My topic is Leaders and their Private Lives
In a democracy, leaders are elected by the people. Hence they are expected to serve the people and exhibit servant leadership. Good leaders must be willing to sacrifice, rule with honesty and integrity and place the welfare of the country and its people first. With good leaders, the country can achieve peace, make progress and reap economic benefits.
As the Prime Minister of Singapore, I do not think that there should be a line drawn between private and public life. As far as I am concerned, the private life of the minister must be respectful. He must be exemplary in behavior and have integrity. This is to gain the trust and respect from the people of Singapore.
Even though he is a good leader, and should he be tainted by scandals, people will lose respect for him and may not trust him as much as before. The people may wonder if they had voted correctly, thus his credibility is questionable. They may even think that he should not be getting his ministerial pay from taxpayer’s money when he is not of minister caliber in which social mores is one expectation.
To add on, leaders are public figures, hence they must set good examples for the people. If he is found to be tainted by a scandal in his private life, he must step down, regardless of his position in the cabinet as the people have lest respect in him and cannot be trusted anymore. In some cases, the people may protest if he did not step down as they think he may not be a good leader. As said, leaders must set good examples as people look up at them as role models of the society. If the leader is suspected to be tainted by scandal, he must be tried by the court. If he is found guilty of his crime and is against the law, he should be punished as an ordinary citizen, and not a leader.
In conclusion, as the Prime Minister of Singapore, I have this to say. In a multi-racial and multi-religious society, I expect leaders to be judged by their private lives even if they do not like it. Traditional and moral values upheld. The private life of leaders must stand up to scrutiny and we will not exercise the extreme liberty of that practiced in the West.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news. How far do you agree?
I agree that news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to extremes to get sensational news to a certain extent.
The news media should be blamed for this unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to extremes to get sensational news just so that they can increase the number of readers and earn more profit. And how would they spice up their news to make more people want to read their news? By stooping to this level of course, such as phone hacking, spying and many others. They intrude into many people's private life, such as the famous, riches. I believe that everyone have the right to have a private life and thus, paparazzi should not intrude into the private life of others.
However, we should not entirely blame the news media. We too must blame ourselves, the readers for wanting to read sensational news about the private lives of others. As we are interested in those sensational news, news medias would do anything that can to find what we want (sensational news) to increase their popularity so that we will buy their newspaper, thus allowing them to gain a profit. Although it was obvious that peeking into the private lives of others is wrong, readers continue to ignore this and continue reading tabloid. Instead of blaming the news media, we should really think over what we have done to cause this problem.
Lastly, the law did not do anything to stop this paparazzi culture, resulting the news media to go to the extreme to get juicy news to keep the readers alive. As the law did not do anything to stop it, this paparazzi culture slowly grew out of hand. However despite the situation getting worse and worse, the law still do not do something about it.
In conclusion, I believe that all of the above should be blamed as we should not intrude into other people's private life. Also, we mus do something to stop is culture from going out of hand.
The news media should be blamed for this unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to extremes to get sensational news just so that they can increase the number of readers and earn more profit. And how would they spice up their news to make more people want to read their news? By stooping to this level of course, such as phone hacking, spying and many others. They intrude into many people's private life, such as the famous, riches. I believe that everyone have the right to have a private life and thus, paparazzi should not intrude into the private life of others.
However, we should not entirely blame the news media. We too must blame ourselves, the readers for wanting to read sensational news about the private lives of others. As we are interested in those sensational news, news medias would do anything that can to find what we want (sensational news) to increase their popularity so that we will buy their newspaper, thus allowing them to gain a profit. Although it was obvious that peeking into the private lives of others is wrong, readers continue to ignore this and continue reading tabloid. Instead of blaming the news media, we should really think over what we have done to cause this problem.
Lastly, the law did not do anything to stop this paparazzi culture, resulting the news media to go to the extreme to get juicy news to keep the readers alive. As the law did not do anything to stop it, this paparazzi culture slowly grew out of hand. However despite the situation getting worse and worse, the law still do not do something about it.
In conclusion, I believe that all of the above should be blamed as we should not intrude into other people's private life. Also, we mus do something to stop is culture from going out of hand.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Merchant of Venice (Trial Scene)
By the end of the trial scene, do you think true justice and mercy was achieved? Reflect and write on the following questions:
1. Is there true justice? Why?
No, there is never true justice during the trial scene. Why is this so? Firstly, Shylock was supposed to be given 1 pound of Antonio's flesh as Antonio was unable to pay his debt which he had signed with Shylock, but he did not received it in the end. This is because Portia had disguised herself as a lawyer and played with the words and loopholes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, to her advantage. She managed to prevent the process from happening as she allowed Shylock to take a pound of flesh from Antonio as long as he does not spill a drop of blood. As we all know, it is virtually impossible to cut a pound of flesh without bleeding, thus Shylock has to surrender to his fate and was unable to get what he deserved. As I read, I discovered that Portia's true motive was to side with the Christians and save Antonio from the start.
2. Is there true mercy, as expounded by Portia? Why?
As there was true mercy to a certain extent. Firstly, Portia and the Duke appealed to Shylock's mercy various times but Shylock refused to listen to them even though Antonio could return his debt. Later, Bassanio reveal that he was willing to increase the amount of ducats by 10 times, but Shylock still did not want it as he is determined to give the pound of flesh, which he had rightly deserved. This tells us that Portia and the Duke had gave Shylock true mercy.
However, as Shylock did not listen despite the increase in ducats, Portia was forced to trap Shylock in a situation where he was unable to get his pound of flesh and ducats. This cause Shylock to convert into a Christian against his will and his dignity, riches and friends gone. To Christians, it is said that Portia had done Shylock a favor, but Shylock did not think that way.
3. Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. Comment on this with reference to the text and other real-life cases and examples.
Yes, I believed Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. In the text, Portia had disguised herself into a lawyer and managed to manipulate the court by playing with the words and loop holes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, causing Antonio of be freed from Shylock getting his 1 pound of flesh. One incident can be seen in real life, which involves Richard F. He earned earned a reputation as one of the nation's wiliest and most powerful plaintiff's attorneys. He had he conspired to bribe a judge to escape from his crimes.
For more info:
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/mar/15/nation/na-scruggs15
1. Is there true justice? Why?
No, there is never true justice during the trial scene. Why is this so? Firstly, Shylock was supposed to be given 1 pound of Antonio's flesh as Antonio was unable to pay his debt which he had signed with Shylock, but he did not received it in the end. This is because Portia had disguised herself as a lawyer and played with the words and loopholes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, to her advantage. She managed to prevent the process from happening as she allowed Shylock to take a pound of flesh from Antonio as long as he does not spill a drop of blood. As we all know, it is virtually impossible to cut a pound of flesh without bleeding, thus Shylock has to surrender to his fate and was unable to get what he deserved. As I read, I discovered that Portia's true motive was to side with the Christians and save Antonio from the start.
2. Is there true mercy, as expounded by Portia? Why?
As there was true mercy to a certain extent. Firstly, Portia and the Duke appealed to Shylock's mercy various times but Shylock refused to listen to them even though Antonio could return his debt. Later, Bassanio reveal that he was willing to increase the amount of ducats by 10 times, but Shylock still did not want it as he is determined to give the pound of flesh, which he had rightly deserved. This tells us that Portia and the Duke had gave Shylock true mercy.
However, as Shylock did not listen despite the increase in ducats, Portia was forced to trap Shylock in a situation where he was unable to get his pound of flesh and ducats. This cause Shylock to convert into a Christian against his will and his dignity, riches and friends gone. To Christians, it is said that Portia had done Shylock a favor, but Shylock did not think that way.
3. Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. Comment on this with reference to the text and other real-life cases and examples.
Yes, I believed Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. In the text, Portia had disguised herself into a lawyer and managed to manipulate the court by playing with the words and loop holes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, causing Antonio of be freed from Shylock getting his 1 pound of flesh. One incident can be seen in real life, which involves Richard F. He earned earned a reputation as one of the nation's wiliest and most powerful plaintiff's attorneys. He had he conspired to bribe a judge to escape from his crimes.
For more info:
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/mar/15/nation/na-scruggs15
Sunday, July 31, 2011
An open letter to the education minister from a secondary four stuent
Source:
http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/07/12/an-open-letter-to-the-education-minister-from-a-secondary-4-student/
This is an open letter to the education minister written by a secondary four student who will be taking her sec 4 'O' Level examination this year.
To what extend do you agree with the issues the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention.
I agree to a large extent. Since I entered school, most of my school teachers, had been stressing on getting good marks in examinations. As years past, it was getting boring due to the fact that we are only learning what our teachers are teaching and not what we want to learn and explore. I personally feel that there is no point in studying a subject that do not interest you as you would not be able to give it your best. In primary school, teachers only teach what is necessary to get good grades for the exam, but is't the role of a teacher is to spur and encourage their students to learn more about the subject. During my school days, when I ask a question that is related to the topic, but at a higher level, my teacher would tell me that it is not required in my examinations and if i would like to find out, I have to do it alone. What is the point of teachers, if they failed to do their duty of answering the questions of their students?
Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?
Yes, I think it is a very well-crafted letter as it is formal, yet firm. She is able to bring out her points without being to harsh. However, if we observe closely, we can sense that the she is trying to keep down her frustration on the Singapore's education. Despite her frustration, she still managed to be polite.
If you should write a letter to Minister of Education, what are some issues you would raise? Remember- your intention is to make the system better for society's betterment via CONSTRUCTIVE ideas.
Firstly, I feel that students should be allowed to choose what subject they would like to be focus more on. This will help them to be more interested in the subject that they choose. They will be able to explore higher levels of their subject, thus bringing their knowledge of the subject to a higher level. Students should be given a lesson to do their own research at the library or using the school internet.
Next, I believed that schools should promote the student's mother tongue. As generations past, lesser people feel that their mother-tongue are of used in their future as more people are speaking with English as a mean to communicate with each other. Also, mother-tongue help to emphasis on traditions and moral value. From this we can see that mother-tongue is indeed important to students.
http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/07/12/an-open-letter-to-the-education-minister-from-a-secondary-4-student/
This is an open letter to the education minister written by a secondary four student who will be taking her sec 4 'O' Level examination this year.
To what extend do you agree with the issues the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention.
I agree to a large extent. Since I entered school, most of my school teachers, had been stressing on getting good marks in examinations. As years past, it was getting boring due to the fact that we are only learning what our teachers are teaching and not what we want to learn and explore. I personally feel that there is no point in studying a subject that do not interest you as you would not be able to give it your best. In primary school, teachers only teach what is necessary to get good grades for the exam, but is't the role of a teacher is to spur and encourage their students to learn more about the subject. During my school days, when I ask a question that is related to the topic, but at a higher level, my teacher would tell me that it is not required in my examinations and if i would like to find out, I have to do it alone. What is the point of teachers, if they failed to do their duty of answering the questions of their students?
Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?
Yes, I think it is a very well-crafted letter as it is formal, yet firm. She is able to bring out her points without being to harsh. However, if we observe closely, we can sense that the she is trying to keep down her frustration on the Singapore's education. Despite her frustration, she still managed to be polite.
If you should write a letter to Minister of Education, what are some issues you would raise? Remember- your intention is to make the system better for society's betterment via CONSTRUCTIVE ideas.
Firstly, I feel that students should be allowed to choose what subject they would like to be focus more on. This will help them to be more interested in the subject that they choose. They will be able to explore higher levels of their subject, thus bringing their knowledge of the subject to a higher level. Students should be given a lesson to do their own research at the library or using the school internet.
Next, I believed that schools should promote the student's mother tongue. As generations past, lesser people feel that their mother-tongue are of used in their future as more people are speaking with English as a mean to communicate with each other. Also, mother-tongue help to emphasis on traditions and moral value. From this we can see that mother-tongue is indeed important to students.
In your opinion, is money important in a relationship?
I do not think that money is that important in a relationship to a certain extent. And why is that so? If money is important in a relationship, does that mean that the richest people in the world have the best relationship with their partners? There am many scandals involving the rich. I believed that the most important in a relationship is true love. If the couple have true love for each other, the relationship will be very good as they will have genuine trust between them.For example in today's society, we can see teenagers having a relationship with each other. Both sides value love than money as both tend to be not very rich. Their togetherness tells us there they have genuine love for each other.
However, to make a relationship successful, money too have a role to play. If both couples are unable to feed themselves, even though they have true love for each other, there will face obstacles in their relationship. Also, money is important in a relationship as it is the source for luxuries. In the present society, few young couples tend to settle for a simple life. An example can be seen from younger people starting a relationship with people of a much older age who have lots of money. Are they doing it for money? Or are they doing it for love? Most would say that they are doing it for money as most people would like to marry someone of their same age.
In conclusion, I think that to make a good relationship, they must have true love( the most important) and enough money to get by in their life.
However, to make a relationship successful, money too have a role to play. If both couples are unable to feed themselves, even though they have true love for each other, there will face obstacles in their relationship. Also, money is important in a relationship as it is the source for luxuries. In the present society, few young couples tend to settle for a simple life. An example can be seen from younger people starting a relationship with people of a much older age who have lots of money. Are they doing it for money? Or are they doing it for love? Most would say that they are doing it for money as most people would like to marry someone of their same age.
In conclusion, I think that to make a good relationship, they must have true love( the most important) and enough money to get by in their life.
In your opinion, how has war evolved from the past to present?
Question: In your opinion, how has war evolved from the past to present? Please use examples to justify your opinions.
War has been fought for countless of years. As the years goes by, war has evolved, bringing in more and more weapons of mass destruction, which can be seen from where bring used their bare hands to knives to guns and to nuclear weapons. As the weapons in war gradually get more powerful, more people are harmed. Lets imagine this situation, if a army of 100,000 with just their bare hands and knives versus an army of 1000 equipped with high tech weapons, which will win? The answer is obvious, of course the army of 1000 will win, thus TECHNOLOGY is the one which cause war to evolved from the past to the present. An example can be seen from World War 2 against Japan. At first, it was a hard fight between America and Japan, but after nuclear bombs where introduced in the war, the Japanese surrendered in fight. However, an estimated 75,000 people lay dead, and the nature of war had changed, presumably forever.
However, technology did not change the nature of war. War remained what it had been since the time when the first band of cavemen, carrying sticks and stones, went out to attack its neighbor. It was still as brutal as before, or maybe even worse. Technology was used to advance or defend the interests of the group or organization that waged it, it also remained an instrument of politics. All this was as true in 2000 BCE, and presumably 50,000 BCE, as it was in 1945.
War has been fought for countless of years. As the years goes by, war has evolved, bringing in more and more weapons of mass destruction, which can be seen from where bring used their bare hands to knives to guns and to nuclear weapons. As the weapons in war gradually get more powerful, more people are harmed. Lets imagine this situation, if a army of 100,000 with just their bare hands and knives versus an army of 1000 equipped with high tech weapons, which will win? The answer is obvious, of course the army of 1000 will win, thus TECHNOLOGY is the one which cause war to evolved from the past to the present. An example can be seen from World War 2 against Japan. At first, it was a hard fight between America and Japan, but after nuclear bombs where introduced in the war, the Japanese surrendered in fight. However, an estimated 75,000 people lay dead, and the nature of war had changed, presumably forever.
However, technology did not change the nature of war. War remained what it had been since the time when the first band of cavemen, carrying sticks and stones, went out to attack its neighbor. It was still as brutal as before, or maybe even worse. Technology was used to advance or defend the interests of the group or organization that waged it, it also remained an instrument of politics. All this was as true in 2000 BCE, and presumably 50,000 BCE, as it was in 1945.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Reflection on the "The Soldier"
1. Annually, we need young men in Singapore to do national service. Why do you think national service is compulsory in Singapore and why is this important.
I think that it teaches the young a sense of responsibility and duty. Also, it provides manpower for meeting minimum military force requirements. It provides training to civilians, which serves as a well-prepared military force in times of war or emergency. It is important as it emphasize a sense of belonging to the Singapore and induce national loyalty in the soldiers. National Service is important as it helps to create a bond between people of different races. It is there where people learn to appreciate the differences of different religion and culture. This shows us that national service not only help us bond with different races and make friends, it also give Singaporeans a sense of patriotism and pride of our country.
2. In the above poem, the speaker expresses his love for the country, England. Do you have the same spirit of patriotism towards Singapore? Why?Do you find this same spirit of patriotism in Singapore.
Hmm... this is a little hard to answer. Although I cherish Singapore a lot as it is the place where I am born and where my family is, I am not so extreme to sacrifice myself like the author in war, who is willing to give his all and die for his country. I will only do it when it is really necessary. I will go to war if I am forced and will fight my best, however I may not have the same spirit of patriotism as the author.
In Singapore, not many have a sense of patriotism. However, if there is a war, which involved Singapore, people in Singapore may have a sense of patriotism as it is said that the worst usually bring out the best in people.
I think that it teaches the young a sense of responsibility and duty. Also, it provides manpower for meeting minimum military force requirements. It provides training to civilians, which serves as a well-prepared military force in times of war or emergency. It is important as it emphasize a sense of belonging to the Singapore and induce national loyalty in the soldiers. National Service is important as it helps to create a bond between people of different races. It is there where people learn to appreciate the differences of different religion and culture. This shows us that national service not only help us bond with different races and make friends, it also give Singaporeans a sense of patriotism and pride of our country.
2. In the above poem, the speaker expresses his love for the country, England. Do you have the same spirit of patriotism towards Singapore? Why?Do you find this same spirit of patriotism in Singapore.
Hmm... this is a little hard to answer. Although I cherish Singapore a lot as it is the place where I am born and where my family is, I am not so extreme to sacrifice myself like the author in war, who is willing to give his all and die for his country. I will only do it when it is really necessary. I will go to war if I am forced and will fight my best, however I may not have the same spirit of patriotism as the author.
In Singapore, not many have a sense of patriotism. However, if there is a war, which involved Singapore, people in Singapore may have a sense of patriotism as it is said that the worst usually bring out the best in people.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Percy Jackson And The Last Olympian
In the " Percy Jackson and The Last Olympian, Percy Jackson, the main character for this book, and his friends are fighting in a war that resembles the Greek Gods and the Titans. Prometheus notes during a parley between him and Percy that the battle for Manhattan is like the Battle of Troy, except that now Olympus is Troy.
The book started off with Percy and Beckendorf blowing Princess Andromeda, a ship that Kronos the leader of titans was on, with the cost of Beckendorf's life. Percy flees into his father, Poseidon's place under the sea. From there, he returned to Camp Half-blood, where other demi-gods lived in.
Soon after returning, he left wit Nico, the son of Hades, to find out how he could defeat Luke, the host of Kronos when the time comes (according to the prophecy). After visiting Luke's mother and talking with Hestia, Percy recieved a blessing from his mother, descends into the Underworld for the second time, and bathes in the River Styx like Achilles and Luke, who was then able to host Kronos, before him. He left Nico to convince Hades to take part in the war and return to the human world.
Percy then organizes the demigod campers (excluding the Ares cabin), and prepares for a battle for their's and the humans' life. Before the war starts, New York City is silenced by way of a powerful sleeping spell by Morpheus, god of dreams. Despite having reinforcement from the Hunters of Artemis, satyrs, naiads, dryads, and other tree nymphs, Chiron's centaur cousins the Party Ponies, automatons fashioned by the late Daedalus, and the hellhound Mrs. O'Leary, they were still outnumbered by the forces of evil. However, kronos too, was not without losses, his brother, Hyperion, was defeated by Percy and was encased into a big maple tree.
Rachel, a mortal who can see through the Mist, flies from a family vacation to New York City (and strangely does not fall asleep) to tell Percy that he is not the hero of the Great Prophecy, and that it will influence his choice when he turns 16.
Driven back by the sheer forces to the blocks surrounding the Empire State building, Percy and his friends fight in a last stand to protect Mount Olympus, where the seats of the Gods were, from the massive army where Kronos has amassed. Even when Hades arrives with his undead army, Kronos still manages to break through and enter Olympus, seeking the seats of the Gods to destroy it.
Percy and Kronos battle in the throne room of Olympus, Luke was shocked back when he remembers his promise of family to Annabeth as he sent her flying across the throne room. As Luke got control of his body back from Kronos, he hope that Percy would pass him the dagger and Luke would commit suicide along with Kronos. This cause Percy to be in a dilemma as Luke may use this opportunity to attack Percy when he is unarmed. Anyway, after being convinced by Annabeth, he passed the dagger to Luke who then stab at the mortal point, which resulted in death. This ended the war and made Percy realized that Luke was the hero in the great prophecy. With Posiedon ambushing Typhon at the Hudson River, the Olympians manage to send the demon down to Tartarus.
In the throne room, Percy, Grover, Annabeth, Thalia, and Tyson were rewarded by the Gods for the help that the Gods received. Percy was given godhood by apparently he refused. He forces the gods to swear on the River Styx that they will recognize all of their children by the time they turn 13. At camp, new cabins are built for every gods.
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey
Like most obsessions in life, the author, Susan Casey's interest starting when she was watching the video documentary on BBC and was riveted by the sight of two men, Peter who is a famous ornithologist and Scot Anderson, sitting in a tiny boat surrounded by enormous great white shark at least 18 feet in length. She was shocked how the two scientist could thrive in such dangerous situation, thus igniting her interest in sharks. A few months later after watching the documentary, she found herself in the same situation as Peter and Scot in Southeast Farallon Island. These islands, originally dubbed "The Devil's Teeth" by sailors in the 1850s due to their dangerous and forbidding nature. This place also gave the book, " The Devil's Teeth its name.
Even though Farallon Island is only 27 miles from the main island, San Francisco, it is nearly impossible to be accessible to humans, and is a popular place for great white sharks to gather in the month of September and October. As a result, the wild Great White Sharks of the Farallons are among most studied great white sharks in the world. In some parts of the book, Susan Casey touches the on the history of seabird, whale and seal over-exploitation, politics, greed and human habitation. Although the author did not have many first hand experience on sharks, she has many second hand experience of the great white shark.
This book was written mainly to educate the public on the great white sharks. There were descriptions of the sharks, such as whiteslash, who was describe as maternal and gentle. Despite the ferocious looks on their faces, these amazing fishes are elegant and graceful in the water. The book tells us about Susan pursuing her desire to learn more about the great white shark from biologist from the island, Farallon.
The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey
Like most obsessions in life, the author, Susan Casey's interest starting when she was watching the video documentary on BBC and was riveted by the sight of two men, Peter who is a famous ornithologist and Scot Anderson, sitting in a tiny boat surrounded by enormous great white shark at least 18 feet in length. She was shocked how the two scientist could thrive in such dangerous situation, thus igniting her interest in sharks. A few months later after watching the documentary, she found herself in the same situation as Peter and Scot in Southeast Farallon Island. These islands, originally dubbed "The Devil's Teeth" by sailors in the 1850s due to their dangerous and forbidding nature. This place also gave the book, " The Devil's Teeth its name.
Even though Farallon Island is only 27 miles from the main island, San Francisco, it is nearly impossible to be accessible to humans, and is a popular place for great white sharks to gather in the month of September and October. As a result, the wild Great White Sharks of the Farallons are among most studied great white sharks in the world. In some parts of the book, Susan Casey touches the on the history of seabird, whale and seal over-exploitation, politics, greed and human habitation. Although the author did not have many first hand experience on sharks, she has many second hand experience of the great white shark.
This book was written mainly to educate the public on the great white sharks. There were descriptions of the sharks, such as whiteslash, who was describe as maternal and gentle. Despite the ferocious looks on their faces, these amazing fishes are elegant and graceful in the water. The book tells us about Susan pursuing her desire to learn more about the great white shark from biologist from the island, Farallon.
Even though Farallon Island is only 27 miles from the main island, San Francisco, it is nearly impossible to be accessible to humans, and is a popular place for great white sharks to gather in the month of September and October. As a result, the wild Great White Sharks of the Farallons are among most studied great white sharks in the world. In some parts of the book, Susan Casey touches the on the history of seabird, whale and seal over-exploitation, politics, greed and human habitation. Although the author did not have many first hand experience on sharks, she has many second hand experience of the great white shark.
This book was written mainly to educate the public on the great white sharks. There were descriptions of the sharks, such as whiteslash, who was describe as maternal and gentle. Despite the ferocious looks on their faces, these amazing fishes are elegant and graceful in the water. The book tells us about Susan pursuing her desire to learn more about the great white shark from biologist from the island, Farallon.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Rainbow Death ( Task 2 )
Point of view
The point of view maybe the view of an outsider looking at the Vietnam War, which include the USA, China, North and South of Vietnam. He may wrote the poem after viewing the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical, used in the war and what devastating effects that it caused. It seem to be mocking at the mess/problems that the USA caused, from "America did not foresee" and "Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!". He is also reprimanding the USA for the lives that it caused and them regretting what they had done, "Now thinking twice?" and "Toll on the innocent and unborn"
Situation and Setting
The poem is most like set after the war or at the climax of the war, where many people have died by the effects of Agent Orange. This can be sen from, "reflective about all the illness, birth defects and prematurely dead" which tells readers the aftermath of the war or during the war at the point where many have died.
Language and Meaning
The tone of the language is very emotional, telling readers how the author feel after the war. From what I can see, I feel that he is very unhappy and angry by the fact that the USA's inconsiderate actions had resulted in dire consequences, which killing many of innocent people, disability and birth defects as seen from "Generations untold WILL pay". The underlying message is to tell us that war is a evil and must be prevented as it will result in long term effects and dire consequences.
Personal Response
I feel that this poem is very unusual as the poet did not describe a war scene but was still able to tell readers how brutal and wicked the war is and how it affected the its victims. Although the USA had regretted their actions, but they cannot cry over spilled milk as the damaged is already done and cannot reversed it
The point of view maybe the view of an outsider looking at the Vietnam War, which include the USA, China, North and South of Vietnam. He may wrote the poem after viewing the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical, used in the war and what devastating effects that it caused. It seem to be mocking at the mess/problems that the USA caused, from "America did not foresee" and "Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!". He is also reprimanding the USA for the lives that it caused and them regretting what they had done, "Now thinking twice?" and "Toll on the innocent and unborn"
Situation and Setting
The poem is most like set after the war or at the climax of the war, where many people have died by the effects of Agent Orange. This can be sen from, "reflective about all the illness, birth defects and prematurely dead" which tells readers the aftermath of the war or during the war at the point where many have died.
Language and Meaning
The tone of the language is very emotional, telling readers how the author feel after the war. From what I can see, I feel that he is very unhappy and angry by the fact that the USA's inconsiderate actions had resulted in dire consequences, which killing many of innocent people, disability and birth defects as seen from "Generations untold WILL pay". The underlying message is to tell us that war is a evil and must be prevented as it will result in long term effects and dire consequences.
Personal Response
I feel that this poem is very unusual as the poet did not describe a war scene but was still able to tell readers how brutal and wicked the war is and how it affected the its victims. Although the USA had regretted their actions, but they cannot cry over spilled milk as the damaged is already done and cannot reversed it
Rainbow Death ( Task 1 )
Rainbow Death – Hubert Wilson
America did not foresee
Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!
Expecting others to pay a high price.
Now thinking twice?
Toll on the innocent and unborn.
Omnipotent and disregarding who will mourn.
Reflective about all the illness, birth defects and prematurely dead.
All the deceit continues to spread!
Nefariously America was led astray -
Generations untold WILL pay -
Execrable effects of agent orange spray!
Background Information
This is a poem written by an American poet, Hubert Wilson, which describes how brutal the Vietnam War is.
The Vietnam War was a Civil War fought between North and South Vietnam or, between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the State of Vietnam respectively. The USA sided the south, which was anti-communists, while China sided the north, which was a communist state.
US joined the war only after an alleged attack on the Gulf of Tonkin from the North. This 'attack' was extremely suspicious, and many historians believe this to be a ploy by the US to find a reason to attack the North. In this war, the US lost very badly, and had to retreat eventually.
The Vietnam war was a military conflict which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. It started out as a conflict between different political ideologies but soon turned into a major war when the United States took part in the Vietnam War, in hopes of preventing the communist from taking over Vietnam.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used Agent Orange, an herbicide as part of its herbicidal warfare, affecting lots of people and resulting in devastating aftermaths. Other than Agent Orange, the Rainbow Herbicides were used as well, which led the destruction of a plant-based ecosystem and plants which help the enemy to take cover.
During the war, more than 4.8 million people were exposed to Agent Orange. The chemical led to disability and birth defects. Also, it led to a number of deaths. It affected both the environment and the people.
America did not foresee
Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!
Expecting others to pay a high price.
Now thinking twice?
Toll on the innocent and unborn.
Omnipotent and disregarding who will mourn.
Reflective about all the illness, birth defects and prematurely dead.
All the deceit continues to spread!
Nefariously America was led astray -
Generations untold WILL pay -
Execrable effects of agent orange spray!
Background Information
This is a poem written by an American poet, Hubert Wilson, which describes how brutal the Vietnam War is.
The Vietnam War was a Civil War fought between North and South Vietnam or, between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the State of Vietnam respectively. The USA sided the south, which was anti-communists, while China sided the north, which was a communist state.
US joined the war only after an alleged attack on the Gulf of Tonkin from the North. This 'attack' was extremely suspicious, and many historians believe this to be a ploy by the US to find a reason to attack the North. In this war, the US lost very badly, and had to retreat eventually.
The Vietnam war was a military conflict which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. It started out as a conflict between different political ideologies but soon turned into a major war when the United States took part in the Vietnam War, in hopes of preventing the communist from taking over Vietnam.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used Agent Orange, an herbicide as part of its herbicidal warfare, affecting lots of people and resulting in devastating aftermaths. Other than Agent Orange, the Rainbow Herbicides were used as well, which led the destruction of a plant-based ecosystem and plants which help the enemy to take cover.
During the war, more than 4.8 million people were exposed to Agent Orange. The chemical led to disability and birth defects. Also, it led to a number of deaths. It affected both the environment and the people.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Your very own BANANA SPLIT !!!
1. Cut banana lengthwise down the middle.
2. Place banana in dish, leaving a gap in the middle.
3. Scoop two large scoops of ice cream(your choice) and place on the banana.
4. Over one scoop of ice cream pour chocolate sauce.
5. Over the other scoop of ice cream pour caramel sauce.
6. Cover scoops of ice cream with candy sprinkles.
7. Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
8. Use a large spoon and Enjoy!
Monday, February 28, 2011
LA Story (Final Draft)
Have you ever heard of the Hokkien word, " kiasu"? It usually applies to Singaporeans. The word "kiasu" means that one must be always be better than someone and one must have what others have. Our "Kiasium" is attributed to our competitiveness in virtually everything, ranging from education, sports to many others. It is an unmistakable Singaporean identity, which make us unique in a certain way.
A company " Grabber " was about to close down. It was a world-wide known company, who sell good quality printers at a high price. Since it was about to close down, it had to break even the price, so that they would be able to earn as much as they could in the shortest time possible before they close down. Those printer were sold at a 75% discount in Parkway Parade, while stocks last. The shop was due to open at 10a.m, but the mall was chock-a-block with lots of people even before 6a.m. As the door opened to start business, people tried rushing in first by pushing and pulling each other. Unfortunately, they were stopped by the sales men, who got them to line up properly first before the shop could be opened fully. They let the first 20 to get into the shop first to select their purchased their printers. As they finished, other shoppers went in. I waited in line impatiently for my turn. There were more than 20 people in front of me, even though I had waited for more than 3 hours to grab this once in a lifetime bargain. I stood there with my arms akimbo, tapping my foot as I looked frantically as other shoppers took away their hard-earned printers from the shelves.
" Would there be enough for me then? " I wondered to myself. As time dragged like an eternity, the queue finally grew shorter. Another person more and it would be my turn. Just as I thought I was finally getting the printer soon, the skinny auntie in front of me allowed her fat friend to cut the queue. Although I wasn't really concerned as there were still 7 printers left, but I irritated by her extending my waiting time. However, the crowd behind minded a lot about it. " Oi... cut queue ah?"they grumbled toward the aunties. Those aunties turned around and snorted at us before getting ready to purchased their merchandise. I was shocked. Even though the aunties cut the queue, they did not even feel apologetic about it, which made the crowd more furious. A auntie should have gotten a printer if not for the two aunties, stomped out of the queue and lumbered toward them like an angry bear, just as the auntie were about to enter the shop together. As they were entering the shop, the "bear" held both aunties back with her immense strength. They spun around, wondering who their " attacker" was. The "bear" stared at them as if daggers were coming out from it to stab them. Although they squirmed a bit from the stare, but managed to put on a bold front, with their head held up, not wanting to admit their mistakes. The onlookers knew a deadly brawl between the two forces was brewing soon.
We, Singaporeans, being busybodies rushed into the shop, wanting to join the commotion. Without any notice, the "bear" made the first deadly move; she swiftly held the aunties by their collars and screamed into their ears about how inconsiderate and unfair they were. But both aunties did not bother listening to her and even said that the “bear” was “kiasu”, stupid and fat. The “bear” was so shock about the comment about her that she momentarily released the aunties from their “demise”. Using this opportunity, both aunties pushed the heavy “bear” out of the way to continue their shopping, but the push was a little too powerful that the “bear” could not keep her balanced that she crashed onto the “priceless” printers. The two aunties laughed at the sight, while the crowd were astound or disappointed that the printers were gone by the sheer weight. Recovered from the pushed, she stood up and pointed a finger at the two aunties, indicating the “you are dead” sign.
Suddenly, the two aunties made a racist remark of the “bear” about how her race was all fat and ugly. Everyone was confounded with those racist remarks. The crowd grew more and more unsettled and the atmosphere changed from excited from the purchase of printers to nervous from the argument. Although in Singapore, racist remarks were not prohibited but were dangerous as they incite people’s feelings and caused problems. To defend herself and her race, the “bear” also made racist remarks of the other two aunties. As they continued with their argument, they grew bolder and bolder with the words; they started clenching their fist, ready for a brawl.
Seeing this, the sales manager who was on looking at the corner decided to step in and break up the fight, while the other sales men held the aunties back to prevent further fights. As the sales manager warned them that how racist remarks could hurt and incite feeling, they stared at each other not wanting to admit they were wrong. When the sales manager requested them to compensate for the damages, they started shouting that they were not at fault and it was the other aunties’ fault, not theirs. They struggled with the sales men who held them back, trying to break free and beat up the opposite party. Seeing the aunties not wanting to admit their mistakes, the crowd booed. With so many people looking at them doing something wrong, even the thickest skin person would feel embarrassed. The aunties looked around at the numerous people booing at them and hung their heads in shame. They had regretted their actions. They decided to spilt the compensation into three, before making off swiftly as they did not want to lose any more of their pride.
Although I did not buy any printers that day, I was able to learn that this Singaporean identity can be ugly as evidenced by the incident described above. But for this, Singaporeans are lovely people and all foreigners would say “ Yeah!”
-----------------------------------------END-----------------------------------------
A company " Grabber " was about to close down. It was a world-wide known company, who sell good quality printers at a high price. Since it was about to close down, it had to break even the price, so that they would be able to earn as much as they could in the shortest time possible before they close down. Those printer were sold at a 75% discount in Parkway Parade, while stocks last. The shop was due to open at 10a.m, but the mall was chock-a-block with lots of people even before 6a.m. As the door opened to start business, people tried rushing in first by pushing and pulling each other. Unfortunately, they were stopped by the sales men, who got them to line up properly first before the shop could be opened fully. They let the first 20 to get into the shop first to select their purchased their printers. As they finished, other shoppers went in. I waited in line impatiently for my turn. There were more than 20 people in front of me, even though I had waited for more than 3 hours to grab this once in a lifetime bargain. I stood there with my arms akimbo, tapping my foot as I looked frantically as other shoppers took away their hard-earned printers from the shelves.
" Would there be enough for me then? " I wondered to myself. As time dragged like an eternity, the queue finally grew shorter. Another person more and it would be my turn. Just as I thought I was finally getting the printer soon, the skinny auntie in front of me allowed her fat friend to cut the queue. Although I wasn't really concerned as there were still 7 printers left, but I irritated by her extending my waiting time. However, the crowd behind minded a lot about it. " Oi... cut queue ah?"they grumbled toward the aunties. Those aunties turned around and snorted at us before getting ready to purchased their merchandise. I was shocked. Even though the aunties cut the queue, they did not even feel apologetic about it, which made the crowd more furious. A auntie should have gotten a printer if not for the two aunties, stomped out of the queue and lumbered toward them like an angry bear, just as the auntie were about to enter the shop together. As they were entering the shop, the "bear" held both aunties back with her immense strength. They spun around, wondering who their " attacker" was. The "bear" stared at them as if daggers were coming out from it to stab them. Although they squirmed a bit from the stare, but managed to put on a bold front, with their head held up, not wanting to admit their mistakes. The onlookers knew a deadly brawl between the two forces was brewing soon.
We, Singaporeans, being busybodies rushed into the shop, wanting to join the commotion. Without any notice, the "bear" made the first deadly move; she swiftly held the aunties by their collars and screamed into their ears about how inconsiderate and unfair they were. But both aunties did not bother listening to her and even said that the “bear” was “kiasu”, stupid and fat. The “bear” was so shock about the comment about her that she momentarily released the aunties from their “demise”. Using this opportunity, both aunties pushed the heavy “bear” out of the way to continue their shopping, but the push was a little too powerful that the “bear” could not keep her balanced that she crashed onto the “priceless” printers. The two aunties laughed at the sight, while the crowd were astound or disappointed that the printers were gone by the sheer weight. Recovered from the pushed, she stood up and pointed a finger at the two aunties, indicating the “you are dead” sign.
Suddenly, the two aunties made a racist remark of the “bear” about how her race was all fat and ugly. Everyone was confounded with those racist remarks. The crowd grew more and more unsettled and the atmosphere changed from excited from the purchase of printers to nervous from the argument. Although in Singapore, racist remarks were not prohibited but were dangerous as they incite people’s feelings and caused problems. To defend herself and her race, the “bear” also made racist remarks of the other two aunties. As they continued with their argument, they grew bolder and bolder with the words; they started clenching their fist, ready for a brawl.
Seeing this, the sales manager who was on looking at the corner decided to step in and break up the fight, while the other sales men held the aunties back to prevent further fights. As the sales manager warned them that how racist remarks could hurt and incite feeling, they stared at each other not wanting to admit they were wrong. When the sales manager requested them to compensate for the damages, they started shouting that they were not at fault and it was the other aunties’ fault, not theirs. They struggled with the sales men who held them back, trying to break free and beat up the opposite party. Seeing the aunties not wanting to admit their mistakes, the crowd booed. With so many people looking at them doing something wrong, even the thickest skin person would feel embarrassed. The aunties looked around at the numerous people booing at them and hung their heads in shame. They had regretted their actions. They decided to spilt the compensation into three, before making off swiftly as they did not want to lose any more of their pride.
Although I did not buy any printers that day, I was able to learn that this Singaporean identity can be ugly as evidenced by the incident described above. But for this, Singaporeans are lovely people and all foreigners would say “ Yeah!”
-----------------------------------------END-----------------------------------------
Picture - Setting
Setting: Twilight ( Sharks usually come out at that time to hunt )
United States( Great Whites are more common in there than other countries )
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Telephone Conversation
The following is the poem,"Telephone Conversation":
TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Wole Soyinka
The price seemed reasonable, location
Indifferent. The landlady swore she lived
Off premises. Nothing remained
But self-confession. 'Madam,' I warned,
'I hate a wasted journey - I am African.'
Silence. Silenced transmission of
Pressurized good-breeding. Voice, when it came,
Lipstick coated, long gold-rolled
Cigarette-holder pipped. Caught I was, foully.
'HOW DARK?' . . . I had not misheard. . . . 'ARE YOU LIGHT
OR VERY DARK?' Button B. Button A. Stench
Of rancid breath of public hide-and-speak.
Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered
Omnibus squelching tar. It was real! Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
Considerate she was, varying the emphasis -
'ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?' Revelation came.
'You mean - like plain or milk chocolate?'
Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light
Impersonality. Rapidly, wave-length adjusted,
I chose. 'West African sepia' - and as afterthought,
'Down in my passport.' Silence for spectroscopic
Flight of fancy, till truthfulness clanged her accent
Hard on the mouthpiece. 'WHAT'S THAT?' conceding
'DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS.' 'Like brunette.'
'THAT'S DARK, ISN'T IT?' 'Not altogether.
Facially, I am brunette, but madam, you should see
The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my feet
Are a peroxide blonde. Friction, caused -
Foolishly madam - by sitting down, has turned
My bottom raven black - One moment madam!' - sensing
Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap
About my ears - 'Madam,' I pleaded, 'wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?'
Q1. This poem is full of colours not just that of skin, what do you think these colours signify?
In line 10, the landlady ask the persona, who was an African American if he was dark and light because she was afraid that a African American was seen in the house. In the past, African American were resented and hated by the white because the Whites thought that they were poor and weak. Also, when a white let a African American stayed in their house, it meant that they were poor and weak and were often teased. This cause the landlady to ask if the persona was light or dark as a white may come from Africa. Or she might be able to disguise the persona as a white if he was light compared to his race. In line 13,the poet uses the word "red" three times, which are "Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered". This was used to express the persona's anger and resentment to the land lay who was insulting his race, the African American, because she thought that the African American are of lesser race, which was false. In other words, from line 10 to line 17, the persona felt insulted by the landlady as he knew that the African American were not weak and poor brutes that everyone knew.
Q2. What does the dialogue in this poem reveal about these two characters?
The dialogue in this poem shows that the landlady was rich but dislike the African American as she feel that they were poor, weak and lazy, which meant that the persona was of a lesser race. She also felt that the persona and his race were not smart and witty, but the poem revealed that the persona was in fact witty and as able to outsmart her, causing her to shrink in shame and fear. And most importantly, he was able to defend himself from the insulting comment of the landlady.
Q3. Who wins in the end?
In the end, the persona won as he was able to use his wits to show the landlady who was boss and that his race was not to be discriminated by others as they were in fact witty and equal to the whites.
TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Wole Soyinka
The price seemed reasonable, location
Indifferent. The landlady swore she lived
Off premises. Nothing remained
But self-confession. 'Madam,' I warned,
'I hate a wasted journey - I am African.'
Silence. Silenced transmission of
Pressurized good-breeding. Voice, when it came,
Lipstick coated, long gold-rolled
Cigarette-holder pipped. Caught I was, foully.
'HOW DARK?' . . . I had not misheard. . . . 'ARE YOU LIGHT
OR VERY DARK?' Button B. Button A. Stench
Of rancid breath of public hide-and-speak.
Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered
Omnibus squelching tar. It was real! Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
Considerate she was, varying the emphasis -
'ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?' Revelation came.
'You mean - like plain or milk chocolate?'
Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light
Impersonality. Rapidly, wave-length adjusted,
I chose. 'West African sepia' - and as afterthought,
'Down in my passport.' Silence for spectroscopic
Flight of fancy, till truthfulness clanged her accent
Hard on the mouthpiece. 'WHAT'S THAT?' conceding
'DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS.' 'Like brunette.'
'THAT'S DARK, ISN'T IT?' 'Not altogether.
Facially, I am brunette, but madam, you should see
The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my feet
Are a peroxide blonde. Friction, caused -
Foolishly madam - by sitting down, has turned
My bottom raven black - One moment madam!' - sensing
Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap
About my ears - 'Madam,' I pleaded, 'wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?'
Q1. This poem is full of colours not just that of skin, what do you think these colours signify?
In line 10, the landlady ask the persona, who was an African American if he was dark and light because she was afraid that a African American was seen in the house. In the past, African American were resented and hated by the white because the Whites thought that they were poor and weak. Also, when a white let a African American stayed in their house, it meant that they were poor and weak and were often teased. This cause the landlady to ask if the persona was light or dark as a white may come from Africa. Or she might be able to disguise the persona as a white if he was light compared to his race. In line 13,the poet uses the word "red" three times, which are "Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered". This was used to express the persona's anger and resentment to the land lay who was insulting his race, the African American, because she thought that the African American are of lesser race, which was false. In other words, from line 10 to line 17, the persona felt insulted by the landlady as he knew that the African American were not weak and poor brutes that everyone knew.
Q2. What does the dialogue in this poem reveal about these two characters?
The dialogue in this poem shows that the landlady was rich but dislike the African American as she feel that they were poor, weak and lazy, which meant that the persona was of a lesser race. She also felt that the persona and his race were not smart and witty, but the poem revealed that the persona was in fact witty and as able to outsmart her, causing her to shrink in shame and fear. And most importantly, he was able to defend himself from the insulting comment of the landlady.
Q3. Who wins in the end?
In the end, the persona won as he was able to use his wits to show the landlady who was boss and that his race was not to be discriminated by others as they were in fact witty and equal to the whites.
Friday, February 11, 2011
LA story by Me!!!
Dear readers, this blog post is devoted to my LA assignment: "becoming an identity". The essay in the post must be related to the main character being a Singaporean or must be set in Singapore. Although my story is lousy and rubbish, please comment on it.
The story starts like this:
Before tourists come to Singapore, they would ask their friends and family members who had came to Singapore, how well the people of Singapore are and what landmarks are there in Singapore. So, they would reply that Singapore are full of landmarks
and it is a evergreen city, but about its people, there was not much positive comments. Also, they called Singapore " kiasu" and stingy because of some black sheep in our society. But for me, I think that Singaporeans are mostly gracious people, high standard and well-mannered people. Although Singaporeans "Obasan" might be a little kiasu as they love minding other people's business, bargaining and gossiping, but I still feel that they are actually peace-lovers and do not want anything to disrupt their daily lives and would try their best to prevent that from happening . At first, I too like the tourists did not believe that, but ever since I came face to face with a situation that to change my mind, I began to believe it. If you are like my younger self, perhaps this story might enlighten you. It starts like this...
It was a hot Saturday morning, the sun was so bright and hot that whenever I tried looking up, I was so taken back by the sun's heat and brightness that I instinctively closed my eyes. On that dreadful day, I was forced by my mother to do her shopping at the wet market as she had a lot of housework to do. " why did I even agree to do this" I grimaced as perspiration ran down my neck. Despite my complaining and groaning, I soon reached the wet market. It was my first time buying groceries alone, hence I was a little nervous, but luckily for me, my mother had told me
where all the stores were located beforehand.
It was a typical scene in the wet market. It was very wet as always, hence its name. There was also a fishy smell in the wet market which had lingered in the market for a long time. At every shops, there were lots of aunties crowding around th shop owner, trying to bargain for a lower price and some people fighting over a certain product such as fish, chicken etc. Swiftly, I went on with my shopping and I wanted to get away from this terrible from this terrible horrible stench of dead fishes, which always send goosebumps all over me.
Just as I was shopping at my last stop, I heard a terrible, blood curling scream. Curious, I quickly bought what I came for and went to see what the commotion was about. Using my sense of hearing, i managed to efficiently, tracked down where this ear-piercing came from. I squeezed through the crowd and found out that two aunties were quarreling on who should be the one taking home to the last basket of vegetables that was both in their grips. One said that that she took it first, while the other said it was not true. Each of them were holding on to one side of the basket, tugging towards themselves just like the tug of war. After a few minute of tug of war, the basket gave way and all the the vegetables spew on the floor. The two aunties look astound and the shop owner said," my vegetables! You two are going to pay for what you have done!" The two aunties looked at each other and pointed fingers at each other and began to continue their yelling and quarreling. Suddenly, one of the auntie made a racist comment about the other auntie. Everyone was shocked that she had made a racist comment as it is prohibited in Singapore. Soon after, the whole market was filled with racist comments as the other auntie wanted to get revenge on the other one. As they grew bolder with their words by the minute, they started clenching their fist, ready for a brawl.
"Oh my god", I muttered under my breath. From the start, I knew that everyone present would not step in as they would not like to get involve in the fight as they would just like to watching this exciting show. Just as they were about to pull out each others hair, lots of Singaporean stepped in to prevent the fight, some of them held an arm of the two furious aunties, while a man started lecturing and warning them that saying a racist comments were prohibited in Singapore and you could get fined from it. He also told them that if we wanted Singapore to be peaceful, we must never fight and instead help and understand others. Upon hearing this, the two aunties hung their head in shame after listening to the man. In the end, both of them decided to equally pay for the vegetables.
So, after the incident, I learned that Singaporeans are not also unhelpful and stingy, instead, they are kind and understanding and love peace in their society.
--- THE END---
The story starts like this:
Before tourists come to Singapore, they would ask their friends and family members who had came to Singapore, how well the people of Singapore are and what landmarks are there in Singapore. So, they would reply that Singapore are full of landmarks
and it is a evergreen city, but about its people, there was not much positive comments. Also, they called Singapore " kiasu" and stingy because of some black sheep in our society. But for me, I think that Singaporeans are mostly gracious people, high standard and well-mannered people. Although Singaporeans "Obasan" might be a little kiasu as they love minding other people's business, bargaining and gossiping, but I still feel that they are actually peace-lovers and do not want anything to disrupt their daily lives and would try their best to prevent that from happening . At first, I too like the tourists did not believe that, but ever since I came face to face with a situation that to change my mind, I began to believe it. If you are like my younger self, perhaps this story might enlighten you. It starts like this...
It was a hot Saturday morning, the sun was so bright and hot that whenever I tried looking up, I was so taken back by the sun's heat and brightness that I instinctively closed my eyes. On that dreadful day, I was forced by my mother to do her shopping at the wet market as she had a lot of housework to do. " why did I even agree to do this" I grimaced as perspiration ran down my neck. Despite my complaining and groaning, I soon reached the wet market. It was my first time buying groceries alone, hence I was a little nervous, but luckily for me, my mother had told me
where all the stores were located beforehand.
It was a typical scene in the wet market. It was very wet as always, hence its name. There was also a fishy smell in the wet market which had lingered in the market for a long time. At every shops, there were lots of aunties crowding around th shop owner, trying to bargain for a lower price and some people fighting over a certain product such as fish, chicken etc. Swiftly, I went on with my shopping and I wanted to get away from this terrible from this terrible horrible stench of dead fishes, which always send goosebumps all over me.
Just as I was shopping at my last stop, I heard a terrible, blood curling scream. Curious, I quickly bought what I came for and went to see what the commotion was about. Using my sense of hearing, i managed to efficiently, tracked down where this ear-piercing came from. I squeezed through the crowd and found out that two aunties were quarreling on who should be the one taking home to the last basket of vegetables that was both in their grips. One said that that she took it first, while the other said it was not true. Each of them were holding on to one side of the basket, tugging towards themselves just like the tug of war. After a few minute of tug of war, the basket gave way and all the the vegetables spew on the floor. The two aunties look astound and the shop owner said," my vegetables! You two are going to pay for what you have done!" The two aunties looked at each other and pointed fingers at each other and began to continue their yelling and quarreling. Suddenly, one of the auntie made a racist comment about the other auntie. Everyone was shocked that she had made a racist comment as it is prohibited in Singapore. Soon after, the whole market was filled with racist comments as the other auntie wanted to get revenge on the other one. As they grew bolder with their words by the minute, they started clenching their fist, ready for a brawl.
"Oh my god", I muttered under my breath. From the start, I knew that everyone present would not step in as they would not like to get involve in the fight as they would just like to watching this exciting show. Just as they were about to pull out each others hair, lots of Singaporean stepped in to prevent the fight, some of them held an arm of the two furious aunties, while a man started lecturing and warning them that saying a racist comments were prohibited in Singapore and you could get fined from it. He also told them that if we wanted Singapore to be peaceful, we must never fight and instead help and understand others. Upon hearing this, the two aunties hung their head in shame after listening to the man. In the end, both of them decided to equally pay for the vegetables.
So, after the incident, I learned that Singaporeans are not also unhelpful and stingy, instead, they are kind and understanding and love peace in their society.
--- THE END---
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My comic strip of the Great White Shark
Why did you choose the different pictures or background(s)?
I did it to show off the speed and brawn of the Great White Shark. It creates a image of how the Great White Shark is in fact a dangerous, ferocious, but cool animal.
How do they contribute to the elements (plot, setting, characterization) of your narrative?
In the first picture, it show a shark breaching in other words jumping to the air during sunset. It is used to signify the Great White Sharks' speed and brawn and how it catches its prey with ease and beauty.
In the second one, the picture shows a Great White Shark swimming behind a guy in a canoe( people like Bram and Qiyuan will kill me when they see it ). This is used to emphasize on how big a Great White Shark can grow to and how fast it can swim. Imagine yourself like the guy in picture paddling for your life but no avail. It is also to show how it is the emperor of the seas as everyone is afraid of it.
In the third picture, it is very similar to the first one, but for this it is in broad daylight. It is used more to show the speed and power of this species of sharks as when it is about to breach a lot of splashes surrounded the body of it.
In th last picture (which is my favorite), shows the full terror of the shark, showing the full set of teeth of the shark. It tells the readers how dangerous this shark is and with one bite, you are gone!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
How Was Oceans Formed
Firstly, the Earth is the only planet in the solar system that has enough oxygen and water to support life, but it was not like that at first, in actual fact, it was the opposite. Earth did not have an atmosphere or oxygen. Only helium and nitrogen were present. When Earth was first formed, it was hit by a continuous stream of rocks from space. These rocks collided with Earth and as a result, immense heat was generated from these collisions, causing the rocks to melt. At this moment, radioactive elements on the Earth also released a lot of heat, causing heavier elements such as iron and nickel to sink deep into the centre of the Earth to form its core. The layer surrounding the core is the mantle, which is in a partially molten state. About 4 billion years ago, the Earth's surface cooled and solidified to form the topmost layer, which is called the crust. The crust was broken down into several rock fragments, called tectonic plates that float on the mantle. These plate moved past each other causing them to collide and causing friction. This built up pressure under the crust, which led to volcanic eruptions that caused cracks on the Earth's surface.
When this happens, Gases, such as hydrogen, nitrogen and water vapour burst through the cracks in the crust. These constant slowly led to the formation of the atmosphere. When the water vapour condensed to form clouds that enveloped the Earth and eventually brought rain. However, the Earth's surface was so hot that the rainwater evaporated immediately. As the rains continued, the Earth began to cool and the volcanic activity decreased. Water poured down for thousands of years to fill up the huge pits and form the oceans. The rain also formed smaller bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. At high attitude, the water froze and fell as snow. the snow melted and flowed down the mountain as streams and rivers.
Forms Of Discriminations
Firstly, I posted this post for my LA( language art ) homework, which is needed to be posted on my blog. On this post, I would be writing about the many forms of discrimination that my class discuss during lesson.
These discrimination are in the following:
1) Based on ancestry
2) Based on race
3) Based on gender
4) Based on education
5) Based on sex
6) Reverse discrimination
7) Based on disability
8) Based on sexual orientation
9) Based on employment
10) Based on age
11) Based on appearance
12) Based on intelligence
13) Based on perception
14) Based on medical problems
15) Based on nationality
16) Based on marital status
17) Based on economic
18) Based on background
19) Based on economic status
20) Based on genes based on political affiliation
21) Based on brand
22) Based on religion
Groups:
Employment can be based on the - nationality,sex,disability,marital status,religion,education,appearance,age,background,race and ancestry
Education can be based on - intelligence, background and perception
These discrimination are in the following:
1) Based on ancestry
2) Based on race
3) Based on gender
4) Based on education
5) Based on sex
6) Reverse discrimination
7) Based on disability
8) Based on sexual orientation
9) Based on employment
10) Based on age
11) Based on appearance
12) Based on intelligence
13) Based on perception
14) Based on medical problems
15) Based on nationality
16) Based on marital status
17) Based on economic
18) Based on background
19) Based on economic status
20) Based on genes based on political affiliation
21) Based on brand
22) Based on religion
Groups:
Employment can be based on the - nationality,sex,disability,marital status,religion,education,appearance,age,background,race and ancestry
Education can be based on - intelligence, background and perception
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The importance of setting of a story worksheet
Q1. Where has each of the above story stories been set?
In the story " The Real Durwan" by Jhumpa, the setting of the story is under the stairwell in India, but in the story " The adventure of the sparkled band" by Sir Arthur Conna Doyle, the setting of the story is in Sherlock Holmes's house, which is in England. In the third story, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, is within the rich in the English society in the 19th century in England too.
Q2. What time period has each of these stories been set in?
The first story is set in the 1950s, the second in 19th century while the third is in olden English days,which are also set in the 19th century. All these stories are set in the past.
Q3. What clues do you get from the setting about the kind of story it is going to turn out to be?
" The Real Durwan " by Jhumpa:
I feel that the woman under the stairwell would reunite with her family members as she was separated with her family after the partition. Like any woman, she would try her best to reunite with her family. In the story, I think she might be trying to earn some money before going back as she need the money for transport.
" The adventure of the sparkled band" by Sir Arthur Conna Doyle:
For this story, I think that Sherlock Holmes with his friend, Watson would solve this case very unusually as what Watson had said, Sherlock Holmes only takes up unusual cases. Since it is a unusual case, a unusual method is most likely used to solve it.
In the story " The Real Durwan" by Jhumpa, the setting of the story is under the stairwell in India, but in the story " The adventure of the sparkled band" by Sir Arthur Conna Doyle, the setting of the story is in Sherlock Holmes's house, which is in England. In the third story, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, is within the rich in the English society in the 19th century in England too.
Q2. What time period has each of these stories been set in?
The first story is set in the 1950s, the second in 19th century while the third is in olden English days,which are also set in the 19th century. All these stories are set in the past.
Q3. What clues do you get from the setting about the kind of story it is going to turn out to be?
" The Real Durwan " by Jhumpa:
I feel that the woman under the stairwell would reunite with her family members as she was separated with her family after the partition. Like any woman, she would try her best to reunite with her family. In the story, I think she might be trying to earn some money before going back as she need the money for transport.
" The adventure of the sparkled band" by Sir Arthur Conna Doyle:
For this story, I think that Sherlock Holmes with his friend, Watson would solve this case very unusually as what Watson had said, Sherlock Holmes only takes up unusual cases. Since it is a unusual case, a unusual method is most likely used to solve it.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Intro on the Megalodon
The Megalodon or Carcharocles Megalodon, a sea creature that had strike fear in many other creatures many million years ago. The Megalodon was the apex predator of its time which meant that the Megalodon was at the top of the food chain and did not have predators of its own. Its was likely the largest and most powerful macro-predatory fish that ever lived. Fossil remains of C. megalodon indicate that it may have approached a maximum of around 20.3 metres (67 ft) in total length. That is bigger than a bus!!! Scientists suggest that C. megalodon looked like a stockier version of the great white shark. Like all sharks, the megalodon skeleton was formed of cartilage rather than bone; this results in mostly poorly preserved fossil specimens, causing scientists to not exactly know what it looked like. The most common fossils of Megalodon are its teeth, which are very similar to the teeth of the great white shark, but the Megalodon had more robust teeth. Shockingly, the Megalodon's teeth can grow up to 7.1 inches long and are the largest among all the species of sharks. This shows that the Megalodon is gigantic. In 2008, a team of scientists conducted an experiment to determine the bite force of Megalodon. The results shows that it had one of the most powerful bites in history. Even at 15m long ( not its maximum length ), it was able to exert a force of 108,514 newtons or 24,000 pound-force. A person would be crushed into nothing by this sheer weight, imagine yourself being crushed under this weight. But when the Megalodon is at its maximum length, it could exerted a bite force estimated at 182,201 newtons (N)[23] or 41,000 pound-force. Megalodon's bite force, at maximum estimated size, is over 10 times greater than that of the great white shark and 5 times greater than that of T. rex.
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