Friday, June 20, 2008


This picture depicts a scene in an area being hit by a natural disaster, flood. this can be seen as all the place wherethe people are in are surrounded with water. From their skin colour, I suppose that they are africans. Base on the areaand the cloths that the people are wearing, i can tell that their family are not very well of.
The little boy in grey seem to be crying as I can see from his facial expression. He might be afraid as the flood hasreached his height and therefore, he is unable to stand in the water. But fortunately, I suppose, his releative or maybehis father is taking care of him. As the boy is still young, he needs someone to look after him or else he will just be drowned to death or die of hunger if he cannot find food in order to survive. The two of them might be looking for some safe places to rest or a dry area, awating for the rescue workers to arrive.
The man behing should also either be a relative of the man and the little boy or a fellow villager whose village has been struck my the flood. He seemed to be also heading along the same way as the man and the little boy. He is also carrying some things on his back. I suppose they are some food so that he can eat while awaiting for the rescue workers to arrive.
Upon looking at this picture, I feel very fortunate that I am able to live in Singapore. Singapore is situated in a good geographical location which is not prone to lots of natural disasters. That is why Singapore is not often hit by natural disasters. Although so, Singaporeans should not take for granted. We should help those people out there whose country is being hit by all the natural disasters.


This picture depicts a scene in an area being hit by a natural disaster, flood. this can be seen as all the place wherethe people are in are surrounded with water. From their skin colour, I suppose that they are africans. Base on the areaand the cloths that the people are wearing, i can tell that their family are not very well of.

The little boy in grey seem to be crying as I can see from his facial expression. He might be afraid as the flood hasreached his height and therefore, he is unable to stand in the water. But fortunately, I suppose, his releative or maybehis father is taking care of him. As the boy is still young, he needs someone to look after him or else he will just be drowned to death or die of hunger if he cannot find food in order to survive. The two of them might be looking for some safe places to rest or a dry area, awating for the rescue workers to arrive.

The man behing should also either be a relative of the man and the little boy or a fellow villager whose village has been struck my the flood. He seemed to be also heading along the same way as the man and the little boy. He is also carrying some things on his back. I suppose they are some food so that he can eat while awaiting for the rescue workers to arrive.

Upon looking at this picture, I feel very fortunate that I am able to live in Singapore. Singapore is situated in a good geographical location which is not prone to lots of natural disasters. That is why Singapore is not often hit by natural disasters. Although so, Singaporeans should not take for granted. We should help those people out there whose country is being hit by all the natural disasters.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Lloyd's Picture Discussion!




    This illustration portrays a scene in the city streets. This photograph should be taken in the city of Singapore, judging from the people and trishaws. The traffic sign at the back of the background is definitely from Singapore. The sign ambiguously imparts that pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the road. From this I infer that the traffic in this road can be heavily congested at times thus pedestrians are discouraged from jaywalking across the road.

    The road is rather wet and slippery from the reflection of puddles of water on the road in a fine weather, thus I deduce that a downpour has just stopped. In the background there are visibly three trishaws, followed by more further behind. Riding on these trishaws seem to be a group of tourists who are visiting Singapore, as they seem fascinated by the attractions around them.

    The lady in the middle, riding on the first trishaw is looking bewilderedly in the sky. She should be around the age of an aunt, from the way she is modestly dressed. She seems to be reluctant to answer anyone, thus showing an disregarded expression towards the public. The driver of the trishaw the lady is riding on is staring at her. He appears to be speaking to her, and in a manner that she is unwilling to listen. I reckon the driver is preaching the lady about her attitude.

    The plump man riding on the second trishaw is beaming brightly with exuberance. He should be engaged in a entertaining conversation between his friends and the drivers. In my opinion, I like to be engaged in conversations like these where everybody is chatting and joking away happily, as this will greatly improve the bonds and relationships between friends and families. Moreover, it will definitely help to reduce stress and pressure after a long day's work or studies. This makes me reminisce a period of time when I had loads of homework undone yet I was able to relieve myself from all the stress by chatting and joking with my friends. From there I was able to complete my homework with a lighter heart.

    The young man on the third trishaw seems to be the youngest of the tour group. Apparently, he is holding on to a digital camera as he smiles while looking at it. From this I can deduce he must be satisfied with the beautiful photographs of the sceneries he have taken. He should be hoping to be able to share the photographs with his family and friends when he return to his country. In my opinion, taking photographs as memories is very essential as we might not have the chance to tour very often. I am inclined to think that photographs are a sense of achievement as looking at them will make me feel gratified that I have been to that specific area before.

    These trishaws used for sightseeing today are rather advanced and improved compared to the plain and simple ones that were used as transportation in the past. Installed on the trishaw is a overhead cover which can be folded when not in use. In my opinion, this will enhance sightseeing as the sceneries will not be blocked as much. There is even a sound horn installed for the drivers to honk whenever they need the vehicles or pedestrians to make way. These features has brought much more convenience and I feel that the government has played a part in improving the standards of jobs and living, thus showing a distinct advancement of this developing city.

    The bunch of drivers seems to be colleagues, from their similar attire and elderly age. In my opinion, a trishaw is definitely exhausting to maneuver, as it requires manual paddling in order to accelerate. With the passengers in addition, being a driver is definitely enduring, yet these senior citizens strive hard to complete their tasks, regardless rain or shine. From this I can infer that these aged men are still determined, strong and fit, pedalling their way to make a living.

    I recall watching a online video from YouTube three middle-aged foreigners filmed themselves bullying a old Singaporean rickshaw driver at Clarke Quay. The three men were mocking and laughing away at how slow the driver was pedalling, ignorant of how enduring and exhausting it is to pedal, even at such an age. After a while they got off and claimed that they do not have enough money for the service fee of five dollars, and even hopped on a cab, leaving the old man alone in the middle of the streets. In my opinion, the old man only demanded for five dollars for his service yet these men who were able to pay for a more expensive service, were reluctant. I feel that this has shown to us how unfilial and immoral these adults are, and it tells me that they do not have at all, basic respect and are totally shameless people. I hope that they would put themselves into the old man's shoes and do some soul searching, realising that making a living through trishaw services is not easy.

    In conclusion, I feel that this photograph has been taken for several meanings. The expressions of the tourists promotes the attractions and landmarks of Singapore, thus inviting more guests and visitors to tour in our country. Moreover, trishaw rides are not frequently found in many countries, thus the viewers of this photograph may be interested in the traditions of Singapore. Lastly, I am sure the trishaws and the drivers that are focused on in this photograph have a special meaning. Whether I remember the situation of the old trishaw driver bullied, or respect these men who toiled their way to make a living, I must definitely thank them on what they have done for the society and wish them the best in their career life and health.

Photo Details
Link: http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=3&p=29476
Date Taken: 2004-01-05

Lloyd Teo, 41, 3D

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Picture Discussion




This picture should be depicting a scene in India, judging from the dark skin colour of the four women in the picture and their traditional Indian clothing, Sari. In the picture, these four women seem to be close to each other, thus perhaps they are a family or are neighbours as they are seated close together and do not look like strangers to each other. The group of women is crying their hearts out and they seem devastated. All four of them look exceptionally heartbroken, with their sorrowful looking eyes and their mouths in the shape of crying.

From the depressing look on their faces, I can deduce that perhaps a natural disaster of flood or tsunami has just occurred not long ago. The background of the picture shows bits and pieces of shattered bricks, which is probably a result of the flood and the reason for causing the women to weep sorrowfully as their precious homeland has been destroyed by the flood. Furthermore, it could be supported by my geographical knowledge that a flood has taken place as India’s geographical location causes it to be prone to flooding and tsunamis. It should also be the enormous power of the water that has caused the collapse of their houses.

Upon seeing this sight, I feel pitiful and sympathize for them but at the same time, I also feel fortunate for myself. I sympathize and pity with them for having lost their homes and perhaps, even their family members, as the picture does not seem to show the presence of their family members. This brings me to think how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore, located at a good geographical position that is being shielded by neighbouring countries and thus have minimum or even no possibility of occurrence of natural disaster.

The picture had given me an obligation to help the victims of natural disasters, to do my part in whenever and whatever is possible. Also, this picture reminds me of the more recent natural disaster that has taken place in China, Sichuan province where strong earthquakes had occurred. The video footages and photos of the victims have really proven that victims of natural disasters really require help and the same goes to the women in the picture.

Lastly, I think that after this scene medical help would be arriving soon to fetch them to temporarily shelters while reconstruction work would take place soon to restore the homes of the victims as fast as possible and I hope that they would be brave and aim to reconstruct their home to aid them in surviving their darkest period of life.


This picture depicts a group of people in the middle of a road during night time . A vehicle can be seen at the right side of the picture . The top of the vehicle has been torn off and the windows are all dented and broken . I guess there had been an accident not long before this picture is taken . There is a person in a black sweater and a pair of jeans lying on a stretcher . I believe he is one of the victim from the car accident . Crowding around him is eight men in uniform . Judging from their attire , I think that six of them in black-white stripes attire are the medics that are saving the injured and the other two are cops that came forward to inquire about the accident . All of them are checking on the injured .

Another medic is not far the crowd . Perhaps he might be waiting for the victim to be pushed there so that he can , together with other medics , carry the injured man up to the ambulance and send him to the hospital . On the floor beside him is a hood that might be from the crashed vehicle . Looking at the hood i guess the accident happened with a great impact that caused the hood to detach from the vehicle . However , the impact is not too big as i guess that there is no fatality in this accident . A medic can be seen at the rear of the vehicle . Probably , there might be other victim involved in this accident but was not taken in the picture .

Towards the side of the road , several faces could be seen . They are peering at the injured man . I guess they might be checking in out of curiosity . Either or , they might be also involved in this accident but was injured . On the road , there is a dark patch which could have been done by a car skidding . Perhaps the vehicle was at top speed driving and suddenly lost its balance and crashed onto the sideway of the road . If this is so , it must have been the driver's fault to carelessly speed on road . From this , I have learnt a lesson ;drivers should be responsible on road , it is better to be safe than sorry .

Siewyan (23)

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Bernice's Picture Discussion!

This picture depicts a disaster scene. Judging by the vintage cars in the foreground, I am sure this disaster occurred a very long time ago. Accompanied by stars and bright lights made obvious in the dark sky, I believe it is already night time. I can see that many eye witnesses at the disaster scene are dressed in long sleeved clothing such as trench coats, which is unsuitable for warm weather like Singapore's, so I assume this has happened in a foreign country with cold weather.

The building in the background that has been destroyed partially is big and has many windows, seemingly like a school. From its damage pattern, it does not seem like it has been damaged by natural disasters like earthquakes as not the whole building is affected and the infrastructure nearby are safe as well. This gives me suspicion that the building has been destroyed by means of explosives, like bombs. This can be further confirmed by the scraps of material scattered several metres away from the scene, which shows the impact of the explosion. The affected area has been badly damaged and it looks like it cannot be recovered further. This leaves only half of the building standing. Numerous cranes in the building premises are needed to clear the debris left by the explosion. Many rescue workers can be seen standing atop the debris. They could be looking for survivors under the wreck. I think this may be quite tough as the dark sky may deter them from going deeper into the wreck.

There is a crowd gathered a mere distance from the building. The area does not look like it has been cordoned off, but the people know well to stay safe and keep away from the scene as not to affect rescue operations. I believe these people are concerned about the survival of the people in the building. They may be teachers of the school or even friends and family members of children still not found in the wreck as they have been given priority to go near the disaster scene. They must be eager to hear news of survivors, yet it would be sad to know that someone has been killed.

There are about ten vintage vehicles parked disorderly in the area. They do not seem to have been damaged, thus I infer that these vehicles drove in later after the blast. The one in the foreground on the left of the picture even has its headlights on. The middle vehicle in the foreground seems to have a tank and coiled hoses on it. It may be the water supply for survivors to clean up themselves. Right beside it is a wheelbarrow with a piece of cloth hung on its rim. This could also be part of the cleaning equipments. Upon the same vehicle are a man and a woman. They could be medical helpers waiting to help survivors. They are paying close attention to the scene in case help is needed.

There is a lady in the foreground dressed in uniform and wearing a hat. She looks like a police in her smart attire. She seems to be cordoning off unauthorised people from the scene in order not to affect rescue works. The people seem to be looking at the disaster scene in distress. I think it must have been a blow to them that such a terrorizing incident has occurred in their hometown. It must be very saddening as the lives of many students and even teachers could be lost in this cruel bombing attempt.

I believe the photographer's intention of taking this photo is to show how such hazards can happen anytime and anywhere when we are caught unaware. It is a form of warning to us about the extent of terrorist attacks. Even though this disaster happened a long time ago, we are still witnessing such attacks. An example is the 9/11 hijacking incident. Even though sometimes such attacks cannot be foreseen, I believe good security should be enough to prevent strangers from doing misdeeds. As for the friends and families of victims of the disaster, I offer my condolences.

Picture credited to: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/railroad/other/newlondon.html



This picture depicts a scene of a masked figure confronting many heavily armed military police. The masked figure holds a lighted explosive in one hand, which will most likely be thrown towards the police. I believe this is happening in a riot, where the military police have arrived to try and stopped the rioting people.

From the picture, I see that the masked figure is alone. His companions could have abandoned him at the sight of the armed military police, or he could be the last person left in his riot party.

I can see that the armed military police's shields are somewhat dented. This suggests that they was already there for quite sometime, and have successfully suppressed some of the rioting people.

This picture makes me think. Do they have the need to cause a riot? Do they not wish for a peaceful life? Is it the people's fault for causing a riot or is it the government's fault for making them unhappy? I personally feel that both party have some fault in the happening of this event. Maybe there really is things that cannot be settled without resorting to causing many people's injuries and deaths. But is it really necessary? I believe not.

Done By: Lim Wei Siang, No. 35 from Class 3D.