Hey guys! It's already December! Time really has wings. It seemed only yesterday when I celebrated New Year's Day at the beginning of the year. Christmas is coming so fast that I was shocked when I looked at the calendar today and saw that it was 13 December! Besides signaling the near coming of Christmas, this date also has special meaning for me. 13 December is the birthday of my late cousin and I haven't gone to Mandai for quite a while to visit her. I just want to wish her a great birthday and I know she's having a great time in heaven right now.
But Christmas isn't the only thing about to happen this period. I'm gonna get my new guitar soon and I'm very excited about that. I've been practicing for a few hours every day since I picked up guitar a few weeks ago. Although I'm not very good yet, I can say that I've made considerable improvement. ;P In addition to that, my long-awaited holidays are knocking on my front door! They start from next Monday and end on the 2nd of January 2013! I know it's only a little more than two weeks, but it's better than nothing anyways. :P During that time, my dad plans to do some revamp-work on the house. I'm helping out and I'll try to post pics of the progress!
I just wanna thank God for helping me get through this year. Yes, it was filled with ups and downs, but I know that God will always be there for me and for you too. I hope you have a great Christmas season! Always remember that Christmas is mainly centered on these two things: Jesus and giving. :)
And before I sign off, I'm going to say something. On January 1, 2013, I'm going to watch 2012 and laugh. I know this is quite an old joke but anyways... #JustSaying
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Updates!
Yes, I know. It's been ages since my last post. I'll have to say this: I had absolutely NO IDEA what to post about until now. Also, I've been very busy. Today, I'm just going to focus on two topics: the John Baty-Raffles Debate Academy workshop that I just participated along with some of the homeschoolers the previous week, and something else you'll find out as you read along.
Firstly, let's concentrate on the debate workshop. It was held at RI/RJC, and I have to say, that place is humongous! We had a bit of trouble finding our way around on the first day, but directional signs pointed us in the right direction (thankfully). The instructor was a Canadian guy named John Baty (surprise surprise) and he's quite a funny guy.
I had a great experience at the camp (namely getting to know school people from different schools, learning stuff about debate, etc). Surprisingly, the lunch food was much better than expected. We even had different food everyday! After all, what do you expect from Raffles? :P
After all the teaching and learning, we all had to put that into practice. So we had debate rounds on the last day, which was on a Friday. Least to say, my teammates were fantastic and although we did not win all the rounds, we still managed to get something out of it. If I had the opportunity to go for a similar debate workshop, I would pounce for the opportunity!
However, life is not all sweet and happy. Bad things happen too. Recently, my cell member's aunt died. I could tell he was quite devastated (apparently, he had been close to her). As I comforted him at church on Saturday, I realized that I understood his pain. I realized how similarly I reacted when my cousin passed away. Although we are good friends, I've never felt closer to him before this.
This whole incident also showed me how a cell should be like. My cell rallied around my friend, prayed, and comforted him. We supported him emotional and spiritually. This was something I have rarely seen and this has convinced me that my cell is progressing forward.
Coincidentally, I found my late cousin's blog last week too (finally!). All this while, I thought I was close to my cousin. (I even switched clubs from Chelsea to Manchester United because of her.) However, reading her blog made me reconsider. I didn't even know all those things were going on in her life, and I didn't go and find out. Lesson learnt: loving your loved ones goes beyond just treasuring them.
That's all I have to say today. I don't mean to be morbid but that was the lesson I learnt this past week. I hope I have more so I can post more often! :P
Firstly, let's concentrate on the debate workshop. It was held at RI/RJC, and I have to say, that place is humongous! We had a bit of trouble finding our way around on the first day, but directional signs pointed us in the right direction (thankfully). The instructor was a Canadian guy named John Baty (surprise surprise) and he's quite a funny guy.
I had a great experience at the camp (namely getting to know school people from different schools, learning stuff about debate, etc). Surprisingly, the lunch food was much better than expected. We even had different food everyday! After all, what do you expect from Raffles? :P
After all the teaching and learning, we all had to put that into practice. So we had debate rounds on the last day, which was on a Friday. Least to say, my teammates were fantastic and although we did not win all the rounds, we still managed to get something out of it. If I had the opportunity to go for a similar debate workshop, I would pounce for the opportunity!
However, life is not all sweet and happy. Bad things happen too. Recently, my cell member's aunt died. I could tell he was quite devastated (apparently, he had been close to her). As I comforted him at church on Saturday, I realized that I understood his pain. I realized how similarly I reacted when my cousin passed away. Although we are good friends, I've never felt closer to him before this.
This whole incident also showed me how a cell should be like. My cell rallied around my friend, prayed, and comforted him. We supported him emotional and spiritually. This was something I have rarely seen and this has convinced me that my cell is progressing forward.
Coincidentally, I found my late cousin's blog last week too (finally!). All this while, I thought I was close to my cousin. (I even switched clubs from Chelsea to Manchester United because of her.) However, reading her blog made me reconsider. I didn't even know all those things were going on in her life, and I didn't go and find out. Lesson learnt: loving your loved ones goes beyond just treasuring them.
That's all I have to say today. I don't mean to be morbid but that was the lesson I learnt this past week. I hope I have more so I can post more often! :P
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
"Summer Break" Summary
Yes, I know. Two other blogs are also talking about this right now (summer break)... But anyways...
It's always hot ol' summer down here in the equator. So "summer break" should not be the right word. However, I'm just too lazy to make up another word...
I can't really say that it has been a true summer break. 80% of the time was tedious work with a church camp, debate camp, youth camp, cell outings, DNA labs, weekly soccer training sessions, ICC, etc. to break the monotony. The work and the activities were an inordinate burden and I still have backlog! Grrr...
Besides all that, a few things made it a bit more interesting, namely taking my Grade 8 piano exam on the 10 September. I don't think I did too well, though. I feel that my lack of preparation and my nervousness let me down there. Gah... I just have to pray that I'll pass. (It was that bad.) But I guess I learnt a lesson though: practice properly!
Lord of the Rings made a comeback in my life this month. (I had neglected it for a few months) For some reason, I'm crazy about it. I've spent hours doing research on the history of Middle-Earth, the Valar, etc. I've reread the books many times too! I even downloaded a Tengwar transcriptor! Hehe!
Now "summer break" is officially over (to me, it didn't quite exist in the first place). I've started an Advanced Composition course with Potters School and my classmates seem to be a chatty, interesting, and fun lot. I normally don't say this, but I'm looking forward to the "new school year." I just need a few improvements. To be specific, time management, attitude, responsibility, and a hunger for learning. (My parents will give me a pat on the back for saying that!)
Yeah, things may get hard along the way (especially the increasing workload), but I know that God will help me get through!
Hopefully, this "school year" will one to remember!
Ending once again with a Tengwar Quenya phrase. It means: to a good school year!
It's always hot ol' summer down here in the equator. So "summer break" should not be the right word. However, I'm just too lazy to make up another word...
I can't really say that it has been a true summer break. 80% of the time was tedious work with a church camp, debate camp, youth camp, cell outings, DNA labs, weekly soccer training sessions, ICC, etc. to break the monotony. The work and the activities were an inordinate burden and I still have backlog! Grrr...
Besides all that, a few things made it a bit more interesting, namely taking my Grade 8 piano exam on the 10 September. I don't think I did too well, though. I feel that my lack of preparation and my nervousness let me down there. Gah... I just have to pray that I'll pass. (It was that bad.) But I guess I learnt a lesson though: practice properly!
Lord of the Rings made a comeback in my life this month. (I had neglected it for a few months) For some reason, I'm crazy about it. I've spent hours doing research on the history of Middle-Earth, the Valar, etc. I've reread the books many times too! I even downloaded a Tengwar transcriptor! Hehe!
Now "summer break" is officially over (to me, it didn't quite exist in the first place). I've started an Advanced Composition course with Potters School and my classmates seem to be a chatty, interesting, and fun lot. I normally don't say this, but I'm looking forward to the "new school year." I just need a few improvements. To be specific, time management, attitude, responsibility, and a hunger for learning. (My parents will give me a pat on the back for saying that!)
Yeah, things may get hard along the way (especially the increasing workload), but I know that God will help me get through!
Hopefully, this "school year" will one to remember!
Ending once again with a Tengwar Quenya phrase. It means: to a good school year!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wake-Up Call
It's been a long time since my last post and I suppose you must have wondered where I had gone to. Well, I've been quite busy of late (with extra-curricular activities and homework). With no further ado, let's get on with the post!
Many a times, we "fail" in our tasks. For example, I had a recital on the 25th of August and I messed up my piano piece terribly (to myself, at least. I think those present at the recital could affirm that). I admit that I had an attack of the nerves, and that made my fingers even more sweaty than usual. My fingers were cold too and were stiff so I could not play as fast as I usually would. I couldn't forgive myself for a few days after that and when people approached me to say that I played well, I sort of told them that my playing was actually horrible.
Now that I reflect on it, I actually think that the recital was a blessing in disguise. Before the recital, I was quite complacent in my practice and the recital actually motivated me to practice harder for my upcoming Grade 8 piano exam on the 10th of September. I experienced a change in my playing and now I'm glad that I messed up in the recital! If I didn't, I wouldn't have experienced the wake-up call and probably would still be slack in my practice. Definitely a NO for somebody taking his Grade 8 exam in a few weeks!
I haven't taken my piano exam yet, so I don't know what my score will be; but hopefully, I can get at least a merit.
I would end with a quote in Tengwar Quenya (Elvish language in Lord of the Rings)
Many a times, we "fail" in our tasks. For example, I had a recital on the 25th of August and I messed up my piano piece terribly (to myself, at least. I think those present at the recital could affirm that). I admit that I had an attack of the nerves, and that made my fingers even more sweaty than usual. My fingers were cold too and were stiff so I could not play as fast as I usually would. I couldn't forgive myself for a few days after that and when people approached me to say that I played well, I sort of told them that my playing was actually horrible.
Now that I reflect on it, I actually think that the recital was a blessing in disguise. Before the recital, I was quite complacent in my practice and the recital actually motivated me to practice harder for my upcoming Grade 8 piano exam on the 10th of September. I experienced a change in my playing and now I'm glad that I messed up in the recital! If I didn't, I wouldn't have experienced the wake-up call and probably would still be slack in my practice. Definitely a NO for somebody taking his Grade 8 exam in a few weeks!
I haven't taken my piano exam yet, so I don't know what my score will be; but hopefully, I can get at least a merit.
I would end with a quote in Tengwar Quenya (Elvish language in Lord of the Rings)
It means, "Failure is the mother of success."
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
What's The Best Choice?
Heellloooo there! It's been quite some time since my last post! Yeah, sort of busy with work and the like right now. Finally managed to set aside some time for this post!
It's sad to say that my lovely Sony Ericsson W995's screen has spoiled and I've been stuck with my lousy old phone for quite some time. Thankfully, I would be able to upgrade on the 17th September 2012! Yay!
I have already narrowed down my search to a few phones. Mainly Sony and HTC phones. Of course, each phone has its own advantages and disadvantages. There's a phone that is even waterproof! I have done plenty of research on the respective phones, but I just can't seem to choose an exact one yet. (Yes. I know there's plenty of time from now to then; but at the end of the day, I will be stuck with that phone so I want to make the best choice.)
This situation reminds of our everyday lives. We all have to make many choices everyday. Whether its choosing to read a book or watch television, eating meat or vegetables, etc. Just as the Bible says, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." The question we should ask ourselves is: what is the best choice. Sure, there may be good choices, but remember that the enemy of "best" is "good."
One of the good questions to ask yourself is: What would Jesus do if He were in this situation? What would He choose? (I know this doesn't really apply to my phone choice, but anyways...) This is a great guideline as Jesus is perfect. He can't make a wrong decision.
To conclude it all, let me finish with a Bible verse. "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23.
To conclude it all, let me finish with a Bible verse. "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23.
Friday, July 13, 2012
A Temporary Assignment
Today I just read Chapter 6 of "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. It's an extremely good Christian book and I really recommend it! Anyway, the main theme of Chapter 6 is "Life is a temporary assignment." Here are some things I got out of reading:
- Life is a temporary assignment.
- To make the best of life, you mustn't forget 2 truths:
1. Compared with eternity, life is extremely brief.
2. Earth is only a temporary residence
- Earth is not your permanent home or final destination. You're like a foreigner passing through.
- Christians should always remind themselves that our citizenship is in heaven.
- Your identity is in eternity and your real home is in heaven. When you grasp the truth, you won't worry about "having it all" on earth.
- Christians are supposed to be like God's ambassadors to earth. Sadly, many Christians have betrayed Christ and His kingdom. They have foolishly concluded that because they live on earth, it is their real home. IT IS NOT!
- God warns us that we shouldn't become too attached to worldly things.
- The fact that earth is not our ultimate home explains why as followers of Jesus, we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in this world. In order to keep us from being too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life -- longing that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity.
- Realizing that life on earth is just a temporary assignment should radically alter your values. Eternal ones, not temporal ones should become the deciding factors for your decisions.
- It's a fatal mistake to assume that God's goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance, and faithfulness to God doesn't guarantee success in a career or ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns. Of course, this doesn't mean that getting material possessions is bad. Just don't get too caught up with acquiring temporary things. Matthew 6:19-20 says, " “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
- In God's eyes, the greatest heroes of faith are no those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat this life as a temporary assignment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity.
- After death, you won't leave home, you'll go home.
Question to consider: How should that fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I'm living right now?
- Life is a temporary assignment.
- To make the best of life, you mustn't forget 2 truths:
1. Compared with eternity, life is extremely brief.
2. Earth is only a temporary residence
- Earth is not your permanent home or final destination. You're like a foreigner passing through.
- Christians should always remind themselves that our citizenship is in heaven.
- Your identity is in eternity and your real home is in heaven. When you grasp the truth, you won't worry about "having it all" on earth.
- Christians are supposed to be like God's ambassadors to earth. Sadly, many Christians have betrayed Christ and His kingdom. They have foolishly concluded that because they live on earth, it is their real home. IT IS NOT!
- God warns us that we shouldn't become too attached to worldly things.
- The fact that earth is not our ultimate home explains why as followers of Jesus, we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in this world. In order to keep us from being too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life -- longing that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity.
- Realizing that life on earth is just a temporary assignment should radically alter your values. Eternal ones, not temporal ones should become the deciding factors for your decisions.
- It's a fatal mistake to assume that God's goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance, and faithfulness to God doesn't guarantee success in a career or ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns. Of course, this doesn't mean that getting material possessions is bad. Just don't get too caught up with acquiring temporary things. Matthew 6:19-20 says, " “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
- In God's eyes, the greatest heroes of faith are no those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat this life as a temporary assignment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity.
- After death, you won't leave home, you'll go home.
Question to consider: How should that fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I'm living right now?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Flowers, Flowers, and More Flowers
These are just some of the many flower photos that I took two years ago in a botanical garden on Mount Dandenong, a mountain about an hour's drive from Melbourne. It really reminds us of God's wonderful and beautiful creation.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Debate Camp
The Ethos Debate Camp 2012 just ended on the 18th of June, 2012. I appreciate the fact that my team (Joshua Kam, Matthew Tan, and me) got third place. Although I was a bit disappointed that we did not win, I'm still thankful. Actually I feel that everyone was a winner in a way that we all took something back from the camp.
For the exhibition debate between the Proposition (Matthew Lim, David Lim, and me) and the Opposition (Elisabeth, Natasha, and Yi Ning), the topic was that "the house would ban physical punishment of children."
The tournament was not really difficult. The topic was "This house supports the one or two-child policy." Since I already did some research and my team meet several times, we were quite prepared.
Needless to say, all the camp participants had an extraordinary time and I really do look forward to the next one!
P.S. I'm currently attending a youth leadership camp by the debate camp's organizers. I have really enjoyed the spy activities.
For the exhibition debate between the Proposition (Matthew Lim, David Lim, and me) and the Opposition (Elisabeth, Natasha, and Yi Ning), the topic was that "the house would ban physical punishment of children."
The tournament was not really difficult. The topic was "This house supports the one or two-child policy." Since I already did some research and my team meet several times, we were quite prepared.
Needless to say, all the camp participants had an extraordinary time and I really do look forward to the next one!
P.S. I'm currently attending a youth leadership camp by the debate camp's organizers. I have really enjoyed the spy activities.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Old Days of the Tay Brothers
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Delicateness Of Life
Well, my brother and I are going for an Ethos debate camp in June. This is my second one while it's my brother's first debate camp.
For the exhibition debate, my topic is "Banning physical punishment of children" and my brother is debating on legalizing organ sale. My brother's topic brought me sadness because I remembered how I lost one of my closest cousins to heart failure on February 9, 2007. She was only 21 years and two months. (She was born in December) Although she had been suffering heart failure for three and a half years, she passed away so suddenly that I couldn't believe she was dead.
That Friday night, I was at home cell playing with my friends while the adults had a discussion. My mom then received a call from my maid saying that my cousin had collapsed at home and was being sent to hospital. My parents fetched my brother and me home before rushing to the hospital. I remember that it was already 12 midnight. We went to sleep that night, praying for our cousin. We did not think that it was really serious, although we felt a bit anxious. Trying to be optimistic, I expected her to be discharged the next morning.
The first thing I heard in the morning was the sound of crying. My maid crying. I brushed it off, thinking that my maid must be crying over some family problems, as she always did. A few moments later, she ran into the room and broke the news to me: my cousin had passed on. Immediately, I started sobbing and stumbled to the living room where I found my mother on the phone, tears streaking down her cheeks. It was one of the few times I witnessed my mother cry. (My cousin was very close to my mother.)
I went for the wake, but due to my young age of nine at that time, I was not allowed to go for the cremation. I thank God that my cousin had accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was now in heaven with Him. However, the question still rings in my head, "Would she have been saved by an organ transplant?"
This incident also taught me that we must live our life as if Jesus will take us home the next day. The frailty of life is very real. We may get called home tomorrow. My cousin impacted many lives and as a result, she left a lasting legacy. Due to her condition, she knew that she may die the next day, thus she gave her best in everything. She was a straight-A student in NUS and even committed time to serve in her church's Sunday school. Thank God for such a wonderful cousin!
For the exhibition debate, my topic is "Banning physical punishment of children" and my brother is debating on legalizing organ sale. My brother's topic brought me sadness because I remembered how I lost one of my closest cousins to heart failure on February 9, 2007. She was only 21 years and two months. (She was born in December) Although she had been suffering heart failure for three and a half years, she passed away so suddenly that I couldn't believe she was dead.
That Friday night, I was at home cell playing with my friends while the adults had a discussion. My mom then received a call from my maid saying that my cousin had collapsed at home and was being sent to hospital. My parents fetched my brother and me home before rushing to the hospital. I remember that it was already 12 midnight. We went to sleep that night, praying for our cousin. We did not think that it was really serious, although we felt a bit anxious. Trying to be optimistic, I expected her to be discharged the next morning.
The first thing I heard in the morning was the sound of crying. My maid crying. I brushed it off, thinking that my maid must be crying over some family problems, as she always did. A few moments later, she ran into the room and broke the news to me: my cousin had passed on. Immediately, I started sobbing and stumbled to the living room where I found my mother on the phone, tears streaking down her cheeks. It was one of the few times I witnessed my mother cry. (My cousin was very close to my mother.)
I went for the wake, but due to my young age of nine at that time, I was not allowed to go for the cremation. I thank God that my cousin had accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was now in heaven with Him. However, the question still rings in my head, "Would she have been saved by an organ transplant?"
This incident also taught me that we must live our life as if Jesus will take us home the next day. The frailty of life is very real. We may get called home tomorrow. My cousin impacted many lives and as a result, she left a lasting legacy. Due to her condition, she knew that she may die the next day, thus she gave her best in everything. She was a straight-A student in NUS and even committed time to serve in her church's Sunday school. Thank God for such a wonderful cousin!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Tay Family
Slacking Around In Melbourne
View From The Grampian Highlands (In Victoria, Australia)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Monster In Me
The bad news: whenever I become extremely angry, I become a sort of monster. A monster who enjoys hurting people, who shows no remorse for his wrongs, who screams like some heavy-metal singer, etc.
The secret side of me that few has seen. A secret side that I try to kill and contain.
Forgiving people is a priority in trying to contain this monster. Although forgiving is hard, it is necessary in not letting the monster out.
Unfortunately, it's becoming harder to contain this monster. Stress, frustration, anger, all contribute to this. Sometimes, certain aspects of this monster's character surface when I become angry.
A lot of people think this a joke. They think that I'm cute when I'm "angry." Actually, I'm not angry at that time. Wait till they see him. Wait till they see what I become when I'm really angry. Wait till they see what he can do.
I am horrified by the damage that this beast has done. I can't believe that it resides in me, a dark side of me.
Warning signs of me becoming very angry: Clenched fists until veins start to show, not talking to anybody, keeping to myself, breathing very loudly, talking like I want to kill someone.
Signs of the monster: smashing stuff, throwing things, screaming really loud, snarling like a beast, talking like I'm screaming heavy metal, etc.
When you see this signs get away from me!!!! Best of all, don't provoke me! In that state, I can do something very drastic. I don't want anyone to get hurt.
The secret side of me that few has seen. A secret side that I try to kill and contain.
Forgiving people is a priority in trying to contain this monster. Although forgiving is hard, it is necessary in not letting the monster out.
Unfortunately, it's becoming harder to contain this monster. Stress, frustration, anger, all contribute to this. Sometimes, certain aspects of this monster's character surface when I become angry.
A lot of people think this a joke. They think that I'm cute when I'm "angry." Actually, I'm not angry at that time. Wait till they see him. Wait till they see what I become when I'm really angry. Wait till they see what he can do.
I am horrified by the damage that this beast has done. I can't believe that it resides in me, a dark side of me.
Warning signs of me becoming very angry: Clenched fists until veins start to show, not talking to anybody, keeping to myself, breathing very loudly, talking like I want to kill someone.
Signs of the monster: smashing stuff, throwing things, screaming really loud, snarling like a beast, talking like I'm screaming heavy metal, etc.
When you see this signs get away from me!!!! Best of all, don't provoke me! In that state, I can do something very drastic. I don't want anyone to get hurt.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Melbourne Movie Trailer
Elliott's Birthday
Friday, May 11, 2012
Ice-Cream At the Little Ice Cream Kafe
Having ice-cream last month when celebrating my grandma's baptism, my aunt's birthday, my completing of my Grade 9, etc. We had lunch at Aston's before that. Those are my cousins, Shannon and Marcus. My brother is the dude with the orange shirt sitting at the extreme left.
Family is very important!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Historical Sources and Accounts
Historians study historical sources. (Evidently) Historical sources are separated into two different categories: primary sources and secondary sources.
Primary sources are sources produced during the time period being studied, and they are often produced by the people involved in the events being studied.
Secondary sources are records that explain or interpret primary sources.
There are three kinds of primary sources: artifacts, tradition, and written records.
Artifacts are objects made by man. Historians study artifacts to learn about the background and culture of a people. Artifacts may be small relics, massive monuments, or priceless works of art. Most artifacts are unsophisticated, everyday items. E.g. pottery, tools, weapons, furniture, cutlery, clothes, etc.
Tradition was the earliest method of transmitting historical data. It simply involves the handing down of information by word of mouth from generation to generation. The downsides of tradition is that it is subject to embellishing of many, can be forgotten, can be changed, can be exaggerated, etc.
Written records are the most important to a historian as they give clearer testimonies than artifacts and are more accurate and reliable than traditions. They are prolific and vary from one to another. They include letters, journals, diaries, inscriptions, inventory lists, etc.
In order to produce a historical account from primary and secondary sources, a historian must utilize three steps.
1) Evaluation of historical sources. A historian must examine a specific record of its reliability and believability. Then he compares it to other sources like it, analyzing their points of agreement and disagreement.
2) Historical synthesis. A historian collects the useful information he has found in his inspections and constructs an account of the past.
3) Historical interpretation. A historian needs to interpret the events he records by integrating into that account what he believes is the meaning and importance of those events. He must state what happened, why it happened, and how it relates to us today.
Primary sources are sources produced during the time period being studied, and they are often produced by the people involved in the events being studied.
Secondary sources are records that explain or interpret primary sources.
There are three kinds of primary sources: artifacts, tradition, and written records.
Artifacts are objects made by man. Historians study artifacts to learn about the background and culture of a people. Artifacts may be small relics, massive monuments, or priceless works of art. Most artifacts are unsophisticated, everyday items. E.g. pottery, tools, weapons, furniture, cutlery, clothes, etc.
Tradition was the earliest method of transmitting historical data. It simply involves the handing down of information by word of mouth from generation to generation. The downsides of tradition is that it is subject to embellishing of many, can be forgotten, can be changed, can be exaggerated, etc.
Written records are the most important to a historian as they give clearer testimonies than artifacts and are more accurate and reliable than traditions. They are prolific and vary from one to another. They include letters, journals, diaries, inscriptions, inventory lists, etc.
In order to produce a historical account from primary and secondary sources, a historian must utilize three steps.
1) Evaluation of historical sources. A historian must examine a specific record of its reliability and believability. Then he compares it to other sources like it, analyzing their points of agreement and disagreement.
2) Historical synthesis. A historian collects the useful information he has found in his inspections and constructs an account of the past.
3) Historical interpretation. A historian needs to interpret the events he records by integrating into that account what he believes is the meaning and importance of those events. He must state what happened, why it happened, and how it relates to us today.
Debating
Debating is an art. It requires the ability to think on your feet, good speaking skills, the ability to get your point across, rebutting prowess, among many others.
I love debating because I love debating. (Very profound, eh?) Yes. Debating has the thrill and excitement that everyday life cannot give. Debating helps you develop certain skills, like how to do your research properly in order to assemble a water-tight case. Debate helps you to argue better with people and win the argument. (Something I like to do.) Debate also trains your wit, helping you answer or rebut questions/statements with humor. (Another thing I like to do.)
Debate also helps you in your studies. Researching on certain information for the debate motion may provide you with certain details which may be beneficial to your education. Imagine being able to stump people with knowledge beyond theirs! What a sweet thing!
So take up debate today!
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