"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 to a certain extent that the news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news.

Firstly, the news media are using the sensational news to increase their sale of the papers. As the hungry birds feed on their morsels with anticipation and surprises from the papers choked full with secretive conversations. It is this sense of greed that allowed this paparazzi culture to spread like wildfire. In the phone hacking scandal that outraged many, the News of the World started turning towards civilians. As the papers starts appearing with secrets not only about the celebrities, actors and the royals, but also the secrets and private life of normal people. The greed of the news media has inevitably also caused the spread of the unhealthy culture.

However, the general public should also be blamed. It is the readers and general public that constantly swap up these newspapers looking for fun and surprises. They did not show any sign of disgust nor reactions and it seems like everyone is indeed enjoying them. However, now coupled with the possibility that they themselves can also become the victims. Had they not buy those papers and purchased others with world news instead, the news media would have used other ways to attract the general public's attention!

The DSK MAID, " I want to let him know that he cannot use his power and money like that!"

Diallo, the Sofitel maid ended her emotional interview with sobs, "I want to let him know that he cannot use his power and money like that, I know what he had done to me!"
Diallo reported that she has been sexually assaulted in Sofitel in New York by Dominique Strauss Kahn (DSK), the former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. However, the latter was even being released from house arrest and I feel that there is no Justice meted out as newspaper headlines started coming up with captions such as "Prostitute","Hooker"and"Cheater". When the reporter interviewed her if she knew that what the media wrote about her, she wept again, saying how she never had been called a prostitute since she was born. Diallo is just a proud mother of a 15 year old daughter. From this incident, I feel that Justice can indeed be thwarted by those with power. Diallo faced extreme insults from friends and the world as the jury also starts to doubt her credibility as there are variations in her accounts. I assume that Diallo has some problems with her mental mind that actually affects her memory as she once applied for the asylum. As Diallo breaks down, DSK starts to arm himself with skilled lawyers, forming a protective barricade around himself. I am furious on how Diallo is left helpless and would like to question if Justice is still present in the law. DSK's sperms has been found mixed with Diallo saliva, and her arm was also injured from the brutal assault. So, then why doesn't the court take any actions? Is it because he is one of the most powerful man on Earth? Or is it a matter of prejudice? There are further reasons to back up why DSK might be lying. Firstly he had many scandals before with French journalist Tristane Banon and consensual but brutal sex with her mom too. Secondly, all the victims described DSK as the man who can't control himself at the height of sexual arousal. In a nutshell, no matter what the conclusion is reached, I feel that Justice must be upheld regardless of whoever the person is.

China, Pls slow down and leave the poor souls BEHIND.

We have seen how China economy topped the world for the past the past decades, however the recent Train crash in Wenzhou seems to show how the country cloaked up all their failures as they go on with their breakneck development speeds. Smell of incense and cries of mourners filled the air as flowers are bing laid near the viaduct where 4 train carriages fell from a height of 30m. The authorities even tried to cover up the incident and censor the public reactions but to no avail, only to fuel up much more animosity. Reporters were warned to only focus on "stories that are extremely moving". Some bloggers even commented how China is like a dashing train in a thunderstorm. Rail experts had also warned against the rush to build the world's longest and fastest high-speed rail network in record time amid safety concerns.Critics of the government allege that corners were cut during construction because of corruption, raising questions about infrastructure across the country. The incident left 40 dead and almost 150 injured. I feel that the Chinese Government should put safety as the most important factor and not speed. China is undergoing what I call a "revolution " to a fully developed country and things need to be done quickly, skyscrapers need to be up in the sky within a few years at most and train tracks spanning over a few thousands kilometers ready in a blink of an eye. Corruption is also common in China and many had speculated how the government reduced the amount of costs in the construction and resulted in the incident. Although there are many voices on the cause of the incident,

I feel that it all bears down to the fact that "The opportunity cost for speed is safety and the lives of people!"

Trial Scene of Merchant of Venice

I felt that justice was not shown at the end of the trial scene. I firmly believed that Shylock deserved his pound of flesh as stated in the bond taken by Antonio. However, Portia thought of loopholes in the bond and said how Shylock can have his pound of flesh but without any spillage of blood. I fins that its unfair for Shylock since everyone knows how the cutting of flesh would result in loss of blood and so there was no need to mention it, but Portia played with the words in the bond and prevented Shylock from getting his pound of flesh. Shylock was being spat at, criticized as a cut throat dog and a devil and he didn't get what he desired. Justice was not shown as Portia was merely finding laws to fight Shylock off although the ancient Venetian still stands. Perhaps, the Jews at those time never got Justice.However, I feel that there is true mercy being demonstrated. Portia and the Duke have tried to many times in hope to change Shylock's mind and take 3 times the amount of ducats instead, but he refuses and said how he had swore to their holy Sabbath, that he wishes to have the pound of flesh and that although he's having a loss over here, he's still desires that pound of flesh to feed his hatred to Antonio. Shylock showed his vengeful nature throughout the whole trial scene as he repeatedly turned down every offer. The element of Mercy was finally showed when Shylock was forced to convert to Christianity and his land and money and at the same time almost lost his life. Perhaps Portia was also unwilling to do such a thing to Shylock. I believe that she merely wants to save Antonio and leave Shylock unscathed so she kept on appealing to him but to no avail and she finally ran out of choices and said that Shylock should have more Justice than he should desire, before trapping him in order to save Antonio as her final resort. Justice and Law could be manipulated by people in power. Like the case in Merchant of Venice we see how the Duke of Venice said few words when Portia was speaking. Portia was disguised as a learned, young lawyer from Padua which Dr Bellario sent to take over him. Portia was the one who has the power to make the final verdict with only the Duke there as a representative of the Venetian Law to help grant Shylock's life. She bends the words and laws to slowly build her verdict. Moving to the moder world context, here is a saying in China: “Power is greater than the law and often the rich and those with power and rank can often weasel their way out even serious crimes with bribes as long as they pay and give their money secretly to the jury or judge!" We have seen how even heirs of the famous people have been bailed out of jail so easily despite convicting serious offences. So, even Justice and Law could not be so upright and judge after all and because of the greed of people, even the most strongest foundation of Court can be easily toppled and Lady Justice would have to peel off her blindfold to see who is the villain and who the victim!

Week 4 Blog Prompts

IS THIS ALL??





HOW ABOUT THIS??





Regarding the open letter that the Janelle Lee wrote to the Education Minister, I have to admit that I agree with her whole-heartedly! I feel that the current Singapore's education system seems to brining out the importance of achieving good grades.Pupils have become extremely rowdy and inconsiderate these few days and I believe that it shows how the loose screw is creating many problems. Students have no free space to express their views and instead they are barred from doing so. They have to follow-suit with model answers and memorize them by hard, leaving most students still puzzled and confused. "Why" seemed to be a taboo in Singapore's education system and a students life. A teacher might just shrug her shoulders in disgust and put a big cross on the answer that might be potentially right, had the teacher really read carefully instead of glancing off her answer sheets. Students are restricted in structures used in essays, pressurized by parents to get an A1 in all subjects and taught how results is actually much more a "virtue" compared to attitudes, personalities and mo rals. Lee wrote in a gentle but threatening tone. She seemed polite at all times but is actually showing us that the education system now is not what Singapore needs and longed for. Singapore is now a first world country however its education system still remains prehistoric. There is no emphasis on CME and all the expected manners are taught from the books. I feel that the tone is acceptable. Although its written to the education minister, I feel her letter did raise the awareness among many schools and certainly is a wake up call for the minister to reexamine policies. Though direct, it conveys the message successfully. I would like to raise to the minister that the problem might not seems as shallow as its is. Every time where test papers are distributed, the first thing that students do is to go around to ask and make comments about other's marks while they keep their own zipped up and unknown to others. Students have also resulted in desperate measures to distract a rival, steal his worksheets, crush them up and dump them away. I find this problem alarming as the students seemed to take results as everything. Perhaps, schools needs to come up with policies to encourage to students to study for them to broaden their horizons instead for the sake of going into top universities and becoming the top-notch group in their schools.

Week 3 Blog Prompts

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.

My Ans: I feel that money has its importance in maintaining a relationship. Without even the basic amounts for daily life and basic necessities, quarrels might erupt with more frequency and this damages relationships. Many said that "Love is Blind" Yes, it is. A woman can even give her heart to an ugly and limp man. However, money is a very sensible topic in a relationship and it does plays a part to maintain the very basic foundation of a successful relationship. In the Merchant of Venice, some critic have argued that Bassanio married Portia for her wealth and fame. This can be true in some parts, when Bassanio confessed to Antonio how he has spent all his money and desperately needs to borrow a sum of money to woo Portia. Jessica also supplies herself with extra ducats and jewels before taking her flight off with Lorenzo. These are just 2 examples to show that there is an increasing trend of relationship and marriages valuing money over other qualities. Although the text itself did mention that Bassanio actually loved Portia for her beauty and virtues, Shakespeare mentioned the theme of money to show how money can sometimes cover up and even replace the importance of over qualities.

The Revolution of War

The recently Arab Spring showed the thirst of democracy in the middle east countries. The people were sick about how their country remain so outdated, being still stuck to autocratic government. De facto was that there were hereditary monarchy, the ruler refused to step down and slowly devour all the country's revenues. The younger generations of Middle East, which makes up a staggering percentage of the area's population. The technology- savvy ytouth began to plot up their protest. The news spreads like wildfire through social media websites and newspapers. With the trigger of an ill treated fruit vendor and his death due to self immolation , Tunisia citizens could no longer conrol the burning hatred inside. The first gunshot was sounded. Egypt heard it and thousands gathered in Tahrir Square, wanting to overturn Mubarak. Both were of victorious success. The Jasmine Revolution finally bore its fruits as it made the world's headlines. Mubarak eventually flees from his reign as the angry mops increased in number. Compared to the Vietnam War, American Civil War what do we see? The YOUTHS TODAY have changed. Decades ago, they were insignificant in the world for the adults. They were uncertain of the bleak future as they have their parents to fix everything up for them. But TARRY A LITTLE, the youths are becoming more and more well informed and they are changing. The WAR is also undergoing a revolution, something to be looked for to as I would speculate.

Shining On

I've actually swapped Invisible at the library for Shining On. Though Invisible really had a darn cool cover page. When I saw this book lying helplessly on the shelf among others, I suddenly felt that this was definitely for ME. I had this urge to borrow it immediately and go home straight and bury myself into it. I feel that the book did choose me, and it was something that I sought for, illuminating stories by 11 powerful authors, carefully woven together to show you obstacles faced by youths and how they overcome them. A few stories left lasting impression in my mind and I will start with Sue Limb's You're A LEGEND. Everything started when Jess was asked to go to her grandma's to help her pack up her deceased grandfather's clothes for the charity shop. She doesn't want to go for oldies' house have a weird smell. Jess's mom can't accompany her since she was ill. Before she leaves for the train station, the phone rings. She hopes that grandma had called to tell her that she was very ill and that she needn't come. She thought that it was rather rude for her to say that and she changed her mind--- Perhaps grandma was too happy with an old guy called Max! She picked up the phone and it was her friend Jodie, who called to tell her about the party later that night. Jess tells her that she can't go and Jodie wishes her to have a great time there. She was busted why she had to go help her grandma with that kind of things. She love her grandma but she thinks she can do that kind of things HERSELF. At her grandma's house, she heard her say how the taxi driver seemed so pleasant and that he might be coming over to their house with a knife. Jess's grandma just lover homicides. Grandma then called her into her room, where she asked Jess to open up the cupboard containing her grandfather's clothes. Her Grandma can't bear to open the cupboard since grandfather passed away. In The midst of packing, her grandma weeped and decided to keep the clothes in the storeroom for now, she didn't want to loose him. Jess was looking for a new way to dress herself as she find herself too normal. When she brings the boxes of clothes up to the storeroom, she suddenly recalled that she came here very often with grandma while she was little. She decided to stay here for a while looking for old scraps of treasures and perhaps clothes to dress herself. She suddenly sees a newspaper report of a few decades ago, with a girl wrestling with the police officers. In the background was a young man, in black leather, resisting arrest. She was DEFINITELY going to dress like her. She brought the newspaper down and showed it to her grandma. Her grandma looked and recalled how she remembered every second of it. Apparently grandpa had been attacked by 3 mods and he lashed out. And the little defiant teenager in the headline is Grandma. Grandma eyes seemed dancing as she thought of her 19 year old self. How about Pulp Fiction for the 40th time, she asked. Jess eyes brightened, "Grandma YOU ARE A LEGEND!" and she wasn't taking it with a pinch of salt, she was serious. Another one is Humming through My fingers by Malorie Blackman, where a girl called Amber who is blind actually meets a boy called Kyle, who decided to visit her since she was always sitting alone in the corner under her favourite tree during Sports Day. Amber had very strong sense of smell, taste and hearing as she embarks with a walk with Kyle. She made Kyle blindfold himself and guide him through the school compound, which she knows at the back of her head. Kyle has many worries as he is not accustomed to him losing his sense of sight. However, he still successfully jumped over a small stream, walk across the bridge. Amber dragged Kyle to touch something yellow and soft, and she told him to remove his blindfold. It was a flower, a small but beautiful one. She explained how she feels fortunate to have all the other senses and she felt it as a blessing. Through these 11 stories of mom being lesbians, mom quitting her job as a housewife, sister dead, painful breakups, WE YOUTH CANNOT BE DETTERED BY THESE ELEMENTS. PICK up THIS book AND find YOUR true SELF! :)

Post Reflection"The Soldier" By Rupert Brooke

Occasionally, Singapore needs young man to defend the country. These young man have to go through National Service, which might seem to be a pain in the neck. Youngsters nowadays are so used to comfortable lives that they have no sense of patriotism or even concern for their own country. This is something really important that we have to reflect upon and the compulsory NS can at least encourage the younger generations to show how important their job is to serve the county as Singapore's future depends on them. Through trainings, they will understand how their dads, grandfathers had defended the country previously. Without them, Singapore would not have her prosperity and success. It is through NS that they realise things should not be taken for granted and it is unity that they can create a better and stronger Singapore. In the poem, the soldier showed that he is willing to sacrifice the most out of himself, for Great England has given him so much and he himself being so insignificant. He is a loyal soldier, and has no fears of war. Nature is also incorporated into the poem, to show the pride in the soldier himself to sacrifice for such a country of abundance and filled with pastoral beauty. England was also emphasized several times to show the status and importance of it in the soldiers heart. He fears no Death and merely takes it with a pinch of salt, stating that as another way to reunite with his homeland, to enjoy the land blessed by warm sunlight and blessed by raging rivers and be rejoined with God and English Heaven. I believe I have some sort of patriotism. Although I am a foreigner and I feel extremely proud for my own country-- Taiwan. I also feel proud for Singapore's success. I find it extremely important to have the spirit to love your country and think about how you can contribute. The spirit of patriotism can be very much found lively in Singapore, form the breath-taking views of jet planes and roaring sounds during the NDP, we know that we have a very group of fine soldiers--- PROTECTING US :)

ECLIPSE-- The war of LOVE and REVENGE

I saw this book while roaming aimlessly in the library during the holidays. Its starking cover page of the broken ribbon attracted me. I devoured it quickly for its action filled pages kept my adrenaline pumping. Bella, is a normal human girl, with a boyfriends named Edward. The story, which flips between a normal human girl named Bella and his boyfriend, Edward and close friend Jacob. The story opens with the revelation that Seattle, Washington is being plagued by a string of murders, which Edward suspects is caused by a new vampire that is unable to control its thirst for human blood. Bella's dad, Charlie is extremely worried for her and pleas her to not go Seattle during this period in time. As Edward and Bella apply to colleges, Bella explains to Edward her desire to see her friend, Jacob Black, a werewolf. Although Edward fears for her safety, Bella insists that neither Jacob nor his wolf pack would ever harm her, and she begins visiting him occasionally. (The werewolves and vampires were not on friendly terms and they have a border)On one of these visits, Jacob tells Bella that he is in love with her and wants her to choose him instead of Edward, but Bella says she that they prefer themselves to stick to just being friends. To that, Jacob forcibly kisses her and she reacts by punching him in the face, spraining her hand while not even leaving a scratch on him. Meanwhile, Alice Cullen has a vision that Victoria, a vampire who is hunting Bella for revenge, has returned to Forks. A few days later, Edward proposes his love to Bella and she accepts.
Bella and the Cullens soon realize that the Seattle murders are being committed by an "army" of newborn vampires, controlled by Victoria. The Cullens join forces with the wolf pack to combat this threat. As everyone else prepares for battle, Edward, Bella and Jacob camp in the mountains, hidden during the battle, where they are later joined by Seth Clearwater, a young wolf pack member, to wait out the fight.
In the morning, Jacob becomes upset and howls loudly when he overhears Edward and Bella discussing their engagement and threatens to join the fight and get himself killed. Bella stops Jacob by kissing him, and she comes to realize that she is in deeply love with him as well. During the battle, Victoria tracks Edward's scent to Bella's forest hiding place, and Edward is forced to fight. Edward manages to kill Victoria and her vampire army is destroyed. Afterwards, Bella explains to Jacob that while she loves him, she loves Jacob even more. After receiving a wedding invitation from Edward, Jacob leaves in his wolf form to escape his heartbreak over Bella's rejection. This is a story where I feel like I'm one of the characters--- Jacob. I can understand Jacob's feelings, how the effort that he has put in for Bella, did not make her turn for him. I would like to have the chance to watch the movie and also found the book warm. Charlie,however, left an everlasting impression in my mind, he's just that king of ordinary but caring dad. Albeit he through temper at Bella for sticking with Edward and ignoring all her best friends, it is that selfless love that touched me. Although Bella was angry and frustrated at him, at the end of the book, they were just still the warm and loving family. (P.S. Bella's mother left Charlie)


MY book Rating: *****

LA ONLINE LESSON

Part 1
The conflict in the poem is how children are taught to fight in a war instead of being taught about knowledge. This is something that the persona does not agree to and feels that this would in the end make the children's life meaningless even if they feel proud for winning a battle for the country.
PART 2 --- Analysis of the poem
Steps in Analysis

Point

Evidence

Elaboration

1.Point of View
2.Situation and Setting
3.Language/ Diction
4.Personal Response


Point Of View

I believe that this poem is wrote in the point of view of either a soldier or a parent who have witnessed and truly felt themselves what damage can a war bring to a person. The persona might have gone on to the battlefields and feel that their younger generations should not be educated to go to war. It destroys their life. Their life would be pitch dark. They feel distraught and angry on why those children innocent and oblivious to what is even going on should carry the burden for them. The poet shows anti war sentiments with this poem and he definitely has unpleasant experiences with the war before.

Situation and Setting
I think that the setting of this poem is both in the classroom and on the raging battlefields. This actually shows a stark difference between the two places. One which houses little children ready to quench their thirst for knowledge while on the battlefields, children taught to hold guns, cannons, bayonets and learnt how to kill and stab enemies. The poet keeps on questioning in the poem, probably to show uncertainty if what they are doing would actually benefit the children.
3

Language/ Diction
The poem used metaphors such as candles to signify hopes and darkness to signify lost and hopeless children. There is an emphasis on the WORD "COULD" which also shows his desire that the younger generations to be taught to read, write and dance instead of fighting.

Personal Response
I feel that war can really damage a person. Killing and seeing people die in front of your eyes are gory and they might cause permanent damages. I feel really sorry for the children in the past, in the poem. They don't have a chance to feel and smell the warmth of books and instead are putting their lives at risk and meddling with useless metals. They will find that they have no happy and memorable childhood times which is sadistic. :(


++ I decided to just add something out of the box. I reedited this post to cater to Ms Tay's lesson. I've read through the poem by Rupert Brooke and found it different from the rest of the others I've glanced through thus far. The persona is extremely patriotic and praises England, to be a land of tranquility and serenity, which had given him the very life. He's not scared of death, for if a England soldier drops dead, that foreign field become part of England, filled with fertile dust and England air. HE believes that all his sins and would be brushed off as he sacrificed himself for his beloved country. This is a poem where a soldier's blood boils, ready to fire the cannon! His soul will rest in peace under the English Heaven, he feels proud to be able to play a part in protecting the country and is willing to pass down whatever Great England has given him.

War- Living Hell

Time period- Vietnam War



October 1946 Weather: Cloudy and rainy

The war is still ongoing, with the deafening sound of cannon in the distant horizon. My family and I have no food, no clean water to drink and the living conditions was indescribable. I still remembered where I was trotting on a field near my house where I saw a little girl with a handmade doll in front of me. She was extremely angelic and adorable and she smiled at me. Then all of a sudden, 10 feet away from where I was standing, the laughter of the little girl vanished, instead was replaced by the dreaded explosion. Everyone was screaming as yet another innocent life was taken by the heartless weapon below the ground. I turned back and ran back to my house. Behind me I could still hear the sizzling sound of the fire burning on the field. Later that night a bout of torrential rain moistened the land and extinguished and washed away the scar left on the ground. Outside, the guns are still screaming their lungs out. Night turned into day as the sharp light of the gunfire could be seen. I brought out some dry pieces of pretzel and laid them on the table.The light bulb flickered weakly and my 4 children, wife stared at the dry bread. I pushed the plate to them and told them that they could have it all and I would just fill my stomach with water. They shook their head and said that we would hare and that everyone must have a fair share of it. I was rather glad that my children were so well behaved. We crowded together and ate our bread. "Run! The bombs!" someone screamed from outside. We quickly went to an underground shelter which was already there long ago. I know that it would be difficult for even to survive. We are like the helpless flame on the candle, struggling against the gentle breeze. Even if we did survive, we will burn ourself out and show our brightness until the wick disappeared

War- A personal Response

The room was gloomy and dark. Death was lurking in the dark corners of the dilapidated room. The war was still going on. The women and children were all starving as they didn’t have a chance to enjoy a proper meal. They are all longing for the Sun that they have been waiting for to appear out of the horizon. The mother, sitting on the edge of the bed with a baby cuddled in her breast, looked at the camera lenses, puzzled on why there was a need to start a war. She was breast feeding her child. Her child turned his head away shyly, perhaps still unaccustomed to the cruel and realistic world. The baby’s ribcage protruded from his soft delicate body. He was sucking hard on his mother’s drooped breast, in hope that some milk will come out to reduce his aggravating hunger. The mother’s stomach bloated, maybe due to the poor hygiene conditions. Behind them, hidden away from the camera lenses and to the eyes of many in the world, is the poor environment housing these helpless women and children while their husbands go to war. The photo, shoot in black and white. Or is it revealing their hatred feelings towards the war?

BANANA ＳＰＬＩＴ ＹＡＹ！

1
Peel a banana and cut it in half lengthwise.

2
Put the two halves in a long, skinny ice cream bowl.

3
Place three scoops of ice cream on top of the banana: one chocolate, one vanilla and one strawberry.

4
Pour hot fudge over the chocolate ice cream.

5
Pour pineapple syrup over the vanilla ice cream.

6
Pour strawberry syrup over the strawberry ice cream.

7
Top with whipped cream, a few cherries and nuts.



Read more: How to Make a Banana Split | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2011_make-banana-split.html#ixzz1IMxhfFv5

Letter to Japan

Tseng Chun Yi




Dear Kumiko Makihara,

Is everything going well in Tokyo? The quake that struck roughly 2 weeks ago is a strong 9.0 on the Richter scale. The scary part of it was not only its prolonged shaking, but the killer wall of waves that ate into coastlines of Japan and sped across the Pacific Ocean. I have experienced earthquakes before and can understand how you feel right now and am seating in front of my TV and following up on the latest update of the quake.
I was deeply shocked by the damage in Sendai and Fukushima. The nuclear explosion was terrifying and these quiet, invisible killers are slowly spreading across Japan. I have heard that there are traces of radioactive substances present in the water in Tokyo so please take good care and remember to put on a mask. Foods and drinks in convenient stores have all been sold out as people starts to stock up their food in preparation of another strong trembler and the effects of radiation. I am very impressed by the Japanese’s spirit. At the start of the shaking, everyone knows what to do. They hid under the tables, ran out of buildings to flat grounds with no buildings around and this kept many peoples lives. I believe that this is due to Japan government’s effort in making earthquake drills compulsory in primary schools on the day when The Great Kanto Earthquake struck.
The death caused by the earthquake was minimal but most were due to the tsunami. I felt deeply impacted as the death tolls kept rising day after day after the quake struck on 11 March. Then the nuclear disaster struck. I was worried if it would be a repeat of the Chernobyl incident. However the situation has already turned for the better, so do not fret, the nuclear crisis will be over very soon. But there might be minute amounts of radiation in the air.
I have to go now, but I deeply believe that the Japanese will get thought this quickly with their sheer determination and everything would resume to the normal pace .We will pray for you.



Note to readers: the devastating quake that struck Japan has caused widespread damage, Pls donate and help the Japanese rebuild their community. Thank You, your help will be greatly appreciated

Photo

"This is cadet 2344 and I am about to land on the island now! Pls reply" There was no response and all I could hear was sizzles. "Repeat.I am ....."The mountains look sheer from the sea, what is in the island, I questioned myself. I grew more getting more and more excited as I neared to landing on the beach...

What do you think of the story?
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Singapore Story

I lived in New York City and I have been studying here since I was in Primary 3. I only have a vague idea of how Singapore looked like since I never went there again after settling here. However, I can still roughly remember the many faces of my friends. Since I am in Grade 8 now, I had learnt that Asian Cities like Manila, Jakarta are very dirty and the temperature is able break the whole thermometer. I was rather inclined to this idea of going back Singapore as I really don’t feel like getting caught in such a kind of place.
“Why not go Milan or Venice? The sites are wonderful! Do you know that there are gondolas? Can we not go Singapore?” I suggested to my parents the day before we were leaving. My parents stared at me and said, “Excuse me young man, you are a Singaporean and you go straight to your room right now!” “But…” I was interrupted by my parents, “No buts!” All of a sudden, I felt a tension growing inside me and I screamed with all my might, “NO! New York City is my home and the United States is gonna be my country, not old-fashioned Singapore!” I grabbed my woolen jacket and made a dash towards the door.
I soon found myself roaming around the bustling streets of NYC. It was snowing quite a bit but my little jacket is enough to keep me away from the piercing cold winds. Towering skyscrapers loomed above my head. LED panels displaying “CHRISTMAS IS HERE!GO CELEBRATE WHERE YOU BELONG!” were everywhere. People were jostling around and I felt lost in this festive mood. “Where do I belong? Maybe Singapore is much better than NYC!” I questioned myself. I was near The Times Square and saw some workers preparing the New Year’s Eve Ball. People were rushing in and out of the Metro Station exit. Suddenly, I found the chimes of the carol irritating and so I decided to make my way to McDonalds and buy a cup of hot tea. On my way home, I was sipping my tea while thinking about what would happen tomorrow. The snow was falling and falling, I held out my hand and a flake fell onto my hands. I rushed home, running through the throngs of crowds, trying my best to accept it. I AM GOING SINGAPORE TOMORROW!
After the boring 12 hours flight, I stepped out of the plane and was greeted by a gust of warm tropical heat. I thought I had just seen a mirage somewhere far. The sun was like a microwave oven and I was already sweating profusely after a few minutes. “Disgusting hot weather!”, I thought to myself, “I prefer NYC!” I muttered softly. “Move on,” mom whispered and nudged me. I moved on. Fortunately, we got our luggage pretty fast and hailed a cab to my aunt’s house. The cab driver talked to my dad in some weird English. I could only comprehend a part of it and the rest were just aberrant from the English that I had learnt. I also noticed this strange accent in his conversation with dad and I feel extremely excruciating listening to them. I started pestering my dad. I looked outside and was shocked to find lush greeneries everywhere. I was rather excited upon this sight. Having been living in NYC for quite some time, the moment I wake up everyday, I would find myself surrounded by mega skyscrapers. I had never seen such vibrant flowers and coconut trees before, as they were merely just pictures in my textbook. I glanced out and saw a huge signboard with the words: TO THE CITY. My parents were still chatting incessantly with the driver and I put on my earphones and picked a soft piece of music. I was so mesmerized by the scenery outside that I did not notice that my parents were already reclaiming the luggage. “Wait for me!” I dashed out of the taxi. I helped my parents with the luggage and my mom whipped out her mobile phone and called my aunt.
“We are back already! Wow, Singapore has changed so much! Yah, thanks, you can go open the door now!” my mom screamed excitedly. My aunt lives in a 3-storey bungalow and it was really cool! No one could live like that in NYC unless you are the president. Then I noticed someone opening the door. I scrutinized and saw a lady with sandals on.
“Mom, who is she?” I questioned.
“That is your aunt! Remember you etiquettes later!” mom rushed of towards aunt and left poor dad alone with the luggage. Aunt shrieked suddenly and them they embraced each other. It has been long since they met each other but I remember that my aunt should be rather young, not so old. “Oh, I missed you so much! Look how you have changed! You too, Jonathan” aunt said, rushing towards dad and helped him with the luggage. Suddenly, it seems like I have remembered something that I had long forgotten. That voice is so familiar with the same caring attitude. My heart was warmed up suddenly and I went forward and hugged my aunt.
“Tea is ready, quick, go in and leave the luggage to me!” she said cheerfully. I took a small glance at her and saw her carrying the luggage by herself. She was already sweating profusely when she got brought the biggest luggage in. Dad and mom suggested that they should carry it but aunt said sternly that it is so rare to see us and she doesn’t feel tired at all carrying the things and we should rest. My parents could do nothing but to agree. I ran out and helped aunt with those remaining luggage but she refused and ordered me to get back into the house. I obeyed and felt glad for having such a kind aunt. My parents and my aunt talked through the whole afternoon. It seems like they will go on forever, the enthusiastic look in eyes tells me that she is very interested about every thing that parent said. “Go and sleep on the sofa if you want we will go out for dinner!” Dad said to me while I watching the television.
I nodded and decided to go out for some air before taking the nap. It is when I discovered that the sky was overcast with gloomy clouds and I could hear the howl of the thunder. “Mom, Dad, Aunt quickly get into the shelter! The tornado is coming!” I screamed, dashing into the house and slamming all the doors and shutting the windows. Mum and dad seemed alarmed by what I was doing and was running around frantically trying to catch me. “The tornado is here! Where is the shelter?” I shrieked.
“Jonathan, there are no tornadoes in Singapore!” Mum said. I stopped running and looked at her.
“Are you sure, there were so many ominous clouds outside. Mrs Morris said that it is a warning sign for tornados!” I said, flinging my arms wildly.
“It is in the US only! Singapore has no tornado and the clouds are signs that it is going to rain!” Dad interrupted. I let out a sigh of relief and lied down on the sofa. Aunt was giggling quickly behind. I find the sofa uncomfortable but managed to fall asleep quickly.
Uncle was back when I woke up and we went to a place called Food Court to eat. I expected that we would be either going McDonalds, Burger King or KFC to eat, however I was wrong. There were an array of food sold there including some strange cuisines. The food court is bustling with people and I could smell the pleasant smell of food drifting through the air. We managed to find a seat near the Chicken Rice stall. I was made to seat there while uncle, aunt and my parents went to buy food. I took out my phone and started taking pictures of different people dining. Since I always have fast food in NYC(and there is nothing like this), I find it interesting.
“Jonathan, you definitely must try this,” uncle exclaimed as he carried a plate of chicken rice, placed it under my nose and added, “go on and eat it or you will regret it!” I thanked him and took a small spoonful of it. It tasted fabulous, much better than burgers and apple tarts. I took another spoonful with the chicken and found it even better with the fragrance of the rice rolling in my mouth.
Uncle exclaimed, “Seems that you are enjoying it! However it would be better if your cousins are here” , “You see, they are all overseas and every time they have the chance to come back Singapore, they always say that they missed the food here so much and everything in Singapore!” I was moved by what uncle had said and I felt embarrassed. All these years, I have been abroad in the U.S and I have completely forgotten about the country that nurtured me, who helps me secretly behind the limelight. Aunt and mum came back with some noodles while dad came back with a bowl of piping hot fish soup. I looked at everyone’s expression and I really do feel sorry for what I had said. The food here is the best in the world, so is the climate and the list goes on. I don’t want to go back NYC , this is where I belong and the place where I feel at home. I love you, Singapore!

Story (Singapore Identity)

Singapore, a vibrant metropolis known for its booming economy, towering skyscrapers and lush greenery may also be famous for its staggering high population density. This can create a whole list of troubles and the one crowned first is the overcrowding on public transport.
During daily peak hours, buses and MRT are all pack with commuters from all walks of life. Men in suits, women with high-heels on, children with bulgy school bags and frail elderly are all trying to cram into the bus even when it is filled to the brim. They will just squeeze and push into the bus no matter how full it is. They simply do not have time to wait patiently for the next bus! This is very in such a modernized country like Singapore. Another factor contributing to this may be the lure of the comfortable seats. People would always rush forward when the bus is approaching. Everyone wants to have a seat and rest. Most of the time, the elderly or the disabled normally do not get their share of seats simply because their actions are slower compared to all the other people rushing forward.
The moment they board the bus, the drama class commences. People reading books will be more absorbed than before, some who were not sleeping would fall into deep slumber and would wake up immediately when the bus arrives at their stop. However, these are not the worst case scenarios, as some may even snatch the seat which the elderly, the disabled, are preparing to sit down on. Then they deliberately put on their stylish earphones and blast music through their ears. However, there is one incident worth mentioning and I felt immensely proud of being a Singaporean after that!
It was an unusually hot January afternoon and I am on my way home on the bus. The air-conditioners seemed faulty as drops of perspiration dripped down my forehead. I was wiping away the sweat every few minutes. I was completely soaked as the fabric glued onto my wet skin. As there were no seats, I sighed and made myself ready to stand for the next 45 minutes. I was getting rather drowsy by the rhythmic rocking of the bus. Then all of a sudden, the bus came to a sudden halt. I was jolted back. The doors opened and a group of elderly and handicapped boarded the bus. They took some time as the walked in slowly. The driver also waited patiently for them to hold on to the rails before starting off. “The drama class will be starting” I thought to myself.
Yes, indeed. Some people were already falling asleep while minutes ago they were playing games on their phones. However, I noticed one small boy was starting to pack his things beside where he was sitting. I looked curiously at him as the bus will not be stopping for the next 10 minutes since it will be on the expressway. I walked towards him, squeezing through some people and strike the conversation with him.
“Hello, little boy do you know that the bus will not be stopping for the next 10 minutes?” I asked kindly.
“Yes, I know” he replied.
“But why are you packing all your things? You should sit down! Your stuff looks heavy,” I answered, looking at him.
“Thank you for reminding me but I am giving up my seat to that old lady over there, near the door!” he chirped, “She needs it more than me! I can just bear for it for just a while!” He stood up with the load and signaled that old lady to have a seat. I was shocked by his reply and I walked away embarrassed. That old lady thanked the boy profusely and was smiling to him and praising him before she sat down.
At that moment, some people began to “wake” up from their sleep. Many started tidying up their things briskly and stood up. They went towards each of the elderly and disabled and told them that they could sit down at their seat. The elderly and the disabled seemed shocked but later smiled and thanked them for their offer. I could not believe what I had seen. There were still many empty seats on the bus after they had settled down but no one sat on it. Everyone was standing. The driver also seemed shocked as he kept glancing behind. Then 10 minutes ride continued in this manner and though it was quite uncomfortable, I knew everyone was happy for what they had done. A fashionable lady ushered the boy to sit down, but he said that he must not seat as someone in need would board the bus later. I was deeply moved.
If anyone would to say that Singaporeans are greedy and selfish, I think you are making a big mistake. The reason why most Singaporeans do not give up their seat is because there is no one giving up their seat. Day by day, this feeling slowly builds up and no one bother giving up their seat. I was really proud that Singaporeans are so gracious. As the saying goes: “Do not judge a book by its cover”, as there is more than meets the eye. Underneath Singaporeans seemingly cold heart, there is a warm red heart waiting to be discovered and dug out.

Slavery
A) At around 1600, slaves shipped to ship into America. People were getting more slaves in the South where large plantations grew cotton and other crops. These plantations needed many workers to take care of the farms, thus people in the North didn't need as much slaves compared to those in the South because they didn't have as many large farms as the South did.
B) Most of the slaves were brought in from Africa.
C) The owner of the slaves were normally those who required a huge of labours such as rice plantation etc…
D) In 1682 the slave code enacted that runaways who refused to be arrested might be lawfully killed. Slaves were forbidden to carry arms, offensive or defensive, or to go off the plantations of their masters without a written pass, or to lift a hand against a Christian, even in self-defense.
E) It gives us a better understanding why the whites and the blacks have such a distant relationship. Yes, after researching I think the distant relationship is because the blacks were treated for slaves for quite a period of time and slowly the whites have the impression in their mind that the blacks are always slaves and they have to work for them, thus giving them the bad attitudes.
The Civil War
A) States that make up "The South" are usually:
 Maryland
 Virginia
 Tennessee
 Arkansas
 Louisiana
 Missouri
 North Carolina
 South Carolina
 Mississippi
 Alabama
 Georgia
 Florida
 Texas
 Oklahoma

B) President Abraham Lincoln
C) In simple words, I think that the Civil War was fought over slavery
D) It was fought from 1861–1865.
E) Union victory
 Territorial integrity of the United States of America preserved
 Reconstruction
 Slavery abolished
F) It is closely related as the TKAM tells us how badly the blacks were treated at first just like in real-life. The end of the civil war symbolizes that the slavery is abolished.
Jim Crow Law



A) It is a law.
B) The Jim Crow Laws were laws that discriminates against African Americans with concern to attendance in public schools and the use of facilities such as restaurants, theaters, hotels, cinemas and public baths.
C) The slaves and the blacks migrated in great numbers to northern cities to seek better lives since the Jims Crow’s law were implemented in the southern cities, which deprived them of many opportunities.
D) The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is about Scout growing up in rural Alabama in the 1930's. Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer in the town assigned to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Tom did not rape any woman but the stereotyping mindset of the Whites believed that the blacks would do so under the influence of the Jim Crow laws.

Story

Fictional Story On My Personality:
I was lost in the woods. It was in the coldest months of the year with snow covering the once lush undergrowth. The towering trees were bald as if they had grown old and weak in this harsh winter. The flowers which ware once in full bloom in the summer had disappeared, leaving only a trail of animal footprints.
I was desperately lost. A gust of wind carrying pieces of snowflakes blew across my face and it was sharp. I was only going out for a walk, away from all my relatives, who had came to my grandpa’s funeral. I only wanted to calm myself down. I just cannot understand why grandpa had to leave me. Grandpa had taken care of me since my parents both divorced. We had been so close, just like butterflies which could never leave a petal of flower. I was the butterfly. My grandfather, the flower, had provided me with everything, food, home, warmth and anything a broken winged butterfly would need to survive.
I was now sitting on a stone, clueless on what to do next. I was in a struggle between waiting here for help or to search for help on my own. The snow stopped falling and I decided to just stay where I am and wait for help to arrive. ”They will discover I am lost and come and look for me!” I reassured myself. However, things always do not turn out to be as perfect as a bed of roses- dark was approaching. The temperature began to drop slowly but surely. The sky darkened as the minutes passed. It was when that I discovered that I was in grave danger not only from the freezing cold but also from the dangerous wild animals living in the forest. Grandpa had once told me how hunters who got lost in the woods were never to be seen again. I was skeptical about it at first but gradually I knew I had to face the truth, not because of the wild animals but from the fatal cold.
I got into action quickly. I desperately needed a fire. I seized the opportunity to get as much wood as possible quickly before the sun drops below the horizon. I managed to find some bit of dry wood lying on some stones others however were damp. I knew that there was no way I could start a fire with damp wood so I could only start a fire with the dry wood that I have with me and dry the remaining woods with it.
I took out the two sticks of wood and rubbed them vigorously against each other. A small spark appeared but diminished as a gentle breeze blew by. I tried again. My palms were cold and bare but I am not going to give up until the fire is being started. I began to feel that the wood was warming out then there was a billow of light smoke and then a small but steady flame was ignited. I cupped my hands around it to make sure that no wind could extinguish it. It was so warm and lovely with a small little flame dancing right there. The feeling was indescribable.
The flame grew steady a couple of minutes later. I dried the remaining damp wood with the fire. It burned with such brightness and warmth and gave me confidence that I would get out of this forest very soon. I was hungry and thirsty but luckily I had my water bottle with me. I drank half of it and left half for tomorrow. Slowly, I could feel my eyelids turning heavy and soon I could not resist the temptation but to sleep. It was so quiet and not even the rustling of the trees could be heard. It was as though I was deaf.
I slept peacefully till the next morning. The fire had already burned itself through the wood. The snow had melted and the temperature had risen by a couple of degrees. I decided to continue walking. I was still trying to reel away from the death of my grandpa when I saw a pack of wolves a couple of metres away. I did not see them!
I was frozen solid as the wolves snarled at me, revealing its sharp canines. I held my breath and steadily retreated a few steps.
Suddenly, one of them inched forward slowly…
Sweat trickled down my face…
I turned back and dashed as quickly as I could. I could feel the wolves chasing behind me as if they had found a prey. I spotted a bald tree and started climbing it. The wolves were scowling as they tried to climb up. My heart was palpitating wildly as I dared not even make a single movement lest I drop down from the tree. After what seemed like eternities, I could no longer hear the scowling anymore. The wolves were gone.
I climbed further up the tree and saw smoke far away. As the visibility was not really excellent, I could only try and figure out the direction of the smoke. Snow was setting itself back again. I got down the tree and continued walking. The sun had now disappeared and was covered by a cloud of mist. I took a small drink from the bottle and quickened my steps. I was starving and I hope that there will be someone there where the smoke was. The sky was slowly darkening and I could feel my stomach grumble in utmost despair. I could faintly see a light and a house. I ran towards it. There it was, a 4 –storey high old, red clay bungalow. I saw a lady with a child and asked them if I could stay here. They looked at me from head to toe, then nodded and the lady replied, “Make yourself feel at home!” She leaded me into the house and beaconed the child, who was still playing in the snow, to come into the house. The lady passed me a cup of hot tea and sat beside me. “Oh dear, you looked terribly frozen up! What happened?” I told her everything. She looked shocked when I finished my story.“ Do you know you have walked for over 100 kilometres?” she replied. “Don’t worry, I will drive you back tomorrow, it will take about an hour or so!” she added suddenly.
Later that night, we had a simple dinner, the 3 of us. It was extremely simple and I was still a bit hungry after that. The lady was thin and so is the child. I knew that they were poor and never mentioned a word about it. Then we went bed. It was only 8 in the evening but I was tired anyone and fell asleep rather quickly.
The next morning, I was awakened by a gentle tap on my shoulders. It was that lady. “Breakfast is ready and you do want to go home, am I right?” I walked down the stairs, half conscious. On the unbalanced wooden table, there was a cup of tea and a half an egg. I finished them in a matter of seconds. “I think we should go now” she said. I was mesmerized by the scene outside. The branches on the tree were frozen with ice. The ground was slippery. The tress glistened like diamonds as the ice reflected the sun rays. “Come on, we do not have all day!’ she said, pushing me into a truck along with the kid.
The drive along the road was pleasant. The whole mountain was glistening so brilliantly. Time ticked by. I was excited as every passing minute signify that I am a step nearer to get back home. An hour or so later, I finally saw my little cottage. There ware a lot of people crowding around my house. Everyone had a worried look on their faces. The car finally came to a halt and I screamed, “I am back”. Everyone turned at looked at my direction. My aunt came had hugged me so tightly as tears brimmed from her eyes, “I thought you will be lost forever, I was so worried. Your grandfather…” I could no more comprehend what she was trying to say from her uncontrollable sobs. I comforted my aunt a bit and walked toward the thin lady. I looked at her and then thanked her for she had done for me. She then left with the little boy at the backseat in the little, old truck. “Come dear, you must look at your grandpa one last time!” aunt said. I walked into our garden and saw him lying in the coffin, ready to be buried. He was so peaceful, so perfect. I bent forward and gave him a kiss on his cold forehead. I was no longer sad but glad that grandpa can finally rest forever.
Before closing the coffin lid, I looked at him for the one last time and ran away. I could hear the scraping of mud and dirt. Through this experience, I had learnt to overcome and difficulties that faced as avoiding them would cause catastrophic results. I also learnt to walk out of depressions. Just like myself in real life, after meeting much challenges, I would learn to overcome them.

Death of grandpa represents depressions
Lost in forest, bitter cold, wolves, lack of food represents challenges
Not giving up on starting fire represents trying my own best
Thin lady represent luck
Burying of grandpa represents burying the depressions
Running away from burying ceremony represents starting everything afresh