Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
THE PEARL by John Ernest Steinbeck -Synopsis-
Day One
• Coyotito is stung by scorpion.
• The doctor refuses to treat the boy.
• Kino finds ‘The Pearl of the World’
• The priest comes.
• The doctor comes.
• Kino is attacked the first time.
Day Two
• The Pearl buyers try to cheat Kino.
• Kino refuses to sell the pearl to them.
• Kino is attacked the second time that night.
Day Three
• Juana tries to throw the pearl away.
• Kino stops her.
• Kino is attacked the third time.
• Kino kills one of his attackers in self-defence
• Kino and Juana flee La Paz
Day Four
• Three trackers hunt them.
• Kino and family climb a mountain to safety.
• Kino kills all three trackers.
• Coyotito is accidentally shot dead by one of the trackers who thought he was a coyote pup crying
Day Five
• Kino and Juana return to La Paz
• Kino throws the pearl back into the sea.
FINISH
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Malaysia, a unique country
Malaysia is a multiracial country. Malaysia has a population of 23.27 million consisting of 61 percent Malays, 30 percent Chinese, 8 percent Indians and 1 percent of other ethnic groups. Malaysia is unique because of its diversity of races, religions and cultures, the stability of the country and many places of interests. Besides, there are many international achievements which are the pride of our nation.
Diversity of races, religions and cultures is a significant characteristic of our nation. Malaysia is a multiracial country with a rich cultural heritage. Unique to Malaysia is the ‘Open House’ concept where during the various cultural and religious festival like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Day and others, friends and families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by the hosts. Although the visitors may be from different races, they still can tolerate with each other and live under the same roof where they celebrate the festival together. This will help to strengthen the ties among themselves.
Moreover, the stability and peacefulness of Malaysia is also a uniqueness of us. We live harmoniously in a country where there are no wars and conflicts among Malaysians. War is dreadful and it may deteriorate humans’ lives. We are fortunate that our country is safe and runs off the war. So, people can live safely here. Somehow, Malaysia is a paradise for those Iraqis or Pakistanis. Besides, our country is freed from natural disasters such as earthquakes. Earthquakes may bring death and destroy many buildings. Therefore, Malaysia is unique because of the stability and peaceful environment.
On top of that, there are many places of interests in country such as beaches, islands and rain forest. Malaysia’s rain forest is considered as the oldest in the world. The diverse species of animals and plant life continue to excite a great deal of scientific research. Many believe that some undiscovered plant may hold cures to many currently incurable human diseases. There are many islands in our country such as Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Ketam and many others. Pulau Langkawi has a lot of historitical informations. Those who are in favour of history can go there to explore the history of that place. All the beaches in those islands are beautiful. The sand is soft and white. The accommodation is well-established and that makes those islands ideal places to visit.
Following this, there are also international achievements of our country. Those achievements include the existence of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Formula One (F1) racing circuit and the Petronas Twin Towers. KLIA is unique because it has all that is needed for business, entertainment and relaxation within its boundaries. The airport is part and parcel of the Multimedia Super Corridor where high technology industries are being actively developed. Nevertheless, there is a Formula One Race Track near the airport, so foreign car racing enthusiasts from all over the world can come for a visit to gather here. Besides that, Petronas Twin Towers which is a building that soars 452 metres into the sky is once upon a time, the tallest building in the world and yet it is a national pride to the people of Malaysia.
In short, Malaysia is unique that it has diversity of races, religions and cultures, a stable and peaceful environment, places of interest and some internal achievements. Those are important characteristic of our nation. It is rich of cultural heritage; it would be worth to play a visit here.
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
The Night Market
One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and experience the night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night market is the most common feature in the local society.
The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and more goods laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors busily set out to set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of business.
The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. A variety of goods is sold at low prices.
Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.
The night market is known as a haven by local ‘gourmets’ who can enjoy various kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.
When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this atmosphere, and it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.
By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It us an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quite and still once more.
Friday, June 20th, 2008
My Favourite Television Program
The television (TV) is part and parcel of many households. Therefore, watching television is a culture of today’s modern society. It is a favourite past-time of many people, cutting across the culture, creed, gender and age. I must admit that I too enjoy “sitting glued” to the TV as mum often laments. Since I watch TV whole day long, I don’t blame mum. However, whenever I watch my favourite TV programme she doesn’t complain. In fact, she often sits together to watch it, the ‘National Geographic’.
The National Geographic is a well-known documentary programme, focusing mainly on the ever-changing world, on Mother Earth and on nature and peoples and creatures that colour it with. Just the press of a switch and a button and ‘Hey Presto!’, the whole world is brought before me, for me to savour its beauty and wonders. Personally, I am often awed and amazed with them.
I like this programme because it is very educational. It is a ‘window to the world’. By watching it, I can ‘travel’, ‘explore’ and ‘discover’ the four corners of the world. I have trekked up the highest peak and conquered Mt. Everest. I have dived down the deepest trenches. I have walked through the wilderness and be amongst the wild beasts, big and small. Thus, this programme has helped to expand my horizon and improve my knowledge and experience. I can proudly say I am no more a ‘frog in the well’.
I also enjoy watching the National Geographic because it is entertaining, interesting and stimulating. I never imagined that such an educational programme can be very enjoyable. I get a chance to enjoy the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and colours of the world and its different peoples, all in the comfort of my own home.
In addition to that, this programme is of very high quality and it is produced by a team of experts, all are authorities in their own field of interest. The photographic footage is extremely breath-taking and inspiring. Besides, the narration is very accurate, informative, vivid and descriptive. Thus, I have never felt restless, distracted or bored watching this programme.
The National Geographic is my favourite programme as it has helped me to ‘grow’ and ‘mature’. I have watched it since I was a seven-year-old innocent child. Now, I am more sensitive and aware of the world and Mother Earth. I learn to be more appreciative of Mother Earth and its beauty and wonders. I am more concern about the preservation and conservation of the world not only now but also for posterity. In short, the National Geographic has converted me into a more responsible citizen of the world and a caretaker of Mother Earth.
It is a touching and heart-warming TV programme and I will not hesitate to recommend it to others so that they too have a chance to savour amazing moments and appreciate and care for the one and only world we live in.
