At the end of the trial scene, Shylock has been ordered by the court and and the bond which he swore to abide to without shedding a drop of Antonio's blood. This is realistically totally impossible. However, this is indeed justified. Going according to law and order and the statements of the mutual-consented bond is true justice. Shylock forfeiting the bond and receiving his punishment is true justice!
On the other hand, there is no true mercy. Forcing a Jew to convert into Christianity may seem a lenient punishment than forsaking all his estate, however, this is indeed a big blow to Shylock. Portia has begged him to show mercy at first towards Antonio but he rejected, arguing on what compulsion must he do that. Now, he begs for mercy and is content to take 3times of the debt which Bassanio offered. Portia rejected him bluntly, stating that he must follow the law and bond, not shedding a drop of blood which would result in a greater offense. Portia is exhibiting true justice but not true mercy
Justice can be manipulated by people in power. There is a saying in China that, Power is greater than the law, people can often find their way out even on serious crimes with bribes as long as they pay, which means they can be manipulated by the government. Power is greater than the law, money is greater than the law and connections are greater than the law. If the criminals can offer the government or the court some benefits, they may get away scot-free. At this point of time, after receiving those benefits, the people in power can bend the rules and let those criminals off.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Blog prompt 3 - how has war evolved from the past to the present?
I think the main difference of war I the past and the war in the present is due to the twin engines that are driving the world today. Youth and Technology. There will be indeed difference in terms of ammunition like there where not much nuclear power or missles in the past compared to that of today. However I think we should focus on the underlying reason for the evolution.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
Blog prompt 4 - Response to open letter to education Minister
You probably have already heard that a Secondary Four student recently wrote a to letter the Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat, which generated much heated debate again about Singapore's much-discussed education system.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
Blog prompt 2 - Is money important in relationship?
I have 2 points of views actually as i think money is important in a relationship but is not everything in a relationship.
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Blog prompt 1 - soldier
Singapore, just a mere dot on the world map, had been through ups and downs. WW2 had really shaken Singapore like an earthquake, rendering Singapore in tatters. Through the harsh reality, we have learnt to rely on no one but ourselves. Singapore as small as we are, is limited of both hinterland and manpower, causing the series of troubles we face in the early years. In such cases, we need to rely on our young men to protect and defend our country. This is essential to be self-reliant as it is the first step to be independent.
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Online lesson - poem
Online lesson - poem
Task 1
Hubert Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the USAF security service. With a dozen school graduates, they prepped for about 14 months at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas.
This poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering. Agent Orange is contaminated with TCDD, which is very dangerous. During the war, about 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, with 500,000 children born with birth defects.
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was the most widely used in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production, dioxins were produced as contaminant, which caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it.
This poem is to emphasize on the point that wars aren't over when the wars are over. Although this sentence may seem contradictory, but it basically means that even though wars have ended, but the effects of the war still remains, which shows the danger of modern warfare. It will not only affect the generation at that time, but also affects the younger generation like the newborn babies who are either dead or born with defects. This also shows the danger of starting a war and wants people to think twice before starting a war.
task 2
Steps in Analysis
Point Evidence Elaboration
1. Point of View Generations untold WILL pay Feels that war alone has its side effects and although it is over, the mental and physical scars will forever stay.
2. Situation and Setting Nefariously America led astray
Execrable effects of agent orange spray caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it
3 Language/ Diction Expecting others to pay a high price
Toll on the innocent and unborn
All the deceit continues to spread A angry and a warning tone that all generations will pay the ultimate price although they themselves are innocent
4 Personal Response .Now thinking twice? Wants everyone to think twice about going to war
Task 1
Hubert Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the USAF security service. With a dozen school graduates, they prepped for about 14 months at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas.
This poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering. Agent Orange is contaminated with TCDD, which is very dangerous. During the war, about 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, with 500,000 children born with birth defects.
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was the most widely used in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production, dioxins were produced as contaminant, which caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it.
This poem is to emphasize on the point that wars aren't over when the wars are over. Although this sentence may seem contradictory, but it basically means that even though wars have ended, but the effects of the war still remains, which shows the danger of modern warfare. It will not only affect the generation at that time, but also affects the younger generation like the newborn babies who are either dead or born with defects. This also shows the danger of starting a war and wants people to think twice before starting a war.
task 2
Steps in Analysis
Point Evidence Elaboration
1. Point of View Generations untold WILL pay Feels that war alone has its side effects and although it is over, the mental and physical scars will forever stay.
2. Situation and Setting Nefariously America led astray
Execrable effects of agent orange spray caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it
3 Language/ Diction Expecting others to pay a high price
Toll on the innocent and unborn
All the deceit continues to spread A angry and a warning tone that all generations will pay the ultimate price although they themselves are innocent
4 Personal Response .Now thinking twice? Wants everyone to think twice about going to war
Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter is an 1850 romantic work of fiction, in a historical setting, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is considered to be his best literary work. This story talks about a woman called Hester Pryne who arrives from England, seeking independence. While waiting for her husband. While walking in the house near a forest, she met a man called Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale Passion, a young pastor, where both of them fell in love with each other. . The two soon find themselves attracted to each other and secretly begin an affair. Upon learning that her husband has probably died at the hands of Indians, they consummate their love As the result of this Hester becomes pregnant and when the government finds out, she is showed up in public and has to wear a scarlet "A" as "adultery" on her chest. A child is born. After the government learnt about it, Hester is publicly humiliated and made to wear a scarlet letter, as her punishment of committing adultery. As Hester Pryne refuses to tell the name of her child's father, she goes into jail where she gives birth to her daughter, Pearl. Her husband, Roger Prynne appears after a year with Indians, calling himself Chillingworth, wanting to seek revenge, searching out Hester's lover and stirring fears of witchcraft, life now driven by the idea to find out who was Hester's lover and destroy his life, as well as the life of Hester.
This book scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around a woman who struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne emphasizes themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. Whereby one must be responsible for his or her own actions and sins and owning up to ones mistakes. We must also never fail to be repentant and also willing to fulfil the punishment for one’s mistake.
This book scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around a woman who struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne emphasizes themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. Whereby one must be responsible for his or her own actions and sins and owning up to ones mistakes. We must also never fail to be repentant and also willing to fulfil the punishment for one’s mistake.
Gulliver's travels
Gulliver’s travels talks about the story of a man called Lemuel Gulliver, a practical-minded Englishman trained as a surgeon who takes heads out to the seas when his business fails. Gulliver narrates the adventures he met on those travels. Gulliver’s adventure in Lilliput begins when he wakes after his shipwreck to find himself bound by uncountable tiny threads and addressed by tiny captors who are in awe of him but fiercely protective of their kingdom. They are not afraid to use violence against Gulliver, though their arrows are as good as pinpricks which do no damage to Gulliver at all. However, they are rather hospitable, risking famine in their land by feeding Gulliver, who consumes more food than a thousand Lilliputians combined could. Gulliver is taken into the capital city by a vast wagon the Lilliputians have specially built. He is presented to the emperor, who is entertained by Gulliver, just as Gulliver is flattered by the attention of royalty. Eventually Gulliver becomes a national resource, used by the army in its war against the people of Blefuscu, whom the Lilliputians hate for doctrinal differences concerning the proper way to crack eggs. But things change when Gulliver is convicted of treason for putting out a fire in the royal palace with his urine and is condemned to be shot in the eyes and starved to death. Gulliver escapes to Blefuscu, where he is able to repair a boat he finds and set sail for England. Gulliver takes on many different adventures but came to a conclusion with claim that the lands he has visited belong by rights to England, as her colonies, even though he questions the whole idea of colonialism. This book has cultural influence and also wants to convey a few themes such as a satirical view of the state of European government, and of petty differences between religions and
whether men are inherently corrupt or whether they become corrupted.
whether men are inherently corrupt or whether they become corrupted.
Feature article.
Would it be possible to determine a person’s character just by knowing their favourite football club? Strange but true! Wouldn’t it be magnificent if you can access a person’s character just by asking him for the football club he supports! Imagine a job interview with only one question to determine a worker’s attitude! This is only possible if one masters the art of FOOTBALL PERSONALITY.
Here are some tips we would learn to identify characteristics of different people based on the club they support. Most prominent football clubs in the English Premier league like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal etc…… each has their own character and style and trademark, so does the supporters. The club and their supporters’ style are suprisingly very similar. Let’s take Liverpool as an example. Liverpool has been a dominant force in the past, the times where tops footballers such as, Ian Rush, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, etc…… helped Liverpool attain success. We can conclude that their supporters are mostly people who are older and also loyal fans despite the fact that Liverpool is now a spent force. However, exceptions are still present as some youngsters are crazy about the top players Liverpool have like Steven Gerrard. Now comes Manchester United. Its fans stands out as most supporters who are very modern, go-with-the-flow type of people as Manchester United is the current reigning champions. Most teenagers are supporting this club. In conclusion, Manchester united fans have a distinct trait of having a herd mentality.
For other clubs like Chelsea, we can tell that its supporters are very much like the owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, a person that is rather wealthy, with high social status and would spare no cost to ensure success. On the contrary, Arsenal fans are those who scrooge-like, such as Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger, who are spendthrift in nature. People who do not splurge on unnecessary stuffs, like other clubs, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Arsenal fans are mostly people which are in their late teens and adults above, rather realistic and pragmatic people who look for value for money and believe hard work is the key to success.
My analysis might not be hundred percent correct and there would be many exceptions to this analysis. However, based on close observations of my circle of friends and their favourite clubs, also co-relating with their personality, the stereotype of these clubs and their fans is more or less accurate. Next time, when you meet a new person, instead of asking so many boring questions about themselves, you can just ask 1 question to know all about them. Inquire which club they support and use the tips I thought you about football personality and give a fair assessment of the person’s character based on the tips I have taught you. Then can one decide how to choose friends who have the same interests as feathers of a bird will always flock together.
Here are some tips we would learn to identify characteristics of different people based on the club they support. Most prominent football clubs in the English Premier league like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal etc…… each has their own character and style and trademark, so does the supporters. The club and their supporters’ style are suprisingly very similar. Let’s take Liverpool as an example. Liverpool has been a dominant force in the past, the times where tops footballers such as, Ian Rush, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, etc…… helped Liverpool attain success. We can conclude that their supporters are mostly people who are older and also loyal fans despite the fact that Liverpool is now a spent force. However, exceptions are still present as some youngsters are crazy about the top players Liverpool have like Steven Gerrard. Now comes Manchester United. Its fans stands out as most supporters who are very modern, go-with-the-flow type of people as Manchester United is the current reigning champions. Most teenagers are supporting this club. In conclusion, Manchester united fans have a distinct trait of having a herd mentality.
For other clubs like Chelsea, we can tell that its supporters are very much like the owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, a person that is rather wealthy, with high social status and would spare no cost to ensure success. On the contrary, Arsenal fans are those who scrooge-like, such as Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger, who are spendthrift in nature. People who do not splurge on unnecessary stuffs, like other clubs, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Arsenal fans are mostly people which are in their late teens and adults above, rather realistic and pragmatic people who look for value for money and believe hard work is the key to success.
My analysis might not be hundred percent correct and there would be many exceptions to this analysis. However, based on close observations of my circle of friends and their favourite clubs, also co-relating with their personality, the stereotype of these clubs and their fans is more or less accurate. Next time, when you meet a new person, instead of asking so many boring questions about themselves, you can just ask 1 question to know all about them. Inquire which club they support and use the tips I thought you about football personality and give a fair assessment of the person’s character based on the tips I have taught you. Then can one decide how to choose friends who have the same interests as feathers of a bird will always flock together.
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