This would be a summary of the American Civil War in 100 words.
The American Civil War, by its name, was a war in America from 1861-1865. The causes of this war were the poor political power in the South and the South wanting to continue slavery in the region, and state rights. The war started after Abrahim Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States of America in 1960. Based on the demands of the North, the war started, in the first 2 years, the South won many battles but in 1963, they kept losing and were finally forced to surrender in April 1965.
Word Count: 94
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TKAM Blog Prompt 7
Many readers have said that reading “To Kill a Mocking Bird” made a difference in their lives. How did the novel affect you? Do you think the novel ultimately paints a positive or negative picture of relations between blacks and whites? Write a personal response about how the novel affected your ideas of personal courage in the face of injustice. Refer to elements of the plot and specific characters to support your comments.
The novel changed my opinion of the victims of prejudice, and in this context, it would be Boo Radley. The novel ultimately paints a negative picture of relations between blacks and whites, however that was in the past not now. People are prejudiced against some people because they are different from ordinary people, especially in terms of disabilities. However, from the content in the story, the opinions of Boo Radley were definitely wrong and he was described such a horrible character that I thought he would have played a large part in the story. However, in this context, people can be judged wrongly, thus receiving unfair treatment due to the fact that they are victims of prejudice. In this story, although those that are prejudiced by others are different from ordinary people on the outlook, it may not mean that one does not have moral domains, in which we assume most of the time when we are prejudiced against other people. Those that act up against injustice are those that have the Kantian view, from this story, it has brought out the different types of prejudice, and the consequences of prejudice, in the context of the Tom Robinson case, deaths even occurred. Thus, it is important for those that have the Kantian view to grow on their personal courage to stand up for those that are wrongful victims of prejudice.
The novel changed my opinion of the victims of prejudice, and in this context, it would be Boo Radley. The novel ultimately paints a negative picture of relations between blacks and whites, however that was in the past not now. People are prejudiced against some people because they are different from ordinary people, especially in terms of disabilities. However, from the content in the story, the opinions of Boo Radley were definitely wrong and he was described such a horrible character that I thought he would have played a large part in the story. However, in this context, people can be judged wrongly, thus receiving unfair treatment due to the fact that they are victims of prejudice. In this story, although those that are prejudiced by others are different from ordinary people on the outlook, it may not mean that one does not have moral domains, in which we assume most of the time when we are prejudiced against other people. Those that act up against injustice are those that have the Kantian view, from this story, it has brought out the different types of prejudice, and the consequences of prejudice, in the context of the Tom Robinson case, deaths even occurred. Thus, it is important for those that have the Kantian view to grow on their personal courage to stand up for those that are wrongful victims of prejudice.
TKAM Blog Prompt 6
Harper Lee’s novel is full of interesting and richly painted characters. Which character was your favourite and why?
I think my favourite character would be Boo Radley. Boo Radley, despite not playing much of an important role in the story, but was integral to how the story is being started and ended. (My views are quite different from TKAM Blog Prompt 4) The presence of Boo Radley allows the readers to see this story from a different perspective; he plays an important role by bringing out how people are prejudiced against him. The presence of him in the house also brings out to readers the serious consequences of victims of prejudice face. He is painted as a horrible character in the start, from the P.O.V of the Maycomb citizens; however, he is painted as one that has a kind heart, thus changing the perspectives of the Finch household. His presence in this story highlights the scenario of prejudice, what happens behind the scenes, what are the consequences, why people prejudiced against him are and most importantly, what is the real truth.
I think my favourite character would be Boo Radley. Boo Radley, despite not playing much of an important role in the story, but was integral to how the story is being started and ended. (My views are quite different from TKAM Blog Prompt 4) The presence of Boo Radley allows the readers to see this story from a different perspective; he plays an important role by bringing out how people are prejudiced against him. The presence of him in the house also brings out to readers the serious consequences of victims of prejudice face. He is painted as a horrible character in the start, from the P.O.V of the Maycomb citizens; however, he is painted as one that has a kind heart, thus changing the perspectives of the Finch household. His presence in this story highlights the scenario of prejudice, what happens behind the scenes, what are the consequences, why people prejudiced against him are and most importantly, what is the real truth.
TKAM Blog Prompt 5
As you followed the action in the courtroom, which character did you empathise with most?
The character that I empathise with most would be Atticus. Firstly, Atticus has the Kantian mindset, wanting to do things based on moral domains. He is unafraid that the people in Maycomb (the Whites) would look down on him since he was defending Tom Robinson, a Black. This brings out Atticus’s characteristics, brave and not afraid to do things. Even under these circumstances, he does not have the Utilitarian view, which is to do things to allow most people to get happiness and peace. Despite knowing that he defending a Black in court would cause lots of problems within his family, he still stands by his Kantian view. If one was there, would one having the Kantian view have the same view or for the sake of the happiness of most people change his view? One would most likely be caught in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.
The character that I empathise with most would be Atticus. Firstly, Atticus has the Kantian mindset, wanting to do things based on moral domains. He is unafraid that the people in Maycomb (the Whites) would look down on him since he was defending Tom Robinson, a Black. This brings out Atticus’s characteristics, brave and not afraid to do things. Even under these circumstances, he does not have the Utilitarian view, which is to do things to allow most people to get happiness and peace. Despite knowing that he defending a Black in court would cause lots of problems within his family, he still stands by his Kantian view. If one was there, would one having the Kantian view have the same view or for the sake of the happiness of most people change his view? One would most likely be caught in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.
TKAM Blog Prompt 4
Did the ending of the story surprise you? If you were the author, would you have ended the story differently? Explain.
The ending of the story did surprise me with Boo Radley appearing. In my opinion, this story only has a start and an end; there is no climax, rising action and falling action. It is strange to have Boo finally appearing in the last scene as throughout the story, there is no mention of him besides the starting and the ending. The story concentrates and revolves around the theme, prejudice. However, with Boo Radley appearing at the end, the whole scene does not convey the message at all, it conveys the courage and the kind heart Boo has. If I were the author, I would have ended the story about the continued prejudice in Maycomb, with Boo most likely to be involved in the story, thus making the story longer and there is Boo involved in at least one major incident in the story.
The ending of the story did surprise me with Boo Radley appearing. In my opinion, this story only has a start and an end; there is no climax, rising action and falling action. It is strange to have Boo finally appearing in the last scene as throughout the story, there is no mention of him besides the starting and the ending. The story concentrates and revolves around the theme, prejudice. However, with Boo Radley appearing at the end, the whole scene does not convey the message at all, it conveys the courage and the kind heart Boo has. If I were the author, I would have ended the story about the continued prejudice in Maycomb, with Boo most likely to be involved in the story, thus making the story longer and there is Boo involved in at least one major incident in the story.
Monday, February 21, 2011
TKAM Blog Prompt 3
What does it mean to “put yourself in another person’s shoes”? What personal qualities are necessary to be able to see things as someone else does?
The phrase means that to put yourself in that particular position as the person is, under what situation and circumstances he is and also how do you react, whether the reaction is the same or different. Some personal qualities would be to be one that has a different view from that person. As mentioned earlier in another blog post, people have 3 different mindsets, the Kantian, the Utilitarian and the Ethical Egoism. People have different mindsets, those having different mindsets will definitely result in different reactions to the same situation. Thus, it may offer a much more viable solution to the problem. The first two are more important, since they are positive and are done the way which will benefit people and are morally upright.
The phrase means that to put yourself in that particular position as the person is, under what situation and circumstances he is and also how do you react, whether the reaction is the same or different. Some personal qualities would be to be one that has a different view from that person. As mentioned earlier in another blog post, people have 3 different mindsets, the Kantian, the Utilitarian and the Ethical Egoism. People have different mindsets, those having different mindsets will definitely result in different reactions to the same situation. Thus, it may offer a much more viable solution to the problem. The first two are more important, since they are positive and are done the way which will benefit people and are morally upright.
TKAM Blog Prompt 2
1.) What do you think is involved in making a fair judgement about a person or situation?
2.) Describe on paper in everyday situation in which one person might judge another incorrectly.
3.) What things can interfere with making a fair judgement?
When making a fair judgement about a person or situation, the person must not be influenced by external circumstances such as pressure from the public. To make a fair judgement, the person has to base on evidences from different Point of Views and using the information learnt in Art and Acts of Thinking, to use the Paul’s Wheel of Reasoning, making sure that everything has been taken into consideration before making a fair judgement. In an everyday situation, there could be many misunderstandings, from work to at school, this usually happens with people with different social statuses. In usual circumstances, people with higher authority may abuse their power to accuse others, besides, there could be cases where people jump too quickly, accusing the wrong person. Some things can interfere with making a fair judgement would be the three types of mindsets people have, the Kantian view, which is the group of people who do the right things based on moral domains and rights. Others have the Utilitarian view, which is people make decisions for the sake of everyone else, in which it will bring happiness to most people. The last one would be the ethical egoism view, which is to make decisions for one’s self-interests.
2.) Describe on paper in everyday situation in which one person might judge another incorrectly.
3.) What things can interfere with making a fair judgement?
When making a fair judgement about a person or situation, the person must not be influenced by external circumstances such as pressure from the public. To make a fair judgement, the person has to base on evidences from different Point of Views and using the information learnt in Art and Acts of Thinking, to use the Paul’s Wheel of Reasoning, making sure that everything has been taken into consideration before making a fair judgement. In an everyday situation, there could be many misunderstandings, from work to at school, this usually happens with people with different social statuses. In usual circumstances, people with higher authority may abuse their power to accuse others, besides, there could be cases where people jump too quickly, accusing the wrong person. Some things can interfere with making a fair judgement would be the three types of mindsets people have, the Kantian view, which is the group of people who do the right things based on moral domains and rights. Others have the Utilitarian view, which is people make decisions for the sake of everyone else, in which it will bring happiness to most people. The last one would be the ethical egoism view, which is to make decisions for one’s self-interests.
TKAM Blog Prompt 1
What memories of your own childhood come to mind as you read Scout’s experiences?
In To Kill a Mocking Bird, Scout has differing experiences, in which some are sour and sweet. Experiences are described as sour and sweet, in my childhood, there are plenty of those. Some vague memories for me were the times when I attended kindergarden at Jurong Calvery Kindergarden. As much as I thought it was “sweet” then when the teachers asked us to line up, hold hands, continuously, looking back, at this age, it was a hilarious and childish act. But these acts from young have helped me to develop, thus resulting in the maturity of me today.
In To Kill a Mocking Bird, Scout has differing experiences, in which some are sour and sweet. Experiences are described as sour and sweet, in my childhood, there are plenty of those. Some vague memories for me were the times when I attended kindergarden at Jurong Calvery Kindergarden. As much as I thought it was “sweet” then when the teachers asked us to line up, hold hands, continuously, looking back, at this age, it was a hilarious and childish act. But these acts from young have helped me to develop, thus resulting in the maturity of me today.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
PCME Lesson: Anger
How does one control one’s life? In today’s society, there are many types of anger and many types of how one expresses anger. For me, to express anger, one would be to bury oneself into homework, from doing ACE to blog posts to workbooks, are my ways of expressing anger. As time goes by, I do realise that it works magically, it allows me to forget everything but the bad thing is the product of my work is really, really badly done. It could be the answers are wrong or my handwriting changes 180 degrees. In short, everyone has anger, everyone has experience anger before but how do we curb it? Do we always use our ways to vent one’s anger when angry? As one grows older, one will become more mature, thus knowing that there is no need to be angry and being angry at someone else is not only a waste of energy but also a waste of time.
Nursery Rhymes: The House That Jack Built
The following nursery rhyme lyrics the most modern one taken from Wikipedia:
This is the house that Jack built.
This is the malt that lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cat that killed the rat
That ate the malt that lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the farmer sowing his corn
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the horse and the hound and the horn
That belonged to the farmer sowing his corn
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
For one, I don’t really remember ever listening or reciting this poem when I was young because it is very long and there are some tough words for children aged 4-7. There are many differences in this poem, such as the transition of words between lines, from past tense to present tense and from “This” to “That”. Besides, the last word always rhymes such as “horn, corn, morn, shorn & torn”. In this poem, the meaning is to tell us how a house can be linked to so many things or people around us in its surroundings.
This is the house that Jack built.
This is the malt that lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cat that killed the rat
That ate the malt that lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the farmer sowing his corn
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the horse and the hound and the horn
That belonged to the farmer sowing his corn
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn
That married the man all tattered and torn
That kissed the maiden all forlorn
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn
That tossed the dog that worried the cat
That killed the rat that ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
For one, I don’t really remember ever listening or reciting this poem when I was young because it is very long and there are some tough words for children aged 4-7. There are many differences in this poem, such as the transition of words between lines, from past tense to present tense and from “This” to “That”. Besides, the last word always rhymes such as “horn, corn, morn, shorn & torn”. In this poem, the meaning is to tell us how a house can be linked to so many things or people around us in its surroundings.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Brief Intoduction to History of Jeans
In “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, clothing of people was described out in Chapters 1 & 2, since this story was written in the early 20th Century, we would like to know more about the history of clothing and how it came about, primarily focusing on jeans, giving a brief introduction.
Jeans, in the past could be recognised by two names, denim trousers or fabric trousers. In the 18th Century, jeans were made in a town near Turin named Chieri which is in Italy. At this point of time, these are not the type of jeans that we have today, it was only after it was converted by Levis Strauss (thus having the brand Levi). He had a customer, called Davis, who had bought cloth from him for his torn pants since Levi Strauss had a company, selling bolt of cloths. From this idea, Levi decided to use copper rivets for pocket corners and button fly, thus resulting in the jeans we have today.
Jeans, in the past could be recognised by two names, denim trousers or fabric trousers. In the 18th Century, jeans were made in a town near Turin named Chieri which is in Italy. At this point of time, these are not the type of jeans that we have today, it was only after it was converted by Levis Strauss (thus having the brand Levi). He had a customer, called Davis, who had bought cloth from him for his torn pants since Levi Strauss had a company, selling bolt of cloths. From this idea, Levi decided to use copper rivets for pocket corners and button fly, thus resulting in the jeans we have today.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Blog Prompt: Favourite Poem
Blog Prompt: Pick a poem or prose extract that has left a deep impression on you. Write about why it left such a deep impression on you. Write about why it left such a deep impression and what you learnt from it. Include the poem/prose extract in your post.
Poem: Digging by Seamus Heaney
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests; as snug as a gun.
Under my window a clean rasping sound
When the spade sinks into gravelly ground:
My father, digging. I look down
Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds
Bends low, comes up twenty years away
Stooping in rhythm through potato drills
Where he was digging.
The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft
Against the inside knee was levered firmly.
He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep
To scatter new potatoes that we picked
Loving their cool hardness in our hands.
By God, the old man could handle a spade,
Just like his old man.
My grandfather could cut more turf in a day
Than any other man on Toner's bog.
Once I carried him milk in a bottle
Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up
To drink it, then fell to right away
Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods
Over his shoulder, digging down and down
For the good turf. Digging.
The cold smell of potato mold, the squelch and slap
Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge
Through living roots awaken in my head.
But I've no spade to follow men like them.
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I'll dig with it.
This poem was introduced to me while in Sec 1 and has left a deep impression on me because not only was this poem annotated very thoroughly, it holds the key aspects of life, especially as a child. In this poem, the main theme here is our relationship to our forebears and to work and also the spirit of oneself. When one is growing up, there are many experiences and this poem highlights one of them, to learn the importance of work and show gratitude to our forebears, this is a spirit which is a must-have in every one of us, to remember and to contribute in the future. This is a meaning which contributes to the future of a child after he has grown up. Also, another minor theme in this poem would actually be the fact that there is no predictability in life, which is needed to be known by all people to understand the true meaning of life and.
Poem: Digging by Seamus Heaney
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests; as snug as a gun.
Under my window a clean rasping sound
When the spade sinks into gravelly ground:
My father, digging. I look down
Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds
Bends low, comes up twenty years away
Stooping in rhythm through potato drills
Where he was digging.
The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft
Against the inside knee was levered firmly.
He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep
To scatter new potatoes that we picked
Loving their cool hardness in our hands.
By God, the old man could handle a spade,
Just like his old man.
My grandfather could cut more turf in a day
Than any other man on Toner's bog.
Once I carried him milk in a bottle
Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up
To drink it, then fell to right away
Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods
Over his shoulder, digging down and down
For the good turf. Digging.
The cold smell of potato mold, the squelch and slap
Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge
Through living roots awaken in my head.
But I've no spade to follow men like them.
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I'll dig with it.
This poem was introduced to me while in Sec 1 and has left a deep impression on me because not only was this poem annotated very thoroughly, it holds the key aspects of life, especially as a child. In this poem, the main theme here is our relationship to our forebears and to work and also the spirit of oneself. When one is growing up, there are many experiences and this poem highlights one of them, to learn the importance of work and show gratitude to our forebears, this is a spirit which is a must-have in every one of us, to remember and to contribute in the future. This is a meaning which contributes to the future of a child after he has grown up. Also, another minor theme in this poem would actually be the fact that there is no predictability in life, which is needed to be known by all people to understand the true meaning of life and.
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