This is a black and white photo of an injured soldier hit by grenade fragments from an ambush during the Cambodian war. They appear to be surrounded by a wooden safety barrier, away from any battle so that his wounds could be attended to. The soldier grits his teeth and is writhing in pain, as if a shell has pierced deep into his flesh, resulting in a severe wound to fester. A bandage has been wrapped tightly around his waist, probably to stem the bleeding. His comrades look anxiously on, seeming very fearful, and at a loss at what to do or say. One of the onlookers hugs the injured soldier and lends a shoulder to prop him up. The atmosphere is tense, in with the pressure of attempting to salvage an injured soldier’s life, as well as a high chance of yet another good friend succumbing to death due to injuries. The lack of colour in the photo shows how old the picture is, and the comrades already look like they are mourning for the death of their platoon member. This photo displays the atrocity and cruelty of war, how merciless the war can be, and innocent people fighting for their lives. When this war is won, while the government gains all the credit, it is the quiet determination of these soldiers to have risked and even lost their lives that allow such victories to take place. It is rather unfortunate that for most soldiers, their efforts tend to go unnoticed and underappreciated. They become yet another civilian in history who was forced to take up arms for the love for his country.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Making a Sandwich... (Discoursive Writing)
Background Information:
Bread has been eaten with pieces of bread since a long time ago. However, the ‘sandwich’ became popular as a meal by itself in the 19th century. The word ‘sandwich’ actually refers to cold meat wedged between two slices of bread!
So, what you will be learning in this article is the easy-to-grasp process of making a humble two-piece Peanut Butter and Jam sandwich. Enjoy!
WHAT YOU NEED:
2 slices of bread
Peanut Butter Spread
Jam Spread
Butter/Margarine (Optional)
1 Plate
1 Butter Knife
Instructions:
Step 1: Lightly butter the two pieces of bread.
(You may skip this part if you do not like the additional taste of butter or margarine)
Step 2: Take the first piece of bread and evenly spread some peanut butter on it. Place that piece on the plate, the spread part facing up.
(If you have buttered the bread, spread the peanut butter over the butter.)
Step 3: Do the same to the second bread, but this time with jam
(Thickness of the spread would be your preference)
Step 4: Put the two pieces of bread together, the sides with the spread facing each other.
Step 5: Voila! You have made your very own simple sandwich! Congratulations!
Now, while savouring your first piece of “sandwich art”, consider modifying the contents of the sandwich.
What about trying different combinations like: Ham and Cheese, Egg and Cheese, Chocolate and Peanut Butter, Butter and sugar, or even a Beef or Chicken Patty with Cheese and Egg? What about considering using three pieces of bread instead of two?
The possibilities are endless! All you need is just a creative mind.
Take your time to explore the various methods of creating and designing your sandwich. Once you are satisfied with your bread combination, show your “masterpiece” of to your friends!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Letter to Mr. Jones (Japanese Earthquake)
Blk 291 Bishan St 24
#05-41
Singapore 570291
21 March 2011
Dear Mr. Jones,
I hope that you are having a great time with your family in Fukuoka, away from the commotion, the noise, and the hysteria. As much as I wish to sympathise with you and send you condolences, I have not experienced an earthquake before. Moreover, Singapore is away from the Ring of Fire and currently does not experience earthquakes at all
However, there are always ways to comfort you. Maybe you can view the quake in a more positive light. Despite the fact that Japan is facing a nuclear crisis, you were 400 kilometres from the epicentre of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake. At least you did not experience the full brunt of the earthquake and the tsunami thereafter.
Always remember that whatever the media publishes, they do it for their own interests. In other words, we should never place our 100% trust the media, for they are there, besides the innocent purpose of reporting news, to earn money to sustain the company and ensure that they do not go bankrupt. Thus, the media tend to exaggerate news so that it is attractive enough to make it to the headlines.
You said that “the more the non-existent panic was reported by the Western media, the closer we edged to actually experiencing one”. Why is that so? America is thousands of kilometres away from you, and do not understand the full situation. Have faith in the Japanese government that they will do everything in their power to solve the urgent issue at hand.
Perhaps you could consider this major incident as a blessing in disguise. At least you were not killed in the quake, and your family remained intact, compared to the pitiful state others are in. I wish you and Japan all the best in facing the coming challenges and crises that lie ahead of you.
Yours Sincerely,
Gregory Tan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)