......Sequira was wrong...

That's right...during History on Friday, he made a couple of mistakes. Since nobody pointed them out, I'll be doing it here:

The first is strictly cosmetic. 'Mussad' is really 'Mossad'. Its full name is 'Ha-Mosad le-Moudi’in u-le-Tafkidim Meyuhadim', Hebrew for 'The Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations'. You can see why it's commonly referred to as 'Mossad'. It's considered to be one of the most effective and ruthless agencies in the world, having conducted kidnaps, assasination, sabotage, and other clandestine work in addition to 'normal' intelligence gathering. Operation Wrath of God, which the film Munich was based upon, and whose name was most probably invented by writers, was its most controversial, public, and longest operation.

The second is 'state'. A state is really a set of institutions that have legitmacy in an area of land. In Singapore, it's the ministries, the judiciary, the police, and the army. Contrast this with 'Government', which is Parliament, our elected leaders, and the courts. In the United States, a 'state' is a political subdivision within the country. The fifty American states have been federalised, whose centre of government is in Washington. In countries with political subdivisions (states, provinces, counties, etc.), the state is responsible for local administration (justice, corrections facilities, public utilities, media. etc.), having set laws that apply only to that state. The federal government handles affairs on the national level, passing laws that affect the whole country. Case in point: America's gun laws. Officially, the Assault Weapons Ban has sunsetted, meaning that normal citizens may now purchase semiautomatic variants of what were deemed as 'assault weapons'. However, in certain states, laws are much stricter, specficially prohibiting certain firearms. Therefore, people living within that state may not buy the banned weapons, while citizens living in other states may do so. Confusing? Certainly. It's even more so on the city/town/village level. I've the full explanation on my blog, in a post titled 'Nation and State, Country and Government'.

It's a lot more complex than this, but this is all you need to know at this point of time. For more detail, Wikipedia has a very detailed explanation......and contrary to what your GP tutors might say, Wikipedia is very informative. Just don't use it as a primary source in your essays. In fact, don't use any encyclopedia, for that matter.

Now, wonder what Sequeira would say...

Class Horoscope And Astrology

Since I'm bored, I'll be posting the class horoscope here -- in this case, personality traits -- to determine just how accurate astrology can be. I'll arrange the class' star signs as they appear in astrological texts -- not by age.

Note: astrology comprises of three elements: birth date, birth time, and planetary position. Since I only have the first, I'll be making do with generalities; don't expect specifics. Furthermore, each star sign is broken into three phases: first decan, second decan, and third decan. People born in the first decan have a mixture of the traits of their star sign and the one before theirs; people in the second have all the traits of their star sign; people of the third decan have the traits of their sign, as well as the one after them. This is just the tip of the iceberg; a LOT more is involved.

Taurus (April 20th to May 21st):

In a word, stubborness. Like the bull they're named for, Taureans tend to be the most stubborn (or determined) people you'll ever meet. On the flip side, they can be very strong-willed and determined; they will take steps to meet any goal they put their heart into. However, Taureans can be lazy regarding other issues. They are also resistant to sudden (note: emphasis on 'sudden') changes, taking comfort in routines. However, if change is inevitable, they'll quietly go along. Taureans tend to favour the tried and true over the new and novel, and are very methodical and patient while working. Unfortunately, this makes them unoriginal and boring at times. Taureans also have strong values, making them trustworthy. Career-wise, they like making (and keeping) piles of money, without being frivolous, occasionally to the point of greed. Taureans are somewhat materialistic, perferring material/earthly goods, especially if it's a direct result of personal hard work. Affection-wise, Taureans tend to be tender and amorous and warm-hearted...and introverted. However, they can be jealous and possessive. Finally, where hobbies are concerned, they tend to like working with their hands......most of them, that is. There are always exceptions.

0601 Taurean: Logaventhan (2nd decan)

Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd):

Sensitivity best describes a Cancer. Because of this sensitivity, Cancers tend to love security. Like Taureans, they are traditionalists (why is not a subject for this post), and tend to be devoted and loyal to people. And, like Taureans, they like making money and providing for their families, tending towards readily assuming responsibility. Unlike Taureans, they tend to be very changeable -- and, it would appear, have the worst mood swings (no offence intended). Further, if insulted, Cancers may forgive, but they will not forget. To counteract this, Cancers tend to be very intuitive and imaginative. Cancers tend to be good with children, and other people-to-people relations; however, they also tend to be clingy and over-protective. Should things go wrong, Cancers have a tendency to wallow in self-depression. Where romance is concerned, Cancers give their all, and are usually possessive, in the sense that they cannot believe that their partner would listen to someone less serious than they should said partner go astray. Finally, Cancers tend to approach things cautiously; whether or not this is good or bad is up to you.

0601 Cancer: Carol Wong (3rd decan)

Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd):

Courage defines a Leo. Leos have the deepest reserves of courage and inner strength in the spectrum of the zodiac...which can sometimes be manifested as over-confidence and smugness. In spite of and because of their inherent superiority complex, they tend to be very generous with their money -- and oftentimes, tend to be spendthrifts, and burn money easily. Fortunately, earning it back is not too difficult for them, and Leos specialise in difficult, yet worthy jobs; they tend to see easy snap jobs as below them. While working, they can be autocratic, often believing that only they have the right answer, and everyone else should follow...whether or not they are right or wrong. This can extend to being power-hungry. Where friendship is concerned, Leos are loyal and dedicated, though they enjoy gaining advantages over others by doing favours for them, and oftentimes adopt a 'I told you so' attitude. Leos run by the pleasure principle to a greater or lesser degree, and are often creative and confident, living life to the fullest. Needless to say, they enjoy being the centre of attention, and like socialising (most; I know, I'm the exception). This extends to romance; bring extremely vain, Leos are prone to extramarital affairs if they aren't paid enough attention -- which can be a lot. If they are, however, they can be very loyal. Finally, usually, Leos look a lot like real lions; they tend to possess a full head of hair (but there are exceptions).

0601 Leos: Myself (1st decan...hold the applause), Sivakangai (1st decan), Lim Ming Liang (2nd decan)

Virgo (August 22nd to September 22nd):

Virgos are defined by one word: meticulousness. They are very detail-oriented, diligent, hardworking and are usually a stickler for the rules. This also translates to being nit-picky, conservative and conformist at times. They like high-quality goods, having an eye for such items, and can be counted upon to return any borrowed items without delay. They tend to be very organised, eschewing any kind of mess, anywhere around them. Where their careers are concerned, they thrive in areas which require analysis, logic, details, and intelligence, and often make it to the top. However, this concern with hard facts makes them a little insensitive emotionally, oftentimes being biting without knowing why. Needless to say, diplomacy is not their strong suit. Virgos tend to be snobbish at times, thinking themselves superior to other beings at times. They make important friends and view 'trash' (read: their inferiors) with disdain, perhaps as a reflection of their high standards, where even frienship is concerned. Conversely, they are modest most of the time, reflecting a hyporcisy in their character. Finally, despite their stiff upper lip most of the time, they seem to like engaging in self-destructive tendencies, like alcoholism, gambling, etc., perhaps as a form of release.

0601 Virgos: Izaac Chan (1st decan) Tioranu Jingqin (1st decan), Jonathan Wong @ Kyaw Htet (2nd decan) Jerold Tan (3rd decan; he's in the cusp of Libra, so he has more Libra tendencies)

Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd):

Libras are represented by a set of scales astrologically; it's no surprise that they are the epitome of balance. They present balanced, objective views on just about everything, and make decisions that tend to be balanced. Unfortunately, this could mean indecisiveness, as they struggle to find a perfect compromise that satisfies all parties. It could even make them gullible, as they usually trust the better nature of people. Their natural sense of justice and compromise, however, makes them suited for legal work, monetary matters, and civil service. In addition, Libras are sensitive to others' feelings, and are often diplomatic and peaceable, sometimes to the point of pacifism. Librans also like pleasure, which could mean that they could be lazy (at least, where dirty work is concerned), extravagent, gossipy, timid, and conventional to the point of blandess. Libras tend to be suave and romantic, liking the company of the opposite sex. Fortunately, despite being flirtatious, their marriages tend to work out. Finally, Libras are natural optimists; I've yet to meet one who isn't.

0601 Librans: Suhaila (1st decan), Cheryl Dan (2nd decan), Han Yanyi (3rd decan)

Scorpio (October 23rd to November 21st):

In a word, intensity. Scorpios are the most intense, passionate, profound, and powerful characters in the zodiac. They may look calm, but under the surface is a swirling maelstrom of emotional energy. They are tenacious and determined, passionate and deep, yet easily moved by emotions and are prone to jealousy. Their sensitivities to emotions make them easy to anger, and the resulting outburst may make lifetime enemies -- they, after all, can be overly critical at times. Scorpios can be very gifted and talented, but they can also be extreme procrastinators, in the sense that they don't like doing things not worth their talents. Their inner passion and (if harnessed and developed) self-control makes them very well suited for jobs involving analysis, investigation, and research, such as law, espionage/counterespionage, science, and psychologists. If they master the written and spoken word, they can be powerful orators, persuasive diplomats or dedicated preachers as well. However, they can be overly-demanding of other people, arrogant, aggressive to the point of brutality, and resentment. They can also rebel against all conventions, and subscribe to political extremes that, when combined with their gifts, could make them the most ruthless of terrorists. Regardless, Scorpios are capable of great deeds...either creative or destructive. As a side note, as partners, Scorpios can be very dedicated...to the point where flirtation by either their partner, or by someone else aiming at their partner, is a grave sin.

0601 Scorpio: Amalina (2nd decan)

Capricorn (December 23rd to January 19th):

Capricorns represent stability. Independent, rocklike, reliable, persistent, Capricorns are hard workers and good employees, making them invaluable to their employers. However, they tend to be dull and unoriginal, only able to follow through what others have initiated. Being highly organised, they are able to plan and work on several projects simultaneously, and they have the persistence to see them through. At work, while fair and demanding, they are also worrywarts and conservatives (sometimes extremely so), pessimistic and melancholic, able to spread gloom and doom very easily in the workplace. Their best careers seem to involve mathematics, money, music, bureaucractic dealings, politics, teaching, and manual work. Incredibly, some become entertainers (Capricorns tend be be subtle and witty at times; entertainers in this sign draw on these traits), so don't take this at face value. At the extreme end, they can be manic-depressive, swinging from extreme moods now and then. On the intellectual level, they tend to be subtly clever, developing existing ideas to great depths...but not breadths. Self-centred, bigotic, and suspicious, they seem to be able to attract people who neither understand nor trust them. They like keeping out of others' affairs, to the point where the fields of friendship and romance tend to be sorely lacking, compared to other zodiac signs. In those respects, they treat everyone with tact, diplomacy and reticence, making only a few, but firm, friends. They can even be leery of the opposite sex, not wishing to enter marriage unless certain...but if it occurs, Capricorns tend to be faithful, yet inclined to jealousy. As a final note, Capricorns seem to be susceptible to leg (especially knee) injuries, and bone and skin problems.

0601 Capricorns: Anabel Lim (1st decan), Sheri Quek (3rd decan)

Aquarius (January 20th to February 18th):

There are two types of Aquarians, one shy, the other outgoing, but they have one thing in common: truth. Aquarians are motivated to find the truth, looking at the entire breadth of an argument, and able to tolerate diverse views. They are idealists and humanitarians, seeking the greater benefit of mankind, but may drive themselves into an ivory-tower existence, meditating on truths that bear little relevance to life. When they find a worthy cause, they are usually devoted to it, where they can work to the point of exhaustion and/or illness. Aquarians are fiercely independent, seeking help only when necessary, and only on their terms. They have good taste in the arts and are usually gifted in them. In the fields of intrapersonal relationships, they do not give of themselves as much as other star signs, making few acquaintances and fewer friends. When they do find someone worthy of their affections, however, Aquarians would be willing to sacrifice everything for that person. But, if deceived, they will never forgive the other party. Aquarians hold others to extremely high standards, for they themselves hold extraordinarily high ideals . Career-wise, they are fine working in groups, IF acknowledged to hold a leading role in them. They find work in the arts (sometimes as entertainers), electronics, writing, and so on. It must be noted that Aquarians can be eccentric, egoistical, and extraordinarily detached from society. They could even lack integrity, in the form of broken promises, secretiveness, or cunning. Should Aquarians swing towards a negative side of themselves, the result might be misanthropy towards mankind. Finally, the world is now in the Age of Aquarius, in a time of great spiritual awakening........but we are only in the beginning, and the truth is STILL out there. Somewhere.

0601 Aquarians: Ikhtiaruddin Iman (2nd decan), Mak Xue Wei (2nd decan)

Pisces (February 19th to March 2oth)

Pisceans tend to be noted for their fluidity. Easygoing, gentle, sensitive, intuitive, they get along with many, many people, and make large circles of friends. However, the fluidity of their character makes them submissive and indecisive...to the point where ordering food might be a problem without already having a plan. They also seem to lack ambition and concentration. They do not live in this world, rather in a world of their own, characterised by emotions, instincts, and artistic expression...which means that they can also be impractical. They are highly intuitive, observing well, understanding quickly, and open to new ideas. They hate a disciplined job and confinement, and subsequent quietly rebel against the norm...but only personally, for they don't have the energy to fight the Establishment. Consequently, the best jobs for Pisceans are those that enable them to fully express themselves -- literature, law, architecture, photography, etc. Until then, they tend to shift from career to career, easily discouraged whenever setbacks appear. This is in turn because of their tendency toi wander from place to place without settling down, if only in the field of ideas. Being highly sympathetic to others, they can also be overemotional and oversensitive at times...and very gullible, too. On the flipside, they can be intellectually dishonest and deceitful, and would often obstinately uphold absurdities. Should they be rejected, Pisceans seem to turn to drugs or alcohol for escape. Living up to their dual nature, Pisceans are intensely loyal, homeloving, and faithful to their spouses...if they would find one, for Pisceans are so sexually delicate as to be near asexual. Pisceans would rather have a relationship with their partners' mind and spirit than with their bodies. Finally...Pisceans tend to be sickly, with poor physiques and weak constitutions.

0601 Pisceans: Wayne Conrad Sequeira, Mr. (if I recall correctly, he's 1st decan), Lee Xin Li (2nd decan)

Note that all these descriptions are generalities. Other astrological factors must be included before one can reach a final astrological portrait of a person's soul. For example, while I'm a Leo, I have the emotional sensitivity of a Cancer at times (but I don't show it), and I have more Scorpio astrological influences than Leo ones. In fact, my best friend mistook me for a Scorpio when we first met. Also, George Washington was a first decan Pisces, but had the force, charisma, and skill that belied the general description of his star sign. Bottom line: don't count of birthdates ALONE. Still, it's a useful guideline for looking into yourself.....and let's see how accurate astrology can get. If you want to know more, read it up yourself.

And does anybody know Xin Ni's full name and birthday? I ought to put it in here somewhere...