Dear readers, I have commented on Marcus Lau's blog (http://blanketboymarcus.blogspot.com/) on his post about the definition of success.
I dont really agree with your view of "success". The definition of success is: achiever: a person with a record of successes. To me, real success, no matter who the person is, is to be able to experience luxury. And to be able to be successful in life, is to be able to have a comfortable home to live in, to have a good reputation in the society, and to be able to provide for your family. That is true success for me.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Comment on Sze Chuan's blog
Dear blog readers, I have commented on Sze Chuan's blog ( http://causticpotashhhh.blogspot.com/ ) on his most recent post about the the boy who tailed the Olympic Flame.
Although I agree to a certain extent, I feel that he should not have followed the Olympic flame. As a primary 6 student, he would be taking his PSLE orals very very soon. However, he ran 13km IN THE RAIN. I feel that what he did was very risky and dangerous to his upcoming examinations. He might fall sick and his PSLE would be affected. In this kind of crucial timing, I feel that he should have concentrated on his studies first.
Contrary to my point, I am moved by his perseverance and he softened the hearts of many.
Although I agree to a certain extent, I feel that he should not have followed the Olympic flame. As a primary 6 student, he would be taking his PSLE orals very very soon. However, he ran 13km IN THE RAIN. I feel that what he did was very risky and dangerous to his upcoming examinations. He might fall sick and his PSLE would be affected. In this kind of crucial timing, I feel that he should have concentrated on his studies first.
Contrary to my point, I am moved by his perseverance and he softened the hearts of many.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Swiss Vandal
Swiss national Oliver Fricker, convicted of vandalism and entering a protected place, will now have to serve a total of seven months' jail and get three strokes of the cane.
The judge said Fricker's conduct in cutting through a fence surrounding a 'protected place'' to commit vandalism, which was calculated to bring to its authors instant international notoriety, must be unequivocally deplored.
'It is conduct which is entirely unacceptable in Singapore, regardless of the artistic merit (or lack thereof) of the graffiti.''
What I feel that the vandal deserves our sympathy. As he is a swiss national, he probably does not understand the seriousness of vandalism in Singapore. Many countries feel that the Singapore's punishment to the swiss national was too harsh. The judge is probably using this case as a warning to all Singaporeans: DO NOT VANDALISE. With such a heavy sentence, I feel that many Singaporeans would not dare to vandalise anymore.
The judge said Fricker's conduct in cutting through a fence surrounding a 'protected place'' to commit vandalism, which was calculated to bring to its authors instant international notoriety, must be unequivocally deplored.
'It is conduct which is entirely unacceptable in Singapore, regardless of the artistic merit (or lack thereof) of the graffiti.''
What I feel that the vandal deserves our sympathy. As he is a swiss national, he probably does not understand the seriousness of vandalism in Singapore. Many countries feel that the Singapore's punishment to the swiss national was too harsh. The judge is probably using this case as a warning to all Singaporeans: DO NOT VANDALISE. With such a heavy sentence, I feel that many Singaporeans would not dare to vandalise anymore.
Wilfred Owen
Wilfred Edward Salter Owen MC was a British poet and soldier, and one of the leading poets of the First World War. His shocking, realistic war poetry on the horrors of trenches and gas warfare was heavily influenced by his friend Siegfried Sassoon and sat in stark contrast to both the public perception of war at the time, and to the confidently patriotic verse written earlier by war poets such as Rupert Brooke.
Some of his best-known works—most of which were published posthumously—include "Dulce et Decorum Est", "Insensibility", "Anthem for Doomed Youth", "Futility" and "Strange Meeting". His preface intended for a book of poems to be published in 1919 contains numerous well-known phrases, especially "War, and the pity of War", and "the Poetry is in the pity".
He was killed in action at the Battle of the Sambre a week before the war ended. In a moment of ghastly irony, the telegram from the War Office announcing his death was delivered to his mother's home as her town's church bells were ringing in celebration of the Armistice.
This is one of his famous masterpieces.
Anthem For Doomed Youth
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
The title is ironic because it has "youth" and "doomed" next to each other. Youth represents naivety, freedom and a long life ahead and doomed pretty much means the opposite. Therefore it is a contradiction. "The montrous anger of the guns" is personification (giving the guns human charateristics) and makes it sound like the guns are controlling the men when it should be the other way around. "..rifles rapid rattle" is alliteration which is for the purpose of sound imagery. "..a drawing down of blinds" gives a dull, unhappy end to the poem which emphasizes and reminds the reader of the horrors and tradgedies of the outcomes of war.
Some of his best-known works—most of which were published posthumously—include "Dulce et Decorum Est", "Insensibility", "Anthem for Doomed Youth", "Futility" and "Strange Meeting". His preface intended for a book of poems to be published in 1919 contains numerous well-known phrases, especially "War, and the pity of War", and "the Poetry is in the pity".
He was killed in action at the Battle of the Sambre a week before the war ended. In a moment of ghastly irony, the telegram from the War Office announcing his death was delivered to his mother's home as her town's church bells were ringing in celebration of the Armistice.
This is one of his famous masterpieces.
Anthem For Doomed Youth
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
The title is ironic because it has "youth" and "doomed" next to each other. Youth represents naivety, freedom and a long life ahead and doomed pretty much means the opposite. Therefore it is a contradiction. "The montrous anger of the guns" is personification (giving the guns human charateristics) and makes it sound like the guns are controlling the men when it should be the other way around. "..rifles rapid rattle" is alliteration which is for the purpose of sound imagery. "..a drawing down of blinds" gives a dull, unhappy end to the poem which emphasizes and reminds the reader of the horrors and tradgedies of the outcomes of war.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Religious Freedom
First of all, what is religious freedom? Contrary to popular belief, it is actually a principal, not a right. It supports the ability to manifest religion or belief in public or private, whether it's practice or teaching. This concept is also generally recognised as the ability to change religion or not to follow any religion at all. However, there are certain "religionists" in the world whom only believe that THEIR religion is the best, and thus dis other religions.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. (taken from Charter of the United Nations).
In short, if you want to change your religion, you can. Also, these are a human being's own choices, and no one is to interfere or change them without the permission of the person himself/herself. Personally, I think that everyone has their own choice to make, whether they want to be a Christian, Buddhist, Free Thinker, Non-believer, etc. These are beliefs. The definition of belief is "A vague idea in which some confidence is placed". Therefore, if someone chooses to be a Non-believer (for example), no one has the authority to stop him.
To me, that is unfair to the believers. They have chosen a path and they will stick to it until their life ends, what right do the skeptics have to change that? We are human beings, not animals or plants or anything for that matter. We have rights - the right to choose, and just because someone chooses a religion different from others doesn't make him any different.
Religious freedom is very important, hence its one of the reasons why Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. (taken from Charter of the United Nations).
In short, if you want to change your religion, you can. Also, these are a human being's own choices, and no one is to interfere or change them without the permission of the person himself/herself. Personally, I think that everyone has their own choice to make, whether they want to be a Christian, Buddhist, Free Thinker, Non-believer, etc. These are beliefs. The definition of belief is "A vague idea in which some confidence is placed". Therefore, if someone chooses to be a Non-believer (for example), no one has the authority to stop him.
To me, that is unfair to the believers. They have chosen a path and they will stick to it until their life ends, what right do the skeptics have to change that? We are human beings, not animals or plants or anything for that matter. We have rights - the right to choose, and just because someone chooses a religion different from others doesn't make him any different.
Religious freedom is very important, hence its one of the reasons why Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Diary entry of a victim of the Holocaust
Dear Diary,
I hate being a Jew. Looking at my hands covered with blisters and abrasions, I wondered what I did to deserve this. As I sit writing, I could hear cries of despair coming from my roommates. It’s most probably a nightmare. I’ve never had a good dream since 5 years ago. 10 of us were cramped in a room with only 4 uncomfortable beds to spare. I think I am sick. I cough uncontrollably and have large amounts of phlegm stuck in my throat. Or maybe I’m not the only one. Maybe everyone is getting unhealthier by the second. Before Hitler came to power, I was a healthy 80kg man. Now I weigh a measly 40kg. Looking outside, it seems almost time for work. Soon, a German soldier will be shouting for us to wake up. God, when will you cut the chains for me? When will you save me? Lord, I don’t think I can tolerate anymore. I’ve seen my best friend shot to death. I’ve seen the purple unhealthy blood trickling out of his head. Someday, I wonder when it will be my turn. Maybe I should just end this life. Maybe I should just punch a German then be shot. I do not understand why so many of us are afraid of death when we’re experiencing something worse than it. Death seems to be the only solution to escape. Everyday, we have two hours of sleep and worked for twenty-two hours. We were only given one slice of tapioca bread a day. As for me, I work in the railways. I’ve seen many things that would give nightmares for a lifetime. My wife was raped in front of me. And after the German soldier did it, he pulled of all her hair. Her screams echo in my head almost every second. I was helpless and I could not do anything to help her or ease her pain. Why am I such a useless husband? I am also a useless father. My son was bludgeoned to death. Why? Why? Why does this have to happen? The memory of my wife and I walking along the beach with my son collecting seashells seems to be a dream. I could still remember the fateful day I was arrested for “being a Jew”. It was in the wee hours of the morning when I heard my door slammed down. I was pulled out of my slumber and dragged away from my house. I was thrown into a van and they brought me here. I wonder why I am doing work for the dirty dogs. I should just end my life and my family could be together. Away from Germans, away from Hitler…
I hate being a Jew. Looking at my hands covered with blisters and abrasions, I wondered what I did to deserve this. As I sit writing, I could hear cries of despair coming from my roommates. It’s most probably a nightmare. I’ve never had a good dream since 5 years ago. 10 of us were cramped in a room with only 4 uncomfortable beds to spare. I think I am sick. I cough uncontrollably and have large amounts of phlegm stuck in my throat. Or maybe I’m not the only one. Maybe everyone is getting unhealthier by the second. Before Hitler came to power, I was a healthy 80kg man. Now I weigh a measly 40kg. Looking outside, it seems almost time for work. Soon, a German soldier will be shouting for us to wake up. God, when will you cut the chains for me? When will you save me? Lord, I don’t think I can tolerate anymore. I’ve seen my best friend shot to death. I’ve seen the purple unhealthy blood trickling out of his head. Someday, I wonder when it will be my turn. Maybe I should just end this life. Maybe I should just punch a German then be shot. I do not understand why so many of us are afraid of death when we’re experiencing something worse than it. Death seems to be the only solution to escape. Everyday, we have two hours of sleep and worked for twenty-two hours. We were only given one slice of tapioca bread a day. As for me, I work in the railways. I’ve seen many things that would give nightmares for a lifetime. My wife was raped in front of me. And after the German soldier did it, he pulled of all her hair. Her screams echo in my head almost every second. I was helpless and I could not do anything to help her or ease her pain. Why am I such a useless husband? I am also a useless father. My son was bludgeoned to death. Why? Why? Why does this have to happen? The memory of my wife and I walking along the beach with my son collecting seashells seems to be a dream. I could still remember the fateful day I was arrested for “being a Jew”. It was in the wee hours of the morning when I heard my door slammed down. I was pulled out of my slumber and dragged away from my house. I was thrown into a van and they brought me here. I wonder why I am doing work for the dirty dogs. I should just end my life and my family could be together. Away from Germans, away from Hitler…
YOG
They said we couldn't do it and wrote us off even before we tried. Well, we have done it, the perceived as impossible, that is, hosting the Youth Olympic Games in our very own Lion City.
This is the time to see if we can host a high profile international competition. Much fanfare has been created, with the most recent being the arrival of the youth olympics flame, direct from Greece. However, many Singaporeans still do not show much enthusiasm about the fact that we are going to play host to many of the best young athletes in the whole world. The situation has not been helped by the fact that the promotional video for the YOG is rather disliked by the majority of the Singapore public, who have criticised it as cheesy.
This attitude shown is sad, as the YOG is a once-in-the-lifetime opportunity for most of us, and we are able to watch it right in our own backyard. Furthermore, being the very first YOG in history, it at least deserves some cheer and enthusiasm, no?
This is the time to see if we can host a high profile international competition. Much fanfare has been created, with the most recent being the arrival of the youth olympics flame, direct from Greece. However, many Singaporeans still do not show much enthusiasm about the fact that we are going to play host to many of the best young athletes in the whole world. The situation has not been helped by the fact that the promotional video for the YOG is rather disliked by the majority of the Singapore public, who have criticised it as cheesy.
This attitude shown is sad, as the YOG is a once-in-the-lifetime opportunity for most of us, and we are able to watch it right in our own backyard. Furthermore, being the very first YOG in history, it at least deserves some cheer and enthusiasm, no?
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