Those who can, Do, those who can't, Teach
(general exposition)
How many of you have heard of the above phrase?
The adage is attributed to Bernard Shaw who came up with in "Maxims for Revolutionists". And of course, because of the word "Teach", people like me, have become the butt of many a joke. It seems to imply that the educators are a breed of inept, inefficient and irrational people...
It seems to imply that those who end up in the teaching profession are people who have failed, or would likely end up as failures.
Does that mean that teachers are not the movers and shakers of the world? That those who teach do so because they can't "Do"? ....that the people who are supposedly to open up young minds, and 'mould the future', cannot become successful in the things they do?
I have heard many who have risen , and proudly proclaim "I made it through my own effort."..."or there was nothing I learnt in school that made me what I am" ..."School did not prepare me for life."....sigh.
So am I one of 'those who can't" ?
I speak in defence of people who are in the profession because they CAN DO....the people with the passion, and the knowledge...the skills, the committment...and the conviction that they do make a difference in the life of others. They TEACH...because they CAN...and they are among the best out there...the quiet, unobstrusive warriors and heroes.
Today
I learn to understand
Who I am
What I am
and Why I am the way I am...
The child, the adult, the rebel, the peacemaker
The friend, the adversary, the student, the teacher...
The roles I play are deep within my being.
I can choose...
to be who I am
what I want to be
How I want to be me...
To be the person who I really am
will change my sea of red to green to blue
I must learn to let go...
If I am to be really me....
(Dee - Nov 2008)
P/S: Today I had affirmation from one whose opinion really matters. Even though others may not think so, I rest assured...I am grateful
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
20 Questions
20 Questions
Hahahaha...I never thought I would succumb to doing something mindless.
But I guess this is what stress can do to a person. It has been quite a pressure-cooker week (ya...even though the students are out of school. ) Plus, my turtles have been kidnapped, and my chocolates have also been held for ransom. (Please J & C, please , please do not hurt my shelled friends. This weekend, I will get the Prestats to assure the safe return of my flippered ones)
So here is my way of releasing all that pent up emotions.
(who invented these pseudo-quack questions anyway?)
1. Do you have secrets?
Hello...do you think only those who are in the secret service and spy services
lead a life of mystery, espionage and double-dealings?
Of course I have secrets....my secret stash of chocolates...er...more chocolates..
and where to find the best chocolates! (shhhhh....)
2. Would you fall for a guy much older than you?
Alamak...will my hubby kill me? Of course I would...there's Pierce Brosnan,George
Clooney, Richard Gere...all the dashing, suave and debonair types lah. Well, my
Significant Other is a year older...so that is evidence right?
3. Do you enjoy going to school?
Er...can I skip this one? You heard the joke about this mother who has trouble
waking up her son. He will roll in bed, and make all kinds of excuses. Finally
she told him., "Hey...you cannot skip school. You are the Principal!" kekekeke
4. What will you do if you win a billion dollars?
Wah..inflation has hit us.In the past, questions like this would only talk about
winning a million bucks. Now that will not even buy a tiny apartmentin some areas
in Singapore...back to the question. Can I buy an island and lead a hermit's
life with that kind of money? (second option is to buy the Hershey, Ben & Jerry's
& Cadbury companies)
5. Will you ever fall in love with your BF's stead?
It took me a while to figure out these teen terminologies. BF apparently has
nothing to do with BO...but in my time, a 'stead' is a piece of property that you
own, or stake a claim on. So tell me, exactly how much did your BF pay for her
'stead'...only if he is worth a billion dollars, yes, then I will fall in love
with him.
6. If you have to choose between your BoyF, and your BestF, who would you choose?
Tsk...tsk...tsk...how values have changed...again in the past, you had to choose
between saving a parent and a BF. Hey, I have the best solution. I married my BF
is indeed my BF!
7. What is the one thing you desire now?
Geesh...I am 'materialistic' and I cannot make up my mind.
It is a toss up between a huge tub of Ben & Jerry's chocolate ice-cream and a one-
carat diamond I have been eyeing...But I think with that amount of money, B&J wins
8. What makes you extremely happy?
This is a no-brainer...see answer # 7.
9. What makes you angry?
Sigh...creators such such questionnaires doesn't understand...I get upset when I
do not get what I want in #7. (and warning to J&C...give me back my turtles or
I turn into the Incredible Hulk!)
10.What are your favourite colours?
Ah...does kaleidoscope counts?...red and yellow, green and blue, purple and orange
and pink and rose and amber and rust and...someone told me that my rainbow has
more than 7 colours of the spectrum. Colours tell my moods.
Ok...I shall stop here. I do not think I have the energy to do such wacky stuff right now. It is a lot of hard work answering these questions.
But if you want to find out more about how much of an oddball and nutty character I am, you can try to tag me on some of these stuff...
Hehehe...can I tag Sandra and Nissa?
Hahahaha...I never thought I would succumb to doing something mindless.
But I guess this is what stress can do to a person. It has been quite a pressure-cooker week (ya...even though the students are out of school. ) Plus, my turtles have been kidnapped, and my chocolates have also been held for ransom. (Please J & C, please , please do not hurt my shelled friends. This weekend, I will get the Prestats to assure the safe return of my flippered ones)
So here is my way of releasing all that pent up emotions.
(who invented these pseudo-quack questions anyway?)
1. Do you have secrets?
Hello...do you think only those who are in the secret service and spy services
lead a life of mystery, espionage and double-dealings?
Of course I have secrets....my secret stash of chocolates...er...more chocolates..
and where to find the best chocolates! (shhhhh....)
2. Would you fall for a guy much older than you?
Alamak...will my hubby kill me? Of course I would...there's Pierce Brosnan,George
Clooney, Richard Gere...all the dashing, suave and debonair types lah. Well, my
Significant Other is a year older...so that is evidence right?
3. Do you enjoy going to school?
Er...can I skip this one? You heard the joke about this mother who has trouble
waking up her son. He will roll in bed, and make all kinds of excuses. Finally
she told him., "Hey...you cannot skip school. You are the Principal!" kekekeke
4. What will you do if you win a billion dollars?
Wah..inflation has hit us.In the past, questions like this would only talk about
winning a million bucks. Now that will not even buy a tiny apartmentin some areas
in Singapore...back to the question. Can I buy an island and lead a hermit's
life with that kind of money? (second option is to buy the Hershey, Ben & Jerry's
& Cadbury companies)
5. Will you ever fall in love with your BF's stead?
It took me a while to figure out these teen terminologies. BF apparently has
nothing to do with BO...but in my time, a 'stead' is a piece of property that you
own, or stake a claim on. So tell me, exactly how much did your BF pay for her
'stead'...only if he is worth a billion dollars, yes, then I will fall in love
with him.
6. If you have to choose between your BoyF, and your BestF, who would you choose?
Tsk...tsk...tsk...how values have changed...again in the past, you had to choose
between saving a parent and a BF. Hey, I have the best solution. I married my BF
is indeed my BF!
7. What is the one thing you desire now?
Geesh...I am 'materialistic' and I cannot make up my mind.
It is a toss up between a huge tub of Ben & Jerry's chocolate ice-cream and a one-
carat diamond I have been eyeing...But I think with that amount of money, B&J wins
8. What makes you extremely happy?
This is a no-brainer...see answer # 7.
9. What makes you angry?
Sigh...creators such such questionnaires doesn't understand...I get upset when I
do not get what I want in #7. (and warning to J&C...give me back my turtles or
I turn into the Incredible Hulk!)
10.What are your favourite colours?
Ah...does kaleidoscope counts?...red and yellow, green and blue, purple and orange
and pink and rose and amber and rust and...someone told me that my rainbow has
more than 7 colours of the spectrum. Colours tell my moods.
Ok...I shall stop here. I do not think I have the energy to do such wacky stuff right now. It is a lot of hard work answering these questions.
But if you want to find out more about how much of an oddball and nutty character I am, you can try to tag me on some of these stuff...
Hehehe...can I tag Sandra and Nissa?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle...when the bough breaks
I always feel so happy when I get in touch with the kids I have not met or heard from for so long. This time, through one of the networks out there, "Sally" got in touch with me.( I do not think I want to use her real name at the moment...for you will understand the reasons as you read on.
"Cher, you still remember me? I am married now, and I have a darling little girl. I promise you that I will protect her so much so that she will never have to go through the things I experienced. Thank you for helping me move on." This was the message that accompanied a picture of her hugging a cute toddler.
Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree top
Sally...
Sally is still imprinted in my mind as a 13-year-old...Sally, the pretty little girl, but with the saddest limpid eyes. My Sally who did not trust easily, cowered when spoken to, and could not bear anyone to go near her. Sally may not have spoken much verbally, but her writing revealed so much.
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When Sally turned 15, she came out of her cocoon. There was such a transformation that I was puzzled. She found her voice; her spirit, and she rebelled. She literally could raise hell. I remembered talking to her parents...who promised that they would "rein her in"
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
I found that they had been reining her in oh for so long. Once, during her wild outbursts, I took her aside. Like a deflated balloon all out of gas, she collapsed, and that was when I saw the long gashes to her legs. And the marks on her back...and the black and blue bruises here and there.
Down will come baby, cradle and all.
So that was how I found out about the physical and mental abuse. Back then, if such things happen within the family, the matter somehow was kept under wraps. She went on to live with her aunt, and quietly completed her education...and I never heard from her again...until yesterday.
The hand that rocks the cradle...as a parent,a mother, I simply cannot imagine how one can turn against your own flesh and blood. Man prides himself as being better than animals...because he is able to think and rationalize. But Man who prey on their offsprings are not better than the wild beasts...at least the animals that kill and eat their young do it for survival reasons.
It's scary.
Having children is one of the hardest(yet rewarding) responsibility that comes with marriage and parenthood. You are obligated to love, care for, nurture, protect the child you bring into the world. Yet many are shirking from fulfilling these. Some even go to the extent of becoming the monsters who haunt their children for life.
I know many of you have read "A Child Called IT", "Damaged" and so on. Let me tell you...there are many more untold stories just like these...more heart-wrenching than those.
If you are interested...try looking out for the articles on Kelsey Briggs...of how she lost her young life at three...by the hands that rock the cradle.
Sally, I am happy for you...and I believe that you will truly be a great mother to your child.
Dear God,
Please protect all the children of the world, the innocent, the trusting, the innocent souls. Give the wisdom to parents and adults who look after them so that they will do their best to raise their little ones in the best way ever. Ameen
"Cher, you still remember me? I am married now, and I have a darling little girl. I promise you that I will protect her so much so that she will never have to go through the things I experienced. Thank you for helping me move on." This was the message that accompanied a picture of her hugging a cute toddler.
Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree top
Sally...
Sally is still imprinted in my mind as a 13-year-old...Sally, the pretty little girl, but with the saddest limpid eyes. My Sally who did not trust easily, cowered when spoken to, and could not bear anyone to go near her. Sally may not have spoken much verbally, but her writing revealed so much.
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When Sally turned 15, she came out of her cocoon. There was such a transformation that I was puzzled. She found her voice; her spirit, and she rebelled. She literally could raise hell. I remembered talking to her parents...who promised that they would "rein her in"
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
I found that they had been reining her in oh for so long. Once, during her wild outbursts, I took her aside. Like a deflated balloon all out of gas, she collapsed, and that was when I saw the long gashes to her legs. And the marks on her back...and the black and blue bruises here and there.
Down will come baby, cradle and all.
So that was how I found out about the physical and mental abuse. Back then, if such things happen within the family, the matter somehow was kept under wraps. She went on to live with her aunt, and quietly completed her education...and I never heard from her again...until yesterday.
The hand that rocks the cradle...as a parent,a mother, I simply cannot imagine how one can turn against your own flesh and blood. Man prides himself as being better than animals...because he is able to think and rationalize. But Man who prey on their offsprings are not better than the wild beasts...at least the animals that kill and eat their young do it for survival reasons.
It's scary.
Having children is one of the hardest(yet rewarding) responsibility that comes with marriage and parenthood. You are obligated to love, care for, nurture, protect the child you bring into the world. Yet many are shirking from fulfilling these. Some even go to the extent of becoming the monsters who haunt their children for life.
I know many of you have read "A Child Called IT", "Damaged" and so on. Let me tell you...there are many more untold stories just like these...more heart-wrenching than those.
If you are interested...try looking out for the articles on Kelsey Briggs...of how she lost her young life at three...by the hands that rock the cradle.
Sally, I am happy for you...and I believe that you will truly be a great mother to your child.
Dear God,
Please protect all the children of the world, the innocent, the trusting, the innocent souls. Give the wisdom to parents and adults who look after them so that they will do their best to raise their little ones in the best way ever. Ameen
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
You Reap What You Sow
“Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny”
- R.W. Emerson (?) or C. Reade (?)
I am still trying to find the real source of where those powerful lines came from. At this moment, it does not really matter. The bottom line is, if you think this through, you'll realise how simple , yet profound the message is.
You reap what you sow....basically speaking, the metaphor of planting is so appropriate...for the whole imagery of growth sprouts from there. Anything that is nurtured with lots of love, care, concern and a firm but fair hand, will thrive. A plant that is left to fend on its own will shrivel and die.
But at a higher level...
It talks about one being accountable and responsible for our own self.
"It all begins with me"...and the conscious choices that I make.
The power of intention comes from a single thought or idea. If we choose to think positive, our actions will then become positive...if we think otherwise, we then allow ourselves to act negatively. Our lookout does determine how we behave and do things.
I look up to the great men of the world...Lincoln, Gandhi, Mandela...so many others. Did they really become great? No...these men 'walked the talk'...living out and embodying the values they believe in. Was it fate that made them great...or did their character shaped their greatness? I truly believe that in the latter...for they all began as ordinary beings.
It is the positive attitude that enables them to see beneath the hardships and challenges so that they will not give up until they accomplish what they want. It is as if they are the masters of their fates; the captains of their souls. The difference perhaps between the ordinary, and extraordinary is that little "extra' - where they tell themselves to remain calm, stoic and resolute. That is the high level of expectation they had for themselves.
What is the purpose of today's random thoughts?
Just a timely reminder for me to think of what I have to think and do.I had an interesting proposal today. It seems that should I leave my current profession, some people deem that I may be worth more $100 per hour. Should I be reflecting $$$ in my eyes?
Hmmm...that's something to mull over.
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny”
- R.W. Emerson (?) or C. Reade (?)
I am still trying to find the real source of where those powerful lines came from. At this moment, it does not really matter. The bottom line is, if you think this through, you'll realise how simple , yet profound the message is.
You reap what you sow....basically speaking, the metaphor of planting is so appropriate...for the whole imagery of growth sprouts from there. Anything that is nurtured with lots of love, care, concern and a firm but fair hand, will thrive. A plant that is left to fend on its own will shrivel and die.
But at a higher level...
It talks about one being accountable and responsible for our own self.
"It all begins with me"...and the conscious choices that I make.
The power of intention comes from a single thought or idea. If we choose to think positive, our actions will then become positive...if we think otherwise, we then allow ourselves to act negatively. Our lookout does determine how we behave and do things.
I look up to the great men of the world...Lincoln, Gandhi, Mandela...so many others. Did they really become great? No...these men 'walked the talk'...living out and embodying the values they believe in. Was it fate that made them great...or did their character shaped their greatness? I truly believe that in the latter...for they all began as ordinary beings.
It is the positive attitude that enables them to see beneath the hardships and challenges so that they will not give up until they accomplish what they want. It is as if they are the masters of their fates; the captains of their souls. The difference perhaps between the ordinary, and extraordinary is that little "extra' - where they tell themselves to remain calm, stoic and resolute. That is the high level of expectation they had for themselves.
What is the purpose of today's random thoughts?
Just a timely reminder for me to think of what I have to think and do.I had an interesting proposal today. It seems that should I leave my current profession, some people deem that I may be worth more $100 per hour. Should I be reflecting $$$ in my eyes?
Hmmm...that's something to mull over.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Ties That Bind
Yesterday, I attended the birthday party of one of my nephews. It was a family affair, but because my sis-in-law comes from a rather large family, Jeff's cousins from his mother's side amounted to more than 17 (I think). So the event was a noisy, happy affair.
As a child, I was never lonely. Grandma's house was a hive of activity most of the time, filled with endless chatter and the fragrant smell of freshly-pounded spices. I have many cousins (35 in total), and there was a bunch of us who were especially close because the age gap is minimal.
Oh how wonderful it was to have so many playmates and partners-in-crime. Back in the good old days where we had almost no electronic games...or even toys (hey, money was hard to come by), we still had the time of our lives. A little creativity and a streak of adventure were all that you would need to fill up your time.
There were enough of us to form 2 soccer teams. The leaders, Abang Amir, and Abang Aman made sure that no one was left out...and that the girls were never seen as weaklings. There were no stereotypical games...
With them, I learnt how to go into the big drains, and look for longkang fish...I built paper boats which we floated and held our mini races. We raced against trishaws, and took part in every possible dare....from climbing the drainpipes, to jumping the 'yeye' ropes and "lestik" (catapult) the lizards off the walls.
The boys taught the rest of the girls to be brave and resilient. They taught us how to physically fight, so that no one would dare bully us. We arm-wrestled, held our ground when we were stared at, and put on a brave front should anyone try to intimidate. Through them, I knew how to look for spiders, and tell the difference between the 'kang' and 'boo'...and I knew how to spit at open wounds to stop the bleeding. Being the daredevil, I climbed on to rickety zinc roofs, and once, slept right in the middle of a road...
On the other hand, the guys gave in to the girls when we decided to play 'home' or 'masak-masak'. We girls subjected them to baby-sitting our make believe dolls, and they learn to sing songs which girls only croon.
We had more than our fair share of squabbles and petty jealousies...but we also knew how to apologise and make up.
On the eve of Hari Raya, my grandma's humble abode became the most valued property on earth. Household chores became fun, because we were doing them together...amid the teasings and easy banter. We may not have the grandest decorations, or the brightest fairy lights...but there was so much love around that we never realised how 'financially deprived' we were. We just had each other...and that was enough.
I am not sure why I am feeling nostalgic at the moment.
It's just the idea how important family (both close and extended) is to me.
Almost all of my cousins are grown, and with families of their own. But I am so proud to say that the same closeness is still fostered and perpetuated today. Grandma may be gone, but she left us with such a rich legacy. We know, that through good and bad times, we will always have the family.
Pray for today:
Dear God, Thank you for my family...who have given me unwavering support. Thank you for the people who accepts me for who I am, and will put me in my place should I ever forget my roots. I remember Grandma, and I really, really miss her. Bless her soul, for she was truly the anchor who held all of us together.
Please allow my children to share the same joy and comfort of leading a simple and fulfilled life. Remind them of the ties that bind...must always be looked after, for they can also be the ties that break easily in today's society. - Ameen
As a child, I was never lonely. Grandma's house was a hive of activity most of the time, filled with endless chatter and the fragrant smell of freshly-pounded spices. I have many cousins (35 in total), and there was a bunch of us who were especially close because the age gap is minimal.
Oh how wonderful it was to have so many playmates and partners-in-crime. Back in the good old days where we had almost no electronic games...or even toys (hey, money was hard to come by), we still had the time of our lives. A little creativity and a streak of adventure were all that you would need to fill up your time.
There were enough of us to form 2 soccer teams. The leaders, Abang Amir, and Abang Aman made sure that no one was left out...and that the girls were never seen as weaklings. There were no stereotypical games...
With them, I learnt how to go into the big drains, and look for longkang fish...I built paper boats which we floated and held our mini races. We raced against trishaws, and took part in every possible dare....from climbing the drainpipes, to jumping the 'yeye' ropes and "lestik" (catapult) the lizards off the walls.
The boys taught the rest of the girls to be brave and resilient. They taught us how to physically fight, so that no one would dare bully us. We arm-wrestled, held our ground when we were stared at, and put on a brave front should anyone try to intimidate. Through them, I knew how to look for spiders, and tell the difference between the 'kang' and 'boo'...and I knew how to spit at open wounds to stop the bleeding. Being the daredevil, I climbed on to rickety zinc roofs, and once, slept right in the middle of a road...
On the other hand, the guys gave in to the girls when we decided to play 'home' or 'masak-masak'. We girls subjected them to baby-sitting our make believe dolls, and they learn to sing songs which girls only croon.
We had more than our fair share of squabbles and petty jealousies...but we also knew how to apologise and make up.
On the eve of Hari Raya, my grandma's humble abode became the most valued property on earth. Household chores became fun, because we were doing them together...amid the teasings and easy banter. We may not have the grandest decorations, or the brightest fairy lights...but there was so much love around that we never realised how 'financially deprived' we were. We just had each other...and that was enough.
I am not sure why I am feeling nostalgic at the moment.
It's just the idea how important family (both close and extended) is to me.
Almost all of my cousins are grown, and with families of their own. But I am so proud to say that the same closeness is still fostered and perpetuated today. Grandma may be gone, but she left us with such a rich legacy. We know, that through good and bad times, we will always have the family.
Pray for today:
Dear God, Thank you for my family...who have given me unwavering support. Thank you for the people who accepts me for who I am, and will put me in my place should I ever forget my roots. I remember Grandma, and I really, really miss her. Bless her soul, for she was truly the anchor who held all of us together.
Please allow my children to share the same joy and comfort of leading a simple and fulfilled life. Remind them of the ties that bind...must always be looked after, for they can also be the ties that break easily in today's society. - Ameen
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Original Teen Couple?
The Greatest Love Story of All
Yea...
For years I have been trying to entice the kids to read good old Willy Shakespeare. Their excuses for not doing so have ranged from "It's written in a dead language" to "How can the works fit into our contemporary life?"
Sigh...they never know what they are missing.
Then...it all came together. Why not show the kids that the angst and heartaches of the first love they lament about are really nothing new? And that the source of inspiration for many a teenage love story of forbidden love can actually be traced to a great ( yet 'ancient') love story? {[a little poetic license here - there is the tale of Pyramus & Thisbe]}
Yes kiddoes...move over Troy and Gabriella (or Edward & Bella)
Presenting the most well-known of all star-crossed lovers - Romeo and Juliet.
(er...the classes I teach will be more familiar with the shepherd boy Angelo and his girl).
Falling in love for the first time is an exhilarating, confusing, intoxicating and special experience. It's walking into unknown territory...and while you feel compelled to do give in to every impulsive you feel, you need to carefully make your way through the minefield of unpredictable emotions at the same time. It's worse for a teenager...whose hormones at different parts of the body do not work in tandem with rational thoughts. (Yes...I confess...I did do many, many, many stupid things donkey years ago too...!)
Anyway, what I managed to do was to get Zarifah interested in the plot first. Then I told her about the movie versions available. There are many...but I want to get you hooked to the Franco Zeffirelli's version....watch it before you read the book.
According to my girl, she loves the Romeo who looks likes Zac Efron , and watch out for one of the most beautiful girls who managed to capture the essence of what Juliet must have been like...Olivia Hussey.
If you watch the clips on Youtube...do not be put off by the words...just watch the actions, and the expressions of the young lovers...
And the young men out there, you may learn a thing a two about chilvary, and the language of love.
But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!
(Romeo & Juliet - Act 2 Sc II)
Which girl (...make that which woman) would not swoon, at such a tribute?
Hehehehehe....be still my heart.
The clip is rather long...but let me tell you, it's worth it.
Enjoy.
Yea...
For years I have been trying to entice the kids to read good old Willy Shakespeare. Their excuses for not doing so have ranged from "It's written in a dead language" to "How can the works fit into our contemporary life?"
Sigh...they never know what they are missing.
Then...it all came together. Why not show the kids that the angst and heartaches of the first love they lament about are really nothing new? And that the source of inspiration for many a teenage love story of forbidden love can actually be traced to a great ( yet 'ancient') love story? {[a little poetic license here - there is the tale of Pyramus & Thisbe]}
Yes kiddoes...move over Troy and Gabriella (or Edward & Bella)
Presenting the most well-known of all star-crossed lovers - Romeo and Juliet.
(er...the classes I teach will be more familiar with the shepherd boy Angelo and his girl).
Falling in love for the first time is an exhilarating, confusing, intoxicating and special experience. It's walking into unknown territory...and while you feel compelled to do give in to every impulsive you feel, you need to carefully make your way through the minefield of unpredictable emotions at the same time. It's worse for a teenager...whose hormones at different parts of the body do not work in tandem with rational thoughts. (Yes...I confess...I did do many, many, many stupid things donkey years ago too...!)
Anyway, what I managed to do was to get Zarifah interested in the plot first. Then I told her about the movie versions available. There are many...but I want to get you hooked to the Franco Zeffirelli's version....watch it before you read the book.
According to my girl, she loves the Romeo who looks likes Zac Efron , and watch out for one of the most beautiful girls who managed to capture the essence of what Juliet must have been like...Olivia Hussey.
If you watch the clips on Youtube...do not be put off by the words...just watch the actions, and the expressions of the young lovers...
And the young men out there, you may learn a thing a two about chilvary, and the language of love.
But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!
(Romeo & Juliet - Act 2 Sc II)
Which girl (...make that which woman) would not swoon, at such a tribute?
Hehehehehe....be still my heart.
The clip is rather long...but let me tell you, it's worth it.
Enjoy.
Be True to Thyself
It's been quite a while since I last read up my lectures notes. Just as reading Maxwell gives me a kick, I found myself pondering over basis of economic and educational philosophy.
The theories the great Gurus present, truly rational, reflective and deep thinking at their best...but most talk about the ideal state. From Aristotles, to Kant to Mills, to Marx (and even recently...Greenspan who sadly admitted mea culpa). To me, Man is not God...and thus perfection does not exist.
We speak of a need to uphold Virtues and Values...I remember a wise speaker who addressed a crowd of educators and said this:
"I speak to you, not as a man of authority. I speak to you as an ordinary man; as a father to my children. I ask of you to be mindful of your role. Please , you are the one of the last bastions of virtues. Keep giving the children some anchors for life."
Wow...do you know what a tall order that can be?
But I felt rather saddened by his words...for the image of the "last bastion" is indeed a frightening one. Is that really a responsibility we have to take on with our hearts and soul?
One of the hardest virtues to uphold, I think, is Integrity.
What is it to be a person of integrity?
If it means being true to myself...I wonder if I can really do that...what with my mood swings, my insecurities, my shortcomings, my flaws. The strength of character is something I must work on. I need to lead myself first...in order to be able to lead others.
Have I been true to myself?
I wonder...not only in actions, in thoughts , in words...in the very things I believe it.
Hmmm...
I think it is time to pick up my 'bag' and go on that road to rediscovering myself...again. And as I do know, I will stop occasionally to ponder and wonder, to ask and learn. So come on Dee, get moving...you may really find that it is possible to fly.
P/S: Some of you will ask why the change in blogskin...Zarifah says I need a change...the old one was getting jaded. Sob...sob... I love the old skin...But this one is not too bad...for this one has the comment feature. So please feel free to add comments if you want to....even on my older entries.
The theories the great Gurus present, truly rational, reflective and deep thinking at their best...but most talk about the ideal state. From Aristotles, to Kant to Mills, to Marx (and even recently...Greenspan who sadly admitted mea culpa). To me, Man is not God...and thus perfection does not exist.
We speak of a need to uphold Virtues and Values...I remember a wise speaker who addressed a crowd of educators and said this:
"I speak to you, not as a man of authority. I speak to you as an ordinary man; as a father to my children. I ask of you to be mindful of your role. Please , you are the one of the last bastions of virtues. Keep giving the children some anchors for life."
Wow...do you know what a tall order that can be?
But I felt rather saddened by his words...for the image of the "last bastion" is indeed a frightening one. Is that really a responsibility we have to take on with our hearts and soul?
One of the hardest virtues to uphold, I think, is Integrity.
What is it to be a person of integrity?
If it means being true to myself...I wonder if I can really do that...what with my mood swings, my insecurities, my shortcomings, my flaws. The strength of character is something I must work on. I need to lead myself first...in order to be able to lead others.
Have I been true to myself?
I wonder...not only in actions, in thoughts , in words...in the very things I believe it.
Hmmm...
I think it is time to pick up my 'bag' and go on that road to rediscovering myself...again. And as I do know, I will stop occasionally to ponder and wonder, to ask and learn. So come on Dee, get moving...you may really find that it is possible to fly.
P/S: Some of you will ask why the change in blogskin...Zarifah says I need a change...the old one was getting jaded. Sob...sob... I love the old skin...But this one is not too bad...for this one has the comment feature. So please feel free to add comments if you want to....even on my older entries.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
