http://edition.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/05/corporal.punishment/index.html?iref=allsearch#fbid=mDgTZvNLO01&wom=false
Corporal punishment is basically physical punishment. Any form of punishment, which uses physical damage to punish anyone. In Singapore, corporal punishment in schools is illegal, but how many children are at the receiving end of caning, or rather, disciplined by through caning? I believe that parents, no matter how naughty their children are, should not cane children.
Corporal punishment is too violent a punishment for children. When being punished physically, they do not feel like they are in the wrong. Through caning, my parents feel that caning will be a good reminder for the child, who will get hurt through the process and will try not to do it again. However, is that the case?
Every teenager these days have their own ideas, what they want to do and what they feel is correct. When parents cane their children, most of them do not change for the better. Instead, they become more and more rebellious. Caning hurts the child, and they will fell they did nothing wrong as they do what they feel is correct. Since they feel they are correct, caning a child will make them feel that their parents are accusing them of doing something they think is right. Hence, is caning really the best solution to punish your child?
Caning is definitely not the best way to solve the behavioural problems of children. Caning does leave a lasting impression of the children, but it does not leave a positive effect on the child at the receiving end of corporal punishment. They do not learn. However, in the article, I do not believe that grounding and removing privileges will help either. Indeed that grounding and removing the privileges of your child does make them behave as they want those privileges, but they will also become rebellious as they feel their parents are still controlling their lives.
In conclusion, caning is definitely not a way to go as a method of disciplining your children, and grounding your child might be the best way you can do it now. However, is there really a perfect solution to discipline a child?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Pornography
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/28/virginia.teacher.porn/index.html?iref=allsearch#fbid=mDgTZvNLO01&wom=false
Pornography is immoral in the society. It portrays women in a bad light. Pornography serves as stimulation to many for sex, but I feel that it is morally incorrect. Pornography can be classified into many different forms. Porn may provide as an excitement to many, but it might make people feel disgusted by it too. Porn is mainly for males and many of this illustrates women as a sex object to man. However, women are not sex objects that you can use and dispose off as and when you like, but what exactly is the purpose of porn?
While many have argued on this controversial topic, I take my stand that pornography is morally incorrect. Though many have said that porn is a good thing for it provides a platform for those that have sexual desires and they use it to curb it, but I do not feel that is the case. Even if they need a platform to curb their sexual desires, one cannot deny the fact that porn is still portrays women in a bad light. It is still a platform where women are treated like sex toys and I feel that that should not be the case about women for it degrades them.
In addition to the fact that porn degrades women, it also influences the minds of many. In one edition of 'Crime Watch', they talked about an incident, where a teenager molested a girl, in other words, outrage the modesty of another. What caused him to perform such an 'act' when he was fully aware of the consequences of molest? It was because his friend influenced him to watch porn. After watching porn, he started to have an addiction for porn and he let his thoughts run wild. That caused him to have a criminal record. That caused him to commit a serious mistake that he cannot salvage anymore.
Therefore, I feel that pornography is not something that is good, as it degrades women. Furthermore, it also causes significant damage for those that intoxicates themselves with porn. It's a bane to society.
Pornography is immoral in the society. It portrays women in a bad light. Pornography serves as stimulation to many for sex, but I feel that it is morally incorrect. Pornography can be classified into many different forms. Porn may provide as an excitement to many, but it might make people feel disgusted by it too. Porn is mainly for males and many of this illustrates women as a sex object to man. However, women are not sex objects that you can use and dispose off as and when you like, but what exactly is the purpose of porn?
While many have argued on this controversial topic, I take my stand that pornography is morally incorrect. Though many have said that porn is a good thing for it provides a platform for those that have sexual desires and they use it to curb it, but I do not feel that is the case. Even if they need a platform to curb their sexual desires, one cannot deny the fact that porn is still portrays women in a bad light. It is still a platform where women are treated like sex toys and I feel that that should not be the case about women for it degrades them.
In addition to the fact that porn degrades women, it also influences the minds of many. In one edition of 'Crime Watch', they talked about an incident, where a teenager molested a girl, in other words, outrage the modesty of another. What caused him to perform such an 'act' when he was fully aware of the consequences of molest? It was because his friend influenced him to watch porn. After watching porn, he started to have an addiction for porn and he let his thoughts run wild. That caused him to have a criminal record. That caused him to commit a serious mistake that he cannot salvage anymore.
Therefore, I feel that pornography is not something that is good, as it degrades women. Furthermore, it also causes significant damage for those that intoxicates themselves with porn. It's a bane to society.
Is there a need for tuition so early?
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1078992/1/.html
This article is on students, particularly foreign students, are attending tuition classes at a much younger age, as early as one and a half years old. Is there actually a need to start so young? Maybe there is with the competitiveness of the market in recent times, where people are seemingly at war for an office post where results is all that matters. However, excessive tuition at a young age might lead to students being more rebellious in the future. If they start from young, they will enjoy the lessons at first but as it gets tougher and tougher, the students will dread these lessons and forcing them to attend tuition will only backfire. Yes, some things are meant to be started young and a basic education at a young age is definitely needed. However, if you are already sending your toddler to preschool, is there actually a need to add on to the burden of such a young child? This really says something about the 'kiasu' nature of Singaporeans. Nevertheless, we must notice that many foreigners are also attending tuition in Singapore. Singapore has supposedly one of the better education systems in the world and it is no surprise that foreigners from countries like China and India coming here to improve upon their languages. These foreigners make up to 15% of the tuition population. This will cause a smaller talent pool from Singapore, leaving the country to rely on foreign talents to make up for the small talent pool in Singapore.
Hence, we must understand that tuition should not be started too early and that foreigners might actually push out our future generations. Therefore, the future generations and the current one should buck up and strive to show the foreigners who's boss! :D
This article is on students, particularly foreign students, are attending tuition classes at a much younger age, as early as one and a half years old. Is there actually a need to start so young? Maybe there is with the competitiveness of the market in recent times, where people are seemingly at war for an office post where results is all that matters. However, excessive tuition at a young age might lead to students being more rebellious in the future. If they start from young, they will enjoy the lessons at first but as it gets tougher and tougher, the students will dread these lessons and forcing them to attend tuition will only backfire. Yes, some things are meant to be started young and a basic education at a young age is definitely needed. However, if you are already sending your toddler to preschool, is there actually a need to add on to the burden of such a young child? This really says something about the 'kiasu' nature of Singaporeans. Nevertheless, we must notice that many foreigners are also attending tuition in Singapore. Singapore has supposedly one of the better education systems in the world and it is no surprise that foreigners from countries like China and India coming here to improve upon their languages. These foreigners make up to 15% of the tuition population. This will cause a smaller talent pool from Singapore, leaving the country to rely on foreign talents to make up for the small talent pool in Singapore.
Hence, we must understand that tuition should not be started too early and that foreigners might actually push out our future generations. Therefore, the future generations and the current one should buck up and strive to show the foreigners who's boss! :D
Jacques Rogge: YOG is a resounding success!
http://www.temasekreview.com/2010/08/21/ioc-president-jacques-rogge-yog-is-a-resounding-success/
The debate between whether the YOG was a success or a MAJOR FLOP is still on debate. The people of Singapore expected the PAP to announce that the YOG was a 'resounding success' despite the actual outcome but none actually expected, the President of the IOC of all people, to come out and proclaim that the YOG has been successful and would be a resounding success.
The main opposition of this motion is the PEOPLE of Singapore themselves, and I truly agree with some of the points made. The case of a mass food poisoning outbreak, the roof canvas falling, the food the volunteers were served - these just contributed the reasons why the YOG was a flop. People also feel that Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Youth and Sports, failed to do a good job. The budget set exceeded by a large margin and hence Singaporeans are angry as they are the ones paying the taxes, they are the ones paying for this YOG. Therefore, it can be argued that the YOG was a flop.
However, the YOG can also be considered a success. The competitors were allowed to mingle and make friends with each other, forging friendly international ties. The competitors were also able to take part in mixed events across the different countries taking part. The ability to face off with opponents of HIGH standards was also presence as the level of competition was high. The purpose of giving the youths the exposure and experience they need to compete on the world stage was also met. Therefore, it can also be concluded that the YOG was a success.
In conclusion, this debate of whether the YOG was a success or flop will continue for a while more. However, we should know in our hearts whether it was a success or not. (For me, it was a success)
The debate between whether the YOG was a success or a MAJOR FLOP is still on debate. The people of Singapore expected the PAP to announce that the YOG was a 'resounding success' despite the actual outcome but none actually expected, the President of the IOC of all people, to come out and proclaim that the YOG has been successful and would be a resounding success.
The main opposition of this motion is the PEOPLE of Singapore themselves, and I truly agree with some of the points made. The case of a mass food poisoning outbreak, the roof canvas falling, the food the volunteers were served - these just contributed the reasons why the YOG was a flop. People also feel that Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Youth and Sports, failed to do a good job. The budget set exceeded by a large margin and hence Singaporeans are angry as they are the ones paying the taxes, they are the ones paying for this YOG. Therefore, it can be argued that the YOG was a flop.
However, the YOG can also be considered a success. The competitors were allowed to mingle and make friends with each other, forging friendly international ties. The competitors were also able to take part in mixed events across the different countries taking part. The ability to face off with opponents of HIGH standards was also presence as the level of competition was high. The purpose of giving the youths the exposure and experience they need to compete on the world stage was also met. Therefore, it can also be concluded that the YOG was a success.
In conclusion, this debate of whether the YOG was a success or flop will continue for a while more. However, we should know in our hearts whether it was a success or not. (For me, it was a success)
Rainer Ng - Amazing Race!
http://www.teamsingapore.com.sg/content/major_games/olympics_games/singapore_2010_youtholympicgames/news/singapore_2010_yognews/what_a_race_.html
This article review is on Singapore's first Youth Olympic Games medallist. Rainer Ng did all Singaporeans proud by clinching the silver medal in the 50m backstroke event. He was never a favourite for a medal and produced one of the races of his lifetime to get into the finals. Coming into the finals, all Singaporeans were expectant. They knew that something amazing was going to happen. Singaporeans, knowing he was not a favourite, cheered him on and he nearly won the final, going neck and neck with the eventual winner before finally bowing out. Another spectacular race from Rainer secured the first medal and silver for Singapore.
Personally, my feeling after hearing about this was shock. I didn't expect Rainer to even challenge for a medal and he really did more than us Singaporeans can ask for. His position as an underdog did not undermine his determination to fight for Singapore's first medal. Producing an amazing race, I was awestruck at the passion, the vigour and the determination. Pride was evident in his very face but there would definitely be a tinge of disappointment at not pushing his limits more and challenge for the gold. However, as Singaporeans we should all congratulate Rainer on a job well done. Excellent stuff and we can see the future of Singapore in the swimming circuit.
This article review is on Singapore's first Youth Olympic Games medallist. Rainer Ng did all Singaporeans proud by clinching the silver medal in the 50m backstroke event. He was never a favourite for a medal and produced one of the races of his lifetime to get into the finals. Coming into the finals, all Singaporeans were expectant. They knew that something amazing was going to happen. Singaporeans, knowing he was not a favourite, cheered him on and he nearly won the final, going neck and neck with the eventual winner before finally bowing out. Another spectacular race from Rainer secured the first medal and silver for Singapore.
Personally, my feeling after hearing about this was shock. I didn't expect Rainer to even challenge for a medal and he really did more than us Singaporeans can ask for. His position as an underdog did not undermine his determination to fight for Singapore's first medal. Producing an amazing race, I was awestruck at the passion, the vigour and the determination. Pride was evident in his very face but there would definitely be a tinge of disappointment at not pushing his limits more and challenge for the gold. However, as Singaporeans we should all congratulate Rainer on a job well done. Excellent stuff and we can see the future of Singapore in the swimming circuit.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Darren stumbles
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20100826-234019.html
This will be a review of this article on gold medal hope Darren Choy.
Darren Choy failed to deliver the gold medal for Singapore in the YOG. He failed to tame the ever-changing weather conditions in Singapore and succumbed to the immense expectations placed on his shoulders. However, you must agree that this boy has done his best to fight for Singapore, to challenge his opponents, and he did do Singapore proud, winner or not. Darren is only 16 years old, and though he is a two-time World Champion, the pressure and expectations this time was much greater than before. Even when the home crowd expects so much, Darren placed even more pressure on himself to make himself push for the elusive gold medal. He knows what he is capable of and he wants to do it, showing maturity. There are definitely times when even a champion may falter. However, there might be many reasons why Darren lost.
One of the many reasons would definitely be the immense expectation from the home crowd. Being a two-time World Champion, Singaporeans all over the island were expecting him to be the one that will bring back the gold. He knows that people were expectant but he had already put huge pressure on himself and eventually, the pressure must have been too much. He couldn't respond to the pressure and cracked under it, therefore, disappointing during the races. Another of the reasons could be that him being a two-time world champion, and being a Singapore representative, the media would definitely give him plenty of airtime. The article states that during the second race, he had media boats surrounding him, providing him with unwanted distractions. Not reacting well to the sudden publicity, Darren failed to get used to it and eventually didn't do too well for the races.
This is a timely reminder for all Singaporeans. Even when the players were adults, for example the table tennis team, the weight placed on the players' shoulders were massive. Furthermore, Darren and his peers are just teenagers. They might not be able to withstand the pressure, hence we must acknowledge that we can put pressure but excessive is bad and we should really congratulate Darren for a valiant effort.
This will be a review of this article on gold medal hope Darren Choy.
Darren Choy failed to deliver the gold medal for Singapore in the YOG. He failed to tame the ever-changing weather conditions in Singapore and succumbed to the immense expectations placed on his shoulders. However, you must agree that this boy has done his best to fight for Singapore, to challenge his opponents, and he did do Singapore proud, winner or not. Darren is only 16 years old, and though he is a two-time World Champion, the pressure and expectations this time was much greater than before. Even when the home crowd expects so much, Darren placed even more pressure on himself to make himself push for the elusive gold medal. He knows what he is capable of and he wants to do it, showing maturity. There are definitely times when even a champion may falter. However, there might be many reasons why Darren lost.
One of the many reasons would definitely be the immense expectation from the home crowd. Being a two-time World Champion, Singaporeans all over the island were expecting him to be the one that will bring back the gold. He knows that people were expectant but he had already put huge pressure on himself and eventually, the pressure must have been too much. He couldn't respond to the pressure and cracked under it, therefore, disappointing during the races. Another of the reasons could be that him being a two-time world champion, and being a Singapore representative, the media would definitely give him plenty of airtime. The article states that during the second race, he had media boats surrounding him, providing him with unwanted distractions. Not reacting well to the sudden publicity, Darren failed to get used to it and eventually didn't do too well for the races.
This is a timely reminder for all Singaporeans. Even when the players were adults, for example the table tennis team, the weight placed on the players' shoulders were massive. Furthermore, Darren and his peers are just teenagers. They might not be able to withstand the pressure, hence we must acknowledge that we can put pressure but excessive is bad and we should really congratulate Darren for a valiant effort.
Harry Potter Series Final Review
It is HERE! The final review of the Harry Potter Series T.T
The FINAL BOOK: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!
I pre-booked the book (cool) before the release and I was glad that it was MONEY WELL SPENT.
For this novel, I will try not to review too much so that I won't spoil the thrill of reading it. This review will be a summary of the book and my take on the WHOLE series.
As we enter the 7th year of the Harry Potter chronicles, Voldemort has finally wrest control of the Ministry of Magic and completed his rise to power. Harry and his friends drop out of school to hunt for the Horcruxes. They isolate themselves from their family and friends so that they will not bring them any harm. However, they only know amongst the remaining Horcruxes that they are the locket of Slytherin, the cup of Hufflepuff and the snake familiar of Voldemort. The remaining are presumed to be an object belonging to Rowena Ravenclaw or Godric Gryffindor. The locations of the artefacts are unknown by the trio and that Nagini is supposedly at Voldemort's side. As the trio searches for the Horcruxes, they learn the truth about Snape's motives and Dumbledore's past.
The trio successfully retrieves the locket of Salazar Slytherin when the infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. They somehow manage to retrieve the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, through a stroke of good luck. The third Horcrux is successfully recovered and destroyed. Through their travels, they discover a sign which they learn symbolises the Deathly Hallows. The three Hallows are the Elder Wand, wanted by Voldemort, the Stone of Resurrection and the Cloak of Invisibility. However, the trio decides that the Elder Wand is not important now and that they should divert their attention towards their search for the Horcruxes. They recover the cup of Helga Hufflepuff when they break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault in Gringotts (wizard bank). They then discover that another Horcrux is hidden within Hogwarts. They enter the school and manages to locate and destroy both. The cup of Hufflepuff and the diadem of Ravenclaw.
This is the prelude to the most exciting part of the novel. THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS! Students and wizards alike join forces to defend Hogwarts from Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters and magical creatures. Many major characters are killed in the first wave of attack. Harry finds out that a fragment of Voldemort's soul is within him, from when Voldemort tried to kill him when he was a child. He has to die to destroy Voldemort and willingly surrenders himself to Voldemort. Voldemort attacks Harry with the Killing Curse and Harry is sent to a state of Limbo, where he sees Dumbledore. Dumbledore explains that since Voldemort used Harry's blood to gain his full strength, Harry has a protection like no other. Regardless of what Voldemort throws at Harry, it will be useless on Harry. Harry returns to his body where he duels Voldemort for the final time. Voldemort has possension of the 'Elder Wand' and he thinks that he is the full master of it. However, Harry knows that he was actually the full master (Read the book to understand) and when both parties launch into a curse, Voldemort's curse rebounds as Harry has the Elder Wand and Voldemort is finally dead.
There is an epilogue at the end of the book but that part is not so important.
Here is my take on the series. THIS SERIES IS A MUST-READ FOR ALL FANTASY FANS. PERIOD. The series was what started my love for reading and I have read the books over and over and over without feeling bored. I know that some devout Christians are unable to read this due to religious views and I pity you for your loss. Therefore, read the books as soon as you can and you will never regret it.
This is the end of the review of the Harry Potter series. Hope you enjoyed the many words.
zyle;
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Book Review: Harry Potter Series Part 3
Hi, I haven't been blogging for a while but this is the third segment of my book review of the Harry Potter series. In this post, I will be covering the 5th and the 6th books of this 7-part fantasy thriller, namely Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
The 5th book finally shows Voldemort taking action. The novel begins with Harry and his cousin Dudley being attacked by Dementors (Recall: Book 3). In order to save them, Harry performs the Patronus and in turn violates the wizarding law of underage wizardry. He is notified that he has been expelled from Hogwarts and is devastated. However, he is notified soon after that the ban has been suspended and that he needs to attend a disciplinary hearing. Furthermore, from the previous book (Goblet of Fire), we know that Voldemort has rised again. Dumbledore reactivates the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society found by Dumbledore himself, in response to Voldemort's rise. However, despite Dumbledore's belief in Harry's word and Harry's vivid descriptions of the rise of Dumbledore, the wizarding world refuses to acknowledge the rise of Voldemort.
The Ministry, in an attempt to wrest control of Hogwarts, deploys Dolores Umbridge as the next DATDA teacher. She is later promoted to High Inquisitor. She changes the school into a quasi-dictatorial regime and refuses to teach students the practical way of defending themselves, limiting them to the basics using theory books as a tool. He is persuaded into teaching his classmates the high-level charms and curses he has learned. Harry learns of a prophecy about himself and Voldemort and also discovers the telepathic connection between him and Voldemort. As the novel enters the climax, Harry and his friends are locked into a battle between themselves and the Death Eaters. They are on the losing end when reinforcements in the form of the Order arrives. The Death Eaters are defeated but Sirius Black dies in the process. Harry is devastated and rushes after Bellatrix Lestrange, the murderer. At this moment, Voldemort appears and Harry is in hot water. The timely arrival of Dumbledore, however, saves Harry's life. The truth of the return of Voldemort is confirmed in the wizarding world.
The 6th books has a smaller focus on Voldemort and places a larger role on Snape and Malfoy (Harry's rival). Snape is the new DATDA teacher and a new teacher, Horace Slughorn, replaces him as Potions teacher. Harry did not think he would be doing Potions for NEWT level and did not buy the necessary books and equipment. Harry borrows a textbook from Slughorn and discovers the book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince. The Prince has annotated along the sides of the book, refining the potion-making techniques and hence, making Harry into a Potions pro.
Harry discovers his true feelings for Ginny Weasley (Recall: Book 2). He fears the friendship between Ron and him would become strained because of this. Ron starts dating Lavender Brown (Gryffindor girl), causing a rift between him and Hermione. The rift is healed only when Ron get poisoned by some mead planted probably to kill Dumbledore. This leads to Harry suspecting that Draco Malfoy has joined Voldemort and is the instigator of this. No one believes Harry, however.
Dumbledore and Harry starts to have some private lessons between them. Throughout the year, the Pensieve (Object that stores past memories) to explain Voldemort's past. A memory Harry obtained from Slughorn confirms a suspicion of Dumbledore - that Voldemort has split his soul into 7 parts. This is Voldemort's attempt at immortality and 6 of the 7 fragments are magically stored in objects and these are known as Horcruxes. Two of the 6 have been destroyed, them being the diary of Tom Riddle in Book 2 and Voldemort's grandfather ring, destroyed in this very book. The remaining Horcruxes are suspected to be Salazar Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, two artefacts belonging to Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw and Voldemort's pet snake Nagini.
I'll skip the irrelevant details (KISS SCENE). As we enter the climax of the book, Harry is notified that Dumbledore has located one of the Horcruxes and requests that Harry follows him on this quest. They travel to a cave and retrieves the locket but Dumbledore has been severely weakened by a magical potion used to protect the locket. They arrive back at Hogwarts to see Voldemort's mark, or the Dark Mark hovering over the Astronomy Tower. At the very top, Dumbledore is confronted by Draco. Draco admits that he was the mastermind behind the attacks and that he was ordered by Voldemort to kill Dumbledore to save his own life. He is unable to bring himself to kill Dumbledore but Snape comes and murders Dumbledore there and then. Harry is enraged and pursues Snape. Snape finally admits that he is the Half-Blood Prince before he disapparates (teleport).
Harry recovers the locket but discovers that the locket is a fake and that the real one had been stolen by someone with the initials R.A.B. The year ends with Dumbledore's funeral and his wand is buried next to him. Harry, Ron and Hermione decide not to return to Hogwarts the next year and to hunt for Horcruxes instead.
THE END.
You definitely want to know whats going on and how Harry and his buddies hunt down the Horcruxes.
Thats why you should definitely read the books. The next post would be the review on the FINAL book. Have fun waiting!
zyle;
The 5th book finally shows Voldemort taking action. The novel begins with Harry and his cousin Dudley being attacked by Dementors (Recall: Book 3). In order to save them, Harry performs the Patronus and in turn violates the wizarding law of underage wizardry. He is notified that he has been expelled from Hogwarts and is devastated. However, he is notified soon after that the ban has been suspended and that he needs to attend a disciplinary hearing. Furthermore, from the previous book (Goblet of Fire), we know that Voldemort has rised again. Dumbledore reactivates the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society found by Dumbledore himself, in response to Voldemort's rise. However, despite Dumbledore's belief in Harry's word and Harry's vivid descriptions of the rise of Dumbledore, the wizarding world refuses to acknowledge the rise of Voldemort.
The Ministry, in an attempt to wrest control of Hogwarts, deploys Dolores Umbridge as the next DATDA teacher. She is later promoted to High Inquisitor. She changes the school into a quasi-dictatorial regime and refuses to teach students the practical way of defending themselves, limiting them to the basics using theory books as a tool. He is persuaded into teaching his classmates the high-level charms and curses he has learned. Harry learns of a prophecy about himself and Voldemort and also discovers the telepathic connection between him and Voldemort. As the novel enters the climax, Harry and his friends are locked into a battle between themselves and the Death Eaters. They are on the losing end when reinforcements in the form of the Order arrives. The Death Eaters are defeated but Sirius Black dies in the process. Harry is devastated and rushes after Bellatrix Lestrange, the murderer. At this moment, Voldemort appears and Harry is in hot water. The timely arrival of Dumbledore, however, saves Harry's life. The truth of the return of Voldemort is confirmed in the wizarding world.
The 6th books has a smaller focus on Voldemort and places a larger role on Snape and Malfoy (Harry's rival). Snape is the new DATDA teacher and a new teacher, Horace Slughorn, replaces him as Potions teacher. Harry did not think he would be doing Potions for NEWT level and did not buy the necessary books and equipment. Harry borrows a textbook from Slughorn and discovers the book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince. The Prince has annotated along the sides of the book, refining the potion-making techniques and hence, making Harry into a Potions pro.
Harry discovers his true feelings for Ginny Weasley (Recall: Book 2). He fears the friendship between Ron and him would become strained because of this. Ron starts dating Lavender Brown (Gryffindor girl), causing a rift between him and Hermione. The rift is healed only when Ron get poisoned by some mead planted probably to kill Dumbledore. This leads to Harry suspecting that Draco Malfoy has joined Voldemort and is the instigator of this. No one believes Harry, however.
Dumbledore and Harry starts to have some private lessons between them. Throughout the year, the Pensieve (Object that stores past memories) to explain Voldemort's past. A memory Harry obtained from Slughorn confirms a suspicion of Dumbledore - that Voldemort has split his soul into 7 parts. This is Voldemort's attempt at immortality and 6 of the 7 fragments are magically stored in objects and these are known as Horcruxes. Two of the 6 have been destroyed, them being the diary of Tom Riddle in Book 2 and Voldemort's grandfather ring, destroyed in this very book. The remaining Horcruxes are suspected to be Salazar Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, two artefacts belonging to Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw and Voldemort's pet snake Nagini.
I'll skip the irrelevant details (KISS SCENE). As we enter the climax of the book, Harry is notified that Dumbledore has located one of the Horcruxes and requests that Harry follows him on this quest. They travel to a cave and retrieves the locket but Dumbledore has been severely weakened by a magical potion used to protect the locket. They arrive back at Hogwarts to see Voldemort's mark, or the Dark Mark hovering over the Astronomy Tower. At the very top, Dumbledore is confronted by Draco. Draco admits that he was the mastermind behind the attacks and that he was ordered by Voldemort to kill Dumbledore to save his own life. He is unable to bring himself to kill Dumbledore but Snape comes and murders Dumbledore there and then. Harry is enraged and pursues Snape. Snape finally admits that he is the Half-Blood Prince before he disapparates (teleport).
Harry recovers the locket but discovers that the locket is a fake and that the real one had been stolen by someone with the initials R.A.B. The year ends with Dumbledore's funeral and his wand is buried next to him. Harry, Ron and Hermione decide not to return to Hogwarts the next year and to hunt for Horcruxes instead.
THE END.
You definitely want to know whats going on and how Harry and his buddies hunt down the Horcruxes.
Thats why you should definitely read the books. The next post would be the review on the FINAL book. Have fun waiting!
zyle;
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Book Review: Harry Potter Series Part 2
Hi guys I'm back.
This will be the second edition of the book review on the Harry Potter series. Well, from my previous post, the first two books have been briefly summarised. Just a basic recap. Harry found out he was a wizard. He saw Voldemort. They fight. Harry wins. The end. Okay, now onto the third book. Some say that this book was the most boring book in the series. You shall be the judge of that in due time. In this book, a new character is introduced and his name is Sirius Black. Black is supposedly a Dark wizard that murdered 13 wizards with one spell. However, this is all just a facade. Not to spoil it now, lets dive into the magical world of Harry Potter.
The third book is the only book in the whole series that does NOT feature Lord Voldemort. This is the third year Harry is in the magical world and he is loving it. However, he finds out that a mass murderer in Azkaban has escaped and is targeting him (Azkaban is the jail for wizards). This mass murderer is none other than Sirius Black. Black is supposed to have a hand in the deaths of Harry's parents. Harry is obviously angry at Black and swears to get vengeance. However, as Black was a notorious mass murderer, the Ministry of Magic (yes there is one) deploys the guards of Azkaban to locate Black. These foul creatures are called Dementors and the drain the life out of people. Their most dangerous weapon is the Dementor's Kiss where they suck the soul out of a living being. Harry is extremely vulnerable to the Dementors but he seeks help from the new DATDA (Defence Against the Dark Arts) teacher, Remus Lupin, on how to overcome this troubling matter. Now to cut the long story short, Harry finds out that Sirius was not the actual traitor and that another close friend of Harry's parents, Peter Pettigrew, maligned Black and was the real murderer of the 12 people (He was thought to have been killed by Black). Black and Lupin collaborates to take down Pettigrew once they find him. However, as they were about to kill him, Harry stops them from tainting their clean hands. He suggests taking Pettigrew back to the castle to clear Black's name. However, on the way back to the castle, disaster strikes. A full moon appeared and Lupin transformed into a werewolf (Harry found out earlier on). Black holds Lupin back but Pettigrew has taken the opportunity to escape. Black ends up getting badly injured and Dementors descend on him to perform the kiss and leave him in a state of neither life or death. As Harry knelt by him, somebody produced a Patronus (Charm used to drive away the Dementors). Harry thinks that it is father who produced the Patronus. Harry faints. Sirius is captured and is held in custody. Harry, in order to save Sirius, travels into the past with Hermione via a Time-Turner. All the scenes that happened before are reenacted and Harry finds out he was the one that actually performed the Patronus. He saves Sirius and happily ever after. I do agree it may be boring but this is necessary as it eventually builds up to the most important scenarios in the series.
Now, moving on. The fourth book has achieved good reviews and this book is definitely more exciting than the previous one. Two new wizarding schools are thrown into the mix as the Hogwarts prepares to host the Triwizard tournament, a dangerous tournament that was once banned. It also introduces a telling character in the form of new DATDA teacher Alastor Moody, aka Mad-Eye Moody. The novel begins with Harry's infamous lightning-shaped scar begins to hurt as he discovers a connection between him and Voldemort. Harry is currently with the Weasleys at the Quidditch (Wizard sport) World Cup where the Death Eaters (Voldemort's underlings) run riot and sends the entire camp into chaos. Harry is lost in the crowd but he sees a strange man shooting something into mid-air. He is attacked by a group of Ministry wizards who suspect him for shooting the Dark Mark (Earlier mentioned, Voldemort's sign). However, he is proved innocent. Nevertheless, this signifies the impending rise of Lord Voldemort once again. Harry returns to Hogwarts where he learns about the Triwizard tournament from Dumbledore. Harry doesn't want to get involved and is sort of relieved to hear that only students aged 17 and above would be able to participate in this tournament and vie for eternal glory. The two other schools arrive at the scene and the Goblet of Fire is unveiled, signalling the start of the tournament. One student of each school would be chosen to fight and take on this arduous quest. Eventually, the three chosen ones were Viktor Krum representing Durmstrang, Fleur Delacour representing Beauxbatons and Cedric Diggory from Hogwarts. However, we all know that the story cannot continue without Harry being involved and the Chosen One, his nickname, is thrown into the mix and has to complete as once chosen, you cannot back out. Therefore, Harry has no choice but to compete in the tournament. There will be three tasks to be completed and all completes it with relative ease. However, after the second task, the overall-in-charge of this tournament Bartemius Crouch is found dead. Something is wrong and there is an enemy within the ranks of the wizards in Hogwarts. The last and final task is a maze and Harry and Cedric makes it to the cup together. However, upon touching the Cup, they are teleported into the scene of Harry's recent nightmares (I mentioned that Harry's scar was hurting). It was the graveyard where Voldemort's father was buried. Cedric was killed by Pettigrew immediately and Harry is caught. There is a cauldron where Pettigrew starts performing a ritual and chanting and incantation. The potion in the cauldron is ready and Voldemort rises from the cauldron reborn. He calls forth the Death Eaters and he tortures them for not searching for him. Voldemort challenges Harry to a duel and through some bizarre occurrence, their spells connect. Harry reaches for Cedric's body and grabs the Cup, teleporting him back to Hogwarts. This is where they found out Mad-Eye was a fraud and that he was a Death Eater in disguise. Dumbledore now knows that the Dark Lord or Voldemort has rised again. The story ends with a toast to Hagrid and the students heading back to their respective homes.
Well, this is the third and fourth book of the series and I hope you are ready for more.
Zyle;
Monday, August 16, 2010
Book Review: Harry Potter Series Part 1
Hi all, this is my first post and it will be a review of the whole Harry Potter series.
As most of you know, the Harry Potter series has achieved global acclaim, selling 400 million copies worldwide. Imagine that. There must be something within this seven thrilling books that draws the reader to read more and desire to know what is coming next, to satiate their taste for more. Read on.
Important characters:
Harry Potter (duh)
Lord Voldemort
Albus Dumbledore
The Books:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
First, a simple introduction of the protagonist of this whole series, undoubtedly Mr Harry James Potter. Harry Potter was a baby when his parents were killed by the antagonist of the series, Lord Voldemort. Voldemort tried killing Harry Potter but his curse rebounded and it left him in a near-death state, and only leaving Harry with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. He reaches instant fame in the wizarding world for ending the reign of terror of Lord Voldemort. Howeverr, at the request of his patron, Dumbledore, he lives with his relatives, totally ignorant of his past and that he was actually a wizard.
If I were to talk and go into specifically all seven books in the series, it would take me ages to complete the review. Hence, I would just give a brief summary of each book. In the first book, Harry discovers the truth of his past and that he was a wizard. He leaves his relatives and heads for Hogwarts, his actual home in his opinion. However, he is thrown into a frenzy as one of the teachers has fallen victim to Voldemort. The teacher, Quirrel, has allowed Voldemort to share his body. Quirrel tries and plans to finish Harry Potter but is thwarted time and time again. However, Harry knows that Voldemort is seeking the Philosopher's Stone as it contains the Elixir of Life which will give him immortality. Harry then seeks out this elusive stone to stop Voldemort from rising once again. He ends up in the dungeons where he enters a trap door guarded by a Cerberus. He overcomes obstacle after obstacle created to protect the stone alongside his two mates, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. He eventually makes it to Quirrel but he is all alone as his friends have fallen before the final obstacle. In the final room, stood Quirrel and a magical mirror. As Harry stands before the mirror, the stone is magically transported into Harry's pocket. Harry tries to bluff his way through but Voldemort sees through his bluff. Thereafter, a battle ensues between Harry and Quirrel, which Harry obviously prevails as Quirrel is unable to touch Harry. Voldemort leaves Quirrel to die. However, Harry faints and ends up in the school hospital. The stone was destroyed and Harry returned to his relatives for a another long and dreadful summer.
Onto the second book. The second book involves a 50 year-old mystery in the school. The main characters in this book are once again Voldemort, Harry, and Hagrid (Harry's good friend). The mystery begins as strange words appear on the walls of the school, saying that the heir of Slytherin will kill all the Muggle-borns in the school (Muggles are normal humans like you and me). Harry discovers a diary and finds more about the myth through the memories stored within the diary. He learns about Tom Marvolo Riddle and how he blamed Hagrid for the accident that occurred 50 years ago. He also finds out that he can understand snakes. Soon after this strange wordings appear, numerous cases of petrification occurs and Hermione was one of the victims. However, when Harry goes to see her in the hospital, they discover a note clutched in her hand. She has found out the creature responsible for the petrification occurrence within the school. She determines accurately that the creature, in this case the Basilisk, is moving around the school via the piping systems and it is released through a specific female toilet in the school. Suddenly, Ron's sister Ginny has been taken away by the heir of Slytherin and the teaching staff unanimously votes for the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher to settle the issue. However, the teacher is found to be a fraud and Harry and Ron has no choice but to take action themselves. They enter the Chamber but is separated through a freak accident. Harry has to venture into the Chamber alone and finds Ginny's body and the diary lying lifeless on the floor. He discovers she is unconscious but soon after, Tom Marvolo Riddle appears. Harry finds out that Tom is actually a memory from the book and is Lord Voldemort himself. Tom unleashes the Basilisk to kill Harry. Harry is obviously unable to challenge a monstrous snake but Dumbledore's pet phoenix appears in the nick of time to give Harry a weapon. The weapon is a sword made for Godric Gryffindor himself and Harry uses it to kill the Basilisk but he is unfortunately bitten by the snake. However, the phoenix cries into the wound and magically heals it. Harry uses the fang of the snake to stab the diary and therefore removing the memory trapped within the diary. All is saved and the novel ends here.
As most of you know, the Harry Potter series has achieved global acclaim, selling 400 million copies worldwide. Imagine that. There must be something within this seven thrilling books that draws the reader to read more and desire to know what is coming next, to satiate their taste for more. Read on.
Important characters:
Harry Potter (duh)
Lord Voldemort
Albus Dumbledore
The Books:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
First, a simple introduction of the protagonist of this whole series, undoubtedly Mr Harry James Potter. Harry Potter was a baby when his parents were killed by the antagonist of the series, Lord Voldemort. Voldemort tried killing Harry Potter but his curse rebounded and it left him in a near-death state, and only leaving Harry with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. He reaches instant fame in the wizarding world for ending the reign of terror of Lord Voldemort. Howeverr, at the request of his patron, Dumbledore, he lives with his relatives, totally ignorant of his past and that he was actually a wizard.
If I were to talk and go into specifically all seven books in the series, it would take me ages to complete the review. Hence, I would just give a brief summary of each book. In the first book, Harry discovers the truth of his past and that he was a wizard. He leaves his relatives and heads for Hogwarts, his actual home in his opinion. However, he is thrown into a frenzy as one of the teachers has fallen victim to Voldemort. The teacher, Quirrel, has allowed Voldemort to share his body. Quirrel tries and plans to finish Harry Potter but is thwarted time and time again. However, Harry knows that Voldemort is seeking the Philosopher's Stone as it contains the Elixir of Life which will give him immortality. Harry then seeks out this elusive stone to stop Voldemort from rising once again. He ends up in the dungeons where he enters a trap door guarded by a Cerberus. He overcomes obstacle after obstacle created to protect the stone alongside his two mates, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. He eventually makes it to Quirrel but he is all alone as his friends have fallen before the final obstacle. In the final room, stood Quirrel and a magical mirror. As Harry stands before the mirror, the stone is magically transported into Harry's pocket. Harry tries to bluff his way through but Voldemort sees through his bluff. Thereafter, a battle ensues between Harry and Quirrel, which Harry obviously prevails as Quirrel is unable to touch Harry. Voldemort leaves Quirrel to die. However, Harry faints and ends up in the school hospital. The stone was destroyed and Harry returned to his relatives for a another long and dreadful summer.
Onto the second book. The second book involves a 50 year-old mystery in the school. The main characters in this book are once again Voldemort, Harry, and Hagrid (Harry's good friend). The mystery begins as strange words appear on the walls of the school, saying that the heir of Slytherin will kill all the Muggle-borns in the school (Muggles are normal humans like you and me). Harry discovers a diary and finds more about the myth through the memories stored within the diary. He learns about Tom Marvolo Riddle and how he blamed Hagrid for the accident that occurred 50 years ago. He also finds out that he can understand snakes. Soon after this strange wordings appear, numerous cases of petrification occurs and Hermione was one of the victims. However, when Harry goes to see her in the hospital, they discover a note clutched in her hand. She has found out the creature responsible for the petrification occurrence within the school. She determines accurately that the creature, in this case the Basilisk, is moving around the school via the piping systems and it is released through a specific female toilet in the school. Suddenly, Ron's sister Ginny has been taken away by the heir of Slytherin and the teaching staff unanimously votes for the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher to settle the issue. However, the teacher is found to be a fraud and Harry and Ron has no choice but to take action themselves. They enter the Chamber but is separated through a freak accident. Harry has to venture into the Chamber alone and finds Ginny's body and the diary lying lifeless on the floor. He discovers she is unconscious but soon after, Tom Marvolo Riddle appears. Harry finds out that Tom is actually a memory from the book and is Lord Voldemort himself. Tom unleashes the Basilisk to kill Harry. Harry is obviously unable to challenge a monstrous snake but Dumbledore's pet phoenix appears in the nick of time to give Harry a weapon. The weapon is a sword made for Godric Gryffindor himself and Harry uses it to kill the Basilisk but he is unfortunately bitten by the snake. However, the phoenix cries into the wound and magically heals it. Harry uses the fang of the snake to stab the diary and therefore removing the memory trapped within the diary. All is saved and the novel ends here.
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