Justice and Mercy in our Present world: Do you think Justice and Mercy can co-exist?

Yes, i feel that Justice and Mercy can co-exist. Justice means is the quality of being just and fair and displaying righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness. To uphold justice, you need to be display righteousness and at the same time being equal to all.

Many people feel that justice is punishing people who commit crimes and violated the law. However this is wrong thinking. Justice should be about dishing out the punishment to the ones who commit the crime and not by their own revenge like how Shylock did in The Merchant of Venice. This shows that Shylock was keen on revenge more than upholding the justice.

What about mercy? Mercy is about being forgiving and is a divine virtue, only for the blessed and the kind. The often hard and cold aspect of justice is sometimes affected by mercy. Mercy is an act of forgiving and sympathy. Only cold and cruel people do not feel sympathy and thus, there are many cases where the guilty was released due to the showing of mercy from either the victim or the jury.

One case is about Ameneh Bahrami, an Iranian woman who was horribly disfigured in 2004 after acid was splashed on her face by Majid Movahedi, whose marriage proposal was rejected by Bahrami and in a fit of anger, disfigured Bahrami. The Iranian law states that since Ameneh Bahrami lost an eye, Movahedi's should also remove an eye, according to the law "Qesas", which is basically "an eye for an eye". However, Bahrami decided to be merciful and spared Movahedi of this horrible fate, with the main reason being that Bahrami could not bear to hurt another fellow human being.

This is a very good example of how Justice and Mercy co-exist. The justice is shown when the court summoned Movahedi to have his faced splashed by acid. Mercy is then shown from Bahrami when she decides to forgive Movahedi.

In conclusion, I feel that Justice and Mercy can co-exist. They rely on one another to have a fair judgement when punishing a criminal.

Term 3 Week 5 (Blogging Assignment)

You are required to respond to one of the questions in the Anti-Semitism handout. The question is as follows:

What do you think is Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice? Support your opinion with examples.

I feel that Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice is to satisfy his audience desire. During that time, Venice strive with Anti-Semitism and it will not benefit him if he tried to promote non Anti-Semitism. This will also be a financial advantage for Shakespeare as many people would want to know the outcome of Shylock, the bad character of The Merchant of Venice. Also since the audience are Anti-Semitism, they would be interested in Shakespeare's play as it is talking about Anti-Semitism and the audience would be interested in it.

Also, Shakespeare could have just created Shylock to be the bad guy in his play so as to show the conflict between the Christian and the Jews. The play could be telling the audience that the Jews were not that bad and try to solve the conflict between the Jews and the Christians.

Term 3 Week 4 (Blogging Assignment)

Read the following Newsweek article, How to Raise a Global Kid, byLisa Miller (July 18, 2011)

http://www.newsweek.com/2011/07/17/american-kids-immersed-in-chinese-asian-education.print.html

What is the main argument Jim Rogers is trying to make in this article? Do you agree with his argument? Justify.

The main argument Jim Rogers wants to make is that America is not the best in the world in terms of education. Nowadays, more parents in America are sending their children to Asia to study, instead of sending them to local schools, for better education. One example is Happy Roger going to Nanyang Primary. These parents send their children to school in Asia to prepare them for the future.

In the life we are living now, education is one of the more important things. Parents would want the best for their children and want them to be all rounded thus having more job choices in the future. To achieve this, parents are sending their children to attend music classes or encourage them to take up multiple sports. Therefore, I agree that better education is the key to success to the 21th century to a certain extent.

In the case of Jim Rogers, he feels that bilingualism is the most important in the education. If u do business with China, you need to know Chinese, while if u do business with the Americans, u will have to know English. Therefore bilingualism is important.

Many Critics would have pointed that there are many different views on what is an ideal education. However I feel that this does not matter as different people have different aspirations in life. So we cannot say that everyone has the same view on ideal education as different jobs and country have different skills. Also, Jim Rogers said that, “The money is in the East, and the debtors are in the West” that’s why education in Asia is better. However this is not true as many Asian still feel that American education is better thus sending their children there.

Therefore, we can infer that education is important in the 21th century but there are different views on what is the ideal education.

Term 3 Week 3 (Blogging Assignment)

Read the following letter:

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/07/12/an-open-letter-to-the-education-minister-from-a-secondary-4-student/

(1) Comment on the Janalle Lee's view on the education system in Singapore.

(2) Is an ideal education possible? Explain.

Post your 500 word response on your blog.

(1) Comment on the Janalle Lee's view on the education system in Singapore.

I feel that what Janelle Lee has stated on her letter is truly evident in Singapore. From the mentality of teachers not to teach why, but to memorise everything in the textbooks from cover to cover, to the teaching of civics and moral education, many things in the Singapore education system that I once overlooked seems flawed now. It seems quite amazing that a Secondary 4 student could pick up these flaws and present them to the minister.

I also agree on Janelle's point about asking question. Most of the time, we are given the answers straight to our face but we don't know what is the main reason behind it. For example, we know that sharks live in the sea and are carnivorous. However, we do not know why they are carnivorous and not herbivores. This show a flaw in the education. Many children are not told the true meaning of things, their curiosity will die out. This is bad! If our Curiosity run out, we will not be able to question ourselves and learn.

Another point made by Janalle was that “The problem is that Singaporean youths are often not taught as individuals with separate talents, but as a collective who are all the same”. This is an obvious inaccuracy in her letter. Students are streamed at an age of 9 during the GEP exam and later at 10 in whether he/she is to be under the foundational class. At the age of 12, the PSLE streams all students into the different schools and at 14, another exam is taken so as to re-examine your capabilities and see if you are eligible for a transfer into an IP school or Special Programme. Therefore, it is not true to say that Singaporean youths are taught as a collective due to the introduction of the School Based Gifted Education.

Therefore, I agree with most of what has been written and applaud Janalle’s find command of the English Language and courage for speaking up. Despite the fact that there has been a few inaccuracies, it must be said that this letter gives another perspective on the Singapore education system.

(2) Is an ideal education possible? Explain.

The ideal education system is an idea chased by many countries and schools around the globe in the pursuit of bringing the best to their country. The ideal education system would ensure the country’s prosperity and the people’s peace.

I feel that an ideal education will be one that can bring out the excellence in oneself and educate students such that they become all-rounded students. This can be done in different ways. Although this may be difficult, but it is still possible.

For this to happen, we need experience teachers who are capable to do it. Teachers are seen as a role model to students. If the teacher show some characteristics which are good, the students most likely follow too.

Although many people feel that having an ideal education is impossible, but i feel that anything is possible if u have a mind to do it.

Term 3 Week 2 (Blogging Assignment)

An article entitled 'The Religion of Water' was published in The Straits Times on 7 July 2011. In the article, it was mentioned that ' within countries, there is debate over whether water should be treated as a human right or as a commodity, access to which is determined by the market.' Please read the article.

Is there a difference between treating water as a human right and as a commodity? In your opinion, should water be treated as a human right or as a commodity?

Post your 300 word response on your blog.

Should water be treated as a human right or a commodity? The article states that the Universal Declaration on Human Rights does not mention water explicitly as the nurturing of water resources were not as pressing as it was back in 1948 as it is today. There is a stark difference between water as a human right and as a commodity because water as a human right means that water is free for all while water as a commodity means that water is exclusive for the rich. However in my opinion, water should be treated as a human right which everyone has access to.

If water was a commodity, those with money will survive while those who are poor will die. It is oblivious ridiculous as water is essential for human survival. If water is commodity, People will be dying every now and then. If that is the case, this means plants and animals have to buy water too? What do they pay with then? Their own parts? Therefore, water should be treated as a human right which everyone has access to.

Also, if water becomes a commodity, riots will erupt when there is a shortage of water. The cost of water will also rise at an alarming rate. In the worst scenario, countries may go to war just to get water. Will you want WWIII? Nobody wants it. Therefore, water should be treated as a human right which everyone has access to.

If water becomes a commodity, many people will think that we will treasure it more. However that is wrong. The rich people will not bother treasuring it as they can afford it. Only the poor and the less wealthy ones will find ways to conserve water. But once u develop a habit of wasting water, it is quite hard to change. Therefore, water should be treated as a human right which everyone has access to.

In conclusion, i feel that after what u have read, u will agree with me that water should be treated as a human right which everyone has access to and not commodity.

Term 3 Week 1 (Blogging Assignment)

Veteran labour leader Halimah Yacob recently called for the legislation of weekly days off for maids working in Singapore. This has sparked off an intense debate amongst Singaporeans. In your opinion, should the giving of weekly days off be legislated in Singapore?

Post your 300 word response on your blog.

I feel that giving of weekly days off for maids working in Singapore should be legalized. This is because the maids have worked very hard for us. Sometimes, when a maid works in the family for maybe 3-5 years long, they will be considered as a family member. Being a maid is like working. If a employee can take leave why cant a maid do so too?

Most of the time, people need to have breaks to relief their stress. If u ask someone to work for 24/7 they will go crazy. It goes the same for the maid. If they store too much stress in their body, the will 'explode' one day. There have been quite a few cases of maids treating children and elderly badly. One of the reasons for these acts are because they are stressful. When the maids are not given a day off to release their stress, they have no choice but to release it on to the employer's family members.

To prevent these acts, the government should legalize the weekly days off for maids. Many families may think that this is a bad idea as the maids may go out and make bad friends. However this is not true as maids can differentiate what is right from wrong. Even a child can do that why not a maid. Maids have a brain of their own. We should let them decide their own path to walk instead of building one for them without their consent.

In conclusion, i feel that the day off is for them to socialize with other maids as they are in a foreign country with no friends and relatives in here. With the day off, the maids can meet up with one another and share their working experience so as not to make the same mistake as their fellow compatriot. Without them, many families cannot cope with their housework as they need ti juggle between work and housework.

Task 2

Q2) Complete the template provided below (Annex A), focusing on (1) Point of View; (2) Situation and Setting; (3) Language/Diction; and (4) Personal Response, and post your response to Task 2 on your blog. This template is based on John Lye’s ‘Critical Analysis of Poetry’, and you can make reference to this in Annex B when in doubt.

Point of view: This poem is in the point of view of Hubert Wilson. “Now thinking twice?” This message is show that Hubert Wilson was referring to the Americans thus it is in the point of view of him.

Situation and setting: This poem is talking about the spraying of poisonous gas like Agent Orange and the death of the Vietnamese. “Generations untold WILL pay-Execrable effects of Agent Orange spray!” This show that the poem is talking about the many innocent generation that will pay for what the Americans have done which is the Agent Orange spray.

Language/Diction: The poem is showing that the poet is angry with the Americans. “America did not foresee Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri!” The poet is angry as the Americans did not see that the Rainbow Herbicides could kill people.

Personal Response: This poem is saying that the effects of war are very damaging. During war, deaths not only happen on the spot but also after it. Most of the time, the future generation are affected by by the works of their older generation.

Sec 2 Home Learning

Based on your understanding of the selected poem, perform extensive web research and write a report on your blog detailing the conflict represented in the poem(s) of your choice. Bear in mind that this piece of background information will allow your blog audience to further understand the poem as well as your analysis of the poem in Task 2.

Be sure to include your references and credit your sources.

Poem:

Rainbow Death

America did not foresee Green, pink, purple and other colors death potpourri! Expecting others to pay a high price. Now thinking twice? Toll on the innocent and unborn. Omnipotent and disregarding who will mourn. Reflective about all the illness, birth defects and prematurely dead. All the deceit continues to spread. Nefariously America led astray - Generations untold WILL pay - Execrable effects of agent orange spray! Hubert Wilson

Hubert Wilson was a Vietnam war veteran who served in the USAF along a dozen or so intelligence school grads who prepared for about 14 months at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, before anticipating being sent to Vietnamor elsewhere in southeat Asia in 1970. Half went to Da Nang while the rest went to Alaska.

Hubert Wilson health problems started about 15 years ago with unexplainable headache and limp pain.Central nervous system radically deteriorated with Parkinsonian type tremors, severe headaches, progressive limb pains about 4 years ago. No doctor could tell him what was wrong with him. He guessed that it was the contaminated water he drank at Shemya during his year there as an intelligence analyst.

Since his brain was functioning well, he turned to writing like his late father.

This poem is talking about the effects of war and how it affects the people involved in the war even when the war ended. Mnay people in Vietnam were affected by the war and which caused 400,000 deaths and 500,000 babies which were born with defects.

Term 2 Lesson 4: War - Living Hell

Dear diary,

Today marks the day the war ends.It has been a horrible time in there. Every direction i look i can see blood....Blood and MORE BLOOD! There are hands, legs, eyes, ears and EVEN ORGANS! Now that the war has finally ended, everything has gone back to normal....I think? Even though i am out of the war already, every single gursome memory of it is still stuck in my mind. I will never forget how my friends were blown up into prices. Those memories left me countless sleepless nights. Those were the horrible moments. Everytime i see my missing finger, the images of my fellow countrymen dying for the country flashed through my mind. I will then break down into tears and cry ): * sobs * I cant never why countries go into these kind of human torture. It is not the ministers that are feeling the pain. But it is the soldiers that are feeling the pressure as the fate of the countries are on their shoulders. I really hate war. It not only give hardship to everyone but also put the people involved through lots of hell. And when i mean "hell" i really mean it ._. Every time i look out of the window, i can only hear gun shots, cannons going off, people shouting, crying and many other horrible, terrible sounds. If i recorded the scene at the war, i could make an R21 movie. The whole time i tried to imagine that i was watching a Gore movie. But once i blink, it looks like the gore movie had appeared in reality. If only world peace was something you could buy, I think the different countries would not mind using all their fortunes to buy it down. I really really hope that the war does not ever ever ever happen again. If it does, i rather commit suicide than to see my friends dying one by one.......

Term 2 Lesson 3: War - A Journey In History

World War 1 was a major war centred on Europe that began in the summer of 1914 and lasted until November 1918. It involved all of the world's great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilised in one of the largest wars in history. More than 9 million combatants were killed, largely because of great technological advances in firepower without corresponding advances in mobility. It was the second deadliest conflict in Western history.

The war was triggered off by many reasons. The most crucial one was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. This was a major reason why the countries started attacking one another.

When the war ended on 11 November 1918, the German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires—had been militarily and politically defeated. Germany, the major powerhouse in the Central Power, was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, and was also forced to pay for war damage to other countries.

Because of the brutality and the family lost during the war, people in Europe cherished peace and family more after the World War 1. Many countries' government also began to govern their countries with more mercy. As Germany was still “sick” from the World War 1, they continued to disturb others and started World War 2

Students should be given more freedom in deciding school rules.

Rules, rules and rules. Rules are taking over our life son or later. We are always surrounded by rules. As the saying goes " Rules are meant to be broken"many students are breaking the school rules like gaming and eating in class. But, i feel that students should be given more freedom to a certain extent in deciding school rules.

Firstly, school rules are made for students to follow. However, students still break them. Even tough they know that it is good for them, they still break it. WHY? The reason is simple. Nowadays, students are becoming more and more rebellious. They are stubborn and want to go their own ways. Most of the time, the offence that most students commit is wearing ankle socks. I feel that the school should allow ankle socks as most of my seniors are punished for wearing ankle socks.

Also, when they decide school rules, the students can also study better. This is because when they decide school rules, it feels like studying in a place without restrictions. This allow them to be more relaxed and thus study better.

Therefore, i feel that students should be allowed to decide school rules as it will do them more good than harm.

Lastly, giving the students freedom in deciding school rules also allow the teacher to see the students character. When they decide school rules, they must go through their own opinion and their own point of views. This allow the teacher to see the the students point of view and teach differently.

Therefore, i feel that students should be allowed to decide on the school rules as it does more god than harm to them.

Does nuclear energy still have a part to play in the world?

I feel that after the horrific incident in Japan, Nuclear Energy shall and will be the most widely used energy in the world and most dangerous at the same time. I feel that Nuclear energy is better as it has much more energy than that of burning a few barrels of oil, furthermore, it is much cleaner.

Although after the japan incident people think that Nuclear Plants do not just blow up easily. There was another incident in Chernobyl. While the Chernobyl reactor was due to a costly error by its crew , Nuclear Plants would never blow up or go out of control for no particular error. It is very safe to use Nuclear Plants as long as that country take the risk and have lots of cash. With these money, the country can build a nuclear plant. Nuclear Energy is the best hope the world has if they want to halt Global Warming, it is relatively cheap, safe and extremely convenient for usage and production. Even though the risk of exploding are there, the chances of it exploding are very small. Most of the time it is due to the human error. Therefore, it is relatively quite safe to use nuclear energy

Term 2 Lesson 2: War - A personal Response

The image chosen is very special. Normally, for a war-stricken town, the town would be VERY damaged, but in this photo, the soldier attacking the town was killed because of the war. Desperation and Dejection caused the sad and loneliness of the photo, war can only be used to demolition, not for creation. Every time there is war, people will suffer, and for what? Just for that little profit. The soldier was lying on the cold hard ground, although dying, still holding is M16, hoping to be able to fight more for his country. His teammates surrounded him protecting him with their lives. Even though the solider is dying, he still fight for his life. He is groaning in pain. It was a cold and dark day for anyone, people were aiding to him, hoping to save his life. The buildings were smashed to a million smithereens, money and lives were lost. Everything became dark for the poor soldier as his view of the world slowly faded away...

Letter to relatives in Singapore

Dear Tom,

How have you been doing? This is your uncle Honda. I must have guessed that you have heard about the earthquake-tsunami that happened in Japan. I was caught in the Tsunami. My whole house has been destroyed and I have nowhere to live now. I am without food and clean water. Every day, I have to force myself to drink salt water to keep myself alive. Also, the nuclear plants also exploded due to too much pressure from the earthquake. The cooling pipe in the plants was gone and thus causing the pipe to explode. Now, I am worried that I will get too much radiation and die. I shall tell you the whole incident now. When I was busy preparing lunch, there was a huge tremor which threw my whole cooking pot off the stove. Everyone was rushing out of the house during that time. Out of the blue, A 10 METER WAVE STRUCK US!! The impact was so hard that houses were torn apart like a piece of cloth. Everyone was like fishes running away from a shark. However, there were many people who were caught under all the mess. It was horrible. The place looked like it has been turned upside down. We heard from the news that the earthquake that struck us was a magnitude of 8.9. That was the biggest impact we had encountered in years. I am coping well now with your aunt. We are living in the shelter and have just enough food.

I hope that we can come to Singapore soon so I can escape the radiation and total mess here.

Regards,

Your uncle,

Honda

Point Of View In Narrative

There are 3 types of point of view:

1) First Person

2) Second Person

3) Third Person

A First Person point of view is when the word "I" is used. This is commonly used as it is easier. It is about observing the character from his point of view
A Second Person point of view is when you use the word "You". It is not from one person's point of view anymore, but it is from the person's and the person beside him's point of view. This is not commonly used.

A Third Person point of view is when you are using the word "We". Whatever you write is from a general point of view. There is no "I" or "You" in the story. Characters are given names and not like 'me' and 'I'. We must be careful when we write in this point of view as we are not the character inside the story. So we cannot change the name form Tom to I as i am not Tom in the story.

Reflections on LA lessons covered so far

I have learnt many meaningful things this year. I learnt that dialogues are important and are often added to make it more lively. Proper plotting is required to make the story interesting for the reader to read. I find that having a word limit of 500 is hard to handle. Most of the time i accidentally over shoot the amount and in the end need to edit it. However i feel this is good as it teaches us not to be too long winded.

I also find that the technique "show but not tell" hard. I have problem in that as i usually tell and not show. I find that the group works during class are very fun as we can discuss different ideas with our classmates and have different points on them.

Term 1 Week 5: (Weekend Assignment)

Using one of the photo that you chose in week 4 assignment, describe the scene in the photo. Your description should include similes, metaphors and personifications in your description. Your description should be about 200 words in length.

The track is oval in shape, four hundred meters in length, with four lanes. It is an all-weather running track covered by a synthetic weather resistant running surface made of rubber. The stunning red track is forms a great contrast to the azure blue sky. In the centre is a green grassy field used for field events like discus throwing and javelin. The track is like our life journey. The starting line is the start of our life while the finishing line is the goal or target to achieve in our life. The runners take off when the whistle is blown is like getting off to a good start in life. The runner needs to keep in his lane and not cross lane, just like in life, we need to focus on our path to success and not cross over boundaries unnecessarily. Over the years, the track is stained by countless amount of blood and sweat of the athletes and it bathes in the rain. Over the years, the track has seen many athletes being developed to their full potential and has witnessed many events, races and competitions. It has been a great companion to all the athletes.

Week 4 weekend assignment

This week, you are required to take photos of your favourite part in the school campus or your neighbourhood. Upload your photos in your blog and write a 200 word long explanation on the reasons why the place means so much to you and how it links to your identity.

The photo I chose is the running track of HCI. It is of a world class standard with all the facilities like javelin run-up, high jump mat and the long jump pit. Being part of the Track And Field school team, I have training almost every day, including weekends. Apart from the classroom, the track is where I spend most of my afternoons at. It is where I suffer all my injuries during training. I still remember once when I over strained my quadriceps so badly that the doctor excused me from training for three weeks. During that period of recuperation, time seemed like eternity. I missed the track badly and could not wait to resume my training. Last year was the final year for the combined sports meet between Nanyang and Hwa Chong to be held at the track before it was torn down to give way for the construction of the MRT station. I participated in the many events and won some medals. It was an unforgettable experience. The track has now been reinstated but of a smaller scale, from eight lanes to four lanes. I love the track so much that it is the place where all my sweat and blood is shed.

Characterisation: Story excerpt

Jackie Chan is a renowned kungfu actor. Famous for his trademark over-sized nose, he was stout with thick powerful arms. His burly chest heaved and fell with each breath he drew and let out. He always give his best to make the movie exciting displaying all his fighting stunts. In his movies, whenever friends are in trouble, he will save them no matter what even at the risk of his own life. When fighting with the bullies, Jackie Chan does not think before he acts as his anger gets the better over him. Therefore he often gets into trouble. He would create his own stunts to amaze others. Despite his injuries inflicted during filming, he continues practicing. He holds the record for the most number of stunts ever done by a living actor. Even though he had a hard childhood, he persevered and continued to strive for a better future. Now he has achieved his goals and has left a mark in his career! Though he has amassed a fortune, he has not forgotten to contribute back to the society. He has a heart of gold as he donates generously to charities and the underprivileged. What a role model!!

prejudice

By ClarenceTan97 | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

I chose this as i felt that many people are prejudice against others. In the world, if everyone is prejudice against another person, on one will be happy in this world. Thus why let this bother you. Why don't we just accept others for the way they are and don't discriminate them?

Black Eyed Peas-Where Is The Love

What is the main message in this song? Which part of the song do you have the strongest feeling? Why?

Note: Your response to the above questions should be about 150 words in length.

"Where Is The Love?"

What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love

It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
Now ask yourself

Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love?

Sing wit me y'all:
One world, one world (We only got)
One world, one world (That's all we got)
One world, one world
And something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got
(One world, one world)
That's all we got
(One world, one world)

I feel that the main message of the song is remind people that the world is under constant threat with terrorism. But the biggest threat is that people are loving their own race and not others. The song also tells us that when u discriminate a race, you are bound to display madness only. It teaches us to love others and to keep it that way.

I feel that the part that have the strongest feeling is the part where they said "Nation dropping bombs. Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones. This tells us that because of the country involvement in the war, many citizens are affected by the war. As a result, many people died or were seriously injured. Even the innocent ones like the small kids are killed by the poisonous smoke the invaders planted in the country. Therefore, i feel that this song is telling us to love the people around us as much as you love your country.

fireworks by Katy Perry

Term 1 Week 2: (Weekend Assignment)
14/01/2011 You are to select a book that you have read or a movie that you have watched or a song and write, in about 150 words, how it has impacted you. You are to place your write-up on your blog.

lyrics for Firework:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting throught the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deep
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what your worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you can open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what your worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on slet your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what your worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on slet your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em goin "Oh, oh, oh!"

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

This song has been very inspiring as it tells us that we must believe in what ever we do and not give up. Even if you have a terminal disease like cancer, you still can believe in yourself and maybe someday you can recover. Even if you are gay, it is not something to be ashame about as it is your nature and not something that you are forced to do. You should show people what you are capable of and not be bullied. Like if you are a magician,you can amaze people with your tricks and not be scared to be booed by the audience as after a while they will be amazed in your tricks . As this song is named Firework, it tells us that we must shine as brightly as the fireworks. It also tells us that we must ignite the light in ourself and believe in ourself no matter what happens(: