I had difficulties publishing my comments on my friends' blogs. As they said that my gmail account could not access the page. So, I am posting it here.
http://hci20112p419.blogspot.com/2011/08/online-lesson-12.html#comment-form
Comment 1: When I read your "Step 3" part, I feel that it was a rather convincing piece of writing. You involved thinking processes in your story, and this gave your reader a better understanding of what you are writing and assisted in the progress of the story. When you made your decision in the story, I feel that the story progressed rather smoothly. That was also a rather detailed and in-depth thinking of the element of logic.
http://2011hci2p412.blogspot.com/2011/08/reflection-on-la-speech.html
Comment 2: Well, actually when I was in Primary 6, I had problems in public speaking, just like you. However, in preparation for my PSLE Oral, my Chinese teacher told our class that we must learn to "read ahead" in the passage, which means, as you read a few words, you must be aware of the next few words which follows. This is a useful skill that would be able to bring us very far in public speaking. Because by doing so, scripts are just something we refer to, and we can look at the script less often. It can be applied to English. When we have mastered it and we no longer need to hesitate, we can "upgrade" our "scripts" to cue cards, and just write point forms on them and we can expand on the idea without having to even look at the card often. Thus these skills can help us to have more eye contact with our audience and make them feel as if we are really having a 1-to-1 conversation with them.
http://hci20101p425.blogspot.com/
Comment 3: Wow! Jun Jie, I feel that this is a fantastic piece of writing. It makes me feel as if I am there with you to open those gates! In my opinion, you did a rather good job in the description of the inner part of the building. But I think that you should also spend some time to describe the door. When you say "old", what characteristics are there of the door? Other than that, as I read towards the last sentence, I could feel that this scientist was probably an exceptional and special one! It brought me out of Singapore, to somewhere more foreign!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Jack Neo
After watching so many of Jack Neo's films, I realised that Jack Neo is the leader of Singapore's movies. As a director, I feel that he completely understands Singaporeans. He knows how they feel. In I Not Stupid Too, the teenagers said,"Parents always expect us to listen to what they are saying. But they don't bother if we understand what they are saying. When eating, they can use their handphones, but they said we cannot do so because it is unhealthy for us. Then they gave excuses that they are having an important call." In other shows, like The Best Bet, the show is about addiction to gambling. All these situations are common in today's society. And as a director, I feel that Jack Neo has done a very good job in directing such movies. Because it touches the hearts of Singaporeans, and the director actually understands what they are going through. I feel that Jack Neo is a really outstanding director. Because, among local directors, I am sure he is one of the directors whose movies produce more profit. Just go to a cinema, you see those movies by Hollywood actors, caucasians. But Jack Neo's movies are local, but it also attracts many Singaporeans to go and watch. People often say that Singaporean movies are not good, because there is no "standard". But I think otherwise. They were probably referring to the lack of "big bombs" and good language standard. But Singapore is a multi-racial country, and it is a safe country too. Jack Neo's movies perfectly depicts Singapore as this kind of country, and humour and moral values are included in his movies. I have to say, Jack Neo will make a good ambassador for Singapore, through his movies. Because it shows that Singapore is a special and outstanding country, with different cultures.
Home Run
Yes. Another movie of Jack Neo's! Just like Money No Enough, I feel that Home Run is very stressful to watch. But I feel that it is more touching because the characters are mostly young teens, and since I am one too, I can relate better to that.
The movie was mainly about a brother losing her sister's school shoes. And throughout the whole movie, he and his sister was searching desperately for the lost shoes. Everyday, they shared the same pair of shoes. His sister had to rush home to pass the shoes to him and then he would run to school. There were many obstacles. Once, while his sister was running, the shoes dropped into a drain, and then the drained washed it away. But one of her brother's friends retrieved it for her. There was another time, when the same thing occurred, but she was more quick-witted. She threw her heavy bag ahead of the shoes, so as to prevent the shoe from being washed into the lake. The brother was often late for school as a result of the loss of his sister's shoe. The sister was often scolded by her teacher. The brother, in order to help her sister, did homework for his fellow kampong boys, so that they would provide soccer shoes for them and a shoe for his sister. Well, that was the only way to help his sister because they had no money and the leader of those kampong boys' clique was the richest person in the village. When the main character's friends tried to negotiate with those proud group of boys, they called off the deal. In the end, the brother, Ah Kun, participated in the national cross-country run so that he can win the 3rd price, a pair of new shoes, for his sister. Once, he was trapped in a thick puddle of sticky mud, but he persevered and breaked free of the sticky stuff and ran as fast as he could. He got 1st, while the richest guy in his village got 3rd. When he tried exchanging his medal for the pair of shoes, the gang of proud kampong boys threw the shoes into the lake, because in the end, their leader still lost and they always thought that Ah Kun wanted to participate just to challenge their leader and mock at him. Then, Ah Kun and his sister sat by the drain, thinking about how to solve the problem and get shoes for his sister. Then, 2 pairs of shoes were put beside him. He looked up, and saw a well-dressed young man walking away. It was that rich kid. He was going to England, and he just dropped by to say goodbye.
As a teenager myself, I know that there are many gangs, and groups of people, who like to hang out together. In this movie, I feel that it was usual that gangs often have strained relationships. What I felt so sad about was when Ah Kun lost his sister's shoes. After a long time, they found the shoes at the village's rubbish dump. But... there were riots. They grabbed hold of one shoe, but the other shoe was held by a person who was being strangled by another man. Then the shoe was torn up before their eyes. At that time, I really felt the pain. They tried so hard to keep the matter from their parents, so that their parents won't worry. But then again, it is hard to solve the problem as the problem was getting bigger and bigger. I liked Ah Kun's perseverance during the race. In a cross country run, I often just give up halfway and start walking. But he fought so hard, with his shoes which were in a bad condition, and when his shoes got stuck in the thick mud, he ran to the finishing line without stopping, without his shoes. When the movie was ending, his clique of friends passed the old pair of shoes to him. Because they dug it out for him. I felt very touched, because friends are actually willing to do so much for each other. And sacrifice so much. The incident of losing the shoes was in a way, similar to an incident of mine where I lost my wallet. It had my whole week's of money. And I had to pay 55 cents for a bus trip. Thus I had to skip lunch, and pay $2.20 cents for transport daily. Well, that time, I got off the bus, and was walking towards the school gate, when I realised I hadn't my wallet with me. Then I took another bus, and the bus captain helped me to catch up with the bus ahead, which I was taking just now. After boarding, I searched the entire bus, but to no avail. When the bus service terminated at the interchange, I searched the whole bus 3 times. No signs of my wallet. There, I stood in a corner of the interchange, my mind went blank. An old man tapped my shoulder. He passed $7.50 to me. I looked at him, I declined. But he pushed the money into my hands. He said in chinese,"You sitll need money for lunch, and to go back to school." I shed tears. I lost a value of 11 dollars in my Ez-link card and 30 dollars cash. And it was really warm to have someone there for you. Well, I tried to keep the matter from my parents. I didn't want them to worry. I brought my own biscuits to school, and instant porridge from home. I felt really hungry. Some days, I didn't even eat the whole day. At last, I told my parents. They were upset for a while.
Well, I felt really touched when I watched the movie, because it was as if I was relating it to my past experience. I didn't have to run like Ah Kun, but I had to starve and go hungry. I had to suffer, like him and his sister. It was as if I was reliving old memories. Fantastic movie.
The movie was mainly about a brother losing her sister's school shoes. And throughout the whole movie, he and his sister was searching desperately for the lost shoes. Everyday, they shared the same pair of shoes. His sister had to rush home to pass the shoes to him and then he would run to school. There were many obstacles. Once, while his sister was running, the shoes dropped into a drain, and then the drained washed it away. But one of her brother's friends retrieved it for her. There was another time, when the same thing occurred, but she was more quick-witted. She threw her heavy bag ahead of the shoes, so as to prevent the shoe from being washed into the lake. The brother was often late for school as a result of the loss of his sister's shoe. The sister was often scolded by her teacher. The brother, in order to help her sister, did homework for his fellow kampong boys, so that they would provide soccer shoes for them and a shoe for his sister. Well, that was the only way to help his sister because they had no money and the leader of those kampong boys' clique was the richest person in the village. When the main character's friends tried to negotiate with those proud group of boys, they called off the deal. In the end, the brother, Ah Kun, participated in the national cross-country run so that he can win the 3rd price, a pair of new shoes, for his sister. Once, he was trapped in a thick puddle of sticky mud, but he persevered and breaked free of the sticky stuff and ran as fast as he could. He got 1st, while the richest guy in his village got 3rd. When he tried exchanging his medal for the pair of shoes, the gang of proud kampong boys threw the shoes into the lake, because in the end, their leader still lost and they always thought that Ah Kun wanted to participate just to challenge their leader and mock at him. Then, Ah Kun and his sister sat by the drain, thinking about how to solve the problem and get shoes for his sister. Then, 2 pairs of shoes were put beside him. He looked up, and saw a well-dressed young man walking away. It was that rich kid. He was going to England, and he just dropped by to say goodbye.
As a teenager myself, I know that there are many gangs, and groups of people, who like to hang out together. In this movie, I feel that it was usual that gangs often have strained relationships. What I felt so sad about was when Ah Kun lost his sister's shoes. After a long time, they found the shoes at the village's rubbish dump. But... there were riots. They grabbed hold of one shoe, but the other shoe was held by a person who was being strangled by another man. Then the shoe was torn up before their eyes. At that time, I really felt the pain. They tried so hard to keep the matter from their parents, so that their parents won't worry. But then again, it is hard to solve the problem as the problem was getting bigger and bigger. I liked Ah Kun's perseverance during the race. In a cross country run, I often just give up halfway and start walking. But he fought so hard, with his shoes which were in a bad condition, and when his shoes got stuck in the thick mud, he ran to the finishing line without stopping, without his shoes. When the movie was ending, his clique of friends passed the old pair of shoes to him. Because they dug it out for him. I felt very touched, because friends are actually willing to do so much for each other. And sacrifice so much. The incident of losing the shoes was in a way, similar to an incident of mine where I lost my wallet. It had my whole week's of money. And I had to pay 55 cents for a bus trip. Thus I had to skip lunch, and pay $2.20 cents for transport daily. Well, that time, I got off the bus, and was walking towards the school gate, when I realised I hadn't my wallet with me. Then I took another bus, and the bus captain helped me to catch up with the bus ahead, which I was taking just now. After boarding, I searched the entire bus, but to no avail. When the bus service terminated at the interchange, I searched the whole bus 3 times. No signs of my wallet. There, I stood in a corner of the interchange, my mind went blank. An old man tapped my shoulder. He passed $7.50 to me. I looked at him, I declined. But he pushed the money into my hands. He said in chinese,"You sitll need money for lunch, and to go back to school." I shed tears. I lost a value of 11 dollars in my Ez-link card and 30 dollars cash. And it was really warm to have someone there for you. Well, I tried to keep the matter from my parents. I didn't want them to worry. I brought my own biscuits to school, and instant porridge from home. I felt really hungry. Some days, I didn't even eat the whole day. At last, I told my parents. They were upset for a while.
Well, I felt really touched when I watched the movie, because it was as if I was relating it to my past experience. I didn't have to run like Ah Kun, but I had to starve and go hungry. I had to suffer, like him and his sister. It was as if I was reliving old memories. Fantastic movie.
The Best Bet
Watching movies by Singaporean directors is my hobby! Well, the director whom I respect most is Jack Neo. Well, few years have passed since "The Best Bet" was released. Yes, I watched it on the internet. By now, I realise that one of the factors which makes Jack Neo famous is that his movies are hilarious and they have various values in it which people should learn. So in "The Best Bet", the main themes are the power of friendship, as well as the harms of gambling, it also promoted a healthy lifestyle.
So, when Richard struck lottery, winning a huge sum of $400,000 , his wife told him that he is not obliged to give his 2 friends money because in the 1st place, he already knew the number 7272 and he used his own money to place the bet. His wife convinced him that his friends were not involved in the winnings and that he should keep the four hundred thousand dollars to them. However, in the end, Richard decided to share the sum of money with his friends. After all, it was his friends who persuaded him to place a bet. His friend brought him to the "Tree God" where they prayed and got the number "7272" which he used to place a bet for 4D, a gambling game. When his family had four hundred dollars left, he took a risk and used the money to go gambling. A great element of friendship was involved in the decision, in my opinion. Based on the relationships of the 3 friends, the 3 friends trusted each other very much. Richard trusted the judgement of his 2 friends, and risked the health of his mother-in-law and son(because money was needed to be spent on their medical fees, as they were not feeling very well), he went ahead and used the remaining few hundred dollars to play 4D. And the 2 friends were in jail,yet they trusted that Richard would split the winnings if he won, and not flee. Thus the trust between the 3 of them proved tht their friendship was extremely close. Actually, Richard could have just kept his friend's portion. After all, it would bring him a fortune, but the power of friendship prevented him from doing so.
This movie was mainly about promoting the prevention of getting addicted to gambling. Nearly the whole movie was about the main characters placing bets and suffering the price for their actions. Money over $15,000 was borrowed to spend on gambling, and this happpened among friends. Once, in the HDB flat, red paint was on the world, harrassing Richard to pay his debts. Tan Chun Huang even strained his relationship with his sister because of gambling. His sister, Hui Min, means him well, and often advices him to stop gambling. But he often blames her for giving him bad luck. He only realised his mistake when he got arresed for illegal gambling. This shows that money, can do many things. They can even mean so much to a person that he is willing to go against his own family. And the saddest thing is that one's family will always be there for one when he faces great need. And all that was ruined, just because of money. It is really no use for me to stick to the usual line of,"It is not right." But I have to say that money is something which causes greed, because with money, a person can look for luxurious privileges which benefits themselves.
Lastly, the ending promoted healthy living. This is because the ending showed that the winnings were spent on setting up a Bak Kut Teh shop which would be able to constantly make money, and would be a more consistent income for the 3 friends rther than the unstable income of gambling. In this modern day society, healthy lifestyles are hard to come across. People like staring at that colourful screen all the time(The computer/television), and that is not healthy. In the situation of this movie, it is not healthy to gamble, and it would be better if the 3 brothers have a better way of earning money. Healthy lifestyles are hard to come by nowadays with all the distractions around a person. Such as the latest technology, which is used for entertainment purposes.
The Best Bet has actually lived up to its title, which refers to "The Best Bet" as the best decision. The Best Bet is yet again another great movie which incorporates good values among youths.
So, when Richard struck lottery, winning a huge sum of $400,000 , his wife told him that he is not obliged to give his 2 friends money because in the 1st place, he already knew the number 7272 and he used his own money to place the bet. His wife convinced him that his friends were not involved in the winnings and that he should keep the four hundred thousand dollars to them. However, in the end, Richard decided to share the sum of money with his friends. After all, it was his friends who persuaded him to place a bet. His friend brought him to the "Tree God" where they prayed and got the number "7272" which he used to place a bet for 4D, a gambling game. When his family had four hundred dollars left, he took a risk and used the money to go gambling. A great element of friendship was involved in the decision, in my opinion. Based on the relationships of the 3 friends, the 3 friends trusted each other very much. Richard trusted the judgement of his 2 friends, and risked the health of his mother-in-law and son(because money was needed to be spent on their medical fees, as they were not feeling very well), he went ahead and used the remaining few hundred dollars to play 4D. And the 2 friends were in jail,yet they trusted that Richard would split the winnings if he won, and not flee. Thus the trust between the 3 of them proved tht their friendship was extremely close. Actually, Richard could have just kept his friend's portion. After all, it would bring him a fortune, but the power of friendship prevented him from doing so.
This movie was mainly about promoting the prevention of getting addicted to gambling. Nearly the whole movie was about the main characters placing bets and suffering the price for their actions. Money over $15,000 was borrowed to spend on gambling, and this happpened among friends. Once, in the HDB flat, red paint was on the world, harrassing Richard to pay his debts. Tan Chun Huang even strained his relationship with his sister because of gambling. His sister, Hui Min, means him well, and often advices him to stop gambling. But he often blames her for giving him bad luck. He only realised his mistake when he got arresed for illegal gambling. This shows that money, can do many things. They can even mean so much to a person that he is willing to go against his own family. And the saddest thing is that one's family will always be there for one when he faces great need. And all that was ruined, just because of money. It is really no use for me to stick to the usual line of,"It is not right." But I have to say that money is something which causes greed, because with money, a person can look for luxurious privileges which benefits themselves.
Lastly, the ending promoted healthy living. This is because the ending showed that the winnings were spent on setting up a Bak Kut Teh shop which would be able to constantly make money, and would be a more consistent income for the 3 friends rther than the unstable income of gambling. In this modern day society, healthy lifestyles are hard to come across. People like staring at that colourful screen all the time(The computer/television), and that is not healthy. In the situation of this movie, it is not healthy to gamble, and it would be better if the 3 brothers have a better way of earning money. Healthy lifestyles are hard to come by nowadays with all the distractions around a person. Such as the latest technology, which is used for entertainment purposes.
The Best Bet has actually lived up to its title, which refers to "The Best Bet" as the best decision. The Best Bet is yet again another great movie which incorporates good values among youths.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
"Money No Enough" Movie Reflection
Well, I was kind of bored an hour before it struck midnight. Thus, I decided to watch a movie on the internet. As I like Singapore movies, I searched on the internet for Singapore movies and "Money No Enough" popped up. It was around 2 hours long. The first half of the movie was rather hilarious, however it was rather stressful to watch the second half. But I am not one who watches a movie halfway. It was about a family of 3 sons with their wives and children as well as an old mother, overcoming various obstacles. The main theme included filial piety, family bonds, and money. Since the part on family bonds is more stressful to speak of, I shall start on the part about money first.
The three sons faces ups and downs in their finance. The younger son was rather successful selling health supplements, the older son was more involved in properties, and constantly earns money from the en-blocs of buildings. The oldest son was not very well-to-do, until the youngest son made him a manager under the youngest son with the investment of ten thousand dollars, and then the oldest son became more financially able. In the movie, the 3 sons became extremely engrossed in making money that they often neglected the people around them. Then a friend of the youngest son wreaked havoc and ruined the health supplement business as a certain substance was added which made people fall ill. His name was Tan Guan Sai. The brothers needed money desperately. A hundred thousand dollars was needed to pay Guan Sai, the older son needed to pay his clients money since the lawyer took the client's money and fled. In times of all these desperation, their mother sacrificed her money, and the money intended for her funeral, to help her 3 sons. In the end, she did not even keep money for herself. She even resorted to begging money from people eating in a food court in order to ease her sons' problems. In many of the scenes, the 3 sons were often seen speaking on the phone to clients. But, they neglected the people around them. The youngest son treated his wife badly, not caring for her. The older son tries to be nice, but his career still seems to be the priority. But the eldest son is an exception---he worked not just for comfort, but to cater to his mother's needs too.
In the movie, the bond between the 3 brothers seemed to be the strongest to me. They met up often and when they face difficulties, they help each other, and things are always discussed. However, the disaster arrived when their mother grew very old and her body started to lose control. The mother often passed urine without being aware, and sometimes it often soils the bed and the floor. Sadly, the family members started to find her troublesome. They changed the bed sheet more than 6 times a day. And one day, they discussed it. So, each of them took turns to take care of the mother. I really pitied the mother when she was living with the second eldest son. Her granddaughter, Stella, often complained that her grandmother stinks and that her grandmother embarrasses her when her friends visited for projects. The mother of Stella agreed in a similar sense, because she often invited friends over. In the end, she was left sleeping outside the toilet. She put up a strong front, and when her son asked her if she feels uncomfortable there, she even replied in Hokkien,"No, I am not particular. It is good here, very windy." When her son, his wife, and Stella went out to catch a movie, she started crying. At this moment, I felt like dropping tears. It reminded me of my own grandmother. Whenever she visited us, she always eats very little and encourages her grandchildren to eat more. Luckily, my mother always gives her more food. I finally knew the reason for elderly people's behaviour. I was happy that I treated my grandmother with care and love. The most emotional part of the movie, I felt it was when Stella met with a car accident and the old grandmother of Stella's was admitted into the hospital. Well, Stella and her mother tries to make money for Stella's dad by singing songs in public(getai), thus they were taking a friend's car to the next venue when their friend spoke too much to them and it swerved into the path of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. Stella was flung out of the car, and landed on the road. And as for the grandmother... Her sons gradually grew fed up of taking care of her, and they decided to put her into an old folk's home. She entered the gates of the home, and she asked the nurse,"Is this an old folk's home?" The nurse replied,"Madam, this is a happy place for old people." The mother looked around and sees old folks everywhere, she turned around, and saw her son running from her. She cried out for her son,"Ah Hui!" And then she fainted. Well, both Stella and her grandmother are of the same blood type, O-, which is a rare blood type. That night, only 2 bags of blood remained, and the doctor said,"Another set of the blood has been used for another patient." They realised that it was their mother who was the "another patient". The second eldest son's wife fought for the blood, she wanted it for her daughter. The other 2 brothers wanted to save their mother. At this moment, the mother woke up. She heard the commotion. She used her remaining strength to pull out the tube connected to her mouth, which supplies her oxygen. Staring into space, she thought back of the good old times, as she breathed her last. This was one of the most touching moments I have seen.
The grandmother sacrificed her own life, just to save her granddaughter, and to make her children stop fighting. I was very touched. It must have been so painful. I watched it out of boredom last night. But I still remember it as I write now. It was an emotional moment. "Be filial". Yes, it is so simple to say. But when we face a crisis, will we still remain firm? I doubted myself. Will I be able to stand by my mother? If I were the elder son, would I be able to sacrifice my own daughter for my mother, or will it be the other way round? When I grow up, I want to repay what my mother did for me. This morning, my mum woke me up, and made an egg sandwich for me. I looked at it. My mum asked,"Why are you not eating?" I did not say a word. I ate it slowly. I am feeling afraid now, that one day, my mother would grow old. Now I feel that I must cherish every moment with her. I feel that I must cherish the times when my mother wants me to study. Now, I want to grow up to be a capable man who will be wealthy, and be like the eldest son, always working for his mother. I want to make sure I will not make my parents suffer. I feel the eldest son was someone worth admiring. Once, when he came back, his mother said," Wah, Ah Hui, you are back! Have you eaten yet?" and when he replied, his mother said,"Ah Hui, the daughter in law in this show is so cruel!" His mother kept asking him whether he has eaten, due to short term memory. After many times, he told his mother,"Ok! Ok! Mother, I have not eaten! I have not eaten at all!" And his mother replied,"See, I knew you have not eaten." I felt that this eldest son had a rather good sense of humour even when he was annoyed. But the other two sons give the tired and exhausted look when talking to their mother. When the eldest son gained financial freedom, he bought a television set and a television service which provided hokkien drama, all for his mother. His mother even said,"Thanks, son. I never thought I would be able to watch hokkien shows after coming to Singapore." When the eldest son was on the verge of losing his job due to the crisis, he asked his mum,"Mum would you think of me any lesser if I am no longer a manager?" She replied, "You are still my son." The eldest son always had to play the bad guy. The other 2 brother psuhed the job of sending the mother to the old folks' home to the eldest brother. And when the 2 brothers wanted to burn incense to "send their mother to heaven faster", they asked their eldest brother to do it. I want to be like that eldest brother when I grow up, but I don't want to cause the death of my mother. I hope, that I would be able to be spend quality time with my mother for the rest of her life. After watching the movie, I now cherish my mother and father more, and I want to be filial. It seems that after all, this movie was not just wasting 2 hours of my life. I gained great values, within 2 hours.
The three sons faces ups and downs in their finance. The younger son was rather successful selling health supplements, the older son was more involved in properties, and constantly earns money from the en-blocs of buildings. The oldest son was not very well-to-do, until the youngest son made him a manager under the youngest son with the investment of ten thousand dollars, and then the oldest son became more financially able. In the movie, the 3 sons became extremely engrossed in making money that they often neglected the people around them. Then a friend of the youngest son wreaked havoc and ruined the health supplement business as a certain substance was added which made people fall ill. His name was Tan Guan Sai. The brothers needed money desperately. A hundred thousand dollars was needed to pay Guan Sai, the older son needed to pay his clients money since the lawyer took the client's money and fled. In times of all these desperation, their mother sacrificed her money, and the money intended for her funeral, to help her 3 sons. In the end, she did not even keep money for herself. She even resorted to begging money from people eating in a food court in order to ease her sons' problems. In many of the scenes, the 3 sons were often seen speaking on the phone to clients. But, they neglected the people around them. The youngest son treated his wife badly, not caring for her. The older son tries to be nice, but his career still seems to be the priority. But the eldest son is an exception---he worked not just for comfort, but to cater to his mother's needs too.
In the movie, the bond between the 3 brothers seemed to be the strongest to me. They met up often and when they face difficulties, they help each other, and things are always discussed. However, the disaster arrived when their mother grew very old and her body started to lose control. The mother often passed urine without being aware, and sometimes it often soils the bed and the floor. Sadly, the family members started to find her troublesome. They changed the bed sheet more than 6 times a day. And one day, they discussed it. So, each of them took turns to take care of the mother. I really pitied the mother when she was living with the second eldest son. Her granddaughter, Stella, often complained that her grandmother stinks and that her grandmother embarrasses her when her friends visited for projects. The mother of Stella agreed in a similar sense, because she often invited friends over. In the end, she was left sleeping outside the toilet. She put up a strong front, and when her son asked her if she feels uncomfortable there, she even replied in Hokkien,"No, I am not particular. It is good here, very windy." When her son, his wife, and Stella went out to catch a movie, she started crying. At this moment, I felt like dropping tears. It reminded me of my own grandmother. Whenever she visited us, she always eats very little and encourages her grandchildren to eat more. Luckily, my mother always gives her more food. I finally knew the reason for elderly people's behaviour. I was happy that I treated my grandmother with care and love. The most emotional part of the movie, I felt it was when Stella met with a car accident and the old grandmother of Stella's was admitted into the hospital. Well, Stella and her mother tries to make money for Stella's dad by singing songs in public(getai), thus they were taking a friend's car to the next venue when their friend spoke too much to them and it swerved into the path of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. Stella was flung out of the car, and landed on the road. And as for the grandmother... Her sons gradually grew fed up of taking care of her, and they decided to put her into an old folk's home. She entered the gates of the home, and she asked the nurse,"Is this an old folk's home?" The nurse replied,"Madam, this is a happy place for old people." The mother looked around and sees old folks everywhere, she turned around, and saw her son running from her. She cried out for her son,"Ah Hui!" And then she fainted. Well, both Stella and her grandmother are of the same blood type, O-, which is a rare blood type. That night, only 2 bags of blood remained, and the doctor said,"Another set of the blood has been used for another patient." They realised that it was their mother who was the "another patient". The second eldest son's wife fought for the blood, she wanted it for her daughter. The other 2 brothers wanted to save their mother. At this moment, the mother woke up. She heard the commotion. She used her remaining strength to pull out the tube connected to her mouth, which supplies her oxygen. Staring into space, she thought back of the good old times, as she breathed her last. This was one of the most touching moments I have seen.
The grandmother sacrificed her own life, just to save her granddaughter, and to make her children stop fighting. I was very touched. It must have been so painful. I watched it out of boredom last night. But I still remember it as I write now. It was an emotional moment. "Be filial". Yes, it is so simple to say. But when we face a crisis, will we still remain firm? I doubted myself. Will I be able to stand by my mother? If I were the elder son, would I be able to sacrifice my own daughter for my mother, or will it be the other way round? When I grow up, I want to repay what my mother did for me. This morning, my mum woke me up, and made an egg sandwich for me. I looked at it. My mum asked,"Why are you not eating?" I did not say a word. I ate it slowly. I am feeling afraid now, that one day, my mother would grow old. Now I feel that I must cherish every moment with her. I feel that I must cherish the times when my mother wants me to study. Now, I want to grow up to be a capable man who will be wealthy, and be like the eldest son, always working for his mother. I want to make sure I will not make my parents suffer. I feel the eldest son was someone worth admiring. Once, when he came back, his mother said," Wah, Ah Hui, you are back! Have you eaten yet?" and when he replied, his mother said,"Ah Hui, the daughter in law in this show is so cruel!" His mother kept asking him whether he has eaten, due to short term memory. After many times, he told his mother,"Ok! Ok! Mother, I have not eaten! I have not eaten at all!" And his mother replied,"See, I knew you have not eaten." I felt that this eldest son had a rather good sense of humour even when he was annoyed. But the other two sons give the tired and exhausted look when talking to their mother. When the eldest son gained financial freedom, he bought a television set and a television service which provided hokkien drama, all for his mother. His mother even said,"Thanks, son. I never thought I would be able to watch hokkien shows after coming to Singapore." When the eldest son was on the verge of losing his job due to the crisis, he asked his mum,"Mum would you think of me any lesser if I am no longer a manager?" She replied, "You are still my son." The eldest son always had to play the bad guy. The other 2 brother psuhed the job of sending the mother to the old folks' home to the eldest brother. And when the 2 brothers wanted to burn incense to "send their mother to heaven faster", they asked their eldest brother to do it. I want to be like that eldest brother when I grow up, but I don't want to cause the death of my mother. I hope, that I would be able to be spend quality time with my mother for the rest of her life. After watching the movie, I now cherish my mother and father more, and I want to be filial. It seems that after all, this movie was not just wasting 2 hours of my life. I gained great values, within 2 hours.
US man accused of decapitating disabled son, 7
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_702584.html
Today I read this article in the news. And I will be writing about the article from the perspective of a Catholic.
All evidence seems to point to his father. And his father said that he was fed up of taking care of his disabled son, in another article about this case. I feel that this case is rather hard to judge, and it was rather sad. Because, it concerns disabled kids. Disabled kids are extremely difficult to take care of, and sometimes it is difficult to remain patient with the child. Ok, now I am looking at the topic of disabled kids generally, and not just about the case. Perhaps a child is born with a different way of thinking, and perhaps he has physical disabilities. Now, does the child suffer? Or does the child actually feel normal about his own disabilities? That is a good question.
Sometimes, the survival of the disabled child is hard to guarantee. The parents spend long periods of time taking care of the child. And when the child gets older and their parents leave this world, how are they going to fend for themselves? In this modern age, there debates regarding whether such children should even enter the world. When physical disabilities are detected while the child is still in the womb, is it moral to abort it?
As a Catholic, I feel that it is still a life after all, and it is not right to kill it, as it is an extremely painful process of dying in the procedures of abortion. And read the article, the child was killed when he was 7! When the child is born, he will grow to be more aware of his surroundings and it will be more painful when death comes. It is easy to say that it is immoral to abort the child. But if it happens to him, would he take care of the child? Will he be able to be patient and handle the child? Due to his disabilities, he will suffer in this world. Will the parent let the child suffer? I feel that it is hard to define a right or wrong. What do you think?
Today I read this article in the news. And I will be writing about the article from the perspective of a Catholic.
All evidence seems to point to his father. And his father said that he was fed up of taking care of his disabled son, in another article about this case. I feel that this case is rather hard to judge, and it was rather sad. Because, it concerns disabled kids. Disabled kids are extremely difficult to take care of, and sometimes it is difficult to remain patient with the child. Ok, now I am looking at the topic of disabled kids generally, and not just about the case. Perhaps a child is born with a different way of thinking, and perhaps he has physical disabilities. Now, does the child suffer? Or does the child actually feel normal about his own disabilities? That is a good question.
Sometimes, the survival of the disabled child is hard to guarantee. The parents spend long periods of time taking care of the child. And when the child gets older and their parents leave this world, how are they going to fend for themselves? In this modern age, there debates regarding whether such children should even enter the world. When physical disabilities are detected while the child is still in the womb, is it moral to abort it?
As a Catholic, I feel that it is still a life after all, and it is not right to kill it, as it is an extremely painful process of dying in the procedures of abortion. And read the article, the child was killed when he was 7! When the child is born, he will grow to be more aware of his surroundings and it will be more painful when death comes. It is easy to say that it is immoral to abort the child. But if it happens to him, would he take care of the child? Will he be able to be patient and handle the child? Due to his disabilities, he will suffer in this world. Will the parent let the child suffer? I feel that it is hard to define a right or wrong. What do you think?
Online Lesson 12
The common theme among the scrolls is personal possessions and gains.
The prince of Morocco chose the gold casket, the prince of Arragon chose the silver casket, while Bassanio chose the lead casket. In my opinion, the themes relate to the 3 characters in terms of how they look at the potential marriage between themselves and Portia.
The gold casket says "Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire", the silver casket says "Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves" and the casket says "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath". The decision of the characters reflects how they look at the marriage, about their gains and losses. The prince of Morocco was probably greedy, and I am sure most men knows that what men are after are "Money" and "Women", and since the colour of the golden casket seems to be very attractive to the prince of Morocco, he choosed to open the golden casket. The prince of Arragon;s tone in this scene seems to have reflected his arrogance in showing off, and he seems to have the impression that he is superior and mighty. He even said out loud,"I will not jump with common spirits and rank me with the barbarous multitudes" and since he thinks he is extremely outstanding, the casket even says "get as much as he deserves", thus he would have the impression that such a "smart and intelligent" person like him will get a large amount of things, since he thinks he is so deserving to be the spouse of Portia. Lastly, Bassanio was one who loved Portia truly, and for who she is. The colour of the lead casket is quite dull, and it even says that he has to give up his everything. Since he truely loves Portia, he would be willing to sacrifice things just for his loved one.
Thus in conclusions, the theme of the casket reflects the view of the marriage by the 3 men.
There were many similar moments when I had to make a decision based on logic. Exams. Compositions. They give you 3 options, and you have to write a topic based on one of the options. I just look at the question and let my mind turn blank. I think,"Wait, so what is this question asking? How do I write the composition about it?" I experienced that during my Chinese common test today. We could choose to write different types of compositions. Due to inadequate amount of revision, I forgot the procudure of certain types of compositions. I was not sure what content was needed for the composition. We had to write a letter, and a composition. We had 2 options for the letter, and 3 options for the composition. Some types of compositions were last taught in Term 1 of this year, as it was the Chinese module lessons in Term 2. Thus, I forgot certain things. Based on logic, I obviously wrote the compositions which I practised doing recently. Well, that was the safest way to guarantee that I will not write out of point! I mean, if you don't remember certain things clearly, wouldn't it result in a higher chance of writing the composition in the wrong way and getting marks deducted?
The prince of Morocco chose the gold casket, the prince of Arragon chose the silver casket, while Bassanio chose the lead casket. In my opinion, the themes relate to the 3 characters in terms of how they look at the potential marriage between themselves and Portia.
The gold casket says "Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire", the silver casket says "Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves" and the casket says "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath". The decision of the characters reflects how they look at the marriage, about their gains and losses. The prince of Morocco was probably greedy, and I am sure most men knows that what men are after are "Money" and "Women", and since the colour of the golden casket seems to be very attractive to the prince of Morocco, he choosed to open the golden casket. The prince of Arragon;s tone in this scene seems to have reflected his arrogance in showing off, and he seems to have the impression that he is superior and mighty. He even said out loud,"I will not jump with common spirits and rank me with the barbarous multitudes" and since he thinks he is extremely outstanding, the casket even says "get as much as he deserves", thus he would have the impression that such a "smart and intelligent" person like him will get a large amount of things, since he thinks he is so deserving to be the spouse of Portia. Lastly, Bassanio was one who loved Portia truly, and for who she is. The colour of the lead casket is quite dull, and it even says that he has to give up his everything. Since he truely loves Portia, he would be willing to sacrifice things just for his loved one.
Thus in conclusions, the theme of the casket reflects the view of the marriage by the 3 men.
There were many similar moments when I had to make a decision based on logic. Exams. Compositions. They give you 3 options, and you have to write a topic based on one of the options. I just look at the question and let my mind turn blank. I think,"Wait, so what is this question asking? How do I write the composition about it?" I experienced that during my Chinese common test today. We could choose to write different types of compositions. Due to inadequate amount of revision, I forgot the procudure of certain types of compositions. I was not sure what content was needed for the composition. We had to write a letter, and a composition. We had 2 options for the letter, and 3 options for the composition. Some types of compositions were last taught in Term 1 of this year, as it was the Chinese module lessons in Term 2. Thus, I forgot certain things. Based on logic, I obviously wrote the compositions which I practised doing recently. Well, that was the safest way to guarantee that I will not write out of point! I mean, if you don't remember certain things clearly, wouldn't it result in a higher chance of writing the composition in the wrong way and getting marks deducted?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
"Who Will Listen?" Hwa Chong Institution English Drama Club Production
That night, it was 2 hours of drama. There were 3 plays and 1 film, including a guest performance by Clementi Town Secondary School. I was there, not as a member of the audience, but an actor. And onthis post, I shall express my feelings about the production
Bang Bang It's Too Late
The first play was Bang Bang It's Too Late, and it was about a teenager who shouts for help, but no one listens to his problems. The school counsellor and his dad always underestimates his problems. Josh doesn't really have a friend, everyone hates him. And you know what? My role was to act as Josh. Sadly, the only way for everyone to listen, was for him to use a gun. He shot many people, even his dad. Going through the scene repeatedly was extremely tiring, however as an actor, it allows me to understand the feelings of the character I am acting as. I feel that in life, there must be someone whom we can turn to, and rely on. Because when we face problems, we hope that someone would understand us, and stretch out a helping hand. Or in some cases, mere listening is already a form of help to that person. In the play, everyone gives excuses when Josh wants to speak to them. What would seem as small problems, would eventually lead to be a big problem itself. And furthermore, Josh is in his teens, children are the most sensitive during their teens, and would be influenced very easily, thus they need someone to keep them on the right track. A school counsellor must be someone who does their job, not for the money, but to help those in need. Because that is what a counsellor needs to do. No one's problems should be underestimated, because they might seem bigger than what it looks like. Josh even killed his father. Josh ruined his whole life. But when I was in his shoes, I could tell that he really had little choice. Because no one is ever there to support him, his confidence is wavering, and he is desperate for help. But no one takes him seriously. He was filled with hatred for those who mocked at him. Thus he ended everything with deaths of people around him.
Arthur's Quest For Cheese
Before the intermission, there was a short film. It was about a boy searching for what he thinks is his favorite dairy product. But little did he expect what he was looking for wasn't what it really seemed like. He went through various obstacles to get his cheese. Once a boy, whose name is Samuel, snatched Arthur's wallet and blue cheese, and ran away. But he eventually feels bad and returns it to Arthur. Arthur smells the cheese, and then he realises that he hates cheese and the smell of it. I feel that in life, sometimes we pursue things which we are after. They seem to be attractive as they look. But in the end, when we finally get what we want, we realise that it is not what we were actually looking for. Some people hate that feeling, because it is the feeling of disappointment, and illusion. But it might not be a bad thing after all. In the middle of all the obstacles we went through, we probably found out more about ourselves, and brought out the true hero in us, because to get what we desire, we go through many things which we don't usually do. And by then, we would realise just how much we will fork out for things we hope to possess. Yes, but what prevails at the end of the day is the feeling of disappointment.
Happiness.com
Happiness.com is the guest performance, which won a Gold award at the Singapore Youth Festival. De Cheng is a teenage boy who seeks refuge from loneliness by indulging in pornography and chats with strangers. Eventually the price for his pornography arrives. His mother finds out. His friends finds out. He gets desperate.
In life, we often meet difficulties. We turn to things which seem appealing to us. But they often land us in deep trouble. An example would be drugs. Just when youths face great difficulties and sadness, their friend offers them some drugs, and describe the drug to be so awesome. In such times, this is when they are most vulnerable. Thus they would give in and take drugs. Perhaps they would also be tempted to go and beat up some innocent kids or steal from provision shops. Temptation is at its peak when one is in times of sorrow. But little youths would think of healthy ways to release their stress. Such as sports.
Checkmate
The last play of the day. Hwa Chong Institution English Drama Club clinched a Gold award for this short play. It was sort of comparing mankind to a game of chess. It took place in 2050, when water was running out and all remnants gathered to a town. And the mayor intended to kill nearly everyone so that he can have the water to himself, his son, and probably few others. But his son was against his father's actions. His father wanted to preserve mankind, but at the expense of mankind's humanity. His son tried persuading his father from doing such silly actions, but his father did not listen. Thus he sacrificed himself, when he was shot accidentally amongst a mass murder organised by his father, he threw himself into the remaining water supply, and contaminated the water, so that his father would understand, and that is the only way to stop his father. Well, I feel that humanity is more important than mankind. And that we need to preserve our morals. We should not kill others so as to ensure our own survival. I feel that this is not moral and everyone should still try to share the water. Even if this means that everyone will die in the end, it is still the correct decision. Because only God has the right to take away the lives of the people, whom he gave life to. If God says that this world shall come to an end due to a lack of water, let it be. After all, our life came from him, thus when it goes, he should be the one who takes it.
It was an exciting night, not just of drama, but also of values and lessons which the audience can take away.
Bang Bang It's Too Late
The first play was Bang Bang It's Too Late, and it was about a teenager who shouts for help, but no one listens to his problems. The school counsellor and his dad always underestimates his problems. Josh doesn't really have a friend, everyone hates him. And you know what? My role was to act as Josh. Sadly, the only way for everyone to listen, was for him to use a gun. He shot many people, even his dad. Going through the scene repeatedly was extremely tiring, however as an actor, it allows me to understand the feelings of the character I am acting as. I feel that in life, there must be someone whom we can turn to, and rely on. Because when we face problems, we hope that someone would understand us, and stretch out a helping hand. Or in some cases, mere listening is already a form of help to that person. In the play, everyone gives excuses when Josh wants to speak to them. What would seem as small problems, would eventually lead to be a big problem itself. And furthermore, Josh is in his teens, children are the most sensitive during their teens, and would be influenced very easily, thus they need someone to keep them on the right track. A school counsellor must be someone who does their job, not for the money, but to help those in need. Because that is what a counsellor needs to do. No one's problems should be underestimated, because they might seem bigger than what it looks like. Josh even killed his father. Josh ruined his whole life. But when I was in his shoes, I could tell that he really had little choice. Because no one is ever there to support him, his confidence is wavering, and he is desperate for help. But no one takes him seriously. He was filled with hatred for those who mocked at him. Thus he ended everything with deaths of people around him.
Arthur's Quest For Cheese
Before the intermission, there was a short film. It was about a boy searching for what he thinks is his favorite dairy product. But little did he expect what he was looking for wasn't what it really seemed like. He went through various obstacles to get his cheese. Once a boy, whose name is Samuel, snatched Arthur's wallet and blue cheese, and ran away. But he eventually feels bad and returns it to Arthur. Arthur smells the cheese, and then he realises that he hates cheese and the smell of it. I feel that in life, sometimes we pursue things which we are after. They seem to be attractive as they look. But in the end, when we finally get what we want, we realise that it is not what we were actually looking for. Some people hate that feeling, because it is the feeling of disappointment, and illusion. But it might not be a bad thing after all. In the middle of all the obstacles we went through, we probably found out more about ourselves, and brought out the true hero in us, because to get what we desire, we go through many things which we don't usually do. And by then, we would realise just how much we will fork out for things we hope to possess. Yes, but what prevails at the end of the day is the feeling of disappointment.
Happiness.com
Happiness.com is the guest performance, which won a Gold award at the Singapore Youth Festival. De Cheng is a teenage boy who seeks refuge from loneliness by indulging in pornography and chats with strangers. Eventually the price for his pornography arrives. His mother finds out. His friends finds out. He gets desperate.
In life, we often meet difficulties. We turn to things which seem appealing to us. But they often land us in deep trouble. An example would be drugs. Just when youths face great difficulties and sadness, their friend offers them some drugs, and describe the drug to be so awesome. In such times, this is when they are most vulnerable. Thus they would give in and take drugs. Perhaps they would also be tempted to go and beat up some innocent kids or steal from provision shops. Temptation is at its peak when one is in times of sorrow. But little youths would think of healthy ways to release their stress. Such as sports.
Checkmate
The last play of the day. Hwa Chong Institution English Drama Club clinched a Gold award for this short play. It was sort of comparing mankind to a game of chess. It took place in 2050, when water was running out and all remnants gathered to a town. And the mayor intended to kill nearly everyone so that he can have the water to himself, his son, and probably few others. But his son was against his father's actions. His father wanted to preserve mankind, but at the expense of mankind's humanity. His son tried persuading his father from doing such silly actions, but his father did not listen. Thus he sacrificed himself, when he was shot accidentally amongst a mass murder organised by his father, he threw himself into the remaining water supply, and contaminated the water, so that his father would understand, and that is the only way to stop his father. Well, I feel that humanity is more important than mankind. And that we need to preserve our morals. We should not kill others so as to ensure our own survival. I feel that this is not moral and everyone should still try to share the water. Even if this means that everyone will die in the end, it is still the correct decision. Because only God has the right to take away the lives of the people, whom he gave life to. If God says that this world shall come to an end due to a lack of water, let it be. After all, our life came from him, thus when it goes, he should be the one who takes it.
It was an exciting night, not just of drama, but also of values and lessons which the audience can take away.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Online Lesson 10
Filial Piety
In today's society, filial piety is something seldom seen. "What is filial piety?" Some people may ask. What is being filial? What is the line between a "mummy's boy and a "filial son"? Being filial can be as minor as listening to your parents' advice.
In The Merchant of Venice, Portia demonstrates filial piety by obeying her late father's will, which decides her husband. Her father wanted her to marry a man of virtue and one who loves Portia for who she is, and not for her wealth. Thus Portia's husband was decided through a "marriage lottery", or what others say as "caskets". There are 3 different caskets. And if the correct one is opened, her hand is marriage would be gained by the man. Perhaps there was once when Portia wanted to marry a man whom she admired and fancied. Perhaps there was a strong desire within her. But she still remained firm in obeying the will of her father. An unfilial character in The Merchant of Venice would be Launcelot, who greets his blind, long lost father by giving the old man confusing directions and telling the old man that his beloved son Launcelot is dead. Launcelot probably didn't want a father who would be a great burden to him, or probably, Launcelot hated his father.
In today's society, teenagers are often defiant, they don't listen to their parents. They just do what they feel like doing. "I Not Stupid Too" is a Singaporean film depicting the lives that some Singaporeans lead, and the difficulties often faced by teenagers and children here. In Singapore, education is so important, and parents wish the best for their children, they hope that the children will study hard. But in the film, the parents sometimes do not know how to express themselves, thus the children don't understand the good intentions. Sometimes, parents took the wrong path in life, and they wish that their children would not follow in their footsteps, but the children don't understand their parents. Nowadays, some teens think that fighting is cool, they buy Kung Fu CDs, but in the film, the father of a teen, Chengcai, actually broke his leg due to his fights during his youth.
In present-day, such conflicts, not just in Singapore, is common. Filial piety is something less seen in the modern age, with so many distractions, so many negative influences. Sometimes, the youths of today are simply just too engrossed in their own activities to understand their own parents, or care for them. Filial piety is important, because we need to take care of our parents when they grow old, just like how they took care of us when we were young. We must be filial to our parents, and take care of them, and listen to them. After all, they have greater wisdom than us, and they have our interests at heart.
A part of the film "I Not Stupid Too" where filial piety's importance is portrayed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuun_spIrEw&feature=related
The youths are getting more rebellious, they beat up their teacher, and possess pornographic material. To prevent severe, punishment, the parents are willing to sacrifice so much for their child's future, but they just don't listen, or understand.
In today's society, filial piety is something seldom seen. "What is filial piety?" Some people may ask. What is being filial? What is the line between a "mummy's boy and a "filial son"? Being filial can be as minor as listening to your parents' advice.
In The Merchant of Venice, Portia demonstrates filial piety by obeying her late father's will, which decides her husband. Her father wanted her to marry a man of virtue and one who loves Portia for who she is, and not for her wealth. Thus Portia's husband was decided through a "marriage lottery", or what others say as "caskets". There are 3 different caskets. And if the correct one is opened, her hand is marriage would be gained by the man. Perhaps there was once when Portia wanted to marry a man whom she admired and fancied. Perhaps there was a strong desire within her. But she still remained firm in obeying the will of her father. An unfilial character in The Merchant of Venice would be Launcelot, who greets his blind, long lost father by giving the old man confusing directions and telling the old man that his beloved son Launcelot is dead. Launcelot probably didn't want a father who would be a great burden to him, or probably, Launcelot hated his father.
In today's society, teenagers are often defiant, they don't listen to their parents. They just do what they feel like doing. "I Not Stupid Too" is a Singaporean film depicting the lives that some Singaporeans lead, and the difficulties often faced by teenagers and children here. In Singapore, education is so important, and parents wish the best for their children, they hope that the children will study hard. But in the film, the parents sometimes do not know how to express themselves, thus the children don't understand the good intentions. Sometimes, parents took the wrong path in life, and they wish that their children would not follow in their footsteps, but the children don't understand their parents. Nowadays, some teens think that fighting is cool, they buy Kung Fu CDs, but in the film, the father of a teen, Chengcai, actually broke his leg due to his fights during his youth.
In present-day, such conflicts, not just in Singapore, is common. Filial piety is something less seen in the modern age, with so many distractions, so many negative influences. Sometimes, the youths of today are simply just too engrossed in their own activities to understand their own parents, or care for them. Filial piety is important, because we need to take care of our parents when they grow old, just like how they took care of us when we were young. We must be filial to our parents, and take care of them, and listen to them. After all, they have greater wisdom than us, and they have our interests at heart.
A part of the film "I Not Stupid Too" where filial piety's importance is portrayed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuun_spIrEw&feature=related
The youths are getting more rebellious, they beat up their teacher, and possess pornographic material. To prevent severe, punishment, the parents are willing to sacrifice so much for their child's future, but they just don't listen, or understand.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Blog Entry 17
The door creaked.
I felt the dust beneath my feet.
Squatting down, I sunk my finger in the inch-deep dust.
And then came realisation.
It wasn't dust.
It was the substance within his pillow.
It has been years.
So he still does fancy pillow fights.
Just like years before, his bed, in a total mess.
His books, not resting on the shelf.
His floor, not swept.
Even his closet.
It has been turned upside down.
Yes, this is him.
After so many years, he is still the same.
The same old guy I knew.
In the corner of my eye, there was a glass cabinet.
It shined amongst the other objects in the room.
Inside it was an antique.
A family heirloom.
The chinese characters carved in wood.
Till today, it still shines, like never before.
Outside the window, the garden.
The plum tree, with plenty of fruits.
Purple are they.
Soft are they.
The bark of the tree, rough.
Brownish, thick, aged.
The paint in the room is peeling off.
The greyish dust, floating in the air.
If only he would have the chance to experience freedom again.
Feeling the dust on the door knob, I close the door.
Closing the room for him in my heart.
I felt the dust beneath my feet.
Squatting down, I sunk my finger in the inch-deep dust.
And then came realisation.
It wasn't dust.
It was the substance within his pillow.
It has been years.
So he still does fancy pillow fights.
Just like years before, his bed, in a total mess.
His books, not resting on the shelf.
His floor, not swept.
Even his closet.
It has been turned upside down.
Yes, this is him.
After so many years, he is still the same.
The same old guy I knew.
In the corner of my eye, there was a glass cabinet.
It shined amongst the other objects in the room.
Inside it was an antique.
A family heirloom.
The chinese characters carved in wood.
Till today, it still shines, like never before.
Outside the window, the garden.
The plum tree, with plenty of fruits.
Purple are they.
Soft are they.
The bark of the tree, rough.
Brownish, thick, aged.
The paint in the room is peeling off.
The greyish dust, floating in the air.
If only he would have the chance to experience freedom again.
Feeling the dust on the door knob, I close the door.
Closing the room for him in my heart.
London riots
I believe that the police men who killed Mark Duggan should be punished, and should be jailed or sentenced to death. This is because their job is to protect people, and not to kill them. And just because of their "shoot first, ask questions later" way of solving threats, it doesn't give them a right to kill people. Furthermore, it is questionable whether they were being racist.
The existence of the police is to protect the people, and not to bring danger upon them. Who they killed is a father of four. The policemen probably killed the family member who puts the bread and water on the table for the family. Now, how are they going to compensate for the lost of the family member? Furthermore, they did not find evidence to show that the man actually posed a danger to them. Policemen are supposed to risk their lives to protect the citizens. Heard of policemen advancing towards terrorists? Heard of policemen saving citizens from death? That is the true policemen. They risk their lives to protect the citizens. The 29-year-old Mark is just a citizen. And what made them so sure Mark had an intention to kill the policemen? Even if so, shouldn't the policemen risk their lives to find concrete evidence before they shoot Mark? Or perhaps, the evidence found does not even prove that Mark was guilty. Perhaps there were compliations?
So, just because the policeman suspects something, he has the right to shoot the suspect? Without concrete evidence? It does not make sense. If this is how the policemen work, many innocent lives would be lost due to various suspicions. Perhaps you were shot while laughing at a joke your friend made over the phone while looking at a policeman? Perhaps you were looking at the black little toy pistol you got for your son while walking past the police station? There are many possibilities, but the details must be confirmed and sufficient investigation must be done before a policeman kills a criminal. And the death of the criminal is another question----is it justified? I think that such a system of "shoot and investigate later" is not efficient and it is not logical. It must be changed. It is dangerous to live in a city with the policemen working in such a way.
This could possibly be a case of racism and discriminating against blacks. This is because the policemen shot Mark without sufficient evidence, thus it could be possible that they did not like the appearance of Mark. In the past, the blacks were hung on trees when night fell, many of them were victims. It was due to racism. Perhaps today's policemen in London are executing such actions in a different way? I have not heard of a similar incident but having a white man as the victim. Thus the integrity of the police officers involved is questionable.
Thus, there is sufficient justification for the police officers involved to be punished. After all, they cost the life of someone to be lost unnecessarily.
The existence of the police is to protect the people, and not to bring danger upon them. Who they killed is a father of four. The policemen probably killed the family member who puts the bread and water on the table for the family. Now, how are they going to compensate for the lost of the family member? Furthermore, they did not find evidence to show that the man actually posed a danger to them. Policemen are supposed to risk their lives to protect the citizens. Heard of policemen advancing towards terrorists? Heard of policemen saving citizens from death? That is the true policemen. They risk their lives to protect the citizens. The 29-year-old Mark is just a citizen. And what made them so sure Mark had an intention to kill the policemen? Even if so, shouldn't the policemen risk their lives to find concrete evidence before they shoot Mark? Or perhaps, the evidence found does not even prove that Mark was guilty. Perhaps there were compliations?
So, just because the policeman suspects something, he has the right to shoot the suspect? Without concrete evidence? It does not make sense. If this is how the policemen work, many innocent lives would be lost due to various suspicions. Perhaps you were shot while laughing at a joke your friend made over the phone while looking at a policeman? Perhaps you were looking at the black little toy pistol you got for your son while walking past the police station? There are many possibilities, but the details must be confirmed and sufficient investigation must be done before a policeman kills a criminal. And the death of the criminal is another question----is it justified? I think that such a system of "shoot and investigate later" is not efficient and it is not logical. It must be changed. It is dangerous to live in a city with the policemen working in such a way.
This could possibly be a case of racism and discriminating against blacks. This is because the policemen shot Mark without sufficient evidence, thus it could be possible that they did not like the appearance of Mark. In the past, the blacks were hung on trees when night fell, many of them were victims. It was due to racism. Perhaps today's policemen in London are executing such actions in a different way? I have not heard of a similar incident but having a white man as the victim. Thus the integrity of the police officers involved is questionable.
Thus, there is sufficient justification for the police officers involved to be punished. After all, they cost the life of someone to be lost unnecessarily.
Ameneh Bahrami
In my opinion, if I were Ameneh Bahrami, I would try to show mercy by not blinding him in both eyes, but if I had the choice, I would very much prefer to have him jailed or blinded in one eye. This is because I hope he would understand the pain of having to live in a world of darkness, and also show to people that such actions would bring you no good.
Do you remember seeing someone throwing away someone's pencil away during primary school? And that boy just sat down and cried, while the mischievous one laughed at him? The mischievous one doesn't know how his classmate feel. He will never know. Till it happens to him. Then only will he understand completely. Well, Movahedi does not know how it feels like to be blind. He does not know how it feels like to not be able to see. It is hard for him to put himself in the shoes of Ameneh, unless he himself is blinded too. If he is jailed in a dark cell, he will feel the fear I feel. He cannot do much with his life, just like me. But it is cruel to blind somebody. God gave me a life, no man is perfect, except for Jesus. We sinned, but yet, God pardoned us, and forgived us. Thus I will try not to be too cruel towards Movahedi, but yet, not too merciful either.
It has been months. People of other countries have been watching me, for my decision. It is not often that such cases occur. It does not happen often in one's lifetime, to be able to hear of many of such situatiosn. And if all I do is to let him off, the public might think that it is an easy decision to make. Then immature youths might repeat the same mistake which Movahedi made. When that happens, there would be more victims. There would be more suffering. There would be more hatred. More revenge. There would be chaos. Thus, to prevent the future trouble, it is good to send shivers down the spines of those who have evil intentions within them.
I do hope to be God's child, but yet, I have to consider other factors. If I were Ameneh, my decision to show mercy, but not too much, is because I really cannot totally let him off. There is a price to pay for everything. But if I choose not to blind him in one eye, or put him to life imprisonment, it would be that I hope to have him by my side, or provide me with expenses. Because, that is what lets me carry on with my life, to be able to continue living. Because if I were her, I wouldn't be able to work. People would be scared away by my appearance. It would be hard for me to live. I cannot work anymore, thus he must provide me with money.
Do you remember seeing someone throwing away someone's pencil away during primary school? And that boy just sat down and cried, while the mischievous one laughed at him? The mischievous one doesn't know how his classmate feel. He will never know. Till it happens to him. Then only will he understand completely. Well, Movahedi does not know how it feels like to be blind. He does not know how it feels like to not be able to see. It is hard for him to put himself in the shoes of Ameneh, unless he himself is blinded too. If he is jailed in a dark cell, he will feel the fear I feel. He cannot do much with his life, just like me. But it is cruel to blind somebody. God gave me a life, no man is perfect, except for Jesus. We sinned, but yet, God pardoned us, and forgived us. Thus I will try not to be too cruel towards Movahedi, but yet, not too merciful either.
It has been months. People of other countries have been watching me, for my decision. It is not often that such cases occur. It does not happen often in one's lifetime, to be able to hear of many of such situatiosn. And if all I do is to let him off, the public might think that it is an easy decision to make. Then immature youths might repeat the same mistake which Movahedi made. When that happens, there would be more victims. There would be more suffering. There would be more hatred. More revenge. There would be chaos. Thus, to prevent the future trouble, it is good to send shivers down the spines of those who have evil intentions within them.
I do hope to be God's child, but yet, I have to consider other factors. If I were Ameneh, my decision to show mercy, but not too much, is because I really cannot totally let him off. There is a price to pay for everything. But if I choose not to blind him in one eye, or put him to life imprisonment, it would be that I hope to have him by my side, or provide me with expenses. Because, that is what lets me carry on with my life, to be able to continue living. Because if I were her, I wouldn't be able to work. People would be scared away by my appearance. It would be hard for me to live. I cannot work anymore, thus he must provide me with money.
Blog Prompt #14
In my view, the possible problems associated with a rise in self-obsession and narcissism in Singapore involves global warming and causing the elderly to suffer.
The youths of today are inconsiderate people who are too pampered and live in luxury. They are born in the generation of technology, where there are light bulbs, television, computers, handphones, as well as air-conditioning. All these consume electricity and provide comfort to the youths of today. And because of the high usage of the devices as well as the emission of heat and exhaustion as well as other factors, the temperature of the country as well as the globe, is increasing. After a game of soccer, they would go home, switch on the air-con and use their computers. Technology is to make things more convenient. However, the youths of today are abusing the privileges that they are receiving. They only care about their own wants. In the past, the older generation used to live in cramped conditions, and some of them even had to sleep in the corridors. There weren't any of the gadgets today. Now, each child has his own room, and they can even switch on the air-conditioning device for the whole day! A fan actually consumes 20 times less electricity and in a way, the use of all these are causing the temperature to rise and the water levels to rise too. Eventually, all these self-centredness would take its toll on the future generations.
Have you ever boarded a bus, and see a couple occupying the reserved seats? That isn't surprising. The youths of today are capable of anything. Just go to "Singapore Seen" on stomp.com.sg and there are articles posted regularly regarding the inconsiderate youths not being considerate and kind enough towards the older generation. An example would be a young couple kissing and hugging throughout their ride, ignoring pregnant women and elderly people around them. Such behaviour is a result of self-centred-ness as well as being shameless. They only care about indulging in their own behaviour, not caring about the people who need the seat more. In recent times, such cases are quite common, and narcissism is what causes all these.
In conclusion, narcissism and self-obsession brings pain and suffering eventually and everybody will suffer. Being self-centred only brings you benefits, but for a limited period of time. One day, you will suffer the pain of what you did last time. Perhaps when you are old, the young generation probably learnt from the inconsiderate acts of your generation when they were toddlers. Today, ask yourself a question--- Are you self-centred?
The youths of today are inconsiderate people who are too pampered and live in luxury. They are born in the generation of technology, where there are light bulbs, television, computers, handphones, as well as air-conditioning. All these consume electricity and provide comfort to the youths of today. And because of the high usage of the devices as well as the emission of heat and exhaustion as well as other factors, the temperature of the country as well as the globe, is increasing. After a game of soccer, they would go home, switch on the air-con and use their computers. Technology is to make things more convenient. However, the youths of today are abusing the privileges that they are receiving. They only care about their own wants. In the past, the older generation used to live in cramped conditions, and some of them even had to sleep in the corridors. There weren't any of the gadgets today. Now, each child has his own room, and they can even switch on the air-conditioning device for the whole day! A fan actually consumes 20 times less electricity and in a way, the use of all these are causing the temperature to rise and the water levels to rise too. Eventually, all these self-centredness would take its toll on the future generations.
Have you ever boarded a bus, and see a couple occupying the reserved seats? That isn't surprising. The youths of today are capable of anything. Just go to "Singapore Seen" on stomp.com.sg and there are articles posted regularly regarding the inconsiderate youths not being considerate and kind enough towards the older generation. An example would be a young couple kissing and hugging throughout their ride, ignoring pregnant women and elderly people around them. Such behaviour is a result of self-centred-ness as well as being shameless. They only care about indulging in their own behaviour, not caring about the people who need the seat more. In recent times, such cases are quite common, and narcissism is what causes all these.
In conclusion, narcissism and self-obsession brings pain and suffering eventually and everybody will suffer. Being self-centred only brings you benefits, but for a limited period of time. One day, you will suffer the pain of what you did last time. Perhaps when you are old, the young generation probably learnt from the inconsiderate acts of your generation when they were toddlers. Today, ask yourself a question--- Are you self-centred?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Blog Prompt #13
A: Mr. B, so, what problems do you face? Perhaps I can play a part in easing the depression?
B: It.. it.. How do I put it?
A: Sir, it is fine, take your time.
B: Well, actually, things are like that... 20 years back, I lost my son. I came back from China a year back, and I have been searching for him. I asked old neighbours, they all said he was washed away in a flood 20 years ago. I contacted the police, I filed a police report...
A: I understand, I totally do. In fact, I lost my father 20 years back too.
B: When I went back to ask the neighbours, they passed to me half a jade pendant. Here it is. Ass you can see, it is half a picture of the boy, but it is unclear, where the other half is. And...
A: WAIT! Are you... Are you...
B: What is the matter?
A: SEE! Look at this! It fits exactly! I have the other half!
B: This means... this means... Are you... are you...?
A: ...
B: Don't cry! Wait... the building is shaking!
A: When you came back from your business trip, why didn't you look for me? Why did you leave for China? Do you know how hard I prayed for you to find me?
B: Son, you have a bright future now. I never expected you to be a handsome young man. You are doing good for the society, you are listening to others' problems. You have come so far...
A: Why?! Answer me! Did you feel my pain? Did you?! I saw my mother and my twin brother drowning before me! Yet the debris kept me from saving them!
B: Son!
A: Oh, I see. You don't want to tell me. You never cared for me. I have been keeping my pains in my heart! All these years, I thought time heals wounds! "The building is shaking!" That is not going to fool me! Dad!
B: Look down, my son. The end is near. Soon enough, we will join your mum, and twin brother.
A: At least, father, I got to see you one last time.
B: It.. it.. How do I put it?
A: Sir, it is fine, take your time.
B: Well, actually, things are like that... 20 years back, I lost my son. I came back from China a year back, and I have been searching for him. I asked old neighbours, they all said he was washed away in a flood 20 years ago. I contacted the police, I filed a police report...
A: I understand, I totally do. In fact, I lost my father 20 years back too.
B: When I went back to ask the neighbours, they passed to me half a jade pendant. Here it is. Ass you can see, it is half a picture of the boy, but it is unclear, where the other half is. And...
A: WAIT! Are you... Are you...
B: What is the matter?
A: SEE! Look at this! It fits exactly! I have the other half!
B: This means... this means... Are you... are you...?
A: ...
B: Don't cry! Wait... the building is shaking!
A: When you came back from your business trip, why didn't you look for me? Why did you leave for China? Do you know how hard I prayed for you to find me?
B: Son, you have a bright future now. I never expected you to be a handsome young man. You are doing good for the society, you are listening to others' problems. You have come so far...
A: Why?! Answer me! Did you feel my pain? Did you?! I saw my mother and my twin brother drowning before me! Yet the debris kept me from saving them!
B: Son!
A: Oh, I see. You don't want to tell me. You never cared for me. I have been keeping my pains in my heart! All these years, I thought time heals wounds! "The building is shaking!" That is not going to fool me! Dad!
B: Look down, my son. The end is near. Soon enough, we will join your mum, and twin brother.
A: At least, father, I got to see you one last time.
Casey Anthony case
I feel that the court should show mercy to Casey Anthony and leave her alone. After all, the child was Casey's flesh and blood, Casey must be feeling depressed enough. Furthermore, what help does it do to continue to bother her? Lastly, at the end of the day, she herself knows the truth, and if she is actually guilty, she will be gain retribution eventually.
Casey must have had a relationship with Caylee, her daughter, and had bonded with her young daughter in some way or another. During one's pregnancy, the woman craves for food, and sometimes feels the baby kicking inside her womb. I am sure every mother loves their child, even a bit. Regardless of how Caylee died, Casey must have had emotional trauma, and probably misses her late daughter. Since it is difficult for the general public to show concern toward Casey Anthony, they should not add on to her pains, and just leave her alone.
The purpose of the general public's actions are questionable. What is the purpose of the insults on the "I hate Casey Anthony" Facebook group? So what if the public expresses their unhappiness about the issue? It is clear that there isn't sufficient evidence to prove that Casey Anthony is guilty of murdering her daughter, and since she has been acquitted and the case is closed, the public's actions are unnecessary and futile. Unless the public can find crucial evidence in bringing a justified end to the case, they should leave Casey Anthony alone.
I am certain that Casey had her reasons for not revealing her daughter's disappearance. This is suspicious behaviour, yes, but it does not necessarily show that Casey was involved in the death of her daughter. No one else knows better than her what she had done. She knows whether she is guilty or innocent of the crime, and the public does not have a right to show such aggresive action towards her while suspecting her of being a murderer. There is no use setting up the "I hate Casey Anthony" page. The public does not really know the exact details of the case, so what makes them so sure she was guilty? If she really murdered her own child, revenge would be exacted one day.
Therefore, Casey Anthony should have some peace, and should be left alone. Personally, I do have my suspicions, but perhaps she is innocent? Perhaps she had difficulties? Her reputation is ruined so badly, it is best not to add on to her pain. The public is insulting her so aggresively without concrete evidence. Will you stand out to make the difference?
Casey must have had a relationship with Caylee, her daughter, and had bonded with her young daughter in some way or another. During one's pregnancy, the woman craves for food, and sometimes feels the baby kicking inside her womb. I am sure every mother loves their child, even a bit. Regardless of how Caylee died, Casey must have had emotional trauma, and probably misses her late daughter. Since it is difficult for the general public to show concern toward Casey Anthony, they should not add on to her pains, and just leave her alone.
The purpose of the general public's actions are questionable. What is the purpose of the insults on the "I hate Casey Anthony" Facebook group? So what if the public expresses their unhappiness about the issue? It is clear that there isn't sufficient evidence to prove that Casey Anthony is guilty of murdering her daughter, and since she has been acquitted and the case is closed, the public's actions are unnecessary and futile. Unless the public can find crucial evidence in bringing a justified end to the case, they should leave Casey Anthony alone.
I am certain that Casey had her reasons for not revealing her daughter's disappearance. This is suspicious behaviour, yes, but it does not necessarily show that Casey was involved in the death of her daughter. No one else knows better than her what she had done. She knows whether she is guilty or innocent of the crime, and the public does not have a right to show such aggresive action towards her while suspecting her of being a murderer. There is no use setting up the "I hate Casey Anthony" page. The public does not really know the exact details of the case, so what makes them so sure she was guilty? If she really murdered her own child, revenge would be exacted one day.
Therefore, Casey Anthony should have some peace, and should be left alone. Personally, I do have my suspicions, but perhaps she is innocent? Perhaps she had difficulties? Her reputation is ruined so badly, it is best not to add on to her pain. The public is insulting her so aggresively without concrete evidence. Will you stand out to make the difference?
Blog Prompt #11
In my opinion, it is not right for the news company to use all means to get hold of interesting topics to write about. It is simply not ethical, it is not right. It is a case of intruding others' privacy, and if they have to use such means to do their job well, it just proves that they are incompetent.
Information stored in one's phone is confidential. The most common thing stored are the messages between 2 people. It involves all kinds, gossips, offensive personal attacks, love letters... And one fine morning, how would you feel drinking your coffee and staring at a news article about your mushy messages to your girlfriend? That is probably something experienced by the victims of "News of the World"'s inappropriate actions. It is embarrassing for both parties of the conversation if the news media hacks into the phones to get the topics to write for the articles in the newspaper. People who know the 2 parties in the phone conversation might have various undesirable reactions to the news articles, especially if the messages involve negative information. Due to the leak of confidential information, conflicts among people might occur, and to make things worse, it was uncalled for. Thus intruding people's privacy would bring about many undesirable disadvantages.
Why does the "News of the World" need to hack citizen's phones just to get topics to write about? Why can't they write about current affairs? This proves that they are incompetent. Other news media companies do not need to hack the phones of the people, yet they can do very well in the market. Just let things be, if there really isn't anything much to write about, don't force it. But then again, I am certain there are. Or is it just that they are trying to be exceptional? Well, trying to be outstanding is a good thing, but hacking others' phones is something which should not be done. It is not the right way to do so. No matter what happens, "News of the World" still should not hack the citizen's phones.
In conclusion, it is not right of "News of the World" to execute such underhand means. I shall state my own opinion. Let's say today the most popular student of the class bought 2 fans for the class, in hope that the class would be able to pay attention in class despite the spoilt ceiling fans. And I personally felt that he was merely showing off, and that he actually did not have the class' interests at heart. Thus I sent a message to my best friend, expressing my unhappiness about that popular student's arrogance. And then the next day it is on the news. Even if my name is not there, the situation sounds all too similar to what happened. And then there would be chaos in the class, I would get into a fight, and all the complications would occur. The information in my phone was personal, it should not have been leaked out. The "News of the world" would then be causing havoc, while enjoying their benefit. They get their articles done while the chaos happens in the city. I was jsut putting myself in the shoes of a citizen over there. Thus the company would be putting their personal gain at the expense of the public's farewell. What if you were the victim? What would you say?
Information stored in one's phone is confidential. The most common thing stored are the messages between 2 people. It involves all kinds, gossips, offensive personal attacks, love letters... And one fine morning, how would you feel drinking your coffee and staring at a news article about your mushy messages to your girlfriend? That is probably something experienced by the victims of "News of the World"'s inappropriate actions. It is embarrassing for both parties of the conversation if the news media hacks into the phones to get the topics to write for the articles in the newspaper. People who know the 2 parties in the phone conversation might have various undesirable reactions to the news articles, especially if the messages involve negative information. Due to the leak of confidential information, conflicts among people might occur, and to make things worse, it was uncalled for. Thus intruding people's privacy would bring about many undesirable disadvantages.
Why does the "News of the World" need to hack citizen's phones just to get topics to write about? Why can't they write about current affairs? This proves that they are incompetent. Other news media companies do not need to hack the phones of the people, yet they can do very well in the market. Just let things be, if there really isn't anything much to write about, don't force it. But then again, I am certain there are. Or is it just that they are trying to be exceptional? Well, trying to be outstanding is a good thing, but hacking others' phones is something which should not be done. It is not the right way to do so. No matter what happens, "News of the World" still should not hack the citizen's phones.
In conclusion, it is not right of "News of the World" to execute such underhand means. I shall state my own opinion. Let's say today the most popular student of the class bought 2 fans for the class, in hope that the class would be able to pay attention in class despite the spoilt ceiling fans. And I personally felt that he was merely showing off, and that he actually did not have the class' interests at heart. Thus I sent a message to my best friend, expressing my unhappiness about that popular student's arrogance. And then the next day it is on the news. Even if my name is not there, the situation sounds all too similar to what happened. And then there would be chaos in the class, I would get into a fight, and all the complications would occur. The information in my phone was personal, it should not have been leaked out. The "News of the world" would then be causing havoc, while enjoying their benefit. They get their articles done while the chaos happens in the city. I was jsut putting myself in the shoes of a citizen over there. Thus the company would be putting their personal gain at the expense of the public's farewell. What if you were the victim? What would you say?
Private Commercial Space travel
I feel that private commercial space travel is a bad idea. It is greatly regretted that NASA has ceased operations due to financial difficulties. In fact, it should be replaced with a similar company instead of being replaced with private commercial space travel. It would bring about a stop in discovery and it will also be sort of pointless.
If NASA is replaced with companies which bring people up to space as long as they have enough money for a ticket, this means that there will not be a company who will continue where NASA left off. Research on other planets, examination of satellites, recordings of sounds in space, they all will no longer occur. When NASA was still in operation, there would still be possibilities of discovering other planets like Earth, and traces of life on other planets. But since there isn't a company who will take over the research, all the possibilities of the future are all gone. Thus private commercial space travel is not a good idea.
Furthermore, all that private commercial space travel does is mostly bringing people up into space, it is just a ride. That's all. What is the point of it? It is just that people now know how space is really like. The NASA company has a purpose in space--- To discover. With discovery, new things would be uncovered. History would be made. But private commercial space travel is just a boring cycle. The companies just bring people up to space, and they earn money. Only the company is gaining benefits. But for companies which do research, they earn money, and at the same time, the people of the globe get to learn new things. Thus private commercial space travel is merely a selfish idea which brings benefits to a little group of people, and there is not really a good purpose in this entire idea.
I myself think that there are better ways to replace the NASA company. Seriously, is tourism the only resort? Space is a place which not everyone has the chance to gain access to, thus access to it must be cherished. There is an objective in education of space-- people get to learn. My point is that when there is access to space, there must be an objective. An objective which will bring about progress. And progress is what keeps this world going. What is your stand?
If NASA is replaced with companies which bring people up to space as long as they have enough money for a ticket, this means that there will not be a company who will continue where NASA left off. Research on other planets, examination of satellites, recordings of sounds in space, they all will no longer occur. When NASA was still in operation, there would still be possibilities of discovering other planets like Earth, and traces of life on other planets. But since there isn't a company who will take over the research, all the possibilities of the future are all gone. Thus private commercial space travel is not a good idea.
Furthermore, all that private commercial space travel does is mostly bringing people up into space, it is just a ride. That's all. What is the point of it? It is just that people now know how space is really like. The NASA company has a purpose in space--- To discover. With discovery, new things would be uncovered. History would be made. But private commercial space travel is just a boring cycle. The companies just bring people up to space, and they earn money. Only the company is gaining benefits. But for companies which do research, they earn money, and at the same time, the people of the globe get to learn new things. Thus private commercial space travel is merely a selfish idea which brings benefits to a little group of people, and there is not really a good purpose in this entire idea.
I myself think that there are better ways to replace the NASA company. Seriously, is tourism the only resort? Space is a place which not everyone has the chance to gain access to, thus access to it must be cherished. There is an objective in education of space-- people get to learn. My point is that when there is access to space, there must be an objective. An objective which will bring about progress. And progress is what keeps this world going. What is your stand?
Blog Prompt #7 (Expository)
I would not have loaned Bassanio the money if I were Antonio. This is due to his sly actions, and also because he seems to be desperate.
When Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio and Solanio left, leaving Bassanio and I alone, I asked Antonio about the lady whom he promised to tell me of. He described her as rich, and had wondrous virtues. And at the end, he dropped a hint, saying "Oh my Antonio, had I but the means to hold a rival place with one of them." By saying this, he is dropping a hint to me that he is not rich enough to be as good as one of the men who want to be Portia's life partner, and that he wants my help. If he truly treats me as a friend, why does he need to be so indirect? Why does he still need to beat about the bush? Since we are friends, we can be more informal. Why don't he just tell me directly that he needs help? Since I am not sure about how he feels about our friendship, why then must I lend him money? How can I trust that he will not betray me? Since there is some doubts about our relationship and his actions, I cannot trust that he will return me the sum of money if I do lend money to him.
Regarding his actions, he promised to meet me, to tell me about the woman whom he is interested in. Then he describes her as if she is a fairy, to me. After then he drops a hint, asking me to loan him some money. He once portrayed Portia as "a lady richly left, and she is fair, and fairer than that word, of wondrous virtues." Is Bassanio getting desperate? He wants me to lend him money, so that he might be able to hold a candle to the other men who are also seeking Portia's hand in marriage, and it seems that Portia is quite a rich lady. The purpose of all these actions seems to be because of money. It seems like an investment for his comfort in the sense that he will use the money I lend him to lay a bait for Portia, then when he gains Portia's hand in marriage, he will go after Portia's fortune. As his friend, I cannot let him take the wrong path in life. If he marries Portia for money, both of them will not gain happiness. He is making the wrong decision. Thus if I lent him the money, he would do the wrong thing and would result in many complications.
Therefore, lending money to Bassanio might be a bad thing to me, Portia, and him. His actions and words have led me to that conclusion.
When Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio and Solanio left, leaving Bassanio and I alone, I asked Antonio about the lady whom he promised to tell me of. He described her as rich, and had wondrous virtues. And at the end, he dropped a hint, saying "Oh my Antonio, had I but the means to hold a rival place with one of them." By saying this, he is dropping a hint to me that he is not rich enough to be as good as one of the men who want to be Portia's life partner, and that he wants my help. If he truly treats me as a friend, why does he need to be so indirect? Why does he still need to beat about the bush? Since we are friends, we can be more informal. Why don't he just tell me directly that he needs help? Since I am not sure about how he feels about our friendship, why then must I lend him money? How can I trust that he will not betray me? Since there is some doubts about our relationship and his actions, I cannot trust that he will return me the sum of money if I do lend money to him.
Regarding his actions, he promised to meet me, to tell me about the woman whom he is interested in. Then he describes her as if she is a fairy, to me. After then he drops a hint, asking me to loan him some money. He once portrayed Portia as "a lady richly left, and she is fair, and fairer than that word, of wondrous virtues." Is Bassanio getting desperate? He wants me to lend him money, so that he might be able to hold a candle to the other men who are also seeking Portia's hand in marriage, and it seems that Portia is quite a rich lady. The purpose of all these actions seems to be because of money. It seems like an investment for his comfort in the sense that he will use the money I lend him to lay a bait for Portia, then when he gains Portia's hand in marriage, he will go after Portia's fortune. As his friend, I cannot let him take the wrong path in life. If he marries Portia for money, both of them will not gain happiness. He is making the wrong decision. Thus if I lent him the money, he would do the wrong thing and would result in many complications.
Therefore, lending money to Bassanio might be a bad thing to me, Portia, and him. His actions and words have led me to that conclusion.
Strauss-Kahn's case
In my opinion, Mr Dominique Strauss Kahn should not be judged by the media before the trial. Yet, I am not saying that the maid who was said to be the victim, should be judged prior to the trial either. In my opinion, the public or media should not make assumptions until the case has been brought to the court and the trial has finished.
Have you ever been caught in a situation where all fingers seemed to be pointing at you? When you were on your way to tell the teacher-in-charge that an eye witness recorded the scene down and that the person who accused you was lying all along? That is exactly what Strauss Kahn or the maid of the hotel would feel like. People accused Dominique Strauss Kahn of rape, that he was just putting up a front, that he did not deserve to be called as the nation's future president. People accused the maid of being shameless, to try to gain financial benefits out of the case. But then, think again? Were you at the scene? When it happened, were you there? Do you know what happened? If you say no, then don't spread false rumours. It is just like a photo. Once it has been torn, it will never quite look the same any more. Reputation. When the media posts the unconfirmed rumours on the newspapers, everyone will know, everyone will take things for what they seem. And even if the victim of the media is proved innocent, people will still have the wrong impression of that person. It has never been fair to treat someone as such. During the trial, the guilty would be brought to justice, and the truth would be out. There is a difference between opinion and fact. Opinion is what one thinks, which might or might not be true. However, fact is something which is definitely true. Thus, when the facts are revealed, then only should the media include the details in the news articles.
In conclusion, the media should not accuse Strauss Kahn before the trial. Every suspect should deserve the benefit of the doubt before the case, until the facts have been confirmed. There was this once, when my classmate reported to the teacher that I pushed open the faulty door of the toilet while a schoolmate was emptying his bowels. Everyone in the class never believed that I would do such a thing, they called me a "pervert". After the teacher questioned us, an eye witness actually stepped forward to say that the classmate who reported the incident actually held my hand and forced me to push open the door. But everyone still had their suspicion. Some people suspected that I resorted to underhand means to push the blame away from myself. So what if justice has been done? Whatever people had thought of me, their impression is now ruined. And the good things one has done is not remembered too clearly. But the bad things one has done is remembered for a long time. Thus I completely understand how falsely accused victims of rumours might feel. And since, for the grown-ups, it is the media and not just the rumours, the feeling must be even worse. But, who would listen?
Have you ever been caught in a situation where all fingers seemed to be pointing at you? When you were on your way to tell the teacher-in-charge that an eye witness recorded the scene down and that the person who accused you was lying all along? That is exactly what Strauss Kahn or the maid of the hotel would feel like. People accused Dominique Strauss Kahn of rape, that he was just putting up a front, that he did not deserve to be called as the nation's future president. People accused the maid of being shameless, to try to gain financial benefits out of the case. But then, think again? Were you at the scene? When it happened, were you there? Do you know what happened? If you say no, then don't spread false rumours. It is just like a photo. Once it has been torn, it will never quite look the same any more. Reputation. When the media posts the unconfirmed rumours on the newspapers, everyone will know, everyone will take things for what they seem. And even if the victim of the media is proved innocent, people will still have the wrong impression of that person. It has never been fair to treat someone as such. During the trial, the guilty would be brought to justice, and the truth would be out. There is a difference between opinion and fact. Opinion is what one thinks, which might or might not be true. However, fact is something which is definitely true. Thus, when the facts are revealed, then only should the media include the details in the news articles.
In conclusion, the media should not accuse Strauss Kahn before the trial. Every suspect should deserve the benefit of the doubt before the case, until the facts have been confirmed. There was this once, when my classmate reported to the teacher that I pushed open the faulty door of the toilet while a schoolmate was emptying his bowels. Everyone in the class never believed that I would do such a thing, they called me a "pervert". After the teacher questioned us, an eye witness actually stepped forward to say that the classmate who reported the incident actually held my hand and forced me to push open the door. But everyone still had their suspicion. Some people suspected that I resorted to underhand means to push the blame away from myself. So what if justice has been done? Whatever people had thought of me, their impression is now ruined. And the good things one has done is not remembered too clearly. But the bad things one has done is remembered for a long time. Thus I completely understand how falsely accused victims of rumours might feel. And since, for the grown-ups, it is the media and not just the rumours, the feeling must be even worse. But, who would listen?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Creeping into a room
Tonight, it was all so quiet. I could hear the wind. I could hear the dusty floor. Being careful not to arouse any suspicion, I took little steps. In the darkness, I could roughly make out the shape of the door. I reached out for the handle, and turned it. As the door opened, it creaked. A gust of cold air smashed into my face. There, on the bed before me. She slept, ever so peacefully. She slept with a little smile on her face. It was good, I thought. It is always good to leave this planet peacefully. The dagger shined against the light. The time has come.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Speech on Racism
Good afternoon teacher and fellow schoolmates,
I am Justin and today, I will be speaking to you about the effectiveness of Racial Harmony Day. I am sure you all attended the school event. But, on that day, have we left the school compounds taking away some new knowledge about other races?
Well, last year, the 3 events we had for Racial Harmony Day was Bollywood Dance, watching cultural music and dance performances by Indians and Malays, and roaming the Cultural Bazaar which sold many types of foods by various races.
And this year, it was the same, the only difference was that some of us had to tend to the class' stall which sold Roti Prata. Some of us learnt how to fry a prata, puff it up... But that was hardly learning anything new.
I feel that for every level, the schedule for Racial Harmony Day should be different. A suggestion would be that the dance, performance will remain for the secondary ones, the secondary twos should learn how to cook food which other races cook, the secondary threes would explore museums of historical significance to other races and the secondary fours would attend a workshop. And then they all come back to roam around the cultural bazaar set up by the secondary twos.
I mean, what is the point of doing the same thing again and again over 4 years? Only by learning various things about other races would we then be able to live in racial harmony. Isn't that what Racial Harmony Day is about? To commemorate various races living in harmony?
Thank you
I am Justin and today, I will be speaking to you about the effectiveness of Racial Harmony Day. I am sure you all attended the school event. But, on that day, have we left the school compounds taking away some new knowledge about other races?
Well, last year, the 3 events we had for Racial Harmony Day was Bollywood Dance, watching cultural music and dance performances by Indians and Malays, and roaming the Cultural Bazaar which sold many types of foods by various races.
And this year, it was the same, the only difference was that some of us had to tend to the class' stall which sold Roti Prata. Some of us learnt how to fry a prata, puff it up... But that was hardly learning anything new.
I feel that for every level, the schedule for Racial Harmony Day should be different. A suggestion would be that the dance, performance will remain for the secondary ones, the secondary twos should learn how to cook food which other races cook, the secondary threes would explore museums of historical significance to other races and the secondary fours would attend a workshop. And then they all come back to roam around the cultural bazaar set up by the secondary twos.
I mean, what is the point of doing the same thing again and again over 4 years? Only by learning various things about other races would we then be able to live in racial harmony. Isn't that what Racial Harmony Day is about? To commemorate various races living in harmony?
Thank you
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Does Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock lead you to conclude that Shakespeare himself was anti-Semitic?
Yes, Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock indeed leads me to conclude that Shakespeare himself was anti-Semitic and racist. Firstly, Shylock was a single character but actually was portrayed as a representative of a typical racist Jew who hates Christians. also, Shylock's character was portrayed to be extremely negative. Lastly, Shylock was a hypocrite.
In The Merchant Of Venice , there were mainly 3 Jews. Jessica, Tubal, and Shylock. Tubal is Shylock's friend,Jessica is Shylock's daughter and Shylock is a Jewish money-lender. Shylock was the main Jewish, and he was portrayed as a stingy, petty, calculative,racist, and greedy. He is sometimes blinded by money to think properly. In Act 1 Scene 3, in the 8th line Shylock said,"Yes, to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following;but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you." This line of Shylock's showed that Shylock clearly differentiated they Jews from Christians, and he is extremely offensive and does not mince his words to express his disgusted feelings toward Christians like Bassanio, because he said that line sneeringly. In Act 1 Scene 3, In the first 2 lines Shylock said, he kept repeating the conditions of their deal, "For three months.Well." "Antonio shall become bound. Well." These quotations show that Shylock mostly cares only about the conditions of the deal, which would benefit him, rather than be interested in his client. Tubal supports his friend more than he goes against his friend. Thus there isn't really a Jew in The Merchant of Venice that goes against the actions of Shylock. His daughter, Jessica, is ashamed to be his father's daughter, but that is not surprising as she was blinded by her love for Lorenzo, because Lorenzo was a Christian and she was more than willing to become a Christian for Lorenzo.
Shylock was portrayed by Shakespeare as a horrible character. Other than being calculative, and racist, Shylock was also filled with hatred and arrogance. This can be told from Act 1 Scene 3, during the 9th time Shylock spoke. When Antonio entered, Shylock said,"... I hate him for he is a Christian!But more, for that in low simplicity he lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usuance here with us in Venice.... I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him....Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him." Those are the important few lines he said. Shylock put himself above others and looked at others as inferior to him. Shylock hates Christians so badly that he even said he will continue to hate him even more than before, that is probably what he meant when Shylock said,"I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him" and even said,"Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him", which shows how unwilling Shylock is to forgive Antonio.
Shylock was a awful hypocrite. In Act 3 Scene 1, when he heard from Salerio that Antonio had a ship which recently sunk, he entered and said,"You knew, none so well, none so well as you, of my daughter's flight!" His daughter was perhaps on board. He was getting worried about his daughter, and expects other people to bother too. But in fact, he does not really care much about other people and their personal affairs and welfare, but rather, cares only about what he can benefit out of them. Sometimes, it is enough that he does not even show concern, he goes on to condemn and judge others. And now that he is in times of desperation, he expects others to cater to his needs, to care for his welfare.
Because of Shylock's portrayal as a much vicious character who is the main Jew in The Merchant Of Venice, and is portrayed to be so horrible, I conclude that Shakespeare himself was racist, due to the way he portrayed Shylock in the story.
In The Merchant Of Venice , there were mainly 3 Jews. Jessica, Tubal, and Shylock. Tubal is Shylock's friend,Jessica is Shylock's daughter and Shylock is a Jewish money-lender. Shylock was the main Jewish, and he was portrayed as a stingy, petty, calculative,racist, and greedy. He is sometimes blinded by money to think properly. In Act 1 Scene 3, in the 8th line Shylock said,"Yes, to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following;but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you." This line of Shylock's showed that Shylock clearly differentiated they Jews from Christians, and he is extremely offensive and does not mince his words to express his disgusted feelings toward Christians like Bassanio, because he said that line sneeringly. In Act 1 Scene 3, In the first 2 lines Shylock said, he kept repeating the conditions of their deal, "For three months.Well." "Antonio shall become bound. Well." These quotations show that Shylock mostly cares only about the conditions of the deal, which would benefit him, rather than be interested in his client. Tubal supports his friend more than he goes against his friend. Thus there isn't really a Jew in The Merchant of Venice that goes against the actions of Shylock. His daughter, Jessica, is ashamed to be his father's daughter, but that is not surprising as she was blinded by her love for Lorenzo, because Lorenzo was a Christian and she was more than willing to become a Christian for Lorenzo.
Shylock was portrayed by Shakespeare as a horrible character. Other than being calculative, and racist, Shylock was also filled with hatred and arrogance. This can be told from Act 1 Scene 3, during the 9th time Shylock spoke. When Antonio entered, Shylock said,"... I hate him for he is a Christian!But more, for that in low simplicity he lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usuance here with us in Venice.... I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him....Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him." Those are the important few lines he said. Shylock put himself above others and looked at others as inferior to him. Shylock hates Christians so badly that he even said he will continue to hate him even more than before, that is probably what he meant when Shylock said,"I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him" and even said,"Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him", which shows how unwilling Shylock is to forgive Antonio.
Shylock was a awful hypocrite. In Act 3 Scene 1, when he heard from Salerio that Antonio had a ship which recently sunk, he entered and said,"You knew, none so well, none so well as you, of my daughter's flight!" His daughter was perhaps on board. He was getting worried about his daughter, and expects other people to bother too. But in fact, he does not really care much about other people and their personal affairs and welfare, but rather, cares only about what he can benefit out of them. Sometimes, it is enough that he does not even show concern, he goes on to condemn and judge others. And now that he is in times of desperation, he expects others to cater to his needs, to care for his welfare.
Because of Shylock's portrayal as a much vicious character who is the main Jew in The Merchant Of Venice, and is portrayed to be so horrible, I conclude that Shakespeare himself was racist, due to the way he portrayed Shylock in the story.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
War Poem(World War 2 in Singapore)
At first all was normal
Hawkers shouting along the streets
Kids licking malt candy by the streets
Labourers shouting by the anchor
Storytellers exciting their audience
The sound of beggars shaking their tins of coins
Then trouble came
8th December, 1941
The sounds of explosions waked up Singapore
Cries for help
Deafening explosions
The taste of one's own blood
The last seconds of one's life
No one cared
No one bothered
Welcome to Hell
Japanese soldiers snatched babies from their mothers
Tossed them up high in the air
And were interested which of their swords would cause the loudest cry
Then came laughter from the soldiers
And the cries of mothers as they were shot
Welcome to "Prison"
A man
Listening to the radio
Minutes after, the decision to tune in to non-Japanese channels
Greatly regretted
And then he breathed his last
Welcome to "Truth"
Groans from labourers in the brick factory
Men stepping on clay
Then came a thud, as a man fainted
The next morning, he was hanging from the ceiling
The rope made of coconut husk wrapped around his neck
Japanese soldiers said he committed suicide
How true indeed
Welcome to the Japanese Occupation
Hawkers shouting along the streets
Kids licking malt candy by the streets
Labourers shouting by the anchor
Storytellers exciting their audience
The sound of beggars shaking their tins of coins
Then trouble came
8th December, 1941
The sounds of explosions waked up Singapore
Cries for help
Deafening explosions
The taste of one's own blood
The last seconds of one's life
No one cared
No one bothered
Welcome to Hell
Japanese soldiers snatched babies from their mothers
Tossed them up high in the air
And were interested which of their swords would cause the loudest cry
Then came laughter from the soldiers
And the cries of mothers as they were shot
Welcome to "Prison"
A man
Listening to the radio
Minutes after, the decision to tune in to non-Japanese channels
Greatly regretted
And then he breathed his last
Welcome to "Truth"
Groans from labourers in the brick factory
Men stepping on clay
Then came a thud, as a man fainted
The next morning, he was hanging from the ceiling
The rope made of coconut husk wrapped around his neck
Japanese soldiers said he committed suicide
How true indeed
Welcome to the Japanese Occupation
Online Lesson 9
1.The type of gun being describe is those cannons point out from ships out at sea used to defend the ship and its crew.
2. The "jackies" in these lines are probably soldiers or crew on the ship, and the reason why they are singing "war chanties" might be because they are preparing to go to war, and are singing "war chanties" together to boost their morale.
3. Sandburg probably meant that guns and shovels are equivalent to "brothers" because guns are used to kill people and shovels, on the other hand, are used to scoop earth to bury the dead people.
4. The significance of the title is probably that, in the poem, soldiers are asked to destroy things and rebuild them once again. Despite all the tedious work, they still obey.
5. The effect of the contrasting actions is probably to evoke a feeling of ridiculous in the reader. The persona's attitude toward soldiers and citizens in the poem is that the persona orders them to do tedious and meaningless work. They are ordered to destroy and rebuild the same thing, which is unnecessary. Thus the persona is not understanding towards the citizens and soldiers.
6. In my opinion, it is harder to build up a society rather than destroy it. An example is the recent earthquake in Japan. Over the past years and centuries, it took construction workers so long to build buildings and houses, and for citizens to buy furniture to put into their houses, to decorate their houses. But suddenly, an earthquake and tsunami came and destroyed all the buildings, teared buildings and houses apart, and to send cars flying. It is said that the reconstruction costs were put at $185b. The buildings and houses were built over so many years, but destroyed in a few minutes to an hour.http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_691361.html
7.In old wars people rode on horses and carried swords as they set off for war, which probably explains the "beat of shod feet". In new wars, the "hum of motors and the tread of rubber tires" represented the sound of the motors in tanks and the sound of their tyres as they move towards the battle ground. In the future, technology might invent silent vehicles which can hurl strong objects, which kill more people more efficiently compared to cannons and spears.
8. During the World War II in Singapore, Japan won the war as General Percival let down his guard and sort of "counted the chickens before they hatched". In future wars, the intellectually able would be the ones to win the war rather than those with strong troops.
2. The "jackies" in these lines are probably soldiers or crew on the ship, and the reason why they are singing "war chanties" might be because they are preparing to go to war, and are singing "war chanties" together to boost their morale.
3. Sandburg probably meant that guns and shovels are equivalent to "brothers" because guns are used to kill people and shovels, on the other hand, are used to scoop earth to bury the dead people.
4. The significance of the title is probably that, in the poem, soldiers are asked to destroy things and rebuild them once again. Despite all the tedious work, they still obey.
5. The effect of the contrasting actions is probably to evoke a feeling of ridiculous in the reader. The persona's attitude toward soldiers and citizens in the poem is that the persona orders them to do tedious and meaningless work. They are ordered to destroy and rebuild the same thing, which is unnecessary. Thus the persona is not understanding towards the citizens and soldiers.
6. In my opinion, it is harder to build up a society rather than destroy it. An example is the recent earthquake in Japan. Over the past years and centuries, it took construction workers so long to build buildings and houses, and for citizens to buy furniture to put into their houses, to decorate their houses. But suddenly, an earthquake and tsunami came and destroyed all the buildings, teared buildings and houses apart, and to send cars flying. It is said that the reconstruction costs were put at $185b. The buildings and houses were built over so many years, but destroyed in a few minutes to an hour.http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_691361.html
7.In old wars people rode on horses and carried swords as they set off for war, which probably explains the "beat of shod feet". In new wars, the "hum of motors and the tread of rubber tires" represented the sound of the motors in tanks and the sound of their tyres as they move towards the battle ground. In the future, technology might invent silent vehicles which can hurl strong objects, which kill more people more efficiently compared to cannons and spears.
8. During the World War II in Singapore, Japan won the war as General Percival let down his guard and sort of "counted the chickens before they hatched". In future wars, the intellectually able would be the ones to win the war rather than those with strong troops.
Friday, July 15, 2011
MOV adaptation
As I watched the film adaptation of MOV Act One Scene One, I observed the changes made from the play to the film. As words and phrases were changed, and lines were deleted, the impression of the story was affected, and the meaning of the scene was changed. The changes in the adaptation affected the introduction of characters and the informatin about them. An example was that most of the conversation between Antonio and Salerio and Solanio were removed. The conversation could have reflected more on those three characters' characteristics, their accent, style, behaviour, and the closeness of their relationships. And in the short film of the scene, Bassanio's borrowing of money from Antonio seemed to be so effortless, but it was not the case in the book. The adaptation changed the attitude of AntonioThus people would have different opinions of characters and their characteristics, and would think differently of them due to the style of the adaptation's director. Another contributing factor to people's changing opinion of the character is the words and phrases used, the different words and phrases have different impact on the audience. Since the impression of the characters were changed, the director of the adaptation probably felt that the scene could be further improved and adapted the scene according to his own preferences.
Describing a scene
Step by step, I moved towards it. I peeped into the well. The walls were made of bricks with algae on them. I looked deep into the well. It was quite dark indeed. As I listened carefully, I heard a frog. It was croaking. Looking more carefully, I saw two pairs of eyes staring back at me. They were as round as a table tennis ball. Curious as I was, my head stretched further into the well, and... I suddenly felt a painful bite in my leg! Ouch! I felt blood being drained of my leg. I bent forward, shrieking, and I fell into the darkness of the well. "Splash!" I landed in a pool of strange liquid. Kicking my legs, I felt really satisfied that I learnt swimming when I was young. After I surfaced, I looked around. Slime... Slime...Slippery slime! Ewww!!!!! I was actually in a pool of slime! No wonder, so this is an abandoned well, no wonder its surrounding was so remote. And I was reminded of that stinging pain in my leg. Looking up, I see a dog looking down into my eyes. At the same time, I realised how far I was under the ground. I turned 360 degrees around in the well. There was this rock... And 2 frogs were croaking, as they stared at this stranger. And I suddenly remembered something... How am I going to get out of this horrible place?!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Blog Entry 14/7
The negative consequences of Apple’s decision is that it might affect innocent people, lose the support of Asians, and affect its income.
If Apple does not allow the full iTunes Music Store in Singapore just because there is rampant piracy throughout Asia, it will affect many who are not guilty of piracy. People who commit the crime just forms a small portion of Asia. This decision would be unfair to people who truly wish to enjoy the benefits of having an iPhone and its various functions. Thus they would be at a disadvantage.
This will affect the support Asians have for the company. Asia forms a portion of the world, and consists of quite a few countries. Asian iPhone owners can buy apps but not music, movies, or books, which many people enjoy, Asians might be more supportive of other brands which allow music, movies, apps, and books to be bought and downloaded. When doing business, people would go for what is more valuable and worthy of their money. Consumers would not be satisfied with things with defects or products which do not possess abilities which they should. Apple is quite famous for the design and creativity of their products. Many like their products for their sleek and compact design, and probably the light weight too. Most people use Microsoft’s Operating System on their computers, but Apple has its own Operating System too, and is a major competitor with Microsoft. With the compact design and little weight of the products(such as laptops, desktops, and smartphones), many might be interested in them as they can bring the products around conveniently.
Apple’s decision would also bring about a decrease in their income. After all, Asia is not exactly a very small part of the world, and there are quite a few countries in Asia. If Asians can buy music, movies and books, it would increase Apple’s income. Most people will not just buy a song, movie or book and read/listen/watch it over and over again. I am sure they would get bored, and download more. Furthermore, music, movies and books are well liked by people of all ages, depending on the type. Thus the income of Apple would be affected.
But still, such measures were needed to counter piracy. But these are the prices to pay. Reducing the problem of piracy brings about many disadvantages.
I personally feel that in business, certain sacrifices has to be made. I do think that there are various disadvantages to Apple's decision. But I understand that it was necessary. Let's say Apple did not make such a decision, and Asians can buy the books, music... Yes, the Asians would support Apple. Apple would have an increase in income for a while, but after some time passes, there would be people who would have come up with imitations which are sold at a cheap price. Then things would start to go wrong. The imitations would spread across the globe. Then Apple would face a major crisis. That is the reason why they avoided taking the risk. If I were Steve Jobs, I would have made the same decision. It is for the greater good for the company in the long run. This is business.
If Apple does not allow the full iTunes Music Store in Singapore just because there is rampant piracy throughout Asia, it will affect many who are not guilty of piracy. People who commit the crime just forms a small portion of Asia. This decision would be unfair to people who truly wish to enjoy the benefits of having an iPhone and its various functions. Thus they would be at a disadvantage.
This will affect the support Asians have for the company. Asia forms a portion of the world, and consists of quite a few countries. Asian iPhone owners can buy apps but not music, movies, or books, which many people enjoy, Asians might be more supportive of other brands which allow music, movies, apps, and books to be bought and downloaded. When doing business, people would go for what is more valuable and worthy of their money. Consumers would not be satisfied with things with defects or products which do not possess abilities which they should. Apple is quite famous for the design and creativity of their products. Many like their products for their sleek and compact design, and probably the light weight too. Most people use Microsoft’s Operating System on their computers, but Apple has its own Operating System too, and is a major competitor with Microsoft. With the compact design and little weight of the products(such as laptops, desktops, and smartphones), many might be interested in them as they can bring the products around conveniently.
Apple’s decision would also bring about a decrease in their income. After all, Asia is not exactly a very small part of the world, and there are quite a few countries in Asia. If Asians can buy music, movies and books, it would increase Apple’s income. Most people will not just buy a song, movie or book and read/listen/watch it over and over again. I am sure they would get bored, and download more. Furthermore, music, movies and books are well liked by people of all ages, depending on the type. Thus the income of Apple would be affected.
But still, such measures were needed to counter piracy. But these are the prices to pay. Reducing the problem of piracy brings about many disadvantages.
I personally feel that in business, certain sacrifices has to be made. I do think that there are various disadvantages to Apple's decision. But I understand that it was necessary. Let's say Apple did not make such a decision, and Asians can buy the books, music... Yes, the Asians would support Apple. Apple would have an increase in income for a while, but after some time passes, there would be people who would have come up with imitations which are sold at a cheap price. Then things would start to go wrong. The imitations would spread across the globe. Then Apple would face a major crisis. That is the reason why they avoided taking the risk. If I were Steve Jobs, I would have made the same decision. It is for the greater good for the company in the long run. This is business.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Blog Entry 8/7
If this trend continues, such a large gender imbalance would cause countries in Asia to be filled with ageing populations.
According to this news article in the TIME magazine on 5th July 2011, Asia today is short 160 million women. The possible cause is due to abortions. There are countries like China where Chinese couples would prefer to have boys instead of girls, because boys can "carry on the family line" and they are stronger. Thus the child can look after his parents when they grow old. But girls get married and they have to leave their parents to live with their parents-in-lawand would not be able to take care of their parents. That is the case for most. Therefore, when the couple visit the doctor and find out from the scan test results that the child is a female, they might choose to abort the baby. I know for a fact that Singapore is facing the problem of an ageing population, which also affects the productivity of Singapore's workforce. If Singapore's workforce is unable to compete with other countries and regions in various industries, then foreign talents has to be brought in. If the gender imbalance worsens, foreigners would eventuallly dominate Singapore and her economy.
Because of the gender imbalance, there would be more males staying single all their lives due to lack of women. In the long term, if the trend continues, and elders and the couples want more males, so that the family line will be continued, then eventually, there will be a day when the difference between the male and female population is just too wide. Then only would the world realise the mistake. But I am sure nobody wants that to happen. Perhaps there would be 1 female in 10 males? Or would the number of females be lesser than that? So if that really occurs, then a male and a female has to give birth to 10 children to replace the 10 people, otherwise there would be an aging population when those 10 people leave the world. Is that what the world wants? To leave a disastrous world to the future generations?
After reading the news article, I personally feel that family lines aren't everything. If you find out that your unborn child is a female, what would you do? Abort it? Let the baby suffer and die? Well, now there are many disadvantages to that decision. Firstly, the baby would suffer. And also, if you only choose to deliver a male child, you are guilty of contributing to the shortage of females in this world all because of your selfish decision, just for your personal preference. If I ever have a child, regardless of whether it is a male or female, I would not abort it when the doctor tells me that after examining my wife. Put yourself in the baby's shoes. Think of all the good things which happened to you. It would not have been possible without your parents' decision to give birth to you! That child in the womb has a right to be born, and to experience all the wonderful things in this world! It has a right to live! It is God's gift to you! And you are actually pushing God's gift away, you are actually destroying a life! It is murder! But then again, who will step forward to make the difference?
According to this news article in the TIME magazine on 5th July 2011, Asia today is short 160 million women. The possible cause is due to abortions. There are countries like China where Chinese couples would prefer to have boys instead of girls, because boys can "carry on the family line" and they are stronger. Thus the child can look after his parents when they grow old. But girls get married and they have to leave their parents to live with their parents-in-lawand would not be able to take care of their parents. That is the case for most. Therefore, when the couple visit the doctor and find out from the scan test results that the child is a female, they might choose to abort the baby. I know for a fact that Singapore is facing the problem of an ageing population, which also affects the productivity of Singapore's workforce. If Singapore's workforce is unable to compete with other countries and regions in various industries, then foreign talents has to be brought in. If the gender imbalance worsens, foreigners would eventuallly dominate Singapore and her economy.
Because of the gender imbalance, there would be more males staying single all their lives due to lack of women. In the long term, if the trend continues, and elders and the couples want more males, so that the family line will be continued, then eventually, there will be a day when the difference between the male and female population is just too wide. Then only would the world realise the mistake. But I am sure nobody wants that to happen. Perhaps there would be 1 female in 10 males? Or would the number of females be lesser than that? So if that really occurs, then a male and a female has to give birth to 10 children to replace the 10 people, otherwise there would be an aging population when those 10 people leave the world. Is that what the world wants? To leave a disastrous world to the future generations?
After reading the news article, I personally feel that family lines aren't everything. If you find out that your unborn child is a female, what would you do? Abort it? Let the baby suffer and die? Well, now there are many disadvantages to that decision. Firstly, the baby would suffer. And also, if you only choose to deliver a male child, you are guilty of contributing to the shortage of females in this world all because of your selfish decision, just for your personal preference. If I ever have a child, regardless of whether it is a male or female, I would not abort it when the doctor tells me that after examining my wife. Put yourself in the baby's shoes. Think of all the good things which happened to you. It would not have been possible without your parents' decision to give birth to you! That child in the womb has a right to be born, and to experience all the wonderful things in this world! It has a right to live! It is God's gift to you! And you are actually pushing God's gift away, you are actually destroying a life! It is murder! But then again, who will step forward to make the difference?
How would the world be different if human beings were not inherently optimistic
If human beings were not inherently optimistic, they would be unable to pick themselves up if they face difficulties or failure, and life would not be enjoyable for them.
In life, optimism is very important as it helps oneself to look towards the positive side of things and to gain confidence, and thus that person would be able to go on with his life with the knowledge that the difficulty or failure he faced might not totally be a bad thing. However, if human beings were pessimistic, then one would perhaps be unable to get back on his feet when difficulties or failure occur in his life. The person would look at the bad side of the event which happened and feel upset about the disadvantages it poses to him and brood over it. That person would then be unable to get over it. If we look at the bigger picture,if everyone were pessimistic, the world would be unable to develop and thrive. On the other hand, a world filled with optimism would be able to go forward and thrive. Actually, optimism goes further than just the progress of the world. It also affects how the people of the world interact. Through interaction, influence would spread and affect the way people think. Another way is how people get along. When an optimistic person and pessimistic person interact, perhaps their mindsets would change, or if they are friends, the strength of the friendship might change. Perhaps they are enlightened, or they might have a fight and they will start to hate each other. Thus optimism affects many things in life.
Have you ever walked around your neighbourhood after long periods of work? Have you seen the smiling faces of families in photos in frames at food courts? Or seen a family cycling in a park happily? Well, that is the purpose of life---being happy. The world is a beautiful place which is enjoyed by all. The scenery, the landscape, the plants, and the animals. To interact with nature is something widely enjoyed. All these bring us to one word--happiness. By looking at the good side of life, the good things in life,we gain happiness, and we are happy. But if we look at the bad side of life, if we look at fighting gangsters, the murder cases on the news... Would there be the smiling faces on others' faces? The answer is: No. That is what life is about, being happy.
Thus, optimism is something which is very important in keeping the world together. And optimism is something I support too. Whenever I do not do well for a test, whenever I do something embarrassing, whenever I am sad... I always pull myself together, look at the good side of life, and carry on. And I notice all the good things around me, then, I am happy once again. I can always tell myself,"It is alright. Fret not. There is always a second chance. Just do not do things again. This is a lesson to learn from." Hence, I am sure there is optimism in your life too!
In life, optimism is very important as it helps oneself to look towards the positive side of things and to gain confidence, and thus that person would be able to go on with his life with the knowledge that the difficulty or failure he faced might not totally be a bad thing. However, if human beings were pessimistic, then one would perhaps be unable to get back on his feet when difficulties or failure occur in his life. The person would look at the bad side of the event which happened and feel upset about the disadvantages it poses to him and brood over it. That person would then be unable to get over it. If we look at the bigger picture,if everyone were pessimistic, the world would be unable to develop and thrive. On the other hand, a world filled with optimism would be able to go forward and thrive. Actually, optimism goes further than just the progress of the world. It also affects how the people of the world interact. Through interaction, influence would spread and affect the way people think. Another way is how people get along. When an optimistic person and pessimistic person interact, perhaps their mindsets would change, or if they are friends, the strength of the friendship might change. Perhaps they are enlightened, or they might have a fight and they will start to hate each other. Thus optimism affects many things in life.
Have you ever walked around your neighbourhood after long periods of work? Have you seen the smiling faces of families in photos in frames at food courts? Or seen a family cycling in a park happily? Well, that is the purpose of life---being happy. The world is a beautiful place which is enjoyed by all. The scenery, the landscape, the plants, and the animals. To interact with nature is something widely enjoyed. All these bring us to one word--happiness. By looking at the good side of life, the good things in life,we gain happiness, and we are happy. But if we look at the bad side of life, if we look at fighting gangsters, the murder cases on the news... Would there be the smiling faces on others' faces? The answer is: No. That is what life is about, being happy.
Thus, optimism is something which is very important in keeping the world together. And optimism is something I support too. Whenever I do not do well for a test, whenever I do something embarrassing, whenever I am sad... I always pull myself together, look at the good side of life, and carry on. And I notice all the good things around me, then, I am happy once again. I can always tell myself,"It is alright. Fret not. There is always a second chance. Just do not do things again. This is a lesson to learn from." Hence, I am sure there is optimism in your life too!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
101 words in a sentence without punctuation?
On that hot summer afternoon of the weekend the scorching sun was burning the grounds of Earth and caused everyone in the busy Orchard Road to rush to shopping centres where there is good air conditioner which refreshes everyone and gets them relaxed while they are in the shopping centre where they look around as they shop for groceries and all sorts of interesting merchandise which are of high quality and price which isn’t surprising for busy districts like Orchard which is crowded everyday with people from all walks of life shopping in such a well developed place with much enthusiasm.
Do you think same-sex marriages would ever be legalised in Singapore?
I do not think same sex marrianges would ever be legalised in Singapore. This is because of the elder's objections and the situation in Singapore, pride, and also the government's efforts to educate the public on sex education.
In Singapore, most of the citizens are made up of Chinese. The Chinese are very particular about their descendents carrying on the family line and also particular about the tradition of the Chinese as well as their ancestors. The elders surely would not accept same sex marriages amongst their descendents due to the shame that would be brought to their family and the damage in tradition. Amongst the Chinese, it is always important to have a decent daughter-in-law or a filial son-in-law who will look after the parents and treat their spouse well with politeness and courtesy. There are cases where the elders would even threaten to break off the ties with their descendant if the descendant insists on getting married to a person of the same gender. Situations would vary, but it would not be easy surviving with just one's spouse and being rejected by family. And thus they would be discouraged to being involved in a same-sex marriage and thus same-sex marriage would less likely be legalised in Singapore. Furthermore, I am sure other races in Singapore have their own tradition and pride.
Singapore faces a low birthrate which is lower than its deathrate. However, its increasing population is due to the entering of foreign talent. And thus, due to the constant need to get foreign talent to enter the country to increase the productivity of Singapore's economy, the number of Singaporeans would decrease and foreigners would eventually dominate Singapore's population and economy. I am certain that the government would not want this to happen. Since the decreasing birth rate is already such a challenge to Singapore, I doubt that the government would legalise same sex marriages as same sex couples will not conceive and would not be capable of helping to solve the birthrate problem.
It would be difficult for couples of the same gender to get married. After all, the normal marrianges involve a male and a female. And by getting involved in same sex marrianges, people might despise them and marginalise them, hence shames the family of the two individuals. Because it would bring shame to the family, family members of the individuals might most likely reject very vehemently and would not allow the marriange to take place. Because of all these reasons of pressure and stress, it would be highly unlikely that same sex marriages would ever be legalised. Furthermore, since a young age, sex education has been taught to school children, so as to ensure they would not take the wrong path. There are specialists who go to primary and secondary schools to talk about sex education and there have also been engaging educational videos to educate children.
Since the government has spent money and effort in educating the future generations about sex education, it is unlikely that the government would be thinking of legalising same sex marriages in Singapore.
In my opinion, I personally feel that same-sex marriages should not be legalised. How does it even make sense for two people of the same gender to get married. Just look at a simple marriage again--- a male and a female get married, they care for each other, they have children, and on weekends they bring their children along with them to visit their parent's house and have a nice dinner. But same-sex marriages would bring great pain to not just the couple themselves, but the people around them. They would make people lose trust in them, and they would have no friends, no family to depend on. They would lead a lonely life with no pride. It doesn't make sense to sacrifice all the happiness an average person would have and go for a life which would keep the couple sad for the rest of their lives. Most people live for happiness. They live so that they can be happy experiencing things around them. But what is the point of it if all the happiness is gone? What is the point of only finding some happiness in each other? So if same-sex marriage is legalised, many people might take the wrong path in life.
In Singapore, most of the citizens are made up of Chinese. The Chinese are very particular about their descendents carrying on the family line and also particular about the tradition of the Chinese as well as their ancestors. The elders surely would not accept same sex marriages amongst their descendents due to the shame that would be brought to their family and the damage in tradition. Amongst the Chinese, it is always important to have a decent daughter-in-law or a filial son-in-law who will look after the parents and treat their spouse well with politeness and courtesy. There are cases where the elders would even threaten to break off the ties with their descendant if the descendant insists on getting married to a person of the same gender. Situations would vary, but it would not be easy surviving with just one's spouse and being rejected by family. And thus they would be discouraged to being involved in a same-sex marriage and thus same-sex marriage would less likely be legalised in Singapore. Furthermore, I am sure other races in Singapore have their own tradition and pride.
Singapore faces a low birthrate which is lower than its deathrate. However, its increasing population is due to the entering of foreign talent. And thus, due to the constant need to get foreign talent to enter the country to increase the productivity of Singapore's economy, the number of Singaporeans would decrease and foreigners would eventually dominate Singapore's population and economy. I am certain that the government would not want this to happen. Since the decreasing birth rate is already such a challenge to Singapore, I doubt that the government would legalise same sex marriages as same sex couples will not conceive and would not be capable of helping to solve the birthrate problem.
It would be difficult for couples of the same gender to get married. After all, the normal marrianges involve a male and a female. And by getting involved in same sex marrianges, people might despise them and marginalise them, hence shames the family of the two individuals. Because it would bring shame to the family, family members of the individuals might most likely reject very vehemently and would not allow the marriange to take place. Because of all these reasons of pressure and stress, it would be highly unlikely that same sex marriages would ever be legalised. Furthermore, since a young age, sex education has been taught to school children, so as to ensure they would not take the wrong path. There are specialists who go to primary and secondary schools to talk about sex education and there have also been engaging educational videos to educate children.
Since the government has spent money and effort in educating the future generations about sex education, it is unlikely that the government would be thinking of legalising same sex marriages in Singapore.
In my opinion, I personally feel that same-sex marriages should not be legalised. How does it even make sense for two people of the same gender to get married. Just look at a simple marriage again--- a male and a female get married, they care for each other, they have children, and on weekends they bring their children along with them to visit their parent's house and have a nice dinner. But same-sex marriages would bring great pain to not just the couple themselves, but the people around them. They would make people lose trust in them, and they would have no friends, no family to depend on. They would lead a lonely life with no pride. It doesn't make sense to sacrifice all the happiness an average person would have and go for a life which would keep the couple sad for the rest of their lives. Most people live for happiness. They live so that they can be happy experiencing things around them. But what is the point of it if all the happiness is gone? What is the point of only finding some happiness in each other? So if same-sex marriage is legalised, many people might take the wrong path in life.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
25/5 Home-Based Learning Task 2
1.In this poem, the point of view is by a bystander witnessing the conflict and sadness."There are children in the darkness". The writer is writing from the point of view of a bystander. He is not the child who is suffering, nor is it his friend who is suffering. "Could we simply light a candle." The writer describes the children generally, he is not related to them in anyway. Thus he is writing from the point of view of a bystander who wants to step out and help the children.
2. The poem lets us imagine what is the difference between "darkness" and "light". If there is light, they would have a chance, to be taught how to read, to be taught how to dance, to learn how to fight. There would be chalk and blackboards in their lives, they would grow up. But in darkness, there is nothing, but sufferring. Their lives would be sacrificed. In darkness, war shall consume them, pour their blood, tear their flesh, and take their lives away. There is indeed a great difference between darkness and light, it is a matter of life and death for the children.
3. Language/Diction
The poet uses literary devices to emphasize the critical and unfair situation the children were in. In the poem, the poet conveys a message to his readers, to think, if they could actually be spared from the darkness and evil. The poet constantly repeats "Could We" at certain parts of the poem, which causes the reader to think if they could actually do something for the children, to bring their lives out of darkness, and shine.
4. Personal Response
This poem has made me feel extremely fortunate, because in Singapore, it is quite peaceful, and I was not born yet during the war. I am fortunate to not go through all the torture, to live in fear everyday of losing my life anytime. If I were one of those children, I would not be here writing, but already rotted beneath the ground.
2. The poem lets us imagine what is the difference between "darkness" and "light". If there is light, they would have a chance, to be taught how to read, to be taught how to dance, to learn how to fight. There would be chalk and blackboards in their lives, they would grow up. But in darkness, there is nothing, but sufferring. Their lives would be sacrificed. In darkness, war shall consume them, pour their blood, tear their flesh, and take their lives away. There is indeed a great difference between darkness and light, it is a matter of life and death for the children.
3. Language/Diction
The poet uses literary devices to emphasize the critical and unfair situation the children were in. In the poem, the poet conveys a message to his readers, to think, if they could actually be spared from the darkness and evil. The poet constantly repeats "Could We" at certain parts of the poem, which causes the reader to think if they could actually do something for the children, to bring their lives out of darkness, and shine.
4. Personal Response
This poem has made me feel extremely fortunate, because in Singapore, it is quite peaceful, and I was not born yet during the war. I am fortunate to not go through all the torture, to live in fear everyday of losing my life anytime. If I were one of those children, I would not be here writing, but already rotted beneath the ground.
25/5 Home-Based Learning Task 1
The poem "Children in the Darkness" was written in the year 2009, during Christmas by Henry M Bechtold when he was in his hotel room during his stay at Saigon. The poet was inspired by the photo of a young boy carrying an automatic rifle going to war in the news. The poet was actually planning to write a poem about girls that are being ill- treated by men when they work in the park. But he wrote another poem, Children in the darkness. The conflict is that young boys are going to war instead of young men and sacrificing their future, and are unable to fight for theirs lives. At such a young age, they are so innocent, yet they have to be subjected to such treatment. It is said that there are over millions of children that have been used in the war or dragged into with their parents. They are usually used as nurses, spies. They are in charge if guarding resources, general camps, drumboys, and worst of all, infantries soldiers who are put at the front line to test out for enemy mines. Children are treated as nearly useless people in the war. They are given high risks task as they are of low value, and are low-skilled. Those children do not have the opportunity to study, to grow up to be inteligent and have a bright future. They have not a single chance, no one spares a thought for them, they cannot learn, but only get consumed by war, and their lives are wasted just like that.
"There are children in the darkness
Who have not seen the light
There are children in the darkness
Who someone will teach to fight
Chalk and blackboards will not be
To this door there is no key
From this life they can not flee
And these children are not free
Could we simply light a candle
Could we give them half a chance
Could we teach them how to read
Could we teach them how to dance
Or will a war consume them
Their body and their soul
Will their life and blood be poured
Down some endless thirsty hole
Back into the darkness
From which there is no flight
Back into the darkness
Into which there shines no light
"
http://www.scribd.com/doc/31962195/Children-in-the-Darkness#
"There are children in the darkness
Who have not seen the light
There are children in the darkness
Who someone will teach to fight
Chalk and blackboards will not be
To this door there is no key
From this life they can not flee
And these children are not free
Could we simply light a candle
Could we give them half a chance
Could we teach them how to read
Could we teach them how to dance
Or will a war consume them
Their body and their soul
Will their life and blood be poured
Down some endless thirsty hole
Back into the darkness
From which there is no flight
Back into the darkness
Into which there shines no light
"
http://www.scribd.com/doc/31962195/Children-in-the-Darkness#
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Drive to explore space and outer solar system is still an important human endeavor. Do you agree?
Yes I do, it is indeed important to explore the space and our solar system. We never know what awaits us, and that is why there is discovery. We explore to discover, to confirm our misconceptions and renew our knowledge. Perhaps we do not discover anything now, but we cannot rule out the possibility that there would be changes and appearances in outer space in the years to come. Maybe there is a little portal in outer space, which leads to the outer solar system of another planet. Or perhaps there is a hidden place in other planets like Mars and Pluto where foreign organisms live. That is why we need to constantly explore space and the outer solar system to correct our misconceptions.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Making NS mandatory develops Singaporean boys into men. Do you agree?
I agree that making NS mandatory develops Singaporean boys into men. Not every one of them would want to attend National Service. However, they must remember that "Life is not a bed of roses". They do not always get what they want and desire, and that there are certain things which they have to learn to accept. Some of the Singaporean boys have not experienced hardship, and it is time they start to learn how to go through hardship, to do physical training, to cope, and not complain. National Service can equip them with skills which can last them for a lifetime. Through various group activities, Singaporean boys would understand the importance of hardship and that every person in a team is important, and that each team member needs to have a sense of belonging to the team, to take responsibility, and be a man, to be responsible for his own actions. When they are exhausted after all the activities and they might not have enough food or the food looks disgusting, they have to accept the fact that life is not always smooth-sailing, and we should not be picky with food, and live through such times. If they do not learn how to do so, when they face downfalls in their lives, they might be unable to accept the fact that they do not enjoy the luxury of the possessions and privileges they once had, and might do foolish things which would harm themselves. National Service would therefore help Singaporean boys to be more responsible, to be physically stronger, and equip them with skills which would last them for a life time, and thus NS develops Singaporen boys into men.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Online Lesson 8(Term 2)
June 6 ,1944.
The Landing In Normandy.
The Bloodiest Battle In France
Dear Diary,
Here I am, in a hospital, with other soldiers, with our wounds being treated by nurses. Today was probably the worst day of the war. After today, I have come to learn one thing, and that is, the sea is a scary place.
We were on a boat, rowing hard for our lives. Out of a sudden, numerous bullets came flying in our direction. I was lucky to be sitting in the middle of the boat. To survive, I fell onto the ground of the boat, and acted as if I was shot. After a while, our boat capsized and my fellow soldiers jumped off the boat. I followed them, and swum to shore. Never did I realise, that I was shot in my leg as I jumped into the sea. By now, looking around, I only see half of my fellow soldiers left. I thought that the other half of them have most probably drowned, unable to swim to shore due to the pain from their wounds. We began digging into the sand, hoping to dig a tunnel and get away from all these violence. Most of our equipment were gone by now, either damaged, or lost as we struggled to swim to shore. I am left without a gun, or my helmet, just my armour. Luckily we were able to reach the hospital safely without getting spotted by our enemies. Probably because we removed our soldier clothing.
Sometimes I wonder, when would all these violence end. I have had enough of this. Today, my best friend, John, passed away because he lost too much blood. While Kenny drowned while swimming to shore. We 3 were childhood friends. I knew both of them since primary school. To think, we were seperated by the war. Now I am left without friends, or family. Dear diary, please tell me that tomorrow would be a better day, where I see some hope in my life.
It is getting late, good night diary.
Yours sincerely,
The One Who Keeps You By His Side
The Landing In Normandy.
The Bloodiest Battle In France
Dear Diary,
Here I am, in a hospital, with other soldiers, with our wounds being treated by nurses. Today was probably the worst day of the war. After today, I have come to learn one thing, and that is, the sea is a scary place.
We were on a boat, rowing hard for our lives. Out of a sudden, numerous bullets came flying in our direction. I was lucky to be sitting in the middle of the boat. To survive, I fell onto the ground of the boat, and acted as if I was shot. After a while, our boat capsized and my fellow soldiers jumped off the boat. I followed them, and swum to shore. Never did I realise, that I was shot in my leg as I jumped into the sea. By now, looking around, I only see half of my fellow soldiers left. I thought that the other half of them have most probably drowned, unable to swim to shore due to the pain from their wounds. We began digging into the sand, hoping to dig a tunnel and get away from all these violence. Most of our equipment were gone by now, either damaged, or lost as we struggled to swim to shore. I am left without a gun, or my helmet, just my armour. Luckily we were able to reach the hospital safely without getting spotted by our enemies. Probably because we removed our soldier clothing.
Sometimes I wonder, when would all these violence end. I have had enough of this. Today, my best friend, John, passed away because he lost too much blood. While Kenny drowned while swimming to shore. We 3 were childhood friends. I knew both of them since primary school. To think, we were seperated by the war. Now I am left without friends, or family. Dear diary, please tell me that tomorrow would be a better day, where I see some hope in my life.
It is getting late, good night diary.
Yours sincerely,
The One Who Keeps You By His Side
Monday, May 2, 2011
Blog Writing 3/5/2011
In my opinion, I think that the poster of National Solidarity Party(NSP) displays the sense of teamwork more effectively. The picture of each party member are arranged in the form of the 5 stars in the national flag and all pictures are of equal size. This could also represent their commitment and love for Singapore as a team. However, in poster of the Marine Parade GRC, Goh Chok Tong's picture is bigger. And this does not display teamwork very effectively although we all know Goh Chok Tong is a famous leader. The poster seems to be showing that Goh Chok Tong is the only important group member, and all other group members are not important.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
How has technology helped my learning?
Technology has helped me to discuss subject matters more conveniently and to extend my sources which can be used for my learning. Now in secondary two, we have to bring our laptops to school on certain days for online lessons. By doing so, I can search for information online while doing assignments which can help me to learn more. A useful tool is Google. I use it to search for information online, and it recommends various different websites which might be related to what I am searching for. By browsing through the various websites, I get to know many people's opinion regarding the topic and I can analyse it and get a better understanding of it. This helps me in my assignment, because I have a good grasp of the topic, Before laptops were being used during lessons, discussion was always inconvenient. We had to move our chairs to someone's table and sometimes it is difficult to hear what our group member is saying because of other groups' commotions. But now, there is Facebook, and we can discuss easily just by creating a group and using Facebook chat. Not just Google and Facebook, there are many other applications in technology which has enhanced my learning experience!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Online Lesson #7
In the back of a truck, there seems to be unconscious soldiers resting and sleeping all over the place. Some are dying, some fear for their survival. There are some who are hugging their rifles. The back of the truck is in a total mess. The helmets, the armour, the guns, the equipment are left all over the place. On every soldier, there are few wounds, wrapped up with white cloth. Every person's face on the truck looks expressionless. They seem to be having peace in their slumber. It seems that the truck of soldiers are on enemy's ground. In the background, there trees in the surrounding, which might suggest that the vehicle was parked in a forest.
But there is one man in the whole truck who is conscious. He is reaching out for the side of the truck, with a worried look on his face. He seems to be lifting himself up to look at the surroundings. Perhaps he is looking out for enemies. Perhaps he is curious about where he is in. Perhaps he is planning to escape.
In my opinion, I think this photo tells a story. A story of one man amongst all the soldiers who is struggling to escape, to go home. I somehow feel that most of the soldiers are dead, because there are some who are covered by equipment and are laying on top of one another. But yet, there is this man in the left hand side of the picture who seems to be in the position of a person who is sleeping. In the foreground of the picture, there is this unconscious soldier who is hugging onto his rifle, it touches me, because the way he hugs it is as though that rifle is his life, it is as though that rife is his last hope of survival, his last hope of defence.
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