Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Blog Prompt 4 Letter by Sec 4 Student
1) To what extent do you agree with the issues that the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention.
Ans: To a large extent, i agree with the student. Most of the subjects in school stifle creativity. Most of them require memorizing information and memorizing how to apply them. Not that it is bad, but i feel that there are not enough subjects to promote creativity and questioning. For example, the subject Art, promotes creativity but there is very little emphasis on it, so no one gives it priority. All the subjects tested in exams like Maths, Science, English, History, Geography, all these are 'memorizing' subjects, with the exception of the language subjects. They do not promote creativity and questioning, and only require one the memorize the facts and application. I feel that she has raised a valid point in our education system, and that is "do we do enough in our education to instill creativity and inquisitiveness in our students?"
2) Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?
Ans: I do not think that the tone used is appropriate. Her tone is as if she was the minister's superior, as if she had the right to tell the minister off. After all, she is talking to the minister. Even if the minister was wrong, one has to put across in a polite manner. Her letter was correct grammatically, but the tone used in it was not.
3)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.
Ans:I would raise the fact that not all the subjects we learn is applicable in real life and that we should learn skills that really help us to be successful is life. I would also raise the fact that teachers should not judge their students just based on their marks and reduce the importance of test marks
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Blog Prompt 3: Money in Matrimony
In your opinion, is money important in a relationship? Consider the 'transactional' element observed in the relationships between the couples. Do you think there is an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities? Provide examples for your responses.
In my opinion, i feel that money is important in a relationship to a certain extent, although the true nature of marriage is love. Now, there is more focus on the 'love' factor between couples instead of the 'money' factor of the couple. In the past though, there was more focus in the 'money' factor of any potential spouse. In "Merchant Of Venice", Bassanio borrows money from Antonio to court Portia, to cover his expenses to Belmont as well as to impress her into marrying him, although later they both expressed that their "love at first sight". However, there have been cases of true found in Lorenzo and Jessica, although Jessica devises a cunning plot to "make fast the doors and gild myself with some more ducats, and be with you straight", showing how money can buy happiness to a certain extent.
Now, there are still people who marry out of money. These people are like parasites; they get attached to a 'host' and start taking the money, without giving them anything in return. In my opinion, that is not the way for any marriage. Marriage is a union of not only personal wealth, but also of hearts and minds. The warmth felt through mutual love for each other cannot be bought with money. However, money is still needed to live a comfortable life and to provide for one's basic needs. I feel that there isn't an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities. Rather, i feel that now is the opposite, with love and other qualities taking priority over personal wealth. Still, now all marriages try to strike a balance between the two- they look for a mate whom they understand, appreciate, and admire, but also wish to be secure and comfortable financially so that they can enjoy their marriage more.
Now, there are still people who marry out of money. These people are like parasites; they get attached to a 'host' and start taking the money, without giving them anything in return. In my opinion, that is not the way for any marriage. Marriage is a union of not only personal wealth, but also of hearts and minds. The warmth felt through mutual love for each other cannot be bought with money. However, money is still needed to live a comfortable life and to provide for one's basic needs. I feel that there isn't an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities. Rather, i feel that now is the opposite, with love and other qualities taking priority over personal wealth. Still, now all marriages try to strike a balance between the two- they look for a mate whom they understand, appreciate, and admire, but also wish to be secure and comfortable financially so that they can enjoy their marriage more.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Blog Prompt 2: How has war evolved from the past to the present?
For centuries, Man has always tried to take what He wanted through force. Be it using stone clubs and spears in the Stone Age, to using guns and tanks now, there is always the same pattern, repeated over the eons, just changed in the forms they take. The pattern if war is the same - senseless killing, and the ruin or weakening of all involved. During any war, it just shows that Man is letting his heart rule his mind, labeling massacres and bloodshed with honor and valour, backing them with causes he deems "worthwhile", fueling the ever burning furnace of war and hatred.
As the years pass, Man has become cleverer but not wiser. They make better and more destructive and effective weapons, instead of trying to put out the same ever burning furnace of war and hatred handed down by their ancestors so many eons ago. One does not see Man trying to end the cycle of war and hatred. One only sees how the first men fought with primitive spears of wood and sharp stone, clubs of stone and wood. And following that, swords and spears, forged from the very elements of the Earth, their potential for destruction higher than ever. Human ingenuity has followed up by spawning various weapons such as the cannon, developed with the discovery of gunpowder, and the chariot, pulled by beasts tamed by man for the sole purpose of war. And as the modern age approached, Man's furnace of hatred and war burned fiercer than ever before. Man's once ornate armour of bronze was transformed to camouflage uniforms of Kevlar, their steel arrows were replaced by pellets of lead and tin, not to mention heat-seeking missiles of mass destruction. The once proud steeds and mounts of war were transformed into machines with pelts of titanium and steel, shooting fire and death.
The destructive potential of these weapons and hence the burning furnace constantly increases as mankind adds its emerging technology to its already large arsenal of weapons to further boost its capacity for destruction and ruin. The advancement of technology has accelerated the destructiveness of human modern warfare to unacceptable and irrational levels, all the while causing the flames of War and Hatred to burn and destroy the lives of countless.
As the years pass, Man has become cleverer but not wiser. They make better and more destructive and effective weapons, instead of trying to put out the same ever burning furnace of war and hatred handed down by their ancestors so many eons ago. One does not see Man trying to end the cycle of war and hatred. One only sees how the first men fought with primitive spears of wood and sharp stone, clubs of stone and wood. And following that, swords and spears, forged from the very elements of the Earth, their potential for destruction higher than ever. Human ingenuity has followed up by spawning various weapons such as the cannon, developed with the discovery of gunpowder, and the chariot, pulled by beasts tamed by man for the sole purpose of war. And as the modern age approached, Man's furnace of hatred and war burned fiercer than ever before. Man's once ornate armour of bronze was transformed to camouflage uniforms of Kevlar, their steel arrows were replaced by pellets of lead and tin, not to mention heat-seeking missiles of mass destruction. The once proud steeds and mounts of war were transformed into machines with pelts of titanium and steel, shooting fire and death.
The destructive potential of these weapons and hence the burning furnace constantly increases as mankind adds its emerging technology to its already large arsenal of weapons to further boost its capacity for destruction and ruin. The advancement of technology has accelerated the destructiveness of human modern warfare to unacceptable and irrational levels, all the while causing the flames of War and Hatred to burn and destroy the lives of countless.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Soldier - Rupert Brooke reflection (Blog Prompt 1)
1)Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is this important?
Ans: As Singapore is a country with a small population, Singapore cannot afford to maintain a large standing army. Therefore the solution would be to train every male in the population and call upon them to form our army during times of war. Having our own defence is important as Singapore is an independent country, and we cannot rely on others to defend us.
2)Do you have the same spirit of patriotism as the soldier in the poem towards Singapore? Why?
Ans:Yes. Singapore is my mother country, where i was raised and shaped into what i am now. Therefore, in Singapore's time of need, i am obliged to return to the country what the country has given me. It would be ungrateful of me if i were to abandon my country when she needs my help most.
3)Do you consider yourself as a patriot to your country?
Ans:No, i do not consider myself as a patriot to my country. I still do not have such a strong bond with my country that i would do anything for it. I would still think of myself first, then my country. However, there may come a time when a really strong bond is forged between my country and i, and i would do anything for it.
Ans: As Singapore is a country with a small population, Singapore cannot afford to maintain a large standing army. Therefore the solution would be to train every male in the population and call upon them to form our army during times of war. Having our own defence is important as Singapore is an independent country, and we cannot rely on others to defend us.
2)Do you have the same spirit of patriotism as the soldier in the poem towards Singapore? Why?
Ans:Yes. Singapore is my mother country, where i was raised and shaped into what i am now. Therefore, in Singapore's time of need, i am obliged to return to the country what the country has given me. It would be ungrateful of me if i were to abandon my country when she needs my help most.
3)Do you consider yourself as a patriot to your country?
Ans:No, i do not consider myself as a patriot to my country. I still do not have such a strong bond with my country that i would do anything for it. I would still think of myself first, then my country. However, there may come a time when a really strong bond is forged between my country and i, and i would do anything for it.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Book Review 2 - The 6 Sacred Stones by Mathew Reilly
Over the holidays, i read this book, The 6 Sacred Stones by Mathew Reilly. It is actually a sequel to another of Reilly's books, The 7 Ancient Wonders. The 6 Sacred Stones is about an ex-soldier Jack West Jr., his team of ex-commandos, the brilliant scientist Wizard and Jack's adopted daughter Lily racing through the world trying to prevent the end of the world. The end of the world comes in the form of a "dark sun", giving out deadly "zero-point energy" which will destroy all life on Earth. Jack learns of a mysterious "Machine" built by an ancient civilization that can repel the deadly energy given out by the dark sun. However, the rebuilding of the machine requires 6 keys, in the form of 6 oblong diamond bricks, also called "pillars", to be put in their respective locations all around the world, called vertex. There are also complications. For each "pillar" put in place, a fantastic reward will be given to the one that put it in. The rewards are: Knowledge, Heat, Sight, Life, Death, and Power. These rewards have caused Jack and his team to go against America and China, both who want the rewards themselves. There is also the Japanese, who want the world destroyed to regain their honour, the British royal family, and many others. It is a race against time, as the pillars must be put in their respective vertexes at a very specific time. The laying of the pillars are spread out over 3 months, and ends on the extremely rare Dual Equinox: when both our Sun and its twin, the Dark Sun, will be shining on the sixth Vertex. Thus the team set out, against all odds, to lay the pillars and stop the other countries from using the rewards themselves.
This book is a must-read for all. The book is fast paced that it feels like a never-ending roller coaster; the reader is taken to the magical world opf Jack West and feels like he is actually there seeing it with his own eyes. The ending, which i will not spoil the surprise for you, was EXHAUSTING. It ended with such a good cliffhanger that i could not help but thinking about it all the time; what will happen next? How will he survive this? can he even survive this? These are some of the questions that went through my head after reading the book. The book is like an Indiana Jones type of book. Most of the history there is accurate, and the made-up-history in the book is so well disguised that you would even believe everything in the book! There are so many action scenes and each time, I think "there is NO WAY Reilly can top that one!" However, surprise, surprise, the next action scene, it would be even better! For those who of you want to read Mathew Reilly books, i can sum them ALL up in two words: PURE ADRENALINE.
This book is a must-read for all. The book is fast paced that it feels like a never-ending roller coaster; the reader is taken to the magical world opf Jack West and feels like he is actually there seeing it with his own eyes. The ending, which i will not spoil the surprise for you, was EXHAUSTING. It ended with such a good cliffhanger that i could not help but thinking about it all the time; what will happen next? How will he survive this? can he even survive this? These are some of the questions that went through my head after reading the book. The book is like an Indiana Jones type of book. Most of the history there is accurate, and the made-up-history in the book is so well disguised that you would even believe everything in the book! There are so many action scenes and each time, I think "there is NO WAY Reilly can top that one!" However, surprise, surprise, the next action scene, it would be even better! For those who of you want to read Mathew Reilly books, i can sum them ALL up in two words: PURE ADRENALINE.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Book Review - Eragon by Christopher Paolini
I recently read this book, Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It is about a farm boy, Eragon, who finds a polished blue stone while hunting in the forest. Eragon thinks that this stone will be able to buy his family some meat during the harsh winter. However, all this is dashed when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, and Eragon realizes that he has stumbled upon a legacy even older than the Empire itself. Immediately, Eragon's simple life is shattered as he is thrust into a dangerous new world of destiny, magic, and power. He meets many people in his journey and soon has to make a critical decision, a decision that can alter the fate of the Empire and the land forever......
My favourite character in the story is Angela, a herbalist that Eragon meets in the city on Terim. She is my favourite character because she is very witty and her use of verbal trickery often leaves everyone stunned and speechless in her wake. For example, when Eragon was finding the house of a friend, he asked her is she could tell him which house it was. Angela said yes and continued with her business. Then Eragon asked her if she would tell him. Again she said yes and ignored. She then told Eragon that he hasn't actually asked her the question, and only asked if she could and would. This kind of thinking is very novel and always puts a smile on my face when i see Angela outwit others in this manner.
The Eragon series, consisting of 3 books with a fourth one coming soon, is by far my favourite book series of all time. The way it is written, the way the plot is developed, cannot be described. It brings me to the magical world of Eragon and always keeps me there, wanting to know what will happen next. I am now eagerly awaiting the fourth book, where the series will finally end and all my questions answered.
To all that have not read this series, i sincerely recommend this to you. It is truly a magical read in every sense of the word.
My favourite character in the story is Angela, a herbalist that Eragon meets in the city on Terim. She is my favourite character because she is very witty and her use of verbal trickery often leaves everyone stunned and speechless in her wake. For example, when Eragon was finding the house of a friend, he asked her is she could tell him which house it was. Angela said yes and continued with her business. Then Eragon asked her if she would tell him. Again she said yes and ignored. She then told Eragon that he hasn't actually asked her the question, and only asked if she could and would. This kind of thinking is very novel and always puts a smile on my face when i see Angela outwit others in this manner.
The Eragon series, consisting of 3 books with a fourth one coming soon, is by far my favourite book series of all time. The way it is written, the way the plot is developed, cannot be described. It brings me to the magical world of Eragon and always keeps me there, wanting to know what will happen next. I am now eagerly awaiting the fourth book, where the series will finally end and all my questions answered.
To all that have not read this series, i sincerely recommend this to you. It is truly a magical read in every sense of the word.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
LA Home Learning - Task 1
The poem that i have chosen is Children In The Darkness by Henry M. Bechtold.
The poem was written in the year 2009, during Christmas in Henry's hotel room during his stay at Saigon. He was inspired to write this poem when he saw a photo of a young boy carrying a rifle going to war in the news.
In the poem, Henry M. Bechtold talks about children who are involved in the war. In the past 20 years, there have been millions of children that have been used in war or dragged into it by their parents. They are usually used as nurses and spies. Sometimes they are used as guards of resources, general camps, drumboys, and worst of all, infantries put at the front line to test for enemy land mines.
The poem was written in the year 2009, during Christmas in Henry's hotel room during his stay at Saigon. He was inspired to write this poem when he saw a photo of a young boy carrying a rifle going to war in the news.
In the poem, Henry M. Bechtold talks about children who are involved in the war. In the past 20 years, there have been millions of children that have been used in war or dragged into it by their parents. They are usually used as nurses and spies. Sometimes they are used as guards of resources, general camps, drumboys, and worst of all, infantries put at the front line to test for enemy land mines.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
War - A Living Hell
I sat in the boat, fearful for my life. The boat moving up and down, making me seasick, was not helping me either. I was scared for the coming battle. As we neared Omaha Beach, I started to hear the sounds of battle and hell. Artillery shells and gunshots everywhere. I heard the distinctive "ping! ping!" as the bullets hit our metal boat. This only served to intensify my fear. I thought of my family, and I feared that I would never return to them. My hands were shaking uncontrollably, the physical manifestation of my fear. Then, suddenly, I heard the whistle, and I saw the ramp lowered. Immediately, I saw my friends at the front of the boat fall amidst a cloud of red. My fear went up another notch. All of us who tried to charge forward were stopped in our tracks by the unknown gunners manning the turrets at the defensive position ahead of us. I saw people jumping off the boat into the water in a desperate bid to escape from the boat. I followed suit, plunging into the water.
In the water, the world became tranquil, albeit a tranquil, silent world with bullets diving into the water in every direction.I saw some more of my comrades stop moving in a spreading pool of red. I surfaced.
Out of the water, I felt that I had taken the boat to hell. there was fire and smoke everywhere, bullets flying, artillery shells driving into the ground, bringing up a crater-full of earth with each impact. I saw my comrades slowly and desperately moving across the beach, towards our turret wielding enemies. Seeing this, i thought "How am I going to survive this?" all around i saw each and every sign of destruction in Omaha Beach.
In the water, the world became tranquil, albeit a tranquil, silent world with bullets diving into the water in every direction.I saw some more of my comrades stop moving in a spreading pool of red. I surfaced.
Out of the water, I felt that I had taken the boat to hell. there was fire and smoke everywhere, bullets flying, artillery shells driving into the ground, bringing up a crater-full of earth with each impact. I saw my comrades slowly and desperately moving across the beach, towards our turret wielding enemies. Seeing this, i thought "How am I going to survive this?" all around i saw each and every sign of destruction in Omaha Beach.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
War- A Personal Response
I am describing the 8th photo, of the soldier taking cover behind a piece of sheet metal. The atmosphere is one of fear and anxiety. The fear and desperation that the soldier feels is very apparent in the war zone. He lies low on rubble behind a piece of metal covered with bullet holes, his fear and desperation apparent as he tries to hide from the bullet fire all around him. He looks around anxiously, clearly afraid of the enemy, and desperate to keep his life and return to his family. This photo invokes a sense of empathy with his fear and desperation, as he clearly looks scared desperate and it conveys that fear and desperation to the viewer. The viewer can really feel his fear and his feelings coming out from him.The message conveyed in this photo is the fear and desperation that war creates out of Man. Out of many other war photos, I find that this photo portrays and conveys the fear and desperation of a soldier in a war zone the best, as the soldier's feelings and emotions of fear and desperation are clearly expressed in the photo. The fact that the photo is black and white only accentuates the death, fear , and desperation that War creates.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
How To Make An Awesome BANANA SPLIT
I am now going to reveal the secret art of making the worlds' most famous and amazing dessert: the BANANA SPLIT. (so you guys will not create something that kills with contact and because I have to)
You will need:
1 Tasty radiation free Banana (Nothing from Japan)
3 Scoops of Melamine Free Ice-cream of any flavour that recipient likes (Nothing from China)
1 Bottle of preheated chocolate syrup that DOES NOT KILL (DO NOT heat the bottle)
1 Can of Melamine free Whipped Cream (No China Whipped Cream)
1 NON-LETHAL and GOOD LOOKING bowl that a banana can fit in (DO NOT steal from a posh restaurant)
AND...
Any amount of nuts that satisfy recipient (DO NOT TAKE A TRUCKLOAD; make sure it all fits in the bowl)
THE way to make it.....
1. Peel your Not From Japan Tasty Radiation Free Banana
2. Cut the Not From Japan Tasty Radiation Free Banana in half
3. Put the two pieces of Not From Japan Tasty Radiation Free Banana in the Not Stolen From A Posh Restaurant Non-Lethal and Good Looking Bowl That A Banana Can Fit In.
4. Put your Not From China Melamine Free Ice-cream in the Not Stolen From A Posh Restaurant Non-Lethal and Good Looking Bowl alongside the Tasty Radiation Free Banana pieces
5. Drizzle the bottle of Preheated chocolate syrup that does not kill all over the Banana and Ice cream.
6. Apply Melamine Free Whipped Cream and Nuts
7. Recipient may begin eating the now completed BANANA SPLIT.
LA onlne lesson -letter to Japan
Lim Residence,
Cardboard Box On The Street
Cardboard Box On The Street
Singapore 593847
30th March,2011
30th March,2011
Dear Mr. Jones,
I have read the story that you wrote about your unfortunate situation and your trying to escape the panic that has taken over the country. Therefore, I am writing to you to ease your worries.
I agree that many people are panicking unnecessarily and that the media is increasing that panic by reporting there is increasing panic in the country. I can sympathize with your feelings and emotions and i think that all the panic is really unnecessary and that the source of the hysteria is really the minds of the people in Tokyo, although it is really worrisome that the radiation will spread to Tokyo.
I understand that you feel as worried as the other people in Tokyo. But do not worry. Already the world is rallied to help Japan and has sent aid and resources. Japan has faced many disasters before and has always bounced back to resume life. This disaster should be no different. Soon, life will return to normal and the panic will subside.
As the saying goes "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." You are strong, not following the crowd and panicking all over the place. Do not let this disaster affect your spirit. You still have a family, and all of you are safe, and that is the most important thing. Please bounce back from the hysteria of Japan; I believe you can do it. This is just a small obstacle in life. Do not let it block you. Deal with it and move on, as strong men do. I believe in you and i am sure that many others do too!
May your spirit stay strong!!
Wei Yang
The Singaporean who is with you all the way in spirit
I have read the story that you wrote about your unfortunate situation and your trying to escape the panic that has taken over the country. Therefore, I am writing to you to ease your worries.
I agree that many people are panicking unnecessarily and that the media is increasing that panic by reporting there is increasing panic in the country. I can sympathize with your feelings and emotions and i think that all the panic is really unnecessary and that the source of the hysteria is really the minds of the people in Tokyo, although it is really worrisome that the radiation will spread to Tokyo.
I understand that you feel as worried as the other people in Tokyo. But do not worry. Already the world is rallied to help Japan and has sent aid and resources. Japan has faced many disasters before and has always bounced back to resume life. This disaster should be no different. Soon, life will return to normal and the panic will subside.
As the saying goes "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." You are strong, not following the crowd and panicking all over the place. Do not let this disaster affect your spirit. You still have a family, and all of you are safe, and that is the most important thing. Please bounce back from the hysteria of Japan; I believe you can do it. This is just a small obstacle in life. Do not let it block you. Deal with it and move on, as strong men do. I believe in you and i am sure that many others do too!
May your spirit stay strong!!
Wei Yang
The Singaporean who is with you all the way in spirit
Monday, February 28, 2011
Setting
"We're lost aren't we? Admit it!" The most annoying person in the world, my sister Zhi yi said. "No we're not" I replied, checking the map in my hand."We are at Tampinse Street 11. We are almost home." "Yeah, right. That sign would say different." I looked where she was pointing "Brooke Road" the sign said. My spirits plummeted. She was right, again. " I heard that there are a lot of gang fights in this area. " She said. Inwardly, I groaned. As if this day, or night could get any worse. Just as that thought formed in my mind, I saw 20 people dressed like gangsters across the street. If looks could kill, I would have dropped dead by now. One of them looked at me, smiled, and took out a chopper out of some hidden pocket........
Becoming Ver.2
5 p.m., 21st July 1964. That day would always be burned in my mind. It was a day of great sadness and also one of great transformation. I was 10 at that time, and I not only witnessed one of the bloodiest and worst riots in Singapore history, I was also dragged into it.
“HELP!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs as I ran past buildings on the deserted street. Close behind me were a gang of Malay men who have taken upon themselves to liberate the life of every Chinese they saw. They took one look at me, a harmless 10 year old boy, and gave chase immediately, with parangs in their hands. I took off like my life depended on it, which it did. As I dashed from street to street, running faster than I had ever done in my life, no doubt due to the insanely large amounts of adrenaline pumping through my body, I saw a house. It looked like somebody lived in there. Salvation! I sprinted towards the house, my attackers close behind me. As I reached the house, I started banging on the door. “Open the door!! Help!!” I pleaded to the Malay man on the other side of the door who I could not see. ”Help!! They are coming to kill me!!” 5 seconds passed. “Please…..Open the door” tears were pouring down my cheeks. I was at the doorstep but that man just would not open the door to help me! The Malays would be here any second…. I continued to plead. Around me, groups of Chinese and Malays were brutally slugging it out on the street. Another excruciatingly anxious 5 seconds. Just as the Malay gangsters turned the corner, the door flung open and a pair of strong arms reached out and grabbed me. When I saw the big, burly Malay man grab me, my first thought was that he was going to finish what the gangsters started, but then he said a gentle voice said “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me. It’s going to be fine” Through the window I saw the gangsters looking for something in the chaos outside, no doubt me. They saw the house where I was hiding, and their eyes narrowed, as though they had x-ray vision, and they saw me in that house, shivering in fear. After another excruciating 10 seconds, by chance they somehow saw the Malay man. They were surprised and immediately gave him an apologetic look and joined their ‘brothers’ in their war against the Chinese.
“Thank you sir, thank you for saving me” words could not express my gratitude towards the Malay family who risked all their lives to help me from the horrors of racism. I could only thank them profusely “These are dangerous times. Why don’t you lie low for a while until all this dies down?” The kind Malay man asked me. I thought about my parents, caught in the riot at its worst, and figured that they would want me safe from this, at least. Hence, I accepted.
The following 12 days were the most fear-filled ones of my life. The government had imposed a curfew after the first 3 days of rioting. As a result, everyone stocked up on food. This led to a food shortage. The owners of the provision shop took advantage of this, and increased their prices. Food prices shot up faster than a rocket. Many times the Malay family had to borrow food from the neighbors so that we would not starve. I lived in constant fear that the Malay rioters would discover me and kill me or worse.
The riot lasted about 12 days. 12 days of fear and hiding. During that time I vowed to help the community improve the peoples’ lives to the best of my ability. A few days after the riot, I chanced upon my parents looking for me everywhere. They had put up posters with my face just about everywhere. The joy then was immense, it equaled my gratitude towards the Malay family, whom I found out were the Azhar family. After thanking them again, I left them and we soon lost contact, but not before Mr. Azhar gave me a keychain with a bird hand carved in the Malay style. “For good luck” Mr. Azhar explained.
15 years later, I was a young man of 25. I had already set up my own business and was a millionaire, one of the youngest in Singapore. True to my vow so many years back, I donated much of my wealth on charity, improving the lives of many whom I don’t know but who know me. I received many community service awards for my contributions to society.
One day I was in Kampong Glam. I saw this frail Malay old man. This man looked familiar. I knew him, yet I didn’t. His face was a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar. I racked my brains, trying to place find a match in my memory, but to no avail. I know that I knew him, but I just could not remember him. As I was lost in thought thinking about who that old man was, I accidentally bumped into him. “Sorry” I apologized. Still lost in thought, I started to walked off. “Hey young man, “the old man called to me “you dropped your-hey is that the keychain I made?” I turned around. The old man was holding the keychain that I received from Mr. Azhar so many years ago! “Really?” I asked “then that means….” I trailed off. As I looked at the old man closely, I began to see a resemblance. I saw past the wrinkles, the white hair, and I saw Mr. Azhar, the man who saved me from a terrible fate and helped me in my time of need. I immediately greeted him, and soon we started chatting. I realized that he was in a bit of trouble financially. Apparently he got cheated by some conman who said that he would help him ‘invest’ his money. Mr. Azhar gave him a good bit of his money, and the man was never seen again. I remembered how Mr. Azhar helped me in my time of need, so I decided to return the favor. I gave him a cheque to tide him over the tough times and we exchanged contact numbers and addresses.
After finding the man who saved my life, I was determined that I would not lose contact with him again. He and I became good friends and this time, our relationship lasted.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Becoming Draft 1
5 p.m., 21st July 1964. That day would always be burned in my mind. It was a day of great sadness and also one of great transformation. I was 10 at that time, and I not only witnessed one of the bloodiest and worst riots in Singapore history, I was also dragged into it.
“HELP!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs as I ran buildings on the deserted street. Close behind me were a gang of Malay men who have taken upon themselves to liberate from life every Chinese they saw. They took one look at me, a harmless 10 year old boy, and gave chase immediately, with parangs in their hands. I took of like my life depended on it, which it did. As I dashed from street to street, running faster than I had ever done in my life, no doubt due to the insanely large amounts of adrenaline pumping through my body, I saw a house. Through the window I saw a Malay man looking right at me. Salvation! I sprinted towards the house, my attackers about 20 seconds behind me. As I reached the house, I started banging on the door. “Open the door!! Help!!” I pleaded to the Malay man on the other side of the door who I could not see. ”Help!! They are coming to kill me!!” 5 seconds gone. “Please…..Open the door” tears were pouring down my cheeks. I was at the doorstep but that man just would not open the door to help me! 10 seconds. I continued to plead. Around me, groups of Chinese and Malays were brutally slugging it out on the street. 15 seconds. Just as the Malay gangsters rounded the corner, the door flung open and a pair of strong arms reached out and grabbed me. At first I thought that man was going to finish the job for the gangsters, but then a gentle voice said “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me. It’s going to be fine” Through the window I saw the gangsters looking for something in the chaos outside, no doubt me. In the end they gave up their search and joined their ‘brothers’ in their war against the Chinese.
“Thank you sir, thank you for saving me” words could not express my gratitude towards the Malay family who risked all their lives to help me from the horrors of racism. I could only thank them profusely “These are dangerous times. Why don’t you lie low here for a while until all this dies down?” The kind Malay man asked me. I thought about my parents, caught in the riot at its worst, and figured that they would want me safe from this, at least. Hence, I accepted.
The following 12 days were the most fear-filled ones of my life. The government had imposed a curfew after the first 3 days of rioting. As a result, everyone stocked up on food. This led to a food shortage. The owners of the provision shop took advantage of this, and increased their prices. Food prices shot up faster than a rocket. Many times the Malay family had to borrow food from the neighbors so that we would not starve. I lived in constant fear that the Malay rioters would discover me and kill me or worse.
The riot lasted about 12 days. 12 days of fear and hiding. During that time I vowed to help the community improve the peoples’ lives to the best of my ability. A few days after the riot, I chanced upon my parents looking for me everywhere. They had pasted posters with my face just about everywhere. The joy then was immense, it equal my gratitude towards the Malay family, whom I found out were the Azhar family. After thanking them again, I left them and we soon lost contact, but not before Mr. Azhar gave my a keychain with a bird hand carved in the Malay style. “For good luck” Mr. Azhar explained.
15 years later, I was a young man of 25. I had already set up my own business and was a millionaire, one of the youngest in Singapore. True to my vow so many years back, I donated much of my wealth on charity, improving the lives of many whom I don’t know but who know me. I received many community service awards for my contributions to society.
One day I was in Kampong Glam. I saw this frail Malay old man. This man looked familiar. I knew him, yet I didn’t. His face was a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar. I racked my brains, trying to place find a match in my memory, but to no avail. I know that I knew him, but I just could not remember him. As I was lost in thought thinking about who that old man was, I accidentally bumped into him. “Sorry” I apologized. Still lost in thought, I started to walked off. “Hey young man, “the old man called to me “you dropped your-hey is that the keychain I made?” I turned around. The old man was holding the keychain that I received from Mr. Azhar so many years ago! “Really?” I asked “then that means….” I trailed off. As I looked at the old man closely, I began to see a resemblance. I saw past the wrinkles, the white hair, and I saw Mr. Azhar, the man who saved me from a terrible fate and helped me in my time of need. I immediately greeted him, and soon we started chatting. I realized that he was in a bit of trouble financially. Apparently he got cheated by some conman who said that he would help him ‘invest’ his money. Mr. Azhar gave him a good bit of his money, and the man was never seen again. I remembered how Mr. Azhar helped me in my time of need, so I decided to return the favor. I gave him a cheque to get him over the tough times.
After finding the man whom saved my life, I was determined that I would not lose contact with him again. He and I became good friends and this time, our relationship lasted.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Civil War
1. Identify the southern states
Ans: They are Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
2. Who was the US president who proclaimed war against the South?
Ans: The president who proclaimed war against the south was Abraham Lincoln.
3. Why was the Civil War fought?
Ans: The civil war was fought because the southern states seceded from the union as they did not want to abolish slavery and the government saw that as a rebellion. The civil war started when the southern states attacked a U.S. military installation at Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861.
4. When was this war fought?
Ans: The war was fought from april 12, 1861 to april 9, 1865
5. What was the outcome of this war?
Ans: The Union won the war and and all slaves were freed from slavery in the southern states.
Ans: They are Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
2. Who was the US president who proclaimed war against the South?
Ans: The president who proclaimed war against the south was Abraham Lincoln.
3. Why was the Civil War fought?
Ans: The civil war was fought because the southern states seceded from the union as they did not want to abolish slavery and the government saw that as a rebellion. The civil war started when the southern states attacked a U.S. military installation at Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861.
4. When was this war fought?
Ans: The war was fought from april 12, 1861 to april 9, 1865
5. What was the outcome of this war?
Ans: The Union won the war and and all slaves were freed from slavery in the southern states.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Setting
1. Where has each of the above stories been set?
Ans: The Real Durwan by Jhumpa Lahiri has been set in India. The Adventure Of the Speckled Band by Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle is set in England. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen is set in a town in England.
2. What time period has each of these stories been set in?
Ans: The Real Durwan -the 1950s
The adventure of the speckled band - 18th or 19th century
Pride and prejudice- 18th or 19th century
3. what clues do you get from the setting about what kind of story it is going to turn out to be?
Ans: The Real Durwan - a sad and tragic story about poverty.
The adventure of the speckled band - An interesting story full of mystery and twists
Pride and Prejudice - A story about a rich family and their exploits.
Ans: The Real Durwan by Jhumpa Lahiri has been set in India. The Adventure Of the Speckled Band by Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle is set in England. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen is set in a town in England.
2. What time period has each of these stories been set in?
Ans: The Real Durwan -the 1950s
The adventure of the speckled band - 18th or 19th century
Pride and prejudice- 18th or 19th century
3. what clues do you get from the setting about what kind of story it is going to turn out to be?
Ans: The Real Durwan - a sad and tragic story about poverty.
The adventure of the speckled band - An interesting story full of mystery and twists
Pride and Prejudice - A story about a rich family and their exploits.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka
1. This poem is full of colours not just that of skin, what do you think these colours signify?
Ans: The black and white in the poem refer to the skin colour of the poet. The colour red in the poem refer to the anger that the poet feels when he realizes that the landlady is not going to rent him the place because he is African. The gold colour in the poem refer to the fact that the landlady is probably rich.
2. What does the dialogue in this poem reveal about these two characters?
Ans: The dialogue reveals that both the landlady and the narrator are educated and respectable. However, the dialogue reveals that the landlady is also racist, not renting the land to the narrator just because he is black. The narrator is also angry that the landlady is discriminating against him.
3. The poet dramatizes a battle, who wins finally and why?
Ans: The poet finally wins the battle. Although the landlady already decides not to rent the place to the poet because he is African, and the poet feels a bit sorry that he is black. the poet eventually wins. He ends by asking "Madam, wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?" It seems that the poet is asking the landlady to see his skin colour herself before deciding whether or not to rent the place to him, but he actually implied whether the landlady wants to see his bottom herself.
Ans: The black and white in the poem refer to the skin colour of the poet. The colour red in the poem refer to the anger that the poet feels when he realizes that the landlady is not going to rent him the place because he is African. The gold colour in the poem refer to the fact that the landlady is probably rich.
2. What does the dialogue in this poem reveal about these two characters?
Ans: The dialogue reveals that both the landlady and the narrator are educated and respectable. However, the dialogue reveals that the landlady is also racist, not renting the land to the narrator just because he is black. The narrator is also angry that the landlady is discriminating against him.
3. The poet dramatizes a battle, who wins finally and why?
Ans: The poet finally wins the battle. Although the landlady already decides not to rent the place to the poet because he is African, and the poet feels a bit sorry that he is black. the poet eventually wins. He ends by asking "Madam, wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?" It seems that the poet is asking the landlady to see his skin colour herself before deciding whether or not to rent the place to him, but he actually implied whether the landlady wants to see his bottom herself.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
LA home learning comic
1. Why did you choose the different pictures and backgrounds?
Ans: I chose the pictures because most manual workers are dark skinned and i wanted them them to show that one should take pride in ones work and do ones best in everything. I also wanted to show that everyone has a conscience, and that we have a choice to either do good or do bad.
2. How do they contribute to the elements (plot, setting, characterization) of your narrative?
Ans: The pictures show that the Indians' job is to clean pipes, which is a dirty and undesirable job (setting). The Indian worker cuts corners, so he would do less work. This shows that the Indian worker is very lazy and does not take pride on his work. (characterization).
3. how did you make use of the different elements to contribute to the theme that you have chosen?
Ans: The theme that I have chosen is to take pride on ones work and to do ones best in everything. In the comic, the pipe cleaner has two choices: listen to his colleague and take pride in his work or to cut corners and not do his best in his job. The Indian worker decided that his comfort is more important than his integrity and cut corners. This decision caused a flood and caused him to get fired. This element advises one to take pride in one's work.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
After You, My Dear Alfonse blog topic
Would yo u have treated Boyd or someone else who is not from the same race as you differently?Why or why not?
No i would not treat that person differently. In these times, there is no such thing as discriminating against someone just because they are not from the same race as you. It is wrong to treat them as a lower being as they are humans too. The world is now moving on to equality, and this kind of thinking is not acceptable in today's times. Those people have the same physical or mental capabilities as us, if not better, so why should we make them do things which are a waste of their abilities? To discriminate against these people is to show others just how narrow-minded one and how much you really believe in everyone being equal regardless of race, language, or religion.
No i would not treat that person differently. In these times, there is no such thing as discriminating against someone just because they are not from the same race as you. It is wrong to treat them as a lower being as they are humans too. The world is now moving on to equality, and this kind of thinking is not acceptable in today's times. Those people have the same physical or mental capabilities as us, if not better, so why should we make them do things which are a waste of their abilities? To discriminate against these people is to show others just how narrow-minded one and how much you really believe in everyone being equal regardless of race, language, or religion.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Categories of discrimination
Discrimination is when someone acts on prejudice, which is when someone treats a group unfairly because if a trait that they have.
Discrimination can be classified into different groups:
1.Discrimination against people because of a trait that they are born with.
Types of discrimination: Ancestry, race, gender, disability, appearance, medical problems, nationality, genes, background, intelligence
2.Discrimination based on a choice that people make
Types:political affiliation, religion, employment, marital status, sexual orientation, brand, reverse discrimination, and perception
Discrimination can be classified into different groups:
1.Discrimination against people because of a trait that they are born with.
Types of discrimination: Ancestry, race, gender, disability, appearance, medical problems, nationality, genes, background, intelligence
2.Discrimination based on a choice that people make
Types:political affiliation, religion, employment, marital status, sexual orientation, brand, reverse discrimination, and perception
Thursday, January 13, 2011
literature and life-Shel Silverstein
The Little Boy and the Old Man
1.what is the underlying message that is being conveyed in this poem?
Ans: This poem conveys the message that as adults, people tend to forget that they were once children and that they will one day be old men, hence they make them sad and make them think that the adults do not care about them and that they are ignored.
2.Has Shel Silverstein used any particular poetic technique that brings out this message more clearly?
Ans: A lot of dialogue was used and the Old Man always repeated his answers, giving the impression that he actually emphasizes with the Little Boy.
Messy Room
1. Can you say that the poem is humorous? If so how?
Ans: The poem is humorous as it is exaggerated. The clothes are hung everywhere except the closet, which is instead filled with books, a sock is somehow so sticky that it sticks to the wall, the chair is growing fungus due to the raincoat on it and there is a lizard on the bed. This shows that the room is dirty and messy to the extreme.
2. What aspect of the human character has been highlighted in this poem?
Ans: The fact that people are quick to find others' faults and mistakes but not in finding our own mistakes.
Cloony The Clown
1.Explain the irony in this poem.
Ans: When cloony tries to be funny, nobody laughs. But when he tells everyone about his sorrows and expect them to sympathize with him, everyone laughs .
2.Does Shel Silverstein manage to convey some harsh realities in this poem?
Ans: He conveys the reality that people are sadistic and tend to laugh at the misfortune of others.
3. What poetic devices has the poet used to effectively convey his message?
Ans: He used irony to convey that people are sadistic in nature. Also, assonance was used to highlight how nobody liked cloony and how hard they laughed at cloony.
Which of the above poem can you identify with the most? Write down your thoughts on your blog.
Messy room. I always find the mistakes that other people have done and correct them, only for me to commit the same mistake as them. At other times, I see something not done right, and blame others, but I later find out that I caused it and not others. I constantly try not to make these kind of mistakes, but sometimes it just happens and i embarrass myself. i find that not doing things rashly and thinking before i act helps me avoid these situations
1.what is the underlying message that is being conveyed in this poem?
Ans: This poem conveys the message that as adults, people tend to forget that they were once children and that they will one day be old men, hence they make them sad and make them think that the adults do not care about them and that they are ignored.
2.Has Shel Silverstein used any particular poetic technique that brings out this message more clearly?
Ans: A lot of dialogue was used and the Old Man always repeated his answers, giving the impression that he actually emphasizes with the Little Boy.
Messy Room
1. Can you say that the poem is humorous? If so how?
Ans: The poem is humorous as it is exaggerated. The clothes are hung everywhere except the closet, which is instead filled with books, a sock is somehow so sticky that it sticks to the wall, the chair is growing fungus due to the raincoat on it and there is a lizard on the bed. This shows that the room is dirty and messy to the extreme.
2. What aspect of the human character has been highlighted in this poem?
Ans: The fact that people are quick to find others' faults and mistakes but not in finding our own mistakes.
Cloony The Clown
1.Explain the irony in this poem.
Ans: When cloony tries to be funny, nobody laughs. But when he tells everyone about his sorrows and expect them to sympathize with him, everyone laughs .
2.Does Shel Silverstein manage to convey some harsh realities in this poem?
Ans: He conveys the reality that people are sadistic and tend to laugh at the misfortune of others.
3. What poetic devices has the poet used to effectively convey his message?
Ans: He used irony to convey that people are sadistic in nature. Also, assonance was used to highlight how nobody liked cloony and how hard they laughed at cloony.
Which of the above poem can you identify with the most? Write down your thoughts on your blog.
Messy room. I always find the mistakes that other people have done and correct them, only for me to commit the same mistake as them. At other times, I see something not done right, and blame others, but I later find out that I caused it and not others. I constantly try not to make these kind of mistakes, but sometimes it just happens and i embarrass myself. i find that not doing things rashly and thinking before i act helps me avoid these situations
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