A tidbit to your General Knowledge
National Education is part of the holistic education. The motive of National Education is to develop national cohesion, cultivate the instinct for survival as a nation and instill in students confidence in our nation's future. It also emphasises on cultivating a sense of belonging and emotional rootedness to Singapore.
National Education instills confidence to Singaporean that Singapore can be defended by our armed forces. It also enhance commitment of Singaporeans to regard Singapore as their home and prepare to defend Singapore in times of needs.It also aim to increase cohesion among Singaporean to live in a more harmonious society. Total Defence is a tool that is used to propagate National Education since the 1990s.
Total Defence includes psychological defence which is under the Ministry of Education, military defence which is under the Ministry of defence, civil defence which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, social defence which is under the Ministry of Community of Development and economic defence which is under the inspection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is assisted by Ministry of Trade and Industry.
As Singaporeans, we must expect to defend our country against any foreign terrorists' attack. However, we hope that through the effort we put in by our government in foreign diplomacy, we can achieve peace and harmony for Singapore in the upcoming years.
For psychological defence,the intention inculcate the right value system and instill loyalty among younger Singaporean since the first day of their Primary education. Every year on 15 February, Singapore commemorates Total Defence Day. For military defence, the army protects Singapore against foreign invasion in case foreign diplomacy fail. Under civil defence, the police force, prison service, civil defence, internal security, etc, manages our homeland security and safety. For social defence, the government promotes promotes racial and religious harmony in SIngapore. Every year on 21 July, Singapore celebrates Racial Harmony Day. This is to remiond Singaporans that racial and religious harmonty is not by chance. For economical defence, the government aimed to stay relavant and competitive through the rapid change and development, put in place robust economic systems that can continue to function in times of crisis and make Singapore livable for future generations.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Journal Entry 6: Trail at Macritchie Reservoir
Before Singapore became a British colony in the 19th century, the island was almost covered with lowland dipterocarp forest. Between 1820 and 1870, vast tracts of the pristine rainforest were cleared for cultivation. By 1882, less than 10% of the original forest cover remained.
Today, about 2000 hectares of forest is found within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Despite representing only a tiny fraction of the island's original vegetation, these nature reserves remain an important refuge for a rich assemblage of plants and animals, many of which are forest-dependant. In 1868, MacRitchie Reservoir was completed and its surrounding forest of about 600 hectares was protected as a water catchment reserve.
MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore's oldest reservoir, was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir. On the 28th December, we went to MacRitchie Reservoir after our lunch. It was only a 35 minutes bus ride from our home to reach our destination.
We commenced our trail upon reaching our destination. Following the yellow route as indicated on the map, we embarked on our trail of 11kilometres. As we trailed along the board walks on both the Chemparai Trail and the Jering Trail, we caught sight of many different species of fishes and we detected some turtles swimming gracefully in the reservoir. As we trailed along this path, we came face to face with the majestic seven storey high Jelutong Tower which stands proudly in the middle of the forest walk. Climbing up the steep stairs was indeed tiring, but what greeted us at the peak of the tower is a bird eye's view of the varied terrain of MacRitchie and the skyline beyond the reservoir park.
Next, we trekked on the rocky path of the trail. We used the orange route at the Terentang trail and trekked along the sandy paths. This route, named Venus Link, led us through an old village ground featuring fruit trees and a trickling stream which ends at Venus Drive. Thus, concluding our trek at the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The rocky Road, the muddy slope as well as the straight path through the wooden bridge indicates that life is not a smooth sailing journey. It is full of obstacles. In order to grow maturally and enable us to stand firm to all challenges and temptations we face in society, obstacles will become an essential learning path to focus our thinking and broaden our vision.
Today, about 2000 hectares of forest is found within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Despite representing only a tiny fraction of the island's original vegetation, these nature reserves remain an important refuge for a rich assemblage of plants and animals, many of which are forest-dependant. In 1868, MacRitchie Reservoir was completed and its surrounding forest of about 600 hectares was protected as a water catchment reserve.
MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore's oldest reservoir, was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir. On the 28th December, we went to MacRitchie Reservoir after our lunch. It was only a 35 minutes bus ride from our home to reach our destination.
We commenced our trail upon reaching our destination. Following the yellow route as indicated on the map, we embarked on our trail of 11kilometres. As we trailed along the board walks on both the Chemparai Trail and the Jering Trail, we caught sight of many different species of fishes and we detected some turtles swimming gracefully in the reservoir. As we trailed along this path, we came face to face with the majestic seven storey high Jelutong Tower which stands proudly in the middle of the forest walk. Climbing up the steep stairs was indeed tiring, but what greeted us at the peak of the tower is a bird eye's view of the varied terrain of MacRitchie and the skyline beyond the reservoir park.
Next, we trekked on the rocky path of the trail. We used the orange route at the Terentang trail and trekked along the sandy paths. This route, named Venus Link, led us through an old village ground featuring fruit trees and a trickling stream which ends at Venus Drive. Thus, concluding our trek at the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The rocky Road, the muddy slope as well as the straight path through the wooden bridge indicates that life is not a smooth sailing journey. It is full of obstacles. In order to grow maturally and enable us to stand firm to all challenges and temptations we face in society, obstacles will become an essential learning path to focus our thinking and broaden our vision.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Journal Entry 5: Christmas Day
Christmas is a day of obligation to all Catholics. This is a day where Jesus Christ, the saviour is born. Christmas is festive joy universally where many people often make use of this year end holiday season to visit one another and make merry. After attending the mass on Christmas Day, my family proceeded to visit the Hort Park located near Gillman Height condo (at depot Road) to experience this new natural park that was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a wet Saturday morning. After alighting from the MRT at Harbourfront terminal, we embarked on a journey by a link bridge that leads to Mount Faber.
We crossed the Alexandra Arch and began our trail of 2.8 kilometres at Telok Blangah Hill Park which has a history that few other parks can boast about. This park has long been a place of gathering for trading communities which flourished at the site since the early nineteenth century. The prosperity of the traders is symbolised by the Alkaff Mansion - an elegant colonial bungalow built by an Arab trader and is previously a place for grand parties of the social elite. We took the forest walk which comprises of a steps-free elevated walkway with earth trails meanders through some 50 metres through the secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill. The raised walkway with heights ranging from 3 to 18 metres brushes the canopy of trees and offers a bird’s eye view of the forest. The modules of the elevated walkway derived their design from the triangular-shaped leaves of the fast-growing “Mile-a-Minute” plant. The ground level earth trails offer a more rugged experience, bringing you closer to the wildlife found in the area.
Next, we went on to the Hilltop Walk that runs through the 34-hectare Telok Blangah Hill Park, once a gathering place for trading communities that flourished in the area in the early nineteenth century. The trail connects on one end with the Henderson Waves and the other with the Forest Walk leading to Alexandra Arch. The Terrace Garden at the top of the park offerred us a stunning 360-degree view of Singapore.
The following trail route was the Henderson Waves which took up only 5 minutes of our time. At 36 metres above Henderson Road, Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It was built to connect the two hills of Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill.The bridge has a unique wave-form made up of seven undulating curved steel “ribs” that alternately rise over and under its deck. The curved “ribs” form alcoves that function as shelters with seats within.Slats of yellow balau wood, an all-weather timber found in South-East Asia, are used in the decking. Look out for carvings on the slats marking the height you are at on various points along the bridge.
The next route we embarked on was the Faber Walk. Faber Walk meanders through Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore, and ends at the Henderson Waves. The slopes of this 56-hectare park are covered by dense secondary rain forest, and are home to many interesting plants and fauna. At its peak the park offers panoramic views of the southern part of Singapore and the Southern Islands. At night, the park transforms into one of the more romantic spots on the island, where people can enjoy a breathtaking sight of the city’s twinkling lights and ships at sea.
Though it took us about 3 hours to complete the arduous journey, I have learnt an important lesson that regardless of how long the journey, it will soon comes to an end. Achieving target and final result should not be the reason we study. It should be the sole and aim, the challenges, the setback along the jouney that will make us a holistic person. Hence, we should not give in to obstacles and failures but change our navigation to overcome them instead so as to make us a better person for tomorrow.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Newspaper Report 4
Newspaper Report: 4 killed in KL landslide horror
Date: 7 December 2008
Newspaper: The New Paper
Summary;
A massive landslide hits Kuala Lumpur and killed 4 people on early Saturday and left at least 23 people injured. So far, 4 bodies were recovered, 23 people are injured as the landslide buried some houses. However, the cause of the landslide has yet to be discovered. The dead included a 30 year old mother, a boy, a vetand a maid. However, 7 people are still reported to be missing.
Reflection:
I feel that this landslide horror is a tragedy for Kuala Lumpur as it kiled 4 innocent people. After reading the aricle, a layer of melancholy descended on me. I feel extremely sorry to those families who have lost their loved ones in the landslide. This tragedy has taught me to cherish everyday of our lives as we do not know what kind of things will await us the following day.
Date: 7 December 2008
Newspaper: The New Paper
Summary;
A massive landslide hits Kuala Lumpur and killed 4 people on early Saturday and left at least 23 people injured. So far, 4 bodies were recovered, 23 people are injured as the landslide buried some houses. However, the cause of the landslide has yet to be discovered. The dead included a 30 year old mother, a boy, a vetand a maid. However, 7 people are still reported to be missing.
Reflection:
I feel that this landslide horror is a tragedy for Kuala Lumpur as it kiled 4 innocent people. After reading the aricle, a layer of melancholy descended on me. I feel extremely sorry to those families who have lost their loved ones in the landslide. This tragedy has taught me to cherish everyday of our lives as we do not know what kind of things will await us the following day.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Newspaper Report 3
Newspaper Report: Mumbai Terror attacks
Date: 1 December 2008
Summary
While it is too early to know exactly what happened in Mumbai as the fog of war still blankets the city, multiple press reports from India allow for a general picture to be painted. An estimated 12 to 25 terrorists are believed to have entered Mumbai by sea on 26 Nov at around 9:30pm (local time). After landing, the terrorists initiated attacks at a police station, then fanned across the city to attack the soft underbelly of hotels, cafes, cinemas, and hospitals. Civilians were gunned down and taken as hostage, while terrorists shouted out for people carrying US and British passports.
India's cities are no strangers to indiscriminate terror attacks. Such attacks have occurred at regular interval with steadily increasing frequency in the recent years. Mumbai alone witnessed several terrorist activities in recent past. It started with the series of thirteen explosions resulted in 257 deaths and over 700 injured on the 12 March 1993. Then on 13 March 2003, a bomb attack on a commuter train killed 11 persons. In another incident, twin car bombings killed at least 52 people and injured 150 persons. Again, seven bomb blasts occurred at various places on the Mumbai suburban railway, killing 200, on 11 July 2006.
In the current year alone, India suffered a high number of terrorist bomb attacks including in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad , Guwati, and Manipur.
"The attacks also show every sign of having been designed to maximise the media attention on a global scale."
Now the burning question is: what is new about the Mumbai attack? What is new is that this is the first time the Westerners, in particular the Americans and the British, and Jews, were targeted on Indian soil. As a result, this attack has received the highest global media coverage since 9/11.
The obvious novelty and uniqueness of the attack is the use of "frontal built up area assault" tactics combining "amphibious operation" and instead of timed explosive devices one or more bombings at distinct sites, that is going to be a new chapter in the history of terrorism. But it is not a fully new symptom in India.
This may be new in the urban Indian context. However, there was one similar incident--an attack by a five-man squad armed with rifles and grenades on India's parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.
The attackers were narrowly prevented by alert staff from gaining access to the building, where hundreds of parliamentarians and ministers were attending a session. This Delhi attack led on almost to a war between India and Pakistan.
This "frontal built up area assault" that took place in Mumbai is also known as "Fidayeen technique" in the terrorism history of Indian sub-continent. The Fidayeen technique--a rudimentary form of "shock and awe" warfare--was introduced into Kashmir by Pakistani radical organisations that entered the Kashmir insurgency from the mid-1990s onwards. The large majority of Fidayeen attacks in Kashmir were perpetrated by one such organisation, the Lashkar-e-Toiba, headquartered in Pakistan and founded and led by Pakistani religious radicals.
But the deployment of exactly the same tactic in central Mumbai shows that this technique has now found a new and even more dangerous theatre in which to operate.
The tactic is thus not without precedent, but the havoc in Mumbai may nonetheless mark a new chapter in the evolution of urban terrorism in India. The gunmen who attacked two luxury hotels, and a fashionable cafe frequently visited by Westerners, have brought the "war"--as they see it--to India's elite class, and to affluent Westerners living in or visiting India's most cosmopolitan city.
An attack of this nature cannot be launched together overnight. It requires planning, scouting, financing, training, and a supporting network to aid the terrorists. It is more than likely that the masterminds are seasoned operatives and that the foot-soldiers, young as they may have been, had undergone rigorous training for months and perhaps years. It is reported that the terrorists were so prepared and organised that they established an operational control room inside the Taj Mahal hotel. The attacks also show every sign of having been designed to maximise the media attention on a global scale.
The Mumbai incident clearly brought India to a massive intelligence and security failure. In the first several hours after the incidents began, the response of the Indian authorities was very inefficient, slow, and confused.
The first forces sent to the scene were inexperienced local police officers equipped with poor arms and ammunition (whereas the terrorists were well equipped with modern AK-47 rifles, grenades and other modern explosives), who sustained heavy casualties as a result.
It took a long time before Indian military and police authorities realised the magnitude of the attack and deployed skilled forces including army and navy commando units to the ten affected sites. These units, in particular the National Security Guard's Black Cats commando force, have an impressive operational record, especially in Kashmir and against the Pakistani army. It is hard to believe even these the commandoes also faced problems due to not having the knowledge of the layouts of such key installations.
The global intelligence and spy agencies had been reporting that this attack on India's financial capital Mumbai, bears all the trademarks of al-Qaida--simultaneous assaults meant to kill scores of Westerners in iconic building--but clues so far point to homegrown Indian terrorists supported by external forces like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaishe-e-Mohammad based in neighbouring countries. However, let me reiterate that at this moment in time it is premature to draw any conclusions as to the provenance of the terrorists.
In some ways, the attack illustrated just how fluid the terror tactics have become since 9/11 and how the threat has become more global in character. Al-Qaida's leaders on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border still provide inspiration but groups are becoming increasingly local. And one thing is clear--they all work under the same umbrella of ideology that al-Qaida had been trying to spread all over the world.
The group that claimed responsibility, Deccan Mujahideen, was unknown to global security officials. The name suggests the group is from the Indian state of Hyderabad. One of the suspects reportedly called an Indian television station, speaking Urdu, to demand the return of Muslim lands. That most likely was a reference to Kashmir, territory claimed by both India and Pakistan.
Now the time has come for the Indian and Pakistani governments to co-operate with each other for facing the same enemy of global terrorism. If they continue the old political tactics of playing the blame game, the umbrella of al-Qaida will be strengthened. It is well to remember that al-Qaida desires increased tension between Pakistan and India .
Finally, India itself should look into its own short-comings in security apparatus to modernise the policing system and organise a national level intelligence to deal with terrorism effectively.
Reflection
From this Mumbai terrorism, I have learnt that terrorism is something which can break out anywhere and anytime. Therefore, we must be prepared to prevent terrorists from attacking Singapore. From Singapore, there is one person who was killed by the terrorists. She went abroad to work and yet she was captured bt the terrorists and was held hostage where she was shot thereafter. From this incident, we know that life is unpredictable and one can die without us knowing. So we must learnt to cherish every seconds of our life.
Date: 1 December 2008
Summary
While it is too early to know exactly what happened in Mumbai as the fog of war still blankets the city, multiple press reports from India allow for a general picture to be painted. An estimated 12 to 25 terrorists are believed to have entered Mumbai by sea on 26 Nov at around 9:30pm (local time). After landing, the terrorists initiated attacks at a police station, then fanned across the city to attack the soft underbelly of hotels, cafes, cinemas, and hospitals. Civilians were gunned down and taken as hostage, while terrorists shouted out for people carrying US and British passports.
India's cities are no strangers to indiscriminate terror attacks. Such attacks have occurred at regular interval with steadily increasing frequency in the recent years. Mumbai alone witnessed several terrorist activities in recent past. It started with the series of thirteen explosions resulted in 257 deaths and over 700 injured on the 12 March 1993. Then on 13 March 2003, a bomb attack on a commuter train killed 11 persons. In another incident, twin car bombings killed at least 52 people and injured 150 persons. Again, seven bomb blasts occurred at various places on the Mumbai suburban railway, killing 200, on 11 July 2006.
In the current year alone, India suffered a high number of terrorist bomb attacks including in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad , Guwati, and Manipur.
"The attacks also show every sign of having been designed to maximise the media attention on a global scale."
Now the burning question is: what is new about the Mumbai attack? What is new is that this is the first time the Westerners, in particular the Americans and the British, and Jews, were targeted on Indian soil. As a result, this attack has received the highest global media coverage since 9/11.
The obvious novelty and uniqueness of the attack is the use of "frontal built up area assault" tactics combining "amphibious operation" and instead of timed explosive devices one or more bombings at distinct sites, that is going to be a new chapter in the history of terrorism. But it is not a fully new symptom in India.
This may be new in the urban Indian context. However, there was one similar incident--an attack by a five-man squad armed with rifles and grenades on India's parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.
The attackers were narrowly prevented by alert staff from gaining access to the building, where hundreds of parliamentarians and ministers were attending a session. This Delhi attack led on almost to a war between India and Pakistan.
This "frontal built up area assault" that took place in Mumbai is also known as "Fidayeen technique" in the terrorism history of Indian sub-continent. The Fidayeen technique--a rudimentary form of "shock and awe" warfare--was introduced into Kashmir by Pakistani radical organisations that entered the Kashmir insurgency from the mid-1990s onwards. The large majority of Fidayeen attacks in Kashmir were perpetrated by one such organisation, the Lashkar-e-Toiba, headquartered in Pakistan and founded and led by Pakistani religious radicals.
But the deployment of exactly the same tactic in central Mumbai shows that this technique has now found a new and even more dangerous theatre in which to operate.
The tactic is thus not without precedent, but the havoc in Mumbai may nonetheless mark a new chapter in the evolution of urban terrorism in India. The gunmen who attacked two luxury hotels, and a fashionable cafe frequently visited by Westerners, have brought the "war"--as they see it--to India's elite class, and to affluent Westerners living in or visiting India's most cosmopolitan city.
An attack of this nature cannot be launched together overnight. It requires planning, scouting, financing, training, and a supporting network to aid the terrorists. It is more than likely that the masterminds are seasoned operatives and that the foot-soldiers, young as they may have been, had undergone rigorous training for months and perhaps years. It is reported that the terrorists were so prepared and organised that they established an operational control room inside the Taj Mahal hotel. The attacks also show every sign of having been designed to maximise the media attention on a global scale.
The Mumbai incident clearly brought India to a massive intelligence and security failure. In the first several hours after the incidents began, the response of the Indian authorities was very inefficient, slow, and confused.
The first forces sent to the scene were inexperienced local police officers equipped with poor arms and ammunition (whereas the terrorists were well equipped with modern AK-47 rifles, grenades and other modern explosives), who sustained heavy casualties as a result.
It took a long time before Indian military and police authorities realised the magnitude of the attack and deployed skilled forces including army and navy commando units to the ten affected sites. These units, in particular the National Security Guard's Black Cats commando force, have an impressive operational record, especially in Kashmir and against the Pakistani army. It is hard to believe even these the commandoes also faced problems due to not having the knowledge of the layouts of such key installations.
The global intelligence and spy agencies had been reporting that this attack on India's financial capital Mumbai, bears all the trademarks of al-Qaida--simultaneous assaults meant to kill scores of Westerners in iconic building--but clues so far point to homegrown Indian terrorists supported by external forces like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaishe-e-Mohammad based in neighbouring countries. However, let me reiterate that at this moment in time it is premature to draw any conclusions as to the provenance of the terrorists.
In some ways, the attack illustrated just how fluid the terror tactics have become since 9/11 and how the threat has become more global in character. Al-Qaida's leaders on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border still provide inspiration but groups are becoming increasingly local. And one thing is clear--they all work under the same umbrella of ideology that al-Qaida had been trying to spread all over the world.
The group that claimed responsibility, Deccan Mujahideen, was unknown to global security officials. The name suggests the group is from the Indian state of Hyderabad. One of the suspects reportedly called an Indian television station, speaking Urdu, to demand the return of Muslim lands. That most likely was a reference to Kashmir, territory claimed by both India and Pakistan.
Now the time has come for the Indian and Pakistani governments to co-operate with each other for facing the same enemy of global terrorism. If they continue the old political tactics of playing the blame game, the umbrella of al-Qaida will be strengthened. It is well to remember that al-Qaida desires increased tension between Pakistan and India .
Finally, India itself should look into its own short-comings in security apparatus to modernise the policing system and organise a national level intelligence to deal with terrorism effectively.
Reflection
From this Mumbai terrorism, I have learnt that terrorism is something which can break out anywhere and anytime. Therefore, we must be prepared to prevent terrorists from attacking Singapore. From Singapore, there is one person who was killed by the terrorists. She went abroad to work and yet she was captured bt the terrorists and was held hostage where she was shot thereafter. From this incident, we know that life is unpredictable and one can die without us knowing. So we must learnt to cherish every seconds of our life.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Journal Entry 4: Holiday at Genting Highlands
Day 1
After an estimated anticipation of three weeks, the day to go to Genting Highlands has finally arrived. We woke up to the consistent ringing of the alarm clock. Though it was 5.45am in the morning, I was too excited to feel any signs of exhaustion. We set off for Kovan MRT station for our breakfast before getting on an express coach which will bring us to Genting Highlands. The coach was quite comfortable: with lush plush seats and personal entertainment system. As soon as I lodged into my seat, I was up to my neck in games. However, it was cut short when we reached Tuas Checkpoint. We were required to get off the coach and scan our passports. It was a long queue and we had to wait for almost half an hour before the coach set off for the Johor Bahru Checkpoint where we were required to check our belongings. Once the bus continued on the journey, I immediately returned to my games. By the time I had played almost a quarter of the games available, the coach had reached a place called "Yong Peng". We had our lunch before continuing the journey. It was yet another 3 hours of journey before the coach halted again. We had reached Kuala Lumpur. We got down the bus for a 10 minutes toilet break before setting off. The coach went off and we reached Genting Highlands. It was a total of 8 hours of arduous bus ride from Kovan to Genting Highlands.
We got down the bus to stretch for a while before heading towards the lobby to check in to our hotel: The First World Hotel. First World Hotel is the world's largest hotel and is adjoined to the First World Plaza, which boasts 500,000 sq feet of indoor theme park, shopping centre and food galore. Rumors said that we had to wait for a minimum of an hour before getting the hotel room card. However, we had to wait for only 5 minutes before it was our turn to go and obtain the room card. The level we got was the 20th storey. It was quite high as the highest storey was 28 storey and we do not want the highest storey. We went into the room and the air was a bit stuffy. We rested for 15 minutes before going to the First World Plaza for our "shopping session".
Soon, it was time for dinner and we went to a restaurant for our meal. The food they served was delicious. We continued our shopping before going to one of the signature attraction: The SnowWorld. The SnowWorld was the coldest place at Gentingand the temperature was -5 degree Celsius at night. We bought the ticket for the 9.50pm to 10.30pm time slot as it would be quite cold already. We entered the SnowWorld and we enjoyed ourselves there. We had snow fight and we tried on Cresta ride which was exhilarating. Though 40 minutes in there was quite short, I enjoyed myself very much. After a visit to the SnowWorld, we went to buy our supper at KFC before heading back to the hotel for a good night's sleep as it was a tiring day for me.
Day 2
At the break of dawn, we woke up due to the chilly wind blowing into our hotel. We went down to the First World Cafe for our breakfast before heading towards the Theme Park. We bought the family package for only $196. After which, we went to try out a series of different games. For the Outdoor Theme Park, we tried the The Flying Dragon, The Monorail, The Boating, The Double Decker Carousel, Antique Car, Rolling Thunder Mine Train, Flying Jumbo, Astro Fighter, The Matahari and The Dinosaurland. All the games were quite interesting and the queues were extremely long. For the Indoor Theme Park, we tried the Adult Bumper Car, Reindeer Cruiser, Rio Float, Venice Gondola and the Ferris Wheel. However, I was a bit disappointed as I did not get to try out the Grand Prix FunKart-something similar to the F1 Challenge.
After trying out all the games, the one I like most is the Antique Car. Since I did not get to try out the Grand Prix Fun Kart, the Antique Car was similar but it was moving on a constant track and I cannot get the freedom to travel wherever I wished to. The one I dreaded most is the Adult Bumper Car. It was not very fun at all. The Bumper Car was not as interesting as the one in Singapore. The Bumper Car is very hard to steer and I cannot get to turn the car easily. What a disappointment!
It was an extremely exhausting day for me and I retire to bed quite early.
Day 3
The last day of our trip to Genting Highlands was quite boring. We aroused from our sleep due to the disorientating ringing our my digital watch. It was extremely tiring as I did not get to sleep well the night before due to the cold wind blowing into the hotel room. We went to the First World Cafe for our breakfast before heading to the shops located near Highlands Hotel to buy some souvenirs. After which, we went back to the hotel to pack up our belongings, so as to be ready when we checked out later. We took our bath and went to have our lunch before checking out of the hotel. After which, we boarded the bus which will bring us back to Singapore. When we reached the Woodlands checkpoint, there was a massive jam as it was peak hour. We waited for an hour before setting off towards Kovan station. At the Checkpoint, two pepole were identified to have smuugled chewing gum to Singapore and they were fined after their chewing gum has been confiscated.
Once we reached Kovan station, we went straight home. As I was going home, I thought to myself, the trip to Genting was rather fruitful. We get to see clouds floating below our hotel room. It was rather misty and most of the games station had to pause before continuing when the mist is not so thick. This is to ensure the safety of the passengers on board the games facilities. Given another chance, I would want to go to Genting Highlands again for the coolnig weather which we cannot experience in Singapore!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Book Review 7: The Comedy Of Errors
Book: The Comedy Of Errors
Author: William Shakespeare
Summary
The towns of Ephesus and Syracuse have an age long feud meaning a tradesman from Syracuse is far from welcome in Ephesus. Before Solinus, the Duke of Ephesus, Aegeon tells his sad story... Many, many years ago (33 years), Aegeon and his wife Aemilia and their two identical boys both named Antipholus were shipwrecked in a violent storm. With them were their two identical servants, both confusingly named Dromio. Two ships rescue the family, Aegeon losing his wife, one of the identical twins plus one of the two servants who are rescued by a ship last seen heading for Corinth. The other vessel rescues Aegeon, one of the sons and one of the servants who return to Syracuse. When the remaining Antipholus came of age at eighteen, Aegeon allowed Antipholus and the surviving Dromio to search for his long lost brother. The two dissappear... Five years of searching later, Aegeon explains he has arrived in Ephesus to look for his son and servant.
The Duke is saddened by this such that he will not sentence Aegeon immediately for being in Ephesus. The Duke offers Aegeon one day to pay a ransom, otherwise he will die as per custom for citizens of Syracuse being in Ephesus. Unknownest to Aegeon, his wife did survive, a rude fisherman stealing Antipholus and Dromio from her. These two eventually make their way to Ephesus whilst Aemilia, in her grief, becomes a nun in Ephesus.
Havoc soon ensues when Aegeon's surviving son Antipholus lands in Ephesus, bringing confusion to all since Antipholus appears in one place then across another at impossible speed, Antipholus saying he is from Epidamnum, thus avoiding arrest. Antipholus is quickly mistaken for the Antipholus who is native to Ephesus, eventually dining with Antipholus of Ephesus' wife Adriana.
Likewise, Ephesus goldsmith Angelo gives Antiopholus of Syracuse a gold chain his Ephesus twin paid for, expecting his payment later. Antipholus of Syracuse falls for Luciana, Adriana's sister rejecting him, thinking her sister's husband is trying to seduce her!
Meanwhile, Angelo returns, asking for payment for the chain which Antipholus of Syracuse naturally refuses; he paid for no such chain (though he did receive it). Antipholus of Syracuse is quickly arrested, everyone thinking Antipholus of Syracuse is Antipholus of Ephesus. During all this, Adriana believes her husband and servant Dromio to be mad, such is their jumping from place to place, even forcing them to see a Doctor Pinch. Hilariously, he tries to exorcize the devil from Antipholus' body.
Adding to the confusion, Adriana meets Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, thinking they have escaped from the Pinch's care, not realising those two are still in the doctor's care. Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse simply don't know what to think! The Syracuse pair quickly go into hiding in a nearby abbey. Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus escape the doctor's care, finding Duke Solinus just as Aegeon is about to be executed. Both Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus try to explain their movements, Aegeon recognising his son, Antipholus of Ephesus not recognizing his father. Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse now arrive with an abbess (Aegeon's wife Aemilia). Both pairs now explain all in front of Solinus, Aegeon being pardoned for entering Ephesus, the family reunited and Antipholus of Syracuse arranging to marry Luciana.
Author: William Shakespeare
Summary
The towns of Ephesus and Syracuse have an age long feud meaning a tradesman from Syracuse is far from welcome in Ephesus. Before Solinus, the Duke of Ephesus, Aegeon tells his sad story... Many, many years ago (33 years), Aegeon and his wife Aemilia and their two identical boys both named Antipholus were shipwrecked in a violent storm. With them were their two identical servants, both confusingly named Dromio. Two ships rescue the family, Aegeon losing his wife, one of the identical twins plus one of the two servants who are rescued by a ship last seen heading for Corinth. The other vessel rescues Aegeon, one of the sons and one of the servants who return to Syracuse. When the remaining Antipholus came of age at eighteen, Aegeon allowed Antipholus and the surviving Dromio to search for his long lost brother. The two dissappear... Five years of searching later, Aegeon explains he has arrived in Ephesus to look for his son and servant.
The Duke is saddened by this such that he will not sentence Aegeon immediately for being in Ephesus. The Duke offers Aegeon one day to pay a ransom, otherwise he will die as per custom for citizens of Syracuse being in Ephesus. Unknownest to Aegeon, his wife did survive, a rude fisherman stealing Antipholus and Dromio from her. These two eventually make their way to Ephesus whilst Aemilia, in her grief, becomes a nun in Ephesus.
Havoc soon ensues when Aegeon's surviving son Antipholus lands in Ephesus, bringing confusion to all since Antipholus appears in one place then across another at impossible speed, Antipholus saying he is from Epidamnum, thus avoiding arrest. Antipholus is quickly mistaken for the Antipholus who is native to Ephesus, eventually dining with Antipholus of Ephesus' wife Adriana.
Likewise, Ephesus goldsmith Angelo gives Antiopholus of Syracuse a gold chain his Ephesus twin paid for, expecting his payment later. Antipholus of Syracuse falls for Luciana, Adriana's sister rejecting him, thinking her sister's husband is trying to seduce her!
Meanwhile, Angelo returns, asking for payment for the chain which Antipholus of Syracuse naturally refuses; he paid for no such chain (though he did receive it). Antipholus of Syracuse is quickly arrested, everyone thinking Antipholus of Syracuse is Antipholus of Ephesus. During all this, Adriana believes her husband and servant Dromio to be mad, such is their jumping from place to place, even forcing them to see a Doctor Pinch. Hilariously, he tries to exorcize the devil from Antipholus' body.
Adding to the confusion, Adriana meets Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, thinking they have escaped from the Pinch's care, not realising those two are still in the doctor's care. Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse simply don't know what to think! The Syracuse pair quickly go into hiding in a nearby abbey. Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus escape the doctor's care, finding Duke Solinus just as Aegeon is about to be executed. Both Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus try to explain their movements, Aegeon recognising his son, Antipholus of Ephesus not recognizing his father. Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse now arrive with an abbess (Aegeon's wife Aemilia). Both pairs now explain all in front of Solinus, Aegeon being pardoned for entering Ephesus, the family reunited and Antipholus of Syracuse arranging to marry Luciana.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Book Review 6: The Tempest
Book: The Tempest
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
The Tempest begins with a huge storm battering a ship carrying Alonso, the King of Naples, Sebastian, (Alonso's brother), Ferdinand (Alonso's son), Antonio, Gonzalo and others. On an island near the storm, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are introduced. We learn that Prospero has created the storm... Miranda asks Prospero to stop the storm. Prospero, once the Duke of Milan, was banished to this island with Miranda by Antonio, Prospero's brother who usurped him. Ariel, Prospero's magic fairy tells us that the men aboard the ship have all made it ashore unharmed as planned. Caliban, a misformed beast is introduced.
Ariel leads Ferdinand to the very beautiful Miranda and the two immediately fall in love... Prospero decides to be rude to Ferdinand, fearful of too rapid a courtship between Ferdinand and his daughter. The rest of the shipwreck survivors wake up, being surprised to discover their clothes smelling and feeling as fresh as if they had just been bought at a market... Ariel's song puts them all to sleep again except for Sebastian and Antonio. Antonio who replaced his brother Prospero as Duke of Milan manipulates Sebastian, King Alonso's brother into doing the same thing by killing King Alonso. The two are about to kill Alonso in his sleep but Ariel awakens everyone and the two men quickly make excuses for drawing their swords out. Trinculo, a jester, discovers Caliban, quickly realising that the beast would earn a fortune for him as a novelty in England. Stephano, Trinculo's friend, gives Caliban alcohol, causing Caliban to think Stephano is more powerful than Prospero whom Caliban hates. The three men set off together to kill Prospero...
Prospero, now invisible, watches Ferdinand and Miranda expressing their deep love for one another in words that rival Romeo and Juliet in their tenderness. Ferdinand, realising he is witnessing a truly rare meeting of hearts, approves of Ferdinand for his daughter. Ferdinand decides to marry Miranda. Bottle in hand, Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban continue on their merry way, Stephano getting delusions of grandeur from Caliban blindly following him. Caliban suggests several gruesome ways of killing Prospero. Ariel lures the group away with music... Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco and others witness a banquet on the island but it is an illusion... Ariel returns and scolds Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian for their roles in exiling Prospero... Prospero tells Ferdinand that he will no longer punish him, instead offering his daughter's hand in marriage to him. Prospero conjures up a mythical, illusory party to celebrate, complete with goddesses and nymphs. Prospero instructs Ariel to bring the shipwrecked men before him.
Remembering Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo, Prospero has Ariel distract them with clothes, Caliban failing to keep his friends focused on killing Prospero. Prospero brings everyone except Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo before him in a circle. Spellbound, he scolds the men who exiled him. Prospero tells Ariel that he will soon be free and that he will miss him. Prospero also intends to destroy his ability to use magic. Making his presence known, Prospero forgives King Alonso and tells Sebastian and Antonio he will keep secret their plan to kill Alonso, forgiving both. The famously sweet scene of Ferdinand playing chess with Miranda occurs. King Alonso is overjoyed to see Ferdinand and soon learns of Ferdinand's imminent marriage to Miranda. Prospero forgives Stephano and Trinculo. Caliban is embarrassed that he followed a fool (Trinculo), Caliban being given his freedom. Prospero announces that in the morning they will all set sail for Naples. Ariel is set free. Finally, Prospero asks the audience to free him to travel back to Naples reclaiming his life as the Duke of Milan.
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
The Tempest begins with a huge storm battering a ship carrying Alonso, the King of Naples, Sebastian, (Alonso's brother), Ferdinand (Alonso's son), Antonio, Gonzalo and others. On an island near the storm, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are introduced. We learn that Prospero has created the storm... Miranda asks Prospero to stop the storm. Prospero, once the Duke of Milan, was banished to this island with Miranda by Antonio, Prospero's brother who usurped him. Ariel, Prospero's magic fairy tells us that the men aboard the ship have all made it ashore unharmed as planned. Caliban, a misformed beast is introduced.
Ariel leads Ferdinand to the very beautiful Miranda and the two immediately fall in love... Prospero decides to be rude to Ferdinand, fearful of too rapid a courtship between Ferdinand and his daughter. The rest of the shipwreck survivors wake up, being surprised to discover their clothes smelling and feeling as fresh as if they had just been bought at a market... Ariel's song puts them all to sleep again except for Sebastian and Antonio. Antonio who replaced his brother Prospero as Duke of Milan manipulates Sebastian, King Alonso's brother into doing the same thing by killing King Alonso. The two are about to kill Alonso in his sleep but Ariel awakens everyone and the two men quickly make excuses for drawing their swords out. Trinculo, a jester, discovers Caliban, quickly realising that the beast would earn a fortune for him as a novelty in England. Stephano, Trinculo's friend, gives Caliban alcohol, causing Caliban to think Stephano is more powerful than Prospero whom Caliban hates. The three men set off together to kill Prospero...
Prospero, now invisible, watches Ferdinand and Miranda expressing their deep love for one another in words that rival Romeo and Juliet in their tenderness. Ferdinand, realising he is witnessing a truly rare meeting of hearts, approves of Ferdinand for his daughter. Ferdinand decides to marry Miranda. Bottle in hand, Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban continue on their merry way, Stephano getting delusions of grandeur from Caliban blindly following him. Caliban suggests several gruesome ways of killing Prospero. Ariel lures the group away with music... Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco and others witness a banquet on the island but it is an illusion... Ariel returns and scolds Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian for their roles in exiling Prospero... Prospero tells Ferdinand that he will no longer punish him, instead offering his daughter's hand in marriage to him. Prospero conjures up a mythical, illusory party to celebrate, complete with goddesses and nymphs. Prospero instructs Ariel to bring the shipwrecked men before him.
Remembering Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo, Prospero has Ariel distract them with clothes, Caliban failing to keep his friends focused on killing Prospero. Prospero brings everyone except Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo before him in a circle. Spellbound, he scolds the men who exiled him. Prospero tells Ariel that he will soon be free and that he will miss him. Prospero also intends to destroy his ability to use magic. Making his presence known, Prospero forgives King Alonso and tells Sebastian and Antonio he will keep secret their plan to kill Alonso, forgiving both. The famously sweet scene of Ferdinand playing chess with Miranda occurs. King Alonso is overjoyed to see Ferdinand and soon learns of Ferdinand's imminent marriage to Miranda. Prospero forgives Stephano and Trinculo. Caliban is embarrassed that he followed a fool (Trinculo), Caliban being given his freedom. Prospero announces that in the morning they will all set sail for Naples. Ariel is set free. Finally, Prospero asks the audience to free him to travel back to Naples reclaiming his life as the Duke of Milan.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Book Review 5: Othello
Book: Othello
Author: William Shakespeare
Summary
Othello begins with Iago, a soldier arguing with Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian who has paid Iago to spy on Othello, since he wishes to take this man's girlfriend, Desdemona himself. He suspects Iago has not been keeping his end of the bargain. Iago reveals his hatred of Othello for choosing Cassio as his officer, not him. To regain Roderigo's trust, Iago and Roderigo inform Brabantio, Desdemona's father of her relationship with Othello, infuriating Brabantio. Othello explains how he and Desdemona fell in love, the two marrying. Othello is ordered to Cypress to fight the Turks. Roderigo gives up on Desdemona but Iago tells him not to since he wants to keep taking his money. Iago explains his plan to avenge Othello by suggesting Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona. Iago tells Roderigo he still has a chance with Desdemona but Cassio stands in his way.
Iago informs Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. Iago then tells Roderigo to attack Cassio, Cassio wounding Roderigo. Cassio is demoted. Iago suggests Cassio speak with Desdemona. Some time later, Cassio speaks with Desdemona who resolves to keep putting in a good word for Cassio until he is an officer again. Othello complains of a headache to Desdemona, resulting in her dropping a handkerchief, his first gift to her. Iago makes sure Cassio finds this. Othello demands proof of Desdemona's infidelity from Iago. Reluctantly Iago tells him he saw Cassio wipe his brow with Desdemona's handkerchief. Convinced, Iago is promoted to lieutenant and ordered to kill Cassio. Meanwhile, Desdemona worries about her missing handkerchief, knowing it could make her husband doubt her fidelity. Sure enough she is asked for the handkerchief by her suspicious husband but cannot find it... Iago now suggests Desdemona shared her bed with Cassio. Iago then talks to Cassio about Cassio's mistress Bianca, each smile and gesture infuriating a hidden Othello who thinks Cassio is talking about sleeping with Desdemona. Bianca then arrives, angrily giving back Desdemona's handkerchief that Cassio gave her. Furious, Othello decides to kill Desdemona in her bed, Iago's idea. We learn Iago has been pocketing Roderigo's gifts for Desdemona. Fearing Roderigo will learn this, Iago tells him that Cassio must die...
Desdemona is ordered by her husband to wait for him in bed... Desdemona, depressed, recalls a song of a maid who was similarly abused by her husband. Iago tells Roderigo how to kill Cassio. Roderigo attacks Cassio but Cassio wounds Roderigo. Iago from behind, stabs Cassio, wounding him in the leg. Seizing Roderigo, Iago stabs and wounds him "in revenge" for wounding his "friend" Cassio. Bianca arrives, Iago blaming Cassio's injuries on her... Desdemona's jealous husband arrives, trying to convince himself that he is killing her for her own good. Desdemona awakens, asking what wrong she has committed, her husband telling her that she gave Cassio his handkerchief, meaning he thinks she had an affair. Desdemona pleads her innocence, saying Cassio can prove her innocence. Her husband replies Cassio confessed and is dead, then kills Desdemona. Emilia reveals Iago has killed Roderigo, Desdemona not revealing who killed her before dying. Othello tells Emilia he killed Desdemona, Emilia despite Iago's frantic attempts to stop her, revealing that she found the hankerchief and gave it to Iago. Iago stabs Emilia, escaping, Emilia dying. Iago is captured, Othello stabbing but not killing him before having his sword removed. Lodovico learns of the plot against Cassio. Iago proudly confirming that Cassio found the handkerchief because Iago wanted him to. Othello, realising what he has done, kills himself, lying on top of his wife. Cassio is placed in charge of Iago, Lodovico leaving to discuss this sad matter...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Book review 4: Merchant of Venice
Book: The Merchant Of Venice
Author; William Shakespeare
Summary
The Merchant of Venice begins with Antonio's friend Bassanio owing Antonio money. Unnable to pay his debts, Bassanio asks Antonio for more money so he may marry the wealthy and beautiful Portia and so pay back his friend. Antonio has no money to spare but tells Bassanio to use his good name to get a loan... Meanwhile, Portia laments that she has yet to find her special someone. She complains about her past suitors and her late father's will which chooses her husband for her. This will chooses Portia's husband by means of three caskets, one gold, one silver and one lead. A suitor must choose one of the three caskets, a picture of Portia being contained in the correct casket. Losing means never seeing Portia again. Though Portia did not like any of her past suitors, she does remember Bassanio...
Bassanio gets his loan from a Jewish merchant named Shylock. The price for not repaying is a pound of flesh from Antonio, but Antonio is not worried. His ships (and wealth) come back a month before the debt is due... Jessica, ashamed of her father Shylock, plans to elope with Lorenzo. Jessica disguised as a boy and with some of her father's jewels and gold, will be waiting at her house for Lorenzo... Shylock learns that Bassanio will be having a masque (masked ball). Shylock tells Jessica to stay at home and ignore the Christian revelries, which Shylock despises.
The Moroccan Prince takes the three-casket challenge for Portia, choosing the gold casket and losing. Lorenzo and Jessica escape successfully from Shylock... Shylock is furious at losing his daughter, his gold and his precious jewels to a Christian and knowing Antonio was partially involved, swears revenge... At Belmont, The Prince of Arragon chooses the silver casket, going home empty handed. Shylock makes it clear that he no longer wants repayment of Bassanio's debt. He would prefer his pound of flesh since he sees Antonio as the source of all his miseries... Bassanio arrives to court Portia who is reluctant never to see Bassanio again should he fail the casket challenge. Bassanio chooses correctly. Bassanio will marry Portia, Bassanio's friend Gratiano planning to marry Nerissa, Portia's maid. Without money, Antonio forfeits his debt to Shylock, standing to lose a pound of his flesh and his life for helping Bassanio. Portia offers to pay Bassanio's debt twelvefold... Antonio pleads to Shylock to let him pay back Bassanio's debt but Shylock wants Antonio's pound of flesh... Portia and Nerissa leave for Venice to save Antonio, disguised as men.
Portia, disguised as a man, defends Antonio, winning his life, through the technicality defense that Shylock can take a pound of flesh and no more, an impossible task. Furthermore, she argues Shylock conspired to murder, an offense punishable by asset confiscation and death. A compromise is reached whereby Shylock must become a Christian and give half his assets to Jessica when he dies. Still disguised as men, Portia and Nerissa trick Bassanio and Gratiano into giving them their wedding rings. Portia and Nerissa arrive back in Belmont and ask to see their husband's wedding rings... Much comedy ensues as the two men attempt to make excuses... Portia ends Bassanio's and Gratiano's suffering by explaining their role in Venice. The two men are embarrassed that they could not recognise their own wives...
Author; William Shakespeare
Summary
The Merchant of Venice begins with Antonio's friend Bassanio owing Antonio money. Unnable to pay his debts, Bassanio asks Antonio for more money so he may marry the wealthy and beautiful Portia and so pay back his friend. Antonio has no money to spare but tells Bassanio to use his good name to get a loan... Meanwhile, Portia laments that she has yet to find her special someone. She complains about her past suitors and her late father's will which chooses her husband for her. This will chooses Portia's husband by means of three caskets, one gold, one silver and one lead. A suitor must choose one of the three caskets, a picture of Portia being contained in the correct casket. Losing means never seeing Portia again. Though Portia did not like any of her past suitors, she does remember Bassanio...
Bassanio gets his loan from a Jewish merchant named Shylock. The price for not repaying is a pound of flesh from Antonio, but Antonio is not worried. His ships (and wealth) come back a month before the debt is due... Jessica, ashamed of her father Shylock, plans to elope with Lorenzo. Jessica disguised as a boy and with some of her father's jewels and gold, will be waiting at her house for Lorenzo... Shylock learns that Bassanio will be having a masque (masked ball). Shylock tells Jessica to stay at home and ignore the Christian revelries, which Shylock despises.
The Moroccan Prince takes the three-casket challenge for Portia, choosing the gold casket and losing. Lorenzo and Jessica escape successfully from Shylock... Shylock is furious at losing his daughter, his gold and his precious jewels to a Christian and knowing Antonio was partially involved, swears revenge... At Belmont, The Prince of Arragon chooses the silver casket, going home empty handed. Shylock makes it clear that he no longer wants repayment of Bassanio's debt. He would prefer his pound of flesh since he sees Antonio as the source of all his miseries... Bassanio arrives to court Portia who is reluctant never to see Bassanio again should he fail the casket challenge. Bassanio chooses correctly. Bassanio will marry Portia, Bassanio's friend Gratiano planning to marry Nerissa, Portia's maid. Without money, Antonio forfeits his debt to Shylock, standing to lose a pound of his flesh and his life for helping Bassanio. Portia offers to pay Bassanio's debt twelvefold... Antonio pleads to Shylock to let him pay back Bassanio's debt but Shylock wants Antonio's pound of flesh... Portia and Nerissa leave for Venice to save Antonio, disguised as men.
Portia, disguised as a man, defends Antonio, winning his life, through the technicality defense that Shylock can take a pound of flesh and no more, an impossible task. Furthermore, she argues Shylock conspired to murder, an offense punishable by asset confiscation and death. A compromise is reached whereby Shylock must become a Christian and give half his assets to Jessica when he dies. Still disguised as men, Portia and Nerissa trick Bassanio and Gratiano into giving them their wedding rings. Portia and Nerissa arrive back in Belmont and ask to see their husband's wedding rings... Much comedy ensues as the two men attempt to make excuses... Portia ends Bassanio's and Gratiano's suffering by explaining their role in Venice. The two men are embarrassed that they could not recognise their own wives...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Kranji Memorial Park ( Remembrance Day)
Journal Entry 3
Information on Kranji Memorial:
The Kranji War Memorial is located in the northern part of Singapore. Dedicated to the men and women from the United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, etc, who died defending Singapore and Malaya against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. The War Memorial represents the Air Force, Army and Navy of the military. The Memorial's walls inscribe over 24,000 names of allied servicemen whose bodies were never found, spread over both sides of 12 columns of the war memorial itself. The grounds of the memorial is set on a hilly terrain with views around the largely undeveloped landscape, although signs of urbanity and clearly visible further afield. The modern skyline of Johor Bahru in Malaysia is clearly visible. The grounds are immaculately maintained by the Commonweath War Graves Commision, and accessible only from Woodlands Road, the same road that the invading Japanese Imperial Guards had marched down on 9 February 1942.
Information on Remembrance Day:
Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.
Reflection:
After going through the Remembrance Day at Kranji Memorial Park, I have learnt a lot of lesson. Firstly, I have learnt to be grateful to the previous generation who fought hard to keep our nation from being invaded by other countries. We must be grateful because the soldiers have sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. They undergo hardship and suffering in order to provide us with the happiness and pleasure that we are able to enjoy today.
Secondly, I have learnt that the soldiers were noble. Although Singapore is not their homeland, they still try their best to defend Singapore from being invaded by other people. This was because these soldiers feel that we should have a homeland to ourselves. These soldiers also cared for us. Without care and concern, the soldiers would not want to risk their lives, trying to protect our nation from being captured by the Japanese.
Thirdly, the soldiers were disciplined and courageous. This is because even though that they knew that Singapore is going to be invaded by the Japanese, the soldiers displayed their courageous qualities and came to Singapore to defend us, regardless the fact that they know that they might not return to their homelands. The soldiers were committed as they fought and died to uphold the values they believed.
Lastly, this has instilled fear in us as it reminds us that all of us are mortals and we will depart from this world anytime regardless of our wealth, talent and social status. As a result, we need to be humble as all we have and all we own is only temporary for we are merely pilgrims on earth. Besides, we need to be charitable and responsible towards ourselves and our family in what we do, what we think and what we say. Time and tide waits for no man, so let’s pull up our socks and do our best to our capabilities in whatever tasks or responsibilities that are entrusted to us. Age Quad Agis!
Information on Kranji Memorial:
The Kranji War Memorial is located in the northern part of Singapore. Dedicated to the men and women from the United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, etc, who died defending Singapore and Malaya against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. The War Memorial represents the Air Force, Army and Navy of the military. The Memorial's walls inscribe over 24,000 names of allied servicemen whose bodies were never found, spread over both sides of 12 columns of the war memorial itself. The grounds of the memorial is set on a hilly terrain with views around the largely undeveloped landscape, although signs of urbanity and clearly visible further afield. The modern skyline of Johor Bahru in Malaysia is clearly visible. The grounds are immaculately maintained by the Commonweath War Graves Commision, and accessible only from Woodlands Road, the same road that the invading Japanese Imperial Guards had marched down on 9 February 1942.
Information on Remembrance Day:
Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.
Reflection:
After going through the Remembrance Day at Kranji Memorial Park, I have learnt a lot of lesson. Firstly, I have learnt to be grateful to the previous generation who fought hard to keep our nation from being invaded by other countries. We must be grateful because the soldiers have sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. They undergo hardship and suffering in order to provide us with the happiness and pleasure that we are able to enjoy today.
Secondly, I have learnt that the soldiers were noble. Although Singapore is not their homeland, they still try their best to defend Singapore from being invaded by other people. This was because these soldiers feel that we should have a homeland to ourselves. These soldiers also cared for us. Without care and concern, the soldiers would not want to risk their lives, trying to protect our nation from being captured by the Japanese.
Thirdly, the soldiers were disciplined and courageous. This is because even though that they knew that Singapore is going to be invaded by the Japanese, the soldiers displayed their courageous qualities and came to Singapore to defend us, regardless the fact that they know that they might not return to their homelands. The soldiers were committed as they fought and died to uphold the values they believed.
Lastly, this has instilled fear in us as it reminds us that all of us are mortals and we will depart from this world anytime regardless of our wealth, talent and social status. As a result, we need to be humble as all we have and all we own is only temporary for we are merely pilgrims on earth. Besides, we need to be charitable and responsible towards ourselves and our family in what we do, what we think and what we say. Time and tide waits for no man, so let’s pull up our socks and do our best to our capabilities in whatever tasks or responsibilities that are entrusted to us. Age Quad Agis!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Newspaper Report 2
Newpaper Article: Historic win gives America its first black president
Date: 6 November 2008
Summary
Barack Obama is the new President of the United States. He is the first African American to be elected President of the United States and was the first to be nominated for President by a major political party. Obama won 53% of the popular vote during the 2008 presidential election. On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain and became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. In his victory speech, he proclaimed," It has been a long time for America, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come for America."
Reflection
From this article, I have learnt that Barack Obama is a capable person who is able to govern United States. From his speech, he announced that," The road ahead may be steep and long. We may not get there in one year or even one term. But as long as we worked towards it, we will achieve what we asked for." This is in line with our school vision:" If you believe it, you will see it!"
Date: 6 November 2008
Summary
Barack Obama is the new President of the United States. He is the first African American to be elected President of the United States and was the first to be nominated for President by a major political party. Obama won 53% of the popular vote during the 2008 presidential election. On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain and became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. In his victory speech, he proclaimed," It has been a long time for America, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come for America."
Reflection
From this article, I have learnt that Barack Obama is a capable person who is able to govern United States. From his speech, he announced that," The road ahead may be steep and long. We may not get there in one year or even one term. But as long as we worked towards it, we will achieve what we asked for." This is in line with our school vision:" If you believe it, you will see it!"
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Book review 3: Romeo and Juliet
Book: Romeo and Juliet
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
Romeo and Juliet, arguably Shakespeare's most famous play, begins with a Prologue explaining that the children of two feuding families, Romeo of the Montague family and Juliet of the Capulet family, will both love and die in the course of this play... Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the Montagues, start a street fight, which is joined by Benvolio (Montague) and Tybalt (Capulet). Escalus, the Prince of Verona declares a death penalty for further feuding between the two families... Meanwhile Capulet (Juliet's father) is keen for Paris to marry his daughter and plans a party, Romeo and friends deciding to turn up uninvited... At the Capulet party, Romeo disguised by a mask, falls in love with Juliet, both quickly learning that they are the enemies of each other's family...
Ignoring the danger, Romeo scales the Capulet's wall to be near Juliet and hidden in her orchard, learns Juliet loves him, the two deciding to marry. Friar Laurence agrees to marry the two lovers since he hopes this will end the long running Montague / Capulet feud... The wedding is set for later that day. The Nurse brings Romeo ropes, allowing him to climb into his lover's bedchamber as her husband later that night... The two lovers marry... Benvolio and Mercutio (Montague) meet Tybalt (Capulet). Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo then killing Tybalt and becoming banished from Verona. Juliet learns of Tybalt's death, mourning her husband's banishment, her husband mourning that he will not be able to see his wife again... Capulet, unaware of the marriage, decides that his daughter should marry Paris on Thursday. The two lovers spend the night together. Juliet, learning that she is to marry Paris, tries to fight her father's wishes, failing. She decides to commit suicide if all else fails...
Friar Laurence tells Juliet to take a potion simulating death, allowing her to live with her husband unopposed in Mantua since everyone will think she is dead. Hearing that his daughter no longer opposes the wedding, Capulet, decides to move the wedding forward. It will now be on Wednesday... Juliet takes the potion, worrying about the Friar's intentions before the potion takes effect and she falls asleep... Capulet, hearing Paris' arrival, tells the Nurse to wake his daughter, discovering she is dead. The wedding preparations are changed to those of a funeral... In Mantua, Romeo learning of his wife's death, decides to risk his life by returning to Verona to see her one last time. He also buys some poison... Friar Laurence's letter, telling Romeo that his wife is not dead does not reach him. Friar Laurence heads off to the Capulet burial chamber where Juliet will soon awake. Paris mourns his bride that never was. Romeo arrives, opening his lover's coffin to look at her one last time, Paris then attacking him, believing he is desecrating Juliet's grave...
Romeo kills Paris, placing him beside his wife and then takes his poison, kissing his wife, then dying. Friar Laurence arrives too late to stop the suicide. Juliet, now awake, asks for her husband... Now alone, she kisses her husband and stabs herself, dying. Escalus, the Capulets and the Montagues arrive, Balthasar and Friar Laurence explaining all. Escalus scolds the two families who finally end their feud. The play ends with the Prince summarising this tragic love story.
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
Romeo and Juliet, arguably Shakespeare's most famous play, begins with a Prologue explaining that the children of two feuding families, Romeo of the Montague family and Juliet of the Capulet family, will both love and die in the course of this play... Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the Montagues, start a street fight, which is joined by Benvolio (Montague) and Tybalt (Capulet). Escalus, the Prince of Verona declares a death penalty for further feuding between the two families... Meanwhile Capulet (Juliet's father) is keen for Paris to marry his daughter and plans a party, Romeo and friends deciding to turn up uninvited... At the Capulet party, Romeo disguised by a mask, falls in love with Juliet, both quickly learning that they are the enemies of each other's family...
Ignoring the danger, Romeo scales the Capulet's wall to be near Juliet and hidden in her orchard, learns Juliet loves him, the two deciding to marry. Friar Laurence agrees to marry the two lovers since he hopes this will end the long running Montague / Capulet feud... The wedding is set for later that day. The Nurse brings Romeo ropes, allowing him to climb into his lover's bedchamber as her husband later that night... The two lovers marry... Benvolio and Mercutio (Montague) meet Tybalt (Capulet). Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo then killing Tybalt and becoming banished from Verona. Juliet learns of Tybalt's death, mourning her husband's banishment, her husband mourning that he will not be able to see his wife again... Capulet, unaware of the marriage, decides that his daughter should marry Paris on Thursday. The two lovers spend the night together. Juliet, learning that she is to marry Paris, tries to fight her father's wishes, failing. She decides to commit suicide if all else fails...
Friar Laurence tells Juliet to take a potion simulating death, allowing her to live with her husband unopposed in Mantua since everyone will think she is dead. Hearing that his daughter no longer opposes the wedding, Capulet, decides to move the wedding forward. It will now be on Wednesday... Juliet takes the potion, worrying about the Friar's intentions before the potion takes effect and she falls asleep... Capulet, hearing Paris' arrival, tells the Nurse to wake his daughter, discovering she is dead. The wedding preparations are changed to those of a funeral... In Mantua, Romeo learning of his wife's death, decides to risk his life by returning to Verona to see her one last time. He also buys some poison... Friar Laurence's letter, telling Romeo that his wife is not dead does not reach him. Friar Laurence heads off to the Capulet burial chamber where Juliet will soon awake. Paris mourns his bride that never was. Romeo arrives, opening his lover's coffin to look at her one last time, Paris then attacking him, believing he is desecrating Juliet's grave...
Romeo kills Paris, placing him beside his wife and then takes his poison, kissing his wife, then dying. Friar Laurence arrives too late to stop the suicide. Juliet, now awake, asks for her husband... Now alone, she kisses her husband and stabs herself, dying. Escalus, the Capulets and the Montagues arrive, Balthasar and Friar Laurence explaining all. Escalus scolds the two families who finally end their feud. The play ends with the Prince summarising this tragic love story.
Newspaper Report 1
Newspaper article: Catholic Church condemns euthanasia!
Date: 3 November 2008
Summary
Euthanasia, also called mercy killing, is publicly criticised by Archbishop Nicholas Chia: the head of Singapore's Catholic church. Archbishop said that one cannot choose death and asked to be killed. The Archbishop announced that answering mercy killings shows the false compassion in you, to show true compassion is to give the patients psychological support. However, people said that they want to end the pain that their loved ones are undergoing. But the Archbishop said that it is not up to us to decide whether one should die, only an immortal is able to do so.
Reflection
After reading this article, I feel that we should not resort to euthanasia no matter how much pain your loved ones are going through. We do not have the authority to end someone's life. If we try to carry out euthanasia, then you are indirectly killing your loved ones. We must not yield to another person's request to mercy killing. We must show our moral support to the sick and this may show thwm that they may recover. Therefore, I feel that euthanaisa should be banned!
Date: 3 November 2008
Summary
Euthanasia, also called mercy killing, is publicly criticised by Archbishop Nicholas Chia: the head of Singapore's Catholic church. Archbishop said that one cannot choose death and asked to be killed. The Archbishop announced that answering mercy killings shows the false compassion in you, to show true compassion is to give the patients psychological support. However, people said that they want to end the pain that their loved ones are undergoing. But the Archbishop said that it is not up to us to decide whether one should die, only an immortal is able to do so.
Reflection
After reading this article, I feel that we should not resort to euthanasia no matter how much pain your loved ones are going through. We do not have the authority to end someone's life. If we try to carry out euthanasia, then you are indirectly killing your loved ones. We must not yield to another person's request to mercy killing. We must show our moral support to the sick and this may show thwm that they may recover. Therefore, I feel that euthanaisa should be banned!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Book Review 2: Hamlet
Book: Hamlet
Author: William Shekespeare
Author: William Shekespeare
Storyline
Hamlet begins with the news King Hamlet of Denmark has recently died. Denmark is now preparing for possible war with Young Fortinbras of Norway. A ghost resembling the late King is spotted near Elsinore Castle. King Claudius, who now rules Denmark, has married Queen Gertrude, the late King's wife. Hamlet, the late King's son, does not trust the new King nor does he approve of his mother Queen Gertrude remarrying so quickly after his father's death... Polonius warns his daughter Ophelia against falling in love with Hamlet; fearing he will only break her heart.
Hamlet meets the Ghost of his father, who reveals he was poisoned by King Claudius and who tells him to avenge his death but not to punish Queen Gertrude for remarrying since it is not his place. Polonius learns from Ophelia that a badly dressed Hamlet met her, studied her face and promptly left, Polonius believing this odd behaviour is because Ophelia rejected him as he instructed her to. Concearned, King Claudius instructs courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy for him on his son in law. Queen Gertrude believes the cause is her recent remarriage and the death of his father.
Hamlet is eager for King Claudius and Queen Gertrude to watch a play he has added some lines to which he hopes will reveal if the Ghost's words about King Claudius are true... Hamlet begins to suspect Ophelia is spying on him and is increasingly hostile to her. The play is performed. The mime preceding the play which mimics the Ghost's description of the late King's death goes unnoticed. The main play called "The Murder of Gonzago" is performed, causing King Claudius to react in a way which proves the Ghost's words were true... Alone, King Claudius reveals his guilt... Queen Gertrude attempts to scold her son over the play but is instead scolded for remarrying. Queen Gertrude cries out in fear, Polonius echoing it and being stabbed through the curtain where he was listening in. Hamlet continues scolding his mother but the Ghost reappears, telling him to be gentle with the Queen. Queen Gertrude agrees to stop living with King Claudius...
King Claudius learns of Polonius' murder, shocked that it could easily have been him. Queen Gertrude lies for her son, saying that he is mad. King Claudius, now scared, decides to have Hamlet sent away to England immediately, King Claudius revealing his plan to have him killed there. Young Fortinbras marches across Denmark. Hamlet wishes he was courageous like Fortinbras, questioning how he cannot fight when his father has been murdered and his mother made a whore by marrying King Claudius. Ophelia who goes mad from the grief of losing her father... King Claudius meets Laertes, telling him that Hamlet killed his father, the two then plotting to kill him at a fencing match.
At Ophelia's burial, Hamlet fights Laertes over Ophelia's grave, each believing they loved her more. Hamlet explains to his only trusted friend Horatio how he avoided the death planned for him in England and had Rosencrantz and Guildenstern killed instead, revealing his desire to kill King Claudius. Queen Gertrude drinks a poisoned cup meant for her son, dying but not before revealing she was poisoned. Hamlet fences against Laertes but is cut by Laertes sword. The two switch swords and Laertes is cut by his own sword, Laertes explaining that his sword was poison tipped. Now dying, Hamlet stabs King Claudius with this same sword, killing him and telling Horatio to tell his story and not to commit suicide, recommending Young Fortinbras as the next King of Denmark. Young Fortinbras arrives, Horatio promising to tell his friend's story.
Book review 1: Macbeth
Title: Macbeth
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
Macbeth begins with Three Witches deciding to meet again after a battle being fought nearby. Macbeth is introduced as the brave man who led King Duncan's forces to victory against the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, Macdonwald and The King of Norway, in a battle that could have gone either way were it not for his actions. King Duncan decides to make Macbeth his new Thane of Cawdor. The previous Thane of Cawdor will be executed. Meeting Macbeth and friend Banquo, The Three Witches tell Macbeth that he will be "Thane of Glamis!", "Thane of Cawdor!" and "king hereafter" or become King of Scotland. Banquo learns his descendants shall be kings. Banquo fears the Three Witches. Macbeth privately reveals his belief in them, later questioning Banquo's feelings about his descendants becoming kings and starting to think of killing King Duncan...
King Duncan announces that his son Malcolm will be the new Prince of Cumberland. Macbeth sees Malcolm as a threat to his destiny to be king... Lady Macbeth eagerly embraces the prophecies. Fearing her husband is too weak-willed to do what needs to be done (killing King Duncan), she famously asks the gods to remove from her all signs of compassion, replacing these with ruthlessness. Learning King Duncan will stay at their castle, Lady Macbeth plans to kill him... Macbeth wrestles with his conscience, deciding against murder but his wife belittles him, threatening her love for him if he cannot kill. This wins him over, the two planning to kill Duncan in his sleep. Macbeth kills the King, his wife telling him that a little water will wash away their guilt...
News of Duncan's death reaches all at the castle. Lady Macbeth faints and Macbeth kills Duncan's two guards for his murder, largely freeing him from suspicion. Duncan's two sons flee, leaving Macbeth to be crowned the new King of Scotland, his wife, the new Queen. Banquo wonders whether his friend killed the King. Fearful that his children will not be kings, the new King arranges for Banquo and Fleance to be murdered. Banquo is killed but Fleance survives. The King later sees Banquo's Ghost at his party, causing the Queen to finish their party early such is her husband's strange behavior. Hecate scolds the Three Witches for helping an ungrateful Macbeth, telling them to use illusion and prophecy against him. The King meets the Witches, learning that he should fear Macduff, that none naturally born can harm him and that he has nothing to fear until "Great Birnam wood" moves to "high Dunsinane hill" near his castle. Learning this, he decides to kill Macduff and decides he is safe from all men and that only the impossible moving of a nearby forest to his castle can spell his doom.
Unable to kill Macduff, the King has his family murdered instead... We learn that Scotland under the tyrant's rule has been plunged into despair and that a large army is gathering against him. The Queen goes insane, making her famous speech that she cannot wipe away the blood on her hands. Meanwhile, the Tyrant's enemies led by Malcolm, gather near Dunsinane. Malcolm now orders each man to cut down a branch from the nearby Birnam Wood as his army, now camouflaged, heads towards Macbeth's castle... The Tyrant laughs off his enemies' numbers, certain of the Birnam Wood prophecy, learning that his wife has died. The King, seeing Birnam Wood moving on his castle, defiantly sets off to meet his destiny... Confronted by Macduff, the King learns that he has born by Caesarian section, the hated tyrant being slain and order being restored when Malcolm is hailed the new King of Scotland...
Author: William Shakespeare
Storyline
Macbeth begins with Three Witches deciding to meet again after a battle being fought nearby. Macbeth is introduced as the brave man who led King Duncan's forces to victory against the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, Macdonwald and The King of Norway, in a battle that could have gone either way were it not for his actions. King Duncan decides to make Macbeth his new Thane of Cawdor. The previous Thane of Cawdor will be executed. Meeting Macbeth and friend Banquo, The Three Witches tell Macbeth that he will be "Thane of Glamis!", "Thane of Cawdor!" and "king hereafter" or become King of Scotland. Banquo learns his descendants shall be kings. Banquo fears the Three Witches. Macbeth privately reveals his belief in them, later questioning Banquo's feelings about his descendants becoming kings and starting to think of killing King Duncan...
King Duncan announces that his son Malcolm will be the new Prince of Cumberland. Macbeth sees Malcolm as a threat to his destiny to be king... Lady Macbeth eagerly embraces the prophecies. Fearing her husband is too weak-willed to do what needs to be done (killing King Duncan), she famously asks the gods to remove from her all signs of compassion, replacing these with ruthlessness. Learning King Duncan will stay at their castle, Lady Macbeth plans to kill him... Macbeth wrestles with his conscience, deciding against murder but his wife belittles him, threatening her love for him if he cannot kill. This wins him over, the two planning to kill Duncan in his sleep. Macbeth kills the King, his wife telling him that a little water will wash away their guilt...
News of Duncan's death reaches all at the castle. Lady Macbeth faints and Macbeth kills Duncan's two guards for his murder, largely freeing him from suspicion. Duncan's two sons flee, leaving Macbeth to be crowned the new King of Scotland, his wife, the new Queen. Banquo wonders whether his friend killed the King. Fearful that his children will not be kings, the new King arranges for Banquo and Fleance to be murdered. Banquo is killed but Fleance survives. The King later sees Banquo's Ghost at his party, causing the Queen to finish their party early such is her husband's strange behavior. Hecate scolds the Three Witches for helping an ungrateful Macbeth, telling them to use illusion and prophecy against him. The King meets the Witches, learning that he should fear Macduff, that none naturally born can harm him and that he has nothing to fear until "Great Birnam wood" moves to "high Dunsinane hill" near his castle. Learning this, he decides to kill Macduff and decides he is safe from all men and that only the impossible moving of a nearby forest to his castle can spell his doom.
Unable to kill Macduff, the King has his family murdered instead... We learn that Scotland under the tyrant's rule has been plunged into despair and that a large army is gathering against him. The Queen goes insane, making her famous speech that she cannot wipe away the blood on her hands. Meanwhile, the Tyrant's enemies led by Malcolm, gather near Dunsinane. Malcolm now orders each man to cut down a branch from the nearby Birnam Wood as his army, now camouflaged, heads towards Macbeth's castle... The Tyrant laughs off his enemies' numbers, certain of the Birnam Wood prophecy, learning that his wife has died. The King, seeing Birnam Wood moving on his castle, defiantly sets off to meet his destiny... Confronted by Macduff, the King learns that he has born by Caesarian section, the hated tyrant being slain and order being restored when Malcolm is hailed the new King of Scotland...
Friday, October 31, 2008
All Saints' Day
A little tidbit to your General Knowledge
Introduction
On the 1 November 2008, the Catholics celebrate an important solemnity called All Saints' Day. In terms of the Roman Catholic thology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. All Saints' Day is instituted to honour all the saints in heaven, be it known or unknown. The following day, the Roman Catholic church commemorates the departed faithful but not yet purified in heaven.
History
In the early days, the Christians were customed to solemnize the anniversary of a martyr's death for Christ at the place of martyrdom. In the fourth century, neighbouring dioceses began to interchange feasts, to transfer relics, to divide them, and to join in a common feast. Many martyrs suffered on the same day, which naturally led to a joint commemoration. The Church, feeling that the martyr should be venerated, appointed a day for all. At first, only martyrs and Saint John the Baptist were honoured by a special day. Other saints were gradually added, and increased in number when a regular process of canonization was established.
Introduction
On the 1 November 2008, the Catholics celebrate an important solemnity called All Saints' Day. In terms of the Roman Catholic thology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. All Saints' Day is instituted to honour all the saints in heaven, be it known or unknown. The following day, the Roman Catholic church commemorates the departed faithful but not yet purified in heaven.
History
In the early days, the Christians were customed to solemnize the anniversary of a martyr's death for Christ at the place of martyrdom. In the fourth century, neighbouring dioceses began to interchange feasts, to transfer relics, to divide them, and to join in a common feast. Many martyrs suffered on the same day, which naturally led to a joint commemoration. The Church, feeling that the martyr should be venerated, appointed a day for all. At first, only martyrs and Saint John the Baptist were honoured by a special day. Other saints were gradually added, and increased in number when a regular process of canonization was established.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Trip to Pulau Ubin
A map of Pulau Ubin
Journal Entry 2
About the island
The trip to Pulau Ubin fell on the 28 October 2008. This trip was planned by my Co Curriculum Activities(CCA) to enhance the different qualities of what the school hopes to inculcate in us.
Shaped like a boomerang, Pulau
Ubin, also known as Granite Island, is situated just at the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore. The 1020-hectare island was once a cluster of five smaller ones separated by tidal rivers, but the building for prawn farming has since united these into a single island.
Ubin is largely made of granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousands settlers. Much of the original vegetation was also cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut, jasmine, etc. Now, abandoned granite quarries remain as a picturesque relics of Ubin's history, while forests and grasslands have regenerated to cover up the ravages of the past.
What we did on the island
At around 7am in the morning, we gathered at the foyer to report our attendance to our teachers-in-charge. Together with them, we boarded the bus to Changi Jetty to wait for the bum boats which will bring us to Pulau Ubin. The bum boats came and the sea breeze was very cool. It was only a ride costing us 15 minutes of our time. When we reached there, we sprayed the insect repellent in order not to become "food" for the mosquitoes.
The first part of the journey was to go as fast as we could to Chek Jawa wetlands. Along the way, we saw many dogs. These dogs were very adorable and they do not bark nor whine and they don't bite unless they feel threaten. We also saw a family of wild boars. The wild boars appeared in a place where they are less likely to be spotted. We also saw mud crabs, mudskippers and many other living organisms which are not found in Singapore.
We trekked back all the way to the basketball court where we started this arduous journey for our lunch. After lunch, we continued to trek and we decided to trek up the hill which at the peak, we are able to sea the whole Ubin Quarry which is extremely beautiful. When we were at the half of the hill, some students complained that they were too lethargic to continue. But the rest of us did not want to give up and everyone decided to persevere a bit more.
Finally, we reached the peak of the hill and the scenery was extraordinary. However, too much of good may lead to a bad. When we reached the peak of the hill, it started to rain. We decided to wait for the rain to halt before going down the hill as it was rather dangerous to go down the steep and wet slope. The rain stopped 10 minutes later and we decided to get down the hill as fast as we could before it starts to rain again.
We walked all the way back to the jetty and take the bumboats back to Changi Jetty where we would take the bus to get back to school. Everyone was dead beat and there was pin-drop silence on the bus.
From this trip, I have learnt that we must persevere in whatever we do, be it in studies or other things. I have also learnt that teamwork is something which can aid us in whatever we want to achieve.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Holiday begins...
Journal Entry 1
After a long and anticipated wait, holidays finally came. As everyone knows that holidays are partially meant for play and enjoyment, we must not forget the needs to prepare for the upcoming O-levels that will be waiting for us in two years time.
Secondary three is a year which is extremely important for us as the teachers will be coaching us on the new topics which will be tested for the O-levels. We must work extra harder in order to achieve our desired results and enter the Junior Collage or Polytechnic that we hope to enter. This is because nothing ventured, nothing gained. I hope that I can also get into Anderson Junior Collage; a Collage which I hope to enter since young.
Many of us would be enjoying our holidays and keeping ourselves occupied with the latest television programmes, computer games, etc, but we must not forget the short time length which we have towards our upcoming major examination.
Yours sincerely,
Administrator
After a long and anticipated wait, holidays finally came. As everyone knows that holidays are partially meant for play and enjoyment, we must not forget the needs to prepare for the upcoming O-levels that will be waiting for us in two years time.
Secondary three is a year which is extremely important for us as the teachers will be coaching us on the new topics which will be tested for the O-levels. We must work extra harder in order to achieve our desired results and enter the Junior Collage or Polytechnic that we hope to enter. This is because nothing ventured, nothing gained. I hope that I can also get into Anderson Junior Collage; a Collage which I hope to enter since young.
Many of us would be enjoying our holidays and keeping ourselves occupied with the latest television programmes, computer games, etc, but we must not forget the short time length which we have towards our upcoming major examination.
Yours sincerely,
Administrator
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Welcome info
Welcome to the Montfortscholars' blog! No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Anyone who is found to have used any information on the blog without the administrator's permission will be severely dealt with.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
To all who are reading this post, this is the administrator speaking. This blog is specially created for all people to browse around and be sure to visit back as updates will be frequently placed if possible.
Sincerely,
Chief Administrator
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
To all who are reading this post, this is the administrator speaking. This blog is specially created for all people to browse around and be sure to visit back as updates will be frequently placed if possible.
Sincerely,
Chief Administrator
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