BBC World News

A Tour of a Soviet era nuclear bunker targeting the West

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20869452

One of the mysteries were revealed when the Germans discovered a hidden nuclear base which even the east Germans government didn't know. In fact, in 1959, nuclear missiles were stationed and targeted at Western Europe. Murals of soviet soldiers remained, leaving a sense of a fallen empire.

I am glad that the war has ended and there would be no more use of the nuclear base anymore. I hope that this base remains in the forest hidden forever. However, mankind's aggressive nature would in the end create more of nuclear weapons and continue to destroy. 

Paraguayan orchestra using instruments made from rubbish

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20863789

In a Paraguayan slum, the people have no money to buy instruments, they instead used the rubbish around them to make their own instruments. Instruments constructed entirely out of rubbish from their homes, constructed on top of a land fill.Their conductor thinks music is a good way to instill values in a place involved in drugs, child labor etc.

I also agree with his way of thinking and admire the orchestra for having the determination to play music despite monetary difficulties. They are not deterred from any thing and still strives for their interest in music. 

Fears raised over Japan's reliance on nuclear energy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13027790

A month after the earthquake, Japan is still trying to stabilize the nuclear power plant  at Fukushima. To access people's attitudes towards nuclear energy, BBC visited the place of Japan's first nuclear reactor, Tokaimura. Many people are worried about the radiation and thinks that Japan should not continue to rely on nuclear energy. One 60 year old woman, who lived in Tokaimura, who thinks that the government should know that Japan's prone to earthquake and should have thought of that before building nuclear plants.

I agree with the people of Tokaimura that Japan should stop relying on nuclear energy and turn to other forms of energy that is less harmful to the people's health.

Japan: Whaling is justifiable research

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20857001

The new Japan government has declared that whaling is for research purposes, and is therefore, "justifiable". Whaling is largely opposed by many environmental groups. 

Whales are endangered animals, yet humans still insisting on whaling for their own greed. The new Japan government just wanted to gain support from the people, Japanese who do not want to give up on the culture of whaling. Whales are worth a lot of money, their oil can be used for many things. Whalers would profit from whaling. It will be the greed of humans that will drive whales to extinction just like other extinct animals, we just never learn from history. 

Tunisia's Ben Ali's riches go on sale

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20829975

Luxury goods that belonged to the ousted Tunisian leader Ben Ali such as luxurious cars, Lamborghini and a handmade Mercedes. Around 40 top-of-the-range cars are being sold off, as well as gold and diamond jewellery and furnishings. 

It is no wonder that the people decided to uprise. The place of the first uprising is known as the Arab Spring, however, they still do not fare any better. There is such a huge difference in the ways of living between the high and low social classes. The corrupted Tunisian leader lived in luxury while his people, who counted on him, lived in poverty and suffering. It is such huge difference, comparable to heaven and earth. 

Viewing and listening of the movie "Alice in Wonderland"

This film was inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton.
It shows of Alice's struggles with what she whats and what the society wants of her. In her adventures in the Underworld where nothing makes sense, she finds courage to fight for the Underworld creatures and for herself.

I like this movie as the character, Alice was interesting. She had a different view of her society which makes her opinions so humorous. For example..















Ignore the last part...

I think that this movie would be suitable for teenagers and adults as its humor would appeal as well as its sensationally weird characters.

Reading and review of newspaper article

1. 102 bus drivers protest against pay (27 Nov 2012)

On Monday, 102 bus drivers did not turn up for their shifts, protesting for better salaries. Their salaries without overtime is 1,100 per month.

The SMRT bus drivers' action on Monday was an illegal strike and will be dealt with, says Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin.

5 SMRT bus drivers that were charged with instigating strike have been granted bail. However SMRT has taken a firm stand that salaries would not be raised beyond a 25 increment. 

I feel that the Singapore government just wishes to give a stern warning to immigrants However, I think that the government should take measures to ensure that foreign immigrants, when they come here to work and live, they should understand that they should follow rules and regulation of Singapore as well as know other ways other than violent strikes to seek help for their problems. 


2. Gunman kills 26, including 20 children at US school (14 Dec 2012

The shocking news that a 20 year old man had brought enough ammunition to kill every pupil in Connecticut elementary school. Fortunately, he didn't have the chance. However, there were 26 victims, many aged between 5 to 10.

I feel that American gun laws are too loose and therefore, allowing these incidents to happen again and again in America history. It is sad that such young children are victimized by the actions of a crazy man who happened to be in charge of ammunition and gun. 

3.Los Angeles offers groceries for guns in annual buyback

This is a followup on the blood bath incident in Connecticut elementary school. In wake of the Connecticut school shooting, the guns for groceries exchange program was moved up. Many people gathered in support of banning guns in America. 

I agree with this program and would support it if I was one of them. There has been too many blood shed over the loose trade of guns and America one of the few countries that still has such loose policies of guns. I support this program and hope to see it extend to other parts of America. 
4. Seven of the world's 10 happiest countries are in Latin (20 Dec 2012) America: Poll
A recent poll shows that 7 of the world's 10 happiest countries are in Latin America, which is not the richest country, not the highest life expectancy, nor the most number of college graduates. 1,000 people were asked in 148 countries if they were well rested, had been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learnt something interesting, and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day. Singapore also ranked relatively low for such a wealthy and orderly city. Other wealthy countries are also ranked low on the list.

I think that happiness do not depend on how rich is the country or how long you live, is the attitude you live each day.

5. Changi Airport to reach 50-million passenger mark (28 Dec 2012)

Changi Airport is expecting the number of passengers to reach 50 million just 2 years after crossing the 40 million passengers mark in 2010. Singapore hopes to attract new airlines and strengthen connectivity to countries like Russia and Africa.

I think that this is a good opportunity for Singapore to establish connections to other parts of the world. It is a good sign that Singapore's tourism is flourishing. I believe that Singapore would continue to increase revenue through tourism, such as Universal Studios, Sentosa Underwater Resorts, Gardens by the Bay. They are popular places to sightsee in Singapore, probably a reason why tourism is flourishing right now.

Reading and Review of Present Perfect 2012 issue 4: The Olympics 2012 Issue

Article: The mark of a man by Mohamed Yunos

This is a  narrative of a man who has truly shown the Olympic spirit, even though injured, he didn't give up and continued to finish his race.
The picture shown at the title describes a man running, his eyes is focused on  a goal. The purpose is to arouse the reader's interest by wondering about the title: "The Mark Of A Man." The words are also written in bold to attract the reader's attention.
The picture shown at the narrative shows two men running against each other. This is to raise the tension within the readers as the two men are running closely, not allowing the readers to be able to predict what will happen.
The last picture shows of one man arms outstretched, as if running into the finishing line. This concludes the narrative, as well as giving a sense of accomplishment to readers as they read the narrative about the man who completed his race.

Review of Tweflth Night Play : Shakespeare in the Park

I watched Twelfth Night Play Produced by the Singapore Repertory Theater on Friday 5 may
It was an relaxed evening, under the sky with no stars though. I had enjoyed the play while having a fun picnic with my friends. Twelfth Night is a comedy play written by Shakespeare and this play was the remake of it, in modern version.

I like this play because of the way it has transcended centuries of drama and is still relevant in our society today. Viola is an interesting character, she goes against society norms and dresses up as a male. The humor is in the bizarre love triangle, where the characters are falling in love with the wrong person.

I think that the comedy, Twelfth Night would appeal to family of all ages.

Reading and Review of "The Wishlist" by Eoin Colfer

The main character is a teenage girl who has gone off the track a couple of times, but basically she has a good soul. Well, not good enough to go to heaven when she dies but not so evil to go to hell. The case of this happening is rare in the "soul realms" where every soul's trail is defined into either red for good or blue, for bad. In Miss Meg Finn, the main character's case, hers was purple. Which meant she had to return back earth as a ghost and help one lonely old man complete his last wishes, in order to go to heaven and reunite with her deceased mother. This is a book filled with humor, regrets all in one go. A journey of life and death. A struggle of regrets in life and learning how to let go of grudges.

I like this book because it motivates me to continue living life to the fullest so as to not have any regrets. Not only is it humorous, it reflects how humans makes mistakes and grows by learning through them. This would be suitable for teenagers to adults.