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.
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