Module Review 4

14. LAJ2201 Japanese 2
Semester: 2
Type: UE
Difficulty level: 5/5
Interesting factor: 4/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 2 x 2h tutorial, 1 x 1h tutorial (there is a change in syllabus for the entire Japanese course - removal of the 1h tutorial and reduction of the number of chapters covered)

Description: Jap 2 is definitely not just about memorising grammar and vocab anymore; there are a lot more grammar forms that you need to learn - when and how to use them. Although you would already have a level of understanding for Jap by now, the piling up of grammar forms are just so heavy that you can get confused most of the time. However, the more there is to learn, of course it would be more advantageous to you when you have mastered them. Upon clearing Jap 2, you sbe able to read a map, combine many actions into one sentence, understand casual sentences (such as that in animes) and make more complex sentences etc. Jap 1, as in module review 3, is the learning of the Jap characters and learning to make very simple and formal sentences. So, you can see, it's a very big leap from Jap 1 to Jap 2. You can expect real otakus in the class too. Each level that you progress to is like a natural filter for otaku; if you're progressing up the levels, most likely you are an otaku too. Although I'm not an otaku, I would encourage you to take the module since you have already gone through so much in Jap 1, and you can get a certificate after clearing. However, just be mentally prepared that it will not be easier than Jap 1. Oh! And I almost forgot, the listening... is super tough. 

Assessment: There were just as many, or even more quizzes than Jap 1 - 13 vocab quizzes (based on number of chapters), 10 lecture/grammar quizzes, 4 listening quizzes, 1 oral exam, 1 listening exam, mid term (listening, grammar, vocab, reading) and final exam (listening, grammar, vocab, reading).

Grade: B

15. DSC2006 Operations Management
Semester: 2
Type: UE
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 3/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 1h tutorial 

Description: This module covers mainly the background job of a manager, such as inventory, queue and revenue management etc. The content is quite heavy for each topic. There will be a project but it only circles around one specific topic; so by the end of it, you would be somewhat an expert in that topic. As there is no mid-term, it is necessary that you revise well to prepare for the final exam, which mainly touch on calculations.

Assessment: Just like any other business modules, there would be tutorial questions for homework and to be able to answer them in class contributes to participation. On top of that, there was no mid-term but there was a project (5 man team) which you would need to write a report and present on. And finally, a final exam of MCQs.

Grade: A (surprisingly; i guess the project really helped)

I know this module review came a little late, like a week after bidding, but i hope it will help you in the future bidding. All the best for your current semester!!

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee

Desserts

Hey guys!

Ever got frustrated by those drool-inducing yet pocket-burning desserts? And travelling to the cafe itself is already a hassle. Fret not! I've listed 5 desserts (not in any order) that are low cost, can be found near you and still as awesome.

1. Ice cream

I stay in the west of Singapore, so Jurong Point is a convenient mall to go to. It has a few themed sections - Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong, sports - that you can explore. And within the Japanese street, there are a few nice, innovative and cheap food. One of which is the waffle ice cream (i don't exactly know the official name for it). It's a simple, tasty massive piece of ice cream with interesting looking waffle skin, which makes it look just like a magnified chocolate bar.  It comes in vanilla and chocolate flavour and it's just $3 for that huge chunk! I guess there are other flavours, like matcha, elsewhere but i have yet to come across those.

2. Yogurt

Danone Greek Yogurt is my favourite 'true' yogurt, which is actually good for health. Unlike those overrated, more-like-milk-ice-cream froyo out there. It comes in different flavours - blueberry (my favourite!), strawberry and honey. It's $8 for 4: you can't even get 2 froyo with these! I like it creamy and has real fruity goodness blended in there. It's just nice for people who dislike the sour taste of mainstream yogurt and the serving is just nice too. You can conveniently find them in supermarkets! How great is that!

3. Chocolate Lava Cake

Here comes the most 'high-class' dessert out of the 5 (but if you're a true dessert lover, no one dessert is higher class than the other). The travelling and waiting time wasted on high class desserts can be better spent by baking your own. The ingredients are very convenient to get and required only in small amounts. It's quite simple to do it on your own too.

Ingredients (1 serving)
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
25g sugar (can be reduced)
17g flour
45g chocolate chips
50g butter
cocoa powder (for layering the sides and bottom of the mould to prevent sticking)

Steps
1. Heat and mix the chocolate chips and butter (A).
2. Mix (by beater or by hand) the egg, egg yolk and sugar (B).
3. Pour (A) into (B).
4. Apply a thin layer of cocoa powder on the sides and base of mould.
5. Pour the batter into the mould. Do not fill it to the brim.
6. Put into the oven for 6min at 220 degree Celsius (depending on amount of batter, you might have to adjust the temperature and/or duration).
7. Use a butter knife to separate the cake from the mould, and serve it with a scoop of Wall's vanilla ice cream!
8. (Optional) Shake some icing onto the cake for aesthetic purpose.

*Idea: do try using white chocolate chips and inform me of the outcome! Would it turn out to be a nice white lava cake or would it turn yellow due to the butter?

4. Tokyo Banana

A fan of Tokyo Banana? Why trouble your friend to get it from Japan or frantically search every mall for it when you can make one yourself? You can find the link for the recipe and even a video on how to make it here: http://www.laikabawse.com/entertainment/tokyo-banana-cake/

5. Smoothie

Smoothie is the easiest drink that you can ever make, in just a matter of minutes! And the best thing about it? You can choose what you want to put into it;) The following is a general recipe with my favourite fruits; you can just throw in a whole fruit or alter the amount according to your own preference.

Ingredients (1 serving)
1 mango (peeled and sliced)
1 peach (peeled and sliced)
1/2 cup soy milk or fresh milk
1/2 cup orange juice (full of awesome vit C!)
Ice (optional)

Basically, just throw everything into a blender and spin it until smooth, then pour it into your favourite bottle/mug.

Simple desserts, great happiness. Even better if someone makes it for you ;D Hope you like them!

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee

P.S. this is not a sponsored post and photos/materials are gotten online for the benefit of the mass. I'm sorry if it's copyrighted D: just leave a comment and I'll take it down:)

Module Review 3

Hey guys!
NUS bidding has started, in case you're still in the holiday mood.
Oh right, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, PEEPO!!!
Ok back to the topic.
I'm here with 3 more module reviews.

11. LAJ1201 Japanese 1
Semester: 1
Type: UE
Difficulty level: 5/5
Interesting factor: 4/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 2 x 2h tutorial, 1 x 1h tutorial

Description: For me, it was difficult because everything started with the lecturers speaking in Japanese and Japanese characters all over the place. I don't watch anime or read manga, and I've not learnt the language before, so it's very confusing and mind-freaking for most of the time. So be mentally prepared after you get cheated by the low bidding points. In this module, you get to learn how to write and read Japanese, and most importantly, speak Japanese (a feature of NUS language classes). Private Japanese classes don't really teach pronunciation and intonation which I feel is a pity. Although workload is high with homework and quizzes every tutorial, it kept me consistent throughout the semester.

Assessment: There were 13 vocab quizzes, 6 lecture/grammar quizzes, 4 listening quizzes, 1 oral exam, 1 listening exam, mid term (listening, grammar, vocab, reading) and final exam (grammar, vocab, reading). So basically, there were quizzes every week and every lesson. 

Grade: B+

12. ACC2002 Managerial Accounting
Semester: 1
Type: UE
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 3/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 1h tutorial 

Description: This module is totally different from financial accounting, if you have read the review for that. Managerial accounting is more focused on planning and decision making. For non-business students, I don't think it will be useful and thus, not recommended. :( Most people would say it's a lot of common sense but there are also a lot of terms and concepts to grasp. So, I would say, don't bother joining the competition with the business students. Worse still, the lecturer is the fastest speaker I've ever seen. There's no time for us to digest, no time for us to ponder, there's only time for us to get lost in her words. Tutorial every week is also nothing but a waste of time. There's always insufficient time for the TA to finish going through the tutorial questions and since the answers were largely subjective, a lot of time was taken to sort things out among students. One hour is definitely not enough and not productive. In financial accounting, tutorials did clear my doubts and made me understand the topic better, but not in managerial accounting.

Assessment: There's a MCQ mid term test (not enough time => a lot of steps to take to arrive at the answers and because it's MCQ, there's nothing to guide you in your thought process) and a final exam comprising of MCQ and open ended questions. Other assessment components will include homework and class participation.

Grade: B-/S

13. GEK1507 Complementary and Alternative Medicine 
Semester: 1
Type: Science GEM
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 3/5
Workload: 2 x 2h lecture

Description: 5 words to fully describe this module => A HELL LOT OF CONTENT. However, the content was not difficult to understand. No chemical compounds, little/no scientific names, just MEMORISE.

Assessment: Mid term of 8 true/false/justify questions and a final exam of MCQ. In addition, there was a group project to create a video based on a CAM topic.

Grade: B-

Just a gentle reminder, Year 3s, please remember to file for graduation or file for graduation with option of honours project!

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee

Top 5 of my Bucket List

Being someone who enjoys adrenaline rushes and thrills, it's no surprise that I have a bucket list and I believe most of you should have guessed what will be on that list.

1. Bungee Jumping
Yupp, this is definitely on my bucket list. Well, you get to jump off from a certain height without actually dying. Why not? I've actually thought of the various ways to die and how each of them would feel like, and this is like a real enactment of jumping off a building! Not that I'm a sicko or anything but it seems interesting to experience what that feels like.

2. Amusement Parks
Oh yea! Amusement parks are where all the thrilling rides are. Roller coasters, viking ships, space shots... Visiting one is not enough! I'm intending to visit ALL amusement parks and try ALL the rides of different countries. It's when I get those near-death feeling that I cherish what I have now and that I'm thankful for being alive.

3. Sky Diving
Free falling~~~ I have actually dreamt of being a bird and I love how I could drift swiftly in the sky. That sense of freedom and that feeling of the wind brushing against my arms were indescribable. Although sky diving isn't exactly like that, it's the nearest I could get and falling back to the ground would remind me of returning back to reality after all the fun, so that I could stop dreaming of the impossible. Hahaha.

4. Hot Air Balloon
Wee~ Being on a hot air balloon seems like you are above everything else on the ground. Unlike a plane, you could still see what's going on down there and the beautiful sceneries that are difficult to come by. It's considerably cheaper and more peaceful than taking a heli, I guess?

5. Great Barrier Reef
Done with all the flying, it's time to explore the sea. Nature is the most beautiful creation and especially since the Great Barrier Reef is dying out due to global warming, I need to visit it soooooon!!!!!

Life is short; be adventurous. What adventures do you have on your bucket list?

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee

Visiting a Dentist

3 months ago, I had a swell in my gums at the front of my lower jaw. It was so painful and uncomfortable that I decided to visit someone that I dread seeing - a dentist. For many years, since the removal of my braces in 2008, I had always avoided the dentist whenever I could because each time I stepped into the dentist's office, it would mean pain. Even though I'm someone who is very tolerant of such sensation, I couldn't stand the piercing pain when a scaler tip touched my gums. And every time, there would be blood.

However, this time, the swell was my turning point. Initially, I thought it was just a minor infection and some medication and sorts would be all. Reality struck me when the dentist revealed my oral condition - general and localised gingivitis (gum infection: general refers to the entire mouth while localised is the prominent swell at the front), receding gums, decay and sensitive teeth. As such, it's the first time I was given antibiotics, asked to go through curettage and did a filling. Curettage is a deep gum pocket cleaning after injecting anaesthesia.  All these might seem alright, nothing serious, but what scared me the most was the effects of receding gums.

Apparently, our gums are not just pieces of flesh filling up the gaps between our teeth; there is bone in the gums which helps to keep our teeth erected and firm. When we don't have good oral hygiene, bacteria are trapped in the gum pockets and slowly degrade the bones. These bones can't be restored. So eventually, the gums will be "eaten away" and the teeth will start to lose their foothold and drop off. This usually happens to people with considerable years of living. Yet, it's happening to me!

So, my oral routine started to change. Now, I brush twice a day followed by a mouth rinse and each brush takes about 3 minutes. Just after a week or so, I could see the great improvement in my gum condition. There was no more bleeding and my gums look healthier with a tinge of pink (instead of red/brown).

I'm not sure if it's coincidental or fate that I found a job at a dental clinic not long after the incident. Having worked there for 3 months, I've seen many oral conditions. Some good but mostly bad, and there were a few really gross ones. They serve as a constant reminder for me to take good care of my teeth and gums. I also became more conscious like always keeping a lookout for trapped food and black spots.

I also came to know that I'm not the only one who's frightened by the thought of seeing a dentist and the reason is always pain. In fact, these are usually the ones who have poor oral hygiene. It's a vicious cycle, really. It's difficult to maintain good oral condition without regular updates on it from a professional. So when people don't do their regular check ups because of fear, their oral conditions deteriorate and it is these poor oral conditions that cause the pain.

Fear of pain -> avoid dentists -> oral problems -> real pain -> continue avoiding dentists

Therefore, my inspiration for this post is to help those who fear dentists and warn those who always think that they have no time, or there is no need, for dental check ups. Don't wait till your gums show signs of swelling and pain before you start taking action; by then, it will be too late. When you feel something, it means it's really bad. Teeth are not just cosmetically appealing, you need them for eating, so don't ignore them!

Below are 3 simple tips to care for your teeth and gums:

1. Practice good oral care
Floss, brush and rinse. Take note of the sequence! When you floss, wrap your tooth with the string and "scoop" out the dirt. Don't scrub your teeth with it; it will just spread the bacteria all over. Morning floss is optional. Brush at least twice a day. Use a soft brush and don't brush too hard, or else your gums will get hurt. Position your toothbrush on your gumline (where the gums and teeth meet) and go in circular motion. Brush for about 2-3 minutes, focusing more on areas that bleed easily or prone to infection/food trapping. Rinsing after you brush helps to clear up remaining bacteria that can't be reach by your toothbrush but rinsing alone does not do the trick! Stubborn dirt are not easily removed by rinsing; you need to dislodge them from your teeth physically by flossing and brushing. Choose the mouth wash that suits you best. Personally, I am not fond of the spicy/tingling feeling of Listerine, so I use Colgate's Fruity mouth wash. I don't think there is any significant difference between mouth washes, so just go with the one you prefer most.

2. Go for regular dental check ups
At least twice a year for scaling and polishing. The dentists can also help to check for decays that are not easily visible from your point of view. At the same time, they can provide you with feedback and help you improve on your brushing etc. I know that prices can be a turn off sometimes but it's just twice a year. Just do a simple scaling and polishing, and maybe a filling or two. If you don't take preventive measures, it will cost you even more when something like root canal/denture is needed.

3. Overcome your fear and relax
If you have been brushing well and going for regular check ups, there's nothing to fear about visiting the dentist. Just get over the first one or two visits and the subsequent ones are no challenge to you. Go in, have a chat with the dentist, rinse your mouth (basic courtesy), lie down and open your mouth, breathe deeply through your nose (it calms you down and prevents fogging on the dentist's mirror). Most dentists, or at least the ones whom I work with, are very friendly and understanding. If you feel really uncomfortable, you can always raise your hand to signal to the dentist or ask for an injection. That's if it's REALLY unbearable, be reasonable.

I'm not publicising for any clinic or for the profession. It's just a heartfelt advice after the horrifying incident of gingivitis. Cheers to healthy teeth and gums, everyone!

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee

My boyfriend's birthday!

Hi guys!

12 October is a good day for me because it's the day my beloved boyfriend was born 23 years ago. This year's theme was set to be "The First" and here I am, typing the First post about his birthday. :D Because of work, we had to celebrate a day early and this day of surprises was planned in the midst of my mid terms. Despite that, I only hit one solid wall of not being able to get his present (still unknown to him) on time. He was also rather skeptical and afraid of what was planned for him but he did well in cooperating. So here goes our day of adventure...

B1, Fountain of Wealth, Suntec City Mall
It's the first shop on the left of the entrance of Tower 5 (MRT)

He was first led to Suntec City Mall, clueless about where we were going to have our lunch - L'Entrecode! I chose this place because it's known for its steak and we both love steak! The atmosphere was very serene and romantic (because of the dim lights). We settled on a French onion soup with cheese bread, and 2 classic Steak and Fries - medium and medium rare. There was actually a daily lunch special (light Steak and Fries with a soup, drink and dessert for $19.90) but we missed it at the entrance :( Oh wells...

The soup was quite nice but it gets too salty when nearing the bottom. Cheese bread was soaked in the soup and I recommend that you eat the bread before it gets too soggy. Although the soup taste was very strong, it didn't mask the greatness of cheese, which threw me into the clouds when I took the first bite. But as I said, it started to get too salty and I got rather queasy after a while. Luckily, we shared that bowl of soup. If only, there were mushroom soup.

French Onion Soup - $9

Coming to the steak, the portion of a classic looked small initially but we both ended up struggling to clean the plates. The steak was really good and totally worth the price. If you are a big eater, you could try large ($39.90). It was sliced up, so it's very convenient. You don't have to spend your energy on cutting up the steak; you just need to simply indulge in the awesomeness of the meat. What's most special about the dish was the sauce! We couldn't get enough of it, especially when the fries was not spiced.

Steak and Fries (classic) - $29.90

After the filling meal, we went to the Alive Museum on level 3 of the mall. We took about 1 hour to finish the entire museum but we didn't stop at every photo-taking point. So, set aside at least 1.5 hours if you intend to go with photo-philic people. Haha. There were some really interesting and funny scenes while quite a number of the others orbit around superheros like Hulk, Superman, Batman...

 

The third surprise was something that he has always wanted to go - a real-life escape room. There are many of them in Singapore, given the popularity of this game. I came across Xcape (Bugis), FreeSG and Exit Plan (New Bridge Road, Chinatown) when I did my research. Due to budget constraint, we went Exit Plan.

I have tried Xcape before and personally, I think that:
1. Xcape is more suitable for many players because
2. The rooms are bigger and a game can involve more than one room,
3. The clues in the rooms are more messed up, and

4. There are many codes to break in such a short time.

On the other hand, Exit Plan was a right choice for us because:

1. There's only one small room to play in,

2. The progression is sequenced, and

3. We were given unlimited helplines (Xcape only had 2).

Despite all these differences, both are equally challenging and fun. Although we sought help a lot of times and we didn't pass the last obstacle, it was a very good bonding session. I would recommend couples to go and work your brains together once in a while. We also came across 2 other escape rooms that day - Lockdown (Suntec, beside Alive Museum) and The Phantom Joker Escape (Neil Road, near Pinnacle@Duxton).

The next and last stop was the Pinnacle @ Duxton. My plan for that was to bring him up to the level 50 sky bridge to watch the sunset and blow the candles on his surprise birthday cake. So, I sought help from my cousin who lives there for the access cards to the sky bridge (visitors have to pay $5, goodness gracious!) and got her to buy a cake. The sad things were, her aunt gave the cake away when we went up to collect the cards and the haze was so bad that the sun was nowhere to be seen. In the end, we only took some pictures, enjoyed the scenery and ate a bit of the cake. Well, that wasn't too bad anyway.

It was then followed by an impromptu dinner with his family and had ice cream at Daily Scoop, Clementi. And I would like to take this chance to wish him once again, Happy 23rd Birthday! :*

Lots Of Love (LOL),

Jensylee

Module Review 2

Hey guys!

I'm here with more reviews for NUS modules.

6. GEK2204 Reading Visual Images
Semester: 1
Type: Arts GEM
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial (alternate week)

Description: It's an architecture module but there is nothing related to that. It's one of those modules in which you would catch no ball and scold yourself for taking it. The lectures were all pictures of the topics to be covered - Buddha, Hindu god, Muslim calligraphy and art pieces during the French Renaissance. I felt that this module is very subjective and the descriptions given by the lecturer were more of his own opinions. So, I really didn't know how to express myself in this module, especially in the quizzes. However, it did met one of my objectives of taking this module - the French Renaissance topic covered a lot of artistic styles such as cubism. As for tutorial, it was quite chill; the first few were mini lectures while the following tutorials are presentations by students.

Assessment: There were two quizzes of 4 short questions each, whereby you need to name the titles, artists and years published of the 4 pictures shown and describe them, an individual project of a specific art genre and an essay of a given topic. No final exam. Other assessment components will include class participation etc.

Grade: B-/S (I was expecting a C actually)

7. SSA1201 Singapore Society
Semester: 1
Type: SS
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial (alternate week)

Description: As the name suggests, it's everything about Singapore - history, gender, religions, pop culture, art, class... This module is not like those secondary history or social studies lessons; these topics are being looked at with a sociologist's perspective. You will learn to be more critical about issues of Singapore. There was one reading each week, which was rather insightful; you are expected to read it before and discuss them during tutorials. For students who are not familiar with sociology, this module may not be easy to understand at first albeit there's only one concept - sociological imagination. Also, since it's a sociology module, essays are inevitable. Although I'm not fond of essays, I don't regret taking this module because it really broadened my knowledge and made me see Singapore in a different way.

Assessment: There's an essay mid term test, a group project of a given topic and a final exam of essays. Other assessment components will include class participation.

Grade: B-/S

8. ACC1002X Financial Accounting
Semester: 2
Type: Breadth, UE
Difficulty level: 3/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 1h tutorial

Description: I think this module is something similar to Principles of Accounting. Basically, you need to know the accounting terms such as debit, credit, asset, liabilities and equity. There are also different financial statements and account names that you will learn throughout the semester. It's somewhat similar to mathematics where the answers are rather structured, in the sense that they all circle around these few concepts. However, the calculations involved are very simple addition and subtractions. The tutorials are very useful in bridging the gaps that formed during lectures.

Assessment: Continuous assessment includes tutorial participation (tutorial question presentation), online assignments, a mid term test of MCQs and final exam of MCQs and short answer questions.

Grade: B+ (expected an A but I guess the bell curve is rather steep since it's a -X module; it's supposed to be easy)

9. MKT1003X Principles of Marketing
Semester: 2
Type: Breadth, UE
Difficulty level: 3/5
Interesting factor: 3/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial

Description: This modules was based on the Asian context when I took it and I liked it; some other semesters were focused on the global context. This module is very interesting and I totally recommend non-business students to take it. Marketing reminded me of sales and so, I thought it was boring and all but it's not! Marketing is about how a company or an entity  portray itself to potential customers to gain their interest. So, instead of being very sales-y, it's more of creativity. The lecturer used a lot of actual advertisements and marketing strategies to enlighten our narrow minds and the lecture was full of laughter and fun. The questions gone through in tutorials and the group project allowed us to apply the concepts and analysis that we learnt. It's very enjoyable despite the rather heavy workload.

Assessment: A group project on a real life case study, an individual essay assignment, and a final exam of MCQs. Other components will include class participation, subject pool participation etc.

Grade: A

Don't see that I obtained quite good grades for my UEs, they merely neutralised the bad grades of my core modules. :/ Anyways, enjoy what you do and naturally, you will do well. And as I mentioned in the description of Singapore Society, some modules can be disgustingly difficult to score but they may be very insightful and useful. Don't focus so much on scoring an A; what's most important is to broaden your horizon and enjoy any sh*t the module has to offer. You will do well.

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee