Listen to 5 installments of “BBC World News” and do a summary of what you have heard / learnt.

1. Justice sought for British tourist murdered in Sri Lanka

 Khuram Shaikh, 32, a Red Cross prosthetic worker in Gaza was killed last Christmas eve by a gang of local man while he was on a holiday to Sri Lanka. His Russian colleague and friend, Viktoria Aleksandrovna, was severely assaulted too. The suspected attackers are released on tail right now. BBC did an interview with UK High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, John Rankin who expressed UK was not interested in interfering Sri Lankan legal system but hope that trail can start without further delay and bring the case to justice. Suhada Gamalath , Additional Solicitor General, Govt of Sri Lanka was also interviewed and  said that the government hope to start the trail as soon as possible and the charges are brought before court. Shaikh family members are calling for progress in bringing the suspected attackers to trail.

2. Probe into plane crash in Moscow which killed four crew

 A Russian passenger plane which belongs to the Russian airline, Red Wings, overshot a Moscow airport runway and crashed into a motorway. The aircraft burst into flames and broke into three pieces. There were no passengers on board but 8 crews. Emergency team immediately started the rescue and miraculously, there were survivors but were severely injured and were all sent to the hospital. However 4 of them were not so fortunate, they died.  The Russian minister of emergencies ordered the relatives of the dead and the injured to be given all the supports they need. The wreckage was removed from the runway and taken away to be examined. Russian prime minister had ordered an inquiry over the disaster. Examiners were examining three possible problems – bad weather, technical failure, pilot error.

3. Pakistan militants kill at least 20 kidnapped troops

 Militants in north-west Pakistan attacked 2 check posts outside the city and kidnapped and adducted 23 paramilitaries. Since then, the fate of the 23 was unknown until one who managed to escape alerted the authorities where the rest were, but when they were found, most of them were killed. One man managed to survive but was still in critical condition. The troops, from the tribal police force, are reported to have been shot by their captors, who are thought to be from the Pakistani Taliban.

4. Market bomb kills many and injures dozens in Pakistan

 At least 16 people have been killed and dozens were left injured in a car bomb attack on a market in the Khyber tribal region of north-west Pakistan. Those killed in the blast at the market in Jamrud, the main town in Khyber, were civilians and were all women and children. Lots of debate surfaced after the accident with many questioning on whom were the target of this attack as it is rare that civilians are killed and if the security measures near the town were tight.

5. US man dies after being 'pushed in front of train'

 A US man was pushed to death as a woman pushed him in front of oncoming train. Eyewitnesses said that the victim was standing on a platform at the subway station in Queens when a woman rose from a bench and shoved him onto the tracks.  The police have identified the victim as 46-year-old Sunando Sen, originally from India and a resident of Queens. Witnesses also said that before the attack, the woman was talking to herself while walking p and down the platform, before eventually sitting down on a bench. The female assailant is still at large

Watch 5 news clips and do a summary of what you have seen / learnt.

1. 1,500 stay despite Nicaragua volcano warning

The video is about some 1,500 farmers, living on the slopes of the San Cristobal volcano in Nicaragua, insisted on staying and refused to leave even though they were ordered to evacuate as the volcano spewed gas, sand and ash, which is a dangerous sign. From the video shows the volcano spewing out gases, however, the farmers were still carrying out their daily activities, not seemed to be affected by the dangerous volcano. Many people chose to live near volcano  despite knowing the risk that they are taking, because they feel that the boon outweigh the bane. One of the advantages is fertile soil. When the volcano rocks are broken down and become soil, they form some of the richest ones on the planet, which is ideal for farming. Thus, many people, who are living near volcano  farm to earn for a living. As most people living near the volcano do not have proper education, they have a traditional mindset, which is possibly one of the reasons why they stubbornly refused to leave their house despite their life was at risk. I feel that they should put their life as top priority and evacuate from the dangerous zone. Even though their house and farm are very important to them, but nothing can be compared to your life. Houses and farms can be rebuilt but we only have one life. Therefore, I disagree with the farmers decision and feel that they should reconsider and evacuate quickly.

2.Fire destroys market in Afghanistan capital

A huge fire broke out in a market in downtown Kabul, destroying hundreds of shops and forcing people to evacuate. I saw from the video that it was a state of commotion at the burned market as firefighters were doing their best to put off the huge fire and the people were walking around in a shocked state. The buildings in the video were all burned, black and beyond recognition. I feel that more fire precaution should have been done, especially in downtown areas as there would be many people and even tourists.  Also, I learn from this news clip that fire is very dangerous and we should always prevent it from happening.

3.Police tear gas New Delhi gang-rape protesters

On Dec 16, a 23 years old student was sexually assaulted and gang-raped on a bus and was then thrown out of the moving bus. She suffered from severe organ injuries and died on 29^th Dec in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where she received medical treatment since 27^th Dec. Many Indian were upset and angered by this saddening news and had staged protest since 18^th Dec. The protests became violent and Indian police had to resort to tear-gassed, baton-charged and fired water cannon at demonstrators on December 22. I was greatly shaken by the news because the victim was gang-raped brutally and her male companion was also beaten up. I feel that the government should take much stricter law against female abuse and protect the rights of women. However, I do not think the public should have a demonstration to protest to the government. This affect the safety of the country and the protesters could even hurt themselves. The video shows the huge protest that took place and people were fighting for the rights of women. The scene of policemen using tear-gassed, firing water cannon was also showed in the video.

4.Ex-Thai PM charged with murder over protest death

The former Thai prime minister, Abhisit Vejiajiya is charged with murder over a civilian’s death during a crackdown on anti-government rallies two years ago. The video mainly showed the protests of the Thais, some interviews with the protestors and one interview with the Abhisit Vejiajiya. Some protesters mentioned in the interview that the former prime minister deserves to be locked behind the bars for the lives that he took. From this news clip, I learnt that you should never abuse your authority. As a prime minister, Abhisit Vejiajiya responsibility was to take care and give his people a better life. However, he used violent against his people and one even died. I feel that everyone should be responsible for their action and should not be covered up because of their higher status. Therefore, I feel that Abhisit Vejiajiya should be charged with murder for his wrongdoing.

 5. 274 dead, hundreds missing in Philippines typhoon

The news clips is about the typhoon that ravaged the Philippines. The death toll jumped to 274 and hundreds more are still missing. Rescuers were trying their best to rescue people who were trapped because of the natural disaster. The clip showed the aftermath of the typhoon, the buildings and crops were all destroyed and the current of water were very strong. I feel that more evacuation centers could be built to reduce the number of death. In addition, the government could improve on their communication with their people so that they could inform their people immediately if they foresee a typhoon. In conclusion, I think the Philippine government could have done much more precaution against natural disaster.

Review of 5 newspaper articles

1. Brake failure triggered rig accident, says SembMarine

The article is about an oil rig accident that happened at Jurong island due to a brake failure. The accident left 89 workers injured. I was astonished when I read the article mainly because such industrial accident rarely happens in Singapore. I personally feel that the company should have taken more safety precautions to prevent such failure from happening and more emergency exits/ gangways should have been available for the workers to exit. In addition, company should always practice emergency evacuation drill to ensure that workers know how to react in case of emergency. Even though there was no death in this industrial accident, but many workers jumped into sea to seek for survival. Consequences could be dire for those who do not know how to swim. Companies should look into this issue and built more emergency exit according to the number of workers working at the site and prevent their employees from jumping down the building/site. I wish companies could take this industrial accident as a reminder and always ensure that the workplace is safe for the workers. They should also always remember that accident can always happen and not to take it for granted. 

2. NY cop’s kind act on cold night warms hearts

The article is about a police officer Charles Dickens, who dug into his own pocket to put boots on a barefoot panhandler on a freezing city sidewalk. His action had received praises from the public. It is heart-warming to read about police officer relent his help to a stranger. Such kind act is rarely seen in the society nowadays. From this article, I understand that there are many ways to help the poor. Instead of just giving money/making donation to the poor, we can buy or give them things which have more sincerity. His kind act is remarkable especially since many people ignored the guy or just give him a few cent. His kindness deserved to be complimented and be learnt by many.

3. Furore over photo of NY subway death

The article is about a man named Han Ki-Suck who was pushed onto the subway track during a fight on Monday with a deranged man in the Manhanttan subway station. Mr Han tried to climb onto the platform but he did not make it and was stuck by a south-bound R train. The incident had caused a furore online as public disses the bystanders and the photographer who take several pictures but did not help the poor man who was struggling till his last breath to save his life. I had a mixture of emotion while reading the article. I was shocked and disappointed. It is insane to read that Mr Han was thrown onto the subway track but it was even heartbreaking to know that no one present then bothered to help the poor guy.  Even though many people nowadays show their empathy towards those unfortunate by liking a picture on Facebook or tweeting, however nobody help to save the poor guy whom life was at stake. He could have chance to survive if the bystanders helped him. I want to spread this article to everyone and hope that they can understand that helping directly is better than giving encouraging words through social networking sites.

4. Faculty equipment a ‘possible cause’ of RSN accident

The article writes about the possible causes and former naval officers opinion on weapons systems supervisor, Jason Chee Weng Fai accident. Jason was caught between a motorized and one of the berthing ropes while he was carrying out a routine check on RSS Endearour’s berthing ropes in the ship’s quarterdeck. This unfortunate accident costs Jason both legs and an arm. He is still in a critical condition.  It is sad to know that a civil servant to suffer severe injuries at the workplace. I feel that such accident could have been prevented if MINDEF had taken much more safety precaution. In the article, some former naval officers stated that the place of the accident is one of the most dangerous and riskiest areas on board especially monsoon season. In such situation, instead of one person, two or more supervisors or officers could help to check the area to prevent such tragic to happen. I think that it is important to ensure that military is a safe workplace as it has many dangerous weapons.  I hope that this unfortunate and costly accident is a reminder for MINDEF and even other companies to look into the unsafe and risky areas in the workplace and set up new regulations to prevent such tragedies to happen again.

5. HEROES: School staff who sacrificed their lives to save others.

The article described the teachers that sacrificed their lives for the children. One of them is Ms Victoria Soto, who ushered her pupils into a tiny closet and died shielding them from bullets. The other two are the principal Dawn Hochsprung and psychologist, Mrs Mary Sherlach who died from confronting the gunman.  Although it is heart breaking to learn the death of these school staffs, but their selfless sacrifices impress the public. I am proud of their action as they did not hesitate to save the life of the innocent children. This is a tragedy that no one wants to happen but I hope this could be a reminder to the government to step up their measures in protecting their people and strength their firearms laws. Nevertheless, the selfless sacrifices made by the school staffs are inspirational and I hope that their kindness and nobility can be spread worldwide and prompt more people to help the unfortunate. From this massacre, I learnt that peace can never be taken for granted. We should always be vigilant and always be prepared for any emergency. 

Review of academic magazine - TIME

The article that I read about is Big Brothers. Tension in Egypt heightens as the pro-government protesters and Morsi opponents continue to fight against each other outside the presidential palace. With the change of power, some supported the new leader however some doubted the ability of the new leader. The visual accompany the article is a picture that shows Morsi supporters shouting slogans at the funeral of a compatriot who died during clashes outside the presidential palace. At the centre of the picture are two men, they faces was a mixture of sadness, anger and desperate. The purpose of the picture is to highlight the state Egypt is in right now. It also highlights the tension in Egypt.  

Review of entertainment magazine -Teenage

The titles in the magazine have unique fonts, bigger in size and colourful. The effect of fantasy titles is to grab readers’ attention and convince them to read the article.

This is a promotion of a special giveaway by the magazine. Teenage is giving out Rock of Ages and hampers to 10 randomly selected readers if they send in a rocking soundtrack of tunes by music greats. In order to grab the attention of the readers, the editor purposefully bolded and boxed the word “win”. I feel that it is effective as it successfully gained my attention when I was flipping through the magazine. In addition, the editor also made the title short and sweet by just highlighting the prizes to be won. The simple title allows interested readers to continue reading and uninterested readers to move on. This title is definitely much more effective than “Stand of chance to win Rock of Ages and hamper by sending…” which probably bored the readers before they could finish reading.

This is an interview with a rookie k-pop group, NU’EST who had their debut appearance in Singapore recently. The title for the article is “new wave” located near the eye-stunning picture of the boys. It is highlighted in vibrant colours which effect is to grab the attention of the readers. I feel that the choice of words the editor used for the title is excellent as it leaves readers, especially k-pop lovers curious. Taking the example of this title, the words” new wave” will make readers wonder the definition of the new wave, the artist who is creating the “new wave” and more information on the artist and the “new wave”. Thus, the title is effective as it curious the readers which would make them read on.

This article is about an interview with SKarf, a k-pop group that has 2 Singaporeans and 2 Koreans The interview was mainly on their feelings (especially the Singaporeans girls) performing in Singapore and being Gaint ambassador. Similar to the previous example, the title of the article is placed under the picture of the 4 members. When I first read the magazine, I was curious what did the editor meant by “Homecoming Queens”. Many questions flashed through my mind as I wondered who the “queens” are and how the “queens” are related to Singapore. Evidently, the title is effective in making the readers curious and read the article. 

Movie Review

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

This movie is mainly about the conflicts between the Volturi and Cullen due to Rensemee. At the beginning of the movie, Bella woke up and hence started her new life as a vampire. She was lso fully accepted amongst the vampire community. However, their daughter, Renesmee wasn't so fortunate. After a false accusation that Renesmee is an immortal, the new family is in grave trouble with the powerful Volturi who is largest vampire regime. But the Cullen's are prepared to fight against anyone who threatens their family. The Volturi was determined to kill Renesmee as they believed that she is a threat. Knowing that a war would not do them good, the Cullen decided to convince their vampire friends to be their eye witnesses that Renesmee does not pose any threat. The tension reaches its climax as the Cullen and their friends met with the Volturi.

I personally enjoyed the whole movie a lot, although the beginning was pretty boring. The famous soundtrack, One Step Closer by Christina Perri, which describes the love story between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) fits the movie perfectly and made the loving scenes between Bella and Edward much more romantic and fantasy.

I feel that the actors acting skills are much better in this finale series, especially Kristen Steward. Her expression in this movie is not only remarkable, and her acting skill has improved greatly since the first series. Robert Pattinson showed a romantic and protective side of Edward in this movie whereas Talyor Lauter, who plays Jacob, gave another vigorous performance although he is protecting his imprint, Renesmee this time. Other than these 3 main actors, Michael Sheen, whose character is Aro, one of the three leaders of Volturi, also brought an impressive performance as his acting complements his evil and dark character. Lastly, I would also like to praise Mackenzie Foy for her amazing role playing or Renesmee. Although she mainly put on a poker face throughout the whole movie, however her acting ability is impressive for someone of her age.

This movie may be the best of the whole twilight series, but nevertheless there are rooms for improvement. Improvement could have been made on the scene when Edward brought Bella to hunt for animal, but she was attracted to the smell of human blood. I feel that the scene flashed too fast and some even looked unrealistic. Also, I hope that there could be more scenes between Jacob and Renesmee.

In conclusion, I think that the movie deserves 4 stars. The acting skills were good, the war between the Volturi and Cullen were breath-taking and lastly, the ending was perfect. 

English Holiday Assignment

      READING & WRITING TASKS

1)    The reading and review of one entertainment magazine (whole magazine) 

      Teenage Magazine

2)    The reading and review of one academic magazine (whole magazine) 

      Time

3)    Review of 5 newspaper articles from 

      "The Straits Times"

VIEWING & LISTENING TASKS

1)    Watch a movie and complete a movie review cum recommendation on it
      The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2
2)    Watch 5 news clips and do a summary of what you have seen / learnt

3)    Listen to 5 installments of “BBC World News” and do a summary of what you have heard / learnt.