1) In all 3 casket scenes, the common theme is not to judge a book by its cover. In all 3 occasions, the caskets were contrary to what was inside the casket. In the first case, when the Prince of Morocco chose his casket, he looked highly upon himself. He saw himself as a very handsome person, and thus chose the casket that was the most expensive. This was the gold casket. However, he failed to win Portia.
In the second case, the Prince of Arragon saw himself as a middle-classed person. He believed that he was a very well-liked person, while at the same time very humble. Thus, he picked the silver casket, which he considered to be the best of both world. However, he also did not win Portia.
In the last case, Bassanio, considered the gold and silver caskets and thought them to be just pretty on the outside. In the end, he chose the lead, as he believed that beauty is in the inside, and people are often fooled by the looks. In the end, he won Portia.
2) Water... I cannot breathe... These were my last few thoughts I remembered before my mind went blank.
I had been on a boat trip with a close friend. The weather was fine and we had a whale of time. But it was different hours later. Dark clouds swarmed the sky, and a storm broke out. In a matter of seconds, my boat capsized and water started gushing in. Instinctively, both of us rushed for the life jacket. Unfortunately, only one was working.
Who should take it? My friend had a family of four to support. Should I give in the life jacket? It was the toughest dilemma I ever faced in my life. As I faced this dilemma, I realised how redundant my so called dilemmas in the past were. A Honda or a Toyota? An iPhone or an Android? Those were nothing; but this was something. It was about life and death. I only had a few seconds to decide. His family needs him. He is the sole breadwinner. I relented and lost grip of the life jacket, and sank into the sea.
My vision went black, and I slowly surrendered to death. Suddenly, I felt a strong grip on my shoulder, and before long, I was hauled to surface. I had been rescued!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
In-class Online Lesson 10
Introduction
In this post, I would be revolving around two themes from The Merchant of Venice. They are "The Law" and the "Greed of Money".
Themes
The Law
The Merchant of Venice depends heavily upon laws and rules—the laws of the state of Venice and the rules stipulated in contracts and wills. Laws and rules can be manipulated for cruel or wanton purposes, but they are also capable of producing good when executed by the right people. Portia’s virtual imprisonment by the game of caskets seems, at first, like a questionable rule at best, but her likening of the game to a lottery system is belied by the fact that, in the end, it works perfectly. The game keeps a host of suitors at bay, and of the three who try to choose the correct casket to win Portia’s hand, only the man of Portia’s desires succeeds. By the time Bassanio picks the correct chest, the choice seems like a more efficient indicator of human nature than any person could ever provide. A similar phenomenon occurs with Venetian law. Until Portia’s arrival, Shylock is the law’s strictest adherent, and it seems as if the city’s adherence to contracts will result in tragedy. However, when Portia arrives and manipulates the law most skillfully of all, the outcome is the happiest ending of all, at least to an Elizabethan audience: Antonio is rescued and Shylock forced to abandon his religion. The fact that the trial is such a close call does, however, raise the fearful specter of how the law can be misused. Without the proper guidance, the law can be wielded to do horrible things.
Greed of Money
The greed of money is an important theme in The Merchant of Venice. In most cases, characters value money more than anything else and are strongly driven by it. In Shylock's case, he valued his money more than his daughter. This is from “O, my ducats! O, my daughter!” (Act 2, Scene 8, Line 15). Here, it is evident that Shylock cares about his money more then his daughter, much less relationships. Another example from The Merchant of Venice is Bassanio. When Bassanio went to marry Portia, he cared more about how rich she was then his love for her. He had also stated that he was more concerned on the debts that he can settle when marrying then his love for her. From this, it can be seen that Bassanio's greed of money is very strong, such that he neglects his relationship. From these examples, it is clear that characters in The Merchant of Venice are very greedy over money.
Narrative Conflict
Mr Lim was extremely anxious and his heart pounded heavily. Having recently heard of friends who made big bucks in a short period of time, Mr Lim, an enthusiastic investor, wanted to followed suit. He considered embarking on stock manipulation, which was illegal in Singapore. He definitely knew that stock manipulation was against that law in Singapore, but he could not resist his greed of money. In his mind, he thought about the luxury he could enjoy if he succeeded. On the other hand, he was afraid of being caught. He had seen it in the news; it was a heavy sentence and a big fine for offenders of stock manipulation. Mr Lim was in a big dilemma. Eventually, he succumbed to his greed for money, embarked on illegal activites. For the first few days, he saw a sharp increase in his profits and was elated for making the right decision. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side and the law eventually caught up on him. Mr Lim was charge with three counts of stocks manipulating and was tried his caught. As he awaits the judge to read his sentence, he feels a deep sense of regret for his actions. All these would not have happened, if his greed of money had not gotten the better of him.
Resources
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/merchant/themes.html
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/manipulation.asp#axzz1UXY7VZR8
http://bml.uoregon.edu/moonphase/book/book-money.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_manipulation
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/merchant/tg_race.html
In this post, I would be revolving around two themes from The Merchant of Venice. They are "The Law" and the "Greed of Money".
Themes
The Law
The Merchant of Venice depends heavily upon laws and rules—the laws of the state of Venice and the rules stipulated in contracts and wills. Laws and rules can be manipulated for cruel or wanton purposes, but they are also capable of producing good when executed by the right people. Portia’s virtual imprisonment by the game of caskets seems, at first, like a questionable rule at best, but her likening of the game to a lottery system is belied by the fact that, in the end, it works perfectly. The game keeps a host of suitors at bay, and of the three who try to choose the correct casket to win Portia’s hand, only the man of Portia’s desires succeeds. By the time Bassanio picks the correct chest, the choice seems like a more efficient indicator of human nature than any person could ever provide. A similar phenomenon occurs with Venetian law. Until Portia’s arrival, Shylock is the law’s strictest adherent, and it seems as if the city’s adherence to contracts will result in tragedy. However, when Portia arrives and manipulates the law most skillfully of all, the outcome is the happiest ending of all, at least to an Elizabethan audience: Antonio is rescued and Shylock forced to abandon his religion. The fact that the trial is such a close call does, however, raise the fearful specter of how the law can be misused. Without the proper guidance, the law can be wielded to do horrible things.
Greed of Money
The greed of money is an important theme in The Merchant of Venice. In most cases, characters value money more than anything else and are strongly driven by it. In Shylock's case, he valued his money more than his daughter. This is from “O, my ducats! O, my daughter!” (Act 2, Scene 8, Line 15). Here, it is evident that Shylock cares about his money more then his daughter, much less relationships. Another example from The Merchant of Venice is Bassanio. When Bassanio went to marry Portia, he cared more about how rich she was then his love for her. He had also stated that he was more concerned on the debts that he can settle when marrying then his love for her. From this, it can be seen that Bassanio's greed of money is very strong, such that he neglects his relationship. From these examples, it is clear that characters in The Merchant of Venice are very greedy over money.
Narrative Conflict
Mr Lim was extremely anxious and his heart pounded heavily. Having recently heard of friends who made big bucks in a short period of time, Mr Lim, an enthusiastic investor, wanted to followed suit. He considered embarking on stock manipulation, which was illegal in Singapore. He definitely knew that stock manipulation was against that law in Singapore, but he could not resist his greed of money. In his mind, he thought about the luxury he could enjoy if he succeeded. On the other hand, he was afraid of being caught. He had seen it in the news; it was a heavy sentence and a big fine for offenders of stock manipulation. Mr Lim was in a big dilemma. Eventually, he succumbed to his greed for money, embarked on illegal activites. For the first few days, he saw a sharp increase in his profits and was elated for making the right decision. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side and the law eventually caught up on him. Mr Lim was charge with three counts of stocks manipulating and was tried his caught. As he awaits the judge to read his sentence, he feels a deep sense of regret for his actions. All these would not have happened, if his greed of money had not gotten the better of him.
Resources
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/merchant/themes.html
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/manipulation.asp#axzz1UXY7VZR8
http://bml.uoregon.edu/moonphase/book/book-money.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_manipulation
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/merchant/tg_race.html
Monday, August 1, 2011
Dialogue
A: 15 seconds!
B: What? 15 seconds to New Year? Hey, its only June!
A: No! 15 seconds... no 13 seconds to impact.
B: You mean the spaceships crashing?
A: YEA! Quick, think of something!!
B: I cannot do anything!
A: What? 6000 hours of flight experience and this is all you can say!?
B: Sorry brother, but...
A: Do something! Just do something!!!
B: I am sorry. But I have some last words. All these while, it has been...
A: 8 seconds to impact...
B: It has been nice working with you, brother.
A: 5 seconds to impact...
B: You know, you are the best partner I have ever worked with.
A: Please, Please, make this work!!
B: You are the best person on Earth. My last moments on Earth... Bless my family.
A: 1 second.. NO!!! Please work!!
B: ...
A: OH YEA! It's working. My rescue pack is working!!
B: ...
A: You know, I modified this spaceship with this mini spaceship, that breaks away when deployed.
B: ...
A: Can you say something?
B: ...
A: Are you... dead?
B: ...
A: Gosh, you're breathing. Alright, I'm bringing you back to Earth immediately. Please Pull Through!
B: ...
B: What? 15 seconds to New Year? Hey, its only June!
A: No! 15 seconds... no 13 seconds to impact.
B: You mean the spaceships crashing?
A: YEA! Quick, think of something!!
B: I cannot do anything!
A: What? 6000 hours of flight experience and this is all you can say!?
B: Sorry brother, but...
A: Do something! Just do something!!!
B: I am sorry. But I have some last words. All these while, it has been...
A: 8 seconds to impact...
B: It has been nice working with you, brother.
A: 5 seconds to impact...
B: You know, you are the best partner I have ever worked with.
A: Please, Please, make this work!!
B: You are the best person on Earth. My last moments on Earth... Bless my family.
A: 1 second.. NO!!! Please work!!
B: ...
A: OH YEA! It's working. My rescue pack is working!!
B: ...
A: You know, I modified this spaceship with this mini spaceship, that breaks away when deployed.
B: ...
A: Can you say something?
B: ...
A: Are you... dead?
B: ...
A: Gosh, you're breathing. Alright, I'm bringing you back to Earth immediately. Please Pull Through!
B: ...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Speech (ONLINE LESSON #11)
My Thesis: Racial Harmony Day does not do enough to sensitize students to racial issues
Good Afternoon Mr Lundberg and fellow classmates. I am Chng Ren Kai and today I am going to discuss about Racial Harmony Day's effectiveness in sensitizing students to racial issues.
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated once annually, on the 21st July. It introduces us to other races', and supposedly allows us to understand them better. This is done so as to prevent conflicts between races, in conjunction with the racial riots on this same day, in 1964. However, I feel that Racial Harmony Day does not do enough to sensitise students to racial issues.
Racial Harmony Day is frequently celebrated in the form of concerts. These concerts are usually a dance or a musical from another race. Although these concerts allow students to be introduced to other races, ultimately, it does not aid in teaching racial issues to students. Personally, I feel that such dances may even have an adverse effect. There were a few times where I saw students mocking another races' dance, after watching the performance. This totally defeats the purpose of having concerts as the actual meaning behind the dance is not to taught to students. This is a huge factor behind why I feel Racial Harmony Day is ineffective in sensitizing students to racial issues.
Another common event which I have encountered in my Primary School and Secondary School is the presence of a multi-cultural bazaar. I do acknowledge that this bazaars allow one to understand another race, through the food or games prepared. However, I believe that this may be ineffective. This is because most students merely prepare this food and games, for the sake of doing it. They do not understand what they were preparing and the meaning behind it. A recent example was during the Racial Harmony Day 2011 bazaar. I encountered a game booth with a very interesting gameplay. When I asked how this exciting game originated, the game vendors were confused. The only thing they could tell me was that this game originated from India. This once again shows that merely doing but not understanding does not help students in being sensitive to racial issues.
From my previous two experiences, it should be evident that the current structure of Racial Harmony Day does not do much in educating students on racial issues. Now, you will ask, then what is a good Racial Harmony Day. In my opinion, a good Racial Harmony Day has to engage the student, such that they get interested. Examples are entertaining video games, quizzes with attractive prizes, activities with friends etc. This mediums would definitely attract students, and in my opinion, would sensitize students to racial issues.
Once again, I would like to reinstate my point, that the current Racial Harmony Day does not do enough in sensitizing students to racial issues. Thank You.
Good Afternoon Mr Lundberg and fellow classmates. I am Chng Ren Kai and today I am going to discuss about Racial Harmony Day's effectiveness in sensitizing students to racial issues.
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated once annually, on the 21st July. It introduces us to other races', and supposedly allows us to understand them better. This is done so as to prevent conflicts between races, in conjunction with the racial riots on this same day, in 1964. However, I feel that Racial Harmony Day does not do enough to sensitise students to racial issues.
Racial Harmony Day is frequently celebrated in the form of concerts. These concerts are usually a dance or a musical from another race. Although these concerts allow students to be introduced to other races, ultimately, it does not aid in teaching racial issues to students. Personally, I feel that such dances may even have an adverse effect. There were a few times where I saw students mocking another races' dance, after watching the performance. This totally defeats the purpose of having concerts as the actual meaning behind the dance is not to taught to students. This is a huge factor behind why I feel Racial Harmony Day is ineffective in sensitizing students to racial issues.
Another common event which I have encountered in my Primary School and Secondary School is the presence of a multi-cultural bazaar. I do acknowledge that this bazaars allow one to understand another race, through the food or games prepared. However, I believe that this may be ineffective. This is because most students merely prepare this food and games, for the sake of doing it. They do not understand what they were preparing and the meaning behind it. A recent example was during the Racial Harmony Day 2011 bazaar. I encountered a game booth with a very interesting gameplay. When I asked how this exciting game originated, the game vendors were confused. The only thing they could tell me was that this game originated from India. This once again shows that merely doing but not understanding does not help students in being sensitive to racial issues.
From my previous two experiences, it should be evident that the current structure of Racial Harmony Day does not do much in educating students on racial issues. Now, you will ask, then what is a good Racial Harmony Day. In my opinion, a good Racial Harmony Day has to engage the student, such that they get interested. Examples are entertaining video games, quizzes with attractive prizes, activities with friends etc. This mediums would definitely attract students, and in my opinion, would sensitize students to racial issues.
Once again, I would like to reinstate my point, that the current Racial Harmony Day does not do enough in sensitizing students to racial issues. Thank You.
Monday, July 18, 2011
T3 Blog Prompt #7
If I were Antonio, I would have loaned Bassanio the money just like Antonio did. This is because Bassanio was a young man and a loyal friend. However, i might not loan him the money as Bassanio was a spendthrift and squanders away money.
Firstly, I would lend Bassanio the money as he was a young man and wanting to go to Belmont to woo Portia is not wrong. Since Bassanio needed money and I had it, I would not mind loaning him the money if it gives him a better future. Hence, I would loan Bassanio the money just like Antonio did.
Secondly, I would loan Bassanio the money as he was a very close and loyal friend. Since I had known him for years, loaning him money for a good cause is something that I should do. Furthermore, in past experiences when I loaned him money, he had never failed to pay me back, once again given me more reason to loan him the money. As such, I would loan Bassanio the money.
Lastly, on the other hand, I may not loan Bassanio the money. This was because Bassanio was a spendthrift and squander money away quickly. Even if he had returned the money to me, it would still have a detrimental effect on Bassanio as he would think that money would come easily for him and not work hard for it. As a very good friend of him, I would want the best for him and inculcate the habit of reaping what you sow into Bassanio. As such, I may not loan Bassanio the money.
In conclusion, I would loan Bassanio the money as he was a young man with a promising future and a very close and loyal friend.
Firstly, I would lend Bassanio the money as he was a young man and wanting to go to Belmont to woo Portia is not wrong. Since Bassanio needed money and I had it, I would not mind loaning him the money if it gives him a better future. Hence, I would loan Bassanio the money just like Antonio did.
Secondly, I would loan Bassanio the money as he was a very close and loyal friend. Since I had known him for years, loaning him money for a good cause is something that I should do. Furthermore, in past experiences when I loaned him money, he had never failed to pay me back, once again given me more reason to loan him the money. As such, I would loan Bassanio the money.
Lastly, on the other hand, I may not loan Bassanio the money. This was because Bassanio was a spendthrift and squander money away quickly. Even if he had returned the money to me, it would still have a detrimental effect on Bassanio as he would think that money would come easily for him and not work hard for it. As a very good friend of him, I would want the best for him and inculcate the habit of reaping what you sow into Bassanio. As such, I may not loan Bassanio the money.
In conclusion, I would loan Bassanio the money as he was a young man with a promising future and a very close and loyal friend.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
What are the negative consequences of Apple's decision
Apple has refused to introduce the iTunes Music Store in Singapore, despite several requests by Singaporeans. Their main concern is the rampant piracy in Asia. Although this might have a short-term benefit in Singapore, I believe that there would be a long term detrimental effect on Apple,
Firstly, Apple would suffer a great profit loss because of not introducing the iTunes Music Store in Singapore. This because Asia, being the most densely populated continent, would have a great number of potential customers. Although there are a number of pirater, there would be an overall profit for Apple. This would be a great and significant loss of profit for Apple.
Secondly, Apple would lose trust from Singaporeans. By stating that Asia has rampant piracy, it is accusing Singaporeans of engaging in piracy. This is a very critical accusation as Singapore is known for its low crime rate and low piracy-engagement rate. By accusing Singapore, Singaporeans would be bound to develop hatred towards Apple, and strain their customer relationship.
However, Apple would also stand to gain from this decision. This decision shows that Apple are strict towards piracy and do not condone any form of it. This gives customers assurance that the company they are clients of have high standards and their credentials would not be compromised.
In conclusion, I believe that Apple refusing to introduce the iTunes Music Store in Singapore has more cons than pros.
Firstly, Apple would suffer a great profit loss because of not introducing the iTunes Music Store in Singapore. This because Asia, being the most densely populated continent, would have a great number of potential customers. Although there are a number of pirater, there would be an overall profit for Apple. This would be a great and significant loss of profit for Apple.
Secondly, Apple would lose trust from Singaporeans. By stating that Asia has rampant piracy, it is accusing Singaporeans of engaging in piracy. This is a very critical accusation as Singapore is known for its low crime rate and low piracy-engagement rate. By accusing Singapore, Singaporeans would be bound to develop hatred towards Apple, and strain their customer relationship.
However, Apple would also stand to gain from this decision. This decision shows that Apple are strict towards piracy and do not condone any form of it. This gives customers assurance that the company they are clients of have high standards and their credentials would not be compromised.
In conclusion, I believe that Apple refusing to introduce the iTunes Music Store in Singapore has more cons than pros.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Narrative prose, without adjectives.
"Hey you!" I heard a yell towards my direction. I turned around and saw a youngster glaring at me. I was frightened while he menaced at me. He stepped towards me, and I broke out in sweat.
"Give me your phone!" He blurted at me. I was stunned for a moment. I shook my head and refused to oblige. The youngster glared at me for a second, and then lost his cool. He charged at me swiftly, and delivered a punch into my cheek. I fell backwards, dazed by the impact. My cheek was engulfed in pain. I felt like I was about to die... Then all became dark.
Where was I? I thought to myself. I woke up on a bed, in a place familiar to me. I could hear birds chirping and trees rustling. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. It was coming closer towards me. I panicked, a my memory of my previous experience flashed through my mind. I saw the silhouette of a person. I screamed out loud in terror. Then, I realised it was my mother.
She then told me what had happened. It turned out that it was a just a dream. However, my phone was nowhere to be found. Till this day, I am still unable to explain this circumstance...
"Give me your phone!" He blurted at me. I was stunned for a moment. I shook my head and refused to oblige. The youngster glared at me for a second, and then lost his cool. He charged at me swiftly, and delivered a punch into my cheek. I fell backwards, dazed by the impact. My cheek was engulfed in pain. I felt like I was about to die... Then all became dark.
Where was I? I thought to myself. I woke up on a bed, in a place familiar to me. I could hear birds chirping and trees rustling. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. It was coming closer towards me. I panicked, a my memory of my previous experience flashed through my mind. I saw the silhouette of a person. I screamed out loud in terror. Then, I realised it was my mother.
She then told me what had happened. It turned out that it was a just a dream. However, my phone was nowhere to be found. Till this day, I am still unable to explain this circumstance...
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