Week 8 Blog Prompt

"Sex, Lies, Arrogance: What Makes Powerful Men Behave So Badly?"

This is the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case. I feel that this case has indeed shown how men in power are able to manipulate the law. It was obvious that he was under the protection of top lawyers as he was a man in power, able to hire anyone to protect him. However, it is rather sad to hear of such cases where victims are actually becoming accused, where they face oppositions who are of top positions and high power. Although Dominique Strauss-Kahn may be walking about freely now, I believe that there would be justice, where justice is to get what you rightfully deserve in terms of the law. Currently, true justice have not been met out from the fact that the accused is being bailed out and free to walk wherever he wants, whereas the victim is trapped in the station being investigated. I would like to restate the point that people in power are indeed able to manipulate the law, but I feel that true justice exist, but only a matter of time of when it will be met out.

Week 6 Blog Prompt

"The news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news. How far do you agree?"

I agree to a very small extent as to whether the news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news.

Firstly, the readers play a part for the unhealthy paparazzi culture. Although readers may not realise, the paparazzi are going to the extremes for sensational news just to provide the needs for readers. Readers have not been reluctant in knowing about such news of which they feel are juicy news, having said that, they even buy tabloid news, to an extend where the sales of tabloid news are usually higher when such news are in display. Hence, this has led the news media to feel the need of finding more of such "juicy" and sensational news in order to satisfy the readers' desires of reading them. Therefore, in this case, the readers are responsible for such unhealthy paparazzi culture, as they are the ones desiring those sensational news.

Secondly, the law had done nothing to stop this culture, which plays a huge role for the unhealthy culture. It was due to their selfishness that they refuse to openly stop the culture. Being afraid of being the stories on the news themselves, caused the law enforcers to dare not take a leap of faith to prevent these sensational news to be published. This indeed has led to more and more of such sensational news to be dug out and published, causing there to be an unhealthy paparazzi culture.

However, I do agree that the news media should take some responsibility for the unhealthy culture. If not for their desire to earn more money from the extreme numbers of readers, these sensational news would still be kept in silence. I feel that they reserve the right to stop all these digging out of news and gossips which interests the people. Personally, I few that if such news were never introduced, people would naturally seek other types of news which would perhaps interest them. The news media should hold some kind of responsibility as well, for the unhealthy paparazzi culture, as well for going the extremes for sensational news.

Week 5 Blog Prompt

By the end of the trial scene, do you think true justice and mercy was achieved? Reflect and write on the following questions:

1. Is there true justice? Why?

I feel that true justice was not met out in the trial scene of Merchant of Venice. True justice is when you have what is rightfully your's by law despite of whoever you are. It was in the bond that Shylock may cut out a pound of flesh of Antonio, however, Shylock was not granted what was rightfully his. Not just not being able to get what was his, Shylock was also humiliated and mistreated because he was born a Jew. This could be seen as Shylock was played under Portia's words.

2. Is there true mercy, as expounded by Portia? Why?

True mercy was also not met out. Mercy is to show compassion or forgiveness towards someone by one who has power to punish or harm him. However, Portia did not show mercy, as she has made Shylock lose his bond, worse still, forfeiting what he possessed. She did not show compassion to Shylock as she knew that he would carry a great hatred and sorrow, but she did not care.

3. Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. Comment on this with reference to the text and other real-life cases and examples.

I do agree that justice and law can be manipulated by people in power. One example during the court scene was that women were not allowed to enter the court, however, Portia sneaked into the court in the disguise of a man. She continued to manipulate the court to influence Shylock and also manipulated the law to condemn Shylock. All these would not be possible if Portia did not disguise herself as a judge. This made her become someone in power who was able to turn the situation around, manipulating the justice and the law within the court.

Week 4 Blog Prompt

What are your views? Read the article and give your responses to the following prompts:

1. To what extent do you agree with the issues that the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention

I agree to a great extent with the issues that the student has raised. FIrstly, she stated that there is a serious emphasis the education system has placed on factual memorisation. Indeed, I agree with this issue as seen in schools that most of the top scorers usually memorised all their notes, where a few have their personal contextual knowledge. Teachers in high schools tend to provide overwhelming numbers of notes for students, expecting us to memorise them by heart and take the test. However, I believe this is not good enough, many students are still kept in suspense on what the topic is going on but is unable to get his answer. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with being inquisitive, instead it is not at all annoying which what most teachers think. Also, I agree on the point that some things are not taught properly. For the student's experience, she was not able to sufficiently comprehend behind some science facts. I believe that most students also faces these problems, it really isn't the students fault as we have repeatedly questioned the teachers on the logic behind it, but due to some teachers' inefficiency, we are remained as the old self, with no gain of extra knowledge.

2. Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?

I feel that it is not exactly a very appropriate tone. She sounds rather demanding on changing the system. This could possibly be due to the anger and stress she has inside of her. But an appropriate tone should be met even if the trouble you're facing is bigger than anything. However, I do agree that it's a well-crafted letter. All her views and points were met with an example and was rather reasonable in her statement.

3. If you should write a letter to Minister of Education, what are some issues you would raise? Remember- your intention is to make the system better for society’s betterment via CONSTRUCTIVE ideas.

Some issues I would raise is that, teachers tend to focus more on us getting A1 than providing us with more knowledge. I do not feel that this should be the case, as schools are meant to give us a clearer understanding of learning and to fill us with more knowledge rather than memorising notes. I believe that what's more important is that we listen to the "more experienced" one in the topic, hence teachers should teach us and let us have a full understanding of the topic.

Week 3 Blog Prompt

In your opinion, is money important in a relationship? Consider the 'transactional' element observed in the relationships between the couples. Do you think there is an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities? Provide examples for your responses.

Is money important in a relationship?

Firstly, I feel that money is just a factor of supporting the relationship, it is a matter of whether you want these relationships to have an everlasting ending. Money is indeed important in a relationship, however, I believe that in true love, these couples will trust in working on this factor together.

Do you think there is an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities?

I would say yes, as many people lack a good pay to sustain the relationship. Also, this society is developing, and prices are rising. Money is the able to buy most of the things. However, the love within a relationship is priceless, hence people would never give up on their relationship, hence they would rather value money in order to keep the relationship going. I would say, it's not really the couples fault in valuing money over other qualities, as indeed, the economy is growing, prices are growing, everything is growing, except one thing, the people's pay are left the same.

Week 2 Blog Prompt

In your opinion, how has war evolved from the past to present? Please use examples to justify your opinions.

Well, I believe that present time wars are indeed much more hi-tech compared to the past. Technology has now improved, however, I feel that this will cause a greater damage to the planet Earth. As technology is advancing, the power of these weapons are stronger. It's seen in the past that people tend to act like pirates, having wars with swords, cannons, and Robin Hood took over the scene and arrows are also involved. However, these were probably in the early, early years. Now, countries use nuclear weapons, atomic bombs. One bomb from them and the country could no longer exist. This is indeed how powerful current time technology are.

Also, I believe that their purposes of war have changed. It used to be for territories, with Japan trying to conquer the whole Asia, but lost under the hands of America. However, now it seems that countries are trying to start a war by creating a small little spark between two countries, just one spark caused and one country will disappear. We would never want to imagine what it would be like if it was a firework, instead of a spark.

Week 1 Blog Prompt

Young men in Singapore, including you, will have to do National Serivce. Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is it important? In the poem, the speaker expresses his love for his country, England. Do you find this same spirit of passion and patriotism Singaporeans have for our country? Why? Do you have this same spirit of patriotism for Singapore? Why?

Consider your loyalty to Hwa Chong. Are you proud to be a Hwa Chongian? How have you shown your loyalty and pride as a student of Hwa Chong?

1)Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is it important?

I think this is because Singapore is a small country, we may never expect a war coming to us, hence it is important for us to get ready a well-trained army. However, there are other aspects of National Service, some of which is that it is a place where people get to know one another and prepare themselves to serve the nation as a whole. Racial harmony and a sense of belonging to our country can also be brought up to these people serving National Service.

2)Do you find this same spirit of passion and patriotism Singaporeans have for our country? Why?

I do not think that Singaporeans possessed these spirits. Because Singaporeans tend to feel that National Service is just a 2-year thing where all men have to join. Also, after competing this course, they lack the ability to bring the country to a next level, or perhaps, they have never thought of bringing Singapore to a greater height.

3)Are you proud to be a Hwa Chongian? How have you shown your loyalty and pride as a student of Hwa Chong?

Yes, I am definitely proud to be a Hwa Chongian. As a student, my perspective of what I am able to do now is to be a good Samaritan wherever I go. Be it in school or in public. In school, of course singing the school anthem is my greatest honour and that's one way I show my loyalty and pride. Outside of school, in public areas, in order to maintain Hwa Chong's idea of behaving well, I added on to do good deeds, giving up my seat, not just in public transports, but even at fast food restaurants.

Guess the setting

It was all bright and sunny, but the next minute, it turned dark, eery, creepy...Everyone wore their UV glasses and spectated the chilling sight of the eclipse. However, one man, thought differently from the others. This man, Jess, took his chance...

Guess it! :)

Final draft - Singapore short story

“It’s so hot here!” Jamie exclaimed as she stepped outside of the Changi Airport. How am I going to live here for the rest of my life? She thought, regretting to agree with her parents into moving to Singapore. Just one look at the sun, could cause you to be blind, Jamie continued having weird thoughts, “I think if I stay here for a month, I would probably be suntanned by then.” She put on her sunglasses and got into a cab.

“Excuse me, where you want to go?” the taxi driver spoke absolute broken English, but pointing to the piece of paper, she replied, “Could you please bring me to the Marina Bay Sands?” The taxi driver looked at her, nodding his head, and muttered to himself, “Ang-moh ascent, confirm America!” After a short ride, the taxi driver looked at her, “we have arrived!” Jamie was shocked, “how could it possibly be so fast? It only took fifteen minutes!” Amazed she was, as she started to change her view of Singapore.

“Hey mum! Where are you? I’m already at Marina Bay Sands!” Jamie screamed in excitement at the innocent mobile phone. Strolling around the big area, she observed everybody’s action and behavior. “Hey, I’m so unlucky! I could have won that 10k, if only I had the ace of spades…” an old, bald man extremely furious, had an exaggerating conversation with someone who seemed like an old friend. “The people here are so rich!” Jamie carried a wrong impression, as she continued walking around. Then, the phone rang.

“Okay, I will meet you at the food court, see you then!” Jamie hung up the phone and headed to the overcrowded food court. “Are you sure this is a food court? It seemed more like a theme park to me!” Jamie questioned herself again, trying hard to find an empty table. Fortunately, she managed to find a spot; subsequently, her mother came and looked for her. “Why don’t we order our food first?” Mum suggested, as Jamie looked around the food court trying to find something which suited her taste. “Isn’t that roti prata? I thought they were only found in India? Look! It’s spaghetti, my favourite in Italy!” Her excitement towards Singapore began to rise, as she ordered the spaghetti with lots of tomato, delicious!

After the delicate of spaghetti, the mother and daughter decided to go shopping at Bugis junction. They walked towards the taxi stand, and knew that it was packed with tons of people, but Singapore didn’t just have cabs but public buses as well. Staring at the route of the buses, then slowly sliding her hand down plastic board, here it is! Soon their bus arrived and boarded it, finding two suitable seats. As Jamie was in the search of seats, she spotted a kindhearted young girl, probably the age of a teenager, giving up her seat for the sake of an old lady. “Wow, this is rarely seen in America!” Jamie was surprised to see such kind souls in Singapore. But not knowing that the other three people beside this young girl were three people who were coldblooded, with completely filled with selfish thinking. Oh well, at least Jamie’s impression of Singapore is at the top form already!

Despite being a young American girl migrating to Singapore with her mother, Jamie adapted very well in Singapore, although Singapore’s heat could be really hard to stand sometimes, Singapore is still a wonderful place to live in, and she lives up to the title of “Garden City”.

Singapore short story

Have you ever wondered why Singapore is considered a safe country? Surprisingly, the main reason is mostly because Singaporeans do not have the guts to commit crimes! Now let’s begin with a few more facts of the life in Singapore by telling you about the experiences my best friend, Johnny and I have encountered.

Johnny is a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR); he came to Singapore since he was 13, a young China boy coming to Singapore alone, with no family and friends. However, he had been through a lot during his time in Singapore. When we were secondary 1, we started to know each other…

Johnny could only speak Chinese. For what I know, he could barely speak any English words. But he is extremely hard working, always trying hard to pick up fluent English. As our first year in a new school goes, we strived to work hard together, improving our abilities in answering the questions. Guess what? Our hard work paid off, our English and Chinese had gotten an A1 subsequently. There is one theory that has been learnt by both of us: Singaporeans have to work together to strive for a better nation, but for what I know, Singaporeans do not have this spirit in them yet.

As most people know, Singapore is a multi-racial country, with different races, languages and religions. God has created the different races to let people learn that all mankind are equal. This purpose has been seen in Singaporeans, as far as I know, Johnny and I have never seen any racism happening in Singapore. Besides that, we have seen people of different races getting along with one another well. We are proud to be Singaporeans! Not only about the races but the languages is what we really love about. Johnny and I have planned to learn 5 more languages, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Korean and French. Learning the different types of languages, won’t just be for your own knowledge but being able to interact with people of other countries. Singapore is really a good place for learning the different languages; Singaporeans should really treasure their chance!

Johnny always says to me, “I’m so glad I have come to Singapore!” Well, the reason behind it is that it brings back the feeling of being at home with the good food in Singapore. Who needs to eat at high-class restaurants when you can enjoy one of the best foods in all around the world in just a normal coffee shop? Johnny and I always goes to the coffee shop near our school, it really sells a great variety of food. For example, Western, Italian, Japanese foods are being sold. One word to describe it is, “Fantabulous!” The good thing about Singaporeans is that they really treasure the food in Singapore. What I like the most is the “Hainanese Chicken Rice”! To me, eating it makes me feel like I’m living in heaven, that juicy and saucy chicken in my mouth, hmm! Oh, whereas Johnny’s was the black carrot cake, these foods are indeed delicious to the max!

In Singapore, you can never miss out the beautiful scenery. I remember the first time I knew Johnny; he asked me, “What photogenic places are there?” And I laughed, and said, “There are the seven wonders!” Are you able to guess them? Oh well, they are the Esplanade, Changi Airport, Sentosa, the Merlion, the Singapore River, the Singapore Flyer and Mount Faber. Some of these places have great historical backgrounds, but how about some company while visiting these places? The tour guide is the best choice for you! It provides high-class services, the good thing is, and there is someone to explain about these places. Johnny and I had signed up for the tour once, and it was fantastic! I love the Esplanade most, shaped like half of a durian! As a Singaporean, you can have got to know about these places, only then, you can be a “TRUE SINGAPOREAN”.

Singapore’ public transport is the ‘best friend’ of most people, to Johnny and I, we take the public transport every day. However, there is another long term for SBS in Singlish, “SI BEI SLOW”, we usually have to wait for roughly 20 min for our buses, by the time we reach home, and it will already be late. Also, Singaporeans really do not show manners, always pushing most of the time; when buses are crowded, and fully packed like sardines.

If you see anybody bargaining for the price of anything, you can be 99.99% sure that they are Singaporeans. To be positive, we can say they are thrifty but the fact is that they just want to complain. Singaporeans have the nickname of “complain king/queen”; however, Johnny is not one of them, so am I. Oh well, it’s the timeline they live in, can’t really help it.

Okay guys, there is really something interesting about Singaporeans, they can really be weird some times, but they are what makes Singaporeans, and what’s so unique about Singaporeans is that they do things really different from what you can expect from other people of the different countries. One thing we have to learn is that we have to work together to form a better nation and improve on the social issues in Singapore.