Orders ovened turkey leg with rosemary, froe grais & French toast...
Thinking back, it seemed far more dangerous than it was when we were actually on that near-vertical cliff, clinging onto grass and shrubs for dear life. But hindsight reveals more than that danger; it was the camaraderie, the adventure, the courage to take the next step that we possibly haven't taken before.
Ten of us headed out to Lake District over the weekend, the birthplace of Peter Rabbit, beautiful English hills and Ben&Jerry's inspiring cow,grass & blue skies scenery. It is also home to Scarfell Pike, highest peak ,at 980m (above sea level), in England. We made it to the summit, and made it back alive.
It is indeed so hard to fully describe the exhilirating experience, especially having related it to numerous others and replying 'how was it' questions; the greater the repetition, the greater the amount of magic lost. And in such cases, possibly the few means the magic will be relived is either going again or sharing it with people who were with you.
Just an attempt to make cursory mention of note-worthy points: we actually had to rock climb, winds at the top were close to 20knots, we experienced hale (and had hale fights), dangerously scaled the cliffs along the valley that the river runs through, cramps, trekking fields of rock rubble, singing the National Pledge with the National flag at the summit, trekking in the dark and rain to get back to base, excellent Richard-dinner, excellent memorable company, Land-Before-Time inspiring scenes of inter-locking spurs and peaceful lakes...
The memories will continue to live on; I am just blessed to have had the opportunity to enter this experience, and to know how humbling nature is, both in beauty and might. I shall be eternally grateful for the company as well (at the point I left my room before setting off, I didn't fully know who was actually going for the trip). I guess in such cases, the best in people is brought to the foreground. I was privileged to see that bests.
Amen. For the peaks of hindsight.
No amounts of photgraphs can
Vividly capture the wonders
Of those memorial magic.
Uncle T
27 Nov 2006
9 Nov 2006
Niceties of Reading Wk 6:35 am
Orders ovened chicken with mushrooms stir-fried in cheese...
As compared to the forceful stress of last week, this week is comparably nice. No doubt not a bed of roses a reading week initially entailed at the start of term, but what more can I ask?
Have been playing badminton (under the guise of training for Notts games this coming weekend), netball (the boys being trashed by Notts netball girls), having been to the gym as well as taking a nice jog on Sunday. Decent amount of outdoor activities for the weather now, as frost slowly overstays its nightly adventure into the early hours of daylight.
Last evening was a pleasant one; had lovely jazz to accompany me as I ploughed through the theories of international relations. There is just insurmountable literature on the various theories. But what I found interesting is the addressing of epistemology within the confines of world politics theories, something I, too, address in Descartes in philosophy. I guess this is but one of the comforting thoughts about reading PPE. To finish off the lovely evening, I got a call from Jeff, a director from Theatreworks. I will be lunching with him this Friday! Highly interesting, this little chat I reckon.
After catching "History Boys" last week, I am now in possession of the printed play. Should catch this Alan Bennett play. The French reparte in there is another good motivation to tighten up my French, which is currently abysmal. Another ever so random thought: I cooked a decent dinner tonight!
Well, work beckons; there never seems to have an end is there? Worst when there is a convergence of assignment deadlines at the end of term and the next 3 consecutive weekends will be spent away from Warwick. (Ian watch out!). And I have Birmingham debates to come tomorrow evening, which are public. I'm gonna so freeze and die, looking like a retard dumbfounded at my speech.
Well, come what may. Bring it on!
Uncle T
As compared to the forceful stress of last week, this week is comparably nice. No doubt not a bed of roses a reading week initially entailed at the start of term, but what more can I ask?
Have been playing badminton (under the guise of training for Notts games this coming weekend), netball (the boys being trashed by Notts netball girls), having been to the gym as well as taking a nice jog on Sunday. Decent amount of outdoor activities for the weather now, as frost slowly overstays its nightly adventure into the early hours of daylight.
While taking a jog...
Last evening was a pleasant one; had lovely jazz to accompany me as I ploughed through the theories of international relations. There is just insurmountable literature on the various theories. But what I found interesting is the addressing of epistemology within the confines of world politics theories, something I, too, address in Descartes in philosophy. I guess this is but one of the comforting thoughts about reading PPE. To finish off the lovely evening, I got a call from Jeff, a director from Theatreworks. I will be lunching with him this Friday! Highly interesting, this little chat I reckon.
After catching "History Boys" last week, I am now in possession of the printed play. Should catch this Alan Bennett play. The French reparte in there is another good motivation to tighten up my French, which is currently abysmal. Another ever so random thought: I cooked a decent dinner tonight!
Dinner! Ovened chicken with mushrooms
Well, work beckons; there never seems to have an end is there? Worst when there is a convergence of assignment deadlines at the end of term and the next 3 consecutive weekends will be spent away from Warwick. (Ian watch out!). And I have Birmingham debates to come tomorrow evening, which are public. I'm gonna so freeze and die, looking like a retard dumbfounded at my speech.
Well, come what may. Bring it on!
Uncle T
26 Oct 2006
Chicago, the way forward 6:18 pm
Orders sheperd's pie, stir-fried beef with milk and mushrooms, chicken curry...
A philosophy essay and a politics project is the cause of the lag from my recount of "Chicago" the musical last weekend.
Yes, I was part of the chorus in Warwick's rendition of "Chicago". It was an experience to savour, especially in a learning and inspiring sense. It's something I never got a change to experience back home, possibly due to a run of bad luck, but I've never seen talent so casually congregated before than in "Chicago".
Almost everyone could dance AND sing, not in a do-it-in-the-shower way, but actually of a certain quality. Guys who did ballet for 10 years, and ones with exceptional acting ability; one cannot help but feel inspired at the same time awed. At least I did. The more startling thing is that this was an unauditioned chorus!
Anyhow, it has inspired me to push my boundaries (that have been majorly defined by my Singapore-education experience) both musically or academincally. And the reward I got at the end of the performance was a flower from both Ailin and Shuki...
A cauliflower
Uncle T
A philosophy essay and a politics project is the cause of the lag from my recount of "Chicago" the musical last weekend.
Yes, I was part of the chorus in Warwick's rendition of "Chicago". It was an experience to savour, especially in a learning and inspiring sense. It's something I never got a change to experience back home, possibly due to a run of bad luck, but I've never seen talent so casually congregated before than in "Chicago".
Almost everyone could dance AND sing, not in a do-it-in-the-shower way, but actually of a certain quality. Guys who did ballet for 10 years, and ones with exceptional acting ability; one cannot help but feel inspired at the same time awed. At least I did. The more startling thing is that this was an unauditioned chorus!
Anyhow, it has inspired me to push my boundaries (that have been majorly defined by my Singapore-education experience) both musically or academincally. And the reward I got at the end of the performance was a flower from both Ailin and Shuki...
A cauliflower
Uncle T
20 Oct 2006
Randomness of it all.... 7:03 pm
orders some chicken sandwich fillers with wholemeal bread...oooiii! kani** where is my bak cho mee? Na** :)...
Randomness of it all....
I just watched my first episode of West Wing (recommended by a debate senior); just had my first ice-cream yesterday since starting school; listening to a new acoustic indie group Urusen; missed my girlfriend hell lot when I looked at the frisbee she bought me; 2 essays of 1500each and a maths test in the week after; trying to kick-start an engine that took a hiatus in the military.
The randomness of it all.
Physically, I've settled in. I get to bed by simply lyind down, I awake and know I'm 13 hours away from home. I feel rather at home in my Tocil 49D flat, and enjoy the kick-ass mix of company in my flat. No, this land doesn't seem to foreign. Wait. Possibly it does.
The autumn leaves look so beautiful; much more than seeing it in Getty images and Hallmark movies. Watching these maple souls fall to the ground ironically refreshes me instead of drag me down. And wish that I had Yong with me.
Yet, the randomness of it all.
Whilst in politics seminar, a self-proclaimed imperialist (as if I know what that means) Caucasian, who has been staying in Brunei for a number of years as an expatriate, commented on the political landscape in Brunei: "there is no politics". Wow. Sounds impressive, especially when you watch it with his presumptuous spit flying everywhere and his straight blondes flapping. And I stood up (surprised myself too) and said "Objection!". I would very much like to delve into the analysis of how such a ignorant comment, if reflective of "free speech", I'll rather do without.
Again, randomness.
I am looking to do "Chicago" the musical this weekend! But that would mean missing out going to Cheshire Oaks with the rest of the Singaporeans. That means 2 in a row; was out debating at UCL last weekend whilst they explored Birmingham.
Just played badminton. Going to study now. Jam. Lecture. Chicago practice. Home; where's that?
Amen.
Uncle T
Randomness of it all....
I just watched my first episode of West Wing (recommended by a debate senior); just had my first ice-cream yesterday since starting school; listening to a new acoustic indie group Urusen; missed my girlfriend hell lot when I looked at the frisbee she bought me; 2 essays of 1500each and a maths test in the week after; trying to kick-start an engine that took a hiatus in the military.
The randomness of it all.
Physically, I've settled in. I get to bed by simply lyind down, I awake and know I'm 13 hours away from home. I feel rather at home in my Tocil 49D flat, and enjoy the kick-ass mix of company in my flat. No, this land doesn't seem to foreign. Wait. Possibly it does.
The autumn leaves look so beautiful; much more than seeing it in Getty images and Hallmark movies. Watching these maple souls fall to the ground ironically refreshes me instead of drag me down. And wish that I had Yong with me.
Yet, the randomness of it all.
Whilst in politics seminar, a self-proclaimed imperialist (as if I know what that means) Caucasian, who has been staying in Brunei for a number of years as an expatriate, commented on the political landscape in Brunei: "there is no politics". Wow. Sounds impressive, especially when you watch it with his presumptuous spit flying everywhere and his straight blondes flapping. And I stood up (surprised myself too) and said "Objection!". I would very much like to delve into the analysis of how such a ignorant comment, if reflective of "free speech", I'll rather do without.
Again, randomness.
I am looking to do "Chicago" the musical this weekend! But that would mean missing out going to Cheshire Oaks with the rest of the Singaporeans. That means 2 in a row; was out debating at UCL last weekend whilst they explored Birmingham.
Just played badminton. Going to study now. Jam. Lecture. Chicago practice. Home; where's that?
Amen.
Uncle T
11 Oct 2006
No, don't allow it.
Even if the wind of
Stifling systems blow through
Don't let it.
The world's our stage
My stage, and yours.
Rush not, for there is expanse,
For you and I.
You create yours, and I,
Mine.
With patience, I'll be my
Director, and you,
Yours.
Don't let it.
Don't let them.
Don't let anything take you
Away from the blossoming expanse
That is a gift to you.
Amen.
Uncle T
Even if the wind of
Stifling systems blow through
Don't let it.
The world's our stage
My stage, and yours.
Rush not, for there is expanse,
For you and I.
You create yours, and I,
Mine.
With patience, I'll be my
Director, and you,
Yours.
Don't let it.
Don't let them.
Don't let anything take you
Away from the blossoming expanse
That is a gift to you.
Amen.
Uncle T
8 Oct 2006
Oh Well, if that's the way its meant to be 9:35 pm
After looking forward to this opportunity, it has fallen six feet under through the rabbit hole; I'm down with a wicked throat that only allows me to make unintelligible grunts. So much for Chicago's auditions. Wonder if they have a role for a toad. I would ace that perfectly.
Oh well. If that's the way the autumn blooms begin for me, so be it. There is hardly much I can do but go for the unaudtioned chorus for Chicago; and hope I'm well by next Sunday for Copacobana's next week.
On to happier notes, and forget the glitches. Queen is providing excellent motivation from my speakers: "We are the champions...No time for losers". How apt. No blurdy time for the loser with no voice.
Last evening, some Sporean year-ones headed over to Mok-Richard-Jasmin's house warming at Hearsall Common, just beyond campus grounds. We had roasted duck, seasame chicken and chicken rice!!!! My gosh! In part imported from Burmingham and in part due to Richard's culinary expertise.
Sometimes you get real nasty luck.
"Mister Cellophane,
SHould have been my name..."
"Cause you can see right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I am there"
Uncle T
Oh well. If that's the way the autumn blooms begin for me, so be it. There is hardly much I can do but go for the unaudtioned chorus for Chicago; and hope I'm well by next Sunday for Copacobana's next week.
On to happier notes, and forget the glitches. Queen is providing excellent motivation from my speakers: "We are the champions...No time for losers". How apt. No blurdy time for the loser with no voice.
Last evening, some Sporean year-ones headed over to Mok-Richard-Jasmin's house warming at Hearsall Common, just beyond campus grounds. We had roasted duck, seasame chicken and chicken rice!!!! My gosh! In part imported from Burmingham and in part due to Richard's culinary expertise.
Sometimes you get real nasty luck.
"Mister Cellophane,
SHould have been my name..."
"Cause you can see right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I am there"
Uncle T
7 Oct 2006
Random shots 2:07 pm
My very own lunch I made within half an hour one cold afternoon.
And this, the Sporeans very first home-cooked meal! Not much, but much to be wanted by our cold stomachs here.
Seeking its warm spot in the/ Cold soil of the expanse 1:49 pm
Drats. I am nursing the onset of a wicked sore throat, with auditions in a couple of days. After all the missed opportunities back home, I've decided not to let this chance go by without a shot at it; auditioning to be in musicals. "Chicago" auditions is on Sunday and the "Copacabana" ones are next week. The week after will also be for the Big Band's singer.
After just barely 2 weeks here, one realises how much greater this global pond is. Or rather how perochial my view was back home. Now, possibly, I have a glimpse of why peeps back home grouse about the influx of foreign talent who unseat their employment; something which I earlier did not sympathise with.
Regardless of it being a sport, a political party, musicals or academics, an average 19 year old student here at Warwick may have done the following:
1. Played at the state level for a sport, and still not make Warwick's team
2. Joined a political party and stood for local elections
3. Done 6 musicals before, and lead actor in all
4. Studied law & politics at A Levels, and spouting statements like "globalisation as a march of imperialism"
The list goes on.
And I, an average 21-year-old from Singapore has barely skimmed the surface of other activities at these levels of commitment. I am definitely not discouting what an avergage Singaporean kid does back home, the O Levels, A Levels SATS blah (the peeps from other countries do those too), but outside the classroom, it is hard, in my opinion, to find avergage SIngaporeans dedicated to a CCA at similar levels of participation and commitment.
Again, this is a sweeping statement, but it is exactly how I feel talking to these kids younger than I. No doubt, I pride our local boys on going to army with the artillery, but here is another guy who has been doing humanitarian work since 13, and acting out his convictions by being an avid activist.
Well, whatever truth that lies beneath the broad assumptions I have made above, this is my opportunity to take in the sights of this greater world that I have long been shielded from through my mundane humdrum back home.
Amidst the Coventry greens
Do I seek the budding hope of
Autumn magpies and hungry
Squirrels.
An alien blossom
Seeking its warm spot in the
Cold soil of the expanse
Of this small Universe.
There is always something
Bigger out there.
Uncle T
After just barely 2 weeks here, one realises how much greater this global pond is. Or rather how perochial my view was back home. Now, possibly, I have a glimpse of why peeps back home grouse about the influx of foreign talent who unseat their employment; something which I earlier did not sympathise with.
Regardless of it being a sport, a political party, musicals or academics, an average 19 year old student here at Warwick may have done the following:
1. Played at the state level for a sport, and still not make Warwick's team
2. Joined a political party and stood for local elections
3. Done 6 musicals before, and lead actor in all
4. Studied law & politics at A Levels, and spouting statements like "globalisation as a march of imperialism"
The list goes on.
And I, an average 21-year-old from Singapore has barely skimmed the surface of other activities at these levels of commitment. I am definitely not discouting what an avergage Singaporean kid does back home, the O Levels, A Levels SATS blah (the peeps from other countries do those too), but outside the classroom, it is hard, in my opinion, to find avergage SIngaporeans dedicated to a CCA at similar levels of participation and commitment.
Again, this is a sweeping statement, but it is exactly how I feel talking to these kids younger than I. No doubt, I pride our local boys on going to army with the artillery, but here is another guy who has been doing humanitarian work since 13, and acting out his convictions by being an avid activist.
Well, whatever truth that lies beneath the broad assumptions I have made above, this is my opportunity to take in the sights of this greater world that I have long been shielded from through my mundane humdrum back home.
Amidst the Coventry greens
Do I seek the budding hope of
Autumn magpies and hungry
Squirrels.
An alien blossom
Seeking its warm spot in the
Cold soil of the expanse
Of this small Universe.
There is always something
Bigger out there.
Uncle T
5 Oct 2006
This was Day One at the Piazza. Doesn't look like that in early mornings after parties at night...
The garden where Alice in Wonder
Below is the view from my window. Autumn leaves...
Uncle T
3 Oct 2006
The peeps that make Warwick warm... 3:34 pm
Cheers, to the peeps that make Warwick warm!
All that grocery shopping, all the time, perpetually, in Coventry
Yup, that's how the Brits get their size
Soccer on a wet English field next to me flat at Tocil
ah yes, the English fish&chips at OxfordThen Jia Wei and I went to Topman to grab gloves. Guess what. Their smallest size was too big, and so I settled for a Nike kids pair. Taking it further, Jia Wei quipped that he shall open a retail chain just for me, Topkid. Presenting to you, the proud owner of Topkid!
Do check up http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicfoo/ for more photos for now, as in the future.
Uncle T
From the Land of Alice in Wonderland 1:31 pm
From the Land of Alice in Wonderland...
This is indeed way overdue. I've arrived here in Warwick for a week and a half, and only know am I saying hello.
To get some the major did-you-knows out of the way: I'm studying at University of Warwick, just on the fringe of the town of Coventry. Its north-west of London, about under 2 hours to get to London by rail. I am studying Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) and am staying in Tocil residence on campus.
I start classes proper today, and am looking forward to finally teasing an army-frozen brain to life with 3 seperate disciplines. My course is one of the heaviest degrees here at the university. I have to check 3 pigeon-holes, 3 notice boards, and 3 times the workload of a single-subject degree. Nasty.
Weather is turning cold. But despite that, have had a number of morning runs through campus with squirrels, ducks & hares for company. We also play soccer in the cold, wet English weather on the very beautiful fields here; its like carpet grass here. We slide, get muddy, get flung, all just to play a good game of soccer :)
My room's slowly becoming comfy, and yes, its me very own roomhold, where I am matron; I manage food, household, transport allowance, cleanliness, decoratives etc. What a fast-track to growing up.
The campus is lovely, and I'm slowly making new friends (for the Brits possibly only in the bar. I'm just kidding. You know that right? Ha). But it is hilarious to know how much people know about Singapore. They think: "Singapore? How's that dictator" "Singapore, do you know kung fu?" "SIngapore, how is it now that you're back with China?" "Singapore, sorry I don't speak Singligh. Can you speak English?"
Cheers!
Me final farewell with family back at Changi Airport
View of Central Asia from SQ318
My very own sandwich brand in the UK!!
Shakespeare's house, and Shakespeare's student
Picadilly Circus, London; my first view as I stepped out to London for the first time. Lovely.
Uncle T
This is indeed way overdue. I've arrived here in Warwick for a week and a half, and only know am I saying hello.
To get some the major did-you-knows out of the way: I'm studying at University of Warwick, just on the fringe of the town of Coventry. Its north-west of London, about under 2 hours to get to London by rail. I am studying Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) and am staying in Tocil residence on campus.
I start classes proper today, and am looking forward to finally teasing an army-frozen brain to life with 3 seperate disciplines. My course is one of the heaviest degrees here at the university. I have to check 3 pigeon-holes, 3 notice boards, and 3 times the workload of a single-subject degree. Nasty.
Weather is turning cold. But despite that, have had a number of morning runs through campus with squirrels, ducks & hares for company. We also play soccer in the cold, wet English weather on the very beautiful fields here; its like carpet grass here. We slide, get muddy, get flung, all just to play a good game of soccer :)
My room's slowly becoming comfy, and yes, its me very own roomhold, where I am matron; I manage food, household, transport allowance, cleanliness, decoratives etc. What a fast-track to growing up.
The campus is lovely, and I'm slowly making new friends (for the Brits possibly only in the bar. I'm just kidding. You know that right? Ha). But it is hilarious to know how much people know about Singapore. They think: "Singapore? How's that dictator" "Singapore, do you know kung fu?" "SIngapore, how is it now that you're back with China?" "Singapore, sorry I don't speak Singligh. Can you speak English?"
Cheers!
Me final farewell with family back at Changi Airport
View of Central Asia from SQ318
My very own sandwich brand in the UK!!
Shakespeare's house, and Shakespeare's student
Picadilly Circus, London; my first view as I stepped out to London for the first time. Lovely.Uncle T
17 Sept 2006
The Science of Packing 8:55 pm
Orders poh chai pills after downing Russian stick, Cheesy Pizza, nasi lemak...................
(in random order)
1. You have to ensure that all requests for farewell meals are met, friends and enthusiastic acquaintences. If not, guilt and harrassment will precipitate.
2. Clothes must be folded in a specific means to fit the size of the container (suitcase)
3. blah blah...
4. blah blah...
Yup, I've entered the last week before I take flight, to enter a fresh beginning. Unlike many previous ones, this one unfolds in a foreign land, the heart of a foreign culture.
Leaving becomes more difficult with loved ones tugging at your heartstrings ceaselessly. Even if you will against it, trying to stay emotionless, one just cannot help but allow it. Perhaps only those in such a circumstance, or vagulely similar, will understand this irrationality.
Well, before I continue to pack and embrace the warmth of loving company, let me watch ma Anfield team trash le Bleu! :)
Goodbye!!!!!
Uncle T
(in random order)
1. You have to ensure that all requests for farewell meals are met, friends and enthusiastic acquaintences. If not, guilt and harrassment will precipitate.
2. Clothes must be folded in a specific means to fit the size of the container (suitcase)
3. blah blah...
4. blah blah...
Yup, I've entered the last week before I take flight, to enter a fresh beginning. Unlike many previous ones, this one unfolds in a foreign land, the heart of a foreign culture.
Leaving becomes more difficult with loved ones tugging at your heartstrings ceaselessly. Even if you will against it, trying to stay emotionless, one just cannot help but allow it. Perhaps only those in such a circumstance, or vagulely similar, will understand this irrationality.
Well, before I continue to pack and embrace the warmth of loving company, let me watch ma Anfield team trash le Bleu! :)
Goodbye!!!!!
Uncle T
16 Sept 2006
The Bedfellow & Ribbons 10:21 am
The Bedfellow & Ribbons
Amidst all the luggage do I sit
Swarmed by alien clothes and anxious thoughts,
Excited nerves and tested faith.
Time has its way
On messing the head.
Too little, we buckle,
Too much, the devil sets up shop;
The furniture arrived
Followed by the decoratives
I sure hope the bed does never arrive.
I will be looking to evict this uninvited
Bedfellow. Be gone!
Indeed, the beauty of our humanity
Is the gift of the conscience
With pretty ribbons of emotion.
But at times do we not
Get entangled in these long flows of string
As we unravel the parcel?
Uncle T
Amidst all the luggage do I sit
Swarmed by alien clothes and anxious thoughts,
Excited nerves and tested faith.
Time has its way
On messing the head.
Too little, we buckle,
Too much, the devil sets up shop;
The furniture arrived
Followed by the decoratives
I sure hope the bed does never arrive.
I will be looking to evict this uninvited
Bedfellow. Be gone!
Indeed, the beauty of our humanity
Is the gift of the conscience
With pretty ribbons of emotion.
But at times do we not
Get entangled in these long flows of string
As we unravel the parcel?
Uncle T
12 Sept 2006
Joy, Love, Hope. 12:42 am
Joy, Love, Hope.
Something I put together this afternoon. For the less for fortunate who share our home.
Uncle T
Something I put together this afternoon. For the less for fortunate who share our home.
Uncle T
3 Sept 2006
Forsaking tradition for true Humanity 12:02 pm
Once, Queen Victoria of England invited an African chief to dine with her and her royal subjects in her residence. At the end of the dinner, finger-bowls were brought out following English tradition. However, the African visitor, unaware of the prevailing custom, drank all the contents of the finger-bowl. The Queen followed suit. Stupefied, the rest of the her subordinates did the same.
Jewish laws dictated that the hands and utensils must be ritually cleansed before a meal. Yet, Jesus allowed his disciples to eat with ritually unclean hands. And did "work" (such as miracles) on the Sabbath, which was considered a sin by the Pharisees' code.
Queen Victoria's magnanimity is laudable. How many of us possess and act upon such grace towards the people around us, especially those that extend beyond kin? Especially to go against the orthodoxed social codes to act with true humanity?
With the startling results of Milgram's obedience experiment in mind, I can only wish that the better number of us, myself included, will sometime attain such Grace that allows us to act with our conscience.
Uncle T
Jewish laws dictated that the hands and utensils must be ritually cleansed before a meal. Yet, Jesus allowed his disciples to eat with ritually unclean hands. And did "work" (such as miracles) on the Sabbath, which was considered a sin by the Pharisees' code.
Queen Victoria's magnanimity is laudable. How many of us possess and act upon such grace towards the people around us, especially those that extend beyond kin? Especially to go against the orthodoxed social codes to act with true humanity?
With the startling results of Milgram's obedience experiment in mind, I can only wish that the better number of us, myself included, will sometime attain such Grace that allows us to act with our conscience.
Uncle T