More Themes....

Adventure: Life as a Perilous Journey Robinson Crusoe goes to sea in search of high adventure rather than lead a humdrum life in England. He finds more than his share of adventure on several ships in stormy seas, in several countries on two continents, and on an island on which he must tame nature, learn survival skills, and fight savages. In some ways, he represents every man on his journey through life, as did Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, coping with many dangers and ultimately returning home after a long time.



Importance of Religion
Robinson Crusoe not only discovers the world–or a goodly part of it–during his adventures. He also discovers the importance of religion in his life. Once a lukewarm Christian, he becomes a devout Christian after interpreting stormy seas as signs of God's displeasure and after becoming marooned and struggling through an illness. He writes:
I daily read the word of God, and applied all the comforts of it to my present state. One morning, being very sad, I opened the Bible upon these words, "I will never, never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Immediately it occurred that these words were to me; why else should they be directed in such a manner, just at the moment when I was mourning over my condition, as one forsaken of God and man? "Well, then," said I, "if God does not forsake me, of what ill consequence can it be, or what matters it, though the world should all forsake me, seeing on the other hand, if I had all the world, and should lose the favour and blessing of God, there would be no comparison in the loss?"

Freedom and Slavery
In the beginning of the novel, Robinson Crusoe yearns to be free and independent. When he goes to sea, he escapes the prison of ordinary life in England. In the rest of the novel, Crusoe repeatedly struggles for freedom–from an angry sea, from pirates who capture him, from an empty pocketbook, from a foundering ship, from fear and hunger, from the confines of his island. Others seek freedom as well, including mutineers, their captives, and the captives of cannibals. Ironically, Crusoe tolerates and benefits by people who know no freedom, slaves.



Colonialism and Capitalism
In the second half of the 17th Century, when the action in the novel takes place, European companies vied for control and exploitation of colonized lands around the world. Crusoe appears to represent this imperialist spirit, first when he goes to Guinea, next when he travels to Brazil and opens a plantation, and finally when he becomes "king" of an island.



Self-Reliance
Crusoe learns to depend on his wits and talents to survive. On his island, he makes furniture, grows crops, and tames and uses animals.



Loneliness vs.Solitude
Crusoe’s loneliness on the island evolves into solitude. Being alone terrified him when he arrived; later, aloneness became desirable. Theologian Paul Tillich once observed, “Language has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone, and the word solitude to express the glory of being alone.” Crusoe came to appreciate the glory of being alone. His anxiety at discovering a human footprint is therefore quite understandable.

Main themes

The theme of a novel refers to the main idea or concern in a story.

Courage and Determination

Robinson Crusoe’s parents want him to become a lawyer but Crusoe is
determined to become a sailor. He leaves home without his parents’
blessing and works hard to become a good sailor.
He shows great courage when he escapes from his Turkish master.
He ensures he has guns and food before he escapes.
When he is shipwrecked on a deserted island, Crusoe overcomes great
obstacles to survive. He struggles alone in order to carry food, equipment
and other materials from the ship so that he can make a life for himself until
he is rescued. He builds two homes, a raft and a canoe. He is also able to
make tools and plant enough food for himself and his companions.
He shows great courage when he saves Friday, Friday’s father, the Spaniard
and the second English sea captain. He does all this
at the risk of being captured and eaten by the cannibals!


Importance of Hard Work
It is important to work hard as this makes you disciplined and successful
in life. Robinson Crusoe is a good example of a man who is fearless,
positive and hard-working. Instead of complaining about his fate,
he looks at the situation and does what is needed to make the situation
better. For example, he salvages useful items from the sinking ship,
makes a canoe and safe shelters for himself, and hunt for food.
He creates a comfortable life for himself and is able to survive on
the island for twenty-eight years.

Friendship and Loyalty
Humans need friendship and good relationships with others.
When Crusoe runs away to London, he makes friends with
a ship’s captain who grows to like and trust him. He teaches
Crusoe mathematics and navigation until Crusoe becomes a good sailor.
Crusoe is a friendly and sociable person. The captain invites
Crusoe to go with him to Guinea, thus starting Crusoe’s involvement
in business and sailing. Crusoe also makes many friends while farming in Brazil.
When Crusoe gets shipwrecked on the island, he is desolate
and miserable. Deprived of human company, he finds comfort
and companionship with two dogs he rescues from the shipwreck,
the parrot and the cats.
During his twenty-fifth year on the island, he manages to
save a savage from a group of cannibals who land on the island.
This man is so grateful that he wants to be Crusoe’s slave.
However, Crusoe prefers him to be a friend. Crusoe teaches
him to eat animal flesh, speak English and share his religious beliefs.
Friday, as Crusoe calls him, becomes his faithful companion and friend.
Crusoe also becomes a friend to the Spanish and English mutineers
who were left on the island. He solves their disputes
and helps them to form friendships with each other.

Relationship with Nature
Humans are part of Nature and, therefore, should live and work
harmony with Nature. Crusoe is a man at peace with Nature.
He loves the sea and the outdoors. So when he is marooned
on the island and finds himself alone with only Nature
as his companion, he adapts easily.
He is quick to use things from Nature to help him survive.
He uses the trees and plants to build himself a canoe and
homes, ant to provide him with food.



Sub-Themes / Minor Themes
Gratitude
Friday is dedicated to Crusoe, the man who saves
him from being eaten by the cannibals.
The second English ship’s captain is grateful
to Crusoe for rescuing him from the mutineers.

Power and Control
Crusoe lives on the deserted island for twenty-eight years.
He makes it his comfortable home. He has control over Nature there.
During his rescue of Friday, he kills a cannibal. A grateful Friday
is willing to be his slave. Crusoe teaches Friday to speak in
English and about his religious beliefs. Thus, Crusoe has power over Friday.
Crusoe is viewed as owner and lord of the island. Crusoe is also
able to bring peace between the Spanish and the English
living on the island. He divides the island between the two
groups and this proves his control over the island and its inhabitants.

Faith in God
Robinson Crusoe has great faith in God. He does not give up
hope when he is shipwrecked and finds himself all alone
on a deserted island. His faith that God will sustain him
through the many trials in life keeps him going.
Crusoe says, ‘All… God for an answer.” (p. 41, para. 3)
Crusoe’s strong belief in God is also seen when he teaches
Friday about the goodness and power that comes with having faith in God.
Good versus Evil
Robinson Crusoe shows that good triumphs over
evil when he helps Friday to escape from the cannibals.
Crusoe also teaches Friday about God’s
goodness and how it triumphs over the Devil’s evilness.
The mutineers who are disloyal to their captain are
finally overcome by the ‘good’ forces of Crusoe and Friday.

Themes

Fear Robinson Crusoe must overcome his fear in order to survive his long ordeal on the deserted island. The trial by fear begins when he runs about like a madman, scared of every shadow, and sleeps in a tree with a weapon: "fear banished all my religious hope, all that former confidence in God." He quickly realizes that he must recover his wits and reason if he is to survive.
     At several points in the narrative, Crusoe is almost overwhelmed by his fear of the unknown. It propels him to colonize the island, securing his shelter and becoming self-sufficient. His ability to funnel his fear into productivity and creativity allows him to survive under extreme conditions.
    Crusoe masters his fear when he faces the ultimate challenge — the devil. Investigating a cave, he is met by a pair of eyes. At first scared, he realizes that he can confront this enemy just like he has met every other challenge on the island. "He that was afraid to see the devil, was not fit to live twenty years in an island all alone."
    With that, he rushes in to confront the devil and discovers a dying goat. He has passed his trial. Had he not faced his fears, he would have run away in full belief that the devil lived in that cave. Instead, he investigates and confronts his fear.



Human Condition
Robinson Crusoe is a meditation on the human condition, and an argument for challenging traditional notions about that condition. Finding himself alone in a deserted island, Crusoe struggles to maintain reason, order, and civilization. His "original sin" is his rejection of a conventional life. When he leaves England for a life on the high seas, he refuses to be "satisfied with the station wherein God and Nature hath placed" him.
    Crusoe struggles with — and eventually triumphs over — nature. The book suggests that this struggle is at the heart of human nature: man is on earth to triumph and gain profit from nature. Any profit makes sense in this view of the world, whether that means getting just one plank out of a huge tree or building a boat too heavy to bring to the water. Once Crusoe is able to overcome his fear and subdue nature is rewarded handsomely.



Money
Consistent with Defoe's writings on economics, money is an important theme in Robinson Crusoe. At the beginning of the narrative, Crusoe details how much money he has, what he does with it, and what he gains by his actions.
     On the island, money loses all value. Crusoe has to find another way to measure his worth. While rummaging through a ship for salvage he laments aloud at the sight of some money, "O Drug! what are thou good for." At that point he realizes that just one knife is worth more than money. Usefulness is the key to evaluation of worth.
     Crusoe's hope of returning to England is symbolized by these tokens of civilization — on the island, the money is only a reminder of his old life and he treasures it as a memento. In all of his other endeavors he freely admits his success or failure. But as a merchant, he knows that though separated from the world now, he can only reconnect with it if he has money. Once he returns to London, his old reliance on money returns.



Industrialization
Industrialization is defined here as a process whereby humans channel the forces of nature into the production and manufacture of goods for their economic consumption. This industrialization is Crusoe's occupation, according to his cultural background and his religion. He immediately sets out to be productive and self-sufficient on the island.
       By the time of Robinson Crusoe, most villages were experiencing labor specialization. People began to buy bread instead of baking it. Thus Crusoe has to relearn many of these arts to survive. With practice, Crusoe is able to increase the level of industrialization on his island.
       Crusoe has a few implements with which he is able to reconstruct a semblance of civilization as well as create more advanced technology. While building his house, he notes that every task is exhausting. In brief, he praises the idea of "division of labor" as he describes cutting timber out of trees, bringing the wood from the trees to the construction site, and then constructing his shelter. He soon devises labor-saving devices, thus increasing his efficiency and productivity.
      The necessity of a sharp ax leads Crusoe to invent his own foot-powered sharpener. He has "no notion of a kiln," but he manages to fire pottery. He needs a mill for grinding his grain, but not finding a proper stone, he settles for a block of hard wood. The entire process of baking his own bread spurs a realization of how wonderful the state of human technology is.
       People take the labor behind the necessities of life for granted when such items can be easily purchased in the market. Crusoe is not suggesting that people return to a world of self-sufficient households. Instead, as he goes about his Herculean tasks, like creating a simple shelf in his house, he comments that a carpenter could have finished the two-day job in an hour. Thus he appreciates the process of specialization that helps make industrialization so successful.

A Joke of An Animal

Siamese are clever. Don't expect your bright Siamese to wait for you to come home before being naughty. They need to keep that brain amused and if you don't leave them copious reading material or some good films about bird watching, your Siamese (even a Siamese kitten) will find amusement wherever they can. I have seen some amazing flower arrangements and indoor gardens created by a bored Siamese. Be prepared to spend time playing.




When they are bad, they are very bad

The 'ugly' side of Siamese cats? Facts can be deceiving and no single Siamese is all bad - although some come close.



A jealous cat? Yes, so best not tease your Siamese or you'll be at the receiving end of sulks for as long as your cat chooses to punish you. To speed the forgiveness process little hors d'oeuvres might eventually be accepted. And please, never fuss over another cat when your Siamese is within earshot. Long after you have forgotten all about it an ambush of historic proportions will be mounted on the surprised rival for your affections.



Please don't let these little details put you off. If this Siamese cat information hasn't put you off, then you may be one of the suitable and special people for whom a Siamese is a welcome addition to the family. I certainly couldn't be without one.

Analogies

Here analogy examples and great analogies explained so you can use them as tools in your writing. There is nothing like an example of analogy to help you in your songwriting.

An analogy is a comparison between two different things so you can point out something about how they are similar. The comparison often is done point by point.

It often is done to explain something not well known by describing something that is known so you can generalize the information from what you already understand to the new thing.

Its a way to provide insight by suggesting existing similarities suggest that there are even more points that are similar.

Using analogies helps the reader to see the logic in your example, perhaps create a visual awareness of what you are talking about and helps them verbalize and understand your suggestion. It transfers information from one particular subject to another.

It does this by inferring the similarity. It does not prove the similarity such as making deductions. What you generally demonstrate is how "a" and "b" is similar somehow to the relationship between "c" and "d".

Here are some more specific example of analogy:

1. glove is to hand as monitor is to computer

2. surfs are to a king as earth is to the sun

3. furs were to north american aboriginals as credit is to a shopper

Notice how there are similarities in the terms used first and the ones that they are compared to. A glove has a similar relation to a hand just as a monitor has to a computer.

Surfs, by similar logic, are similar to the earth, and furs served a similar function in north american aboriginals cultures as credit provides in our shopping world of today.

Analogies show similarities in relationships that you might not first realize but they can be taken too far. At some point if you continue the comparison in too great of detail your comparison breaks down.

You are pointing out similarities, not proving they are exactly the same. They are only suggestions, they do not prove anything but just point out similarities that you might not have noticed.

Analogies are different than metaphors. Analogies set up examples of similar relationships between two things but don't show total likeness. A metaphor does. It tries to turns one thing into another.

In your writing you have to decide how far do you want to go with your example of analogy. Do you just want to show a comparison or do you want to turn one thing into another?

Both have their place. But you must think of the impact on your listeners or readers, use an example of analogy to see what best fits your needs.

Analogies let one object you're comparing have some baggage that doesn't automatically get forced on to the other. A simile also allows you this leeway as you are only saying one thing is "like" another.

But use a metaphor and your second object has to wear all good and the bad baggage in the comparison. Think of the impact when you choose which to use. Hopefully analogy examples will assist you.

from:here

Imperatives

Definition: Imperatives are verbs used to give orders, commands,warning or instructions, and (if you use "please") to make a request. It is one of the three moods of an English verb (indicative, imperative and subjunctive). For example:

• Give me that tape, please.

To make the imperative, use the infinitive of the verb without "to"
For example:

• Come here!
• Sit down!

To make a negative imperative, put "do not" or "don't" before the verb:
For example:

• Don't go!
• Do not walk on the grass.

You can also use "let's" before the verb if you are including yourself in the imperative. The negative of "let's" is "let's not".
For example:

• Let's stop now.
• Let's have some lunch.
• Let's not argue
• Let's not tell her about it.

Orders
Adults do not usually give each other orders, unless they are in a position of authority. However, adults can give orders to children and to animals. The intonation of an order is important: each word is stressed, and the tone falls at the end of the sentence:
For example:

• Sit down now!
  * "Sit", "down" and "now" are all stressed, and the tone falls on "now".

Warnings
You can use the imperative to warn someone of danger. All the words in the warning are stressed, but the last word has a higher tone than the first word:
For example:

• Sit down now!
  * "Sit", "down" and "now" are all stressed, and the tone falls on "now".
• Watch out!
• Look out!
• Don't cross!

Advice
When you give advice using the imperative, the words are stressed normally.
For example:

• Don't tell him you're resigning now! Wait until Monday when he's in a better mood.
• Don't drink alcohol
• Don't eat heavy meals

Requests
You can also use the imperative to make a request, but you should use a polite word before the verb:
For example:

• Please take a seat.
• Please wait here.
• Please hold the line.
• Please don't smoke here.

Notes:
Note that an imperative sentence does not require a subject; the pronoun "you" is implied.

Idioms

Above and beyond – more than what is normally required. The off-duty policeman chased and caught the bag snatcher; his action was above and beyond what was expected of him since he was not on duty at that time.   Beyond the call of duty – in addition to what is required in the normal course of performing one’s job.  The fireman went back to the burning house to rescue the cat; he acted beyond his call of duty.   Above suspicion – having a reputation for honesty that no one would suspect you of wrongdoing. The teacher was elected club treasurer because she is known to be completely above suspicion.   Ace in a hole – something or someone held in reserve to turn things around later. The new recruit is the team’s ace in the hole to improve their standing in the sports competition this year.   Acid test – a test whose result is considered to be conclusive or beyond doubt. The DNA result will be the acid test that will determine if the authorities caught the real culprit in the crime. Across the board – Shared equally by everyone. The company management decided to give salary increases to the employees across the board. Act as someone –  to act or perform, temporarily or permanently, in the capacity of someone else. I’ll act as your interim trainer until your regular trainer comes back from his business trip in the province.   Act of God – an event for which no person is responsible for; a natural event such as typhoon, earthquake, volcanic eruption, lightning, and similar acts of nature. The insurance company did not pay for the damage to their properties because it was caused by an act of God.   Act of war – an intentional act of hostility or violence so severe that war is considered to be an appropriate response. The attack on the Twin Towers in New York was considered by the Americans as an act of war by the terrorists.   Add fuel to the fire – to do something that makes a bad situation worse. The customer is already agitated so do not add fuel to the fire by ignoring his plea for help.   Afraid of one’s own shadow – easily suspicious or frightened. Since you told him of the hair-raising urban legend above the jail escapee he has become afraid of his own shadow. .  After all is said and done – when everything is discussed and acted on. After all is said and done, everyone went home satisfied with the result of the town meeting.   After hours – after the regular or normal time. Jim and Tom hang around the cocktail lounge after hours.   After the fact – after an incident has occurred. Jake expressed remorse for his crime after the fact.   Against someone’s will – to do something without a person’s agreement or consent. You cannot force him to join your activities against his will.   Against the clock – in a race with time; to get something done with urgency.  The doctors operated on the accident victim against the clock

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANTS

1. Like all insects, ants have six legs. Each leg has three joints. The legs of the ant are very strong so they can run very quickly. If a man could run as fast for his size as an ant can, he could run as fast as a racehorse. Ants can lift 20 times their own body weight. An ant brain has about 250 000 brain cells. A human brain has 10,000 million so a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same size brain as a human.

2. The average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days. Ants use their antenae not only for touch, but also for their sense of smell. The head of the ant has a pair of large, strong jaws. The jaws open and shut sideways like a pair of scissors. Adult ants cannot chew and swallow solid food. Instead they swallow the juice which they squeeze from pieces of food. They throw away the dry part that is left over. The ant has two eyes, each eye is made of many smaller eyes.

3. They are called compound eyes. The abdomen of the ant contains two stomachs. One stomach holds the food for itself and second stomach is for food to be shared with other ants. Like all insects, the outside of their body is covered with a hard armour this is called the exoskeleton. Ants have four distinct growing stages, the egg, larva, pupa and the adult. Biologists classify ants as a special group of wasps. (Hymenoptera Formicidae) There are over 10000 known species of ants. Each ant colony has at least one or more queens.

4. The job of the queen is to lay eggs which the worker ants look after. Worker ants are sterile, they look for food, look after the young, and defend the nest from unwanted visitors. Ants are clean and tidy insects. Some worker ants are given the job of taking the rubbish from the nest and putting it outside in a special rubbish dump! Each colony of ants has its own smell. In this way, intruders can be recognized immediately. Many ants such as the common Red species have a sting which they use to defend their nest.

5. The common Black Ants and Wood Ants have no sting, but they can squirt a spray of formic acid. Some birds put ants in their feathers because the ants squirt formic acid which gets rid of the parasites. The Slave-Maker Ant (Polyergus Rufescens) raids the nests of other ants and steals their pupae. When these new ants hatch,they work as slaves within the colony. The worker ants keep the eggs and larvae in different groups according to ages.

6. At night the worker ants move the eggs and larvae deep into the nest to protect them from the cold. During the daytime, the worker ants move the eggs and larvae of the colony to the top of the nest so that they can be warmer. If a worker ant has found a good source for food, it leaves a trail of scent so that the other ants in the colony can find the food. Army Ants are nomadic and they are always moving. They carry their larvae and their eggs with them in a long column.

7. The Army Ant (Ecitron Burchelli) of South America, can have as many as 700,000 members in its colony. The Leaf Cutter Ants are farmers. They cut out pieces of leaves which they take back to their nests. They chew them into a pulp and a special fungus grows it. Ants cannot digest leaves because they cannot digest cellulose. Many people think ants are a pest but I like them. To stop them coming into my kitchen I put some sugar outside. They they have so much to eat that they are not interested in coming into my kitchen.

from:here

ROTI CANAI

Roti Canai is a form of puffed bread served hot with curry or dhal. Tastes best when taken for breakfast or morning tea; eaten with the hand (the 'right' one of course!); accompanied by curry or dhal and washed down with strong, hot, sweet kopi-O (Malaysian style coffee).
Roti canai or roti chennai  is a dish unique to Malaysia, which has its origins lost in the Indian community of those countries. Roti means bread in Hindi (and Malay) The term 'canai' comes from 'channa', a mixture of boiled chickpeas in a spicy gravy from Northern India which it was traditionally served with.

from:here

important of newspaper

Nobody can deny the importance of print media.
Newspapers have become an important accessory of the breakfast table. Newspapers give us information about the world around us. They keep the people in touch with the changes taking place in the world. We also develop cosmopolitan outlook because by reading newspapers we no longer think of our own town or our country rather we think of the world as a whole.

The problems of the world are the problems of human beings on the whole. As a result of it, people develop a better type of outlook. In a democracy the newspapers play a very important role. They keep the people informed of the programmers and policies of the government. Similarly, they also keep the government acquainted with the feeling, desires and grievances of the people. In this way, in a democracy, newspapers play a dual role and try to bridge the gap between the government and the people.

On the other hand, in a dictatorial government newspapers are only one-way media in the hands of the dictator. He tries to promote his own interests through them. In a dictatorship the press is not free as it cannot criticize the government and its policies.

from:here

Benefits of Reading

Reading is basically a psychological activity. This is because, we read with our mind and use our power of imagination to perceive the scene of the melodrama we are reading. We use our mind to feel the struggle that the lead actor experiences as the story goes on. We bring into light the different opinions and ideas brought up by the writer in that personal guide book we are going through.

The habit of regular reading helps us develop a good vocabulary. An extensive reader will have a wide recognition vocabulary. He might not know the exact meaning of every word, but he will have an excellent understanding of the essence of the sentence. Frequent reading enables you become alert and zealous about new words. Some of the regular readers develop the habit of referring the dictionary. Each and every time they come across an unknown word, they try to find out what can be its possible meaning by the context. If they cannot figure it our, they refer to the dictionary.

In the similar fashion, regular reading boosts intellectual curiosity by exposing you to a variety of books. You tend to start reading by reading books of increased complexity and variety. Also, you learn by actually experimenting different things.

from:here

Benefits of reading

For many, reading has many benefits that continue to enhance their lives. Their lives are bettered in some the following ways: mentally, spiritually and sociality. Also, if we develop a habit reading will we become more confident and self assured in abilities to comprehend and understand all types of information. Let's further examine some of the benefits of reading.

One of the other main benefits of reading is that it exercises your mind. Your mind begins to bend and flex mentally, It stays lose and limber so to you can flow easier through the course of the day. The regular routine ensures that the reading muscle stays in good shape as well as the mind. Just like physical exercise, there has to be a determination to make reading part of your life. If you understand the many benefits of reading, you will have no trouble adopting a regular habit of reading.

Reading has other benefits to the regular reader which is the ability to focus. When the mind is trained and channeled, it begins to pay attention more thoroughly. For example, when you are faced with some of life's difficult and challenging assignments, you will have the ability to stay calm and objectively look at the problem, circumstances or required task. If you continue to read, you continue to stay focused; bottom line.
There is perhaps no greater avenue to learning then through reading. All people, great and small, have learned more things by reading then practically anywhere other way. When we continue to read, we have the ability to expand our minds tremendously. We review the pages of knowledge left by those who came before us. We than begin to add to the knowledge as the cycle of humanity continue. The regular routine reading has positively chanced the course many peoples' lives.

Finally, when we develop a practice a habit of reading, we are building solid foundation on which to build. This foundation of reading will allow us to accomplish many goals and ambitions we have for our lives. Our habit of continuing to read helps to ensure we will continue to succeed. Reading has a long and distinguish track record for establishing positive and lasting benefits to humanity.

source from:here

A Hero

A hero thinks of others before they think of themselves
A hero will die to protect
A hero can be of any age, any colour
A hero can be man, woman or child
A hero is courageous, loving and brave
A hero will never complain
A hero can be made in one act of compassion
Or years of tender loving care
Some hero's are remembered, whilst many are left forgotten
Hero's are angels in disguise, saving precious innocent lives 





from:here

Legends of Langkawi
Tasik Dayang Bunting
Tasik Dayang Bunting is a fresh water lake on the island of Dayang Bunting, the second largest in the Langkawi archipelago. There appears to be several versions of the Dayang Bunting legend.

One version has it that Dayang Bunting was a giant guardian spirit that kept watch over the islands. The lady's defenses include her pet lion and poison from the tuba root, potent weapons for her protection. Hence, the two islands closest to Pulau Dayang Bunting, whose silhoutte resembles that of a reclined pregnant giant, are named Pulau Singa Besar (Great Lion Island) and Pulau Tuba (Poisonous Root Island). The story goes that, a group of rude merchants failed to pay the obligatory respects to Dayang Bunting as they passed by the islands. Rudely awakened by the intrusion, she summoned her pet lion to despatch the trespassers. She roused the spirits of wind and water, stirring up a tropical storm that unleashed its fury on the incoming fleet of sailors.
The howling winds and tossing waves threw and dashed vessels on Pulau Jong (Junk Island), hence the remains of wrecked vessels. In the stormy affair, a cargo of black and white water buffaloes escaped to Pulau Gubang Darat (Land Stable Island) and Pulau Gubang Laut (Sea Stable Island) while the white buffaloes sheltered at Pulau Balar (White Water Buffalo Island). Yet other boats, laden with rice, was stranded at Pulau Beras Basah (Wet Rice Island).

In another story, a prince once ate half cooked rice during a wedding feast. He suffered indigestion and farted at two spots now known as Pulau Kentut Besar (big Fart Island) and Pulau Kentut Kecil (Small Fart Island)!

The second version of Dayang Bunting is closely associated with the romantic exploitery of Mambang Sari, a beautiful female genie and Mat Teja, a male genie. Mambang Sari used to frequent the island accompanied by her maids. Their favourite spot was Pasir Teluk Air Tahun and Teluk Lawak. One day Mat Teja saw Mambang Sari and was struck by her beauty. He fell in love with her and used to follow her wherever she went. Once while on a lookout for her, he met Tok Diang an old man from the village. Mat Teja told him of his love for Mambang Sari but just did not know how to reveal this secret. He feared that his love might not be reciprocated.
Tok Diang asked Mat Teja to get the tears of a mermaid from the sea and to wipe them on his face the next time he met Mambang Sari. He did just that and when Mambang Sari saw him she fell in love with him. They often met at various places to enjoy the beauty and serenity of these spots. They became more intimate and as a result Mambang Sari became pregnant.
She chose to retire at Tasik Dayang Beranak (Lake of Born Maiden) to give birth. Unfortunately the child died after seven days. Saddened by the death Mambang Sari took the child's body and threw it into the lake, Tasik Dayang Beranak. The lake later came to be known as Tasik Dayang Bunting. Some people believe the water of the lake possesses some mystical power of helping barren women to bear children.

from here

Plot Diagram

Plot Diagram

The Short Story
This PLOT DIAGRAM shows how the main events in a short story are organized into a plot.

In this activity you will find the main events in the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk." Drag each event to the appropriate point on the plot diagram. 

Take from here.

Interesting Article!!

I have read the history and the feature about aeroplane.Here that I get:
History  OF AEROPLANE
There have been many pioneers in the history of aeroplanes but the first to successfully fly an aeroplane were the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur. Orville and Wilbur were skilled craftsmen and keen experimenters. They owned a business making and repairing bicycles. They were able to bring the value of a scientific approach to the invention of a heavier-than-air machine.

On the 17th of December 1903 they were successful in producing the world's first powered flight. Wilbur ran alongside the plane, Flyer, as Orville took off on the sand dunes outside a town called Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, USA. The flight lasted just 12 seconds and travelled 37 metres. This distance is less than the wingspan of a modern airliner, but it was a major accomplishment at the time.

The brothers received very little recognition in their home country. People were very sceptical about their achievement. On the 8th of October 1908, Wilbur flew their famous plane, Flyer, in front of a large crowd in France. The next day it was all over the French newspapers.
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Why Do Aeroplanes Fly?
Aeroplanes planes are able to fly due to differences in air pressure. When a plane is on the ground, not moving, the pressure around it is the same top and bottom. The downward pressure of gravity is the same as the upward pressure of the ground. The plane has no lift.

A plane on the ground.
The shape of the wing gives the aeroplane the ability to lift of the ground. The wings are more curved on top than they are the bottom. As the wings move through the air, the air that travels over the top of the wings has further to move than the air travelling below. Air that moves faster has lower air pressure than air that moves slower. This means that there is lower air pressure above the wing than below. The result is an upward force or pressure and the plane is able to lift.

A cross section of a wing with air moving over it.
A plane is able to move forward because of the engine powered propellor. As it starts to move forward, the air pressure on the plane starts to change as the air moves over the wings. The upward pressure is now greater than the downward pressure of gravity and the plane starts to lift of the ground and is able to fly.

Reflection

Spending time at Computer Centre is quiet interesting and happy.I went there with my brother.If you want to go there you must remind yourself not to browse the unhealthy website.Remember that!

Daily Log

I just arrived my home and now i'm happy with my family.But,my teacher give many task so can't too relax at home..

Interesting Reading List

About Perak   History Perak means silver in Malay. The name comes most probably from the silvery colour of tin. In the 1890s, Perak, with the richest alluvial deposits of tin in the world was one of the jewels in the crown of the British Empire. However, some say the name comes from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver. The Arab honorific of the State is Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace. As with the other Malay states in the north, Perak was constantly under threat from regional powers. During the 16th century, the Acehnese and the Dutch were the main causes of concern due to Perak's monopoly of tin. In the 18th Century, Perak was then threatened by the Bugis and Siamese. Under the Siamese influence, Sultan Kedah was forced to remove the Sultan of Perak to ensure compliance by the Perak state. The internal turmoil of the succession to the throne between Raja Ismail, Raja Abdullah and Raja Yusuf in 1870 didn’t help the state when it was laden with these external factors. The Chinese began to form factions due to the growth of the tin industry. With the influx of the Chinese, divisions in their parties became evident with the uprising of triads. Unrest occurred during the 1870 s between Hai San clan and Ghee Hin clan that forced British intervention in protecting Perak's interest. Evidently, in 1874, a conference was held on Pangkor Island for the signing of the Pangkor Treaty. Raja Abdullah was elected as the Sultan of Perak under this agreement but the British also appointed J.W.W Birch as the first British Resident. Dissatisfied with the British forceful influence in Perak, the Malays plotted to assassinate J.W.W. Birch in 1875. After the death of Birch, Sultan Abdullah, Dato Sagar, Ngah Ibrahim and Dato Maharajalela were accussed for his murder and were sentence to death or exile. In 1896, Perak joined Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang to form the Federated Malay States until the Japanese invasion. With the withdrawal of the Japanese forces in 1945, the British laid out the Malayan Union scheme before the British Parliament. Under the scheme, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and nine other Malay states were to be united under the Malayan Union. Sir Harold MacMicheal was then entrusted in obtaining the agreements from the Malay Rulers. This significant implication of economic development resulted in the birth of a multiracial society especially with the introduction of the Chinese into the mining area. In opposition to the British plans, the Malays formed the Malayan Union, catalyst for movement for Independence. Sparked by national sentiments, Dato Onn Jaafar formed United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on 11 May 1946. The Malay Federation was founded on 1 February 1948 and on 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved Independence. Economy Perak is a reference to the silvery tin ore from which the state drew its wealth. What was formerly known as the Kinta Valley was heavily mined for centuries. The collapse of the world's tin industry (Perak's main sources of revenue) caused prices to fall sharply and mines had to be closed, forcing Perak to reconsider its future socio-economic strategies. This forced the Perak State Government to make a firm decision to be restructured around agriculture, manufacturing, construction, trade and commerce. Emphasis has also been given to fishing, forestry, cottage industries and tourism. Ipoh is one of the more progressive cities in Malaysia and is fast becoming a focal point of industry, business investment and education. Today, Perak has made the best of its circumstances. The economy is growing through the industrial sector; its sound infrastructure and world class facilities of make it an ideal environment for businesses. Geography Being the second largest State in Peninsular Malaysia (after Pahang), Perak boasts an approximate coverage of 21,000 sq km (6.4% of total land banks in Malaysia). Climate Warm, sunny days and cool nights all year round with occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity usually exceeds 82.3%. Annual rainfall is 3,218 mm. Source:from here

Reflection!

Today I realize that my teacher,Pn.Sharifah is a good English teacher.I haven't done this before at primary school or last year.My teacher said that our learning is interesting because we use the Blog as the exercise book.I think that our school same like the UNIVERSITY!!What a proud achiever!!

Daily Log

Today all SEMEKASRI student go to our own home.I'm so excited to see my parents and my beloved handsome brother.For a long time I didn't see them.So,Happy Chinese New Year and have a good time with family!

Synopsis of Robinson Crusoe

Captain of the Guinea Trading Ship
Arriving in London, Crusoe happens to meet the master of a ship bound for Guinea. The two men become friends, and Crusoe decides to make the journey too. Unfortunately, the man dies en route to Guinea.

Robinson Crusoe

The protagonist of Defoe's fictional autobiography, Crusoe is an adventurous man who rejects the expectations of his family and the constraints of the English middle class for a life on the high seas. After a devastating wreck at sea — of which he is the only survivor — he is forced to live confront his fear about being alone in order to survive the harsh demands of his lonely and solitary existence.
Crusoe is not by nature a brave man. In time, his reason grows sharper and he conquers his fears. In fact, for a time he wanders the island without any weaponry. He learns how to do many diverse tasks, such as making an ax, baking bread, and building an elaborate shelter. When faced with marauding cannibals, he attacks them and rescues their captives. Finally, when he returns to London, he is able to readjust to English life and even gets married and has a family.

Friday

Friday is a native rescued by Crusoe; the young man eventually becomes his loyal servant. He is described by Crusoe as a Creole — a mix of African and Indian — and represents the wildness of nature. Through his relationship with Friday, Crusoe is able to confront his fear of the native people of the region.
When Friday offers to exchange ideas with Crusoe on religion or technology, Crusoe refuses to learn from his knowledge. For example, when they begin to build a boat together, Friday wants to show Crusoe how to burn out the inside. Crusoe, however, insists on the more laborious method of using a hatchet. Crusoe's reluctance to treat Friday as an equal symbolizes general European attitudes toward "the savage."
Eventually, Friday becomes Europeanized, accepting English customs and religious concepts. He symbolizes the process of colonialization.

Old Savage

The Old Savage is one of the captives rescued by Crusoe and Friday; surprisingly, he turns out to be Friday's father. He too pledges allegiance to Crusoe.

Portuguese Captain

The Portuguese Captain's ship rescues Crusoe from Africa, takes him to Brazil, and purchases Xury. He also helps invest Crusoe's money and acts as a father figure for him. He is an honest pilot of his crew and vessel and he serves Crusoe faithfully.

The Spaniard

The Spaniard is one of the captives rescued by Crusoe and Friday. After they release and give him a weapon, the group is able to kill many of the cannibals. The Spaniard turns out to be an honest fellow who advises Crusoe to expand the plantation. The Spaniard's belief in Roman Catholicism is of no importance to Crusoe; what matters to him is that the Spaniard has a good work ethic and a true sense of honor.

Xury

Xury is a servant that is forced into slavery with Crusoe. Fortunately, they are able to escape their masters. Xury, like Friday, naturally assumes the role of obedient and affectionate slave. Xury represents a European's notion of the non-European. He has better natural instincts — he is a natural hunter, a hide processor, he can see better at night (or day, for it is Xury who spots the Portuguese ship), and his sense of self-preservation is keener. Xury agrees to being sold into slavery on the condition that if he converts to Christianity he will be free in ten years.

Synopsis

Robinson Crusoe is the name of a young Englishman who is shipwrecked on a deserted Island. He survivor himself. There is no chance of him being rescued so he has to start a new life. He manages to make his own clothes from animal’s skin, hunt for food, and make pottery. He also makes his own boat and shelter. To survive himself, he rears goats, plant rice and corn also collects some fruits.

One day, a native become his moist trusted companion and friend after he saves the native from a cannibal attack. He called the native Friday because he rescued him on Friday. Friday’s father and a Spaniard have been caught by the savage so Crusoe and Friday must rescue them. They also rescued an English captain from munity on his shop in another accidently rescue expedition. The captain offers to take Crusoe back to England. He accepts the offer and after 28 years of being away, he goes back to England.

Source: From here

first time. .

its quite difficult to make this blog..but i'm sure i can do it..so friends don't give up to do something that difficult to us....