Comment 1:
A True Gentleman #3 by Loh Wei Kiat
http://2i3-12.blogspot.com/2011/06/true-gentleman-3.html?showComment=1310030376480#c7235734742269749782
Comment 2:
Deepening of Reservoirs Under Review by Chua Cheng Tat
http://chuachengtat.blogspot.com/2011/08/deepening-of-reservoirs-under-review.html?showComment=1313758608807#c8237057761344511741
Comment 3:
My CCA T3P9 by Chuang Fu Yuan
http://2i305lablog.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-cca-t3p9.html?showComment=1313759618308#c9138581205455015885
Comment 4:
Why? by Gaw Ban Siang
http://bansiang2i3.blogspot.com/2011/08/why_15.html?showComment=1313760142437#c2329240434439830118
Comment 5:
Should A Leader Be Judged According To His Personal Life? Yes! by Koh Yi Da
http://2i3numbereight.blogspot.com/2011/08/should-leader-be-judged-according-to.html?showComment=1313761146338#c1035512858632045401
Comment 6:
Euthanasia by Lee Liak Ghee
http://leeliakghee2i310.blogspot.com/2011/07/euthanasia.html?showComment=1313761677064#c2095637729267744425
Comment 7: Home schooling - Pros and Cons by Lee Wei Ren
http://lolz-teddy.blogspot.com/2011/07/home-schooling-pros-and-cons.html?showComment=1313762063594#c1684828417187422057
Comment 8: Was Portia being merciful or driving Shylock to ends? #8 by Loh Wei Kiat
http://2i3-12.blogspot.com/2011/08/was-portia-being-merciful-or-driving.html?showComment=1313763180166#c6589930039199934295
Comment 9:
Should leaders be judged by their private lives? by Samuel Wong
http://2i321.blogspot.com/2011/08/should-leaders-be-judged-by-their.html?showComment=1313764071181#c3562909990314721809
Comment 10:
Russian ship capsize by Clarence Tan
http://1i3-22.blogspot.com/2011/07/russian-ship-capsize.html?showComment=1313764382087#c5642981138959342427
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Book Review - The Lost Symbol
I had read the book The Lost Symbol quite sometime ago, but I approve of the book greatly as well as think that it might be described as a timeless classic someday, so I will strongly recommend this book to all of you, with the reasons stated below.
This book is set in Washington D.C., United States of America. Set in the present day, the story’s main characters include Robert Langdon, Katherine Solomon, and Zachary Solomon.
Robert Langdon, the protégé of Peter Solomon, a Freemason and billionaire philanthropist, was called to the U.S. Capitol to give a lecture, apparently invited by his mentor. However, upon his arrival, Langdon discovered that it was in fact Solomon’s kidnapper, Mal’akh, who had summoned him, who contacted him and ordered him to find the Mason Pyramid and the Lost Word in exchange for Peter Solomon’s life.
Langdon is then met by Inoue Sato, the Director of the CIA Office of Security. Together, they found an Unfinished Pyramid with a carved inscription. Sato then demands an explanation from Langdon for the small capstone sealed in a box in his backpack, which Solomon had entrusted to Langdon years ago. Because of this, Sato attempted to apprehend Langdon, but Langdon was rescued by Warren Bellamy, Architect of the Capitol and another Freemason.
While the duo was on the run from Sato, Mal’akh, who had infiltrated the Freemasons, and with tattoos on his whole body, destroys the Smithsonian laboratory of Peter Solomon’s younger sister, Noetic scientist Katherine Solomon, and nearly kills her. Katherine fled and later joined Langdon.
However, Mal’akh captures them, severely injuring Katherine Solomon, and places Langdon in a tank of breathable oxygenated perfluorocarbons. Then, Mal’akh forces Langdon to decrypt the bottom of the stone pyramid for him, and then absconds with Peter Solomon to the House of the Temple, a Masonic building of significance, which is depicted on the bottom of the stone pyramid.
Mal’akh then forces Peter Solomon to tell him the Lost Word by threatening to release to the news media a modified video of senior governmental officials participating in ancient Masonic ceremonies. Peter Solomon tells him that the Lost Word is a circumpunct, which Mal’akh then tattoos on the top of his head.
However, Langdon and Katherine were rescued by Sato and her subordinates, who rushed to the House of the Temple and EMPed Mal’akh’s laptop, thwarting his plot and gravely injuring him, who was discovered to be Peter Solomon’s thought-to-be-dead son, Zachary Solomon.
Peter Solomon then tells Langdon that the circumpunct Zachary tattooed on his head is not the Lost Word. Peter leads him to the room atop the Washington Monument and tells him that the Lost in fact lies in the Monument's cornerstone, buried. Langdon realizes that the symbols on the stone pyramid's base spelled out the words Laus Deo which translate to “Praise God”.
Like most of Dan Brown’s books, The Lost Symbol’s central theme is once again religion and science. However, unlike other books, in this book, religion and science are not at odds and instead was closer, with hints that the two combined will “bring humanity to a new era of enlightenment”.
In my opinion, the author successfully achieved his purpose. The Lost Symbol includes a thrill of discovery as readers follow Robert Langdon through a masterful and unexpected new landscape, churning forward with brutalist energy. The author’s writing is elegant and yet practically delivering at the same time, powerful vocabulary encompassing the readers in the scenario and thus helping them to understand it. However, at certain moments, I feel that there is a little too much explaining which may leave people bored. Still, I have found the book interesting and surprising, well-deserved assessments for the thriller genre’s Grandmaster.
The Lost Symbol had left me with the impression of a page-turner of tremendous proportions and dramatic showdowns, positive side-effects of Dan Brown’s unstoppable plotline. I would strongly recommend it to fans of the mystery and thriller genres-this will satisfy their wildest dreams.
Being Gentlemanly
"To be a gentleman does not depend upon the tailor or the toilet. Good clothes are not good habits. A gentleman is just a gentle-man,—no more, no less; a diamond polished, that was first a diamond in the rough." -William Croswell Doane had said in his address at Burlington College. Personally, I agree with him, although I would like to make several corrections. First, although being a gentleman does not depend on the price or material of your clothes, you have to dress at least neatly and cleanly to show your respect to people you are interacting with. Also, I would like to add that a gentleman also have to be cultured and well-mannered, as being well-mannered and cultured is a form of showing respect to the other party as well as being essential to 'being respected by society', which is one of the dictionary definitions of being a gentleman.
I agree also that being a gentleman means that you are a gentle-man, but I think that being gentle is not the only virtue of gentlemen - they also should have more virtues to hold themselves to, such as respect, tolerance, compassion, et cetera, just like Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. More importantly, they should hold themselves to those virtues at all times, instead of only at some occasions to give the fake illustration of being a gentleman while being hidden under a mask.
To summarize, I think that being a gentleman means being decently and neatly dressed, have good moral virtues, and being cultured and well-mannered, and I hope everyone in society would strive towards becoming a gentleman (or lady) to make the world a better place.
I agree also that being a gentleman means that you are a gentle-man, but I think that being gentle is not the only virtue of gentlemen - they also should have more virtues to hold themselves to, such as respect, tolerance, compassion, et cetera, just like Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. More importantly, they should hold themselves to those virtues at all times, instead of only at some occasions to give the fake illustration of being a gentleman while being hidden under a mask.
To summarize, I think that being a gentleman means being decently and neatly dressed, have good moral virtues, and being cultured and well-mannered, and I hope everyone in society would strive towards becoming a gentleman (or lady) to make the world a better place.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Euthanasia
According to Wikipedia, euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. There had been much debate surrounding this topic, focusing mainly on the ethical, human rights, religious, and moral aspects of the topic. Personally, I support the practice of euthanasia, for several reasons which I would state below.
Firstly, since the most basic human right is 'the right to live', then it implies that any human being should also have the right to die as well. Also, on moral grounds, euthanasia did not violate the rights of anyone, but instead is in their best interests by ending their pain and suffering.
Secondly, from the practical viewpoint, simply outlawing euthanasia will not stop it from happening, as people with terminal illnesses will still end their own lives on their own or with the help of close friends.Instead, outlawing euthanasia will make the number of euthanized people increase, as the euthanasia laws in most countries which legalized euthanasia allows euthanasia only for patients with a terminal illness that allow them only 6 more months or less, but if euthanasia is illegal, far more patients that don't fit this criteria will euthanize themselves.
Opponents of euthanasia often argue that euthanasia will hurt the people around the patient as well, such as his friends and relatives, as well as that euthanasia gives too much power to doctors. However, I disagree, as if euthanasia is illegal, patients will just do it secretly, but if it is legal, the relatives of the patient will doubtlessly be notified, and they will have some time to adapt to and accept the patient's decision. Furthermore, tighter regulations and supervision can be placed on doctors to make sure that they don't abuse their power.
In conclusion, personally, I support euthanasia on moral, ethical and practical grounds, but I am open to other views. After all, this is a disputed topic.
Firstly, since the most basic human right is 'the right to live', then it implies that any human being should also have the right to die as well. Also, on moral grounds, euthanasia did not violate the rights of anyone, but instead is in their best interests by ending their pain and suffering.
Secondly, from the practical viewpoint, simply outlawing euthanasia will not stop it from happening, as people with terminal illnesses will still end their own lives on their own or with the help of close friends.Instead, outlawing euthanasia will make the number of euthanized people increase, as the euthanasia laws in most countries which legalized euthanasia allows euthanasia only for patients with a terminal illness that allow them only 6 more months or less, but if euthanasia is illegal, far more patients that don't fit this criteria will euthanize themselves.
Opponents of euthanasia often argue that euthanasia will hurt the people around the patient as well, such as his friends and relatives, as well as that euthanasia gives too much power to doctors. However, I disagree, as if euthanasia is illegal, patients will just do it secretly, but if it is legal, the relatives of the patient will doubtlessly be notified, and they will have some time to adapt to and accept the patient's decision. Furthermore, tighter regulations and supervision can be placed on doctors to make sure that they don't abuse their power.
In conclusion, personally, I support euthanasia on moral, ethical and practical grounds, but I am open to other views. After all, this is a disputed topic.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Racial Harmony Day CIP Activity
On Racial Harmony Day, I took part in a CIP Activity organized by Mdm Shirley Lim. In this CIP Activity, we went to an elderly care centre in Toa Payoh to bring them back to our school for a piece of the Racial Harmony Day celebrations. Then, we brought them to The Space to keep them company as well as converse with them as they enjoy their breakfasts at The Space. After they finished their breakfast, we brought them to the Auditorium for them to enjoy the wonderful Racial Harmony Day performance put up by our school as well as other collabarating schools. After the end of the performance, we brought them back to the elderly care centre again.
I feel that this CIP Activity has a very good purpose, as those elderly are usually lonely and have nothing to do without a spouse or children to keep them company in their friends, and therefore it is a very good idea to bring them to our school and get a piece of the happy atmosphere of our Racial Harmony Day celebrations, as well as give them a happy memory to treasure in their waning days, which is rare enough given how lonely they are. When the CIP Activity ended, the staff at the elderly care centre also attributed their thanks to us, which gives me a warm feeling in my heart that comes with contributing to the community. I feel that this is a very enriching experience, as it gives me a peek into the less fortunate part of society.
I feel that this CIP Activity has a very good purpose, as those elderly are usually lonely and have nothing to do without a spouse or children to keep them company in their friends, and therefore it is a very good idea to bring them to our school and get a piece of the happy atmosphere of our Racial Harmony Day celebrations, as well as give them a happy memory to treasure in their waning days, which is rare enough given how lonely they are. When the CIP Activity ended, the staff at the elderly care centre also attributed their thanks to us, which gives me a warm feeling in my heart that comes with contributing to the community. I feel that this is a very enriching experience, as it gives me a peek into the less fortunate part of society.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Antonio: The Merchant of Venice
As the protagonist of the Merchant of Venice, as mentioned in the title, Antonio is a well-liked and wealthy Venetian ship merchant. Like Shylock, Antonio's character is also debatable; he could be said to be either noble and loyal, or cruel and weak.
One of Antonio's best attributes is his willingness to sacrifice all he has for his friends, especially Bassanio, including his wealth, his reputation, even his life, which is shown when he told Bassanio, "My purse, my person, my extremest means, lie all unlock'd to your occasions." Also, he does not blame Bassanio for the consequence of his bond, and even after all the torment he endured, he does not seek any compensation for himself, and instead leaves his share of Shylock's wealth to Lorenzo and Jessica.
Antonio also shows mercy to Shylock by saying "...To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content;". Also, he aided Bassanio in his courtship of Portia, despite knowing that he would probably lose his good friend if Bassanio marries Portia.
However, Antonio's image of a compassionate person is tainted by his open contempt of all Jews, especially Shylock, labeling him a "misbeliever, cut-throat dog" and insulting his religion due to religious piety. Also, even when he is attempting to borrow money from Shylock, he taunted Shylock by saying that he will "call thee so again, to spit on thee again, to spurn thee too." Also, he damages Shylock's business merely for that he hates Shylock's religion and occupation.
Despite his strong resentment of Shylock in the earlier scenes, he still try to flatter Shylock in order to get mercy, calling him "good Shylock", exposing his weak nature. Also, Antonio resigns himself to his fate and becomes depressed, unlike Bassanio, like when he says, "I am a tainted wether of the flock, meetest for death:"
At the end of the day, the crisis that Antonio finds himself in is a result of his overconfidence and his religious hatred, proving himself to be a weak hero that resigns himself easily in the middle of his crisis instead of standing up and fighting to the last man.
One of Antonio's best attributes is his willingness to sacrifice all he has for his friends, especially Bassanio, including his wealth, his reputation, even his life, which is shown when he told Bassanio, "My purse, my person, my extremest means, lie all unlock'd to your occasions." Also, he does not blame Bassanio for the consequence of his bond, and even after all the torment he endured, he does not seek any compensation for himself, and instead leaves his share of Shylock's wealth to Lorenzo and Jessica.
Antonio also shows mercy to Shylock by saying "...To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content;". Also, he aided Bassanio in his courtship of Portia, despite knowing that he would probably lose his good friend if Bassanio marries Portia.
However, Antonio's image of a compassionate person is tainted by his open contempt of all Jews, especially Shylock, labeling him a "misbeliever, cut-throat dog" and insulting his religion due to religious piety. Also, even when he is attempting to borrow money from Shylock, he taunted Shylock by saying that he will "call thee so again, to spit on thee again, to spurn thee too." Also, he damages Shylock's business merely for that he hates Shylock's religion and occupation.
Despite his strong resentment of Shylock in the earlier scenes, he still try to flatter Shylock in order to get mercy, calling him "good Shylock", exposing his weak nature. Also, Antonio resigns himself to his fate and becomes depressed, unlike Bassanio, like when he says, "I am a tainted wether of the flock, meetest for death:"
At the end of the day, the crisis that Antonio finds himself in is a result of his overconfidence and his religious hatred, proving himself to be a weak hero that resigns himself easily in the middle of his crisis instead of standing up and fighting to the last man.
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