some are bad influences, some are good. To prevent those "voices" that can influence us negatively, we should not talk to strangers. There might be good people but we don't know who are good, so we should not take the risk.

Results :
To be updated.

Read the article

In this article,“The girl said she thought that after having sex with the boy, the relationship would last. Do girls her age normally think like this?” My question to you is: Do girls her age normally think like this? Also, do you think its appropriate to go into a relationship at your age?


Girls at this age do not usually think like this, but there are some exceptions at times for some people. The sex is not only underage, she could get STDs or even get pregnant, and the rest of her future would be ruined.

It is rather inappropriate to go into a relationship at this age, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME EXCEPTIONS. Everyone has different perspectives in what a "relationship" is, so it really depends on how mature you are. But I think it is inappropriate. It is a waste of time and effort and feelings. You should just focus on your studies instead of crying in the end when you break up.

WE DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS! WE ARE DOING THIS ON OUR OWN ACCORD B-) [we are SUCH "hardworking" people. HEH]

“Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” Do you think it's true? False? What do you think?

It is completely false. Words hurt you as well, especially when people speak vulgarities. It can cause emotional pain and then lead to physical pain. People will start cursing and swearing at you at first, but later taunt at you. In the end you will end up with bruises and wounds when they gang up to bash you up.

"Read this article :

No child's play
Lack of parental support and academic guidance did not stop Jason Chionh from realising his dreams. SHERWIN LOH reports

As a games software engineer at Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, Jason Chionh gets to mix work with pleasure. -- PHOTO: LUCASFILM

IT WAS his teacher who inspired Jason Chionh to pursue a career in video games, but not in the way you would expect.
While doing his final-year Computer Science project at Victoria Junior College, Jason was discouraged from proposing a games-related one. According to his teacher, his design could 'never compete' with the commercial games that are in the market.

'I didn't do a games project but it got me thinking that maybe I can do something in the future,' recalls the 33-year-old, who grew up playing Wing Commander, Monkey Island and Ultima role-playing PC games.

After receiving a computer science degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS), he followed it up with a Master of Science, all the while dreaming of entering the fledgling game industry.

'There were no game-related studies but I knew what I wanted to do and was prepared to move overseas if I had to.'

There was also the fantasy of creating his own game with a few friends, if no one would hire him.

All this while, he kept his aspirations from his family and friends, knowing that job opportunities were scant, with gaming still considered mere child's play.

In 2002, he applied through the Economic Development Board job attachment program to work with noted Japanese games company Koei but was not selected.

He found a job as a full-time teaching assistant at NUS and tried again the following year. This time, he was accepted by Sega, another noted Japanese games developer and publisher, and went on an 18-month stint.

What he found really useful was the on-the-job training and experience he gained from working on console games.

One title he worked on was Altered Beast for the Sony PlayStation 2 console.

He worked on all the programming aspects for implementing the fight scenario, the artificial intelligence behaviour of the boss character, the visual effects and the sound and animation of the characters, to name a few.

Upon returning home, he took on a job with G-Gadget, a local start-up working on games for the Nintendo DS-Lite platform.

His parents, however, did not like his job because they felt that game piracy limited any possible success in the industry.

Things took a positive turn when industry giant Lucasfilm of Star Wars fame announced that it was setting up an animation and games arm here.

Jason successfully applied to Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and soon found himself surrounded by his childhood movie and game heroes, from the Jedi masters, Indiana Jones to Guybrush Threepwood.

'I heard they were hiring and you don't question yourself if you want to join Lucasfilm,' he said.

As a games software engineer, he is currently working on several unannounced game projects. He already has one title under his belt - last year's Jedi Alliance game for the DS Lite.

His involvement in this game was more extensive, as he worked on programming both the engine for the game and the game systems, including the sound, visual effects and combat systems.

His parents have also come around and accepted his chosen profession.

For Jason, his long-time dream lives on. Although he is part of a large team working on several games, he still wants to create his own video game one day.

To turn that dream into reality, he realises it is going to take more hard work at Lucasfilm.

'What I find most valuable is to be able to work with a very talented pool of people here. We are able to openly discuss ideas and bounce these ideas off one another,' he said.

'Because of this, I have learnt a lot and I feel there is so much more that I can learn.'



After you read, I would like you to answer a few questions.
a) What are your views in pursuing a career with the gaming industry, especially in Singapore?
b) What qualities does Jason Chionh have that allow him to do what he wish to do?"



a) I think persuing a career with the gaming industry is worth, as many people these days love to play games, and even get addicted to them. On the other hand, if they want to persue that kind of career in Singapore, i think it would not be so good as Singapore is a small country, and there may not be so many people as expected playing their games. It should be worldwide.

b)He has attained a Computer Science Degree with NUS, and it shows that he would be able to create a computer game. When he became a full-time teaching assistant at NUS, he was accepted by Sega, another noted Japanese games developer and publisher, and went on an 18-month stint. He could use all these experiences to allow him to persue a career with the gaming industry. (: